Pixel Retentive Podcast

In this episode, Carl Cleanthes sits down with Jill Kellett, Vice President of Product at Root Insurance, the largest public insurtech in the United States. With 15 years of industry experience, Jill is a dynamic leader who specializes in turning around businesses, teams, and projects during critical inflection points. Her career spans retail, higher education, nonprofits, and insurance, where she has navigated challenges with creativity and strategic insight. Jill's passion for blending design, business, and innovation has left a lasting mark across the industries she's touched.

What You'll Learn:

• The role of creatives in business and team turnarounds.
• How to identify and address "bleeding areas" in struggling businesses.
• The importance of servant leadership and transparency during crises.
• Practical strategies for "killing your darlings" to focus on value-driven work.
• Why creativity thrives in challenging times and how it fosters innovation.
• The power of facilitation, active listening, and design thinking in solving business problems.
• Lessons on adaptability and leading from the bottom in small and medium-sized businesses.

Episode Overview:

Jill Kellett provides deep insights into how creatives can drive meaningful change in business turnarounds, sharing experiences from her time at Express, Root Insurance, and other organizations. She highlights how creative problem-solving, listening skills, and a willingness to adapt are crucial in overcoming challenges.

"Creatives have superpowers that others don't—they listen, empathize, and reflect solutions back in ways that inspire change".

Jill explains how designers and product managers play pivotal roles in moments of crisis, helping teams reorganize and realign priorities. From navigating the financial downturns of small businesses to scaling back operations strategically, Jill's perspective offers practical advice for leaders looking to build resilient organizations.

In this episode, we welcome Maria Lobanova, the dynamic CEO and founder of Interstellar Digital, a leading PR and marketing agency specializing in the blockchain and Web3 space. With over seven years of experience in the crypto industry, Maria has collaborated with notable projects like ZKSync (Matter Labs), Propy, and BlockApps, and has contributed to esteemed publications such as Bitcoin Magazine and GQ. An accomplished event organizer and keynote speaker, she has hosted high-profile events like the Crypto Space Conference and the Gamers Choice Awards, solidifying her reputation as a leader in the evolving world of NFTs and blockchain technology.

What You'll Learn:

• The revolutionary potential of NFTs in the art world, from eliminating intermediaries to ensuring perpetual royalties.
• How NFTs are being used to tokenize real-world assets like property and bring transparency to ownership records.
• The difference between proof-of-work and proof-of-stake blockchains and their implications for energy efficiency.
• The role of zero-knowledge proofs in enhancing privacy and security in blockchain transactions.
• How artists can use NFTs to authenticate and monetize their work while combating plagiarism and AI-generated copies.
• The cultural shift toward digital assets as status symbols and the increasing relevance of virtual galleries.
• Insights into community-driven value in NFTs, such as the success of projects like Bored Ape Yacht Club.
• Maria's vision for integrating fine art into the blockchain space and creating a stronger market for digital creators.

Episode Overview: This engaging conversation dives into the transformative impact of NFTs on art and beyond. Carl and Maria explore how blockchain technology is disrupting traditional ownership models by introducing transparency, security, and efficiency. They discuss the opportunities NFTs offer artists to maintain creative and financial control, bypassing costly intermediaries like galleries. The conversation also delves into the evolving role of digital assets as cultural markers, the ethical challenges posed by AI, and how Web3 is fostering a new wave of innovation in art and technology. Maria emphasizes the importance of building community, integrating utility, and creating pathways for mass adoption of blockchain solutions.

On this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl Cleanthes sits down with Tom Briggs, a mercenary CMO with over 20 years of experience in brand strategy and competitive marketplace positioning. Tom's impressive career spans collaborations with Fortune 50 companies, pre-venture startups, and notable clients like Intel and Nike. As a Center for Creative Leadership graduate, ADP List mentor, and internationally cited social media strategist, Tom's passion for innovation and values-driven branding make him a sought-after thought leader in the industry.

What You'll Learn:

• The importance of values-led brand strategies and how they shape business success.
• Insights into aligning personal and professional values with brand identity.
• How to identify your core values by analyzing your time, energy, and financial commitments.
• The transformative power of saying "no" to misaligned clients and projects.
• Strategies for building a personal brand that attracts like-minded collaborators and clients.
• The role of AI as a co-pilot in enhancing creativity and productivity.
• How to navigate the intersection of art, business, and technology for meaningful innovation.
• Lessons on adaptability and resilience from entrepreneurial and corporate experiences.

Episode Overview:

In this engaging episode, Carl Cleanthes and Tom Briggs delve into the essence of values-driven branding, exploring how core values can guide decision-making and foster meaningful connections in both personal and professional spheres. Tom shares his journey from journalism to brand strategy, highlighting pivotal projects like Intel's Gamer Days and collaborations with global brands. The conversation touches on the power of personal branding, the role of AI as a creative tool, and the critical importance of aligning values in client relationships. Through anecdotes, strategies, and actionable insights, this episode offers a masterclass in building authentic brands that resonate deeply with their audiences.

Episode Description

Tim Beattie is the CEO and co-founder of Stellafai with over 25 years of experience as a global agile and lean coach. Tim has worked with renowned organizations like IBM, PwC, and Deloitte, transitioning from project delivery to empowering teams to achieve long-term success. As an advocate for intent-based leadership and collaborative goal setting, Tim shares his innovative approach to turning teams into high-performing "goal-crushing machines."

What You'll Learn

• The importance of connecting team members to the bigger picture and purpose behind their work.
• How to align teams around shared objectives using frameworks like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results).
• The difference between OKRs and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and how both drive success.
• Practical methods for setting measurable, impactful goals.
• The power of retrospectives in fostering continuous learning and improvement.
• How creative exercises like "Design the Box" and "Newspaper Headlines" inspire innovative thinking.
• Building psychological safety and transparency to enable team success.
• The role of experimentation in achieving optimal outcomes.

Overview Carl Cleanthes and Tim Beattie dive into the nuances of building high-performing teams through intent-based leadership. Tim emphasizes the value of connecting individual contributions to overarching goals, fostering cross-departmental collaboration, and creating an environment where innovation thrives. They explore the role of measurable outcomes, goal-setting frameworks, and creative exercises in energizing teams and driving meaningful progress. Tim shares insights from his career, including lessons learned from failures and the importance of psychological safety in achieving sustainable success. The conversation is packed with actionable strategies for anyone looking to empower their teams and achieve extraordinary results.

Ivan Kander is a versatile creative force based in Washington, D.C., with over a decade of experience in filmmaking, motion design, and video production. Since 2007, Ivan has crafted beautiful moving images—both live-action and animated—infused with skill and heart. His work spans projects with notable organizations like the Smithsonian, where he recently collaborated on a retrospective narrated by LL Cool J. Ivan's passion for storytelling and commitment to creating meaningful art make him a standout in the creative industry.

What You'll Learn

• The importance of passion projects in fueling creativity and career growth.
• Why artists need to create work for themselves to showcase their abilities and attract the right clients.
• Balancing creative fulfillment with financial realities in a freelance career.
• How passion projects can lead to unexpected opportunities and ROI in client work.
• The value of enduring the "suck stage" to grow as an artist and creator.
• Insights into the dangers of skipping foundational learning through tools like AI.
• The role of relationships, community, and creative perseverance in building a sustainable career.

Overview In this engaging episode of Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl Cleanthes and Ross Ciuppa dive into a thoughtful discussion with Ivan Kander about the importance of passion projects. Ivan shares his journey as a filmmaker and motion designer, recounting his recent short film—a family drama—and how personal creative endeavors have shaped his career. The conversation highlights the need for artists to invest in their work, especially when no one else will, to showcase their capabilities and attract like-minded collaborators.

Episode Description:

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl Cleanthes sits down with Laura Nespoli, Group Strategy Director at Article Group and founder of Meshin Movement. With nearly 20 years of experience, Laura blends brand strategy, storytelling, and purpose-driven marketing to create impactful narratives for global brands and nonprofits. She shares insights from her work, including a transformative regional rebrand project in Rochester, New York, and her passion for using storytelling to foster personal growth and social change.

• The transformative power of storytelling in driving cultural and social change.
• How to develop a core narrative as a strategic asset for brands and organizations.
• The importance of authenticity in marketing and creative work.
• Insights into creating purpose-driven initiatives that align with personal and professional goals.
• How personal development and introspection can lead to professional breakthroughs.

Episode Overview:

Laura shares her journey from crafting marketing strategies for global technology companies to founding Meshin Movement, where she explores storytelling's role in creating meaningful connections. She dives into her approach to core narratives, a structured storytelling framework used to unify brand messaging across teams and projects. Laura recounts her work on Rochester's regional rebrand, highlighting her belief in empowering communities through shared purpose. The conversation also explores her personal evolution, including confronting childhood traumas and finding resilience through storytelling. Carl and Laura connect on the challenges and rewards of balancing creative passion with professional success, offering listeners a wealth of inspiration and actionable insights.

Episode Description:

Sam Simmons is the CEO and co-founder of MintPass, a Web3 travel platform that rewards users for sharing travel recommendations. With a track record of building innovative businesses, including his role as president of PokerGo, Sam is passionate about leveraging technology to connect communities and create equitable value systems.

• How Web3 technologies are redefining loyalty programs and customer engagement.
• The challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into creative and business workflows.
• Why equitable value distribution is the future of business models.
• The unique potential of NFTs as tools for preserving memories and driving community connections.
• Insights into crafting meaningful user experiences in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Episode Overview:

In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl Cleanthes dives deep into a riveting conversation with Sam Simmons, CEO and co-founder of MintPass—a Web3 platform transforming the travel industry through digital souvenirs and reward systems. With a background as president of PokerGo, where he won multiple awards for innovative content, Sam brings a wealth of knowledge about leveraging technology to create meaningful, community-driven business models. Together, Carl and Sam explore the intersection of Web3, AI, and how these technologies are shaping the future of business and culture.

Mack Garrison, the co-founder and Director of Content at Dash Studio, brings over a decade of expertise in motion design and animation. Having worked with major brands such as JP Morgan, IBM, and Lenovo, Mack's journey is a testament to creative excellence and adaptability in an ever-evolving industry. Beyond his professional achievements, Mack enjoys exploring nature with his wife, Molly, and champions the importance of community and collaboration in the creative world.

What You'll Learn:

• Insights into the evolution of the motion design industry over the past decade.
• How AI and new technologies are reshaping creative workflows and the ethical implications involved.
• The rise of user-generated content (UGC) and its integration into professional animation and motion design.
• Why storytelling and problem-solving remain essential in future-proofing creative careers.
• The importance of authenticity, collaboration, and community in building successful creative businesses.
• Tips on effective client communication and maintaining professionalism.
• How referrals and genuine relationships drive long-term business success.
• Mack's perspective on embracing imperfection and navigating ambiguity to foster creativity.

Episode Overview: In this episode of the Pixel Retentive Podcast, Carl Cleanthes and Ross Ciuppa dive into an engaging conversation with Mack Garrison about the future of motion design. Mack shares his journey from starting Dash Studio to becoming a trusted name in animation and content creation. The discussion highlights the industry's evolution, the impact of AI, and the necessity of staying adaptable. They emphasize the value of authenticity, collaboration, and community in driving professional growth. With a mix of humor, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice, this episode inspires creatives to embrace challenges, refine their craft, and build meaningful connections.

Mia Pokryfka & Elissa O'Dell are the founders of Huxley, a Shorty Award-winning creative tech studio specializing in innovative chatbots designed to build meaningful relationships in the DMs. Their all-female team has worked with a range of clients from best-selling authors to nonprofits like charity water, merging cutting-edge technology with a deeply human approach. They have a longstanding partnership since the viral Kony 2012 campaign, marking over a decade of pioneering digital communication and championing women in STEM.

What You'll Learn:

• Insights into the rise of AI chatbots in marketing and their impact on brand-consumer relationships.
• Strategies for using chatbots to engage consumers in one-on-one conversations that build trust and loyalty.
• The evolution of digital communication and the potential of AI to enhance rather than replace human interaction.

Episode Overview:

In this episode, Carl chats with Mia and Elissa about the transformative role of AI chatbots in marketing. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of using chatbots to forge genuine connections with audiences, emphasizing the need for chatbots to facilitate rather than automate conversations. The conversation delves into the technical and ethical aspects of AI, exploring how businesses can use these tools to enhance customer engagement without compromising on the human touch that consumers value. Highlights include Huxley's innovative approach to using chatbots for interactive online courses and their success in creating compelling digital narratives that resonate on a personal level.

Fadi Boulos is the founder of Supportful, a startup focused on reducing Lebanon's brain drain by linking global tech firms with top Lebanese engineering talent. With 16 years of international experience, Fadi effectively addresses both the needs of the tech industry and the economic challenges in Lebanon. Supportful offers a transparent, cost-effective staffing solution, rapidly connecting companies with pre-vetted engineers skilled in various tech disciplines. Outside the office, Fadi is an avid reader interested in history and politics, a football enthusiast, and a devoted father to four beautiful souls.

What You'll Learn:

• Adapting to Remote Work
• Cultural Enrichment
• The Evolution of Remote Work

Episode Overview: In this episode of the Pixel Retentive they discussed shedding some light on the transformative power of remote work beyond its practical benefits. Through Fadi's experiences and vision, we gain a deeper understanding of how embracing remote work can enhance company culture, foster global connections, and drive significant societal change, particularly in regions facing economic challenges. Fadi's perspective encourages business leaders and entrepreneurs to rethink how they can leverage the flexibility of remote work to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.