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🚀 Meet Brian Vella: A Visionary Leader in Innovation & Customer ExperienceAs CEO of AKQA #APAC, Brian Vella has spent his career shaping innovative brands, exceptional customer experiences, and high-performing teams. A true digital pioneer, he brings a growth-driven mindset to helping businesses navigate digital transformation and unlock new opportunities in an era defined by AI, data, and emerging tech.In this episode we chat about:🔹 Navigating Digital Transformation – Lessons from the first dot-com boom to today’s AI-driven landscape.🔹 Driving Innovation in Customer Experience – How brands can leverage technology and strategy to create meaningful consumer interactions.🔹 What's keeping clients/CMO’s up at night? 🔹 How AI is it impacting advertising and marketing in APACIf you’re exploring what’s next in digital, customer experience, or brand innovation, Brian is a leader you’ll want to connect with. Reach out to learn, collaborate, or spark the next big idea.

✨ Today, we’re excited to feature Lior Arussy, recognized globally as one of the foremost authorities on Customer Experience and Strategy Execution. Lior’s innovative insights have transformed how organizations connect with their customers, turning interactions into unforgettable experiences and strategies into measurable success. With a career spanning decades, he has worked with some of the world’s leading brands to redefine excellence in customer engagement. Stay tuned as we dive into Lior’s approach to bridging the gap between customer needs and business goals, and learn how he inspires organizations to create meaningful, lasting impact. 🚀 Best quote of the interview: "a fool with a tool is still just a fool!"

🧨 My 2025 Predictions 🧨 💰 More Capital is Coming to the Startup WorldIt’s been a rocky ride for the past 18+ months, but I’m optimistic that new capital is on its way. There’s growing demand for well-developed, revenue-generating ideas—not just hyper-growth promises. By Q1, I expect we’ll see investors loosening their purse strings. Maybe not a flood, but at least a much-needed rain to nurture the right ventures! 🚀 AI Will Get More Usable and UbiquitousAs Evan Shapīro said earlier this year, AI has been in a bit of a hype bubble. But it’s not going anywhere. In fact, it’ll continue transforming our work and personal lives. That said, we must address the serious need for guardrails—especially when it comes to kids and intellectual property. Who isn’t a little concerned about the next generation’s exposure to unchecked AI? ✅ DEI’s Impact Will Persist, Despite SetbacksSome companies may be dismantling their DEI efforts (thanks, political pressure), but the movements they sparked and the people they empowered won’t fade. Organizations with DEI woven into their DNA will attract top talent and continue to outperform those that don’t. The long-term benefits of inclusive practices aren’t going anywhere. 🦻 Listening and Kindness Will Be Essential SkillsAs we engage with people who may not share our values or perspectives, truly listening and showing kindness will be more critical than ever. It’s time to open our ears and our hearts. And don’t forget to be kind to yourself—because let’s face it, we all need it. Use those empathy muscles or risk losing them! 😊 Moral Ambition Will Define 2025Ambition is great, but what if we used it for good? In 2025, I see “moral ambition” becoming the next big buzzword. Whether it’s addressing climate change, fighting food insecurity, or supporting healthier habits, we’ll focus on leveraging our talents to create positive change. What’s your mission for the new year?

This is an insightful interview with Dave discussing the challenges of scaling enterprise-level video shopping and how Stage Ten has pivoted to launch a groundbreaking new platform. With all Shopify merchant content housed in a “superstore,” creators can now easily select multiple products and quickly produce shoppable shows all with one click/one basket checkout. This is far more than just another affiliate program—it’s a game-changer for video commerce!

Today, we’re catching up with Eitan Koter, CEO of Vimmi. Nearly a year ago, we discussed the future of video commerce. Today, he’s back to share his insights on what’s unfolded since then and what lies ahead for the world of video commerce.

We’re excited to share an insightful interview with Michael Sigel, CEO of SCO2, where he delves into the intersection of passion and innovation in the food production industry. Michael shares how SCO2 is leading the way in sustainability by helping companies turn waste into valuable resources, reduce environmental impact, and unlock new revenue streams. 🚀 From extracting oils from hops for craft brewers to transforming food waste into measurable environmental benefits, SCO2 is revolutionizing how businesses can balance profitability with sustainability. Catch Michael’s vision for a future where every pound of material processed is a step towards a greener world. 🌱

As a CEO or leader, taking accountability isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a powerful tool for growth. When you own your decisions, actions, and outcomes, you create a culture of trust and integrity within your organization. Accountability doesn’t mean avoiding mistakes, but rather owning them, learning from them, and leading by example. It’s about showing your team that you’re willing to step up and take responsibility, no matter how tough the situation. This not only builds credibility, but it also inspires your team to do the same, creating a ripple effect of accountability and ownership throughout the company. Leadership starts with owning it—good or bad.

❗ Excited to share an insightful conversation with Luke Peters, Founder of Apex CEO and a true entrepreneurial visionary! 🚀 Luke’s journey started in his garage, where he built NewAir into one of America’s fastest-growing private internet retailers, surpassing $600 million in sales with a peak of $80 million in just one year. Now, as Executive Chairman, Luke is helping fellow entrepreneurs navigate their paths to successful exits through Apex CEO, sharing his deep knowledge and experience in scaling businesses. Tune in to hear Luke’s wisdom on growing a brand, how to hire the best teams for your business, overcoming challenges, and what it takes to achieve a lasting impact in today’s competitive market! 🔥💡

🌟 Excited to have Susan Willeg, CEO and Chief Brand Strategist of TrueNorth, on our podcast! Susan is a visionary marketing executive with a remarkable career in global brand strategy and market development. From leading brands like Edwards Lifesciences and Thomson Reuters to pioneering digital innovation in the medical device industry, Susan has always been at the forefront of impactful change.Her commitment to health equity and passion for education have led her to create unique outreach programs in underserved communities. Now, with TrueNorth, she’s focused on accelerating growth for startups and “restart” companies, leveraging her deep expertise in building brands that truly resonate.Susan’s love for learning is evident in her pursuit of a master’s in Behavioral Economics, adding to her impressive academic credentials. When she’s not driving brand success, you’ll find her hiking in Laguna Beach or enjoying the company of her large family.Tune in to hear Susan’s insights on brand strategy and how she’s helping companies bring their true selves to market! 🎙️✨

From his days at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to becoming a tech #CEO, keynote speaker on engagement, productivity, and AI, Stephen Butler is a force to be reckoned with. His latest triumph. co-authored with Karissa Price, “Why Is a Verb: How Well-Managed Firms Turn Purpose Into Productivity,” skyrocketed to #1 on Amazon’s Business Teams and #Leadership categories. His TEDX talk, “Why Your Job Isn’t Meaningless,” further amplifies his thought leadership. In these turbulent times, imagine having an expert like Stephen driving not only productivity but also infusing real purpose into your work! This episode dives into the heart of his consulting practice, Sagely, where he helps companies and teams discover their “Why” and uncover more excitement and joy in the workplace. Ready to transform your business and ignite your team’s passion? Click to learn more and start your journey to success with Stephen Butler!

From her early beginnings as an immigrant from North Africa to Montreal, Oyeta knew she wanted to build her own company, be independent, and bring innovative products to market. Dealing with her own skincare issues sparked her passion for the chemistry of beauty. She not only became a skilled product developer but also launched a line of natural, luxury skincare products called Okoko Cosmetiques. With over seven years of experience and more than 400 distribution outlets, Oyeta is now branching out to help other beauty founders build and scale their companies. She not only gives back but also guides new entrepreneurs, helping them avoid the mistakes she's made along the way. Her story is one of passion for beauty and a commitment to helping others.

From a very young age Kathi realized that while we are all different, we are also all alike. Her global travels as a young girl from Australia, not only influenced her understanding about how people think but also what her place in the world could be if she just manifested it for herself. Truly doing it "her way" Kathi has become a distinguished figure in global brand and lifestyle marketing across many segments which she notes really helps her create better work for all of her clients. She's also the visionary behind TheReinventionExchange.com, a dynamic multimedia platform dedicated to all aspects of life reinvention. Kathi also hosts THE POWER OF REINVENTION podcast, authored the influential book RE:INVENT YOUR LIFE! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?, and regularly shares her insights as a contributor to esteemed platforms like the Huffington Post and Thrive Global, as well as various industry events and conferences. She's a powerhouse, dynamo and truly one of the free spirits in marketing who is also equally grounded in who she is and knows the importance of bringing your authentic self to each and every client engagement.

Xandra's journey from the tech world in Silicon Valley to establishing herself as the founder and CEO of OSEA Angel Investors has been nothing short of meteoric. Beyond making early-stage investments spanning fintech, healthtech, and AI, she actively advises entrepreneurs across all phases of development. Additionally, she collaborates with fellow female investors, empowering them to effectively allocate funding to nascent startups.

Carine is a rockstar investor and a luminary in the private market and global compensation sector. Not to mention, she's earned her stripes as one of Silicon Valley's top 100 influential women, graced the list of 70 women to watch in women and wealth, and been hailed as one of the 20 most inspirational leaders. Since her early days at Oracle as a receptionist to steering them through their triumphant IPO, Carine has been making waves in the financial arena. With a knack for guiding companies, big and small, she's become a go-to guru not only for fine-tuning employee compensation schemes but also for navigating pivots and seizing M&A prospects with finesse. She's a true maestro of the business world and very straightforward in her approach to business and how to truly make a difference.

Ever since he could toddle, Andy's been glued to the screen, grooving to tunes, and devouring content like it's his favorite snack. His adventure kicked off at Infoseek and took him through a rollercoaster of music and entertainment startups and big-name companies. He's like a treasure hunter, always sniffing out the white space and pioneering ways to get folks excited and using big data to predict what's next. Andy's the ultimate entrepreneur extraordinaire, making waves in the music biz for a whopping three decades with hits like Tone Media and Clipmedia. Now, get ready to plunge into the world of consumer entertainment with us as we zoom ahead to Andy's newest thrill: cracking the code of the Electric Vehicle scene. Strap in tight, folks, 'cause this ride's gonna be one hell of a journey!

Conrad's journey has been anything but ordinary! From his early days in DC politics to the vibrant streets of Tokyo working with Ogilvy, he felt the entrepreneurial itch and co-founded Mash, a trailblazing strategy agency in London. Mash's rapid success led to a second studio in New York and ultimately caught the attention of WPP, who acquired it in 2018. Now, as the dynamic president of Grey London, Conrad channels his passion into driving strategy and creative innovation with both technology and imagination. What truly excites him every morning is the energy and enthusiasm of working with people eager to make their mark in advertising. Beyond his leadership at Grey London, Conrad is also a thought leader on insight, growth strategy, innovation, and creative brand transformation. We also dove into AI, openly exploring its transformative impact on creative, marketing, media, and in everyday life. As a natural extension of his ongoing mentoring, he has also founded a scholarship in the U.S. to help make education more accessible to underrepresented groups via UVA.

💄 Drawing on her profound connection to her Hispanic roots, Margarita Arriagada has carved out a remarkable career in the realms of fashion and beauty. Beginning her journey on the sales floor and ascending the ranks as a fashion buyer, Margarita gained invaluable insights into business operations and consumer experiences firsthand. When SEPHORA extended an offer, she embraced the opportunity to introduce new products, foster diversity within stores, and innovate, notably introducing the popular checkout concept where customers can browse and purchase sample products as they exit and became the first Latina Chief Merchant. Upon departing from Sephora, many anticipated Margarita's retirement. However, in her mid-60s, she emerged as an even more influential figure, championing Latinx beauty founders through her own venture, Valdé Beauty. Inspired by her mother's love for exceptional lipstick, Margarita curated a luxury line of "vessels" that symbolize the multifaceted essence of womanhood—beacons of beauty, creativity, innovation, and support. But her journey didn't end there. Margarita now extends her support to other Latinx beauty founders, providing a platform to amplify their voices, secure funding, and secure coveted shelf space at major retailers.

Nancy Duitch serves as the CEO of Avenir Wellness. With over three decades of experience in the consumer products sector, Nancy has cultivated a diverse array of businesses, guiding them from inception to the public market. Her expertise extends to orchestrating cutting-edge marketing and branding initiatives, resulting in a staggering $3 billion in revenue for esteemed brands. From her early years, Nancy exhibited a clear vision and pursued it with determination. Her knack for crafting iconic brands for infomercials and direct-to-consumer channels has solidified her position as one of the most sought-after female CEOs in the industry. Join us as we delve into Nancy's journey, experiencing her infectious energy and enthusiasm as a lifelong entrepreneur who has truly lived life to the fullest.

What can be said about someone who has led creative efforts at renowned global brands like Nike, Volkswagen, Apple, Xbox, Bacardi, and Universal Studios? Tesa Aragones has crafted a remarkable life and career fueled by curiosity and a commitment to leveraging innovation and technology to enhance consumer experiences. Notably, she holds 12 patents at Nike, has been recognized as one of Ad Age’s Top 40 Marketers Under 40, and has earned titles such as Forbes CMO, AdWeek CMO, and Business Insider CMO. As a first-generation Filipino American, Tesa experienced early on the challenges her family faced in a new environment. Witnessing the difficulties people encountered while navigating language and culture barriers during car shopping, she conceived the idea of a website to streamline information dissemination—an innovation ahead of its time, given that major automotive manufacturers lacked online platforms back then. Tesa advocates for the integration of technology, including AI, into creative endeavors, seeing it not as a threat but as a pathway to progress. Her dedication to curiosity, innovation, and consumer-centricity has propelled her to the pinnacle of her field, earning her accolades as a leading digital innovator and brand marketing executive for top consumer brands.

Lynn Greenberg is the visionary behind Pivt., a forward-thinking platform dedicated to diminishing turnover rates and enriching the social fabric of relocated, mobile, and remote employees along with their families. The inception of Pivt stems from Lynn's firsthand encounter: relocating to London shortly after college graduation and feeling adrift in the whirlwind of being a newcomer. Through her own frustrations and a journey of trial and error, she recognized the pressing need for a better solution. Shockingly, statistics reveal that 30% of relocated employees leave their jobs, with the average cost of relocating a U.S. employee amounting to $90k and surpassing $300k for international relocation. Discover Lynn's journey in crafting Pivt and how she navigated the landscape, "pivoting" along the way with the B2B2C app and platform. Her story underscores the importance of anchoring oneself to a clear vision, serving as the guiding light through the unpredictable terrain of entrepreneurship.