Leaders Unleashed

In this episode, Jason Walter, Director of Partnerships & Publicity at Waiākea, shares how Native Hawaiian values like aloha and pono shape his life, leadership, and work in building sustainable businesses with a lasting impact. From giving back to local communities through initiatives like the Coco Foundation to pioneering eco-conscious packaging and global partnerships, Jason shows how culture and purpose can guide business toward meaningful change. He also opens up about his personal journey with mental health and creativity, including his latest book, Loving Neutral. 

Tune in for a conversation that blends tradition, innovation, and heart — and discover how island values can inspire a better world. 

Wine storage is no longer just about functionality — it’s about design, experience, and storytelling. In this episode, Jacob Harkins, VP of Marketing and Product Design at VintageView, shares how wine storage has evolved from hidden cellars to stunning design features that transform homes and restaurants. He dives into the latest trends shaping wine culture, from interactive cellars and creative displays to stylish wine refrigerators made for modern living. Whether you’re a casual wine lover or a design enthusiast, Jacob reveals how to bring style, creativity, and meaning into the way we store and showcase wine. 

What’s holding your CPG brand back? In this episode, we sit down with Chelsea John, Senior Director of Brand Innovation at Hint and a powerhouse in the CPG marketing world. With experience at Danone, Poppi, and other high-growth brands, Chelsea breaks down why many CPG brands struggle to scale—and how to fix it. From building influencer strategies that actually convert to using data-backed KPIs and creating authentic brand stories, she reveals actionable insights every marketer needs. Whether you're in a startup or managing a mature brand, this episode is packed with real-world advice from someone who's been on both sides of the growth curve.

In this episode, Aaron is joined by Kris Tait, Chief Business Officer at Croud, who shares his journey from being one of the first hires at the agency to helping scale it into a global media powerhouse. Kris unpacks the shift from traditional performance marketing to a more holistic demand generation approach, highlights the importance of adaptability in global expansion, and discusses how AI is reshaping roles across the marketing industry. If you're looking to understand what it takes to grow internationally, balance brand and performance, or future-proof your marketing strategy, this episode is packed with insight. 

Megan Picurro, Head of Global Marketing at Mario Badescu, joins me to talk about how one of the most iconic legacy skincare brands is adapting in the age of AI. With nearly 20 years in the beauty industry, Megan shares how Mario Badescu stays ahead by blending tradition with innovation. We explore the impact of AI on beauty marketing, the rise and fall of celebrity brands, and why authenticity and cultural relevance still matter. Whether you’re building a brand or navigating digital transformation, this episode is packed with real insights. 

On this episode of Leaders Unleashed, Aaron chats with Ashley Hanson, Growth Marketer at MiiR, about building smart, purpose-driven marketing strategies. From foundational tactics to advanced campaigns, Ashley shares how to prioritize channels, avoid common pitfalls, and use tools like ChatGPT effectively. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you grow with intention. 

Are you ready for the future of marketing? Erika Hill shares how AI, predictive analytics, and immersive technologies are reshaping the way brands connect with customers. From mastering generative AI content to creating unforgettable experiences with AR and VR, Erika offers real-world strategies to help marketers stay relevant, authentic, and ahead of the competition.

SEO is evolving fast—and AI is leading the charge. In this episode, we sit down with Luke Quilter, CEO of Sleeping Giant Media, to explore the future of digital marketing.

Luke explains why entities now matter more than keywords, how platforms like TikTok and YouTube are reshaping search, and what marketers need to do to stay visible. He also shares how to use AI as a tool for ideation, content support, and internal efficiency—without sacrificing originality or strategic thinking.

From optimizing for AI-powered search engines to understanding consumer behavior across platforms, Luke breaks it down with clarity and actionable insight. Plus, he opens up about his 16-year journey as a founder, offering honest advice on entrepreneurship, mentorship, and building the right team. Whether you're deep in SEO or just trying to keep up, this episode is packed with value.

Nicole Goldberg, Director of E-commerce and Digital at SIMKHAI, joins Leaders Unleashed to share how brands can truly stand out in a crowded e-commerce space. She dives into brand storytelling, customer connection, UGC strategies, and how to stretch creative content across platforms.

Nicole also breaks down incrementality in digital marketing and explores the future of video and AI in content creation. Whether you're building a brand or refining your marketing strategy, this episode is packed with insights you can use.

In the startup world, speed is everything—and Cameron Croasdale knows exactly how to market at full throttle. On this episode of Leaders Unleashed, she sits down with Aaron Basil to unpack what it really takes to build a buzz-worthy brand that lasts. From scrappy beginnings to retail deals with Walmart and Target, and now launching into high-tech entertainment centers, Cameron breaks down the pillars of growth, the value of social proof, and how Gel Blaster is carving out a category of its own in the toy-tech space.