ThaCollaborators

“We’re here for human connection.” — John ZeitounJohn Zeitoun's journey from backstage to Bryant Park is anything but linear. In this episode, John, a theater kid turned partnerships lead, unpacks how a background in storytelling and psychology shaped his approach to collaborations that center people, not just brands.As Director of Strategic Partnerships at Bryant Park Corporation, John reflects on the quiet power of taste, trust, and timing in designing experiences for public space. From reimagining the post-pandemic role of city parks to navigating internal stakeholders, he makes a compelling case for why collaboration is the heartbeat of lasting impact.For partnership strategists, placemakers, and marketers who want to go beyond transaction and toward transformation.

“What more would be possible if we were really good at working together?” – Yasmina ZaidmanYasmina Zaidman, Chief Partnerships Officer at Acumen, pulls back the curtain on what she calls radical collaboration, the kind that brings unlikely partners together to tackle inequality, climate, and access.From a $5M Unilever collab in rural Kenya to raising $22M with the IKEA Foundation, this episode is for anyone asking: What does it take to build something bigger than your own brand?For founders, funders, and systems thinkers building impact through trust.

“Their audience becomes your audience.” – Laura BeyerIn this premiere episode, TED’s Head of Brand Partnerships, Laura Beyer, breaks down the real work behind great partnerships, when to walk away, when to dive deeper, and what collaboration really looks like behind the scenes.For creators, brand builders, and culture-shapers ready to move from logo slaps to lasting impact.