Embracing Vulnerability and Building Community with Zaina Sesay

In Ep. 173 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Tim Fortescue, Executive Communication Coach for Global Leaders and Teams. To start, we dive into Tim’s journey, from his early days as a high school basketball coach to his current status as a sought-after advisor for leaders at companies like L'Oreal, Intel, and Google. Tim's path was shaped by a serendipitous encounter at a public speaking workshop, leading to the creation of his business, 40 Watt Coaching. In his conversation with Brit, Tim unveils the profound impact of authenticity and storytelling in leadership communication. He shares insights into overcoming nerves and imposter syndrome, emphasizing the importance of adapting messages to diverse audiences while leveraging one's innate strengths to build confidence. Tim delves into the interconnectedness of communication and leadership, highlighting how effective storytelling can connect teams like nothing else. Listeners will discover practical strategies for enhancing their communication skills, whether navigating company mergers or addressing the unique demands of remote work. To close the episode, Tim dives into the art of leveraging both left- and right-brain communication strategies to connect authentically and effectively. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why audience-first communication is the core of effective messaging and how tuning into what your audience cares about, feels, and needs to hear creates a real connection. How storytelling and authenticity can help you establish a stronger presence, whether you’re pitching to a client, presenting on stage, or speaking to your team. Simple shifts in mindset and preparation can help you adjust your communication style based on who you're speaking to and what you want them to take away. Connect with the Guest: Tim’s LinkedIn - @timfortescue      Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit’s LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 172 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Jen Costello, the Global CSO at TBWA\Worldwide. To start, we dive into Jen’s remarkable career, starting from her humble beginnings as a senior planner at Chiat to becoming a pivotal figure in the industry. Then, Jen delves into the dynamic interplay of authenticity and creativity, emphasizing the importance of challenging conventional norms in the advertising realm. She offers valuable insights into the art of disruption, highlighting how bold and innovative ideas can captivate clients and stand out in a saturated marketplace. Throughout the episode, we navigate the uncertainties of today's marketing environment, reflecting on historical precedents like the 2008 recession and the post-COVID era. Jen underscores the transformative power of embracing change and disruption, urging marketers to take bold, data-backed decisions. She also celebrates the essence of personal branding, drawing inspiration from figures like Maggie Rogers and emphasizing the beauty of individuality in an AI-driven world. This episode is a testament to the power of authenticity, creativity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in marketing. In this episode, you’ll learn: How creators help brands see the edges of culture before trends fully emerge in consumer behavior. Why treating creators not just as channels but as platforms with their own values and communities can strengthen brand strategy. Jen Costello’s approach to pitching, disruption, and creative bravery at TBWA offers lessons for building ideas that move people and break conventions. Connect with the Guests: Jen’s LinkedIn - @jenniferdcostello Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit’s LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

 In Ep. 171 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Jasmine Enberg, VP, Principal Analyst at EMARKETER. To start, we dive into the transformative journey of the creator economy. As influencer marketing becomes a more mature industry and marketing function in 2025, Jasmine shares how brands are adopting data-driven strategies to navigate this dynamic space. We explore the profound impact of TikTok's rise, the challenges posed by iOS changes, and the economic uncertainties affecting digital creators. Jasmine emphasizes the importance of platform diversification, urging creators (and brands) to embrace new formats like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels to remain competitive. Looking ahead, the episode highlights the opportunities and hurdles for both seasoned leaders and aspiring creators. Jasmine stresses the significance of adopting a business mindset and finding a unique value proposition in this rapidly evolving digital world. Additionally, we discuss the role of AI in creator marketing, acknowledging its potential to streamline processes while maintaining the irreplaceable essence of human connection. To close the episode, Jasmine shares some advice for both leaders and those aspiring to begin a career in the creator economy. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the creator economy is becoming more professionalized as brands refine their influencer marketing strategies with better tools and resources. How the challenges of economic uncertainty and digital landscapes are impacting brand decisions and influencer partnerships. Why brands should build long-term partnerships with creators rather than transactional relationships to strengthen their brand presence and drive ongoing engagement. Connect with the Guests: Jasmine’s LinkedIn - @jasmineenberg Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit’s LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 170 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Haley Kaliszewski, the former influencer marketing manager at Kendra Scott. To start, Haley dives into the origin story of the Texas based, woman-founded brand that is Kendra Scott. Coined by the phrase, “$500 and a dream,” the brand has grown from a storefront on South Congress Street in Austin to 150+ storefront locations across the country. The episode offers perspectives on building successful influencer marketing strategies, emphasizing the power of starting small, nurturing existing fans, and leveraging micro-influencers over high-profile endorsements. Haley dives into the significance of organic growth and the critical role of creativity, community relationships, and robust ROI tracking in expanding a brand's reach. Beyond business, we highlight Kendra Scott's unwavering commitment to philanthropy. Discover the impactful initiatives led by the Kendra Scott Foundation, including the Legacy Retreat for families affected by metastatic cancer, and the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurship Leadership Institute at the University of Texas. These efforts underscore the brand's dedication to social responsibility and community engagement.  In this episode, you’ll learn: How starting with loyal brand fans can help create an authentic influencer strategy without relying on large gifting programs. Why fostering a sense of belonging among brand fans can amplify the impact of influencer marketing. How Kendra Scott’s approach to including both large collaborations and smaller, consistent influencer engagements contributes to a diverse marketing strategy   Connect with the Guest: Haley’s LinkedIn - @haleykaliszewski   Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit’s LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq   Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 169 of Earned, Conor sits down with Christina McCarthy, Vice President of Global Media at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. To start, we dive into Christina’s impressive career journey from fashion and beauty giants like Victoria's Secret and MAC. We delve into Four Seasons' strategic shift from traditional marketing to crafting rich, brand-building experiences that resonate with audiences. Christina highlights the pivotal role of high return guests (HRGs) and the tailored strategies that ensure their loyalty. She also explores the impact of social media influencers and user-generated content on guest perceptions, detailing how platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube are leveraged for global branding and local engagement. Listeners will gain insights into the integration of SEO and OTA (online travel agency) advertising and how Four Seasons harnesses cutting-edge technology to enhance customer experiences. The discussion extends to the allure of luxury travel destinations, emphasizing the brand's commitment to exceptional service and personalization. To close the episode Christina offers an insider's perspective on the innovative marketing tactics that distinguish the brand in the luxury hospitality industry. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Christina McCarthy leads global media strategy for a luxury brand like Four Seasons: She shares how a fashion and beauty background shaped her approach to digital luxury marketing. Why VIP treatment drives loyalty: Christina explains how making guests feel like the star of their stay creates an emotional connection and repeat visits. Where content and paid media work best together: It’s about blending platforms like TikTok and YouTube with creator content and search strategy.   Connect with the Guest: Christina’s LinkedIn - @christinamccarthy   Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq   Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

REPLAY - In Episode 12 of Earned, Conor sits down with Riccardo Pozzoli, esteemed entrepreneur, investor, and influencer himself, as well as co-founder of the mega-popular fashion blog The Blonde Salad. We learn why Riccardo decided to create The Blonde Salad with Chiara Ferragni at a time before the blogosphere and social media—and of course, influencers—were in style. We hear how the pair grew the site into the powerhouse platform and their learnings from the experience, and Riccardo shares why he eventually left the company in 2017 to pursue his own entrepreneurial endeavors. Riccardo dives into his business philosophies and why he favors the “long-term” strategy, and also divulges his approach to working with brands as an influencer himself. Riccardo then lends advice to brands on how to maximize their influencer strategy, and reveals the key characteristics he looks for in leaders when deciding whether to invest in a company. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why Riccardo Pozzoli shifted from finance to marketing: He shares how a passion for psychology and consumer behavior sparked his approach to building demand. How The Blonde Salad found early traction: Riccardo reflects on timing, curiosity, and why taking content quality seriously made all the difference. What guides his business decisions today: Long-term thinking, real brand alignment, and a hands-on mindset shape how he invests, advises, and creates. Connect with the Guest: Riccardo’s LinkedIn - @riccardopozzoli Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq   Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 168 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Iris Coker, former director of influencer relations and social media at Kate Spade New York. To start, we dive into Iris’ journey from agency life to leading innovative strategies at Kate Spade New York. Iris shares how the brand successfully merges its cherished legacy with modern influencer dynamics, particularly through TikTok. We explore how creators have become central to Kate Spade's strategy and blurred the lines between organic and paid media. Iris discusses the balance of honoring Kate Spade's heritage while appealing to the ever-evolving Gen Z market, emphasizing the importance of community input and risk-taking, illustrated by campaigns from Set Active and Huda Beauty. Iris provides insights into Kate Spade's new leadership direction, which promises to redefine consumer connections with a focus on sustainability and innovative influencer strategies. To close the episode, Iris shares her experiences from orchestrating an influencer trip, highlighting the transformative power of learning from industry leaders, underscoring the humility and openness that drive innovation and success in this dynamic field. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Iris Coker blends community and creativity at scale: She shares how her early agency roots shaped a lifelong passion for consumer-first storytelling. Why legacy brands need to stay flexible: Iris talks about balancing Kate Spade’s heritage with a need to meet new audiences—especially Gen Z—on their terms. What makes influencer partnerships work long-term: It’s about trust, alignment with paid media, and listening to creators as business partners—not just content machines. Connect with the Guest: Iris’s LinkedIn - @iriscoker Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit’s LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 167 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Zaina Sesay, content creator with over 130k followers. To start, we dive into Zaina's journey from high school storytelling enthusiast to becoming a figure in the creator economy. Her unique background in casting and creative development at major networks like MTV and VH1 has equipped her with the experiences that now fuel her content creation. We explore her transformative transition from the corporate world to being a content creator, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit that drives her. Zaina candidly discusses her participation in Snapchat's 523 program, which provided crucial support in her early creator journey. We also explore Zaina's impactful experience on Netflix's "The Ultimatum," which served as a catalyst for her personal growth and led to the creation of a guided journal addressing the five stages of grief. Her story is a testament to resilience and self love, demonstrating how adversity can be transformed into valuable resources for others.   In this episode, you will learn:   1. How sharing the messy parts builds real connection: Zaina Sesay explains why letting her audience in on the unpolished moments has created stronger trust and impact.   2. Why creators shouldn’t be boxed in: From wellness to home decor, Zaina pushes back on niche expectations and shares why range is part of her brand.   3. What makes a strong brand-creator relationship: It’s not one-off deals—it’s collaboration, feedback, and space to grow together.   If you're new to our Earned series, be sure to catch up on all of our previous episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLopFdTZxUD9agClzFvKX_QykXrw8uFJRp Listen to and follow the podcast on:  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6EvXMeMcgGHxjDXBmXqjFL Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/earned-unlocking-the-power-of-the-creator-economy/id1504030691 Connect with the Guests: Zaina’s LinkedIn - @zainasesay Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit’s LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ  

In Ep. 166 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Katie Carroll, Sr. Editor at Large at LinkedIn. To start, we dive into LinkedIn's transformation from job-seeking platform to a dynamic space for sharing ideas, fostering conversation, and building personal brands. Katie shares her insights on the shift towards authenticity and vulnerability in content creation, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and the power of video content. We explore how LinkedIn News plays a crucial role in the editorial landscape and offers transparency and accessibility through original reporting and curated member perspectives. The discussion also explores the creator economy on LinkedIn, recognizing creators as entrepreneurs and brand owners who contribute significantly to the professional community. Katie shares her personal journey of manifesting a move to London, illustrating how authentic engagement on LinkedIn can lead to exciting opportunities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leveraging LinkedIn for professional growth. In this episode, you’ll learn: How LinkedIn is redefining what it means to be a creator: No longer just a job-seeking platform, it’s become a space where professionals share insights and engage in meaningful conversations.  The kind of LinkedIn content that stands out: Authenticity is the key to engagement. The best posts spark discussion, offer unique perspectives, and feel like a conversation rather than a press release. How LinkedIn helps turn ideas into opportunities: Posting, commenting, and engaging with others can lead to unexpected connections, partnerships, and career growth.   Connect with the Guest: Katie’s LinkedIn - @kredcarroll   Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit’s LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq   Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 165 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Ayal Pascal, VP of Marketing at Allies of Skin—a skincare brand that has successfully combined high-performance clinical formulations with emotionally charged narratives to revolutionize the beauty industry. To start, we dive into Ayal's journey from working on product development at L'Oreal to the indie brand scene, offering fascinating insights into product development and marketing strategies at different company stages. Ayal emphasizes the importance of direct communication and insights gained from listening to consumers and creators, highlighting how these relationships shape the evolving consumer journey. The discussion also explores the shift from traditional purchase funnels to digital and community-driven interactions, underscoring the significance of maintaining authentic connections with creators in today's social media landscape. We explore insights into Allies of Skin's strategic global expansion and the unique storytelling behind its products, such as the popular Growth Factor Serum. Ayal’s move to Bangkok and his role in positioning the brand in emerging markets is explored, emphasizing the importance of balancing a strong US presence with international growth.   In this episode, you’ll learn: How shared values drive consumer loyalty: Consumers today seek more than just great products. They want to support brands that align with their beliefs and values. The ripple effect of influencer marketing: When one creator shares a product they love, it often spreads through their network, creating organic buzz and credibility. Why community is more powerful than advertising: Brands no longer have sole control over the narrative. Consumers trust their peers and favorite creators to shape their decisions.   Connect with the Guest: Ayal’s LinkedIn - @ayalpascal   Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit’s LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq   Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ