Under the Brand

How can companies prepare for investment and M&A in a market shaped by AI, data privacy and cybersecurity?

Greg Kratofil, one of the Midwest’s most influential dealmakers at the intersection of law, technology and investment and Kansas City Co-Office Managing Partner at Polsinelli, joined me to talk about how legal structure, compliance and innovation strategy are reshaping growth and dealmaking today.

His advice? Prepare early, keep a clean cap table and make sure your IP is fully protected before you ever enter negotiations.

Listen to the full episode now!

In this AI-first era, agencies and marketers will either thrive or get crushed if they don’t adapt. Will you survive the shift? 👀

Kurt Ruf, founder of Ruf AI, joins me to talk about what it really takes to thrive through today’s disruption. 

We’re talking about turning data into actual wins, navigating the shift from dashboards to real-time intelligence and much more.

Whether you're an agency owner, a brand strategist or a CMO, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about the future of marketing.

Is advanced technology really our biggest win… or is it becoming our biggest threat?

On this episode of Under the Brand, I talk with Dr. Trei McMullen, CEO of SYOTOS Technology, about the biggest security threats emerging right now:

• The hidden dangers of drones 

• Increasing insider threats

• How economic pressure is fueling these risks and more

Listen to the full conversation now! 

What are the world’s top MedTech leaders doing to stay ahead of the curve?

In this episode of Under the Brand, I’m joined by Matt Valego, chief commercial officer, and Lindsay Jankovic, director of marketing, from Lumitex for a bold conversation about the strategies, innovations and branding moves shaping the future of medical technology today.

In this episode of Under the Brand, I sat down with luxury hospitality leader Wael Gharib, Director of Guest Experience. From launching five-star properties to redefining what it means to lead with empathy, Wael shares how high-touch service still wins in a world chasing automation.

📌 Topics covered:
• What really defines luxury in hospitality
• Robot concierge services vs. human connection
• Guest-centric operations and emotional brand loyalty
• Behind-the-scenes leadership that shapes 5-star brands

👀 Listen now to discover how luxury is still deeply human.

20 years later, I finished what I started.

I began Taekwondo in college, but life pulled me in other directions. Over two decades later, I came back — and this time, I wasn’t alone. I returned to the mat with my daughter and together, we earned our black belts.

This journey wasn't just about martial arts. It was about consistency, courage and following through, qualities that matter just as much in business as they do in the studio.

How far can marketing hype carry a brand?

Mark Mazzarese, a fifth-generation jeweler, and I cover:
 → When storytelling and influencers outshine real craftsmanship
 → Surprising lessons from luxury fakes and fails
 → What makes a brand genuinely high-end today
 → How custom tech like in-ear computers is changing the game
 → Why perception often beats product quality

Listen now!

Is AI taking over jobs?

Join me for an honest conversation with April Sabral, a trailblazing retail leader, about AI’s role in the workplace.

Discover what really drives creator-brand success with influencer Molly Kuplen & head of influencer marketing Maren Kollhus.

From luxury collabs to true ROI, this is influencer marketing without the fluff.

Rugby doesn’t come to mind when you think of Miami… but the Sharks changed that. 🏉

Tomas Ordonez, head of growth for the Miami Sharks, joined me to talk about launching a pro team in a city packed with sports legends, and building a fanbase from day one.

“When they heard about the Miami Sharks being a new thing, they were super excited. They actually started reaching out to us and saying, hey, this is me. How can we help?”

💡 If you’re building from the ground up, this is your case study in community-first growth!