Brand in the Making by ThinkTank Thought Leadership

Jonathan and Lauren flip the script to share the untold story of Think Tank and how Brand in the Making was born. From spontaneous podcast ideas to inspiring founder stories, they reveal why every leader is a brand in progress—and how this series aims to capture the raw, real process of building something that matters.

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome & Table-Turning Banter
(02:10) What Is Think Tank?
(06:40) The Birth of Brand in the Making
(11:20) Why Every Brand Is “In the Making”
(14:45) Inspiration for Future Leaders
(18:00) Closing Thoughts

What really happens to your old devices? George Mitri of 2DaLoop exposes the shocking truth behind tech waste—from silver bricks to abandoned servers—and shares how his startup is reinventing the supply chain through circular economy models and material reclamation. This episode will change how you think about sustainability and your role in solving e-waste.

Chapters:
(00:00) Welcome & Meet George Mitri
(03:30) The Birth of 2DaLoop
(07:42) Family Legacy & Sustainability Roots
(16:40) From Linear Waste to Circular Solutions
(27:10) The True Cost of E-Waste
(51:22) How 2DaLoop is Scaling Change

Tej Yale shares how he built Think Impact on the belief that relationships come before transactions. From launching a full-service marketing firm straight out of his MBA to integrating AI tools and starting a nonprofit, Tej breaks down his 50/50 content strategy, his favorite campaign win, and what he sees coming next in digital marketing.

Chapters:
(00:00) Meet Tej Yale and Think Impact
(03:42) Starting a Marketing Agency Right After School
(08:15) Why Relationships Matter More Than Reach
(12:20) How Tej Uses AI Without Losing the Human Touch
(20:41) Giving Back Through Think Helping

Ken Bogard and Grace Gavin dive deep into what real communication looks like in leadership. They share the emotional backstory behind Know Honesty, explain why “brutal honesty” is the wrong goal, and introduce a better path: 100% honesty paired with 100% openness. Plus, they break down how to deliver feedback with love, not fear.

Chapters:
(00:00) Meet the Authors Behind Know Honesty
(03:15) The Childhood Moments That Shaped Communication
(11:10) From Daycare to Business Partners
(18:50) What It Really Means to Be Open and Honest
(29:03) Why Brutal Honesty Doesn’t Work

Chelsea Hartner opens up about her leap from corporate marketing to building a life rooted in creativity and authenticity. She shares the mindset shift that helped her stop chasing external success and start designing a brand that actually feels like her. If you’ve ever felt stuck in someone else’s version of success, this one’s for you.

Chapters:
(00:00) Leaving Corporate to Find Freedom
(03:12) Learning to Trust Her Creative Voice
(06:45) Navigating Self-Doubt and Redefining Success
(10:29) Building a Brand That Feels Personal
(14:55) Advice for People on the Edge of Change

Jill Fox shares how her mom’s hand-sewn leotards launched a brand that's still thriving 40 years later. From humble beginnings in Michigan to walking the runway at New York Fashion Week, Jill reveals how Foxy’s stayed authentic, embraced bold designs, and evolved into a lifestyle brand—all while spotlighting the next generation of confident creators.

Chapters:
(00:00) The Origin of Foxy’s Leotards
(05:31) Handmade Roots & Staying Local
(12:12) Turning Leotards Into a Lifestyle Brand
(17:45) New York Fashion Week & Global Growth
(23:08) Staying Authentic While Growing Boldly