MEDIASCAPE: Insights From Digital Changemakers

From the glitz of the stage to the gloss of home décor, Alex Back's journey is as unconventional as it gets. Our latest episode peels back the curtain on his fascinating transition from a crooning singer to a trailblazing entrepreneur in the digital furniture realm. As we chat with Alex, he unveils the inner workings of his success with Apartment 2B, revealing the early e-commerce challenges...

Embark on a compelling voyage through the career of USC Annenberg alum and digital pioneer, Derek Reisfeld . His extraordinary journey from the halls of traditional media to the forefront of the digital age offers a treasure trove of insights for anyone intrigued by the seismic shifts in media and technology. With a narrative that begins at USC and winds through the strategic corridors of McKinsey...

Embark on a captivating exploration of digital advertising's ever-shifting landscape with Jarrod Lopiccolo, the visionary leader of Noble Studios . In a heartfelt conversation, Jarrod opens up about the trials and triumphs of melding a bustling career with the demands of a rich personal life. Our discussion uncovers the keys to a harmonious work-life balance, the innovative four-day work week...

Imagine transforming from a product technologist to an eco-warrior in the world of digital entrepreneurship. Payal Shah, the trailblazing founder of Good 4 Earth , shares her captivating transition and the revolutionary steps she's taken from advising giants like Coca-Cola and Warner Brothers to leading sustainable change through her ed-tech and HR-tech ventures. Embrace the story of her rise...

Embark on an enthralling voyage with us as Narek Vardanyan, the CEO of Prelaunch.com, shares his personal narrative of cultural transition and entrepreneurial conquest. From the early setbacks of his initial crowdfunding efforts to the triumphs of his current venture, Narek's story is a testimony to the resilience and adaptability necessary for success in the ever-evolving digital landscape....

Ever felt like the corporate 9-to-5 just isn't cutting it for your ambitious spirit? Tune in as I chat with the indomitable Thomas Helfrich, who shares his voyage from the corporate world to the land of entrepreneurship. Discover how he built a digital brand that not only stands out but speaks volumes to those who matter in his professional circle. Thomas lays bare his strategies for growing...

When Jennifer Reitman reminisces about her father's legacy at Brides Magazine and Publisher's Clearinghouse, it's like opening a time capsule of media history that echoes through her own career trajectory. From the inception of Dame Magazine , which faced the onslaught of the 2008 financial crash, to its metamorphosis into a digital powerhouse, Jennifer's tale is one of resilie...

Discover the transformative power of storytelling in sales with Ron Skotarczak, the EVP and Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at Madison Square Garden Entertainment Company. He's not just a top executive; Ron is a maestro of personal connections and narrative who knows that the key to unlocking success in sales goes beyond pushing products—it's about crafting solutions that resonate with...

Discover the transformative power of authentic legacy and its undeniable imprint on business success with Natalie Byrne, the visionary from Blank Space, an impact strategy powerhouse at the nexus of culture, impact, and capital. As we unravel their journey from journalism to impact strategy, you're promised insights into the artistry of storytelling and the impact of active listening in steer...

Prepare to get a front-row seat to the digital transformation revolution with the masterminds at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). As we unravel the intricacies of talent acquisition in the era of influencers and gamers, our guest from CAA shares how personal branding and networking are key in an industry that's constantly seeking the next big thing. Through my lens, transitioning from Edelman t...

Embark on an audio odyssey where we unravel the podcasting phenomenon alongside Anika Jackson, a VP at Full Capacity Marketing and podcast pro. Our conversation paints a vivid picture of the industry's seismic shifts, putting into perspective the sheer number of weekly podcast aficionados outstripping Netflix subscribers! Anika's transition from radio to podcasting provides rich soil for...

When Leonora Zilkha Williamson, founder and CEO of Platinum Rule Advisors , and lecturer at Vanderbilt University, speaks, you can't help but be drawn into her world—a tapestry where the vibrant threads of business, media, and the human spirit intertwine. Our latest conversation with this Vanderbilt sage takes you from the halls of liberal arts to the hustle of Wall Street, revealing the way...

Unlock the full potential of your online influence with insights from digital marketing maestro AJ Kumar of The Limitless Company , as he recounts his transformative journey from sales to thought leadership. This episode is a treasure trove of strategies and stories, including AJ's role in catapulting the likes of Kimberly Snyder and Neil Patel to digital stardom. If you've ever wondered...

When collegiate athlete turned media mogul Steve Gatena stepped onto our digital stage, he brought with him a treasure trove of insights bridging the world of personal growth and digital innovation. Founder of Pray.com, Steve's journey is anything but ordinary, as he narrates his transition from the football field of USC to the high-stakes game of media entrepreneurship. His story is a testam...

Have you ever stumbled across a story so compelling, it inspired you to rethink your own path? That's precisely what happened when I sat down with tech entrepreneur Cortney Woodruff. He walked us through his conception of Assemble , a groundbreaking online platform earmarked to democratize the digital landscape. Rooted in his own challenges of being a student from Alabama A&M trying to ac...

Welcome to MEDIASCAPE: Insights from Digital Changemakers; a speaker series and podcast brought to you by USC Annenberg's MS in Digital Media Management Program. Join us as we unlock the secrets to success in an increasingly digital world.  Learn more about the Online Masters of Science in Digital Media Management by visiting https://annenberg.online.usc.edu/dmm/ . This podcast is proudly spo...