In this insightful new installment of the Global e-Commerce Leaders Podcast, host Michael LeBlanc reconnects with Jim Okamura, Co-Founder of the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum (GELF), to discuss the future of global retail, the evolving mission of GELF, and how the community is responding to today’s rapidly changing international marketplace. They begin by reflecting on the legacy of the late Kent Allen, a fellow GELF Co-Founder whose passing deeply impacted the organization and the broader e-commerce sector. Jim shares stories of Kent’s passion for connecting people and forging solutions, highlighting how Kent’s genuine commitment to global growth laid the groundwork for GELF’s unique blend of community and expertise.

Throughout the conversation, Jim explains the necessity of reimagining GELF’s programming and events calendar to address the latest complexities in worldwide commerce. From evolving trade regulations and tariffs to the shifting needs of both established and emerging brands, he stresses the importance of gathering global retail leaders more frequently to tackle pressing concerns in real time. This rethinking involves a deeper focus on segmentation—recognizing that seasoned international brands need more advanced strategies, while newcomers require foundational guidance on cross-border logistics, market entry, and localized marketing.

Listeners will learn about planned workshops, digital channels, and in-person meetups designed to foster constructive dialogue and knowledge sharing. Jim previews how GELF aims to partner with complementary associations—such as those in logistics, language translation, and supply chain—to further expand the ecosystem of global practitioners. By diving into topics like cross-border wholesaling and franchising, along with direct-to-consumer e-commerce, GELF is poised to address a full spectrum of global commerce opportunities.

Finally, Michael and Jim look ahead, encouraging community members—ranging from enterprise veterans to rising DTC players—to share feedback, collaborate on new initiatives, and join a reinvigorated conversation about global retail expansion. The episode concludes with a heartfelt dedication to Kent Allen’s memory, reminding listeners of the spirit of connection and innovation that underpins the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum. Whether you’re a seasoned multinational brand or exploring your first international venture, this episode provides invaluable insights and a roadmap for thriving in the ever-evolving world of cross-border commerce.

Support the GoFundMe for Kent Allen's memorial bench here:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/memorial-bench-for-kent-at-golden-gate-park

Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation. StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.  Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen, and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify Plus. 

My special guest on this episode is Dan Brewster, the Senior Vice President of Marketing for ESW. ESW empowers the world's best-loved retailers and brands to make global shopping better, safer, simpler and faster end-to-end. Dan shares timely insights into the evolution of cross-border commerce and the transition to a multi-local solution. Stay tuned as we explore the impact of data, AI, and global trends on e-commerce and international retail.

This podcast is brought to you by Stream Commerce. 

Get ready for the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum L.A. 2024, February 22nd.  Learn more here. 

About Dan

Dan is now the SVP of Marketing for ESW, the leader in global DTC eCommerce solutions. ESW provides an enterprise eCommerce platform, domestic and cross-border logistics, optimized payments, full-service business operations and marketing services for retail brands. 

Joining ESW as a part of their acquisition of Scalefast, Dan was integral to managing the merger of marketing operations and branding. He has built an international team of demand generation and content marketing experts who collaborate with sales to execute highly targeted ABM campaigns, content marketing and PR for an organization that is now more than 1000 strong, with a record pipeline. 

He joined Scalefast after serving as SVP Marketing & Digital Commerce for contemporary women’s apparel brand Planet Blue and its private label Blue Life. Dan led integrated marketing and the digital transformation of the brand’s cross-channel sales and operations. He was instrumental in Planet Blue’s deployment of Klarna in its retail stores, the first brick and mortar application of buy now pay later technology. 

Before joining Planet Blue, he was the principal of Marketing Endeavors Consulting, bringing close to three decades of integrated marketing experience to a portfolio of CPG, retail, and technology clients. His background includes sports event marketing and production, B2B lead gen and corporate marketing, and management of two performance marketing agencies.

While at Onestop Internet and eBay Enterprise, he leveraged a multifaceted skill set in leading client services, strategy, digital marketing, and business development roles for SaaS-based e-commerce solutions delivering hundreds of millions in annual retail sales for global brands.

He has served in leading marketing roles for the Phoenix Coyotes, Los Angeles Dodgers, and USC Trojans, leading the early development of online ticketing and merchandise sales platforms while executing all sponsor activation, advertising, loyalty programs, promotions, and in-venue entertainment.

He has won national recognition from the Promotion Marketing Association for Hispanic marketing programs at the Dodgers and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and events. He has also served as an adjunct instructor for the University of San Francisco’s School of Sports Management. He is a graduate of the University of Southern California (BA ’93; MBA ’02).

Specialties include account based marketing, content marketing, consumer behavior, marketing analytics, event production, and emerging cross-channel retail technologies and strategies.

About Michael

Michael LeBlanc  is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice.   He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael is the producer and host of a network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail industry podcast,       The Voice of Retail, plus  Global eCommerce Leaders podcast, and The Food Professor  with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois.    You can learn more about Michael   here  or on     LinkedIn. 

Be sure and check out Michael's latest venture for fun and influencer riches - Last Request Barbecue,  his YouTube BBQ cooking channel!

Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation. StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.  Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen, and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify Plus. 

In this episode, we meet the force of nature, Jenna Flateman Posner, just two months into her new gig with innovative home products brand, wholesaler and direct-to-consumer retailer Solo Brands. We cover a lot of ground in this interview, not unlike what Jenna did as a University athlete and member of the USA Women’s Sevens rugby team.

Hear more about how Solo Brands has dedicated country sites, distribution in Canada and Europe, and the best days. Learn how Jenna prioritized technology investment with a mind to global reach and presence. 

Thanks to Stream Commerce for their support in making this episode happen.

Learn more about GELF L.A. 2024

About Jenna

As the Chief Digital Officer at Solo Brands, I lead the strategy and execution of digital initiatives across our portfolio of direct-to-consumer brands. With over 15 years of experience in the retail and technology sectors, I have a track record of driving growth, innovation, and customer loyalty through digital channels and platforms.

My core competencies include tech strategy, innovation, customer relationship management, online marketing, and strategic partnerships. I leverage my entrepreneurial mindset and industry expertise to identify and capitalize on emerging opportunities, optimize operational efficiency, and foster cross-functional collaboration. My mission is to deliver exceptional digital experiences that enhance the value proposition and competitive advantage of Solo Brands and its partners.

About Michael

Michael LeBlanc  is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice.   He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael is the producer and host of a network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail industry podcast,       The Voice of Retail, plus  Global eCommerce Leaders podcast, and The Food Professor  with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois.    You can learn more about Michael   here  or on     LinkedIn. 

Be sure and check out Michael's latest venture for fun and influencer riches - Last Request Barbecue,  his YouTube BBQ cooking channel!

Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation. StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.  Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen, and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify Plus. 

In this episode, I welcome back to the podcast  Sophie Abrahamsson, President of Americas @ Bambuser.  With Sophie is Julian Guevara, Senior Vice President of Direct to Consumer with What Goes Around Comes Around.  

I had the opportunity to visit Julian's store in SoHo recently and was super impressed by the business, their live-streaming studio and the team behind this innovative retailer.  

One quick note: I had a mic gremlin early in the interview with Shopie's mic, but I resolved it quickly for the majority of our time together. Let's listen in now!

Thanks to Stream Commerce for their support in making this episode happen. 

About Sophie

Education: Bachelors Degree in Media & Communications from Università degli Studi di Firenze.

Experience:  +10yr of international experience from e-commerce and marketing within retail. Marketing manager for LUISAVIAROMA, Head of Digital for & Other Stories and various business development positions at H&M group.

About Kent

I help innovative digital companies tell their story and build relationships with prospective and established clients and partners. I've spent the last twenty years providing market analysis, research & thought leadership, market development and consulting services within the ecommerce technology and digital marketing community.

Current focus: Globalization via cross-border ecommerce, marketplaces and international retail expansion. Co-founded the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum to foster community among and provide education to digital professionals with international growth objectives.

My 20+ years of experience in the digital commerce and marketing industry and strong personal connections have provided me with opportunities to stay ahead of the curve and explore "what's next" for my clients and our audiences.

My research, content marketing & thought leadership skills coupled with my strong client interface skills allow me to define & execute next-generation marketing and commerce strategies & improve business performance. 

Specialties/Skills: Market Research, Communications, Strategy, Planning, Best Practices, Trend, Data and Competitive Analysis, Public Speaking, Writing and Expression

About Jim

Jim Okamura is Partner with McMillan Doolittle - The Retail Experts. Jim has more than 25 years of consulting experience focused on the retail industry, including 20+ years in digital transformation strategies for retailers, brands and retail-related companies. 

Specializations include cross-border & global ecommerce and organization design for digital transformations. Through our global alliance, Ebeltoft Group, we have deep retail expertise in more than 20 countries.

Clients include Wahl Clipper, Gap, adidas, Hunter Fan, Bassett Furniture, Giant Eagle, Federated Coop, Harley-Davidson, Baccarat, DSW, Tractor Supply Co., MasterCard, Verizon Wireless, Neiman Marcus, Navy Exchange, Lands’ End, Microsoft, The Body Shop International, L Brands, Timberland, Media Markt, Lowe’s Companies, Pep Boys, Crate and Barrel, Loyalty One, VISA, and Cadillac Fairview.

Jim is a Co-founder of the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum, a community and conference series focused on global and cross-border ecommerce. Digital Retail Globalization, such as riding China's ecommerce growth wave, is important for brands, retailers and distribution partners of all sizes.

Michael LeBlanc  is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice.   He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael is the producer and host of a network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail industry podcast,       The Voice of Retail, plus  Global eCommerce Leaders podcast, and The Food Professor  with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois.    You can learn more about Michael   here  or on     LinkedIn. 

Be sure and check out Michael's latest venture for fun and influencer riches - Last Request Barbecue,  his YouTube BBQ cooking channel!

Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation. StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.  Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen, and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify Plus. 

Greetings and welcome to Season Three of the Global eCommerce Leaders #podcast, picking up from the New York edition of the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum, where I met and chatted with some of the most interesting global commerce leaders in the world live in person in the Stream Commerce podcast studio, gathered as part of the thriving GELF community.

This season is brought to you by Stream Commerce, a full-service consultancy that ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for our clients. They partner with people and brands they believe in to create websites that are deeply committed to the user experience and drive omnichannel digital transformation. As the world changes, they listen, and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify Plus.

In this episode kicking us off for our third season, GELF co-founders Kent Allen and Jim Okamura take us through what they heard on the stage and in the hallways of GELF NYC 2023 and get us ready for GELF LA, February 22, 2024. 

About Kent

I help innovative digital companies tell their story and build relationships with prospective and established clients and partners. I've spent the last twenty years providing market analysis, research & thought leadership, market development and consulting services within the ecommerce technology and digital marketing community.

Current focus: Globalization via cross-border ecommerce, marketplaces and international retail expansion. Co-founded the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum to foster community among and provide education to digital professionals with international growth objectives.

My 20+ years of experience in the digital commerce and marketing industry and strong personal connections have provided me with opportunities to stay ahead of the curve and explore "what's next" for my clients and our audiences.

My research, content marketing & thought leadership skills coupled with my strong client interface skills allow me to define & execute next-generation marketing and commerce strategies & improve business performance. 

Specialties/Skills: Market Research, Communications, Strategy, Planning, Best Practices, Trend, Data and Competitive Analysis, Public Speaking, Writing and Expression

About Jim

Jim Okamura is Partner with McMillan Doolittle - The Retail Experts. Jim has more than 25 years of consulting experience focused on the retail industry, including 20+ years in digital transformation strategies for retailers, brands and retail-related companies. 

Specializations include cross-border & global ecommerce and organization design for digital transformations. Through our global alliance, Ebeltoft Group, we have deep retail expertise in more than 20 countries.

Clients include Wahl Clipper, Gap, adidas, Hunter Fan, Bassett Furniture, Giant Eagle, Federated Coop, Harley-Davidson, Baccarat, DSW, Tractor Supply Co., MasterCard, Verizon Wireless, Neiman Marcus, Navy Exchange, Lands’ End, Microsoft, The Body Shop International, L Brands, Timberland, Media Markt, Lowe’s Companies, Pep Boys, Crate and Barrel, Loyalty One, VISA, and Cadillac Fairview.

Jim is a Co-founder of the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum, a community and conference series focused on global and cross-border ecommerce. Digital Retail Globalization, such as riding China's ecommerce growth wave, is important for brands, retailers and distribution partners of all sizes.

Michael LeBlanc  is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice.   He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael is the producer and host of a network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail industry podcast,       The Voice of Retail, plus  Global eCommerce Leaders podcast, and The Food Professor  with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois.    You can learn more about Michael   here  or on     LinkedIn. 

Be sure and check out Michael's latest venture for fun and influencer riches - Last Request Barbecue,  his YouTube BBQ cooking channel!

Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation. StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.  Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen, and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify Plus. 

On Thursday October 12th, the Global Ecommerce Leaders Forum (GELF) community will be back in New York City live and in-person for another full day of learning, sharing and networking. Join global ecommerce leaders from leading DTC and retail brands for keynotes, breakout sessions, peer/executive discussions/meetups and networking as we return to Convene Midtown Westin October! 

In this episode, GELF co-founders Kent Allen and Jim Okamura give us an exclusive preview of the fantastic speakers and thought leadership that is part of the agenda for the GELF NYC 2023 forum.  I'll be there in the StreamCommerce podcasting studio chatting with the key industry players that bring this community alive!

Are you a retail ecommerce leader interested in speaking at GELF NYC 2023 on Thursday, October 12th? If so, please contact the GELF producers by emailing [email protected]

As always, GELF NYC 2023 is a retailer/DTC brand-only, sponsor-only event. If you are a cross-border solution provider, an ecommerce platform or marketplace operator, software company, agency, data aggregator, logistics provider or other global ecommerce solution or service provider interested in sponsoring and attending GELF NYC ’23, we would love to have you join us as a sponsor. Please contact [email protected]

About Kent

I help innovative digital companies tell their story and build relationships with prospective and established clients and partners. I've spent the last twenty years providing market analysis, research & thought leadership, market development and consulting services within the ecommerce technology and digital marketing community.

Current focus: Globalization via cross-border ecommerce, marketplaces and international retail expansion. Co-founded the Global eCommerce Leaders Forum to foster community among and provide education to digital professionals with international growth objectives.

My 20+ years of experience in the digital commerce and marketing industry and strong personal connections have provided me with opportunities to stay ahead of the curve and explore "what's next" for my clients and our audiences.

My research, content marketing & thought leadership skills coupled with my strong client interface skills allow me to define & execute next-generation marketing and commerce strategies & improve business performance. 

Specialties/Skills: Market Research, Communications, Strategy, Planning, Best Practices, Trend, Data and Competitive Analysis, Public Speaking, Writing and Expression

About Jim

Jim Okamura is Partner with McMillan Doolittle - The Retail Experts. Jim has more than 25 years of consulting experience focused on the retail industry, including 20+ years in digital transformation strategies for retailers, brands and retail-related companies. 

Specializations include cross-border & global ecommerce and organization design for digital transformations. Through our global alliance, Ebeltoft Group, we have deep retail expertise in more than 20 countries.

Clients include Wahl Clipper, Gap, adidas, Hunter Fan, Bassett Furniture, Giant Eagle, Federated Coop, Harley-Davidson, Baccarat, DSW, Tractor Supply Co., MasterCard, Verizon Wireless, Neiman Marcus, Navy Exchange, Lands’ End, Microsoft, The Body Shop International, L Brands, Timberland, Media Markt, Lowe’s Companies, Pep Boys, Crate and Barrel, Loyalty One, VISA, and Cadillac Fairview.

Jim is a Co-founder of the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum, a community and conference series focused on global and cross-border ecommerce. Digital Retail Globalization, such as riding China's ecommerce growth wave, is important for brands, retailers and distribution partners of all sizes.

Michael LeBlanc  is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice.   He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael is the producer and host of a network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail industry podcast,       The Voice of Retail, plus  Global eCommerce Leaders podcast, and The Food Professor  with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois.    You can learn more about Michael   here  or on     LinkedIn. 

Be sure and check out Michael's latest venture for fun and influencer riches - Last Request Barbecue,  his YouTube BBQ cooking channel!

Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation. StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.  Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen, and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify Plus. 

Greetings and welcome to a special episode recorded live in the on-site Stream Commerce podcasting studio at the Los Angeles Global eCommerce Leaders Forum in early 2023. These episodes are presented by Stream Commerce, a full-service Shopify Plus eCommerce agency delivering world-class Shopify Plus digital storefronts & growth marketing solutions. Stream Commerce can help you navigate the new Markets, Markets Pro and Global-e international capabilities native to Shopify and work hand-in-hand to help you drive profitable global sales.

And if you have questions about whether or not your international Klaviyo email marketing and paid performance marketing with Meta and Google is working as hard as you are, call the experts at Stream Commerce; they can help you maximize your return.

The Global eCommerce Leaders Forum LA 2023 offered retail professionals strategic insights and actionable takeaways about how industry leaders are tackling their top Global DTC and cross-border eCommerce challenges – and how they are successfully making a case for investing in global retail growth. 

Jessica Quick & Denise Dente, Co-Founders and Managing Principals at Buzz Beauté join me on the podcast and we discuss the global beauty industry and winning strategies for brands and retailers alike.   Here is a link to Jessica and Denise's great beauty podcast. 

If you liked this podcast, you can follow it on Apple iTunes, Spotify, Google, the Amazon Music podcast channel or your favourite podcast platform. Please rate and review with a five-star rating and be sure and recommend us to a friend or colleague in the retail and cross-border commerce industry.

You can learn more about the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum and continue to keep up with the latest on cross-border commerce online at https://www.globalecommerceleadersforum.com.   Be sure and block off your calendar for the next GELF event in New York City on October 12, 2023!   I'm your host Michael LeBlanc, strategic retail advisor, keynote speaker and podcaster, and you can learn more about me on LinkedIn. 

About Jessica Quick & Denise Dente

Denise

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗦 𝗠𝗘
I thrive on designing cutting-edge DTC and BTB growth strategies, developing innovative products, and expanding markets in the consumer goods, beauty, fragrance, and fashion industries. I have a global approach to shaping and leading cross-functional teams to build organizational strategy and position companies for unprecedented growth. 

With my passion for achievement, I leverage my deep industry knowledge and relentless focus to design game-changing initiatives to ignite a brand’s potential, accelerate ROI, and unlock opportunities to transform brands into industry pacesetters.

◆ 𝗜𝗡𝗙𝗟𝗨𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 & 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗧
✸ Exploded international division expansion of professional beauty products into 90+ countries, and outperformed the market with concurrent net sales and EBITDA growth.
✸ Boosted sales of fragrance brand by +51% in 12 months, created 4 new products and added DTC & subscription box channel. 
✸ Acquired $1M in new business and developed custom products for iconic brands, including Ralph Lauren, Zara, and The Body Shop.
✸ International speaker, presenter, panelist, podcast host, author, and industry expert.

◆ 𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗦𝗔𝗬
➥ “Denise clearly loves what she does…she is never afraid to take on too much or to shoulder additional responsibility. Denise’s competitive nature set the bar high.”

➥ “Denise is iconic in sales and will lead any company and team to success.”

◆ 𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 & 𝗣𝗢𝗗𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧
𝙒𝙃𝙄𝙋 𝙁𝙄𝙍𝙀 𝙈𝙊𝙉𝙀𝙔 (https://whipfiremoney.com/) is an easy-to-use international guidebook for beauty brands filled with practical information and insights PLUS checklists, red flags, and insider tips essential for doing business abroad.

𝘽𝙀𝘼𝙐𝙏𝙔 𝙄𝙎 𝙔𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝘽𝙐𝙎𝙄𝙉𝙀𝙎𝙎 (https://www.buzzbeaute.com/podcasts) is the largest beauty and wellness weekly business podcast with listeners in 120 countries. 

◆ 𝗔𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗦 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗦𝗘
✓Global Sales & Marketing
✓International Expansion
✓Strategic Planning & Execution
✓Brand & Channel Strategy
✓Cross-Functional Leadership
✓GTM Planning
✓P&L Management
✓Product Development
✓Project Management
✓Talent Development

If you need strong growth- and results-driven leadership to move your organization to its next level of success, contact me at [email protected].

About Michael

Michael LeBlanc  is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice.   He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael is the producer and host of a network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail industry podcast,       The Voice of Retail, plus  Global eCommerce Leaders podcast, and The Food Professor  with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois.    You can learn more about Michael   here  or on     LinkedIn. 

Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation. StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.  Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen, and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify Plus. 

Greetings and welcome to a special episode recorded live in the on-site Stream Commerce podcasting studio at the Los Angeles Global eCommerce Leaders Forum in early 2023. These episodes are presented by Stream Commerce, a full-service Shopify Plus eCommerce agency delivering world-class Shopify Plus digital storefronts & growth marketing solutions. Stream Commerce can help you navigate the new Markets, Markets Pro and Global-e international capabilities native to Shopify and work hand-in-hand to help you drive profitable global sales.

And if you have questions about whether or not your international Klaviyo email marketing and paid performance marketing with Meta and Google is working as hard as you are, call the experts at Stream Commerce; they can help you maximize your return.

The Global eCommerce Leaders Forum LA 2023 offered retail professionals strategic insights and actionable takeaways about how industry leaders are tackling their top Global DTC and cross-border eCommerce challenges – and how they are successfully making a case for investing in global retail growth. 

Nisha Oza returns to the podcast on this episode and delivers a social media and influencer management masterclass.  Now expanding her expertise beyond fashion and into wellness and better living internationally with KOS, a plant-based nutrition brand, Nisha breaks down the tradecraft of influencer marketing and shares the passion she brings to her craft. 

If you liked this podcast, you can follow it on Apple iTunes, Spotify, Google, the Amazon Music podcast channel or your favourite podcast platform. Please rate and review with a five-star rating and be sure and recommend us to a friend or colleague in the retail and cross-border commerce industry.

You can learn more about the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum and continue to keep up with the latest on cross-border commerce online at https://www.globalecommerceleadersforum.com.   Be sure and block off your calendar for the next GELF event in New York City on October 12, 2023!   I'm your host Michael LeBlanc, strategic retail advisor, keynote speaker and podcaster, and you can learn more about me on LinkedIn. 

About Nisha

Passionate, well-connected, and fashion-obsessed PR & influencer relations expert experienced in both new & traditional media, with proven track record of growing digital brand & social media presence, managing VIP relationships, securing top-notch press placements, & driving e-commerce sales. Stellar leadership, interpersonal, communication, written, project management, & content creation skills. Well-versed in both the creative & analytical sides of fashion.

About Michael

Michael LeBlanc  is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice.   He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael is the producer and host of a network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail industry podcast,       The Voice of Retail, plus  Global eCommerce Leaders podcast, and The Food Professor  with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois.    You can learn more about Michael   here  or on     LinkedIn. 

Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation. StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.  Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen, and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify Plus. 

Greetings and welcome to a special episode recorded live in the on-site Stream Commerce podcasting studio at the Los Angeles Global eCommerce Leaders Forum in early 2023. These episodes are presented by Stream Commerce, a full-service Shopify Plus eCommerce agency delivering world-class Shopify Plus digital storefronts & growth marketing solutions. Stream Commerce can help you navigate the new Markets, Markets Pro and Global-e international capabilities native to Shopify and work hand-in-hand to help you drive profitable global sales.

And if you have questions about whether or not your international Klaviyo email marketing and paid performance marketing with Meta and Google is working as hard as you are, call the experts at Stream Commerce; they can help you maximize your return.

The Global eCommerce Leaders Forum LA 2023 offered retail professionals strategic insights and actionable takeaways about how industry leaders are tackling their top Global DTC and cross-border eCommerce challenges – and how they are successfully making a case for investing in global retail growth. 

In this episode, we meet Jon Safran, Chief Executive Officer, KEH Camera, a leading recommerce company and the World's Largest Pre-Owned Camera Dealer. They have a constantly replenished inventory of over 65,000 items in stock and have had a stellar customer service reputation since 1979.

If you liked this podcast, you can follow it on Apple iTunes, Spotify, Google, the Amazon Music podcast channel or your favourite podcast platform. Please rate and review with a five-star rating and be sure and recommend us to a friend or colleague in the retail and cross-border commerce industry.

You can learn more about the Global E-Commerce Leaders Forum and continue to keep up with the latest on cross-border commerce online at https://www.globalecommerceleadersforum.com.   Be sure and block off your calendar for the next GELF event in New York City on October 12, 2023!   I'm your host Michael LeBlanc, strategic retail advisor, keynote speaker and podcaster, and you can learn more about me on LinkedIn. 

About Jon

Energetic business leader with a demonstrated history of success in the Re-Commerce, Consumer Products, Technology, and Diversified Industrial market segments. 

Focused on driving profitable growth organically through new product development / innovation, complimented by strategic acquisitions. 

Builds aligned and accountable teams, backed by scalable and sustainable processes. Passionate about delivering differentiated value to the customer. Strong ability to develop strategy and ensure that it gets executed across the organization.

Skillset includes Cross-Functional Team Leadership, Marketing & Sales Management, New Product Development & Commercialization, Financial and P&L Management, Strategic Planning, Global Business Development, and Productivity & Process Development.

About Michael

Michael LeBlanc  is the Founder & President of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc and a Senior Advisor to Retail Council of Canada as part of his advisory and consulting practice.   He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience, and has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.  Michael is the producer and host of a network of leading podcasts including Canada’s top retail industry podcast,       The Voice of Retail, plus  Global eCommerce Leaders podcast, and The Food Professor  with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois.    You can learn more about Michael   here  or on     LinkedIn. 

Presented by StreamCommerce, a full-service consultancy that ideates, strategizes, and executes growth marketing solutions for their clients. They partner with people and brands they believe in, to create websites that are deeply committed to the user experience and that drive omnichannel digital transformation. StreamCommerce increases your bottom line sustainably by delivering a customer experience that's true to your brand.  Their team of industry experts allows them to make informed and strategic decisions quickly. As the world changes, we listen, and they deliver world-class e-commerce websites on Shopify Plus.