In Ep. 161 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Jacklyn Dallas, YouTube creator and CEO of Nothing But Tech, entertaining and informative content that both reviews and discusses innovations in the consumer electronics industry. To start, we dive into what inspired Jacklyn to start her YouTube channel at just 13 years old, and how she’s since become a seasoned interviewer of tech industry giants. Jacklyn shares how she turned simple tech tutorials into engaging dialogues with leaders from Rivian and General Motors, highlighting the impact of creator-led media in today's democratized media landscape. We learn the art of building community through interviews, drawing insights from renowned hosts like Sean Evans and Stephen Bartlett. Jacklyn reveals her techniques for crafting engaging interviews, balancing meticulous preparation with the magic of spontaneity. Switching gears, Brit and Jacklyn unpack the realms of AI, health tech, and space advancements, as well as the ethical considerations surrounding safety and privacy. Jacklyn emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships and the role of creators as tastemakers in this ever-changing landscape. To close the show, Jacklyn reveals some future aspirations and what is coming next for her career. In this episode, you’ll learn: Algorithms may drive short-term visibility, but lasting success comes from loyal supporters. Whether you're building a brand or a business, it’s important to maintain your audience’s trust. How AI is reshaping content creation, allowing creators to be more strategic and efficient. AI speeds up workflows freeing up more time to focus on things that truly matter. The best interviews and discussions happen when you listen actively and adapt to the moment. Preparation is important, but being open to unexpected insights makes for more meaningful connections.   Connect with the Guest: Jacklyn’s LinkedIn - @jacklyn-dallas   Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit’s LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq   Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 160 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Jessie Young, Director of Brand Marketing at Eventbrite. To start, we dive into Eventbrite's remarkable transformation from a simple ticketing platform to a pivotal partner in fostering genuine human connections. Jessie shares how Eventbrite is countering digital loneliness by bringing online communities to life through unique, niche events—ranging from dill pickle making classes to themed gatherings. We learn about the powerful synergy between creators and live events, and how these gatherings allow creators to authentically express themselves beyond online brand partnerships. Jessie highlights the concept of "collective joy," the shared emotions and memories that live events foster, and how brands can engage authentically with audiences by aligning with creators' stories. Switching gears, Jessie highlights the emergence of "Fourth Spaces" and the cultural shift towards meaningful in-person engagements, especially among Gen Z, supported by Eventbrite’s research. To close the show, Jessie and Brit reinforce the importance of celebrating human connections in our increasingly digital world, inviting listeners to reimagine social spaces and embrace the power of live experiences.  In this episode, you’ll learn: Why in-person events are more valuable than ever, fulfilling a need for human connection that digital spaces can’t replace. How creators play a key role in bridging online and offline communities, using their influence to curate and host events to bring their audiences together.  Why brands have a chance to connect in a more personal way. Instead of just sponsoring events, they can be part of experiences that feel authentic and meaningful to attendees.   Connect with the Guest: Jessie’s LinkedIn - @jessie-young-74343754   Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit’s LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq   Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

Jackie Aina, a beauty content creator and co-founder of FORVR Mood, joins forces with Denis Asamoah, an investment banker and co-founder, to discuss their rapid rise in the fragrance industry. They reveal how the pandemic ignited their entrepreneurial journey, leading to impressive sell-outs. Listeners learn about navigating the balance between love and business, setting boundaries, and empowering communities through scent. Jackie and Denis also share insights on authenticity and the importance of personal storytelling in brand building, along with their plans for future expansion.

In Ep. 157 of Earned, Conor sits down with Vasiliki Petrou, formerly the CEO of Unilever Prestige. To start, we dive into Vasiliki’s extraordinary journey as a leader in the luxury brand sector. Vasiliki shares how she transformed brand management at Unilever Prestige by nurturing founders as integral co-pilots and aligning brand values with the evolving demands of luxury consumers. Her leadership has not only anticipated market trends but also established enduring value within the high-growth premium segment. We then discuss her ascent from associate brand manager to CEO, the importance of diverse skills and collaborative leadership, and fostering an environment where expertise and friendship thrive. Switching gears, we discuss Vasiliki’s focus on consumer health, longevity, and wellness, identifying promising opportunities for growth. To close the show, Vasiliki advocates for those in power to strive for a passion-driven, human-centric leadership approach that enhances performance and team satisfaction. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Vasiliki embraced the philosophy that founders are the soul of their brands and leverage their passions and visions to build businesses with authenticity and longevity.  How Vasiliki redefined luxury by integrating purpose and social impact. She shares examples of brands like Dermalogica, which is committed to vocational training for skin care therapists, and Tatcha, which supports girls' education, as proof of the long-term value of purpose-driven strategies. The importance of collaboration over competition within brand portfolios. Vasiliki fostered a culture of interdependence among her CEOs, allowing them to share expertise and leverage diverse strengths across technology, creativity, and commercial thinking, ultimately creating exponential value.   Connect with the Guest: Vasiliki’s LinkedIn - @vasilikipetrou Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 156 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Shanice Engel, Managing Partner & Director Business Development at oona.agency. To start, we dive into Shanice’s transformative journey from the early days of blogging to the vibrant era of Instagram content creation, highlighting the pivotal role of Instagram Stories in the evolution of marketing strategies. Shanice shares the art of crafting genuine connections with influencers and innovative brand partnerships across various lifestyle fields, which propelled her forward. As the youngest partner at her agency, Shanice offers a unique perspective on balancing career success with personal milestones such as starting a family, and how these experiences have enriched her leadership style. Switching gears, we explore the exciting future trends in marketing, including the integration of AI capabilities and the resurgence of offline experiences. This episode captures the essence of personal and professional growth in a rapidly evolving industry, and will leave you inspired by Shanice's journey of empathy, human connection, and relentless pursuit of excellence. In this episode, you’ll learn: How offline events are making a comeback, allowing brands to engage their communities in meaningful, real-world ways while amplifying their reach through storytelling and content creation. The role of AI as a transformative tool in influencer marketing, from enhancing creativity and brand safety to helping creators navigate platform algorithms for better engagement. Shanice’s reflections on balancing personal milestones with professional achievements. Her journey as a partner at oona is shaped by a commitment to building lasting value, nurturing the next generation of marketing leaders, and maintaining a culture of collaboration and innovation. Connect with the Guest: Shanice’s LinkedIn - @shaniceengel   Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit's Linkedin - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

Brands: Here's how you can join LA fire recovery efforts. On this special edition of Earned, beauty brand founder Josie Maran introduces Beauty Together — a fund uniting beauty brands, businesses, and creators to provide direct relief to families and small businesses affected by the ongoing LA fires. Want to get involved? Reach out to relief@josiemaran.com  #LA #SupportLA #LosAngeles   Connect with the Guest: Josie Maran’s Relief Fund - relief@josiemaran.com  Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 155 of Earned, Conor sits down with Ahad Khan, the CEO of Kajabi—the creator commerce platform that allows creators to support thriving online businesses. To start, we dive into how Kajabi empowers creators to build and control their businesses beyond social media. Ahad shares how he sees the diverse landscape of the creator economy, likening today's creators to the new wave of small and medium enterprises. He introduces us to some of Kajabi's strategies, including product integrations like Viably that boost community engagement and revenue potential. We then discuss the dual nature of content creation—authoritative and entertaining—and how creators can strategically leverage social media for relationship building rather than just monetization. Switching gears, we unpack Kajabi's commitment to aligning its success with that of its creators, offering tools that facilitate value creation and income generation. To close the show, Ahad sheds light on what community he would build if given the opportunity, and why.  In this episode, you’ll learn: How Kajabi empowers creators to control their businesses beyond social media Why content should be authoritative or entertaining for successful monetization How the creator economy is a growing force in digital entrepreneurship Connect with the Guest: Ahad’s LinkedIn - @ahadrkhan Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

REPLAY: For our 95th episode of Earned, Conor sits down with Samantha Sichel, the Head of Social Product and Digital Innovation at leading live entertainment company Live Nation. To start the show, we dive into Samantha’s nearly two-decade career at Live Nation, and she shares how the company and industry have evolved during the rise of digital media. We unpack Live Nation’s rapid growth via vertical integration, and hear how CEO Michael Rapino is a “visionary” in discovering successful artists and investing in their growth, while still allowing them to remain autonomous. We learn why live entertainment attracts a highly influential audience, and Samantha explains how Live Nation leverages this engaged community of “fanfluencers” to help market shows and events. Next, we dive into the success of Live Nation’s Last2Leave creator house, and Samantha shares why the company’s secret sauce lies in its unique ability to give creators “the best night of your life every single week.” Conor and Samantha then reflect back on the pandemic, and we hear how Live Nation creatively connected fans to artists in a time without in-person events. To close the show, Samantha, a mother of three, shares her advice for excelling in your career as a working mom. In this episode, you will learn:  • Why live events attract a highly influential audience, and how Live Nation has tapped into its "Fanfluencer" community to promote its events.  • How Live Nation powered massive growth, going from event promoter to giant ticketing entity, by leaning in to the digital revolution.  • How Live Nation's unique, money-can't-buy experiences have turned its creator house Last2Leave into a major success.   Resources: Live Nation Entertainment   Connect with the Guest: Samantha Sichels LinkedIn   Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq   Follow us on social: CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ  

In Ep. 154 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Ava Donaldson, Senior Marketing Manager of Global Talent and Creators at Google. To start, we dive into Ava’s journey of integrating creativity and technology to elevate marketing, particularly focusing on leveraging creator marketing to showcase products like Google Pixel and Android. Ava shares how Google has shifted from traditional marketing tactics to a creator-led approach, emphasizing storytelling and community building on social media. This strategy not only builds trust and awareness, but also crafts emotional connections that influence non-linear consumer purchasing decisions. Ava discusses the global expansion of Google's creative programs, highlighting initiatives like the Super Bowl ad campaign featuring Realtone camera technology. Switching gears, Ava shares how her personal habits power her professional success, like her grounding morning routine and the influence of spirituality and astrology on her work. This episode offers a unique perspective on how Google is navigating the ever-evolving landscape of creator marketing, making it a must-listen for anyone keen on understanding the future of marketing. In this episode, you’ll learn: How creator-led marketing approaches are redefining consumer engagement and trust Why integrating creativity with technology has elevated Google's marketing strategy How prioritizing personal values and self care can help balance professional demands Connect with the Guest: Ava’s LinkedIn - @avarose Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit's LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 153 of Earned, Conor Begley sits down with Ukonwa Ojo, CEO of Zaia Ventures—a company that builds and scales businesses for underrepresented and marginalized communities. To start, we dive into Ukonwa’s career as former Global Chief Marketing Officer for major brands like Cody Consumer Beauty, MAC Cosmetics, and Amazon Prime Video. Ukonwa shares how she shifted from the executive suite to establishing her own ventures, fueled by a family legacy of innovation. She introduces us to Zaia Ventures, a holding company that encompasses her unique platform, Zaia, and then Ada & Edith, a fashion brand dedicated to empowering modern women. Ukonwa reveals key themes in authentic creator partnerships, like thinking of creators like friends of your brand rather than an advertising channel. We learn about Ukonwa’s mission to create meaningful connections and bridge fragmented communities, demonstrating how fulfilling work can harmonize with personal priorities. To close the show, Ukonwa shares about her love of travel and her goals to continue seeing the world. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to embrace entrepreneurial risks that align professional endeavors with personal passions and values How thinking of creators as friends of your brand rather than an advertising channel can lead to more authentic collaborations  Why transitioning from corporate roles to entrepreneurship involves embracing risk and adapting to new challenges   Connect with the Guest: Ukonwa’s LinkedIn - @ukonwa   Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ