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9x90 episodes

  • 9x90™: From Working With Snoop Dogg to Leading IPOs: Jorge Olson is Building Empires in CPG

    In this high-energy episode, we sit down with Jorge Olson—marketer to the stars and mastermind behind hundreds of consumer brands. Jorge shares how he helps small companies go public through reverse mergers and IPOs, drawing on decades of experience with clients like Snoop Dogg, Rick Ross, and Cheech & Chong. We dive into his bestselling book Build Your Beverage Empire, now in its third edition, and explore his latest venture, FMCG, which empowers entrepreneurs to launch ready-to-go product lines. Plus, Jorge reveals why he kicks off every keynote with salsa dancing—and how joy is his secret weapon in business.

    53 min
  • Meet the Marketer With Multiple Successful Exits: Maria Sirotkina on 9x90™ (#26)

    For those of you who don’t know Maria Sirotkina, she’s a dynamic growth strategist who has successfully exited two startups and now serves as a fractional CMO, specializing in scaling FinTech and EdTech companies from 0 to 8 figures in revenue. Maria is known for building and optimizing high-performance growth teams and is a true powerhouse when it comes to community building—having grown one brand’s community to over 150,000 members in just a year. Her ability to blend strategic marketing with authentic brand engagement makes her a standout force in today’s startup ecosystem.

    In this podcast episode, we dive into practical growth strategies with Maria Sirotkina, touching on:

    • The power of user-generated content (UGC) and why video testimonials convert better than traditional formats
    • Tools that simplify collecting and organizing testimonials—including tagging features that help marketers use the right testimonial at the right time
    • Common mistakes junior marketers make, especially when it comes to leveraging social proof effectively
    • How Maria uses UGC as a core growth lever, especially in conversion optimization
    • A brief walkthrough of her favorite marketing stack that saves time and boosts performance
    • Her LinkedIn viral post on email marketing, which Adi shares has already been sent to her email list
    • How to follow Maria’s work via LinkedIn, her website, and her weekly growth blog on Substack
    • A few personal moments, including the story behind a 2014 face mask selfie and how Maria’s skin still looks flawless

    This episode is packed with smart tactics and thoughtful insights for founders, marketers, and anyone building brands in today’s noisy digital world.

    46 min
  • Meet the CEO of Bafu: The FinTech Startup Every Bank Would Love to Buy Next - 9x90™ (#25)

    In this compelling episode, Adi Soozin, a 5th-generation investor, sits down with Henry Grijalba, the CEO of a swoon-worthy fintech company, to discuss the high-stakes world of fintech and the art of navigating a successful exit. Henry shares his company’s two-pronged strategy for scaling and exiting—through acquisition by a major bank or a public IPO—and offers hard-earned lessons on persistence, adaptability, and innovation in a highly competitive industry. Adi complements the conversation with her own expertise, revealing how aligning branding and strategy with an ideal acquirer can significantly boost a company’s chances of being acquired.

    Throughout this dynamic discussion, Adi and Henry explore the challenges of regulatory hurdles, dealing with ruthless competitors, and leveraging the power of mentorship and networks. Packed with insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and startup enthusiasts, this episode provides actionable strategies for building a business that’s not just successful but irresistible to potential acquirers. Don’t miss this insider look at the gladiator arena of fintech!

    30 min
  • Meet the IE Business School Alumni Woking on a Best Seller Together – Ryan Monahan, Adi Soozin & Mihir Bhalla (#24)

    You can join the waitlist for our upcoming book at https://adisoozin[.]com/book

    In this episode we talked about: 1. Unlocking the Secrets of High-Performance Collaboration in Business2. The Art of Collaborative Synergy3. The Importance of Setting Goals and Measuring Success
    Unlocking the Secrets of High-Performance Collaboration in Business
    In today's dynamic business landscape, collaboration among top professionals has become a cornerstone of achieving exceptional results. This article delves into the rich insights from industry leaders who have successfully collaborated to write a bestseller. Their journey illustrates the power of strategic partnerships, personal growth, and a commitment to continuous learning.
    The Art of Collaborative Synergy
    Achieving remarkable success often hinges on the ability to collaborate effectively with others. Successful partnerships can propel individuals and businesses to heights they could not reach alone. Successful alumni from one of the world's leading business schools shared that their collaboration for a book stemmed from a mutual understanding of the importance of sharing experiences and insights from their diverse professional backgrounds. By leveraging their unique skill sets, they were able to create a rich tapestry of knowledge that benefits both the contributors and readers alike.
    These individuals have navigated their careers through significant challenges, illustrating that collaboration can create a support system that enhances resilience. Their combined expertise in finance, strategy consulting, and impact investing showcases how different perspectives can coalesce to foster innovative solutions and inspire younger generations of professionals.
    The Importance of Setting Goals and Measuring Success
    One critical aspect that emerged from their discussions was the necessity of setting clear goals and objectives for any project. Whether in marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship, having specific targets helps maintain focus and motivation. The contributors have emphasized that setting ambitious yet achievable goals is not just about personal ambition; it also involves making your team feel engaged and striving for common objectives.

    1 hr 20 min
  • The Legend of Leadership: Jay Almeida’s Impact as an International Bank President & Rotarian on 9x90™ (#23)

    Jay Almeida is a distinguished business leader and bank executive whose background in both global finance and prestigious philanthropy set him apart as a trailblazer in every endeavor he undertakes. With a wealth of international experience, Jay has become a respected figure in the worlds of banking, commercial real estate, and philanthropy.

    His visionary leadership has spanned notable organizations, including his tenure as the past president of Citibank Latin America (Latam) and his current role as President and CEO of BankVision US Corp. Throughout his career, Jay has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive growth, innovation, and strategic insight, solidifying his position as a key figure in the global financial sector.
    As a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Miami, Jay has played a pivotal role in spearheading initiatives that continue to have a lasting impact on the community. Under his leadership, the club flourished, featuring the successful Magic 88 campaign, which set a new benchmark for membership recruitment and fundraising. His involvement in the Scholarship Program, awarded over $8 million in scholarships to medical students over the course of 35 years, highlights his commitment to education and creating pathways for future leaders.
    Beyond his professional and philanthropic contributions, Jay is a dynamic and passionate mentor who seeks to elevate those around him. Drawing from his extensive network of connections, he adheres to the belief that learning is a lifelong pursuit. Whether as a Rotarian, business leader, or community advocate, Jay Almeida exemplifies the principles of service, innovation, and leadership, leaving a legacy of positive change in every project he embraces.
    His exceptional ability to empower people, foster creativity, and deliver impactful results makes Jay a sought-after leader and a true luminary in both the corporate and philanthropic sectors.

    36 min
  • From Frozen Yogurt to Wall Street, Meet the Kingmaker: Steve Beninati on 9x90™ (#22)

    In this compelling and candid conversation, two renowned leaders—Steve Beninati, a celebrated Wall Street executive with decades of entrepreneurial excellence, and Adi Soozin, a fifth-generation investor and visionary marketing strategist—exchange transformative insights on resilience, leadership, and the art of creating meaningful connections. From reflections on balancing high-stakes careers with personal passions to navigating the challenges of public scrutiny and sustaining authenticity, this interview offers a rare glimpse into the minds of two industry titans. Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned professionals, and anyone seeking inspiration, this coffee-chat-style interview encapsulates the power of perseverance and the beauty of human connection in a fast-paced world.

    1 hr 3 min
  • Meet Amir Emacha: Private Equity’s Favorite Founder (#21)

    In this episode of 9x90™, Adi Soozin sits down with Amir Emacha, founder of Microhub, to discuss a revolutionary solution to one of the biggest headaches for property managers and tenants alike: package delivery. From transforming how multifamily properties handle the influx of daily deliveries to reimagining high-value lobby spaces, Amir shares how Microhub is solving logistical challenges and enhancing resident satisfaction.

    Adi and Amir explore the intersection of real estate development, technology, and tenant retention, diving into the benefits of Microhub’s model for property owners and managers. With insights into Miami’s dynamic neighborhoods like Wynwood and Brickell, they highlight the growing demand for efficient, last-mile delivery solutions.

    Whether you're a real estate investor, property manager, or simply interested in how innovation is reshaping urban living, this episode delivers fresh perspectives and actionable insights. Tune in to learn why Microhub is a no-brainer for modern apartment communities.

    51 min
  • $200MM In Six Years the CRE Success Story of Stony Stonebraker on 9x90™ (#20)

    Discover the secrets this industry titan used to thrive in the commercial real estate world.

    This informative discussion explores the dynamic journey of one of Adi's godfathers as he transitioned from tech executive to commercial real estate syndicator.
    This unique episode focuses on Stony Stonebraker's unique approach to value-add opportunities in the multifamily asset class.
    Key insights include the role of trust and teamwork in building successful projects, strategies for identifying profitable investments, and crucial criteria for selecting reliable partners in real estate syndication.
    The conversation also delves into the importance of thorough research and understanding market cycles for realistic expectations in real estate investing.

    38 min
  • Meet Khurram: The Tech Genius Building a Real World Jarvis (#19)

    Discover how Khurram & his team are responding to loss & tragedy by reshaping home security.

    In this exciting episode, Khurram, a tech genius from Irvine & the founder of Irvinei, shares his experiences and insights on building a groundbreaking home security system that operates like Jarvis from Iron Man.
    Key highlights include his motivations for creating this technology, the unique features that set it apart, and how it addresses pressing safety concerns like monitoring for falls and medical emergencies.
    Khurram also reveals the innovative algorithms that help families care for loved ones with health issues, ensuring that help is just a moment away.

    36 min
  • Meet the Growth Hacker’s Favorite Growth Hacker: Brian Swichkow on 9×90™ (#18)

    In this exclusive 9×90™ episode, Adi Soozin and Brian Swichkow bring together their unmatched expertise in growth hacking, storytelling, and next-level innovation. Brian, hailed as one of the world’s most accomplished growth hackers, shares his extraordinary journey, from breaking digital barriers with Fortune 1000 campaigns to pioneering AI-driven ad strategies that redefine engagement.

    Adi opens up about the pivotal role Brian played in shaping her career, crediting him for inspiring her to achieve record-breaking marketing feats and creating transformative software solutions. Their dynamic chemistry leads listeners through captivating rabbit holes—from Reddit ad exploits that led to life-changing moments to revolutionary zero-day growth hacks that left tech giants in awe.

    Discover the art and science behind creating unconventional pathways to exponential growth, learn how Brian’s latest venture, Mythos, is rewriting the rules of digital advertising, and get a glimpse of how AI is reshaping how brands connect with audiences. Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or tech enthusiast, this episode is your ticket to the cutting edge of marketing innovation.

    49 min

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A conversational showcase of high performing professionals, investors, athletes and thought leaders from around the globe.