In Ep. 170 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Haley Kaliszewski, the former influencer marketing manager at Kendra Scott. To start, Haley dives into the origin story of the Texas based, woman-founded brand that is Kendra Scott. Coined by the phrase, “$500 and a dream,” the brand has grown from a storefront on South Congress Street in Austin to 150+ storefront locations across the country. The episode offers perspectives on building successful influencer marketing strategies, emphasizing the power of starting small, nurturing existing fans, and leveraging micro-influencers over high-profile endorsements. Haley dives into the significance of organic growth and the critical role of creativity, community relationships, and robust ROI tracking in expanding a brand's reach. Beyond business, we highlight Kendra Scott's unwavering commitment to philanthropy. Discover the impactful initiatives led by the Kendra Scott Foundation, including the Legacy Retreat for families affected by metastatic cancer, and the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurship Leadership Institute at the University of Texas. These efforts underscore the brand's dedication to social responsibility and community engagement.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How starting with loyal brand fans can help create an authentic influencer strategy without relying on large gifting programs.

2. Why fostering a sense of belonging among brand fans can amplify the impact of influencer marketing.

3. How Kendra Scott’s approach to including both large collaborations and smaller, consistent influencer engagements contributes to a diverse marketing strategy

Connect with the Guest:

• Haley’s LinkedIn - @haleykaliszewski

Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ:

• Brit’s LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale

• CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq

Follow us on social:

• CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial

• CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq

• CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq

• CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Ep. 169 of Earned, Conor sits down with Christina McCarthy, Vice President of Global Media at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. To start, we dive into Christina’s impressive career journey from fashion and beauty giants like Victoria's Secret and MAC. We delve into Four Seasons' strategic shift from traditional marketing to crafting rich, brand-building experiences that resonate with audiences. Christina highlights the pivotal role of high return guests (HRGs) and the tailored strategies that ensure their loyalty. She also explores the impact of social media influencers and user-generated content on guest perceptions, detailing how platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube are leveraged for global branding and local engagement. Listeners will gain insights into the integration of SEO and OTA (online travel agency) advertising and how Four Seasons harnesses cutting-edge technology to enhance customer experiences. The discussion extends to the allure of luxury travel destinations, emphasizing the brand's commitment to exceptional service and personalization. To close the episode Christina offers an insider's perspective on the innovative marketing tactics that distinguish the brand in the luxury hospitality industry.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How Christina McCarthy leads global media strategy for a luxury brand like Four Seasons: She shares how a fashion and beauty background shaped her approach to digital luxury marketing.

2. Why VIP treatment drives loyalty: Christina explains how making guests feel like the star of their stay creates an emotional connection and repeat visits.

3. Where content and paid media work best together: It’s about blending platforms like TikTok and YouTube with creator content and search strategy.

Connect with the Guest:

• Christina’s LinkedIn - @christinamccarthy

Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ:

• Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley

• CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq

Follow us on social:

• CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial

• CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq

• CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq

• CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

REPLAY - In Episode 12 of Earned, Conor sits down with Riccardo Pozzoli, esteemed entrepreneur, investor, and influencer himself, as well as co-founder of the mega-popular fashion blog The Blonde Salad.

We learn why Riccardo decided to create The Blonde Salad with Chiara Ferragni at a time before the blogosphere and social media—and of course, influencers—were in style. We hear how the pair grew the site into the powerhouse platform and their learnings from the experience, and Riccardo shares why he eventually left the company in 2017 to pursue his own entrepreneurial endeavors. Riccardo dives into his business philosophies and why he favors the “long-term” strategy, and also divulges his approach to working with brands as an influencer himself. Riccardo then lends advice to brands on how to maximize their influencer strategy, and reveals the key characteristics he looks for in leaders when deciding whether to invest in a company.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Why Riccardo Pozzoli shifted from finance to marketing: He shares how a passion for psychology and consumer behavior sparked his approach to building demand.

2. How The Blonde Salad found early traction: Riccardo reflects on timing, curiosity, and why taking content quality seriously made all the difference.

3. What guides his business decisions today: Long-term thinking, real brand alignment, and a hands-on mindset shape how he invests, advises, and creates.

Connect with the Guest:

• Riccardo’s LinkedIn - @riccardopozzoli

Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ:

• Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley

• CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq

Follow us on social:

• CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial

• CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq

• CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq

• CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ