Shows
JUST BrandingS07.EP03 - B2B Branding: The Unsexy Truth with Martin ZarianB2B rebrands do not fail because of the logo.
They fail because the organisation was never aligned, the board never believed in it, and the rollout was treated like a campaign instead of infrastructure.
In this episode with Martin Zarian of Factory39, we unpack the uncomfortable realities of branding inside complex organisations.
If you work with complex B2B organisations or aspire to operate at board level, this conversation will sharpen how you think about brand as a financial asset, not a marketing layer.
No fluff. No shiny case studies...
2026-02-2556 min
iGaming Real TalkHow To Build A Brand That Dominates In iGaming | Martin Zarian - Factory 39 | The Manesh Palli ShowMartin Zarian, co-founder of Factory 39 and full-stack brand builder, joins me on this episode of The Manesh Palli Show for a deep conversation on why brand strategy beats product-led growth in today’s saturated markets—especially iGaming.We unpack why “build it and they will come” is a dangerous myth, how only a small percentage of customers are ever ready to buy at any given moment, and why the strongest brands win by owning mental real estate long before conversion happens. Martin shares why most iGaming companies look the same, how brand foundation should come before p...
2025-07-2155 min
Made In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandThe Cyprus Diaspora Forum: Paul Lambis on Uniting Cypriots WorldwideCypriots around the world are making waves in business, culture, and innovation, but how connected are they to their roots?In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we dive into the inspiring story of Paul Lambis — founder of the Cyprus Diaspora Forum as well as award-winning screenwriter, playwright, author, filmmaker, and creator of Culturescope. From the challenges of cultural preservation abroad to building meaningful connections between the diaspora and the island, Paul shares his personal journey from Johannesburg to Cyprus and the mission behind the Forum.We also explore the importance of maintaining cultural roots, th...
2025-03-2858 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandChanging the Narrative on Menopause with Kathy KattashisMenopause is a reality for half the population, yet it's a topic that remains largely misunderstood and under-discussed, especially in Cyprus. In this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Kathy Kattashis, menopause coach and founder of MITRA, to explore the reality of menopause, the stigma surrounding it, and why it’s time to bring this conversation into the mainstream.From the lack of medical research to the impact on careers and relationships, Kathy shares her personal journey, the work she’s doing to push for awareness and policy change, and how busi...
2025-03-1438 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandAuthentic Voices: Gala Grigoreva on Branding & Empowering Women in TechIn this episode of Made in Cyprus – Big Business Stories from a Tiny Island, host Martin sits down with Gala Grigoreva, the CMO at Adsterra, marketeer, mentor, and advocate for women in tech. Gala shares her journey from her early days in PR to becoming a leader in branding and marketing, revealing how she masterfully blends creativity, data, and authentic storytelling to build powerful brands.Gala explains that while brand represents the personality of a business, marketing is its voice - a synergy that is essential for standing out in today’s crowded digital landscape. She also dive...
2025-02-2845 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandBuilding a Better Future: Exploring Real Estate Branding with Artem BurtsevIn this episode of Made in Cyprus – Big Business Stories from a Tiny Island, our host sits down with Artem Burtsev, CMO of bb:, to explore the evolving world of real estate branding in Cyprus. Artem shares his journey through rebranding challenges—from separating development from traditional agency models to launching creative tenders that reshaped market perceptions.Discover how emotional storytelling, strategic pricing, and a focus on customer experience can transform a commodity into an aspirational brand. With insights drawn from both local and international markets, Artem explains why differentiating through authentic, human-centric branding is key to buil...
2025-02-1450 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandFrom Code to Couture: Inside Evangelina Fysa’s Bungalow 28How does a love for art and engineering shape the future of fashion? In this episode, Made in Cyprus host Martin Zarian chats with creative entrepreneur Evangelina Fysa, founder of Bungalow 28 - a boutique agency at the intersection of style, branding, and tech.
Evangelina reveals her unconventional path from coding websites as a teenager to attending exclusive runway shows, and finally launching her own brand and consultancy. Discover why heritage fashion houses still thrive without heavy marketing, how Web3 principles like transparency and community can revolutionise brand-consumer relationships, and why technology should serve humanity - not the...
2025-01-3145 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandCarving Your Calling: Michael Virardi's Journey to the Global StageIn this episode of Made in Cyprus, we chat with keynote speaker and leadership coach Michael Virardi. Michael recounts how a chance conference trip to North Carolina sparked his passion for public speaking, ultimately leading him away from a thriving family business.
We explore the power of authenticity in personal branding, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and why staying true to your values is the ultimate competitive advantage. Michael also shares insights on harnessing AI as a personal assistant, embracing empathy as a game-changer in business, and remembering the human connection in an increasingly digital world.
2025-01-1745 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandUnlimit Your Brand: Nadia Ivanova on Fintech CreativityIn this episode of Made in Cyprus, we dive into the fast-evolving world of branding and marketing with Nadezhda Ivanova, Chief Communication Officer at Unlimit and co-leader of Tech Island. Nadia shares the story behind Unlimit’s bold rebranding journey, transitioning from CardPay to a global fintech powerhouse with a neon green identity and a mission to stay "ready for tomorrow."
We explore the critical role of creativity and differentiation in today’s saturated markets, the challenges of scaling a global brand across diverse regions, and how to balance constant evolution with a core bran...
2025-01-0348 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandFamily Business, Innovation, and Cyprus' Future with Andreas SpyrouIn this episode of Made in Cyprus, Andreas Spyrou, a third-generation leader at ASG Group and a key figure behind the Limassol and Larnaca Marathons, shares his journey navigating the complexities of a family business while driving innovation in Cyprus' evolving landscape.
We explore how Andreas and his team transformed challenges into opportunities during the pandemic, diversifying their business into new ventures, while continuing to grow Cyprus’ largest sporting event. Andreas also opens up about balancing tradition with modernisation, the dynamics of family business, and the opportunities and challenges posed by Cyprus’ rapid development.
Tune in t...
2024-12-2041 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandEmbracing Failure: F*ckup Nights in Cyprus with Maria & AllaIn this episode of Made in Cyprus, we explore the powerful concept behind Fckup Nights Limassol with Maria and Alla, the dynamic duo bringing this global movement to Cyprus. Fckup Nights offers a safe space for business leaders to openly share their failures, creating an environment that encourages vulnerability, trust, and growth.
Maria and Alla share their personal journeys with failure and why embracing imperfections is essential in both personal and professional life. We discuss how early expectations and cultural backgrounds shape our perception of success—and the relief in breaking free from perfectionism. Tu...
2024-12-0641 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandThe Fractional CFO’s Role: Efi Philippou on Purpose-Driven GrowthIn this episode of Made in Cyprus, we sit down with Efi Philippou, a fractional CFO and financial strategist, to uncover the power of aligning purpose with financial strategy. Efi shares her journey from auditing, to helping businesses avoid financial pitfalls, emphasising the importance of sustainable growth and operational alignment. Learn how fractional CFOs can help businesses navigate challenges, optimise cash flow, and translate numbers into impactful stories. Whether you’re a startup founder, a hospitality leader, or simply curious about purpose-driven financial leadership, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for building resilient businesses.
Brought to you by Fa...
2024-11-2242 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandBreaking Legal Barriers: Using Formulaw’s AI-Powered ContractsIn this episode of Made in Cyprus, we’re joined by Violeta Skittidi, co-founder of Formulaw, a pioneering startup that’s streamlining legal processes for SMEs through innovative AI-powered contract management. Violeta shares how Formulaw evolved from a university project in London into a full-fledged legal tech startup with a mission to make legal services more accessible and affordable for small businesses.
We dive into the current challenges facing Cyprus' legal system, such as the slow court processes and limited digital innovation. Violeta explains how Formulaw is tackling these issues by developing AI technology that generates, reviews, and automates cont...
2024-11-0830 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny island€40 Million for Cypriot Startups: 33East’s Plan to Fund CyprusIn this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we sit down with Yiannis Eftychiou, co-founder of 33East, Cyprus' first VC fund backed by the European Union. We explore the challenges and opportunities that come with building a venture capital ecosystem on the island, how 33East is bringing nearly €40 million into the local tech scene, and what it takes to foster homegrown innovation.
Yiannis shares his insights on why Cyprus is uniquely positioned for high-tech growth, the role of government and private sector alignment, and the strategic vision driving 33East. We also discuss the global perception of Cyprus as a tech hu...
2024-10-2542 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandBreaking the Bank: How Viktoria Soltesz Simplifies Money TransfersIn this episode of the "Made in Cyprus" podcast, we dive deep into the complexities of moving money in today’s hyper-connected world with Viktoria Soltesz, CEO of PSP Angels Group and founder of the Soltesz Institute.
Despite living in a digital-first world, transferring money across borders is far from straightforward.
Viktoria unravels the misconceptions surrounding the financial landscape, explores why we’ve seen a sudden boom in payment providers in Cyprus, and shares insights from her book Moving Money - How Banks Think.
With over 20 years of experience navigating the complexities of fina...
2024-10-1139 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandStylianos Lambrou: Shaping Cyprus’s Future Through EntrepreneurshipIn this episode, Martin Zarian sits down with Stylianos Lambrou, co-founder of The Heart Group, The Doers Company, and Reflect Festival.
Stylianos shares his inspiring journey of returning to Cyprus during a time of crisis and his unwavering belief in the island’s potential.
They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the power of community, and his vision for positioning Cyprus as a global tech hub. From transforming historic buildings to creating Europe’s leading tech festival, Stylianos is paving the way for the next generation of Cypriot innovators.
Brought to you by Factory 39, tune...
2024-09-2748 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandFixing Trust in Cyprus’s Service Industry with Anymaster's Diana VerkhoturovaIn this episode of Made in Cyprus, Martin is joined by Diana Verkhoturova, founder of Anymaster, a platform transforming the service industry in Cyprus by creating trust and efficiency between service providers and clients.
Together, they explore the challenges of navigating the traditional service market on the island, where unreliable tradesmen and extended delivery times are common frustrations.
Diana shares the origin story of Anymaster, sparked by her own struggles with finding reliable professionals during an office renovation.
Martin and Diana dive into the unique business model of Anymaster, which partners with local...
2024-09-1346 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandTransforming Cypriot Real Estate: Flexible Living with Moving DoorsIn this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we explore the fast-moving world of flexible living with Demetris Papadopoulos, the CEO and co-founder of Moving Doors. From traditional renting to the dynamic landscape of flexible accommodation, Demetris sheds light on how Moving Doors is revolutionising the real estate market in Cyprus and beyond.
Demetris shares his journey from humble beginnings in real estate to founding Moving Doors, a company that bridges the gap between landlords and tenants through fully serviced, flexible-term rentals. We discuss the benefits and challenges of this model, the importance of technology, and the strategic decision to...
2024-08-0935 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandFrom Malta to Cyprus: The Story of SiGMA World with Eman Pulis.In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we dive into the dynamic world of events and iGaming with Eman Pulis, the mastermind behind Sigma.
Who would have ever thought that one of the most influential iGaming summits would emerge from the Mediterranean? Malta first and now more recently Cyprus. This is the story of how Eman Pulis, starting from organising university parties, built a global powerhouse in the iGaming industry—the biggest event company in the space.
Eman shares his journey from humble beginnings in event management to founding Sigma, a summit that now attracts tens of thousands of pa...
2024-07-1242 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandPioneering Biotech in Cyprus: The Embio Diagnostics Journey.Who would have ever thought that Cyprus would be home to a successful biotech and deep tech company?
This is the story of Constantinos Loizou, the visionary founder of Embio Diagnostics. In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we delve into the fascinating, complex and inspiring world of biotech and deep tech with Constantinos, who shares his journey of pioneering advanced diagnostics technology right from the heart of Cyprus.
We explore how Embio Diagnostics has transitioned from its initial focus on food tech to developing cutting-edge air and health monitoring systems. Constantinos discusses the challenges and triumphs of building...
2024-06-2837 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandBolsterup, the digital ecosystem uniting the construction industry.In this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we explore the digital construction ecosystem with Sotiris Pittas and Joanna Krashia, co-founders of BolsterUp. They share how their platform addresses the fragmentation of the construction industry by connecting all stakeholders, from architects to suppliers, creating an inclusive network for successful project collaborations.
Sotiris and Joanna discuss the challenges they faced in bringing BolsterUp to life, from identifying the problem in Australia's construction sector to navigating the unique hurdles of Cyprus. They highlight how their diverse backgrounds and experiences across different countries helped shape their solution.
The episode delves into the importance...
2024-06-0757 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandSocial Tech Lab, Building peace through entrepreneurshipIn this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we delve into the innovative world of Social Tech Lab with founders Stephen Stavrou and Burak Berk Doulay. They share their journey of using entrepreneurship and technology to bridge the divide in Cyprus and promote peace through business.
Stephen and Burak discuss their mission to create resilient entrepreneurial ecosystems that thrive in complex conditions. With Social Tech Lab, they leverage technology and entrepreneurship to build bridges across divides, solve social and environmental challenges, and foster positive peace.
They share their experiences of overcoming challenges, such as navigating the political and social complexities...
2024-05-2145 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandCrowdbase, Transforming Cyprus Through Investment CrowdfundingIn this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we dive into the world of investment-based crowdfunding with Frixos Larkos, founder of Crowdbase, the first regulated investment crowdfunding platform in Cyprus.
Crowdbase is pioneering a new way to fund innovative startups on the island. Frixos shares his vision of creating a pan-European platform that connects investors with promising Cypriot startups in need of funding.
We explore the challenging journey of launching Crowdbase, from the initial idea in 2020 to the first campaign launch in 2022. Frixos navigated the complex regulatory landscape and overcame numerous obstacles to get the platform off the ground, spending...
2024-05-0337 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandColive, The Olive oil uniting CyprusIn this episode of "Made in Cyprus," we delve into the almost impossible brand and business story of Hasan Siber, founder of Colive, a pioneering olive oil brand that transcends the island’s historical divide between North and South.
Hasan, a Cypriot entrepreneur born in Istanbul, was inspired by the unique quality of family-produced olive oil and driven by a vision to foster peace and collaboration in Cyprus.
Colive operates across the hard borders of the island, collaborating with family farmers from both communities; Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots , making it the first business in ov...
2024-04-1951 min
Millennial MindsThe Power of Narrative in Businesses - Martin Zarian - E.16****DISCLAIMER: Due to technical difficulties, we apologize for the low quality in the audio of this episode. We appreciate your understanding*****Is technology outpacing our ability to fully harness its potential? Can AI replicate human emotions and generate media content as effectively as humans? What was it like to complete a full circle cycling around Cyprus? Our longing for simplicity often leads us to rely on storytelling in our daily lives.Enter Martin Zarian, a Certified Brand Strateg...
2024-04-0951 minMade In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandAsk Wire, Cypriot real Estate without the BSIn this episode of "Made in Cyprus: Big Biz Stories from a Small Island," we delve into the innovative world of Cypriot real estate with Pavlos Loizou, the founder of Ask Wire. Coming from a traditional background in real estate, Pavlos has transitioned into tech entrepreneurship to reshape the industry with data-driven solutions.
Quite a challenge for one of the most conservative industries of Cyprus...
Listen in as Pavlos discusses how Ask Wire leverages data analytics to simplify the real estate market, offering unprecedented clarity and insight. This episode explores how technology can transform traditional industries, using Pavlos' venture...
2024-04-031h 00Made In Cyprus | Big biz stories from a tiny islandMighty Kitchen, the no meat Gyro from CyprusIn this captivating episode of "Made in Cyprus: Big Biz Stories from a Small Island," we delve into the innovative world of plant-based cuisine with George Vou, the founder of Mighty Kitchen, a plant-based meat company from Cyprus.Join us as George shares his trailblazing journey from traditional Mediterranean meals to pioneering a plant-based meat company that's challenging culinary norms and reshaping the food industry in Cyprus and beyond.Mighty Kitchen is making waves by crafting vegan Mediterranean delights that cater to a global palate whilst staying true to regional tastes. From Greek-style gyros to...
2024-03-1640 min
Healthy Brand with Howie ChanEP. 27 The Quest for Meaning: Unifying Beauty & Functionality Through Branding with Martin ZarianMartin Zarian is a certified brand strategist, brand architect, and identity designer with 15+ years of experience. He is the co-founder of Factory 39, a brand and software consultancy. He has worked with companies like FIFA, Sharp, Dr. Oetker and numerous other brands. Learn more about Martin· LinkedIn· WebsiteLessons· The power of brand purpose· How to communicate value effectively· The rationality myth· Purpose activation and ROI· The influence of emotion on decision making· Creating a safe and fun environment in workshops· ...
2023-10-071h 02
The Unmtchd. Podcast#11: WAM : Collaborative Brand Strategy - How to Successfully Position your Brand for the WinIn this episode, we have a powerhouse trio in the studio: Wes Henstock, Ash Rathod, and Martin Zarian, founders of acclaimed creative agencies Confid3ntial, DFC, and Factory 39, respectively.
What makes this episode exceptional?
They've united their expertise from different agencies to create the first-ever brand strategy collective and redefine brand strategy collaboratively.
Join us as we chat about how to thrive in the world of branding:
⚡ Building a Pipeline of Engaged Consumers: how to nurture an audience that's not just interested bu...
2023-09-061h 01
KnownUnknown PodcastS02E01: A Matter of AgencyIn this episode Michael talks about founding an agency with:
Tameem Sankari, design director and founder of Outlanders Design based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Vivian Vasquez, an art director, motion designer, and founder of Viva Visual based in Madrid, Spain
Martin Zarian, brand strategist and founder of Factory 39 based in Limassol, Cyprus and London, UK
Artwork: provided by guests, Music: Calvin Cardioid, Producer: Michael Tighe.
2023-03-0317 min
Brand Start Goes Healthy - Brand Development for Better-for-You Food and Beverage CPG Podcast31: Dissecting Branding with Martin ZarianMuch has been said about branding. But what is it really?
In this pilot episode for Brand Start’s special branding series, Martin Zarian, co-founder and lead strategist of Factory 39, talks to Leonard about what branding is and what it isn’t, its key principles and components, how branding impacts businesses, and why it can be a vehicle to help change the world.
Factory 39 is a branding firm based in Cyprus and London helping companies engineer brands that drive business growth. Learn more about them at https://factory39.io or follow Martin at https://www.link...
2022-10-1938 min
You Are Beautiful with Lawrence ZarianBarbara FeldonThis week, LZ sits down with the Emmy-nominated actress, author, role model and icon, Barbara Feldon. Enjoy as these two take you on a ride of a lifetime as LZ and Barbara discuss accepting the power that we hold to change, and releasing things in our lives that we cannot control. Barbara is an inspiration, beauty, and icon. You will not want to miss this season finale of You Are Beautiful with Lawrence Zarian.Barbara is best known for her iconic role as the original Maxwell Smart, Secret Agent 99 in the Get Smart series from 1969, which was...
2022-06-1539 min
You Are Beautiful with Lawrence ZarianRachael HarrisThis week, LZ sits down with the kind, funny, and absolutely beautiful Rachael Harris and goes deep and opens up about some of the deeper and more complex parts of life. From family addiction, finding and embracing forgiveness, and sharing pure love, to how we can use our past to become the most authentic versions of ourselves. LZ and Rachael explore and expose their vulnerable sides and invite listeners to buckle up for the most glorious ride. Harris got her toes wet first in TV, with pivotal roles in the science fiction series "SeaQuest DSV" and "Star...
2022-06-0839 min
High Spot PodcastHSP- Andrew Zarian of Mat Men PodcastOn this week’s episode of HSP, Andrew Zarian joins they guys to discuss SummerSlam Weekend in Las Vegas and all of latest news around NXT roster cuts & WWE’s assessment of talent going forward. Plus, the guys also discuss how important the month of September is going to be in the world of professional wrestling & we take a look at the new series premiering on Starz, Heels, starring Stephen Amell. DOWNLOAD & SUBSCRIBE TO THE HSP PODCAST TODAY! Follow all our social media- @High Spot Podcast HSP Podcast Network- @hspmedianetwork Music Credit- @Bazanji
2021-08-1559 min
24 Faithful PodcastTony's Plan for Revenge [Season 7 Episodes 19-24]Key plot:Tony has just killed Larry Moss, and Robert Galvez has the canister of the pathogen.Tony has Galvez find a building, then blow it with FBI agents insideJack figures out Tony’s working against them after a discussion about Vincent Cardiff, the guy Tony found out about the White House attack from, but Tony steals Jack’s anti-seizure med-pack and escapesCara convinces her group including Alan Wilson to use the pathogen now instead of saving it for attacks next year, and they go about framing Jibraan Al-Zarian for...
2021-02-151h 01
Mission: Impodible - A Mission: Impossible TV PodcastEpisode 22: The Confession with Justin ZarianNathan & Aaron get self-portraits done by famed artist Justin Zarian. This episode has everything: Wisetalking sinister Martin Landau, Commissioner Gordon being an art snob, and politicians being caught on tape.
2021-02-1142 min
Mission: Impodible - A Mission: Impossible TV PodcastEpisode 20: The Legend (aka #punchanazi) with Justin Zarian and DooleyNathan & Aaron are joined by the original pilot team of Justin Zarian and Kevin "Rollin Hand" Dooley to take on one of the sillier yet effective episodes. The IMF must pose as Nazis to thwart the Fourth Reich led by the presumed dead war criminal: Martin Bormann... #punchanazi
2021-01-2731 min
Mission: Impodible - A Mission: Impossible TV PodcastEpisode 13: Elena with Justin ZarianNathan & Aaron are joined by Justin Zarian to discuss a super-non-traditional episode of MI. We talk about the sexism of the 60s, the power of Martin Landau, #CinnaBarn, and lots of stock footage.
2020-10-2840 min
Pillars of FranchisingColor World House Painting, coloring the world, painting one house at a time. Martinizing ode to Martin or top notch cleaning franchise? ColTopic: Color World House Painting, coloring the world, painting one house at a time. Martinizing ode to Martin or top notch cleaning franchise?Broadcast Date: August 15th, 2019 at 5:00p Est/4:00P Cen/3:00p Mtn/2:00p Pac. Join co-hosts Ray Pillar, Owner of Molly Maid Aurora-Naperville, Fred McMurray of Westvyne and Holly A Ford of Zarian Firm International as they discuss the house painting franchising industry with the CEO of Color World House Painting. We also discuss Martinizing, ode to Martin or top notch cleaning franchise? with Wayne Wudyka CEO of the Huntington Company. We discuss the lega...
2019-08-151h 44