It's No Fluke

Christina Ziroli-Leaman is a social media strategist who got her start in social by manipulating HTML on Myspace to make her profile pink and sparkly. Fast forward 20 years, and now she gets to do what she loves for a living, every single day, which she's eternally grateful for. Her experience spans edtech, higher education, and manufacturing - proving that great storytelling works anywhere there's a human on the other side of the screen. Christina believes that in a world that can feel heavy, social media should be a place for light and joy, where humor, empathy, and the occasional meme remind us we're all still connected. She lives in Birmingham, AL, with her husband Matt, their 7 month old daughter Naomi, their crazy dog Zelda and their sweet parrot Juju. When she's offline, you can find her reading and sipping coffee while snuggling her daughter. Her favorite pizza topping is pepperoni, her favorite thing in life is family and her fun fact? She once wrote Harry Potter fanfiction on Quizilla and honestly, the storytelling hasn't stopped since.

Kacy Ray is a Director of Sports and Brand Partnerships at Salesforce, where she leads high-impact collaborations across sports, media, and entertainment. She has partnered with some of the most recognizable names in sports and media, including the Indiana Fever, Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, United Football League, Tottenham Hotspur, Fox Sports, and NBC to name a few.Her experience spans global brand campaigns, Olympic storytelling, athlete and celebrity partnerships, and multi-million-dollar media strategies that connect brand to demand across the funnel. Known for her data-driven approach, cultural fluency, and ability to navigate complex organizations, Kacy is passionate about helping brands tell authentic stories that resonate across generations and communities.Originally from Arizona, Kacy began her career in New York City in journalism and digital media before transitioning into brand strategy and partnerships. She's now based in the Midwest and is proud to call Indianapolis home. As a mother to two young kids, Kacy loves to teach and take Pilates and barre classes in her free time to keep her sane.

Oksana Kravchenko is the Head of Creator Partnerships at Manychat, where she leads global influencer and creator strategy across the US, Europe, and Brazil. She focuses on building scalable, creator-first partnership programs that drive real business results — from always-on creator ecosystems to product-led storytelling and long-term relationships. Over the past year, Oksana has scaled Manychat's creator partnerships 7x, built and led cross-regional teams, and worked with hundreds of creators across marketing, lifestyle, business, and education.With over 10 years of experience in creator partnerships, influencer marketing, and growth strategy, Oksana's background spans PR and show business to modern creator-led SaaS growth. She's dedicated to helping creators turn influence into opportunity — blending relationships, technology, and strategy to build programs that scale without losing the human touch.Manychat is a leading Instagram automation platform used by over 1.5 million creators and businesses across 140+ countries. Officially approved by Meta, Manychat automations are user-friendly ways to automatically reply to users' Comments+DM, Collect Emails, and Request your Commenters to Follow you. With this new solution, Manychat helps users maximize the value of their DM automations, significantly improving their ability to convert conversations into actionable outcomes. Manychat is also available on WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and has recently become officially available for TikTok.

Miles Sellyn is the VP of Partnerships and Partner at Rare Days, a multi-disciplinary digital product agency. Elite creators partner with Rare Days to uncover and then capitalize on the innovative product opportunities that deliver value, create impact, and grow wealth.In his role, Miles oversees the platform and technology partnerships that are core to the agency's delivery, as well as being accountable for business development, sales and marketing, and initial stages of client strategy. 

Alexandra Vailas is the Head of Brand for Bad Birdie Golf, a golf apparel brand that challenges tradition and invites every player to show up as their bold selves. She has over 20 years of experience helping brands tell their stories, create memorable campaigns, and connect with communities in ways that stick. With experience as an influencer, agency leader, and brand executive, Alex brings a 360-degree perspective to executing campaigns that truly resonate. When she's not building brands, she's raising two kids and mentoring young professionals.

Maha Abouelenein is a strategic communication expert, best-selling author, and entrepreneur with more than three decades of experience. As the CEO and Founder of Digital and Savvy, a global communications consulting firm with offices in the United States and United Arab Emirates, Maha has been instrumental in orchestrating transformations in communication strategies for clients that include global corporate giants, high-growth startups, sports organizations, top governments, CEOs, and high-net-worth individuals. In 2024, Maha released her debut book, 7 Rules of Self-Reliance: How to Stay Low, Keep Moving, Invest in Yourself, and Own Your Future which became a USA TODAY bestseller and provides a transformative guide on mastering self-reliance. Raised and educated in the United States to Egyptian parents, Maha is at home in both Western and Arab worlds, offering a global perspective that translates into her work. She serves as a bridge between cultures, providing invaluable support to companies and high-profile executives seeking to navigate business opportunities in the Middle East market, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. She is active in the tech, sports, entertainment, and gaming industries. Maha is an Advisor to the BRIDGE Alliance, Lockchain.ai, JumpShot (the Top Golf of Basketball), the Global Gaming League, sits on the Global Board of Directors of the Associated Press, and is on the Board of the Animal Humane Society. Maha handled communications for some of the world's largest tech companies in the Middle East—from Google and Netflix to Udacity and Careem (Uber Middle East)—and more. She helped PR giant Weber Shandwick cement their presence in the Middle East, opening 18 offices in the region and leading the Cairo operation. She supported the largest IPO and the largest acquisition in Egypt's history at Orascom Telecom.

With over 30 years of creative leadership, Adele Mulford has served as strategic visionary for top global for-profit and nonprofit brands. From the highly disciplined world of finance to the heartfelt needs of children's health, she tackles the complex nature of brands head-on, and builds ground-breaking creative strategies that generate tangible results. Adele loves a good challenge, and believes that no matter the situation there is always boundless opportunity to unlock dynamic creative and operational solutions that cultivate stronger businesses – and people.Adele launched The Cultivate Company in 2022: A brand, creative and marketing firm that promises to elevate the people, companies and communities it serves.

In this episode, we sat down with John Sampogna, co-founder and CEO of Wondersauce, to unpack the evolution of agencies in a results-driven world. John shares how his team shifted from selling services to delivering measurable outcomes, the mindset needed for value-based client relationships, and why accountability, not billable hours, is the real differentiator for agencies today. They also dive into how human creativity and collaboration with in-house teams shape modern campaigns, and why every “last mile” matters in driving business growth.

Elizabeth Pigg is the Chief Communications Officer of That's it., makers of the No. 1 Fruit Bar in America. She joined the company in 2020 as Vice President of Marketing and was later promoted to Chief Marketing Officer, where she led efforts to strengthen its digital presence, eCommerce, and influencer marketing. In 2024, she pivoted her role to Chief Communications Officer, returning to her roots in brand storytelling and media strategy after nearly two decades as a senior leader at Edelman.At Edelman, Elizabeth led digital communications and marketing for several brands, most notably Ben & Jerry's, helping the brand stay culturally relevant while driving impact. Her experience spans public relations, social media, and integrated marketing strategy. She currently serves as Marketing Chair of the FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) Advisory Council, has contributed to Forbes, and is a jury member for the Digiday, Effie, and Shorty Awards.Originally from Chicago and now based in Los Angeles, Elizabeth is also a classically trained violist and vocalist, a voiceover artist, and serves on the Board of Directors for Angels Nest, supporting youth aging out of foster care.

Camille Dagorn is an award-winning creator and influencer marketing expert with more than a decade of experience building high-impact campaigns for global brands including L'Oréal, Unilever, Pernod Ricard, GoPro, and Mastercard. As the VP, Creator Partnerships for McCann New York, she is known for scaling social-first programs, designing creator-led brand initiatives, and driving measurable growth across beauty, lifestyle, tech, and consumer verticals. Camille is passionate about creating meaningful, unforgettable moments for creators and audiences.

Alex Athanasiou is Managing Director at COLLINS, the transformation consultancy honored as “Firm of the Year” 6 times in the last 7 years by AdAge and the D&AD. Alex created the consultancy's new Cultural Capital practice, developing cultural strategies, stages and products for brands. He also directs productions and PR across the COLLINS portfolio, launching over 50 projects in the last three years to maintain the consultancy's positions as one of the most creatively awarded firms in the world.

GIPHY/Censuswide Group Chat study for a deeper dive into the numbers.Alix McAlpine is a creative and strategy leader with experience at the intersection of media, technology, and advertising. She has built and led high-performing teams, launched new products, spearheaded hundreds of impactful branded content campaigns, and developed systems that enable revenue-generating creative organizations to scale while executing flawlessly.As VP Client Solutions and Advertising at GIPHY, Alix oversees global advertising strategy and client solutions, leading the execution of all sales collateral and proposals, product innovation and marketing, packaging, and creative production. Previously, she led the Creative Strategy group at GIPHY, where she launched the Creators Club, a collaborative community and incubator supporting up-and-coming creators. Prior to GIPHY, Alix was part of BuzzFeed's creative leadership as Head of International Creative, overseeing branded content across six markets and running the Creative Fellowship program, which accelerated talent development during BuzzFeed's boom years. Her work at GIPHY earned her a spot on AdWeek's Creative 100, and multiple Webby Awards. Alix has served on the Shorty Awards jury since 2020.

Fahad Khawaja is your favorite community builder's favorite community builder. Marketing and innovation leader turned creator, social entrepreneur, podcast host, author, & speaker, he is the CEO and Chief Content Officer of Hue. Award-winning thought leader, panelist at major conferences, industry awards judge, lecturer at universities, & frequent guest on podcasts, he deeply believes in the power of community as a force for good.

With over 10 years of experience in the consumer space, Lauren Roth has helped brands grow their community through building out and running their influencer marketing, community engagement, UGC and brand partnerships programs. Brands include Otherland, United Sodas, Candy Crush, Daiya, Cricut, Lululemon and more.

This is a conversation about augmenting, not automating, creativity.Leslie Walsh is the Head of Strategy at RYA, the AI SaaS provider that's creating innovative campaigns for name brands. Leslie's experience as an advertising veteran includes leading brand and digital strategy for some of the world's biggest brands like MINI Cooper, Nestle, Oscar Mayer and AT&T. Leslie is a graduate of the University of Georgia.

Forbes has called Brian Solis “one of the more creative and brilliant business minds of our time.” ZDNet heralded him as “one of the 21st century business world's leading thinkers,” and Entrepreneur Magazine described him as "a world's top superforecaster."Check out his latest bestseller, ⁠Mindshift: Transform Leadership, Drive Innovation and Reshape The Future⁠Brian is a world-renowned digital futurist, 9x best-selling author, and international keynote speaker. He has published over 70 widely read research reports that explore the future of business and industries, disruptive technologies, and shifts in markets and consumer behaviors. Brian serves as the Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow. In his role, Brian leads a global network of Innovation Officers and Futurists who study emerging technologies and micro and macro trends, business transformation patterns, and customer insights to understand important shifts affecting organizations and the markets they serve.  The Innovation team produces original research and thought leadership and delivers presentations and workshops that help leaders anticipate shifts, capitalize on trends, and drive resilience and long-term growth. He is published in industry publications such as Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, CIO, Forbes, and Worth. And he has consistently been recognized as one of the world's leading thinkers in innovation, business transformation, and leadership for almost three decades. 

Sari Zeidler is the vice president of audience development for NBCUniversal Local.In this role, Zeidler leads audience strategy for the division's extensive digital portfolio, which includes desktop and mobile sites, mobile and connected apps, social media and OTT platforms for 50 media properties, including NBC- and Telemundo-owned stations and the NBC Sports Regional Networks.Overall, Zeidler has more than 15 years of experience growing audiences and building engaging content strategies at some of the world's leading media organizations. Throughout her media career – which has included experiences as a writer, editor and producer – she has worked in Washington D.C., Atlanta, New York and London.Prior to joining NBCU in 2019, Zeidler spent nearly three years with Quartz as director of growth and editorial director of growth. Previously, she served as social media editor and international homepage & features producer for BBC.com during a three-year tenure. She also worked at CNN in a variety of digital, production and news roles.Zeidler began her career as an award-winning general assignment reporter for the Long Island Herald after graduating from the University at Albany with a degree in English.

As a thought leader on all things social media, Maren Hamilton has consistently driven community engagement for brands like The North Face, Starbucks and most recently Popfly. She holds a master's degree in Digital Media from the University of Washington and is a public speaker on social media strategy, creator marketing, and digital trends. When she's not on TikTok, you can find her on the trail or paddling the river with her pups.

Oksana Matviichuk partners with executive teams to adapt business models to the AI age, ensuring they remain relevant, resilient, and sustainable. She is the Founder & CEO of WBENC-certified OM Strategic Forecasting, a Forbes Agency Council member, and a three-time “Top Women Leaders of New York” honoree by Women We Admire. Oksana designs AI-native business models, operating standards, and decision systems. Her OM Sustainable Growth Assessment benchmarks a company across four verticals: Reputation, Relevance, Resilience, and AI & Automation Readiness, and OM Strategy scales organizations with clarity and control. She speaks on operationalizing AI while keeping human agency at the core.

Destiny K. Chambers is a seasoned marketing executive with a strategic approach to driving brand awareness and market leadership. With over 13 years of experience, she has a proven record of not just steering marketing initiatives, but igniting brand growth and achieving measurable business outcomes. Most recently, as Vice President and Head of Marketing at /prompt., she leveraged this expertise to spearhead the unification of marketing strategies across /prompt., Lippe Taylor and twelvenote, driving a cohesive vision for the agency's future.Chambers has a dynamic background in leading successful agency marketing campaigns at renowned organizations such as Young & Rubicam, WPP, and VML, consistently driving impactful large-scale activations both nationally and globally. Her influence extends beyond individual campaigns; she actively contributes to the direction of the marketing landscape as a member of the prestigious LIONS/ANA CMO Growth Council and the Forbes Communications Council. Previously, she shaped industry conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion as Chair of the New York Festivals Advertising Awards' DE&I Advisory Board.Further showcasing her commitment to societal improvement, Chambers is a former Youth Empowerment Program leader and proud alumna of Urban Underground, where she supported youth-led social justice campaigns. As a skilled public speaker and writer, she has shared her insights and expertise at prominent events such as Cannes Lions, Advertising Week NY, AfroTech, and WAATBP and featured in distinguished publications such as Forbes, Adweek, Ad Forum, Ad Age, PR Week, Campaign Brief, and Little Black Book.

Marissa Rosen is the Founder, Owner, and Principal Consultant of Climate Social, a boutique communications agency she launched in 2015 to help impact-driven organizations and leaders share their stories and drive meaningful change. Her work spans public relations, social media, branding, copywriting, and creative campaigns that strengthen community engagement and inspire action. In addition to advising clients, Marissa has built her own thought leadership through writing, speaking, and media appearances across the climate, energy, and sustainability space.

As the Vice President, Global Head of Growth at Amazon's Audible, Bolong Li spearheads cross-functional teams dedicated to fostering sustained growth and enhancing customer experiences across diverse platforms.Before his tenure at Audible, Bolong accrued two years of experience at Apple, where he concentrated on Business Development and Retail Management. His career trajectory began in the financial industry, leveraging his educational background in finance from both undergraduate and graduate studies.Beyond his professional roles, Bolong contributes to academia by teaching business and marketing courses at Columbia University.

Lauren Danis brings nearly three decades of experience to Eventbrite, where she serves as the Chief Brand & Communications Officer, overseeing the global integrated brand and communications team which includes brand marketing, creative, social media, community, brand content and global internal and external communications. Prior to Eventbrite, Lauren was the VP of Communications at Ancestry where she led all global brand and product communications, social media and influencer relations. Lauren also spent over a decade at leading global public relations firm Weber Shandwick where she worked on many of the firm's marquee accounts including Mondelēz International, Unilever, Motorola, Nestlé, Abbott, and one of the most iconic American campaigns in recent memory – “got milk?” Early in her career, Lauren held communications roles at Hyatt, travel start-up e.Gulliver.com, and Edelman after graduating from the esteemed Northwestern School of Communication and Media Studies. Currently, she brings her integrated brand-building expertise to Eventbrite in an effort to help advance the company vision and reputation amongst various stakeholders including Britelings, consumers, event organizers, brand partners and investors. In her spare time, you can find Lauren reading a good book, finding her zen on her yoga mat, taking a long walk with her husband and dog, or experimenting in the kitchen with a new recipe.

Sherilyn is the Founder & Global CEO of The Marketing Academy – a unique non-profit organisation dedicated to developing leadership talent in Marketing, Media&Advertising. The Marketing Academy opened in 2010, bringing together some of the world's best known & popular brands to provide world-class learning for all levels of talent from emerging leaders to CMOs. Their highly respected Scholarship and Fellowship programs are delivered in the UK, EMEA, USA, Australia & APAC.  When she gets the chance, she writes about talent development and all things ‘leadership' featuring in many articles in The Sunday Times, FastCo, Telegraph, AdNews, Marketing Week, AdWeek, MarketingMagazine, Management Today and CMO.com. She has been frequently recognised for her work; receiving the CIM Women in Marketing 'Special Award for Contribution to Marketing', inducted into the Courvoisier Future 500, invited to join the Marketing Group of Great Britain, identified as one of the UK's Vision 100 by Adobe and included in AdNews Top 50 list of most powerful influencers in Australia. 

Dr. Karen Sutherland is a multi-award winning educator and author from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia. As a Certified AI Consultant and Director of Dharana Digital Marketing Agency, Dr. Sutherland specializes in using AI for strategic marketing and communication. In addition to designing and delivering training and workshops globally for over a decade, her research spans AI in strategic communication, B2B relationships, social media pedagogy and practice. She has authored two editions of her book 'Strategic Social Media Management – Theory and Practice' Palgrave Macmillan, downloaded more than 170k times, 'Transmedia Brand Storytelling - Immersive Experiences from Theory to Practice' Palgrave Macmillan, and 'Public Relations and Strategic Communication', Oxford University Press. Her latest book, '⁠Artificial Intelligence for Strategic Communication⁠,' , Palgrave Macmillan, has been adopted across 20+ countries. Dr. Sutherland has featured in global media including  the Wall Street Journal, Euro News AAP, ABC, Nine, Sky News and has been Ticker's AI and social media expert for the past five years. 

Anthony Delconte has 15 years of experience working across traditional and creator media ecosystems.He started his career at a video news startup during what he'll claim was the second pivot-to-video era (c. 2011), helping the company transform from a video hub to a syndication service and ultimately a white-label distribution tool.From there, he went to CNBC, where he joined a team responsible for managing distribution deals after business development signed them. He worked across editorial, product, and sales to drive additional revenue and reach.He then worked for Panda Global, an esports team, where he oversaw the company's creator initiative. The program was designed to identify rising stars (think VC coin-flipping for creators) while supporting the brand's event and merchandize operations, as well as building out digital video inventory.He later returned to traditional media, first at Men's Journal and most recently at Entrepreneur, where he oversees the social team and partnerships with creators designed to guide users into and down the funnel.He's also led an expansion to leverage those creator and influencer capabilities for Entrepreneur's partners and advertisers.

With more than 15 years of experience in the purpose and impact space, Whitney Dailey is a thought leader at the intersection of purpose and communications. At Allison, Whitney serves as Managing Director, Purpose and leads the agency's Purpose Center of Excellence – a dedicated team specializing in Purpose brand strategy and impact leadership, backed by Allison's global network of more than 1,000+ creatives and storytellers. She has personally authored upwards of 400 articles and 30 research reports on sustainability, social justice, and social impact topics and shared her message from the digital wavelengths of myriad podcasts, the lectern at Harvard University the stage of Sundance and Fordham's Responsible Business and Future Fashion Coalitions. In her previous role as Senior Vice President of Purpose Marketing, Research & Insights at Porter Novelli, Whitney transformed the agency into a Purpose-driven organization through powerful thought leadership, communications and marketing. Whitney holds an MBA in Environmental Management from the University of Massachusetts, Boston and a BA in Business Administration from the George Washington University. She also earned an MBA Certificate in Clean Energy and Sustainability from the University of Massachusetts, Boston. She is a frequent guest lecturer at colleges and universities including Boston College, Boston University and Simmons College and was an adjunct professor at Boston College during the 2022-2023 school year. Whitney was named a Top 100 Giving Influencer on Twitter by Give Local America in 2015 and in 2019, was a finalist for PR News Platinum Awards PR Professional of the Year. In 2024, she was named to the PRWeek Women of Distinction List. 

Traci DeForge, founder of Produce Your Podcast, an award-winning full-service production and audience growth marketing agency, is recognized as an international podcast expert, sought-after speaker, and media contributor. The creator of the Podcast Management Academy, the industry's only certified podcast manager training program, PodHive, and Co-Founder of the Podcast Professionals Association.  Traci hosts the Growth Accelerator Podcast, and co-hosts the popular Ask Brien Radio Show in Los Angeles.  She's been featured on all three major networks, including CNN, CTV, American Express Open, and RadioINK. She is also a member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council.

This is way more than just our first annual predictions episode. Victoria Bachan is the SVP, Creators at Wasserman. Wasserman operates at the epicenter of sports, music, entertainment and culture, serving talent, brands and properties on a global scale. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Wasserman's presence spans 28 countries and more than 70 cities, including New York, London, Nashville, Chicago, Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Madrid, Mexico City, Toronto, Paris and Sydney.Formerly the Global President of Sixteenth, Victoria oversaw a team of 43 managers and over 300 diverse Creators, while spearheading the company's global expansion efforts.  Victoria and her team collaborated with some of today's brightest Creators, including People's Choice Award winner Doug the Pug, visual artist and best-selling author Adam J. Kurtz, Crypto and Gen Z Finance expert Taylor Price, best-selling author and gamer Kelsey Dangerous and the Nami Matcha Founder and CEO, Ashley Alexander. Previously her team was instrumental in launching two groundbreaking TikTok Creator houses, “The Crib Around the Corner” for Black content creators, and “Familia Fuego” for Latinx talent. In 2023, she also helped Doug the Pug launch Nonipup, a human-grade all-natural pet care brand. Under her leadership, 61% of the Sixteenth roster proudly identified as BIPOC, reflecting her commitment to diversity and inclusion. When Victoria isn't paving the way for prominent creators, she mentors South Asian executives and talent as a member of The Salon and supports fundraising efforts for Play Inspired.

Enoma is a seasoned expert in social media and influencer marketing with a proventrack record of creating internationally recognized, award-winning campaigns.As the Head of Social at SEK, Enoma leads the social media and influencer marketing unit at SEK, where she social 1st creativity, spearheads business development, new business and directs a dedicated team. She has collaborated with some of Finland's largest brands, providing consultancy on 360-degree digital brand experiences encompassing social media strategy, brand development, and influencer marketing. Enoma frequently shares her expertise at major branding, social media, and influencer marketing events. Her contributions have beenhonoured with awards at Cannes Lions, SABRE Awards, Finnish Comms Awards, and GrandOne. She has also served as a judge for prestigious global competitions such as Eurobest, GrandOne, TikTok Awards Nordic, and The Young Ones Competition.

Evan Horowitz is the co-founder and CEO of Movers+Shakers, a creative agency with numerous industry accolades and awards from Ad Age, Adweek, Fast Company, Digiday, Cannes Lions, among others. Movers+Shakers revolutionizes social media marketing, specializing in connecting brands with culture and generating unprecedented brand love among Gen Z and Millennials. With over 250 billion views, their campaigns include TikTok's most viral content, the first TikTok-native reality show, and iconic brand collaborations like e.l.f. x Chipotle.Evan's 20-year career includes roles at Fortune 500 companies like Samsung and Macy's. He's coached leaders, grown multimillion-dollar business units, and made strides in social justice campaigns. Evan holds an MBA from Harvard and a BS in Engineering from Stanford. A respected thought leader, he's spoken at numerous events hosted by WWD, Glossy, Advertising Week, and ANA and is often quoted in the industry's most coveted publications. 

Brooks Miller is Executive Vice President of Creator Marketing at Edelman and United Entertainment Group. Prior, Brooks spent nearly 8 years at Twitter, where she helped build their creator marketing discipline from the ground up, partnering with creators and brands across every platform and every vertical. She started her career as an account manager agency-side at 72andSunny and Barrett Hofherr (formerly barrettSF). Her work has won at Cannes, the One Show, the Clios, the Shorty Awards and has been recognized in AdWeek and Adage. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, son & perfect basset hound, Dirk Nowitzki.

Maeher Bawa is a 3x Shorty Award–winning Social Media & Partnerships Consultant who helps early-stage lifestyle, beauty, and parenting brands build full-rounded partnership programs that drive awareness and growth. She specializes in developing and scaling influencer strategies, with an emphasis on product exchange collaborations that deliver real impact for startups working with lean budgets.

Kim Chackal is the Co-Owner and VP of Sales and Marketing at Equifruit. Over the past decade she has  established Equifruit as the North American market leader for Fairtrade-certified bananas and her sights  are set on Global Fairtrade Banana Domination. Her fearless and bold approach is making waves in the  produce industry. In 2021, Kim was recognized as “Produce Person of the Year” by the Ontario Produce  Marketing Association. In 2022, she was recognized on The Packer 25 list which highlights leaders,  innovators and agents of change across the fresh produce supply chain. In 2024, Grocery Business  Magazine selected her as an Outstanding Women in Produce and The Packer recognized her as the  Produce Marketer of the Year. In 2025, the Globe and Mail listed Equifruit as one of the Top Growing  Women-Led Companies in Canada. With 20 years of sales experience, she loves challenging people to  rethink their consumption habits and consider Fairtrade as a sustainable solution in produce.

Tina Maher is the SVP of Client Services & Branded Franchise Management at Hartbeat — the global, multi-platform entertainment company creating content and experiences at the intersection of comedy and culture. With a mission to keep the world laughing together, Hartbeat finances, develops, and produces content across platforms; connects with audiences worldwide through its expansive distribution network; and partners with leading brands to co-create award-winning IP.Tina is one of the key figures behind Hartbeat's long-standing partnership with P&G and Old Spice/Gillette for Cold As Balls, Kevin Hart's hit athlete interview series which recently wrapped its 12th season. Shot in front of a live audience, the season featured conversations with some of today's biggest sports stars, including Tom Brady, Victor Wembanyama, CeeDee Lamb, CM Punk, and Ja'Marr Chase.  With more than 2 billion views to date — and P&G/Old Spice remaining the presenting sponsor since day one — Cold As Balls is a signature example of Tina and Hartbeat's ability to bring an entertainment-first approach to brand storytelling.

As a Hollywood screenwriter Michael Ashley sold the hit Halloween movie Girl Vs Monster to Disney—which launched a successful kids' toy line. Before this, he worked in development for the head of the literary department at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), the biggest talent agency in the world. Pivoting to literary publishing, he now owns and operates a creative content agency, turning his clients thought leaders by writing their books, articles, and speeches.Michael has co-written 5 books on AI, including Own the AI Revolution, published by McGraw Hill and Neuromined: Triumphing Over Tyranny, named best technology book of the year by Indie Awards. The creator of The AI Philosopher podcast/Substack, Michael serves as a Forbes columnist on AI. His writing has been featured in Fox Sports, Entertainment Weekly, the United Nations' ITU News, and Yahoo! Finance. Michael also helps companies make the leap to AI by providing hands-on integration. If you want to literally touch grass we mention Travis Johnson's company in this episode:https://www.northwestsurvivalschool.com/

Sarah Crow is a brand marketer turned creator-strategy leader with nearly a decade of experience in DTC. As the first hire at ALOHA Collection, she helped grow the brand from zero to a multi-million-dollar lifestyle business over five years. She later shifted into the influencer-marketing software world, where she has advised hundreds of brands on creator programs, 360 marketing, and performance strategy. Today, Sarah leads Creator Strategy at Superfiliate, partnering with brands and shaping product direction to ensure influencer marketers have the tools they actually need, not the ones the industry thinks they need.

Rudi Anggono is the Global Head of Creative at Snap and previously the Head of Creative Innovation at the LEGO Group, leading its integrated creative team within Product and Marketing Development and collaborating with Creative Play Lab on new product ideas. With a career spanning advertising, product design, and research, he has shaped iconic global brands and experiences. Formerly Global Executive Creative Director at Beyond X and Google Commerce UX, his patented design work influenced Google Travel and sustainability initiatives recognized by Sundar Pichai at the UN. Previously Head of Creative at Google ZOO and Executive Creative Director at TBWAParis for Nissan Europe, Rudi's award-winning work includes Cannes Lions, EFFIEs, and an Emmy Award.

Kirsten Ludwig is a brand builder, cultural curator and thought leader. She is the Founder of IN GOOD CO, a global brand consultancy igniting challenger brands with fearless positioning. She built her reputation as an influential creative in the fashion and retail space. Leading brands Ralph Lauren, Anthropologie, American Eagle Outfitters, Fred Segal, Stella and Dot and others to stand out. Kirsten is the co-host of GOOD THINKING podcast, a top trend, brand and marketing Substack and Lit From Within, a high vibrational podcast (complete with the woo-woo).She's been featured in Forbes, judged Cannes Lions, is a frequent speaker stages including, SXSW, Brands & Culture, Worthy Women and Creative Week and is a bold voice on LinkedIn. She Co-Hosts Breakfast Club LA and is a member of invite-only communities, THE BOARD, Sunday Dinner and Intro.A lover of life, constant optimist and wellness nut. She lives in LA like every ex-New Yorker as a thriving single mom with two kids, Hudson and Sailor.

Greg Swan, Senior Partner, FINN Partners, fuses insight, culture, and tech to help brands tell stories that stick. At FINN Partners he leads digital and creative strategy across social, content, PR, AI, and emerging platforms. He also writes the weekly newsletter Social Signals and is co-host of The Cave Project podcast, exploring the tensions of tech, culture, and life as they intersect. Ask him about his fax machine. Or just fax him: 316-854-0132.

Ryann Carr is the founder of RiseWave Media, a creative growth agency built for the new era of digital storytelling. She's worked alongside some of the most influential creators in the world and brings that same high-level perspective to every project, whether guiding an emerging voice finding their footing or helping an established brand refine its edge.She doesn't just study trends; she lives them, shaping strategies and brand identities that resonate across platforms and audiences. From the spark of an idea to the systems that carry it forward, she has built a company that does it all: talent sourcing, content optimization, social strategy, and full-scale brand development. Based in Georgia with her three boys, Ryann is building both a company and a life rooted in creativity, resilience, and vision. Through RiseWave Media, she continues to shape the future of digital influence, helping creators not just rise but lead.

Lewis Williams is an accomplished Creative Director and Brand Storyteller who's enjoyed great success at two of Chicago's most iconic agencies—Leo Burnett and Burrell Communications, where he served as Chief Creative Officer. Most recently, Lewis had expanded his skillset even further as the EVP, Head of Brand Impact for global PR giant Weber Shandwick.Across 3 decades of his Total Market and Multicultural consumer marketing experience, Lewis has partnered with CMO's of some of the world's best-known brands. Toyota, McDonald's, Walt Disney World, The Coca-Cola Company, Google, The U.S. Army, Disney, American Airlines and Procter and Gamble to name a few. And Lewis has continually brought his client partners strategically driven, award-winning creative that's enabled great brands to establish and maintain strong emotional bonds with their customers.Lewis' work has been recognized by virtually every creative award show on the planet. And his opinion is so respected that he serves on the Creative Review Committee for The Ad Council. He's also served on the prestigious Cannes Lion Jury—including as a member of Cannes Lions 70—Glass: The Lion for Change.Most recently Lewis launched the podcast series OGs AND AUNTIES. The series highlights Advertising Legends that have shaped culture, shifted narratives and launched movements.

Christine Göös is a marketing leader and B2B creator who lives at the intersection of brand, culture, and the internet. She's helped tech and creative agencies tell stories that drive growth, working with companies like Smartly, Celtra, Billion Dollar Boy, and more. She currently runs US marketing for Croud, an independent media, data, and creative agency group.A two-time Young Lions contestant turned LinkedIn creator, Christine co-hosts House of Content, a podcast exploring the creator economy, viral marketing, and internet culture. Her work has been recognized by Cannes Lions, The One Show, and Top Women in Marketing, and she's part of the Hero100 Creator List and AWNewYork Big Creator Challenge shortlist.

Hafu Go started as a college student with nothing but curiosity and a camera. Today, his platform reaches over 15 million followers and 5 billion views, making him one of the most influential Asian voices in digital media. He has redefined the edutainment genre by blending spectacle with substance. Through bold experiments, unforgettable storytelling, and partnerships with global brands to showcase innovation, he inspires millions. Hafu Go reminds the world that learning doesn't stop at graduation.

Bita Jedo has 9+ years experience in the creator economy, spanning global platforms (TikTok), consumer tech (Bumble) and creative agencies (Dentsu), leading partnerships with globally recognised talent including Barry Keoghan, Aaron Pierre and Amelia Dimoldenberg. She also sits on advisory boards for VidCon, Global Influencer Council, Soho House, and is a judge for the bcreator & Shorty awards. She has recently been named in Forbes 30 under 30 and the Future is Female award.

Keely Cat-Wells is the Founder and CEO of Making Space, a platform that has supported over 10,000 Disabled professionals in building meaningful careers. Under her leadership, Making Space made history by training and placing the first-ever Disabled hosts on NBC Sports' Paralympics broadcast. Other partners include Indeed, Netflix, and Visa. Keely also co-founded Making Space Media, a division producing film and TV content centering Disabled voices, securing a first-look deal with Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine. Notably, their documentary “Fight To Fly” exposed the inequalities that Disabled travellers face, triggering policy reform. Before Making Space, Keely founded C Talent, an agency that reshaped disability representation in media and grew a roster reaching more than 50 million people. Acquired in 2022, C Talent became the largest acquisition of a company specializing in Disabled talent. Keely is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, a Diana Award recipient, and has served on the advisory board of Lady Gaga's Born This Way Foundation. She currently sits on the Los Angeles City Major Event Advisory Council, Human Rights Watch LA Committee and holds the distinction of being the youngest-ever Presidential Leadership Scholar. Additionally, she is an Obama Leader USA, White House Mental Health Youth Action Forum Leader, and inaugural Gloria Steinem Fellow.

Megan Lightcap is a Partner at Slow Ventures, where she helped build, and now leads, the Creator Fund alongside Sam Lessin since 2022. Before joining Slow, Megan held roles at L Catterton, J.P. Morgan, Olive, and others — bringing a strong foundation in finance and consumer investing and operations to her expertise.Megan also writes Slow Upload, a newsletter exploring trends in the creator economy and how creators can scale their businesses by cultivating deeper, more durable relationships with their audiences.Megan focuses on backing creators who are best-in-class in their category — those with high engagement, real influence, and a clear vision for building businesses that go beyond content. These creators are building enterprises powered by community trust, content and media, and long-term ambition.

Paul Brown is an expert at the intersection of creative strategy and technology. He is a Global Client Partner at London-based CreativeX, where he works at the forefront of creative AI. He guides global giants like Mars, Colgate-Palmolive, and Bayer, helping them make their advertising more effective by unlocking the power of creative data. Paul is also passionate about mentorship, and is an Industry Advisor for the Marketing and PR degree at the University of West London.CreativeX recently released their study "Are Creators Really Effective", which outlined how brands can unlock more effectiveness from creator content, and their annual "Gender in Advertising Report" which shows how much and in what way women are being represented in digital advertising.Before joining CreativeX, Paul had a front-row seat to the startup world as the 6th employee and Head of Customer Success at Spirable, a data-driven creative platform that was acquired in 2021. His journey in the industry began in client-facing roles at top creative agencies, including Ogilvy and TMW, giving her/him a deep understanding of what makes brands and their stories succeed.

Fiona Frills is a Gen Z founder, creator, & storyteller passionate about building community-driven brands and tools that empower the next generation.She started Frilliance at 13 after struggling with acne and realizing how many beauty products were packed with harsh ingredients. Today, Frilliance is available worldwide at major retailers like CVS, Amazon, SuperDrug and TikTok Shop, serving a vibrant teen community that values self-expression & real conversations around beauty.She is also the Co-Founder of Aurelia, an AI-powered platform giving micro-influencers smarter tools to pitch, grow, and get paid. Deeply passionate about Gen Z empowerment, teen innovation, creator economy, & building products that actually make a difference, Frills is quickly ascending.

Jeff Frommer is a tech entrepreneur and investor, known for founding MALKA, an adaptive content studio, which he sold to MoneyLion in 2021 for $75M. Frommer's career has spanned close to 20 years, and he continually strives to positively impact the lives of those around him. His professional experience includes working in technology, the creator economy, talent management, content production, and investing in various-stage startups. Through MALKA, Frommer previously produced eight feature films for Netflix, Amazon, and Showtime, as well as ran some of the largest digital shows, including Mike Tyson's Hotboxin, All the Smoke with Barnes and Stack, and Kevin Garnett Certified.  He spent more than five years at Adobe, leading the Digital Publishing SaaS business. In 2025, he founded and launched OWM, the first creator marketplace platform that helps founders discover, connect with, and activate creators as investors, advisors, and long-term strategic partners.

Xyla Foxlin is an award-winning mechatronics engineer and YouTube creator who shares the creativity and joy of engineering through a blend of technical skill, craftsmanship, and art. Featuring everything from proving impossible physics demonstrations to building a viable camper in just weeks, to high-power rocketry and organic chemistry. An advocate for women in STEM, she founded Beauty and the Bolt, a nonprofit now operated by Reinvented Inc that taught thousands of kids to use their first power tool and has worked with AAAS as an IF/THEN ambassador. She is also a voice for the Pilot Mental Health Campaign, advocating for the Mental Health in Aviation Act which would allow pilots to seek mental healthcare without losing their careers. The bill passed in the House unanimously in September as is expected to be introduced in the Senate this fall. Based in Los Angeles, she spends her free time flying her 1946 Cessna 140, backpacking, and building big ideas.