Top 5 Tips to Make it in Retail: Prep for Success with Yohan Jacob of RetailBound

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Carmine Denisco, President of United Inventors Association, to unpack the real-world challenges of intellectual property protection. From filing provisional patents to building resilient manufacturing partnerships, they explore how inventors and entrepreneurs can protect their ideas without breaking the bank. Discover smart strategies and the benefits of staying “patent pending,” leveraging design patents, and why branding and product quality are just as critical as legal safeguards in today’s competitive marketplace.

Success on Amazon isn’t just about great products—it’s about data-driven decisions and human-focused optimization. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Adriana Rangel, PickFu brand ambassador and Sellers Podcast en Español host, about avoiding costly mistakes as an Amazon seller. Learn the secrets of keyword research, multi-language listings, and why analytics should drive product selection. Whether you’re new or scaling up, this conversation delivers game-changing strategies for standing out in a competitive marketplace.

In this special episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo sits down with Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, to explore how AI is revolutionizing global trade for small businesses. They discuss Alibaba’s AI-powered sourcing engine, Accio, and its role in enhancing search, communication, and business research. Kuo also shares insights on AI-generated content, strategic logistics partnerships, and Alibaba’s commitment to democratizing trade. Whether you're scaling internationally or optimizing sourcing, this episode delivers valuable takeaways for SMBs navigating global commerce.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo sits down with Michael Spelfogel, Co-Founder and President of Cardless, and Yiran Li, Head of Customer Retention Strategy at Alibaba.com, to explore the evolving world of business financing. They discuss how small businesses can navigate inflation, leverage new credit solutions, and build strong business credit. From the Alibaba.com Business Edge credit card’s unique benefits to strategies for managing cash flow and supplier diversification, this episode offers actionable insights for business owners looking to scale. Tune in to discover how digital payments and flexible financing are shaping the future of global e-commerce.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, recorded on the sidelines of Alibaba’s March Expo, Ciara Cristo chats with Tim Jordan, E-commerce Seller and Strategy Consultant, and Lulu Yan, Category Specialist at Alibaba.com. Together, they explore March Expo’s sourcing opportunities, from fast shipping to deep discounts, and uncover trending products in fashion, pets, home & garden, sports and beauty. Learn how to navigate rising costs, leverage supplier relationships, and build perceived value in competitive markets. Whether you're scaling your business or spotting the next big trend, this episode is packed with practical strategies to stay ahead.

On this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Yohan Jacob, founder of Retailbound, to uncover essential strategies for thriving in the competitive retail landscape. With over 30 years of experience mentoring 4,000+ clients, Yohan shares tips on product differentiation, meeting buyer expectations, and streamlining supply chains. From mastering negotiations to crafting standout marketing strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs and established brands aiming to break into big-box retail and succeed confidently.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, Ciara Cristo chats with Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital and celebrity marketer, about mastering a winner's mindset, navigating the shifting marketing landscape, and scaling businesses. Rudy shares insights on resilience, innovative marketing strategies, building loyal communities, and the transformative role of AI in business. He also offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs aiming to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Tune in for key takeaways to elevate your business success!

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast, host Ciara sits with Marshall Day and Kevin Sagouspe, Co-owners of The Better Tool Company to have a chat about growing a startup, launching new products and exploring platforms like Alibaba.com can be a groundbreaking tool for innovative startups.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Brittany Golden, Founder and CEO of IGL Nails, about her journey from side hustle to beauty industry disruptor. Brittany shares how she’s revolutionizing the press-on nail market with inclusive designs for all nail bed sizes, tackling challenges like sourcing manufacturers and scaling her brand. She also discusses empowering women through beauty, overcoming adversity, and her vision for IGL’s future. Tune in for entrepreneurial insights and inspiration!

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, Ciara Cristo chats with Tony Parker, four-time NBA Champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group, for a dynamic conversation on transitioning from sports to business. Tony shares his insights on the importance of resilience, adaptability, and mentorship. He discusses his ventures, including real estate, his basketball academy, and his investment group, Infinity Nine. Reflecting on his work with Alibaba’s Athlete365 program, he highlights equipping athletes with tools to succeed post-retirement. The discussion delves into balancing AI innovation with human creativity, navigating entrepreneurship’s challenges, and Parker’s vision for 2025. This episode showcases Tony’s passion for empowering others to pursue dreams with