INspired INsider Podcast

Whitney Geller is Co-founder and Partner of Whitman Emorson, a Toronto-based design studio focused on solving complex problems with a human touch. She is also Co-founder of Jems, a female-founded, body-safe condom and lube product line. Whitney has worked at the forefront of strategic design with global clients such as MTV, Coca-Cola, Oprah Winfrey, and the Mayo Clinic while at Bruce Mau Design. Yasemin Emory is Co-founder and Partner of Whitman Emorson. It is a team of designers, strategists, writers, editors, and creative thinkers bound by the desire to produce thoughtful and responsive work. She is also Co-founder of Jems, built on the desire to naturalize sex and condom use and disrupt a toxic industry. Previously, Yasemin served as the Senior Director of CO-OP and Associate Art Director at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how groundbreaking companies are born? Can an idea that challenges the status quo transform not only an industry, but perceptions as well? Whitney Geller and Yasemin Emory unpack this notion by sharing their story of transitioning from leading the successful design agency Whitman Emorson to challenging stereotypes in the safer sex industry with their brand, Jems Condoms. The duo addresses the lack of representation and dated messaging in the existing market, combining their design prowess with a mission to make condom buying and use more approachable and stigma-free. By cultivating a collaborative studio culture and ambitious leadership at Whitman Emorson, they granted themselves the freedom to venture into the product space, driven by values and a desire to make an impact. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Whitney Geller and Yasemin Emory, Co-founders of Whitman Emorson, about their entrepreneurial journey from running a creative agency to launching a safer sex brand. They share how they navigated the complexities of creating a start-up without compromising the integrity and success of their original agency, setting a culture that embraces a life-work balance, and tackling regulatory challenges in advertising condoms.

Stephen Whiting is Co-founder of StreetText, an ad tech platform that integrates with Meta to provide businesses with agency-level ad capabilities in-house. Since its inception in 2012, StreetText has transformed real estate marketing, helping clients generate over 5 million leads and achieve hundreds of millions of dollars in value. As an experienced real estate agent, Stephen gives real estate professionals and various other industries the tools to generate leads and effectively run ad campaigns. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how minute tweaks in your advertising approach could dramatically shift your business's success? Imagine spending your last few dollars on an ad campaign only to find the answer that creates a surge in leads. Can a single moment of strategic insight change the game for entrepreneurs? Marketing expert Stephen Whiting discusses how a desperate bet on a Facebook ad led to the establishment of a platform that revolutionizes the way real estate professionals — and now individuals from various industries — generate and nurture leads. He shares the journey of StreetText from its humble beginnings with text-based sign riders to the development of their full-fledged ad tech platform that simplifies and enhances digital advertising. Stephen divulges how they navigated the shift from functioning like an agency to becoming a scalable SaaS business and how pricing strategies played a key role in their growth. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Stephen Whiting, Co-founder of StreetText, about building an innovative ad tech platform for real estate. Stephen discusses the significance of understanding your audience, the importance of constant testing in advertising, why content must be put in front of potential leads to avoid being lost in the digital abyss, and how partnerships have been a valuable growth asset for StreetText.

Ami Kassar is the Founder and CEO of MultiFunding, a company helping businesses achieve their growth goals through creative and personalized funding solutions. He authored The Growth Dilemma, is a regular contributor on the current state of the financing market through his weekly articles in Inc., and has provided valuable advice to the White House, the Federal Reserve Bank, and the US Treasury Department. Ami has been interviewed by numerous national publications, including The New York Times, Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, and Forbes. In this episode… In a dynamic business landscape where financial challenges can make or break a company, how do entrepreneurs effectively navigate the complexities of business financing? This is a question that many business owners grapple with as they seek to grow and stabilize their ventures. According to Ami Kassar, a renowned expert in business finance, the key lies in understanding and strategically utilizing various financing options, such as SBA loans and debt management techniques. Ami emphasizes the importance of a clear understanding of one's business model, the right approach to equity investments, and the necessity of adapting financial strategies in response to changing market conditions. This approach to financial planning not only mitigates risks, but also paves the way for sustainable growth and resilience in the ever-evolving world of business finance. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz is joined by Ami Kassar, Founder and CEO of MultiFunding, to delve into the intricacies of business financing. They discuss strategic approaches to managing debt and leveraging SBA loans, the impact of equity investments on a company's financial options, and practical tips for adapting to economic uncertainties.

Andria Santos is the CEO and Co-founder of Fülhaus, an AI-powered interior design and furnishing company providing enterprise solutions for the real estate and hospitality industries. Before Fülhaus, she had a career in law and real estate. Andria's passion for design and technology led her to start Fülhaus with a focus on vintage designer furniture before pivoting to the tech-driven enterprise it is today. As CEO, she enhances property performance through smart design and cutting-edge technology. In this episode… Have you ever wondered how technology and design can come together to change the way we experience furnished properties? Can an e-commerce startup evolve into a powerhouse of innovation in the real estate industry? How did a company that started with vintage furniture navigate the shift to becoming an AI-driven enterprise? Successful entrepreneur Andria Santos delves into her captivating journey. Beginning with an e-commerce vintage furniture site, she and her team rapidly scaled up to meet the exploding demand for furnished properties, developing an AI-powered SaaS tool that revolutionizes interior design. Andria's candid sharing of Fülhaus's evolution from delivering designer collectibles to providing enterprise solutions demonstrates the transformative impact of technology in traditional industries. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Andria Santos, CEO and Co-founder of Fülhaus, about making bold moves from the garage to AI in the interior design industry. Andria shares the intimate details behind Fülhaus's rise, the challenges, triumphs, and strategic decisions that shaped her company's path, insights into adapting to market demands, using technology to solve complex problems, and drawing inspiration from personal mentors.

Jessica Li is the President of Advertience, a media investment management consulting firm that helps organizations leverage data for insight-driven advertising. With over 22 years of experience in online marketing, she has worked with esteemed brands like Alibaba, Yahoo China, and Under Armour. Jessica is passionate about operational efficiency and data analytics, implementing automation to optimize reporting systems. She holds a background in biomedical engineering, aligning an engineering mindset with marketing strategy to create a unique approach at her agency. In this episode… What all goes into running a successful international marketing campaign? How can analytics and operational efficiency transform a company's digital strategy? Jessica Li, a seasoned marketing professional, has the answers. She delves into the power of data in driving insights, targeting, and performance across various sectors, including nonprofits and education. She shares her experiences with the Olympics Foundation, helping to generate significant funds through innovative lottery campaigns, and discusses the importance of efficiency in digital analytics and reporting. By sharing her experiences with Yahoo, Alibaba, and other industry leaders, Jessica reveals the pitfalls of overemphasizing the process and the advantages of a culture that embraces change. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Jessica Li, President of Advertience, about leveraging data and efficiency in digital marketing. Jessica shares Advertience's approach to the digital industry, including a unique emphasis on operational efficiency and automation. She highlights the advantages of her firm's methodologies, how automated reporting systems have cut down their workload, and the importance of focusing on insights over mere data gathering.

Ben Hagon is the CEO and Co-founder of For Good Intent, an award-winning creative communications agency that exclusively serves nonprofit organizations across Canada. With a background in graphic design from a prestigious school in London, he is acclaimed for his work in healthcare, public health, and community service disciplines. Over the years, Ben has earned nearly every major North American creative award, published works, served on boards, and spearheaded his agency's rapid ascent as Canada's leading full-service firm for nonprofits. He is renowned for integrating strategic consulting with creative execution, helping organizations articulate their narratives and craft visually compelling campaigns. In this episode… What does it take to transition from a generalist agency to one with a concentrated focus? What could prompt such a strategic shift, and how might this decision impact not only the agency's trajectory, but also the clients it serves? Is it possible to align core values with market success? Ben Hagon, a successful entrepreneur, faced these very challenges. After realizing his agency's broad scope wasn't resonating with their values and goals, he and his team embarked on a journey to specialize in nonprofit communications. This pivot aligned with their passion and catapulted the agency into becoming Canada's premier full-service agency for nonprofits. Through strategic consulting, deep listening, and a knack for weaving cohesive brand narratives, Ben and his team have successfully produced innovative and impactful campaigns, such as the vibrant initiative for the Women's College Hospital Foundation. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Ben Hagon, Co-founder and CEO of For Good Intent, about transforming agency services to meet the evolving needs of nonprofits. Ben delves into the story of For Good Intent's strategic evolution, insights on creating compelling narratives, the importance of genuine stakeholder engagement, and the steps taken to focus exclusively on nonprofit clientele.

Michael Zavet is the CEO and Co-founder of Shieldify, an AI-driven software and technology company focused on combating fraud and chargebacks in the e-commerce industry. With prior personal experience in round chargeback challenges in his own nutraceutical company, he offers practical solutions to help businesses retrieve hard-earned revenue and reduce losses. As a serial entrepreneur, Michael has a deep understanding of the complexities in e-commerce transactions and has equipped Shieldify to become an effective dispute management platform. In this episode… Is reversing a chargeback simply a pipe dream, or can businesses wrestle their way out of this costly nightmare? When credit cards are involved and the stakes are high, the drama unfolds with hidden fees and lost merchandise piling up. But is there a light at the end of the tunnel for merchants bogged down by disputes? E-commerce is riddled with the complexities of chargebacks and fraud, however, serial entrepreneur Michael Zavet says there's hope for merchants looking to shield their sales. He delves into the intricacies of handling chargebacks, recounting his own harrowing experience of a major business setback. This led Michael to create Shieldify, a platform that streamlines the dispute management process and equips merchants with the tools necessary for combating friendly fraud and unfounded chargebacks. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Michael Zavet, Co-founder and CEO of Shieldify, to discuss the financial dilemma of e-commerce chargebacks. Michael delves into the various services Shieldify offers, including chargeback alerts and dispute management, the importance of spreading transactions across multiple processors, and valuable advice ranging from enhancing customer service to the significance of terms and conditions in safeguarding businesses.

Sam Moses is the Founder and CEO of Sockrates Custom Socks, a Florida-based company that specializes in producing high-quality custom socks with the fastest turnaround time in the industry. With over 4,000 clients, including Google, Netflix, and Disney, Sockrates has become the go-to for businesses looking for fashionable, personalized footwear as corporate gifts. Bringing extensive experience in the manufacturing sector, Sam's ingenuity is demonstrated in Sockrates' unique and efficient production model. He is committed to creating products that people will actually wear and appreciate, solidifying his brand's reputation for both quality and creativity. In this episode… Company gifts can sometimes be underwhelming. In a market saturated with branded promotional products, how does one set themselves apart and deliver quality and speed in such a niche field? Marketing expert Sam Moses dives into the magic behind the brand that revolutionized corporate gifting with socks. He discusses the initial challenges of entering the market, the process of creating a stand-out product, and how Sockrates Custom Socks managed to achieve a seven-day turnaround time, defying industry norms. He emphasizes the importance of design, sharing stories of how the carefully crafted products led to sustained brand visibility and genuine customer appreciation. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Weisz sits down with Sam Moses, Founder and CEO of Sockrates Custom Socks, to discuss his journey of turning everyday items into memorable corporate gifts. Sam shares the Sockrates journey, weaving a lesson on ingenuity and customer-focused product development.

JP Holecka is the Founder and CEO of Power Shifter Digital, a digital product and service design studio that creates simple and easy-to-use mobile apps, web apps, and websites. He is a digital innovation expert with over 30 years of experience in the industry. As the founder of Power Shifter Digital, JP has successfully guided major brands such as Energizer, Deloitte, Lululemon, and TELUS through the digital landscape. Known for his commitment to enhancing work environments and agency culture, he also co-founded the Trove group of agencies. JP is an expert in creating user-centered digital products and is an advocate for safe creative spaces where ideas prevail. In this episode… Are you tired of traditional brand-centric approaches that fail to resonate with your audience? Do you wonder how a deep understanding of customer experiences can revolutionize product design and service delivery? Is there a way to turn digital presence into a robust consumer journey that goes beyond aesthetics? Serial entrepreneur JP Holecka takes a deep dive into Power Shifter Digital's transformation journey over the past 15 years, helping household names redefine their online strategies. He highlights the importance of prioritizing user-centered design and research to create digital products that look great while offering exceptional experiences to customers. He shares how they helped Zion, a direct-to-consumer brand, pivot from a conventional branding approach to one that emphasized customer journey and experience, ultimately positioning them for success in a highly competitive market. In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz and guest JP Holecka discuss the fascinating intersection of innovation and entrepreneurship. JP shares how his frustration with the status quo in marketing agencies led to the formation of Power Shifter Digital — an agency that values creativity and collaboration while maintaining an intense focus on improving customer experiences through technology and design.

Swish Goswami is the CEO and Co-founder of Surf, a platform that aims to ethically capture consumer data and monetize audiences. Under his leadership, Surf has pivoted from social media analytics to focusing on zero-party data through a unique rewards system. He has raised over $9 million, executed two acquisitions, and created partnerships with giants like Amazon Prime Gaming and Netflix. Swish also hosts Track Limits, a leading Formula One podcast, and chairs a charity accelerating youth entrepreneurship in Canada. In this episode… Have you ever considered how businesses gather their consumer data, or what methods are out there that ensure this process is both ethical and rewarding? Imagine clicking a few buttons and entering to win prizes while simultaneously providing companies with valuable insights. Does this sound too good to be true? Swish Goswami dives into his innovative approach to solving the precarious balance between consumer privacy and data collection. He shares the inception of Surf and its transformation from a social media analytics tool to a data collection powerhouse through giveaways and consumer rewards. Swish reveals the mechanics behind Surf's platform, discussing how integrations and strategic engagement lead to successful campaigns and satisfied customers. In this episode of Inspired Insider Podcast, host Dr. Jeremy Weisz interviews Swish Goswami about building a platform that rewards consumer engagement. Listeners can gain insights into the critical shift from reliance on social media APIs to the strategic acquisition of zero-party data. They explore the power of giveaways to gather data and reward consumers, as well as the importance of running promotions in a way that resonates with and respects the audience.