Michael Diego, co-founder and CEO of Wise Assistant, is revolutionizing restaurant marketing by connecting businesses with local influencers. With a background in journalism, global travel, and tech, Michael combines storytelling and technology to help restaurants thrive in today’s competitive market. Wise Assistant streamlines influencer marketing, matching restaurants with creators who resonate with their brand and community. Through campaigns like Cali BBQ’s influencer event, which garnered 20,000+ views in days, the platform proves its ability to drive engagement and boost visibility. Focused on affordability and community impact, Wise Assistant helps restaurateurs build trust and attract customers in a cost-effective, meaningful way.

Interview Takeaways:

• Difference Between A Creator And An Influencer –  As social media continues to evolve, so do the terms we use to describe its landscape. Every day, countless pieces of incredible content are published by individuals from diverse backgrounds. But what exactly does it mean when this content comes from a “creator” versus an “influencer”? And in today’s social media-driven society, what sets these roles apart?


• Reigniting A Passion – Michael Diego has traveled to over 16 countries in a single year reignited his passion for hospitality. Experiencing diverse cultures and countries inspired him to leave his corporate job and fully pursue this passion, ultimately leading to the creation of Wise Assistants.


• Traditional Advertising Is Dead – The way consumers interact with advertising has changed in the digital age. To connect with customers effectively, brands must meet them where they are. People now seek to engage with the brands they love through storytelling. The days of simply delivering information through traditional ads are over—today, it’s about building connections with audiences through broader, more engaging channels.

Episode Links:

• Michael Diego On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeladiego/


• Wise Assistant Online: https://wiseassistant.com/


• Wise Assistant On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wiseassistant/


• Cali BBQ & Wise Assistant Restaurant Event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVQ8MZ9CNT4


• Cali BBQ & Wise Assistant at the Restaurant BTS on IG:


• https://www.instagram.com/calibbq/reel/DB4BKAAvSVs/


• Michael Diego On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/go_diego_show/


• University Of Georgia: https://www.uga.edu/


• Hewlett Packard Enterprise: https://www.hpe.com/us/en/home.html

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