In this episode of EVOLVE Voices,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Edilsa Bueno⁠⁠⁠ hosts Alex Lirtsman.

Alex Lirtsman’s journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship is a story of risk, resilience, and relentless curiosity. As an immigrant, he was born for a life of non-conformity. Leaving behind the security of a stable career, Alex embraced the world of risk, where every challenge—from navigating the chaos of COVID-19 to building a reputation in the competitive e-commerce space—became a lesson in adaptability. He shares insights on bootstrapping, leveraging AI, and the profound impact mentorship has had on shaping his business trajectory.
Alex Lirtsman is the Founder and CEO of CorralData, a company that leverages AI to democratize data and make it accessible to businesses of all sizes. Previously, Alex founded Ready Set Rocket, a leading digital transformation agency that worked with influential brands, including his former employer, JPMorgan Chase.
For more about CorralData’s new free tier, visit corraldata.com—and start tapping into the power of your own data to make smarter decisions.

EVOLVE Voices is a flagship initiative within the EVOLVE ecosystem, dedicated to amplifying the stories, experiences, and insights of extraordinary commerce leaders and ambassadors from the EVOLVE Commerce Club. Through a dynamic blend of interviews and live events, EVOLVE Voices unites diverse perspectives, while showcasing local experts who bring unique insights from their home markets to enrich our international community.

Want to join the #01 community of senior commerce leaders spanning 42 markets?

Request your application today: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.evolve-community.com/⁠⁠⁠

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In this episode of EVOLVE Voices,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Mayssa Nasr⁠⁠⁠ hosts Christina Salhab.

Christina Salhab, also known as Tina, is the visionary behind Tiny Fest, Lebanon’s leading kids’ entertainment company. With an unmatched passion for creating magical experiences, she has revolutionized the industry, redefining what it means to engage, entertain, and inspire children.
From interactive performances to large-scale themed events, Tina and her team have become the go-to name for unforgettable kids’ celebrations in Lebanon. Her dedication, creativity, and ability to bring joy to children have made her a pioneer in the field, setting new standards for kids' animation and entertainment.

EVOLVE Voices is a flagship initiative within the EVOLVE ecosystem, dedicated to amplifying the stories, experiences, and insights of extraordinary commerce leaders and ambassadors from the EVOLVE Commerce Club. Through a dynamic blend of interviews and live events, EVOLVE Voices unites diverse perspectives, while showcasing local experts who bring unique insights from their home markets to enrich our international community.

Want to join the #01 community of senior commerce leaders spanning 42 markets?

Request your application today: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.evolve-community.com/⁠⁠

Subscribe to our newsletter to be informed about everything that happens within our community: ⁠https://evolvecommunity.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices, Jade Maravillas sit down with Stuart Thornton, Chief Revenue Officer at Credilinq.ai and founder of Hoolah, Asia’s first BNPL platform, to discuss the evolution of payments, the opportunities within B2B BNPL, and lessons from startup success and failure. With years of experience leading sales at Worldpay and building a high-growth fintech business, Stuart shares his insights on how B2B BNPL is unlocking new growth opportunities for merchants and suppliers alike.
🔹 Topics Covered:
- The evolution of the payments landscape in Asia
- The rise (and challenges) of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) in both B2C and B2B
- How B2B BNPL is creating new opportunities in retail and e-commerce
- Key lessons from building and exiting Hoolah
- The shift from corporate leadership to fintech entrepreneurship
- Market consolidation vs. fragmentation in payments
- What it takes to differentiate in a crowded market

🔗 Connect with Stuart Thornton & Credilinq.ai:
Website: www.credilinq.ai

LinkedIn: Stuart Thornton

EVOLVE Voices is a flagship initiative within the EVOLVE ecosystem, dedicated to amplifying the stories, experiences, and insights of extraordinary commerce leaders and ambassadors from the EVOLVE Commerce Club. Through a dynamic blend of interviews and live events, EVOLVE Voices unites diverse perspectives, while showcasing local experts who bring unique insights from their home markets to enrich our international community.

Want to join the #01 community of senior commerce leaders spanning 42 markets?

Request your application today: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.evolve-community.com/⁠

https://evolvecommunity.beehiiv.com/subscribe

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices,⁠⁠⁠⁠ Edilsa Bueno⁠⁠ hosts Tessa Flippin.

Tessa Flippin has carved her own path in venture capital with a clear mission: empowering diverse entrepreneurs. Her journey began with a transformative summer internship in Peru, where her passion for connecting cultures first took root. From founding La Plataforma, a fintech platform enabling cross-border payments across Latin America, to leading investments at Capitalize VC, Tessa is committed to reshaping the venture capital landscape for underrepresented founders. She shares her unique perspective on the power of cultural insights, the growing potential of AI and the creator economy, and how her experiences have shaped her investment strategies in global commerce.
Tessa Flippin is the Founder and Managing Partner of Capitalize VC, a Chicago-based firm investing in technology companies that drive global commerce. A Kauffman Fellow, Tessa also serves on the boards of BLCK VC Midwest and Chicago:Blend, both of which are dedicated to increasing diversity within the tech ecosystem.

EVOLVE Voices is a flagship initiative within the EVOLVE ecosystem, dedicated to amplifying the stories, experiences, and insights of extraordinary commerce leaders and ambassadors from the EVOLVE Commerce Club. Through a dynamic blend of interviews and live events, EVOLVE Voices unites diverse perspectives, while showcasing local experts who bring unique insights from their home markets to enrich our international community.

Want to join the #01 community of senior commerce leaders spanning 42 markets?

Request your application today: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.evolve-community.com/⁠

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Mayssa Nasr⁠⁠ hosts ⁠Roland Bitar.

Roland Bitar is the CEO and Co-Founder of Local Host Rentals, a hospitality brand redefining the short-term rental experience across the Middle East and Europe. With a background in entrepreneurship and business strategy, Roland has built a company that merges tech-driven efficiency with high-end hospitality, creating exceptional stays for travelers and business professionals alike. His vision focuses on scaling a premium rental experience, ensuring seamless operations, personalized guest services, and strong partnerships with property owners. As a leader, he continuously adapts to market trends, evolving traveler expectations, and the challenges of the hospitality industry.

EVOLVE Voices is a flagship initiative within the EVOLVE ecosystem, dedicated to amplifying the stories, experiences, and insights of extraordinary commerce leaders and ambassadors from the EVOLVE Commerce Club. Through a dynamic blend of interviews and live events, EVOLVE Voices unites diverse perspectives, while showcasing local experts who bring unique insights from their home markets to enrich our international community.

Want to join the #01 community of senior commerce leaders spanning 42 markets?

Request your application today: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.evolve-community.com/⁠⁠

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Mayssa Nasr⁠ hosts ⁠Firas Mghames.

Firas Mghames, CEO of FEER McQUEEN and Group CEO of Flag M Group—a visionary leader who has redefined the creative industry in the region.
14 years ago, Firas set out to bring creatives, writers, filmmakers, animators, engineers, architects, and business consultants under one roof. Today, that vision is a thriving reality with FEER McQUEEN, a hybrid creative agency pushing the boundaries of branding, design, advertising, animation, and technology.
Firas’s journey is a masterclass in vision, leadership, and the power of bold ideas.

EVOLVE Voices is a flagship initiative within the EVOLVE ecosystem, dedicated to amplifying the stories, experiences, and insights of extraordinary commerce leaders and ambassadors from the EVOLVE Commerce Club. Through a dynamic blend of interviews and live events, EVOLVE Voices unites diverse perspectives, while showcasing local experts who bring unique insights from their home markets to enrich our international community.

Want to join the #01 community of senior commerce leaders spanning 42 markets?

Request your application today: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.evolve-community.com/⁠

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices,⁠⁠⁠ Edilsa Bueno⁠ hosts Mark Deruyter.

Digital marketing can be a battlefield, and Mark Deruyter has been leading the charge for years. From serving as an intelligence officer in the Navy to transforming brands in the digital space, Mark's journey has been one of discipline and innovation. In this episode, we dive into his transition from the military to the world of digital marketing, and how that same disciplined mindset has helped him lead teams at top brands like Columbia Sportswear, PE Nation, and now Om Mushroom Superfood. He shares the challenges and triumphs of stepping into Om Mushroom just before a major capital infusion, and how his approach to leadership and innovation has shaped the brand’s success.

Before entering the superfood space, Mark spent over a decade driving ecommerce growth for companies like Under Armour, Guitar Center, and Microsoft. His career spans across everything from paid search and CRM to mobile and social, and he’s been a leader in shaping omnichannel strategies at each stop. For Mark, it’s all about strategy, discipline, and delivering results whether on the front lines of the military or the front lines of the digital world.
EVOLVE Voices is a flagship initiative within the EVOLVE ecosystem, dedicated to amplifying the stories, experiences, and insights of extraordinary commerce leaders and ambassadors from the EVOLVE Commerce Club. Through a dynamic blend of interviews and live events, EVOLVE Voices unites diverse perspectives, while showcasing local experts who bring unique insights from their home markets to enrich our international community.

Want to join the #01 community of senior commerce leaders spanning 41 markets?

Request your application today: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.evolve-community.com/⁠

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices,⁠⁠⁠ Edilsa Bueno⁠ hosts Allison Disney.

The beverage industry is being reimagined, and Allison Disney is at the forefront of that shift with MixMix, a cannabis-infused drink brand that’s bringing innovation and enjoyment to the mainstream. From her start in brand marketing to creating MixMix, Allison is challenging the status quo with a unique, majority women-owned cannabis brand built alongside close friends. In this episode, we dive into the exciting journey of launching a brand in a highly regulated space, the goosebump moment of seeing MixMix on store shelves, and how she’s pushing boundaries to normalize cannabis in everyday life.

Before MixMix, Allison spent nearly two decades shaping global brands like Ziploc, Bacardi, YouTube, and Special K, where she crafted campaigns that became cultural moments. As a founding board member of the Cannabis Media Council and Chair Emeritus of the NCIA’s Marketing Committee, she’s become a prominent voice in advocating for cannabis in mainstream culture. Featured in Forbes, Ad Age, and Muse by Clios, Allison continues to push forward with MixMix’s mission to create magical moments with every sip, all while leading the way for the cannabis beverage revolution.

For more about their upcoming ecommerce launch, visit getmixmix.com, and to collaborate or submit a flavor idea, drop them a note at [email protected].

EVOLVE Voices is a flagship initiative within the EVOLVE ecosystem, dedicated to amplifying the stories, experiences, and insights of extraordinary commerce leaders and ambassadors from the EVOLVE Commerce Club. Through a dynamic blend of interviews and live events, EVOLVE Voices unites diverse perspectives, while showcasing local experts who bring unique insights from their home markets to enrich our international community.

Want to join the #01 community of senior commerce leaders spanning 41 markets?

Request your application today: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.evolve-community.com/⁠

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices,⁠⁠⁠ Edilsa Bueno⁠ hosts ⁠Madison Lee.

Skincare is an industry where authenticity and trust are everything, and Madison Lee is redefining both with Nemah. As the founder of this science-backed, vegan skincare brand for moms and babies, Madison has built a business grounded in meaningful connections. What started as a personal mission to create safe and effective skincare products has grown into a thriving multi-million-dollar company. Along the way, Madison’s story is filled with unexpected moments of support—from friends helping to fulfill orders to Nemah being featured on Kourtney Kardashian’s Poosh.

Before Nemah, Madison spent years at CAA, where he developed expertise in creator-led growth and digital commerce. Now, as a husband, father of three, marathon runner, and proud business owner, he’s focused on building a brand that’s as much about people as it is about products. With a commitment to transparency, quality, and community, Madison is proving that when you bring people together, you can create something truly special.

Looking ahead, Nemah will expand its body-care line with the launch of its highly anticipated Firming Body Serum in April.

EVOLVE Voices is a flagship initiative within the EVOLVE ecosystem, dedicated to amplifying the stories, experiences, and insights of extraordinary commerce leaders and ambassadors from the EVOLVE Commerce Club. Through a dynamic blend of interviews and live events, EVOLVE Voices unites diverse perspectives, while showcasing local experts who bring unique insights from their home markets to enrich our international community.

Want to join the #01 community of senior commerce leaders spanning 41 markets?

Request your application today: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.evolve-community.com/⁠

In this episode of EVOLVE Voices,⁠⁠⁠ Edilsa Bueno⁠ hosts Daniel Rodriguez.

The wine industry is being disrupted, and Daniel Rodriguez is at the helm with Currently Wine. As CEO, he’s applying his tech industry experience to challenge a slow-moving sector. In this episode, we explore his unique crowdfunding approach that has raised over $1M in capital, the challenges of bootstrapping a rebrand, and the real difference between being an owner and a founder. He also opens up about how perseverance has turned skeptics into supporters as he continues building his business in public, with just two months left to close his crowdfunding campaign.

Before launching Currently Wine, Daniel spent over a decade leading marketing efforts in the B2B tech space, refining his expertise in digital transformation and customer experience. A published author and frequent speaker, he co-authored Experience is Everything, a book on the future of customer service. With a background in finance and consulting, Daniel brings analytical rigor to a brand that blends both innovation and tradition.

For more about Currently Wine, visit their website, and to support their crowdfunding campaign, visit Republic's fundraising page.

EVOLVE Voices is a flagship initiative within the EVOLVE ecosystem, dedicated to amplifying the stories, experiences, and insights of extraordinary commerce leaders and ambassadors from the EVOLVE Commerce Club. Through a dynamic blend of interviews and live events, EVOLVE Voices unites diverse perspectives, while showcasing local experts who bring unique insights from their home markets to enrich our international community.

Want to join the #01 community of senior commerce leaders spanning 41 markets?

Request your application today: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.evolve-community.com/⁠