B2B Breakthrough Podcast

Success on Amazon isn’t just about great products—it’s about data-driven decisions and human-focused optimization. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Adriana Rangel, PickFu brand ambassador and Sellers Podcast en Español host, about avoiding costly mistakes as an Amazon seller. Learn the secrets of keyword research, multi-language listings, and why analytics should drive product selection. Whether you’re new or scaling up, this conversation delivers game-changing strategies for standing out in a competitive marketplace.
Tune in to learn:

• Why optimizing listings for both algorithms and human buyers is crucial for conversion success
• The importance of targeting long-tail keywords for better ranking and cost-effective traffic generation
• How to leverage multi-language optimization to tap into underserved markets, particularly Spanish-speaking audiences
• Why building an off-Amazon presence through blogs and Google optimization is essential for long-term success
• The strategic approach to expanding your product line by staying within related categories that serve your established audience
• How to use free resources and community learning to overcome early setbacks and build a sustainable business
• Why Amazon's built-in tools for international markets can provide early wins and valuable cash flow
• The power of proper listing translation and keyword optimization to capture multilingual market share
  
  

Adriana Rangel is a Brand Ambassador at PickFu and host of the "Sellers Podcast en Español" at Helium 10. She has seven years of experience in Amazon e-commerce and digital entrepreneurship. As a successful Amazon seller turned educator, she has built her expertise from hands-on experience launching and scaling products across international marketplaces. Known for her practical approach to e-commerce strategy, Adriana shares her knowledge through her YouTube channel, where she provides weekly tutorials on Amazon selling strategies, particularly focusing on cross-cultural market expansion and Spanish-language optimization. Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this special episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo sits down with Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, to explore how AI is revolutionizing global trade for small businesses. They discuss Alibaba’s AI-powered sourcing engine, Accio, and its role in enhancing search, communication, and business research. Kuo also shares insights on AI-generated content, strategic logistics partnerships, and Alibaba’s commitment to democratizing trade. Whether you're scaling internationally or optimizing sourcing, this episode delivers valuable takeaways for SMBs navigating global commerce.
Join them as they discuss:

• Kuo Zhang's Journey: From Directory to Digital Revolution
• Breaking Down SMB Pain Points in Global Trade
• Alibaba.com's Evolution into an AI-Powered Platform
• Three Key AI Tools Transforming Global Commerce
• Inside Accio: The World's First AI Sourcing Agent
• How Accio's Business Research Powers Smart Decisions
• Deep Search: Making Complex Product Sourcing Simple
• AI Chatbots: Breaking Down Language Barriers
• Local Stock Solutions: Faster Delivery for US Buyers
• Game-Changing Partnership with Maersk for SMBs

Kuo Zhang is the President of Alibaba.com, where he leads the strategic direction and digital transformation of one of the world's largest B2B E-commerce platforms. With a distinguished background at IBM Research and Microsoft and over 12 years at Alibaba, Zhang has been instrumental in revolutionizing global trade through digital innovation. Under his leadership, Alibaba.com has evolved from a traditional directory service to an AI-powered global trading platform connecting over 50 million SMBs worldwide. In this episode, Zhang shares invaluable insights on integrating AI in B2B commerce, including developing Accio, the world's first AI-powered sourcing engine, and strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Maersk. His vision for democratizing global trade and making it "easy to do business anywhere" has transformed how small businesses access international markets, making him a leading authority on the future of digital commerce.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo sits down with Michael Spelfogel, Co-Founder and President of Cardless, and Yiran Li, Head of Customer Retention Strategy at Alibaba.com, to explore the evolving world of business financing. They discuss how small businesses can navigate inflation, leverage new credit solutions, and build strong business credit. From the Alibaba.com Business Edge credit card’s unique benefits to strategies for managing cash flow and supplier diversification, this episode offers actionable insights for business owners looking to scale. 

Join Michael and Yiran as they discuss:

• The diverse landscape of business buyers on Alibaba.com
• How traditional financing methods often fall short for small business owners
• The introduction of the Alibaba.com Business Edge credit card and its unique benefits
• The challenges of building business credit versus personal credit
• Strategies for managing rising costs and tariffs through supplier diversification and flexible financing options

Michael Spelfogel is the Co-founder & President of Cardless, a digital-first financial technology company powering the Alibaba.com Business Edge credit card. With expertise in financial services and digital payments, he specializes in developing innovative credit solutions for modern businesses. His work focuses on making financial products more accessible and transparent for small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in the e-commerce space.

Yiran Li is the Head of Customer Retention Strategy at Alibaba.com, where she focuses on ensuring smooth experiences for business buyers on the platform. With deep knowledge of B2B e-commerce and global trade, she specializes in developing solutions that help businesses optimize their sourcing and payment processes. Her expertise spans understanding diverse buyer needs, implementing flexible payment solutions, and creating protective measures for business transactions.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, recorded on the sidelines of Alibaba’s March Expo, Ciara Cristo chats with Tim Jordan, E-commerce Seller and Strategy Consultant, and Lulu Yan, Category Specialist at Alibaba.com. Together, they explore March Expo’s sourcing opportunities, from fast shipping to deep discounts, and uncover trending products in fashion, pets, home & garden, and beauty. 
During the month of March, buyers can take advantage of exclusive benefits, including: 

• Get up to $20 on shipping fees with orders shipped via Alibaba.com Logistics on your first order.
• Order products that total a certain amount and receive a coupon valued between $5 and $500 at check out.
• Save up to US $30 off with PayPal, Valid on the first purchase on Alibaba.com.

Learn how to navigate rising costs, leverage supplier relationships, and build perceived value in competitive markets. Whether you're scaling your business or spotting the next big trend, this episode is packed with practical strategies to stay ahead.
Join Lulu & Tim as they discuss:

• Two Paths to Product Success: Competing vs. Finding Niches
• Fashion Trends: From Bohemian Dresses to Bell Bottoms
• Leveraging Supplier Intelligence for Early Trend Detection
• Smart Pet Products: The Growing Tech Pet Care Market
• Home & Garden: Regional Design Preferences
• Sports & Outdoor: Capitalizing on the Pickleball Boom
• Beauty Industry: Packaging Innovation & Brand Perception
• Key Takeaways: March Expo Strategies & Economic Opportunities

Tim Jordan is an experienced e-commerce seller, strategist, and business development consultant. Since 2015, he has developed innovative growth strategies for Amazon sellers, helping them navigate the ever-evolving marketplace. As the founder of Hickory Flats and Private Label Legion, he has provided valuable sourcing insights and free resources for e-commerce entrepreneurs. Tim has also worked with leading service providers like PingPong and Sellers Funding and continues to pioneer new e-commerce projects and techniques.

Lulu Yan is a seasoned professional with over 14 years of experience in global commerce and consumer markets. For the past four years, Lulu has been dedicated to cross-border eCommerce in the Beauty and Fashion industry at Alibaba.com. Prior to that, she spent over a decade in Fortune Global 500 multinational consumer goods companies, specializing in shopper marketing, category management, and brand development. Having worked across China, the U.S., France, and Singapore, Lulu brings deep global market insights and a sharp understanding of consumer behavior to every endeavor.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

On this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Yohan Jacob, founder of Retailbound, to uncover essential strategies for thriving in the competitive retail landscape. With over 30 years of experience mentoring 4,000+ clients, Yohan shares tips on product differentiation, meeting buyer expectations, and streamlining supply chains. From mastering negotiations to crafting standout marketing strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs and established brands aiming to break into big-box retail and succeed confidently.
Join them as they discuss:

• Foundations of Retail Success - The Marriage Analogy
• The Art of Buyer Communication
• The Three Pillars of Buyer Decision-Making
• Strategic Retail Packaging Optimization
• Handling Rejection and Persistence

Yohan Jacob is the Founder and President of Retailbound, bringing over 30 years of unparalleled retail expertise. A veteran in the industry, he bridges the gap between product manufacturers and billion-dollar retailers, offering unique insights from both perspectives. Yohan has empowered 4,000+ clients worldwide, from innovative startups to growing enterprises, with strategies for merchandising, marketing, and product development. A sought-after speaker and author of Retailbound: Learn How To Sell Your Products To Retailers, Yohan specializes in creating lasting, profitable partnerships while navigating the complexities of retail. His expertise spans in-store marketing, licensing, packaging, vendor negotiations, and inventory management.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, Ciara Cristo chats with Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital and celebrity marketer, about mastering a winner's mindset, navigating the shifting marketing landscape, and scaling businesses. Rudy shares insights on resilience, innovative marketing strategies, building loyal communities, and the transformative role of AI in business. He also offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs aiming to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Tune in for key takeaways to elevate your business success!

Join them as they discuss:

• The Winner's Mindset  
• The Evolution of Marketing  
• Building Brand Loyalty and Community  
• The Mental Shift in Scaling  
• Navigating Supply Chain Complexities  
• Actionable Steps for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Rudy Mawer is a serial investor and CEO of Mawer Capital. He is also the CEO of multiple brands. He runs multiple businesses, including a Marketing Capital group with Kevin Harrington, the Original Shark from the TV show “Shark Tank”, where he helped over 50,000 small businesses worldwide.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast, host Ciara chats with Marshall Day and Kevin Sagouspe, co-owners of The Better Tool Company to discuss the journey of their startup company.
Join them as they:

• Highlight the key functions of their product, Rak-O.
• Share valuable insights needed to upscale a product.
• Implications of dealing with untrustworthy relationships.
• Talk about the mindset that births new ideas and in turn, products.
• Delve into the wisdom of building a successful brand.

Marshall Day is a co-owner of The Better Tool Company with an extensive background in marketing and advertising. He is also a video director and an editor, who has been in the music business for over a decade working with some of the industry’s biggest names. He is the owner of the Mainline Film Works.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Brittany Golden, Founder and CEO of IGL Nails, about her journey from side hustle to beauty industry disruptor. Brittany shares how she’s revolutionizing the press-on nail market with inclusive designs for all nail bed sizes, tackling challenges like sourcing manufacturers and scaling her brand. She also discusses empowering women through beauty, overcoming adversity, and her vision for IGL’s future. Tune in for entrepreneurial insights and inspiration!
Join them as they discuss:

• From Passion to Business  
• Addressing Nail Bed Diversity  
• Building Strong Supplier Relationships  
• Networking for Retail Success  
• Resilience Through Challenges  
• Manifesting Future Success

Brittany Golden is a wife, mompreneur, and multimedia content creator based in Los Angeles. In 2019, following her father’s passing, she left her Fortune 500 corporate career and embraced entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 era. She founded IGL Nails, a thriving press-on nail brand celebrated for its focus on individuality and inclusivity for all nail bed sizes. Brittany also shares her journey on her YouTube channel, It’s A Golden Lifestyle, inspiring over 20,000 followers with beauty trends, authenticity, and empowering community-driven content.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, Ciara Cristo chats with Tony Parker, four-time NBA Champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group, for a dynamic conversation on transitioning from sports to business. Tony shares his insights on the importance of resilience, adaptability, and mentorship. He discusses his ventures, including real estate, his basketball academy, and his investment group, Infinity Nine. 
Reflecting on his work with Alibaba’s Athlete365 program, he highlights equipping athletes with tools to succeed post-retirement. The discussion delves into balancing AI innovation with human creativity, navigating entrepreneurship’s challenges, and Parker’s vision for 2025. This episode showcases Tony’s passion for empowering others to pursue dreams with determination.
Join them as they discuss:

• The Mantra of Dreaming Big
• Mental Fortitude in Sports and Business
• Tony’s ambassadorial Role with Alibaba.com
• Building Infinity Nine Group and Basketball Academy
• The Influence of Mentorship
• Adapting to Technology and AI
• Challenges of Entrepreneurship vs. Sports

Tony Parker, a four-time NBA Champion, Finals MVP, and six-time All-Star, has seamlessly transitioned from the basketball court to the boardroom. As the founder and president of Infinity Nine Group, he leads ventures in sports, education, lifestyle, and technology. Parker is the president and majority shareholder of LDLC ASVEL and LDLC ASVEL Féminin and serves as an ambassador for innovative projects. A Hall of Famer with a competitive edge, Parker now inspires through business leadership, mentorship, and media endeavors.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, our new host, Ciara Cristo, chats with Natalie Jacob, founder of Etymology Jewelry, about her creative journey and commitment to sustainability. Natalie shares how her fine arts background inspired her to build a thriving jewelry business blending vintage charm and modern style. She discusses challenges and successes in navigating the jewelry industry, from sourcing sustainable materials to connecting with customers. Packed with entrepreneurial insights, this conversation will inspire listeners to embrace their creativity and pursue their passions.
Join them as they discuss:

• Introduction to Natalie Jacob and Etymology Jewelry
• From Fine Arts to Jewelry Design
• The Essence of Etymology Jewelry
• Navigating the Sourcing Landscape
• Connecting with Customers
• Balancing Art and Business
• Insights on the Jewelry Market
• Wisdom and Insights from Experience

Natalie Jacob is a Brooklyn, NY native and Brooklyn-based designer and artist. As the owner and designer of Etymology Jewelry, she is an alum of MICA (The Maryland Institute College of Art) in Baltimore and the noteworthy, famed school LaGuardia HS of Music and Art in NYC. In her previous life, Natalie was (and still is!) a classically trained artist, having even featured her work at the Society of Illustrators in Manhattan. With such a creative background, Natalie takes these fine art influences to her jewelry work, her primary medium today.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so