Want to grow your network? You're in the right place: Watch brand consultant Elie Jacobs and former investigative journalist turned hedge fund analyst Eric Markowitz as they meet for the first time ever! Only on "Just Press Record" - hosted by Matt Zeigler, right here on the Cultish Creative YouTube channel. Their discussion explores the critical distinctions between brand and reputation, the nature of risk in business and life, and the enduring value of authentic relationships in an increasingly digital world.

Topics Covered:

Brand vs. Reputation: The crucial difference between what companies say about themselves and what others perceive, with Elie introducing his concept of "risk aperture" to describe the dangerous gap between these narratives.

Crisis Communication: How professional communicators like Elie work to align brand promises with actual delivery, using "red teaming" to identify vulnerabilities before they become public relations disasters.

Business Longevity: Eric's research into companies that have survived for centuries reveals patterns of deep community connection, craftsmanship, and prioritizing relationships over rapid scaling.

Technology's Impact on Human Interaction: Both guests explore how smartphones, AI, and automation are fundamentally reshaping human relationships, with potential consequences for how we develop connections and trust.

The Value of Serendipity: Discussion about how unplanned encounters and meandering exploration lead to breakthrough ideas that structured, AI-assisted thinking might miss.

Risk Assessment: Comparing Elie's crisis management approach to risk with Eric's investor perspective on conviction and decision-making under uncertainty.

The Theranos Case Study: Analysis of how Elizabeth Holmes might have saved her company by being truthful about technological limitations rather than exaggerating capabilities.

In-Person vs. Digital Connections: The irreplaceable value of face-to-face meetings in building trust, generating ideas, and creating resilient business relationships.

Generational Divides: How different age groups approach technology, with concern about younger generations lacking foundational skills as AI increasingly handles cognitive tasks.

Community Embeddedness: Examples of how businesses that maintain strong local ties receive support during crises, creating mutual benefit systems that transcend purely transactional relationships.

This thought-provoking conversation reveals why understanding the stories we tell—and the stories we're told—is crucial for navigating risk, building trust, and creating lasting value in business and life.