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Up Arrow Podcast

Author: William Harris

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This is Up Arrow Podcast where we feature successful people in the venture capital, B2B, and e-commerce industries as they discuss how entrepreneurs can improve their business and drive their profits to the next level.
141 Episodes
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Nick Gray is an entrepreneur, author, and the former Founder and Owner of Museum Hack, a company known for its unconventional, engaging museum tours that make art and history fun and accessible. He grew Museum Hack into a multi-city enterprise with dozens of employees before selling it to his leadership team in a seven-figure deal. Nick is the author of The 2-Hour Cocktail Party and has been featured in major media outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. In this episode… As your business grows, your calendar fills up — but your circle often shrinks. Revenue increases, responsibilities multiply, and before long, most of your conversations revolve around work. How can you intentionally design gatherings that strengthen friendships while fueling smarter business growth? Gathering expert Nick Gray says the answer is to stop leaving relationships to chance and start designing them intentionally. Most networking events fail because they're unstructured and intimidating, but a simple two-hour cocktail-style gathering with 15-22 guests creates the ideal environment for connection. Start with a small core group to guarantee attendance, use name tags and guided introductions to reduce friction, and host in your home to deepen trust. When done consistently, these gatherings strengthen weak ties, open business opportunities, and create genuine friendships. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with Nick Gray, former Founder and Owner of Museum Hack, about building meaningful relationships through intentional hosting. Nick explains his viral Tokyo stunt, the 15-22 person two-hour party formula, and his 24-hour reply-all tactic to spark post-event connections.
Patrick J. Griffin is a Partner at TableForce, a firm that provides negotiation training for B2B professionals. As a seasoned negotiation expert and strategist, he has negotiated over $1 billion in sales with global financial institutions, specializing in complex financial instruments. Outside of negotiation training, Patrick is the Founder of Morrigan Strategic Advisors, where he provides fractional CFO services and executive advisory consultancy. In this episode… Negotiations can be tricky, often creating anxiety about whether you're getting the best deal. Yet, negotiating isn't always about winning or losing; rather, it's about finding ways to collaborate and create value. How can you approach negotiations with a mindset that benefits both parties involved? High-stakes negotiation trainer Patrick J. Griffin challenges the typical adversarial view of negotiations. He regards them as collaborative problem-solving, where both sides work together to uncover new value. Patrick emphasizes the importance of preparation, understanding what both you and your counterpart value, and being clear on your priorities and boundaries. By focusing on these aspects, you increase the chances of creating long-term, mutually beneficial agreements. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris sits down with Patrick J. Griffin, a Partner at TableForce, to discuss how to approach negotiation as a collaborative process. Patrick shares insights on shifting from transactional to relational negotiations, why high expectations lead to better outcomes, and how founders often overlook value outside of price.
Cherene Aubert is the CEO of Growth Capital, a growth marketing firm that scales consumer brands. As a seasoned e-commerce and digital growth leader, she has nearly two decades of experience scaling DTC brands and managing media investments across multiple high-growth companies. Before Growth Capital, Cherene was the Fractional SVP of Digital & eCommerce at ILIA Beauty, where she drove omnichannel digital strategy for a rapidly growing clean beauty brand.  In this episode…  Marketing has become automated and identical across companies. Brands chase the same ads, channels, and short-term wins, only to discover that growth stalls and loyalty disappears. How can you build something memorable and scale without losing trust? The way forward starts with obsessing over customers, not competitors. As a growth and e-commerce leader, Cherene Aubert maintains that brands should use customer insights — from ad data to conversations — to guide creative strategy, redefine quality as value for the customer, and invest in full-funnel thinking. This requires originality, emotional resonance, and the space for creative teams to build long-term demand rather than quick conversions.  In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris sits down with Cherene Aubert, CEO of Growth Capital, to discuss how brands can escape the marketing echo chamber. Cherene explains why copying competitors backfires, how full-funnel content drives sustainable growth, and how premium and beauty brands can stay culturally relevant.
Kevin Anderson is the Founder and CEO of Kevin Anderson & Associates, a global leader in professional book-writing, editing, and publishing navigation services. A #1 New York Times best-selling editor, national best-selling author, entrepreneur, and investor, Kevin has built KAA into an industry-leading firm with a team of former Big-5 executive editors, literary agents, and best-selling writers. Since founding the company in 2007, he has helped launch thousands of authors and contributed to hundreds of national and international bestsellers. Kevin is also the Founder of Dissertation Editor and the co-author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller PhDone. In this episode… Books can elevate ideas beyond the noise of social media and fast-moving content. They don't just share information — they build credibility, trust, and lasting authority in a way few other mediums can. How can publishing a book open doors for founders? According to best-selling editor and publishing expert Kevin Anderson, books signal depth, expertise, and timeless value, making them a powerful tool for entrepreneurs who want to stand out. He notes that the ROI isn't in book sales, but in the opportunities that follow: media visibility, stronger SEO authority, and increased trust from high-level audiences. Kevin encourages founders to publish before they think they're ready, focusing on solving readers' problems rather than waiting to feel like they've accomplished enough. A well-positioned book becomes a long-term asset that compounds influence over time. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris talks with Kevin Anderson, Founder and CEO of Kevin Anderson & Associates, about how books help founders build authority and unlock new opportunities. Kevin discusses why books create lasting credibility, how they generate ROI through media and visibility, and how founders can maximize impact after publication.
Ross Correia is the Co-founder and CEO of Reactiv, an AI-powered mobile commerce platform. Under his leadership, Reactiv has raised significant seed funding and forged partnerships with major retail brands. Before Reactiv, Ross held sales and leadership roles at companies, including Shopify. He has also been named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list for retail and e-commerce.  In this episode… Most e-commerce brands believe they own their customers — until ad costs spike, algorithms shift, or attribution breaks overnight. When growth depends on rented attention, even healthy revenue can hide fragile foundations. What allows brands to build durable growth and real customer relationships in an increasingly noisy digital world? Mobile app builder Ross Correia maintains that the strongest brands focus on ownership over optimization — prioritizing direct relationships, reducing friction at every touchpoint, and meeting customers where and when they're most receptive. Brands should stop over-optimizing short-term metrics, design experiences that feel native to how people use their phones, personalize outreach thoughtfully, and choose long-term trust over quick wins. The result is sustainable growth rooted in loyalty, not volatility. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris talks with Ross Correia, Co-founder and CEO of Reactiv, about building owned customer channels in e-commerce. Ross explains why paid ads create hidden risk, how mobile-first experiences increase retention, and what it takes to build a company — and culture — by choosing the difficult but durable path.
Mikel Lindsaar is the Founder and CEO of StoreConnect, a customer commerce platform that helps businesses unify e-commerce sales, services, and systems. As a seasoned technology entrepreneur, he founded multiple software companies, including Exec IO and reinteractive, and exited several SaaS ventures.  In this episode… Growth doesn't just stall when the business is underwater; it stalls when everything appears to be working, yet decisions slow, complexity piles up, and momentum fades. Leaders often feel the weight before they can recognize the cause, sensing friction in meetings, handoffs, and execution. What causes companies to break, and how can founders remove barriers before they compound? According to seasoned technology entrepreneur Mikel Lindsaar, the root issue is decision-friction, and he argues that leaders must design organizations to move decisions faster, not upward. He emphasizes replacing "maybe" with clear yes-or-no frameworks, pushing ownership closer to the work, and using simple metrics to reveal problems early. Leaders can also turn repeated questions into written guidance and coach teams to present solutions rather than just problems. These practices create speed, trust, and resilience at scale. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with Mikel Lindsaar, Founder and CEO of StoreConnect, about designing organizations that scale through clarity and speed. Mikel explains why indecision kills momentum, how policies and metrics empower teams, and what founders must do personally to sustain long-term leadership effectiveness.
Jason Anderson is the COO of Andzen, a global customer journey and AI-powered CRM agency. In his role, he oversees operational execution and helps drive the agency's growth and client success across email, SMS, and loyalty programs. Jason has over a decade of experience in the e-commerce lifecycle and CRM marketing. In this episode… Scaling an e-commerce business can feel like combining tactics without experiencing momentum. Brands add more channels, push more messages, and chase efficiency metrics, yet retention stalls and growth plateaus. What separates brands that break through from those that remain stuck? According to e-commerce retention expert and CRM strategist Jason Anderson, the difference lies in designing intentional customer journeys. He emphasizes valuing your work, attracting ideal customers — not just the least expensive ones — and building systems that drive repeat purchases. Additionally, brands should segment customers by intent and engagement, integrate their tech stacks to uncover meaningful data, and use loyalty programs to reward behavior. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris sits down with Jason Anderson, COO of Andzen, to discuss how intentional customer journeys fuel e-commerce growth. Jason shares lessons from Andzen's near-failure, smarter segmentation and reengagement strategies, and how loyalty programs can increase lifetime value without eroding margins.
Felicia Shakiba is the Founder and CEO of CPO Playbook, a leadership and human capital advisory firm serving private equity and venture-backed companies. As an industrial-organizational psychologist and certified Korn Ferry coach, she has over two decades of experience driving people strategy across Fortune 500 and high-growth companies. Felicia is also an Advisory Council Member for Harvard Business Review, hosts the CPO PLAYBOOK podcast, and developed PIA360™, the first tool that quantifies leadership and culture across a portfolio.  In this episode…  Many founders assume that strong financial performance is enough to ensure long-term success. Yet after an acquisition, organizations often encounter misalignment, slowed decision-making, and cultural friction that undermine results. Why do businesses with solid strategies struggle when leadership dynamics are tested? Leadership and organizational effectiveness expert Felicia Shakiba argues that these challenges stem from leadership behaviors rather than flawed economics. She advises aligning mission and vision across the company, building trust-based communication, and replacing intuition with data-driven insights. Leaders should surface issues early, reinforce accountability, and build decision agility so teams can adapt without losing focus. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris talks with Felicia Shakiba, Founder and CEO of CPO Playbook, about leadership risk and value creation in private equity-backed companies. She shares common concerns investors have after deals close, how ownership mindset and decision agility drive performance, and the key questions founders should address before entering the boardroom.
Lindsey Johnson is the Co-founder and CEO of Weezie Towels, a modern luxury bath brand. As CEO, she leads the company's product development, customer experience, and brand vision. Lindsey began her career in finance, working for firms including Morgan Stanley and BlackRock before co-founding Weezie to address a gap in the towel market.  In this episode… Building a consumer brand today takes more than a clever idea; it demands clarity, discipline, and the willingness to swim against the current. Many founders chase rapid scale, but intentional growth often wins in the long run. How can you build an enduring business while staying true to your values? According to entrepreneur Lindsey Johnson, the answer lies in obsessing over product quality and listening closely to customers. She emphasizes validating a legitimate market gap before building your business, developing deep operational expertise, and growing sustainably rather than chasing flashy milestones. Lindsey highlights practices like rigorous customer surveys, disciplined spending, and systems that keep teams aligned on vision and accountability. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with Lindsey Johnson, Co-founder and CEO of Weezie Towels, about intentional brand-building. Lindsey discusses shifting from finance to consumer goods, how she navigated early operational chaos, and tips for developing a disciplined growth philosophy.
Filip Keuppens is the CEO of The Pickle Juice Company, a functional beverage company known for its specialty sports hydration beverage, Pickle Juice®. Under his leadership, he scaled the company from $250,000 in annual revenue to over $10 million, turning it into a global, science-backed brand. Before The Pickle Juice Company, Filip held sales roles at major firms, including 20th Century Fox, Warner Home Video, and Kraft Heinz. In this episode… Building a brand that stands out in a saturated market isn't just about clever marketing or bold claims; it's about proving your worth through tangible results. How can you create something so authentic that your customers become your loudest advocates? According to consumer product growth and brand strategy veteran Filip Keuppens, building an authentic brand starts with truth, humility, and action. Instead of controlling the narrative, he advises leaders to let users experience the product and share honest feedback, even if it's negative. Additionally, showing up, listening, and leading by example is the foundation for lasting growth and team trust. Genuine credibility can't be bought; it's earned through consistency and transparency. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris welcomes Filip Keuppens, CEO of The Pickle Juice Company, to discuss building authentic brands through action and accountability. Filip shares how experiential marketing fuels sustainable growth, why staying humble helps scale culture, and what it means to lead with integrity.
Johnny Persón is the Founder of Aug11, a lifestyle and apparel brand built on a foundation of resilience. Self-taught in e-commerce, marketing, and product design, he built Aug11 from the ground up. Johnny began his career in crypto and blockchain before owning and managing multiple companies. In this episode… When creativity meets commerce, what separates a fleeting brand from one that endures? From viral moments to saturated markets, entrepreneurs must balance authenticity and attention. How can a founder cut through the noise without losing the soul of their brand? Fashion and e-commerce trailblazer Johnny Persón explains that true success comes from consistency, discipline, and taste. He emphasizes building systems that turn creativity into sustainability, like treating every design or campaign as a repeatable process and investing in platforms that deliver measurable results. Johnny advises entrepreneurs to keep showing up, stay adaptable, and let clarity come through action, not motivation. In today's episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with Johnny Persón, Founder of Aug11, about how personal growth fuels creative entrepreneurship. Johnny explains why consistency of effort beats talent, the importance of taste in brand building, and the power of authentic marketing to scale without losing meaning.
Alan (Al) Doan is the Co-founder of Missouri Star Quilt Company, which offers a selection of precut and quilt fabrics. After building and shutting down a consumer finance app, he partnered with his sister and mother to transform a small quilting operation into a thriving e-commerce and brick-and-mortar business. Al is also the Chairman of the Board at Creativity, Inc., a creative commerce holding company that includes quilt, yarn, and art companies, and is an investor and mentor in small-town revitalization and creative ventures.  In this episode… Many brands are rethinking how they grow, shifting focus from online ads to building genuine, real-world connections. As consumer behavior evolves, companies must create experiences that deepen loyalty and community rather than chasing short-term clicks. How can businesses design strategies that balance digital reach with tangible impact? Known for turning creative ideas into thriving ecosystems, town-builder Al Doan maintains that content, community, and experiences can transform a company's reach and impact. He recommends focusing on storytelling that makes customers feel seen and creating immersive environments where they connect with your brand beyond transactions. By blending emotion, authenticity, and experimentation, growth can arise from meaning rather than just metrics.  In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris sits down with Al Doan, Co-founder of Missouri Star Quilt Company, to discuss how building a brand-driven town transformed an industry. Al talks about using storytelling and community as growth engines, scaling leadership through emotional intelligence, and why hands-on experiences outperform digital noise.
Dr. Giancarlo Licata is the Founder and Director of Vital Brain Health, a Los Angeles–based center specializing in evidence-based neurofeedback and applied neuroscience. Having supported thousands of clients with chronic pain, migraines, and post‒concussion challenges, he specializes in EEG, qEEG, and functional neurology. Dr. Licata also speaks about anxiety, autism, sleep, and ADHD on national health and wellness podcasts.  In this episode… Many business leaders work hard to improve performance through enhanced tools, systems, and habits, yet still face burnout, poor focus, and mental fatigue. Despite their efforts, their ability to make clear decisions or stay consistent often declines as pressure increases. How does brain function impact decision-making and performance? According to neurofeedback and brain mapping expert Dr. Giancarlo Licata, professionals can improve mental performance by targeting brain activity. He recommends starting with a brain map to identify which regions are overworked or underperforming, then using neurofeedback to retrain those areas through short, focused sessions. Dr. Licata also emphasizes daily practices that protect and strengthen brain function — such as consistent sleep, focused breathing, limiting overstimulation from technology, and recognizing when anxiety is reducing focus. By addressing brain performance, leaders can make clearer decisions, sustain attention longer, and reduce stress without relying solely on external systems or tools. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris talks with Dr. Giancarlo Licata, Founder and Director of Vital Brain Health, about how brain mapping and neurofeedback improve performance. Dr. Licata explains how brain scans uncover hidden issues behind focus problems, how personalized training rewires neural pathways for lasting results, and how modern habits and AI tools can strengthen or weaken brain function.
Francesco Gatti is the Co-founder and CEO of Opensend, a data company for e-commerce brands that converts anonymous visitors into leads. The company works with brands, including TrueClassic, OatsOvernight, Benchmade, AlexaderWang, and Rhone. With over a decade of digital marketing experience, Francesco held roles at companies, including VOLTN, Burrata House, Herb, and Grata.  In this episode… Most brands invest heavily in driving website traffic, yet the majority of visitors stay invisible and never convert. How can companies uncover these hidden audiences and turn them into engaged customers without invading their privacy? According to identity resolution and data-driven marketing expert Francesco Gatti, brands can recognize high-intent visitors and nurture them into buyers by analyzing on-site behavior — like reading product details or checking contact pages — to gauge purchase readiness. He recommends filling ad platforms with rich, accurate data to improve look-alike audiences and cut acquisition costs. By combining quality data with careful personalization, companies can elevate ROI while respecting consumer trust. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with Opensend Co-founder and CEO Francesco Gatti about turning anonymous traffic into known, marketable relationships. Francesco explains how high-intent signals reveal purchase readiness, why rich data strengthens Meta ad performance, and how AI-driven cohort analysis powers personalized ad creative.
Akash Nigam is the Founder and CEO of Genies, Inc., an avatar-technology company building personalized 3D avatars and digital identities for consumers, creators, and brands. Under his leadership, Genies has established partnerships with celebrities and major brands, including Unity, Warner Music Group, Justin Bieber, Cardi B., and Shawn Mendes. Akash is also the Founder of Humans, an AI-native venture studio.  In this episode… As online interactions evolve, brands must build connections with their customers. Traditional tools like email campaigns or social media posts fall short in creating meaningful relationships. How can companies create a more personal, two-way experience that feels less like marketing and more like a genuine conversation? According to interactive digital experience designer Akash Nigam, AI avatars can become the next user interface of the internet. Brands can create emotionally intelligent AI companions that gather user insights and build authentic relationships through natural conversations, games, and shared experiences. By leveraging AI to capture personality traits for personalized experiences and designing guardrails that prevent emotional dependency on chatbots, companies can turn followers into engaged users. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris speaks with Akash Nigam, Founder and CEO of Genies, Inc., about how AI avatars are reshaping brand relationships. Akash explains why avatars will replace mobile apps as the primary interface, how Unity's integration with Genies brings these companions into games, and the ethical concerns of emotional dependence on AI.
Jim Moorhead is the Founder and CEO of STAND BRAVE, a consulting and coaching firm that helps organizations build empowering cultures. As a former assistant US attorney, investment banker, and law firm partner, he has advised Fortune 500 companies in crises and high-stakes settings. Jim is also the author of The Instant Survivor: Right Ways to Respond When Things Go Wrong. His STAND BRAVE™ framework guides leaders and teams to take calculated risks and respond boldly when faced with adversity. In this episode… Bravery is often celebrated in hindsight, yet in the moment, it can feel anything but heroic. With organizations facing rapid change and constant pressure, how can leaders and teams act boldly during uncertainty and high stakes? What does it take to build a culture that consistently chooses courage over comfort? Crisis management and brave leadership authority, Jim Moorhead argues that bravery is not a rare trait but a muscle to be trained. He advises making bravery a shared team value and starting small by openly identifying problems or asking for help before scaling to bigger risks. Leaders can create structures that reward innovation and use clear company values to decide when to walk away from revenue drivers that aren't the right fit. These habits enable agility and resilience during chaotic times.  In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris sits down with Jim Moorhead, Founder and CEO of STAND BRAVE, to talk about building a culture of courageous leadership. Jim explains why innovation slowdowns are often bravery problems, how his STAND BRAVE™ framework turns single acts of courage into sustained brave leadership, and why taking even one small step can spark a cycle of bold action.
Alan Gregerman is the President and Chief Innovation Officer at VENTURE WORKS Inc, a consulting firm that helps organizations create innovative strategies, products, and services. He is a keynote speaker, award-winning author, and business consultant who helps companies and organizations unlock their teams' genius zones. For over 25 years, Alan has designed and delivered high-impact keynotes for organizations, including Google, Marriott, Verizon, Mercedes-Benz, Kaiser-Permanente, Citibank, and Lockheed Martin. In this episode… With the speed of innovation, businesses often fall into the trap of relying on what they already know. While past expertise can bring incremental improvements, it rarely sparks the kind of breakthroughs that transform industries. How can companies avoid getting stuck in the comfort of their knowledge and uncover fresh ideas to stay relevant? Innovation expert Alan Gregerman encourages brands to embrace enlightened ignorance, a mindset that values curiosity, humility, and openness to the unknown. Outsiders often disrupt industries because they see problems without being blinded by past experiences. Alan also emphasizes the importance of balancing iteration with innovation, continually raising the bar for customer expectations, and finding creative ways to differentiate in increasingly competitive markets. He pushes leaders to reevaluate their expertise and adopt a mindset of constant learning. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with Alan Gregerman, President and Chief Innovation Officer at VENTURE WORKS Inc, about how enlightened ignorance can catalyze innovation. Alan discusses why outsiders often spark breakthroughs, how businesses can balance iteration with bold innovation, and why raising customer expectations is crucial to long-term growth.
DeDe Halfhill is the Founder and Principal Consultant at TAIOH Partners, a leadership consulting firm. As a retired US Air Force Colonel, keynote speaker, and advisor, she has over 25 years of leadership experience, including advising the Commander General in Iraq and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. DeDe has developed the Master the Unseen™ framework — the hidden and emotional dynamics shaping alignment, trust, and momentum in teams.  In this episode…  Leaders often believe that data, KPIs, and dashboards tell the whole story of their organization. Yet, beneath the numbers are unspoken emotions and hidden dynamics that drive or derail performance. When leaders avoid difficult conversations or overlook the emotional undercurrents within their teams, they risk making costly mistakes and missing opportunities. How can leaders confront these invisible forces and lead more effectively? Retired Air Force Colonel and leadership advisor DeDe Halfhill emphasizes the importance of curiosity, reframing negativity, and making team members feel seen and heard. Leaders can engage in coaching techniques to uncover the fear behind resistance, promote accountability, and recognize when their strengths and ideas can become liabilities. By addressing emotions directly and building trust outside of crisis moments, leaders can foster resilience and connection and boost performance. In today's episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, DeDe Halfhill, Founder and Principal Consultant at TAIOH Partners, joins William Harris to discuss uncovering the leadership blind spots that can derail performance. DeDe talks about reframing dissent as care, the identity crisis leaders often face after major transitions, and the importance of acknowledging humanity in the workplace.
Jon Sneider is the Founder, President, and Executive Producer of Wild Gravity, an award-winning creative production company. With more than 25 years of experience in marketing and advertising on the agency and client sides, he's held senior roles at L.L.Bean, Microsoft, and Redfin. Jon is also the author of Hacking Advertising, which talks about building effective advertising campaigns.  In this episode… Many businesses still rely on large agencies to produce their advertising, only to face bloated costs, long timelines, and diluted creative. The traditional agency model often creates inefficiencies, with multiple vendors and layers of approval that hinder the process. How can companies deliver world-class ads without sacrificing quality? Advertising veteran Jon Sneider has created an approach to challenge traditional advertising inefficiencies. He maintains that small, expert teams eliminate unnecessary hierarchies and deliver stronger results with less overhead. By focusing on breakthrough, brand and message recall, likability, and purchase intent, companies can create effective ads that scale industries. Additionally, combining AI with human expertise accelerates production while retaining high-performing creative.  In this week's episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris hosts Jon Sneider, Founder, President, and Executive Producer of Wild Gravity, to talk about reinventing advertising for efficiency and impact. Jon shares examples from high-performing insurance campaigns, his experience managing sales teams and advertising budgets at large corporations, and how growing up before the internet fueled his creativity.
Jeff Webb is the Founder and President of the International Cheer Union (ICU), the world governing body for cheerleading. Under his leadership, the ICU has grown to represent over 116 national federations and achieved recognition by the International Olympic Committee. Jeff also founded the Universal Cheerleading Association and Varsity Brands (formerly Varsity Spirit), where he elevated cheerleading into a global sport before selling the company for $2.5 billion. In this episode… Cheerleading has become a widely recognized global sport, but scaling it into a multibillion-dollar category was no easy feat. From undercapitalization to supplier failures and resistance from industry leaders, it required resilience, creativity, and bold leadership. How did the king of cheerleading transform his niche passion into a worldwide movement recognized by the Olympic Committee?   Modern cheerleading pioneer Jeff Webb reinvented team uniforms to match athletic performance and created competitions that captured TV audiences. He emphasizes the importance of staying close to the field, practicing continuous improvement, and cultivating a strong culture through rigorous hiring and leadership standards. By treating cheerleading like other popular global sports, Jeff scaled it into a distinct category. Join William Harris in today's episode of the Up Arrow Podcast as he chats with Jeff Webb, Founder and President of the International Cheer Union (ICU), about how he built cheerleading into a global sport. Jeff discusses how he created a new market through innovation and shares leadership philosophies and hiring practices.
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