Media Mavens Podcast

This week's podcast guest, Carolyn Garrick, Founder and CEO of Warmkins, shared her journey with us on how Warmkins was created. Garrick never gave up on her dream through good times and bad and shared with us how her drive, passion, and tenacity paid off. Garrick's passion and determination to succeed helped fuel her plans for expansion and new product lines. Despite facing challenges as a single mother, she continued working on the product and eventually focused on its business side due to market demand. Garrick shared her journey of creating a comfort product that initially started as a Christmas gift but gained popularity, which drove Warmkins' success.

This week's episode of The Axis Effect was all political, as we sat down with Matt Krayton, the Founder and principal of Publitics. Krayton's vast career in public affairs and political campaigns brought to light an introspection to the political waters er tread in this day and why it's important to find the truth and understanding in what we read & hear. Kraytons insight into the political world, which consumes every aspect of media, makes us want to read, listen, and learn more about what drives decisions, shapes our perception, and forces us to take sides every four years and in between when we have a voice on the ballot that shapes the future and who we trust to lead it.

This week on The Axis Effect, we sat down with Gary Schoeniger, Author and CEO of The Entrepreneurial Learning Initiative, to discuss the true meaning of leadership. It takes more than making decisions, attending meetings, and showing up. Everyone has the talent and potential to be successful, but Schoeniger explained to us that it takes recognizing your potential and changing your mindset to influence entrepreneurial behavior. Schoeniger shares his insight on the method behind the madness that defines if entrepreneurs are made or born and his steadfast principles of "Never a No Without a Yes"

This week's episode of The Axis Effect featured Kelly Wickstrom, Head of Talent & Brand Partnerships for Fireside Chat. She shared her journey through Entertainment and how Hollywood has changed how talent interacts with its fans. Fireside Chat is the latest innovation for online social media meets Master Class style engagement platform founded and funded by Mark Cuban. Wickstrom's long history of Hollywood talent management and brand partnerships illuminates how the industry has changed and how technology has paved the way for a next-generation platform to engage, share, and interact with the lives of influencers, Movers & Shakers.

Global Health Access, a monthly source of global news and updates on issues, trends, and international access to healthcare, is now part of The Axis Effects and hurdles in the new global podcast segment. GHA spotlights the advancements and innovations in medical technology with Shanil Ebrahim, Partner in National Life Sciences and Healthcare Consulting at Deloitte. Join us as we speak with one of Deloitte's top leaders in Global Health and Life Sciences on global access to health care and where the change begins, from the Government to the communities and nonprofits in between that care about delivering selfless acts of kindness worldwide.

This episode of The Axis Effect features Stephen Barber, Producer & Director. Barber spent time on the show discussing the need for heroes and how his legacy created and honored the legacy of other great heroes. Barber spoke about his passion behind the purpose, from producing Hollywood movies to creating monuments honoring historical heroes, innovators, and history-making legends. Barber is the only person who has created and made Monuments located at government and state-level buildings and famous landmarks honoring some of NASA's greatest astronauts and Apollo 13.

This episode of The Axis Effect featuring Sathi Roy, CEO & Co-Founder at SUTE, is about the cause & effect of AI and how we need to lean into it, embrace it, and benefit from it from our personal lives to running a corporation. We all hear the fear of AI in the news, around the water cooler, while standing in line to get coffee, but is this an unfounded fear? Or is it a matter of lack of education that the industry is actively working to deliver, empowering us with knowledge and understanding? Roy went into detail about the need for leadership, better education on the future of AI, and leaning into the technology that shape our future, will undoubtedly whether we believe it or not.

This installment of The Axis Effect features Jolyon Collier, President & Founder at Counting Coral. Global warming has damaged climates all around the world, and Fiji is no exception, where coral falls victim to rising sea temperatures, weakening them and increasing their likelihood of mortality. But the harm goes beyond coral, as the species' role of housing 25% of all other marine species and their ability to protect coastal communities in Fiji by acting as a natural barrier for tsunamis and erosion demonstrate just how vital coral is to the ecosystem. This is where Counting Coral comes in, whose Gene Bank System project aims to regrow the damaged coral reefs and preserve biodiversity, giving the ecosystems damaged by humanity a second chance. Collier discusses how the company uses their position to spread awareness for protecting ocean life, what drove him to founding Counting Coral, and how his company works to combine their efforts toward ecosystems with opportunities to help orphanages.  To learn more, tune in to “Building Sustainable Futures.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features John Dakss, Chief Product and Tech Officer at Palladium. With over 20 years of experience under his belt, Dakss has made a career out of innovation in the medium landscape, with over 40 video-related patents to his name. His resume speaks for itself, spending time at NBCUniversal as well as EPIX, where he received two Webby awards for his leadership in the creation of EPIX NOW. Currently, he works with Palladium, a company that works with clients to maximize profitability while engaging in practices that help said clients maximize their social impact. Dakss discusses key differences between working at major corporations and smaller consulting firms, what it means to own one's leadership, and how innovation is pushing industries faster than ever. To learn more, tune in to “Bringing Innovation to the Market.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Daniel Tibbets, Chief Executive Officer at Mint Comedy. As an industry spanning over a century, standup comedy has seen enormous evolutions in popularity. With more comedians than ever looking to break into the industry, and with the medium seeing more hardcore fans than ever, Mint Comedy has flawlessly carved out its spot in the streaming era, acting as a one-stop shop for fans. Not only does the platform house content for over 90 comedians, it prioritizes high-quality HD experiences, the ability for fans to chat in real-time during live shows, and an option for viewers to tip if they deem necessary. Showcasing the highest quality content around, the service streams shows out of the Comedy Cellar, one of the industry's most iconic venues. Where other services look to house dozens of genres, Mint Comedy -to their benefit- instead focuses on delivering the best possible content from one form of media, and they've done it in strides. Tibbets discusses how Mint Comedy offers more opportunities than ever for budding comedians while simultaneously growing the medium's fanbase, why standup comedy offers a niche opportunity for growth in the entertainment industry, and Mint Comedy's specialized ability to cater to an existing audience. To learn more, tune in to “Laugh Out Loud: The Other Side of Leadership.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Jennifer Bourn, Chief Marketing Officer at Motivation AI. Utilizing AI in an innovative way that few companies do, Motivations AI offers a narrative-based personality assessment to users. But what makes Motivations AI so special is their ability to personalize that assessment on a level rarely seen, with each individual assessment designed around the stories of the people taking said assessment. Combining those personal stories with over 50 years worth of empirical and behavioral data, and Motivations AI effectively gives people the opportunity to understand themselves in a way they never have before, all with the goal of making them better workers and leaders for their teams.   Bourn discusses how Motivations AI respects thee fact that no two leaders are the same and why this is where her company thrives, how the program combines science with AI and individuality, and what the assessment reveals. To learn more, tune in to “Defining the Narrative of AI.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Rose Hamilton, Founder of Compass Rose Ventures. In a where breaking through consumer industries is more daunting than ever, Hamilton possesses a valuable toolset of experience that few can match. With over two decades of experience working with over 30 different private equity firms and consumer brands, including serving as the Chief Marketing Officer at Pet360 and the Chief Digital and eCommerce Officer at The Vitamin Shoppe. Now, she brings that wealth of experience to a wide range of industries through Compass Rose Ventures, where Hamilton and her team advise clients with the intent of helping growing brands achieve the necessary funding needed and eventually launch them to the forefront of mainstream consumer audiences. Hamilton discusses the importance of purpose-driven decision-making, why holding the proper individuals accountable to respective responsibilities is crucial to maintaining an effective infrastructure, and how taking the time to destress can be a game changer for leaders of any company. To learn more, tune in to “Driving Digital Profitability.”

This installment of The Axis Effect continues the conversation with Shanil Ebrahim, Partner and the National Life Sciences and Healthcare Consulting Leader at Deloitte Canada. Returning where the previous episode left off, Ebrahim discusses why and how telemedicine's role as a lifeline for the underserved makes it a necessity in many places around the world, the possibility of a “universal health line” along with challenges needed to overcome to make that a reality, the importance of integrating telemedicine-like services within the mental health community, and how Deloitte is looking to use its position in the healthcare industry to improve lives around the world. To learn more, tune in to “Global Health Inequities Part 2.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features the return of Shanil Ebrahim, Partner and the National Life Sciences and Healthcare Consulting Leader at Deloitte Canada. In a world with constantly evolving technology, healthcare finds itself at the forefront of innovation. Yet, despite the innovations, the inequality in access to said healthcare becomes worse on a consistent basis. Thankfully, the world has taken notice, and numerous groups all around are working to close the gap of disparity.  Ebrahim discusses some of the underlying causes for these issues, how telemedicine can allow healthcare access for individuals who are geographically separated from physical healthcare centers, why healthcare should be a fundamental right, and possible solutions for lower-income countries where healthcare access is minimal. To learn more, tune in to “Global Health Inequities Part 1.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Jeff Hintz, Executive Director at Sports Tech HQ. In a time where every industry is becoming further faced with the opportunity to embrace innovative technologies, Sports Tech HQ is doing just that for the sport-related industries of Indiana, investing in innovative startups and facilitating collaboration between the next generation's pioneers in sports technology businesses throughout Indiana.  Hintz discusses Indiana's crucial history for sports, how sports can become a crucial part of any economy, and the growing relevance of technology to the sports industry. To learn more, tune in to “Paving the Way of Sports & Technology.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Chia-Lin Simmons, CEO at LogicMark. With nearly 20 years in business, LogicMark specializes in lifesaving medical alert devices that look to help the elderly contact emergency services. The company's journey has been anything but calm, and their latest CEO, Simmons, has worked tirelessly to bring them back into the light as a top-tier microcap medical company. Simmons discusses the importance of bringing in outside leadership when change is needed, her journey with LogicMark, and why leaders need to feel a connection with their company if they are to make the maximum impact. To learn more, tune in to “Finding the Logic in Leadership.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Mark Sullivan. With a career in writing that spans multiple facets, Sullivan did not begin writing the fiction he is known for until he was 30, studying journalism before spending time in the Peace Corps teaching English to children in the Sahara Desert. Since publishing his first novel in 1994, Sullivan has focused his works on using true stories that move him to tell a real story with a fictitious lens. His success speaks for itself, co-writing five books with the legendary James Patterson. Most recently, Sullivan published The Last Green Valley, a story of forced child soldiers in Africa. Sullivan discusses his writing process, the real-life experiences that inspired his books, and the importance of using his stories to increase awareness among his readers. To learn more, tune in to “Bringing Stories to Life”

Global News Watch: Global Update on the U.S. Role in War & Politics Global News Watch and Michael Patrick Mulroy are here to discuss the pressing developments regarding the U.S.'s role in war and politics. As conflicts in Ukraine and Israel intensify, Mulroy addresses the future of U.S. involvement, the potential for other countries to step in, the influence of non-governmental entities in these conflicts, and the immediate need for increased humanitarian efforts worldwide. The urgency of these issues demands your attention.  To learn more, tune into “Global News Watch: Global Update on the U.S. Role in War & Politics.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Fusayo Oluwadiya, CEO of OKAO. From humble days as a qualitative analyst at Citi to recently holding a principal software engineer position at Disney (before founding OKAO), Oluwadiya has tirelessly worked through many industries and experiences to become a top-tier software engineer. With the skills utilized in innovative technology at her disposal, she combined what she learned with a lifelong passion for food (a relationship made known through Oluwadiya's popular online food blog) to found OKAO, where she utilizes natural ingredients, technology, and a variety of suppliers to create new and exciting chocolate products that can be enjoyed by everyone, maximizing the uses and potential of the cacao bean. Oluwadiya's journey into the food industry is a testament to her leadership and vision. She shares insights into her role as a leader and the process of building OKAO, inspiring others with her entrepreneurial spirit and determination. To learn more, tune in to “Engineering the Culinary Experience.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Bradley Dillon, CEO of Luxonis. As a pioneer in the revolution of A.I. and robotic technology, Luxonis is helping evolve the industry to new heights. It implements human-like perception in technology to minimize the need for human workers and allow companies to cut costs and maximize ROI. With over 25,000 customers and continuously improving technology, Luxonis is only advancing its technology, aiming to give individuals the necessary tools to spend more time doing what they love. Young shares his insights on navigating the dynamic world of robotics and AI, his vision for the industry's future, and the far-reaching impact of Luxonis' products. From revolutionizing various sectors to shaping a new world, Luxonis' applications are at the forefront of innovative technologies. To learn more, tune in to “Wonka Vision 2.0: The Future of A.I.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Dana Mariotti, VP of Marketing for Las Vegas Desert Dogs. Mariotti's journey in the sports industry is a testament to her versatility and adaptability. Her love for sports, kindled in her childhood as an athlete, found a new expression in college when she discovered the potential to merge her creative and athletic passions in sports marketing. With a diverse background that includes coaching and a master's degree in sports psychology, Mariotti has left her mark on every facet of the industry. Currently, she is leveraging her expertise as the VP of Marketing for the Las Vegas Desert Dogs, contributing to the growth of their brand in the professional lacrosse arena. Mariotti discusses her career path, how she's helped sports brands create lasting recognition, the growth of social media, and marketing in the world of sports. To learn more, tune in to "Breaking New Grounds in Sports Entertainment."

This installment of The Axis Effect features Austin Young, Co-Founder at Ivy Energy. In a time when making a positive impact on the world is the highest priority for business leaders, Ivy Energy is making waves in the real estate industry, helping owners distribute solar energy as efficiently as possible. Avoiding the usage of over 40 million pounds of coal from their effort, the company aims to gather data and owners maximize ROI while helping residents meet their needs as well, paving the way to a cleaner tomorrow.  Young discusses the state of solar energy in the current market, how his company came to be, and why solar power can be a permanent solution to the energy crisis. To learn more, tune in to “Energy-Driven Business Models.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Sarah Myer, Chief of Staff & Strategy at Indiana Sports Corp. With the 2024 Summer Olympics just over the horizon, Indiana Sports Corp finds itself in an exciting position with the event: hosting the swim trials out of Indiana's famed Lucas Oil Stadium. But they are not stopping at that. They are leveraging the exciting event to also spread awareness for safety in aquatic sports to create a positive impact in the community. Myer discusses the process of setting up the swim trials, the evolution of sports technology, creating new sports jobs, and how Indiana Sports Corp has turned Indiana into a global hub for all things sports. To learn more, tune in to “Leading a Sports-Driven Market to the Olympic Swim.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Brian Seth Hurst, Founder and Chief Storyteller at StoryTech Immersive. In a world where technology is becoming more immersive than ever, StoryTech Immersive works to push boundaries in the filmmaking industry, utilizing VR/360 technology. As a new and relatively difficult medium to work in, StoryTech Immersive works with companies to create the most immersive content possible in said medium. Their repertoire speaks for themselves, working with companies like Marriott, PBS, and Showtime, but it is Hurst's experience in the world of storytelling that allows those brands to see their goals come to fruition. Hurst discusses his long and exciting career, the importance of finding one's purpose, and how to properly lead in any industry. To learn more, tune in to “Purpose vs Ego Driven Leadership.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Jeremy Parer, Founder of Swag Space. Acting as a hub for all aspiring brand creators, Swag Space gives individuals the opportunity to focus on delivering custom products to their customers, growing their brands, and managing their entire business all from the same platform. Generating over 500 million dollars for users, Swag Space offers a variety of tools for today's industry, offering data analytics and individual customer insights so that leaders can fine-tune their business down to the last detail. Parker discusses how Swag Space differentiates itself from competitors, what inspired him to build the company, and his decision to take pay cuts before the rest of his team. To learn more, tune in to “Get Your Swag On.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Haim Attias, Founder & President of Light and Green, Inc. Not only do they act as North America's premier manufacturer of plaster LED architectural lighting fixtures- although it exports to over 80 countries- Light and Green also focuses on delivering its products to be as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible. Impressively, that goal does not affect their production scale, producing over 12,000 units daily. With over 18 years as the President and Electrical Contractor at Alon Energy, Attias's hands-on experience led him perfectly to his current role as he watches Light and Green continue to grow its scale while reducing its costs every day.  Attias discusses his background, how his experiences perfectly fit him into his industry, the importance of leadership, his love of architectural design, and how Light and Green's products contribute to the different locations where they are installed. To learn more, tune in to “Trailblazing the Convergence of Light Technology.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Simon JD Schillebeeckx, Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at Handprint. Hailing from Belgium and receiving his doctorate in the U.K., Schillebeeckx moved to Singapore in 2015, where his career as an academic placed him into innovative projects geared towards the natural world before eventually founding Handprint. Named for their goal of creating a positive impact on the planet instead of leaving an "environmental footprint," Handprint works with client companies to help them align their operation and goals with practices that can help improve the planet in the most cost-effective ways possible. For Schillebeeckx, the values of Handprint date back to his childhood and have been further established through experiences as an adult, aiming to protect nature, both for the planet's ecosystem and the positive impact Handprint's efforts subsequently have, specifically on human life. Schillebeckx discusses why company leaders focusing on helping the planet grow is more important than ever, how ESG goals can actually help a company, and how Handprint works client-by-client to help the planet in regard to each group's resources, products/services, and values. To learn more, tune in to "Unlocking the Power of Positive Impact."

This installment of The Axis Effect features Eric Wubbena, President of Baseball Bluebook. Located in one of the most popular states for baseball, Missouri, Baseball Bluebook acts as a Kelly Bluebook-equivalent of all things (non-major league) baseball. However, their history goes back much further than that description would sound. Founded in 1909, Baseball Bluebook has been owned by Wubbena's family for over half a century, acting as a central hub to connect players, coaches, and any other individual with a connection to the baseball community. These connections go beyond bringing players to the proper teams, facilitating equipment acquisition, setting up fundraisers, and any other potential interaction within the baseball industry. Packing baseball in his blood with a high school and collegiate career in the sport in addition to his family history in the company, Wubbena has significantly evolved the company model, launching it into the online stratosphere and growing the Baseball Bluebook community (and subsequently, the baseball community as a whole) to be larger and more connected than ever. Wubbena discusses how Baseball Bluebook has successfully adapted to the online model, numerous examples of how their platform truly finds its hands in anything baseball-related, and plans of expanding into softball. To learn more, tune in to “Let's Play Ball.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Graham Stewart, Founder and Executive Vice President of FIBRE52. Beginning his career in England with a focus on textile coloring and organic chemistry, Stewart eventually transferred his focus onto fabrics, taking him to a career in China. Since founding his company, FIBRE52, based in Houston, Texas, Stewart has focused on creating the most cost-effective yet sustainable clothing for customers. What makes FIBRE52 unique is its ability to clean out any impurities in cotton, reducing the damage that many other cotton-based clothing products bring in through toxic chemicals. With its current model, FIBRE52's business spans North and Central America, Pakistan, India, and many other locations, and it plans to continue expanding worldwide. Stewart discusses how his resume led him to his current position, the current state of sustainability in the textile industry, the importance of creating eco-friendly products that help the planet, what separates FIBRE52 from most of their industry, and how he stays motivated to move forward. To learn more, tune in to “Fact: 52 Grams of Chromosomes.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Ernesto Cullari, Co-Founder of Cullari & Wardell. As the world becomes more digitized by the day, Cullari & Wardell offers a fresh and innovative method in the niche of laundromat advertising. Using a technique known as geofencing, Cullari & Wardell create “virtual fences” that allow laundromat wonders to verify every individual customer they receive, creating larger data pools than ever for business owners and allowing them to send ads directly to their customers, effectively generating more wealth through diverting customers away from competitors. Cullati discusses his long and exciting resume of experiences, the effect of COVID-19 on companies, and how geofencing can potentially transform the world of advertising by bridging the gap between creativity and extensive data pools. To learn more, tune in to “Latitude & Longitude of Geofencing.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Lorenzo Conti, Founder & CEO of Crover LTD. As the global population continues to grow, it's become more important than ever that companies can not only ensure maximum production of food products but minimize negative factors that can damage the quality of said food products. Enter Crover LTD., which was founded in 2018 to work with grain storage operators to help optimize conditions and maintain the smoothest possible supply chain processes.  Darr discusses how he singlehandedly grew Crover into the company it is today, scenarios where Crover's services are crucial, and why leaders need to have a true sense of passion and commitment before throwing themselves headfirst into a project. To learn more, tune in to "Granular Physics & Rhetology Behind Subterranean Drones."

This installment of The Axis Effect features Marshall Darr, CEO and Co-Founder at StretchDollar. Founded to help small businesses with their approach to healthcare, StretchDollar reduces costs and complexities for growing companies that can barely afford the time to worry about healthcare. In a world where health insurance is expected from employers, Darr and his fellow Co-Founder utilize their company to allow other leaders to ensure positive healthcare experiences for their teams without draining their funds to make it happen. Darr discusses how startup leaders can positively impact their customers and employees, the value of time, how businesses can retain employees by allowing them to bring their passions into play, and the process of how StretchDollar runs a smooth system that efficiently facilitates the creation of healthcare systems for small companies and relationships between those companies and their chosen healthcare providers. To learn more, tune in to “Health: Benefit vs Necessity.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Adam Schlenger, Ph.D. With a resume showcasing a true dedication to protecting the natural world, Schlenger has found himself on several teams looking to better the environment. As a decision modeling analyst at Lab to Land, Schlenger utilized biotechnology to optimize natural resource management and used many factors to maximize climate resilience. As a founder of NEXUS Global Summit, Schlenger works tirelessly to build relationships with leaders and find investors to solve global issues. As a senior ecologist at the EPA, Schlenger contributes to the EPA Ecosystem Service Model Library, which is intended to help facilitate the use of each model in real-world scenarios and contribute to a healthier world. Schlenger discusses anecdotes of working with nonprofits dedicated to saving the planet, how companies can find profitability while helping the planet, and the inspiration that pushed him to learn and work toward a better tomorrow. To learn more, tune in to “Sustainable Innovation.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Steve Bannerman, Head of Post-Production for International Movies at Amazon MGM Studios. As the entertainment world continues to further its transition into the streaming era, the decisions made by the industry's key players have never been more impactful. But nothing is more important than creating exciting, new, and original content for all sides of the competition. Individuals like Bannerman understand that at the heart of content creation, the true goal is simple: to create and maintain customers in the most profitable fashion possible. Bannerman discusses how COVID-19 amplified the transition into streaming, the challenges many teams face in adapting, the aftereffects of the recent Hollywood strike, and the constant battle for space and resources to create new content. To learn more, tune in to “Embracing the Streaming World of Entertainment.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Shanil Ebrahim, Partner and the National Life Sciences and Healthcare Consulting Leader at Deloitte Canada. As the world's emphasis on healthcare continues to grow, so does the importance of practical innovation, ensuring the best medical care available for all patients. To best deliver the future of medical care requires individuals with a multitude of experiences and education, which is what makes Ebrhaim, who currently holds a position as a joint professor at McMaster University in addition to his job at Deloitte Canada, experience as a researcher at Stanford, and received an MSc in Medical Science and Bioethics as well as a Ph.D. in Clinical Epidemiology, perfect for the job. While the world may often expect individuals with a background like this to become physicians, Ebrahim felt that while working directly with patients was meaningful, he could make a significantly broader impact as a researcher on a “population level.” Ebrahim discusses potential solutions for bringing high-quality healthcare to underserved countries, how different countries undertake innovation policies to advance the world of healthcare, and the role of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare going forward. To learn more, tune in to “Global Health Equity.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Joe Lynam, Vice President M&A at Corum Group Inc. As technology's role on the world stage continues its decades-long exponential growth, so does the importance of how it affects each industry. For companies that fit under the definition of startup, leaders face an overwhelming number of possibilities, especially in the world of mergers and acquisitions. Companies like Corum Group Inc. use this as their bread and butter and have spent nearly 40 years as one of the world's top M&A software firms. To this day, they've created over $20 billion in wealth with an impressive record of over 500 closed transactions. For top team members like Lynam, the chase for acquiring the best startups never ends, especially as the number of software companies only grows with the software world. Lynam discusses the importance of an exit strategy, some companies he's helped Corum Group acquire over the years, what it means to be a quality leader for a startup, and helps explain the M&A process for software companies. To learn more, tune in to “Leading the World of Mergers & Acquisitions.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Rob Paterson, a leader in global hospitality. Hailing from Australia and spending much of his career in London, Paterson has recently transitioned to the United States in the last 3-4 years. Just before this, he faced one of the greatest challenges seen by the hotel industry: the COVID-19 pandemic. But the challenges of the pandemic only fueled Paterson, using his multi-decade experience in hospitality to convert Best Western hotels across Great Britain into hospitals for the peak of the lockdown, fostering an unprecedented sense of community and helping to make the world a better place for those in need. Currently, Paterson works tirelessly to return the hospitality industry to its heights pre-pandemic and find clientele for people looking to rent out castles for events.  Paterson discusses the challenges and successes of turning hotels into hospitals, upcoming challenges he expects to face in his industry, the budding industry of renting out castles, and why the fight to bring the world of hospitality back to its former state is more important than ever.  To learn more, tune in to “Changing the World of Hospitality.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Jeremy Toeman, CEO and Founder of AugX Labs. With a career spanning a variety of differently-sized companies in filmmaking, Toeman's recently-founded AugX Labs utilizes AI for clients to create videos. After seeing his own experiences when making videos for marketing a podcast, Toeman saw an opportunity to simplify this process with AugX Labs, allowing users to utilize nothing but their words with artificial intelligence to create captivating videos in minutes. Toeman discusses his history with startups, the transition from Warner Bros. back to startups, how he founded AugX Labs, and the emphasis his company places on easily accessible experiences for video-making novices to make the production process more efficient than ever.  To learn more, tune in to “Letting AI Lead the Way to the Future.

This installment of The Axis Effect features Titus Walker, CEO of Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL). The world of eSports has grown exponentially over the last decade. UEL looks to bring all of the best facets of the industry to foster a positive community that allows all participators to shine, bringing the best out of each other, encouraging collaboration, creating competitions in over 30 video games, and offering thousands of dollars in cash prizes. From small beginnings, UEL is today known as NOVA's #1 Black Owned Sports League. Walker discusses the importance of creating engagement among viewers, how UEL differs from other leagues, how to grow a fanbase, and how to make these communities more accessible for entry-level fans. To learn more, tune in to “Don't Hate the Player Hate the Game.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Raphael Echemendia, a world-renowned cybersecurity expert. As technology grows with the world around it, so has the vitality of cybersecurity. Where numerous individuals look to utilize hacking to steal the information of others for a variety of purposes, Echemendia is known as an “ethical hacker,” using his skills to help protect clients and create a safer cyberspace for people. Despite its association with more illegal activities, Echemendia helps define the concept of hacking as a skill, making it clear that hacking itself is not harmful, but how people choose to use it can be. Echemendia discusses the misconceptions behind privacy on the internet, the risks behind leaving a trail and subsequent vulnerabilities on the internet, and how the cyber world continues to evolve. To learn more, tune in to “Cyber Chaos.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Nick Bogacz, President of Caliente Pizza and author of the Pizza Equation. Worth over $190 billion as of 2021, the pizza industry continues to grow as one of the country's (and world's) most popular foods. For Bogacz, the journey of being a leader in an industry defined by small businesses starts from the very bottom, working as a delivery boy at the age of 17 over two decades ago. Fast forward to the pandemic in 2020, and it's clear to see how well Bogacz understands not only the importance of the business but how a leader treats their employees. Despite the hard hits all restaurants took from the pandemic, Bogacz chose to double down on taking care of his employees, raising salaries, and adding 401k's and health benefits, among other programs to ensure positive well-being for his employees. From the economic changes of price increases, Bogacz opted to grow, creating new streams of income, as they are now preparing to release about 11 new products throughout retail stores in their local Pittsburgh area. Even as a brand, they've expanded in a variety of ways, including becoming the official pizza of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Since the pandemic began and his team opted to focus on growth, Bogacz has grown Caliente Pizza's number of locations from 5 to 12.   Bogacz discusses the importance of building a bigger brand, how he's continuously working to do this for Caliente Pizza, the key to making an amazing pizza, and why growing a company's internal infrastructure for employees is crucial to growing said company outside as well.  To learn more, tune in to “Freezing out the Competition.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Daymon Bruck, Chief Creative Officer at The O Group. With over three decades of experience in branding, Bruck has led numerous advertising campaigns for some of the world's most famous companies, including Microsoft, AT&T Wireless, and Nike. No matter the client, Daymon has dedicated thousands of hours to making each brand stand out and deliver a creative and original campaign that helps clients stand out and find new ways of marketing themselves to expand their businesses most effectively. Most recently, Bruck and his team at The O Group have seen a focus on industries like hospitality, jewelry, and home goods. With the evolution of technology in modern society, Bruck understands the niche of numerous luxury brands and how they each utilize technology in their unique approach. Bruck discusses how and why different industries emphasize virtual branding, the shift many people are making into industries vastly different from where they've begun, and the importance of building brand loyalty through telling a relatable story targeted toward the proper audience.  To learn more, tune in to “Brand Empowerment.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features the return of one of its most frequent guests: Jeffrey Hayzlett, Chairman & Founder of C-Suite Networks. In an era when conditions are uncertain on every front, leadership has never been more important. Having spoken with some of the world's most notable economists on his own platform, Hayzlett has acquired knowledge from a variety of crucial viewpoints to best understand how companies fail or succeed through the navigation of volatile economy. Hayzlett discusses significant “unicorns” born in the fire of disastrous recessions, his personal experiences in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, hard choices he had to make for the better of his company at the time of the 2008 financial crisis, human sensitivity and the importance of mental health and communication in the wake of tragedy, and what he views as the defining criteria of a good leader. To learn more, tune in to “The Most Interesting Man in the Room.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Christoffer Sigshøj, Co-Founder of KiteX. Coming at a time when sustainability is more important than ever, KiteX is impacting the energy industry in one of the most innovative ways ever: utilizing the kites and drone technology to create portable wind turbines, pushing humanity along the path to make clean energy more accessible than ever. The impact spans further than delivering clean energy however, as their utilization of kites have allowed them to reduce waste and create a cost-effective energy source that utilizes minimal material. Sigshøj discusses the company's short and exciting history, the specifics behind this groundbreaking technology, anecdotes on his personal experience with wind-power and kites, and the joy of being able to combine work and hobbies while contributing to a better tomorrow..  To learn more, tune in to “Sustaining Power & Balance.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Kimberly Klein, Founder of Sport Cryo. As one of the most revolutionary evolutions in the sports industry, Cryo Therapy acts as the newest way people can utilize the cold in the recovery process of physical exercise. With a wide variety of clients, Klein's company offers many different services to customers, offering opportunities to reduce soreness in the body after strenuous activity, aid in weight loss, and even beauty, with a Cryo Facial sera ice to help preserve the skin and increase blood flow to the skin. Klein discusses the specifics of how different Cryo Therapy are pushing boundaries in the wellness industry, how her company's services differ from more well-known practices such as ice baths, and what led her to founding Sport Cryo.  To learn more, tune in to “Freezing out the Competition.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Daphna Ziman, President & Co-Chairman at Cinémoi and the Founder & Co-Chair at Children United Nations. Helping to give a voice to underrepresented groups, Cinémoi acts as one of the only television networks truly led by women, as well as one of the top networks surrounding high fashion. Created with the goal of fighting the negative and hyper-sexualized portrayals of women in media, Cinémoi works to fix this systemic issue, elevating the image of women in the world and giving them the recognition and appreciation they deserve. But Ziman doesn't limit herself to one company. Children Uniting Nations -which she founded- is a charity group dedicated to fighting child trafficking and giving a voice to the underprivileged children of the world. Most recently, she has also founded Justice for Women, a group dedicated to eliminating trafficking and violence towards Women and Children. Ziman discusses the problems faced by women in the world and how to fight these issues, how her companies are working to better the world, and how extreme poverty leads to greater negativity towards women specifically.  To learn more, tune in to “The Science of Beauty.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Heather Brown, Señor VP of Entrepreneurial Development at Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance.  As one of the United States' event capitals, Las Vegas is a center for innovation, technology, and entertainment. Brown works with the rest of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance (LVGEA) to establish a community of startups and leaders around the city that fosters economic growth and collaboration for companies to grow within the Las Vegas ecosystem and reach new heights in their success. Brown discusses LVGEA's goal of showing there is more to Las Vegas than gambling and casinos, the various industries they're expanding the city to, the perception Vegas currently receives from the public, and how LVGEA is trying to change that narrative. To learn more, tune in to “The Economic Leadership of Entertainment.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Orit, CEO and Founder of The O Group. Since its founding in 1986, The O Group has stood at the top of the branding industry for 37 years, working with many clients, including Ritz Carlton Residences, Acqualina Resort & Spa, and The Pierre Hotel. Continuously reinventing themselves and their focus to fit the times, The O Group currently operates its focus and image as a consultant group for luxury lifestyle brands. Orit understands this industry better than most, going as far as removing her last name in the public space to make her character stand out and stay memorable to the whole industry, especially potential clients.  Orit discusses the importance of leaders standing behind their brand, knowing their audience, the unforgiving nature of mistakes in front of the public eye, and some of the most crucial mistakes made by leaders of startups looking to break into the luxury lifestyle industry. To learn more, tune in to “Brand Inspiration.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Natalise Kalea Robinson, CEO and Co-Founder of Parallel Health. As pioneers of microbiome dermatology, Parallel binds the industries of health, beauty, and biotechnology to create a personalized skincare routine for each of their customers to look the best they can. Founded on the realization that many skin care products have harsh results that neglect the specifics of each user, Parallel creates products that target skin problems specific to microbiome types, with the hope of not only improving the customer's skin but ensuring their microbiomes are not damaged by said product. Now, Parallel Health holds the most extensive skin microbiome data set that uses whole genome sequencing.  Robinson discusses the varying microbiomes in a person's body, how they can analyze data to ensure everyone gets the correct product, and how her company's paths led them to where they are today.  To learn more, tune in to “The Science of Beauty.”

This installment of The Axis Effect features Estelle Lacroix, Managing Director at The Britley. With a career in hospitality, Lacroix has seen herself in various roles in California's high-end social scene before joining The Britley. Although their preliminary stages began before the pandemic, Lacroix faced an exciting challenge when tasked with building a community at a time when in-person contact was forbidden. As adaptive as ever, she leveraged The Britley's position as a place where members could go out and meet new people once sanctions were lifted to allow in-person meetings again. Lacroix discusses the industry of members-only social clubs, how they evolved with the pandemic, and how The Britley can hold hospitality to the highest standard and expect proper behavior from its members.  To learn more, tune in to “Going Full Throttle on Social Communities.”