B2B Breakthrough Podcast

What if 40% of your shipping damage happens before your container even leaves port—and you've been focused on the wrong stage entirely? Here's something most entrepreneurs don't realize: The majority of logistics disasters don't actually start at customs—they start much earlier with packaging decisions you make before your product ever leaves the factory. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host...

How do you maintain founder momentum without sacrificing your mental health, physical fitness, and operational clarity as you scale? Don't let the new year pressure derail your momentum. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Kareem Raslan ( https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kareem-raslan-d2c ), co-founder of BrainGain ( https://braingain.fit ), about how product founders can e...

Why do successful entrepreneurs negotiate payment terms even when they have millions in the bank—and what does it reveal about building lasting supplier partnerships? Negotiating with suppliers isn't about winning—it's about creating partnerships where both sides thrive. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Lyden Smithers ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyden-smithers/?o...

What do Shark Tank investors, Marvel superheroes, and World Cup champions all agree is the secret to entrepreneurial success? The best moments don't happen in boardrooms—they happen on stages where entrepreneurs, champions, and innovators share the unfiltered truth about building businesses in turbulent times. In this special episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo takes you inside CoCreate...

What if you could turn your biggest parenting frustration into a six-figure business in just 90 days—using nothing more than a turkey carving knife and memory foam? From 2am desperation to 90-day product launch—parenting pain points have a way of turning into breakthrough businesses. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Brittany Harvey ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/bri...

Why do most sustainable fashion brands stick to "boring and beige," and how is one founder proving colorful conscious fashion can thrive? Breaking the beige barrier in sustainable fashion takes more than good intentions—it requires bold vision, strategic sourcing, and a willingness to challenge industry stereotypes. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Holly Garrard (...

Building a profitable hardware brand without venture capital requires strategic thinking, authentic relationships, and unwavering focus on cash flow management. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Christian Reed ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianrreed/ ), founder of Reekon Tools ( https://support.reekon.tools/hc/en-us ), fresh off his big win at Co Create Pitch....

How did macro photography of insect eyes inspire a bold eyewear brand that's redefining fashion and eye health? Building a fashion-forward eyewear brand that prioritizes both style and eye health requires authentic design, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to quality. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Dionne Ellison ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/dion...

Why are smart entrepreneurs celebrating the end of de minimis while their competitors panic about margin compression? The suspension of the de minimis rule has left many e-commerce sellers scrambling to understand new costs and compliance requirements. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Steven Selikoff ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenselikoff/ ), founder of Produ...

How can a simple 1-2-3 framework (brand, product, industry) transform confused entrepreneurs into data-driven decision makers? Audience research doesn't require big budgets or big teams—it requires the right approach and free tools at your fingertips. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Tsvetta Kaleynska ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsvetta/ ), founder of RILA Global...

Why do Comic-Con attendees provide better market research than focus groups, and how can trade shows become your product development laboratory? Crowdfunding isn't just about money—it's about community validation and smart risk-taking. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Nathan Nalevanko ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-nalevanko-29014133 ), Senior Design and Tech...

Why do Comic-Con attendees provide better market research than focus groups, and how can trade shows become your product development laboratory? Building a toy business that sparks imagination while navigating supply chain challenges requires persistence, creativity, and direct customer feedback. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Jeff Lawber ( https://www.linkedin.c...

Why are founders who avoid buzzwords and rhetorical questions 10x more likely to secure follow-up meetings with investors? The difference isn't having the most innovative product or the slickest presentation—it's understanding the psychology behind investor decision-making and communicating with the confidence that comes from genuine preparation. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cri...

Why does treating "every production as the first time" prevent the kind of complacency that turns mass production into mass disaster? Turning disruption into opportunity requires more than just quick thinking—it demands the right mindset, strategic preparation, and a willingness to embrace chaos as fuel for innovation. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Kerim Kfuri (...

How did three people with no social media following turn handwritten notes and free samples into a multi-million dollar snacking empire? Building a successful food brand in today's market requires more than just great products—it takes authentic storytelling, community building, and the courage to do things differently. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Jake Karls (...

What if the secret to breakthrough supplier innovation isn't telling them what to make, but asking them to solve your problem instead? Building a brand that parents trust and kids love requires more than just great products—it takes thoughtful design, strategic partnerships, and an unboxing experience that creates lasting memories. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with...

Could catalog-based browsing transform how you discover new products for your business? Sourcing globally isn't just about finding the lowest prices—it's about building resilient supply chains and smart business relationships. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Justin Liu ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinliu/ ), U.S. Country Manager for Alibaba.com, about helping...

How can you tell if an overseas factory is legitimate without visiting in person? Turning ideas into physical products isn't just about creativity—it's about strategic planning and finding the right manufacturing partners. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo talks with Brian Fried (@brianfriedinventor), serial inventor and Chief Inventor at Inventor Smart , about bridging the ga...

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough , host Ciara Cristo chats with Justin McClure , the creator behind The Mighty McClures and founder of QoS Ultra Light. Justin shares his inspiring journey from creating viral content to developing groundbreaking products. Learn how he overcame manufacturing hurdles, built lasting business relationships, sourced suppliers through Alibaba.com, and stayed true to h...

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough , host Ciara Cristo chats with Carmine Denisco , President of United Inventors Association , to unpack the real-world challenges of intellectual property protection. From filing provisional patents to building resilient manufacturing partnerships, they explore how inventors and entrepreneurs can protect their ideas without breaking the bank. Discover smart strat...

Success on Amazon isn’t just about great products—it’s about data-driven decisions and human-focused optimization. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough , host Ciara Cristo chats with Adriana Rangel , PickFu brand ambassador and Sellers Podcast en Español host, about avoiding costly mistakes as an Amazon seller. Learn the secrets of keyword research, multi-language listings, and why analytics should...

In this special episode of B2B Breakthrough , host Ciara Cristo sits down with Kuo Zhang , President of Alibaba.com , to explore how AI is revolutionizing global trade for small businesses. They discuss Alibaba’s AI-powered sourcing engine, Accio, and its role in enhancing search, communication, and business research. Kuo also shares insights on AI-generated content, strategic logistics partnershi...

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough , host Ciara Cristo sits down with Michael Spelfogel , Co-Founder and President of Cardless , and Yiran Li , Head of Customer Retention Strategy at Alibaba.com, to explore the evolving world of business financing. They discuss how small businesses can navigate inflation, leverage new credit solutions, and build strong business credit. From the Alibaba.com Busine...

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough , recorded on the sidelines of Alibaba’s March Expo, Ciara Cristo chats with Tim Jordan , E-commerce Seller and Strategy Consultant, and Lulu Yan, Category Specialist at Alibaba.com . Together, they explore March Expo’s sourcing opportunities, from fast shipping to deep discounts, and uncover trending products in fashion, pets, home & garden, and beauty.  Du...

On this episode of B2B Breakthrough , host Ciara Cristo chats with Yohan Jacob , founder of Retailbound , to uncover essential strategies for thriving in the competitive retail landscape. With over 30 years of experience mentoring 4,000+ clients, Yohan shares tips on product differentiation, meeting buyer expectations, and streamlining supply chains. From mastering negotiations to crafting standou...