The Lunch Table

What does it take to turn an idea into a thriving brand? In this episode, Connected Brand host MK Getler-Porizkova sits down with Helaine Knapp, founder of CityRow, to dive into the power of confidence, self-connection, and bold decision-making in building a successful business.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:✅ How self-awareness shapes leadership and business growth✅ The mindset shifts that helped Helaine scale CityRow from an idea to a fitness empire✅ Why listening—to yourself and others—is a superpower in branding and entrepreneurship✅ The role of confidence in navigating challenges, pivots, and reinventionHelaine shares her personal journey from enterprise tech to disrupting boutique fitness, how she built a brand that resonated with people, and why knowing yourself is the key to making big moves.🔥 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, fitness enthusiast, or brand builder, this conversation is packed with insights on how self-connection fuels long-term success.🔗 Get Helaine’s book "Making Waves": https://www.amazon.com/Making-Waves-Start-Up-Founders-Unexpected/dp/B0CMP7ZXJL📲 Follow Helaine Knapp: https://www.instagram.com/helaineknapp/📺 Watch Helaine on YouTube: https://youtu.be/bqul13lTtzI👉 Subscribe for more episodes on building a Connected Brand!

In this episode of Connected Brand, I sit down with Jason "Yarby" Yarborough, founder of Arcadia, to explore the power of partnerships and community in business. Jason shares his journey from leading partnerships at Drift, Terminus, and PFL to launching Arcadia, a leadership experience that redefines how go-to-market leaders connect. We discuss why authentic relationships—not transactions—drive long-term success, how community ecosystems should be built, and why Arcadia is shaking up the conference model with its outdoor, immersive experiences.Tune in for insights on:✅ The role of trust in partnerships and revenue growth✅ Why most partner programs are buckets, not ecosystems✅ The power of non-traditional gatherings for real connections✅ How community and leadership intersect in businessDon't miss this conversation on rethinking partnerships, leadership, and the future of community-driven business.🔗 Learn more about Arcadia: ArcadiaLeadershipExperience.com🤝 Connect with Yarby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yarby?📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/w0LCpEjvnOI

Women's sports are experiencing unprecedented growth, but how do we sustain the momentum and ensure long-term investment? In this episode of Connected Brand, we sit down with Therese O’Higgins, Managing Director at Billie Jean King Enterprises, to discuss the business case for investing in women’s sports, the impact of brand sponsorships, and the role of community in shaping the future of sports.🔥 In This Episode, We Cover:✅ Why women’s sports are gaining more media coverage & investment than ever before✅ How brands and investors can authentically support women’s sports✅ The power of community, advocacy, and storytelling in driving change✅ The role of Billie Jean King Enterprises in pushing for equity in sports📢 Join the Movement & Get Involved! Whether you’re a brand leader, investor, or fan, now is the time to step up and support women's sports. Watch, attend, and invest—because representation matters.🔗 Connect with Therese O’Higgins: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thereseohiggins🌍 Learn More About Billie Jean King Enterprises: https://www.billiejeanking.com/bjk-enterprises/📺 Watch the Full Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/anyadaxCMMs

In this episode of Connected Brand, we sit down with Alex Searle, Founder of Humble Mind, to explore the power of community-building in today’s digital world. Alex shares his expertise on social learning, engagement, and collaboration, revealing how brands and individuals can create meaningful connections that drive growth.🚀 Topics Covered:✔️ How Humble Mind is redefining community learning✔️ The impact of authentic relationships on brand success✔️ Strategies for fostering engagement and collaboration✔️ Why building a strong community is the future of businessIf you're a founder, marketer, or creator looking to elevate your brand through genuine connections, this episode is for you!🎧 📌 Follow Alex Searle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexsearle📌 Learn more about HumbleMind: https://humblemind.co/📌 Watch this Episode:

In this candid conversation, Alexandria opens up about her journey of self-discovery and the transformative experiences that led her to question the everyday “How are you?” and explore what lies beyond.🔗 Connect with Alexandria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandria-skeete📕 Read Beyond How Are You: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-How-Are-You-Meaningful/dp/B0CJKY82KGWhether you’re a fan of thought-provoking self-improvement or simply looking for a fresh perspective on how we connect in our daily lives, this episode is a must-watch. Join us as we dive deep into the art of living authentically and embracing life beyond the ordinary greeting.👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more enlightening conversations!

Welcome to Season 2 of Connected Brand! 🎙️🔥In this premiere episode, we’re diving deep into the power of connection with Hansen Hunt, Community Lead at Covve—a platform revolutionizing how professionals nurture and grow their networks.Discover how Hansen has mastered the art of building relationships with “super connectors”—the individuals who can open doors to endless opportunities. From actionable networking tips to behind-the-scenes insights on fostering genuine relationships, this episode is packed with game-changing strategies for anyone looking to level up their personal and professional network.👉 What You’ll Learn:✅ How to identify and engage with your community✅ Proven techniques to strengthen your network✅ The role of authenticity and consistency in building long-term relationships✅ Hansen’s personal journey and key lessons from leading a thriving community of super connectors📲 Connect with Hansen Hunt: [LinkedIn Profile] https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansenhunt📚 Explore the Connection Masterclass: [Masterclass Link] https://lu.ma/connectioncrewmayDon’t miss this chance to unlock the secrets to connecting with the right people at the right time! Hit LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on the NOTIFICATIONS bell so you never miss an episode of Connected Brand! 💼💡🗣️ Tell us: Who’s the most impactful connector in your life? How do you nurture your network?

Beth Dunn is an iconic content writer. Hard stop. Beth was the orchestrator & mastermind behind the iconic voice of HubSpot. She’s written the literal book on how to build a brand voice called, “Cultivating Content Design.” She’s a public speaker about building a Product-Led Brand Voice and a content coach helping brands find their voice. You see, Beth just gets something that most content writers don’t:What you say and how you say it matters more than anything. 

This week’s guest, Gina Rau, has arguably one of the most nuanced roles in developing a Connected Brand: Public Relations. PR is the connective tissue between the internal and external perception of the company. Gina’s seen a thing or two when it comes to making sure your insides, match your outsides. 

Former high school teacher turned marketing agency founder, Brendan Hufford of Growth Sprints, learned some of the most important lessons about connection from the nucleus of high school culture -  the cafeteria lunch table.  His approach to supporting his clients is a lot like this approach to molding young minds: first unify, then simplify. 

On today’s episode, our guest Lee Lee Ennis, Director of HR at Visual Concepts, we dive into the simple art of just giving a sh*t about your employees and what that looks like within a connected employee experience.