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Simon Bruyn - Partner- SIGNIFICANT Mar 27, 2026

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Simon Bruyn is a marketing and growth leader at SIGNIFICANT, where he focuses on helping brands scale through performance marketing, creative strategy, and modern digital channels. With a background spanning paid media, growth strategy, and brand building, he’s worked across a range of consumer and B2B clients to drive measurable business results. Known for his data-driven approach and sharp understanding of the evolving media landscape, Bruyn specializes in connecting creative execution with performance outcomes—helping brands navigate everything from platform shifts to full-funnel growth.

R. Ethan Braden - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Texas A&M University Mar 26, 2026

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R. Ethan Braden is a global marketing and brand executive, currently serving as Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at Texas A&M University. He oversees the university’s brand, marketing, communications, and digital strategy—helping position one of the largest institutions in the U.S. on a global stage. Prior to Texas A&M, Braden held senior leadership roles at Eli Lilly and Company, building deep expertise at the intersection of healthcare, storytelling, and corporate reputation. Known for blending data-driven marketing with purpose-led storytelling, Braden has built a reputation for modernizing legacy brands and leading large-scale transformations across both corporate and institutional environments.

Alexander Hejazi - CEO - Placement Mar 24, 2026

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Alexander Hejazi is an entrepreneur and startup founder with a background in finance and technology. He is the founder and CEO of startups including Ballbox and Placement, companies focused on retail technology, smart kiosks, and innovative product distribution models.

Hejazi began his career in finance, working with organizations such as Wells Fargo, NetSuite, and a boutique investment bank in Dubai, before transitioning into the startup world. His work centers on building tech-enabled solutions that improve how consumers access products and services, particularly in physical retail and logistics environments.

Dave Gulas - co-founder and president - EZDC 3PL Mar 23, 2026

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Dave Gulas is an American entrepreneur, logistics executive, and podcast host. He is the co-founder and president of EZDC 3PL, a third-party logistics company that provides warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation services for e-commerce and manufacturing brands.

Before entering the logistics industry, Gulas spent more than 20 years in medical and pharmaceutical sales, where he developed a strong customer-focused approach that he later applied to his business ventures.

He is also the host of the “Beyond Fulfillment” podcast, where he interviews entrepreneurs and business leaders about growth, challenges, and building successful companies.

⁠Preeti Nadgar⁠ - Chief Strategy Officer - Starcom⁠ Mar 23, 2026

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Preeti Nadgar is a prominent media and communications strategy executive in the advertising industry. As of mid-2025, she serves as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) for the United States at Starcom (a Publicis Media agency), marking her third tenure with the company—she first joined in 2004, returned in 2012 (rising to VP level), and rejoined after time away at other agencies. Prior to this, she was CSO at EssenceMediacom (a GroupM agency), where she was recognized for her nearly 20 years of experience in creative and media agencies. She's described as a "comms planning OG" (original gangster), with a focus on data-centric strategy, human behavior research, building brave brands, nurturing diverse teams, and driving breakthroughs in creativity, connectivity, and culture in the evolving "new comms economy.

Kyle Fleming - co-founder - Taha Kava Mar 23, 2026

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Kyle Fleming (the one associated with Taha Kava) is a co-founder of Taha Kava, a Hawaii-based beverage brand specializing in sparkling kava drinks (e.g., flavors like Pineapple and Lilikoʻi/Passionfruit). Taha is a non-alcoholic, low-calorie "Polynesian social tonic" featuring noble Tongan kava (typically 500–800mg per can), positioned as a relaxing, social alternative with no sugar and island-inspired flavors.Kyle is based in Hawaii (Maui area, including Haiku), where he has deep roots in the local beverage and brewing scene. He's also a co-founder and master brewer at Pauwela Beverage Company, focusing on fermented beverages like kombucha (drawing from his extensive craft beer background). He has experience in product development, brand expansion, and organic marketing—often leveraging Hawaii's lifestyle, tourism, micro-influencers (e.g., surfers, health enthusiasts), and events like Natural Products Expo West.Recent highlights include a March 2026 interview (posted on YouTube/LinkedIn by Dylan Conroy) discussing Taha's growth, distribution, and strategy at expo events. Kyle emphasizes organic discovery (tourists trying it on vacation and seeking it later) and community ties, such as local partnerships and activities (e.g., climbing events with the Taha crew).

Marc Sampogna - CMO and Co Founder - Once Upon a Coconut Mar 22, 2026

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Marc Sampogna is a seasoned entrepreneur, branding expert, and marketing leader with over 15–20 years of experience in the advertising, branding, and agency world.Born and raised in New York, he comes from a family background tied to advertising (his father and grandfather were involved in the field). He founded Canopy Brand Group (a branding and creative agency focused on strategy, design, innovation, and authentic growth for brands), where he serves as Founder, Managing Partner, Chief Creative Officer, and Chief Brand Officer.He's also the co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Once Upon a Coconut, a purpose-driven coconut water brand emphasizing positivity and social impact. Additionally, Marc is involved with other ventures including:

Co-founder/investor in TrueGreen Global (smart packaging tech for cannabis).
Founder of Wingmate.
Board member and CMO roles at companies like GetSinch.
Partnerships/investments (e.g., San Frediano).

His work spans building brands, strategic consulting, creative direction, and driving innovation—often blending marketing with social good and emerging industries like cannabis tech. He's been recognized in outlets like Authority Magazine for his social impact efforts and has appeared on podcasts discussing creativity, entrepreneurship, and brand growth.He's active on social media (Instagram @marc_sampo, X @SampognaMarc) and maintains a personal site at marcsampogna.com, where he positions himself as an entrepreneur, creative, investor, and leader.

⁠Sarah Boyd⁠ - Co-CEO - The Digital Dept.⁠ Mar 20, 2026

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Sarah Boyd is a marketing executive and entrepreneur best known as Co-CEO and CRO of The Digital Dept., a leading influencer marketing and talent management firm. She originally founded Simply Stylist, a fashion and lifestyle platform that grew into a major conference series and digital network connecting creators, brands, and media. With a background in fashion PR, she’s built a reputation as a “connector” in the creator economy, representing top-tier talent and advising brands on influencer strategy. Boyd has been named a Forbes “Female Founder to Watch” and has contributed to Forbes on fashion and beauty trends.

Myriah Castillo - President - Joybyte Mar 20, 2026

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Myriah Castillo is a social media strategist and marketing executive, currently serving as President of Joybyte, one of the fastest-growing influencer-led social marketing agencies in the U.S. She played a key role in scaling the agency’s growth—helping drive major client partnerships and building innovative strategies across platforms like TikTok and TikTok Shop.

With a background in creative writing and over a decade of experience in social and influencer marketing, Castillo has built her reputation on blending creative risk-taking with performance-driven strategy. Before rising through the ranks at Joybyte, she also founded her own consumer brand, giving her a hands-on understanding of building businesses through social-first growth.

She’s known for pushing brands beyond traditional playbooks—championing culturally relevant, platform-native content and helping shape how modern influencer marketing actually drives revenue.

⁠Bryan Stewart⁠ - Chief of Marketing - ⁠Goodwill of Southern Nevada⁠ Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

Bryan Stewart is the Chief of Marketing and External Relations at Goodwill of Southern Nevada (GoodwillVegas.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to workforce development, job training, and community support through retail operations and programs that help individuals overcome barriers to employment (often summarized as "saving the waste in people and things").He joined the organization in late 2021 (initially as Vice President of Marketing and Communications) and has since led major initiatives including:Launching the “Goodwill Works” brand platform and guidelines.

Building in-house creative/publication services, standard signage, and multi-channel campaigns.

Orchestrating the organization's 50th anniversary celebration.

Creating internal programs like awards/recognition, customer compliments portal, leadership development fellowship, and an in-store fundraising initiative supporting local nonprofits.

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