The Marketing Stir
The Marketing Stir
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The Marketing Stir Podcast by Stirista hosted by Stirista’s VP of B2B Products Vincent Pietrafesa along with Founder / CEO Ajay Gupta, The Marketing Stir brings on industry leaders to get their take on the current challenges of the market, whatever that may be.
Both captivating personalities, Gupta and Pietrafesa (who moonlights as a standup comic) along with producer Jared Walls (Stirista’s content strategist, also a standup comic), promise an engaging conversation with leaders of a variety of industries and brands.
If you’re interested in being a guest on the podcast, email us at info@themarketingstir.com
Available episodes
Newest first
Oldest first
6 days ago
Vijay Ramachandran (Pitney Bowes) - Hockey Stick Growth Curve
Vijay Ramachandran, Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Planning at Pitney Bowes, discusses the challenges of developing marketing strategies for a company that’s been around for a century. He offers insight into an industry that operates in both the physical and digital worlds, as well as how to prospect without coming off like a carnival barker. Ajay raises funds for a good cause, and Vincent is excited about Vegas.
Jun 8, 2021
Kelley Michalik (Alight) - Soup to Nuts
Kelley Michalik, Chief Marketing Officer at Alight Solutions, details her journey with the company and how her role enables a mindset for reinvention. She also shares her surprising response to when someone gets her name wrong in an email. Ajay has a customer service nightmare, and Vincent lends an ear.
Jun 1, 2021
Allyson Witherspoon (Nissan) - Lots of Automotive Puns
Allyson Witherspoon, Chief Marketing Officer at Nissan, details her globe-hopping career arc that took her everywhere from Amsterdam to Japan. She also discusses the transition from “kicking the tires” to researching cars in the digital space, as well as how shopping for a new car doesn’t need to be an either/or experience. Ajay gets a new laptop and Vincent remembers with fondness his Nissan Altima.
May 25, 2021
Yogesh Deep (Advance Auto Parts) - A Great Potion
Yogesh Deep, Senior Vice President of Growth and Strategic Pricing at Advance Auto Parts, shares his journey of how he started out as a chemical engineer to his current role with the company. Along with Advance’s B2B operations, he also discusses the success of giving frontline team members authority to override their pricing system in-store. Ajay is glad to not be on a billboard, and Vincent wishes he owned a car.
May 18, 2021
Michael Bouteneff (Mastercard) - Creating DNA
Michael Bouteneff, Global Marketing Director, Strategic Growth at MasterCard, shares, as he calls it, his "meandering" career journey that touches on molecular biology and music publishing, among other things. He also discusses in depth the current state of the marketing event space. Ajay has some thoughts on public transportation, and Vincent claims he knows how to drive.
May 11, 2021
Multi-guest - Meat and Potatoes (Special Multi-Guest Episode)
This week we are joined by Amin Makhani (SVP, Growth Strategy, Bento Box); Nick Panayi (CMO, Amelia); and Karolina Kocalevski (VP, Global Head of Marketing & Communications, Orion Innovation) to discuss innovations on the lead generation front, the biggest changes each organization has undertaken in the last year, as well as how each guest’s role within their own company has shifted. Ajay buys a new laptop, and Vincent is feeling very special.
May 4, 2021
Ray Estevez (True Influence) - The Wild West of Data Collection
This week Ray Estevez, CIO of True Influence, joins us to share how his company leverages intent data for their customers, and how he’s realized the importance of soft skills in a leadership role. He also spells out the advantages of remaining authentic, no matter the ask. Ajay sports an Irish jersey, and Vincent wears a dad sweater. Tune in now!
Apr 27, 2021
Scott Andrew (Retail Service Systems) - Just a Redneck from North Carolina
Scott Andrew, CEO of Retail Service Systems and CEO/Founder of Rugged Holdings, shares his less-than-legal beginnings as an entrepreneur, and how realizing early on that being “unemployable” as he describes it, was one of his best assets. He also walks through the particulars of managing several companies at once. Ajay deals with a snowpocalypse, and Vincent learns a new word.
Apr 20, 2021
Ian Wright (Equifax) - As the Puck Moves
This week we have Ian Wright, Chief Data Officer, Data-Driven Marketing at Equifax! Ian dives into the particulars of how data is handled in various parts of an organization, and how legislation is changing the data landscape. He also shares with the guys the backstory to his multiple citizenships. Ajay chops some wood and Vincent professes his love for rugby.
Apr 13, 2021
Heidi Cerenzia (Wrike) - Business-to-Dog
This episode of The Marketing Stir podcast by Stirista, Vincent and Ajay will be having a conversation with Heidi Cerenzia. Heidi is Vice President, Global Demand Generation at Wrike. They will be discussing how demand generations have evolved over the years.
Highlights:
* Wrike is a collaborative work management tool
* Dealing with the pandemic
* You choose your destination
* Empower and enable your team to be successful
Apr 6, 2021
Linda Fisk (LeadHERship Global) - Becoming Undaunted
Linda Fisk, CEO and Founder of LeadHERship Global, explains how her organization works to help women advance their careers and follow through with their visions of success. She also admits to leaning in on the binge watching in the last year. Ajay compares himself to Tom Brady, and Vincent asks for some feedback.
Apr 1, 2021
Matt Collins (Calix) - A Great Name for a Sports Franchise
Matt Collins, Chief Marketing Officer at Calix, explains why it’s important to keep your commercial strategy grounded in your value proposition, as well as the benefits of making collaboration a top priority. He also shares with the guys why he gets up at 4:30 every morning. Ajay has plans for a t-shirt and Vincent brings back an old nickname.
Mar 30, 2021
Derek Pando (Zoom) - All I Wanna Do
Derek Pando, Head of International Marketing, Partner Marketing and Localization at Zoom, discusses what made Zoom stand out among the competition, and the importance of helping people have fun even though they’re apart. He also tells an amazing story about being a Scoutmaster in San Francisco. Ajay had a good meeting and Vincent wears ear warmers.
Mar 25, 2021
Erik Huberman (Hawke Media) - A Huge Fan of the Nap
Erik Huberman, Founder and CEO of Hawke Media, discusses his podcast, Hawke Talk, as well as how he thrives on a lack of consistency. He also tells the guys about the time he was a top-ranked World of Warcraft player. Ajay revels in the San Antonio snow, and Vincent wishes he was more entertaining.
Mar 23, 2021
Matt Staudt (VDC / Stirista) - The San Antonio Sensation
Matt Staudt, President & CEO of VDC and the new Chief Strategy Officer at Stirista, discusses the nature of the new partnership between the two companies, as well as the current state of the alternative data space. He also gives a rundown of his favorite binge watches. Ajay reminisces, and Vincent gets bagels from Costco.
Mar 18, 2021
Sam Huston (3Q Digital) - When it Rains
Sam Huston, Chief Strategy Officer at 3Q Digital, discusses the importance of client diversification, as well as the push for authenticity in marketing. He also delves into why false urgency is a bad tactic. Ajay gets another nickname and Vincent mails some socks.
Mar 16, 2021
Sebastian Opperman (IONIS) - Lumberjack Shirt
Sebastian Opperman, Vice President of Marketing at IONIS, discusses the expansive responsibilities of his role as VP for the cloud service provider. He also offers insight on the differences between privacy standards in the EU and the U.S. Ajay is still great at tennis, and Vincent steals some thunder.
Mar 11, 2021
Gerry Marrone (SPAR Group) - BOPIS is the Word
Gerry Marrone, Chief Revenue Officer at SPAR Group, discusses his childhood paper route, and how it carved out his path into marketing. He goes into detail about innovations in queue-line and curbside marketing strategies. They also delve into his passion for soccer. Ajay tries some whiskey, and Vincent decorates the house.
Mar 9, 2021
Andrew Koenig (CITY Furniture) - A Couple of Hippies Selling Waterbeds
Andrew Koenig, President at CITY Furniture, tells the story of how his father and uncle’s waterbed-selling endeavor evolved into south Florida’s number one furniture retailer. He also goes in-depth about the company’s supply chain, as well as the rebirth of the waterbed. Ajay is just waking up, and Vincent loves to party.
Mar 4, 2021
Andrew Almendras (IMAX) - The San Antonio Sweetheart
Andrew Almendras, Vice President of Global Creative Marketing at IMAX, explores what the power of creativity, design and storytelling looks like in his role, and how that contributes to the brand’s evolved identity. He and Vincent also share their experiences with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Ajay gets a custom pair of socks, and Vincent continues his nicknaming streak.
Mar 3, 2021
Michael McLaren (Merkle) - House of Meetings
Michael McLaren, Global CEO - B2B Group at Merkle, explores the transformation B2B has experienced the last few years and how Merkle works to build best-in-breed solutions for their clients. He also discusses the “book club” he started with his wife. Ajay puts up some impressive email numbers, and Vincent loves plants.
Feb 25, 2021
Franck Ardourel (Amazon) - Make the Math
Franck Ardourel, Senior Marketing Principal Workforce Strategy Innovation at Amazon, discusses how the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence impacts marketing, but also how his role in recruitment is people-focused. He also shares a story about meeting Mark Zuckerberg. Ajay loves to travel and Vincent has a good day at work.
Feb 23, 2021
Greg Simpson (Saama) - 5K in One State
Greg Simpson, VP Head of Marketing for Saama, explains how they help accelerate clinical trials, and how the close-knit relationship between sales and marketing achieves this. He also shares a story about something he’s done in every state in the U.S. Ajay is back on the tennis court, and Vincent discovers the wonders of modern medicine.
Feb 18, 2021
Roe Palermo (formerly of Stein Mart) - Create the First Date
Roe Palermo, former Vice President of Brand Experience and Visual Merchandising at Stein Mart, explores her role with the department store brand, and how she viewed herself as a matchmaker for brands and stores. She also goes into great detail about how she finds inspiration everywhere she goes. Ajay gives a lecture about driving cars and Vincent learns that Bloody Marys are everywhere.
Feb 11, 2021
Tom Stein (Stein IAS) - The Shape of a Little Watermelon
Tom Stein, Chairman and Chief Client Officer at Stein IAS, explains how his role is about advancing the company’s presence in the world, and offers up a list of their impressive clientele. He also goes into detail about how he introduced the “entrepreneurial spirit” into his family. Ajay takes one for the tennis team, and Vincent is worried about sneezing.
Feb 9, 2021
Nancy Giordano (Play Big) - ...Says the Mom on the Podcast
Nancy Giordano, Founder and Strategic Futurist at Play Big, spells out what it means to be a strategic futurist, as well as the work that goes into identifying and addressing systemic injustices. She also discusses the power of saying thank you. Ajay is a boy genius, and Vincent has his eye on a silver apple.
Feb 4, 2021
Miriam Kendall (Makespace) - Everyone Should Get a Dog
Miriam Kendall, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Makespace, explores the wide-ranging role she has with the brand, as well as her time at Under Armour. She also discusses her involvement with the non-profit Play Like a Girl. Ajay ponders a turtleneck, and Vincent wears a nice suit jacket for once.
Feb 2, 2021
Nick Panayi (Amelia) - Digital Migrants
Nick Panayi, Chief Marketing Officer at Amelia, discusses the practical uses of conversational AI, as well as his own career evolution. He also explains how he sees account-based marketing as a discipline, and not just a marketing strategy. Ajay loves Mondays and Vincent needs more coffee.
Jan 28, 2021
Christina Carey Dunleavy (Discovery) - I'm Addicted to Dr. Pimple Popper
Christina Carey Dunleavy, Vice President Portfolio Integrated Marketing and Partnerships at Discovery, discusses Discovery’s new streaming service as well as the brand’s reputation for authentic storytelling. She also shares a couple of other career aspirations she had as a first grader. Vincent is wearing pink again and Ajay needs to do his laundry.
Jan 26, 2021
Doug Zarkin (Pearle Vision) - Pearles of Wisdom
In our 50th episode, Doug Zarkin, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Pearle Vision, discusses the importance of understanding people and how their roles impact the larger mission with a brand. He also delves into why he prefers passion over expertise when it comes to hiring. Ajay shares that he was a latecomer to turkey, and Vincent eats a bacon egg and cheese on a roll.
Jan 21, 2021
Eduardo Amaral (Brooklinen) - The Socrates of San Francisco
Eduardo Amaral, Growth Marketing Analyst at Brooklinen, spells out his role with the company and how starting his own business at the age of 17 helped him to get there. He also explains what an internship at Disney World taught him about empathy. Ajay is wearing Batman pajamas and Vincent is wearing a pink sweater.
Jan 19, 2021
Jens Nicolaysen (Shinesty) - Supposedly it's Fidel Castro's Grandma
Jens Nicolaysen, Co-founder and CMO at Shinesty, discusses the irreverent nature of their brand, as well as the strategy involved with advertising offbeat product lines. They also dive into the origins of Jens’ first business selling skateboard wax. Ajay has trouble sleeping, and Vincent receives an unusual email.
Jan 14, 2021
Nick Jordan (Narrative) - I Could Eat a McMuffin for Every Meal
Nick Jordan, Founder of Narrative, explains how being in the weeds isn’t always a bad thing and how his work is like a middle-school dance. He also explains the nontraditional way he became a Mets fan. Ajay is fun and upbeat, and Vincent reminisces about a first date.
Jan 12, 2021
Amin Makhani (Bento Box)- Grisly Pears
Amin Makhani, Vice President of Growth at Bento Box, explains what exactly it means to be a vice president of growth and how search has become a powerful factor in identifying clientele. Vincent and Amin discuss their shared standup comedy endeavours. Ajay celebrates an anniversary, and Vincent rides shotgun.
Jan 7, 2021
Ken Thewes (Regal Cinemas) - Movie Lovers
Ken Thewes, Chief Marketing Officer at Regal Cinemas, offers up firsthand how their theaters have continued to serve both consumer and B2B audiences during a challenging time for the industry. He also shares what the movies Grease and The Hunchback of Notre Dame have in common for him. Ajay gets some sleep, and Vincent makes a figure skating reference.
Jan 5, 2021
Sasha Mircov (AdColony) - Bits and Pixels
Sasha Mircov, Vice President of Operations at AdColony, explores rewarded video, privacy and other elements of the future of mobile marketing. He also explains the nuances of being a gamer. Ajay has his hands full and Vincent is curious about Flag Day.
Dec 29, 2020
Louise Pritchard (Shopii) - The Horse Question
Louise Pritchard, CMO at Shopii, goes in-depth about the ever-changing challenges of the grocery industry, and how Shopii works to foster a seamless shopping journey. She also offers up her experience with the obstacles and wins that come with being a woman in tech. Ajay takes a couple naps and Vincent runs out of dad shirts.
Dec 22, 2020
Katie Kirschner (NCR) - Native Tongue
Katie Kirschner, Vice President of Brand Content and Digital Marketing at NCR, explains how ubiquitous NCR’s software offerings are, and explains in depth the importance of developing a robust content strategy. She also offers a rundown of the seven languages she speaks. Ajay’s happy and jolly, and Vincent has nothing to do with it. Give it a listen.
Dec 17, 2020
Sue Beckett (Lovesac) - We Found a Unicorn
Sue Beckett, VP of Digital Marketing and E-Commerce at Lovesac, explores how the brand’s foundation is built on moving away from planned obsolescence, and how the company has managed to thrive from their cult following on social media. She also offers some insight into navigating the data marketing landscape as a whole. Ajay goes on a getaway and Vincent dreams of the African safari.
Dec 15, 2020
Ajay Prakash (Rinse) - The San Antonio Slayer
Ajay Prakash, CEO and Cofounder of Rinse, delves into how he and his cofounder introduced technology to the old-school industry of dry cleaning. He also explores ways in which the company uses its reach and infrastructure to give back to the community, and how Rinse, according to Prakash, has actually saved marriages. Our Ajay chooses a wrestling name, and Vincent talks to his son about rats.
Dec 10, 2020
Karolina Kocalevski (Orion Innovation) - A Pool & a Pond
Karolina Kocalevski, Vice President, Global Head of Marketing at Orion Innovation, explains the parallels between marketing and her previous career in academic publishing. She also delves into how starting and remaining small for a long time helped Orion scale quickly, and how she overcame her fear of being on camera. Ajay gets a live-fish delivery, and Vincent wants to hear about the pond.
Dec 8, 2020
Ryan Hartman (The Zebra) - ROMI is My Homey
Ryan Hartman, Sr. Vice President of Paid Media at The Zebra, shares the moves they made to differentiate themselves as a brand, why they decided to relocate to Austin from Pittsburgh, and how he came to follow the mantra, “Sales overnight, brand over time.” Ajay is having a good day, and Vincent is afraid of getting slapped in the face.
Dec 3, 2020
Erich Hellstrom (Chubbies) - Put Me in a Bath Tub of Instant Mashed Potatoes
Erich Hellstrom, Manager of Retention Marketing at Chubbies, explains how his experience doing improv has helped his career, why he volunteered to be a model for a brand campaign, and how they’ve leveraged product placements for some popular television programming. Ajay is an avid napper, and Vincent is not allowed to nap.
Dec 1, 2020
Paroma Sen (SAP) - It's About Changing The World
Paroma Sen, Global Marketing Director at SAP, delves into how marketing strikes the balance between art and science, explores the importance of fostering thought leadership in her day-to-day, as well as recounting an epiphany she had while living in Texas as a college student. Ajay finally catches up on sleep, and Vincent is jealous.
Nov 24, 2020
Tauseef Muhammad (Mindtree) - New Jersey Has Always Been Great
Tauseef Muhammad, Head of Global Marketing and Demand Generation at Mindtree explores how a degree in engineering led to a career in marketing. He also delves into the importance of explaining the “Whys” of a product, as well as how Mindtree overcame the challenges that have come with cancelled live events. Ajay is in a good mood and Vincent gets a new apartment.
Nov 19, 2020
Arnold Glick (The Farmer’s Dog) - Pool Near the School
Arnold Glick, Integrated Marketing Manager at The Farmer’s Dog, discusses why it’s important to be passionate about what you’re marketing, as well as the benefits of working at a smaller agency or brand. He also offers up the backstory for the name, “The Farmer’s Dog.” Ajay finds a place to swim, and Vincent finds a fraternity brother.
Nov 17, 2020
John Kunzier (Computer Aid) - To Go Faster, Sometimes You Need to Slow Down
John Kunzier, Chief Marketing Officer at Computer Aid, discusses the larger strategy concerns of marketing above and beyond content, and also delves into the challenges of rebranding an established organization. Ajay figures out how to change his Zoom background, and Vincent professes his love for the NY Giants.
Nov 10, 2020
Kyle Brucculeri & Kenah Cooper (Gorjana) - Beachy & Attainable
Kyle Brucculeri and Kenah Cooper, Vice President of Marketing and Director of Marketing at Gorjana, explore the journey of creating a brand voice, and how they balance the concept of “accessible luxury.” The duo also discuss how they trust email to build a close relationship with their customers. Ajay enjoys some cooler weather, and Vincent wants to run on the beach.
Nov 3, 2020
McKenzie Bauer (Thread Wallets) - Don't be George Costanza
McKenzie Bauer, Cofounder and Chief Marketing Officer at Thread Wallets, ponders the momentum that comes with feeling like every year is “the beginning.” She also discusses the power of influencer marketing, random celebrity endorsement, as well as the moves the company made to ensure no one was laid off. Ajay is in suspense, and Vincent misses a phone call.
Oct 27, 2020
Eric Duerr (Domo) - From Aristotle to The Big Lebowski
Eric Duerr, Sr. Vice President of Marketing at Domo explains how a degree in Philosophy led him to a career in marketing, and how the art of persuasion isn’t the same as manipulation, and why you should strive for the former. Ajay gets a steroid shot, and Vincent wears a Hawaiian shirt.
Oct 20, 2020
Ruth Stevens (B2B Marketing Consultant) - Sir Talksalot
Ruth Stevens, B2B Marketing Consultant, delves into the importance of face-to-face communication. But she also clarifies why you shouldn’t try to recreate the conference experience with virtual events. Ajay upgrades his watch strap, and Vincent wears something elegant.
Oct 13, 2020
Sairam Vedam (Innominds) - Robots & Rubik's Cubes
Sairam Vedam, Chief Marketing Officer at Innominds, discusses how his company drives Digital Next initiatives for global brands. He also goes in depth about the challenges of heading up the marketing efforts of an international organization, as well as the future of AI. Ajay’s son wakes him up at 4 in the morning, and Vincent once again reiterates his love for The Bachelorette.
Oct 6, 2020
Cameron Jacox (Lark Health) - Neighborly Charm
Cameron Jacox, Vice President of Growth at Lark Health, explains how Lark’s use of conversational AI and connected devices help keep people healthier at home. He also explores his time studying entrepreneurship at Babson College and how it led him toward the world of startups. Ajay is glad the weather in Texas is finally cooler for a change, and Vincent tells Cameron why he likes to be on camera. Give it a listen.
Sep 29, 2020
Wendy White (Egencia) - Who's Cooking?
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay chat with Wendy White, Chief Marketing Officer for Egencia. She delves into the importance of business travel and explores the power of content marketing. She also shares tips for using Slack in some unexpected ways. Ajay is finally able to disconnect for a few hours, and Vincent revels in a compliment from Wendy. Give it a listen.
Sep 24, 2020
Ilyas Frenkel (Dandelion Energy) - Rare Form
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay talk to Ilyas Frenkel, Head of Marketing for Dandelion Energy. He details how marketing for a geothermal technology company requires a lot of education for the consumer. He also offers up some creative approaches to out-of-home advertising. Ajay keeps an even keel with one cup of coffee, but Vincent has already had two. Give it a listen.
Sep 22, 2020
Mark Donatelli (Hive Strategy) - Swamp Castle
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay talk to Mark Donatelli, President and Founder of Hive Strategy. He shares his journey through working with agencies and branching out on his own, as well as the importance of paying attention to consumer behavior. Ajay recalls his last visit to NYC, and Vincent ruins the moment. Give it a listen.
Sep 15, 2020
Kerel Cooper (LiveIntent) - Don't Say Cowboys
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay chat with Kerel Cooper, SVP of Global Marketing at LiveIntent, and cohost of the Minority Report podcast. He explains his approach to spearheading diversity and inclusion efforts in an organization, and explores the strategy of continuing to participate in events. Ajay avoids COVID on the tennis court, and Vincent is confused by blackberries. Give it a listen.
Sep 10, 2020
Mark Friedman (Details Interactive) - Looking Under the Hood
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay chat with Mark Friedman, President and Founder of Details Interactive, and host of the Marketing Playbook podcast. He details his experience working with brands like Brooks Brothers and Steve Madden, and gives his take on breaking up the silos that persist in large organizations. Ajay is optimistic about the quarter ahead, and Vincent offers to run through a wall. Give it a listen.
Sep 8, 2020
Nicole O’Rourke (Aptean) - Organic Chemistry
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay catch up with Nicole O’Rourke, CMO at Aptean. She discusses how developing products that are terrific for the consumer are profitable for a company, and the new ways companies are learning to do business. Ajay and Nicole commiserate over how cold climates affected their college careers, and Vincent reads a book. Give it a listen.
Sep 3, 2020
Jason Harris (Mekanism) - Big Rats
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay chat with Jason Harris, CEO at Mekanism. He talks about the agency’s collaborative approach to success, and the soul and science of storytelling. Jason and Vincent discover they live in the same neighborhood. Ajay does not. Give it a listen.
Aug 25, 2020
Chris Schermer (SCHERMER) - The Smoked Meats Hall of Fame
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay talk to Chris Schermer, President and Founder of SCHERMER. He discusses his agency’s success with big brands like ADP and Red Wing Shoes, and the importance of making the other person the hero of the story. Also, Ajay tackles the Texas heat and Vincent enjoys a joke. Give it a listen.
Aug 18, 2020
Michael Barnett (InGo) - Repairing the Compass
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay chat with Michael Barnett, CEO of InGo. He shares his experience working in the House of Commons, and the drastic changes in live event planning. Michael also recommends some choice books for entrepreneurs to read. Vincent tells you what not to do on LinkedIn and Ajay avoids the yard guy. Give it a listen.
Aug 11, 2020
Joel Harrison (B2BMarketing.net) - Punk Rock B2B
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay talk to Joel Harrison, Editor-in-Chief and Co-founder of B2BMarketing.net. He tells the guys how he went from urban planning to becoming a B2B journalist. They also discuss the success of this year’s Ignite conference as well as the importance of applying the Punk ethos to the post-COVID marketplace, and Vincent worries about a book he has to read. Give it a listen.
Aug 4, 2020
Aaron Bolshaw (SafteyChain Software) - Drinking from the Firehose
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay catch up with Aaron Bolshaw, VP of Marketing at SafteyChain Software. He recounts his start at Omaha Steaks, shares his thoughts on the power of webinars in our current climate, as well as the challenges of supporting the food and beverage industry during the COVID outbreak. Ajay tries to watch an episode of Too Hot to Handle, and Vincent reaffirms his love for The Bachelor. Give it a listen.
Jul 28, 2020
Laureen Asseo (Nutrition Corporation) - Hanging out with Goats
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay meet Laureen Asseo, Founder and CEO of Nutrition Corporation. She shares how her father’s health was the wakeup call that helped her found a company that’s working to redefine fast food, and why showing up is so important right now. Vincent learns about persistence and Ajay battles 100-degree weather. Give it a listen.
Jul 21, 2020
Andy Monfried (Lotame) - Israel, 1997
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay talk with Andy Monfried, Founder and CEO of Lotame. They discuss the founding of Lotame and the future of data enrichment in the cookieless environment. Andy also recounts the traumatic experience that motivates his success. Ajay gets a haircut and Vincent gets complimented on his looks. Give it a listen.
Jul 14, 2020
Laura Spaulding (Spaulding Decon) - 80 Cats
In this episode, Vincent and Ajay meet Laura Spaulding, Founder and CEO of Spaulding Decon. She shares how she found herself running what she describes as a “recession-proof” operation, as well as the unique challenges of franchising a crime-scene cleanup company. Vincent admits he’s afraid of rats and asks Laura what crimes she thinks she could get away with. Give it a listen.
Jul 7, 2020
Brian Hession (Tech Target) - Still in Great Shape
In this episode, VP of B2B Products, Vincent Pietrafesa and CEO Ajay Gupta talk with Brian Hession, VP of Data Quality & Innovation at Tech Target. Brian recalls the lean years of starting his first company Oceanos in a basement, and how it evolved into a family-oriented endeavour, and how it’s framed his view of the B2B space today. We also find out that Vincent loves watching the Netflix series “Workin’ Moms.
Jun 30, 2020
Anneka Gupta (LiveRamp) - Better than Cookies
In this episode, VP of B2B Products, Vincent Pietrafesa and CEO Ajay Gupta catch up with Anneka Gupta, President and Head of Products and Platforms at LiveRamp. Anneka shares her experience of watching LiveRamp grow from a 25-person startup to becoming the leading data connectivity platform. The conversation explores the future of the ad tech ecosystem at large and its role in burgeoning industries like telehealth. We also find out that Vincent loves watching The Bachelor.
Jun 23, 2020
Kristina Prokop (Eyeota) - Data, Data, Data
In this episode, VP of B2B Products, Vincent Pietrafesa and CEO Ajay Gupta chat with Kristina Prokop, CEO and Co-founder of Eyeota. Kristina explains how being a “Swiss Army knife” led to the success of founding a company, how she had a leg up in complying with GDPR, and how she found herself living in Germany. And Vincent invites himself to an online happy hour. Give it a listen.
Jun 16, 2020
Ajay and Candy Gupta (Stirista) - Fireworks, Rain and Hancock
In this bonus episode, Vincent talks with Stirista co-founders Ajay and Candy Gupta on the heels of the company’s 10-year anniversary. Ajay recalls how moving from India as a teenager led to his interest in wrestling, Candy finds “gold” in working with one of their first clients, and they both share who inspired their work ethic. Give it a listen.
Jun 9, 2020
Andy Keith (MultiView) - Hail Storm on the Tennis Court
In this episode, VP of B2B Products, Vincent Pietrafesa and CEO Ajay Gupta talk with Andy Keith, CEO of MultiView. Andy shares the story of his quick rise within the company, explains why you can’t come back from bad data, and how haircut tutorials maintain company morale. Give it a listen.
Jun 2, 2020
Jason Wertheimer (Horizon Media) - Oswego Memories
In this episode, VP of B2B Products, Vincent Pietrafesa and CEO Ajay Gupta chat with Jason Wertheimer, VP of Media Technology at Horizon Media. Jason tells the guys how he’s been handling the explosive growth of his team, why maintaining morale is worth the effort, and how his time at Netflix changed his perspective on media. He and Vincent also swap stories about where they drank while attending SUNY Oswego. Give it a listen.
May 26, 2020
Keith Goodman (Modern Postcard) - Ruin Your Prom
In this episode, VP of B2B Products, Vincent Pietrafesa and CEO Ajay Gupta catch up with Keith Goodman, VP of Corporate Solutions at Modern Postcard. Keith shares why his company avoids industry trade shows, his association with the band RATT and how ruining his senior prom jump started his career. Give it a listen.
May 19, 2020
Auren Hoffman (SafeGraph) - Teaching You How To Lose
In this episode, VP of B2B Products, Vincent Pietrafesa and CEO Ajay Gupta chat with Auren Hoffman, CEO of SafeGraph, and former co-founder and CEO of LiveRamp. Auren discusses supporting employees and customers alike while they’re stuck at home, the future of industry conferences and events, and why you should never begin an email by saying “I hope you are well.” Give it a listen.
May 11, 2020
Auren Hoffman (SafeGraph) - Ideas are Cheap
In this episode, Vincent & Ajay catch up with Michael Hussey, Founder & President of StatSocial. Michael recalls the wins and mishaps of founding ratemyprofessor.com, as well as navigating both the dot com bust & 9/11. Vincent also reveals to Michael that producer Jared Walls used to be a professor with a chili pepper on ratemyprofessor.com.
Apr 30, 2020
Gretchen Littlefield (Moore DM Group) - Gucci Face Mask
In this episode, VP of B2B Products, Vincent Pietrafesa and CEO Ajay Gupta talk with Gretchen Littlefield, CEO of Moore DM Group. Gretchen shares her journey of how she came to work in the nonprofit sector, as well as creative approaches to fundraising. The discussion also takes a turn into Zoom happy hours and the future of face-mask fashion.