Shows
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersFrom Teen Startup to $500 Million Exit: Catherine Connolly's JourneyCatherine Connelly's remarkable journey began at age 15 when she and her siblings created a digital yearbook website to make friends at their new high school. What started as a simple solution to a teenage problem evolved into a social platform that would eventually sell for $500 million.During our conversation, Catherine shares how despite having no coding background, she and her siblings built their platform by using Google to answer every question they had about website development—from "how to buy a domain name" to creating specification sheets for developers. This resourcefulness, combined with early exposure to entrepreneurship th...2025-07-3035 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersTruth is Your North Star: Navigating Ethical Marketing in the Digital Age with Eric LaylandFrom text-based browsers to generative AI, the digital marketing landscape has transformed dramatically since the 1990s. Eric Layland, Chief Executive of the Matters Group, takes us on a journey through this evolution while revealing timeless principles that still guide effective marketing today.Leyland's career began in 1996 when he purchased "Internet in a Box" from CompUSA and discovered the power of electronic communication across vast distances. His fascination with data began even earlier—collecting baseball cards and analyzing stats rather than partying on Friday nights. This foundation prepared him for a career where he would witness the full ar...2025-07-1639 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersThe Digital Exhaust: Why Your AI Data Matters More Than the Tools with Dan BairdThe technological landscape is shifting beneath our feet, and Dan Baird stands confidently at the intersection of entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence. In this riveting conversation, the co-founder and product lead at Wrench.ai delivers both a wake-up call and an invitation to the AI revolution that's already transforming business.Baird's journey from selling beanbag chairs at Lovesac (which began as a joke and later went public) to developing patented AI-driven segmentation processes reveals the mind of a true builder and innovator. His candid insights cut through the hype surrounding artificial intelligence, distinguishing between different modalities like machine...2025-07-0248 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersBeyond CPM: Rethinking Influence in the Podcast EconomyMonetization remains the great unsolved puzzle for most podcasters, with traditional advertising models serving only the top 5% of shows. But what if the problem isn't your audience size, but rather the broken business model itself?Jeffrey Specter, founder of CodeADX and former radio executive, pulls back the curtain on why the podcast industry's CPM (cost per thousand) approach fundamentally fails smaller creators. "The overwhelming majority of shows really can't make money because the business model is broken unless you're a very big show," Spector explains. With recent reports showing that the top 500 podcasts represent over 80% of all...2025-06-1836 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersFrom Programmer to Revenue Whisperer: Turning Digital Data into DollarsWhat if the secret to massive e-commerce growth wasn't a marketing gimmick, but something as simple as improving by just 1% every day? Meet Sabir Semerkant, the accidental marketing genius whose systematic approach has generated over $1 billion in incremental revenue for more than 200 brands worldwide.Sabir's journey began as a programming prodigy at age six, eventually leading to a pivotal moment when he was tasked with rebuilding VitaminShop.com after bankruptcy. What started as an engineering project transformed into a business revolution when he replaced a million-dollar search engine with his own creation (humorously named "MOSES" - My...2025-06-1153 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersStop Chasing Leads, Start Building RelationshipsEvery business owner dreams of growth systems that work automatically while they focus on what they love. Reed Hansen, founder of Market Surge, has turned this dream into reality for service-based businesses across multiple industries by combining powerful CRM systems with cutting-edge AI.The journey began with his wife's photography business. Unlike most creatives, she was incredibly process-oriented, allowing her to maintain a full calendar while other photographers experienced feast-or-famine cycles. Reed recognized this as a formula that could transform similar businesses. "We took her processes and replicated them for photography studios across the country, and they...2025-06-0439 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersMarketing Without Burnout: A New Agency ModelKatie Gray's journey from traditional agency work to founding her own marketing collective reveals a refreshing new model for the industry. After experiencing the limitations of conventional agency structures—where junior marketers get thrust into high-stakes roles prematurely and burnout leads to high turnover—she built Kinetic Marketing Communications as a solution.The secret? A nationwide network of senior-level specialists who collaborate as independent contractors. This approach eliminates geographical constraints while ensuring clients work with true experts in each marketing discipline. Unlike traditional agencies that often switch account teams mid-project, Kinetic provides continuity with proven professionals who deli...2025-05-2832 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersKnown Better, Done Well: David DeWolf on Transforming Business RelationshipsWhat does it truly mean to be human in an age of artificial intelligence? David DeWolf, founder of KnownWell, offers a refreshingly nuanced perspective on how AI should enhance our humanity rather than diminish it.Having built and sold a 2,500-person digital products company before founding KnownWell in 2023, DeWolf observed a critical gap in how businesses were approaching AI. While many focused solely on advancing the technology or boosting personal productivity, few were addressing how AI would transform business leadership, organizational structure, and human relationships.DeWolf's solution tackles what he calls the "professional services paradox" – th...2025-05-2134 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersBeyond the Binary: Why Your Survey Results Are Probably WrongWhen you ask "Mexican food for dinner?" you're engaging in the most basic form of survey methodology—but as Dr. Philip Garland reveals, there's a profound science to questioning that shapes everything from presidential elections to product development.Dr. Garland's remarkable journey began with a personal mission. As a freshman experiencing racism at University of Washington, he abandoned engineering aspirations to study political science and communications, determined to understand how media shapes perceptions. This path led through Stanford, groundbreaking dissertation research on racial attitudes, and ultimately to transforming SurveyMonkey from a basic tool into a sophisticated research pl...2025-05-1445 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersTech Pioneer Elizabeth Bieniek on Why Joy Matters in BusinessElizabeth Bieniek takes us on a fascinating journey from aspiring creative writer to tech innovator, challenging our assumptions about career paths and technology's purpose along the way. With refreshing candor and New York-style directness, she reveals how her English degree and outsider perspective became unexpected assets in the tech world.At the heart of our conversation lies a powerful message: technology should connect humans, not separate them. This principle guided Elizabeth's development of WebEx Hologram at Cisco – a groundbreaking system designed to create genuine feelings of co-presence across geographic distances. Rather than beginning with technical capabilities, she st...2025-05-0738 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersThe AI CMO: Humanizing Technology Through Empathetic MarketingWhen Stephen Sakash began his journey from journalism school to digital marketing, he never imagined he'd be at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to make marketing more human. Yet that's exactly where his path has led him – developing an AI Chief Marketing Officer tool that helps businesses uncover their higher purpose and translate it into emotionally resonant campaigns.At the heart of Sakash's approach is a concept he calls BLISS: Building Love Into Scalable Systems. This framework addresses a critical challenge many growing companies face – maintaining authenticity and emotional connection while scaling operations. Without deliberate attention to t...2025-04-3039 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersStop Selling Yourself, Start Solving Their ProblemsWhat if everything you thought you knew about sales and personal branding was backward? Rob Durant, CEO, US Operations of The Institute for Sales Professionals, challenges conventional wisdom by revealing that successful sales and compelling personal brands aren't actually about you—they're about solving problems for others.Durant's mission to transform the sales profession began with his own experience as a 14-year-old cold caller with no training. Today, his organization provides rigorous, globally-recognized certification that ensures sales professionals deliver value rather than simply pursuing transactions. By partnering with universities worldwide, Durant is reshaping the profession at its ro...2025-04-2336 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersBeyond Google: Rethinking Growth in the Digital EconomyMarc Viale takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolution of digital marketing, from the early dot-com days to today's AI revolution, revealing profound insights about growth strategy that challenge conventional wisdom.Starting in Philadelphia before moving to San Francisco in 1991, Viale's path from direct mail shops to founding Lab415 wasn't straightforward. His breakthrough came when he taught himself SQL database marketing in the late 90s—a skill most marketers avoided. This technical foundation allowed him to access customer insights directly without waiting for engineers, giving him a significant competitive advantage throughout his career.At...2025-04-1641 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersFrom Disney to Oracle: One Executive's Wild Ride Through Media DisruptionJeffrey Thompson embodies what it means to be a transformational leader in today's rapidly evolving media landscape. With remarkable clarity, he walks us through his journey from being the first Chief Diversity Officer at Disney to spearheading digital strategy at Condé Nast, bringing a unique perspective on navigating massive organizational change amid technological disruption.Thompson's approach to diversity at Disney wasn't simply about representation but about authentic storytelling that resonated globally. "Media companies are creating culture," he explains, highlighting the special responsibility entertainment companies bear in showcasing the world's richness. This philosophy guided Disney's evolution from characters l...2025-04-0952 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersGlobal Tech Leadership: Insights from Armenia's Digital TrailblazerMariam Chtchyan never planned to enter the tech world. With a linguistics degree and plans to become a teacher, she accidentally found herself in an interview for a tech company when she thought she was applying for a translator position. Today, she's the COO of HackTech, an Armenian software development company that partners with clients across the United States and Europe.This unexpected journey forms the backdrop of our fascinating conversation about navigating career transitions, building confidence, and the changing landscape of global tech development. Mariam shares her early struggles of learning technical terminology – keeping a notebook du...2025-04-0229 minMEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersBehind the Curtain: How Advanced AI Agents Transform Modern AdvertisingWhat happens when a seasoned digital marketer embraces AI not just as a tool, but as a foundational part of their entire business operation? Justin Lane of Adalane Media Group pulls back the curtain on his agency's remarkable AI transformation in this eye-opening conversation.Justin reveals how he's built a sophisticated system of custom AI agents that have fundamentally changed his marketing approach. "I fire up a new agent for everything I do," he explains, detailing how he trains specialized models for different marketing tasks—from analyzing Google Ads performance to generating platform-specific content that doesn't sound AI...2025-03-2637 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersVulnerability Is Your Superpower: Authentic Connections in the Digital AgeWhat if the secret to digital success isn't just about who you know, but how authentically you connect with them? Greg Wasserman reveals his powerful philosophy—"Life is about time and relationships. You have no clue where one conversation is going to lead"—that has guided his journey from traditional media sales through Yahoo and CBS to becoming a respected voice in the podcasting industry.This conversation delves deep into the often-misunderstood world of podcast monetization, challenging the notion that sponsorships are the only viable revenue path. Greg shares how treating your podcast as part of your busi...2025-03-1936 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersQuestion Everything: How Anatoly Kvitnitsky's "AI or Not" Is Fighting Digital DeceptionThe battle between beneficial AI innovation and malicious exploitation is intensifying daily. Anatoly Kvitnitsky, USC Marshall alum and founder of AI or Not, takes us deep into this crucial conflict where digital trust hangs in the balance.Drawing from his extensive background in fintech, venture capital, and fraud prevention, Kvitnitsky created a company with a deceptively simple name but profoundly important mission: distinguishing between human-created and AI-generated content. What began as a tool for businesses has evolved into a shield protecting everyone from increasingly sophisticated digital deception.The stories Kvitnitsky shares are both fascinating and...2025-03-1239 minMEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersNavigating Neurodiversity in the Digital Age with Jimmy ClareJimmy Clare, the digital changemaker behind Crazy Fitness Guy, shares his inspiring journey from overcoming early challenges with autism and a nonverbal learning disorder to becoming a prominent advocate and influencer. We dive into Jimmy's unique perspective on the intersection of autism and fitness, and how his personal experiences shape his advocacy. His passion for technology and media, nurtured by his family, has led him to create a platform that champions health and wellness without judgment. Through his story, we explore the potential of technology to empower individuals with autism and the importance of designing accessible user experiences.2025-03-0538 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersUnlocking Digital Accessibility and Public Speaking Mastery with Cam BeaudoinCurious about the key to unlocking the potential of digital accessibility and effective public speaking? Join us as we sit down with Cam Beaudoin, a digital accessibility guru who has transformed his career from a web developer to an influential thought leader. Cam shares his intriguing journey from IT to becoming a "Rainmaker," someone who naturally attracts attention and business by showcasing company strengths. Listen in to learn about Cam's experiences at IBM, where he discovered his passion for engaging audiences and the art of public speaking.Dive into the lessons Cam learned on his entrepreneurial path...2025-02-2638 minMEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersFrom Atari to AI: Jonmar's Vision for the FutureWhat if early coding challenges in the '80s could illuminate today's AI complexities? Join us for a fascinating conversation with digital innovator Jonmar, a pioneer who has crafted over 100 apps, including five global chart-toppers. From tapping out code on an Atari to leading digital breakthroughs at Nike and Savage Apps, Jonmar shares his journey with us, reflecting on the universal appeal of creating digital experiences that captivate audiences worldwide. Discover how his unique blend of design and engineering skills has fueled a career that bridges the nostalgic past with the cutting-edge present.Jonmar is a visionary...2025-02-1937 minMEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersAI-Driven Strategies in Modern Marketing: Insights from Guillaume DumortierJoin us for an enlightening conversation with Guillaume Dumortier of Maestrix.AI as he unveils his journey from traditional marketing to the forefront of AI-driven strategies. Guillaume shares how he transformed his marketing approach from the early days of Google AdWords to today's sophisticated, data-driven methodologies. Discover the growth marketing fit framework, which emphasizes the seamless integration of marketing with product development, audience engagement, positioning, and conversion channels. Learn how creativity, data analytics, and behavioral psychology are essential in navigating the modern marketing landscape.Listen to Guillaume's fascinating story behind the creation of Matrix, an AI tool...2025-02-1336 minMEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersDigital Twins and the Next Frontier in Health Management with Jim St. ClairWhat if you could take control of your healthcare future and navigate the complexities of AI and digital breakthroughs with confidence? Join us as we sit down with Jim St Clair, a leading figure in AI and health technology, to unravel his remarkable journey from the military to the cutting-edge world of AI in healthcare. Jim shares how his experiences during the Clinton administration and his work with health tech startups have shaped his approach to integrating AI in healthcare, emphasizing the significance of business process improvement and thoughtful implementation of new technologies.We dive into the...2025-02-0534 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersAI Evolution and Business Transformation with Industry Expert Scott HebnerGet ready to explore the groundbreaking evolution of artificial intelligence with our special guest, Scott Hebner, a principal analyst at SiliconANGLE and theCUBE. Scott's journey from IBM engineering to becoming a pivotal voice in AI analysis provides a fascinating backdrop to our conversation. We navigate through the transformative tech cycles he's witnessed, from the internet and cloud computing to the rapid advancements of AI today. Scott shares his insights on how AI is reshaping industries by optimizing content and simplifying complex tasks, significantly impacting both everyday life and business operations.Discover the revolution of generative AI and...2025-01-2942 min
MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital ChangemakersShyam Balsé's Vision for TV's Future: Navigating Digital Disruption and InnovationWhat if the TV industry as we know it is on the verge of a revolutionary shift? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Shyam Balsé, the acclaimed producer behind ABC's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." With his rich background, from an internship at National Geographic to honing his skills at USC's graduate film program, Shyam offers a compelling narrative on adapting to the digital disruption fueled by the rise of streaming platforms like Disney Plus, Apple TV, and more. Listen in to glean insights from Shyam as he candidly discusses the uncertain future of television and the strategies he e...2025-01-2230 min