BRANDED WOR(L)DS

From leaving Germany at 18 to becoming a LinkedIn Thought Leader – How intercultural experiences shape professional storytelling At just 18, Skylar Steudter left Germany to start a new life in the United States. Today, he is a LinkedIn specialist and storyteller who bridges cultures and continents. In this episode, Steven and Jeff explore how moving between Germany and the U.S. shaped Skylar’s voi...

In an industry where efficiency often overshadows empathy, Goldstar takes a different path – one where simplicity is a strategy, and people are at the heart of every decision. In this episode of Branded Wor(l)ds , we sit down with Heather Smartt , Global Head of Goldstar, to discuss how the brand has built global reach without losing its human touch. From transparent pricing to meaningful sustaina...

In a world where global networks often prioritize scale over substance, IPPAG offers a different approach: a cooperative model built on long-term trust, transparency, and shared values. In this episode of  Branded Wor(l)ds , we speak with Florence Mosnier  and  Andre Noordwijk  from IPPAG, a global alliance of promotional product companies that redefines what it means to work a...

Today’s episode is one of those “damn, we did that” stories. We’re joined by Jason Lucash who didn’t just enter the promo world — he and his team rewrote the rules. From startup to PPAI 100 in less than a year, RUPT is flipping the script on what this industry can be — bold, fast, sustainable, and unapologetically cool. Jason Lucash is here, and he's not just making noise — he and his team is shap...

In this episode of BRANDED WOR(L)DS – A Transatlantic Dialogue , we sit down with two industry leaders: Rob Watson (Vantage Apparel, USA) and John Lynch (Lynka, Poland). Together, they share the story of a transatlantic partnership built not just on business, but on trust, shared values, and bold leadership. From navigating cultural differences to launching humanitarian initiatives like Corporate...

What does it take to lead in a transforming industry? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Georgina Lack , award-winning consultant and lecturer at the University of Bath, and Michael Freter , founder of the global GXN Network and former CEO of PSI. Together, they unveil the GXN Executive Development Programme —a bold initiative designed to empower future leaders through executive education, value...

Joel Strömberg is Partner and Deputy CEO of the Swedish corporate fashion brand Berkeley. While usually leading operations from Gothenburg, he’s currently on a business trip in New York – right in the heart of one of the world’s most influential fashion and branding capitals. In this episode of Branded Wor(l)ds, we explore the global transformation of corporate fashion, the cultural dynamics behin...

Recorded in the Belgian woods at La Hulpe during the first International Leadership Summit, this premiere episode of Branded Wor(l)ds – A Transatlantic Dialogue sets the stage for a new kind of conversation. Hosts Steven Baumgärtner (Cybergroup, Germany) and Jeff Solomon (FreePromoTips, USA) sit down with Drew Holmgreen, President & CEO of PPAI, to discuss how purpose, innovation, and sustaina...