Next Gen Marketing Podcast™

Key Episode Takeaways: 1.  Learn how to leverage the power of gaming and live streams to significantly fundraise for important social causes, while engaging a generation that wants to give back. 2.  Understand the power of streamers amongst Gen Z - and their massive audience sizes. 3.  Learn the backstory of a young man that went from poverty to becoming one of the most innovative CEOs in payment tech for social causes today. *** About Matt Pfaltzgraf: Matt Pfaltzgraf is the founder and CEO of Softgiving, a platform that offers full-service solutions to produce highly engaging live streams and fundraising campaigns. Through innovative growth philanthropy, Matt and his team help bridge the gap between charities, influencers, brands, and the next generation of donors. Since 2015, Softgiving has facilitated more than 2,000 streams, raising $10 million total dollars for impactful causes. Prior to founding Softgiving, Matt served as the director of regional payment at SHAZAM, a nationwide, member-owned debit network that supports community banks and credit unions. Previously, he spent several years as a policy and financial consultant. Matt credits a great part of his passion for entrepreneurship and community to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with which he was heavily involved throughout his youth. He remains involved in the organization and was recently featured in a national campaign. Matt attended the University of Iowa where he studied interdepartmental studies and business. Corp website: https://softgiving.com/ Twitter: @softgiving Instagram: @softgivinginc Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/softgiving-inc/ Linkedin (Matt): https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-pfaltzgraf-522a3541/ *** Join our Next Gen Community on social media for daily #marketingsnacks: https://linktr.ee/nextgenmktgpod

Key Episode Takeaways: 1.  Why we're geeking out on livestream commerce, already a $230B+ industry in China and is making its way to the US.  It is projected to do over $500B globally over the next 3 years.  2.  Learn about what leadership of the future will look like (Hint: Self-awareness will be key) 3.  Understand how sometimes we need to back at early innovations that were perhaps to early to predict what's coming down the pipeline in the future. *** About Ashkan Karbasfrooshan: Over the past 20 years, Ashkan Karbasfrooshan has helped build two of the most successful content brands in the consumer web industry: first AskMen and now WatchMojo. As a seasoned writer, Ash has authored over a thousand articles on subjects including management, business, relationships, history, sports, pop culture & entertainment, and has interviewed hundreds of newsmakers and celebrities. Following News Corp./IGN’s acquisition of AskMen, Ash founded WatchMojo and helped it turn into the most successful media brand built on YouTube, surpassing deeper-funded competitors who futilely burned through tens of millions of venture capital. Today, WatchMojo remains one of the 25 largest YouTube channels of all time. Serving as Chief Executive Officer and Editor-in-Chief, Ash’s vision and execution translated into a pop culture phenomenon that commands an audience of over 30 million subscribers & 150 million unique monthly viewers who spend 2 billion minutes watching over 300 million videos each month. All-time, WatchMojo’s passionate audience have viewed 15 billion videos and have spent 80 billion minutes on the channel. In 2015, Ernst & Young recognized the company’s successes by awarding Ashkan Karbasfrooshan the top award in the Media & Entertainment category. He is also an investor in progressive livestream commerce platform Livescale.  Corp website: https://watchmojo.com/ and https://www.livescale.tv/  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashkank/ YouTube: @WatchMojo *** Join our Next Gen Community on social media for daily #marketingsnacks: https://linktr.ee/nextgenmktgpod

Key Episode Takeaways: 1.  Learn more about the sheer power and size of the India influencer market - representing over 1.6 billion total population, 400 million on social media, with an average daily usage of 4 hours per day (double that of the US). 2.  Understand the nuances of this market - culturally, regionally, and locally. 3.  Gain some tips on how to effectively connect with this market in brand campaigns that leverage the power of influencers and India-specific platforms. *** About Curt Marvis: Curt Marvis currently serves as CEO of QYOU Media Inc., which he founded in 2014. QYOU Media operates internationally in India and the United States producing and distributing content created by leading and emerging social media stars and impactful digital content creators. In India, QYOU Media curates, produces and distributes premium content including television networks and VOD for cable and satellite television, OTT and mobile platforms. In the United States, QYOU Media manages influencer marketing campaigns for major film studios and brands. Prior to QYOU Media, Curt was Lionsgate’s President of Digital Media. At Lionsgate, he guided the company's portfolio of digital businesses including its broad spectrum of digital delivery agreements.  Additionally, Curt successfully launched original content channels on YouTube, original series in partnership with Hulu and Machinima and several social and mobile games based on iconic Lionsgate properties such as Dirty Dancing and Weeds. Curt also co-founded and was CEO of CinemaNow, a recognized innovator in digital entertainment technology and distribution and predecessor to Netflix. From 1983 to 1994, Curt and his partner, Director Wayne Isham, produced many of the most popular and critically acclaimed videos in the history of MTV. They were awarded MTV's Video Vanguard Award honoring lifetime achievement for their work in 1991. He is a graduate with honors from UCLA with a BFA in Motion Picture and Television Production and is the proud father of four daughters and one son. Corp website: https://www.qyoumedia.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/qyou/ Twitter: @QYOUmedia *** Join our Next Gen Community on social media for daily #marketingsnacks: https://linktr.ee/nextgenmktgpod

Key Episode Takeaways: 1.  Learn how gut instinct and intuition are key competitive advantages in cultural marketing with the rapid pace of information - and why it is important to have diverse voices on your team that "get" culture.   2.  Understand why digital marketing is similar to political marketing in that both center around "coalition building." 3.  Hear more about how brands can be more front-footed in their strategies and comms by taking a more holistic approach to cultural markeitng. *** About Dan Sanborn: Dan Sanborn serves as Chief Marketing Officer for media, marketing and investment company Wheelhouse Group, and President of Wheelhouse Labs, the company’s in-house creative and branding agency. Joining the company in 2018, Sanborn spearheaded the launch of Wheelhouse Labs to mobilize its mission of servicing brands that, at a time of disruption in media and the traditional advertising model, are looking to work directly with established IP, talent, influencers and content creators. Wheelhouse Labs works with an array of brands, offering creative services, partnership marketing, and brand integration support across the Wheelhouse Group. Prior to joining Wheelhouse Entertainment, Sanborn served as senior vice president of culture and partnerships at Diageo, recognized as the world’s leading beverage-alcohol company, which encompasses such iconic global brands as Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Tanqueray, Ciroc and Guinness. Over a 16-year tenure with Diageo, Sanborn developed and shepherded creative initiatives across its portfolio of clients, uniting key entertainment endeavors and strategic partnerships to represent and reflect life’s “celebratory moments” through the brands’ unique marketing. He began his career in 1998 as a communications aide in the Massachusetts State Legislature and spent years in public affairs and on the political campaign circuit, serving as a communications Director. Corp website: https://wheel-house.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-sanborn-8a15b869/  IG: @wheelhousegroup *** Join our Next Gen Community on social media for daily #marketingsnacks: https://linktr.ee/nextgenmktgpod

Key Episode Takeaways: 1.  Learn more about the sheer size and strength of gaming culture globally today. 2.  Understand why authenticity is so important to this audience - and some tips on how to effectively deliver this. 3.  Gain an understanding on what to do and what not to do as a marketer trying to enter this space. *** About The Story Mob: The Story Mob is the first female-founded and led gaming and esports agency in the world.  Founded by friends Nicola Piggott and Anna Rozwandowicz during a trip abroad, the duo immediately discovered a need in the marketplace to tell stories and narratives both within the metaverse...and IRL. Anna Rozwandowicz Before co-founding The Story Mob, Anna was the VP of Communications at ESL. Leading a worldwide team, Anna has overseen global corporate communications, public relations, crisis management and internal communications on behalf of ESL, as well as all of its major tournaments: ESL One, Pro League and Intel Extreme Masters across the world’s top esports titles, including League of Legends, CS:GO, StarCraft II and Dota 2. She’s also led the setup of the industry’s first integrity initiative (ESIC) and is an adviser for the Cybersmile Foundation. Nicola Piggott After a 10-year career in brand communications, Nicola has spent over five years at Riot Games, where she was leading global communication for Riot’s esports team and the most successful esports title in history. Nicola has given counsel and training to esports teams organizations worldwide. Named one of PR Week’s top Women in PR in 2015, she has managed communications around global events like the League of Legends World Championships which in 2017 was the most watched esports event to date with over 80 million unique viewers. Website: https://www.thestorymob.com/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/thestorymob LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-story-mob/ IG: @thestorymob *** Join our Next Gen Community on social media for daily #marketingsnacks: https://linktr.ee/nextgenmktgpod

Key Episode Takeaways: 1.  Femfluence:  Learn about how traditional feminine energies of compassion, creativity, and community will be dominant forces in both workplace settings and marketing campaigns vs. outdated power models. 2. Longevity Mindset:  Understand how consumers of all ages are increasingly focusing on their mental, spiritual, emotional, and financial health for the long-term. 3.  Shadow Consumer:  Hear about an underrepresented, often-ignored, yet massive segment of the population that needs to be brought back into the fold for both social and business reasons. *** About Rebecca McQuigg Rigal: Rebecca is an extraordinary (and might I say one of the hippest) cultural researcher and strategist who excels at helping businesses and organizations stay forward-focused and relevant within targeted communities. For over 15 years, Rigal has been uncovering cutting edge trends and providing consumer and cultural insights, market intelligence, strategic counsel and content ideation, creation and curation services to forward-thinking brands and NGOs, Fortune 500 companies, and creative/trend/strategic agencies including Pepsi Co, H&M, Nike, Target, Adidas, Equinox, HBO, FOX, Trendera, The Future Laboratory and Brand Central. She has held executive positions at leading consumer trends and insights agency, Cassandra (formerly The Intelligence Group @ Creative Artists Agency); and GOOD/GOOD Projects.   She was also an Arts & Culture Ambassador and advisor for the Pepsi Refresh Project, Director of Community and Culture at innovation hub Maker City LA, and researcher for Bottlenose.  She currently consults for the impact-driven strategic communications firm Women Online, focusing on clients and projects that are driving positive change in the world. You can find her @: www.rebeccarigal.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccamcquiggrigal/ Twitter/Instagram:@Kindher_la and @kindherworld *** Join our Next Gen Community on social media:  https://linktr.ee/nextgenmktgpod

Key Episode Takeaways: 1.  Hear a 2021 marketing forecast from Vogue's and Goop's go-to astrologist and intuitive Ambi Kavanagh. 2.  Learn why your business needs to have a soul-based KPI included in your objectives. 3.  Understand the rapid technological evolution that we will experience in 2021. 4.  See how creativity and self-actualized leadership will be critical to compete in the "next normal." *** About Ambi Kavanagh: Touted as the "go-to healer" in Los Angeles by Vogue Magazine and the Hollywood Reporter, British-born Ambi Kavanagh counts numerous A-list celebrities and business leaders as her regular clientele. A certified Reiki Master, astrologer, intuitive, and sound healer, Ambi has had the privilege of traveling around the world to study with spiritual teachers and shamans, who have passed down ancient teachings on energy healing. Ambi has appeared in notable wellness conferences including performing a Soundbath at the opening ceremony at the 2019 In Goop Health event, and more recently the In Goop Health’s first-ever digital series. Her first book Chakras & Self-Care, was also recently released by Penguin Random House. For more on Ambi, visit her website at www.AlchemyWithAmbi.com. Podcast:  Episodes IG: @alchemyambi and @soulstrology *** Join our Next Gen Community on social media for daily #marketingsnacks: https://linktr.ee/nextgenmktgpod

Key Episode Takeaways:  1.  Learn about the rapid acceleration in entertainment and digital content in 2020.  2.  Discover what's on the horizon in 2021 from a content, creative, talent, and platform perspective.  3.  Gain strategies and tactics for authentic consumer connection, leveraging the power of digital for your brands.  ***  About Gabe Gordon:  Gabe Gordon is a social content innovator. As a Co-Founder of Reach Agency, he established the company in 2012 as a new type of agency created for digital video storytelling.  Its underlying mission is to engage brands with a social generation. Armed with 17 years of global experience, Gabe’s comprehensive marketing expertise spans influencer, social media, strategy and entertainment. He’s a seasoned veteran across multiple categories including automotive, retail, CPG, tech, hospitality and entertainment. He’s orchestrated impactful creative solutions for world class brands including Disney, Nestlé, Clorox, PepsiCo, Anheuser-Busch In Bev, the National Football League (NFL), Google, GM, Wal-Mart, Marriott Hotels and more. Recognized as Small Agency of the Year by Advertising Age , Best Video Ad Agency or Partner by Digiday, and  Best Entrepreneurial Company in America by Entrepreneur Magazine, Gabe’s award-winning client work has earned accolades from the One Show, Reggies, Digiday, Shorty Awards, Streamys  and the Influencer Marketing Awards. Prior to launching Reach, Gabe served as a Content Strategist for PepsiCo and honed his skills for 10 years at William Morris Endeavor. Gabe first broke into entertainment in the music space and worked at Interscope, Geffen, A&M and Sony Music. He’s currently an Advisor for Vidcon, Doing Things Media and Buffer Festival. He graduated from University of Denver Daniel’s College of Business and earned his BSBA in Marketing. He resides in Venice, CA with his wife, young daughters and their dog, Sophie. He loves mountains, oceans and enjoys rebuilding Porsche engines.  Learn More/Follow Gabe: Agency website: http://www.reach.agency/  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabegordon/   IG: @reachagency  ***  Join our Next Gen Community on social media for daily #marketingsnacks:  https://linktr.ee/nextgenmktgpod

Key Episode Takeaways:  1.  Learn about the unique differences in creating digitally-native brands...and why larger companies are looking to these brands as innovators as they become more omnichannel.  2.  Understand the power of influencers in marketing and building top-of-funnel DTC traffic.  3.  Learn about why modern marketers must be generalists that think cross-channel and throughout the entire supply chain.  4.  Hear useful tips from a serial entrepreneur disrupting the beauty space.  ***  About Kevin Gould:  Kevin is a superstar serial entrepreneur, talent manager, brand builder, and investor. He is the Founder and CEO of Kombo Ventures and is also a co-founder of three direct to consumer brands; Insert Name Here, a hair extensions and product brand, Wakeheart, a fragrance and scent brand aimed at Gen Z and young millennials and co-founded with the Dolan Twins, two of the largest digital influencers in the world, and Glamnetic, a leading magnetic eyeliner and lash brand. In 2019, Gould was named to Variety magazine's Dealmakers Impact List, honoring top dealmakers in the entertainment industry, and is also an investor in numerous entertainment brands including Beautycon Media.  You can learn more about Kevin below:  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-gould-b8820234/  Instagram:  @keving  Kombo Ventures brand holdings:  Wakeheart by the Dolan Twins:  https://wakeheart.com/  Glamnetic:  https://glamnetic.com/  Insert Name Here:  https://inhhair.com/  ***  Join our Next Gen Community on social media:  https://linktr.ee/nextgenmktgpod

Key Episode Takeaways:     1.  Learn why Gen Z and Millennials are demanding environmental sustainability as an operational and marketing standard from modern brands.    2.  How the Circular Economy creates customer loyalty and cuts costs through a new KPI -  "ROI2" (Return on Impact AND Investment) - throughout the entire supply chain.    3.  How a successful serial entrepreneur and celebrity DJ realized later in life that he wanted to leave a legacy for his kids and for humanity...#goals.    ***    About Michael Smith:    Michael is a General Partner at Regeneration.VC, a social venture fund that invests capital in the founders and teams forging paths toward a fully circular economy. He has founded and operated media and real estate businesses and enjoyed an extensive career as a global touring DJ for the likes of Rihanna, Guns and Roses, and Diplo.  . He led numerous environmental initiatives and has been an active investor in early to later stage impact companies. Starting in the late 90s, Michael ran marketing and digital platforms for Smith Broadcasting, a group of 20 network TV stations, which eventually sold to Boston Ventures. Shortly thereafter, he followed a lifelong passion in becoming a touring DJ, performing alongside Guns N Roses, Rihanna, and Diplo. In 2006, Michael launched and scaled The Playlist Generation, a leading background music provider to over 10,000 retail locations. In 2010, he co-founded Creative Space, an adaptive reuse real estate firm responsible for 80 projects in LA & SF. In 2015, he formed Ponvalley, an environmental initiative with philanthropic, research, and impact investing practices. Within two weeks following the 2016 election, Michael assembled an emergency climate summit with Former VP Al Gore, Gen. Wesley Clark, the Dept. of Energy, and Harvard leadership. He currently serves on the boards of PVBLIC Foundation, the American Renewable Energy Institute, and the Sustainable Change Alliance. He is a founding advisor to Salk Institute’s Harnessing Plants Initiative and served as a Venture Fellow at UC Santa Barbara’s Bren School. Michael is a graduate of Northwestern University. He resides in Santa Barbara with his wife and two kids.     Follow/connect with Michael and Regeneration.VC:    Corp website: www.regeneration.vc    LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/regenerationvc & https://www.linkedin.com/in/ponvalley/     IG: @regenerationmds    ***    For daily Next Gen #MarketingSnacks:  https://linktr.ee/nextgenmktgpod