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

In Ep. 168 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Iris Coker, former director of influencer relations and social media at Kate Spade New York. To start, we dive into Iris’ journey from agency life to leading innovative strategies at Kate Spade New York. Iris shares how the brand successfully merges its cherished legacy with modern influencer dynamics, particularly through TikTok. We explore how creators have become central to Kate Spade's strategy and blurred the lines between organic and paid media. Iris discusses the balance of honoring Kate Spade's heritage while appealing to the ever-evolving Gen Z market, emphasizing the importance of community input and risk-taking, illustrated by campaigns from Set Active and Huda Beauty. Iris provides insights into Kate Spade's new leadership direction, which promises to redefine consumer connections with a focus on sustainability and innovative influencer strategies. To close the episode, Iris shares her experiences from orchestrating an influencer trip, highlighting the transformative power of learning from industry leaders, underscoring the humility and openness that drive innovation and success in this dynamic field.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How Iris Coker blends community and creativity at scale: She shares how her early agency roots shaped a lifelong passion for consumer-first storytelling.

2. Why legacy brands need to stay flexible: Iris talks about balancing Kate Spade’s heritage with a need to meet new audiences—especially Gen Z—on their terms.

3. What makes influencer partnerships work long-term: It’s about trust, alignment with paid media, and listening to creators as business partners—not just content machines.

Connect with the Guest:

• Iris’s LinkedIn - @iriscoker

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

If you're new to our Earned series, be sure to catch up on all of our previous episodes here:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLopFdTZxUD9agClzFvKX_QykXrw8uFJRp

Listen to and follow the podcast on:

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6EvXMeMcgGHxjDXBmXqjFL

Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/earned-unlocking-the-power-of-the-creator-economy/id1504030691

Connect with the Guests:

• Zaina’s LinkedIn - @zainasesay

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. 166 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Katie Carroll, Sr. Editor at Large at LinkedIn. To start, we dive into LinkedIn's transformation from job-seeking platform to a dynamic space for sharing ideas, fostering conversation, and building personal brands. Katie shares her insights on the shift towards authenticity and vulnerability in content creation, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and the power of video content. We explore how LinkedIn News plays a crucial role in the editorial landscape and offers transparency and accessibility through original reporting and curated member perspectives. The discussion also explores the creator economy on LinkedIn, recognizing creators as entrepreneurs and brand owners who contribute significantly to the professional community. Katie shares her personal journey of manifesting a move to London, illustrating how authentic engagement on LinkedIn can lead to exciting opportunities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leveraging LinkedIn for professional growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How LinkedIn is redefining what it means to be a creator: No longer just a job-seeking platform, it’s become a space where professionals share insights and engage in meaningful conversations.

2. The kind of LinkedIn content that stands out: Authenticity is the key to engagement. The best posts spark discussion, offer unique perspectives, and feel like a conversation rather than a press release.

3. How LinkedIn helps turn ideas into opportunities: Posting, commenting, and engaging with others can lead to unexpected connections, partnerships, and career growth.

Connect with the Guest:

• Katie’s LinkedIn - @kredcarroll

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. 165 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Ayal Pascal, VP of Marketing at Allies of Skin—a skincare brand that has successfully combined high-performance clinical formulations with emotionally charged narratives to revolutionize the beauty industry. To start, we dive into Ayal's journey from working on product development at L'Oreal to the indie brand scene, offering fascinating insights into product development and marketing strategies at different company stages. Ayal emphasizes the importance of direct communication and insights gained from listening to consumers and creators, highlighting how these relationships shape the evolving consumer journey. The discussion also explores the shift from traditional purchase funnels to digital and community-driven interactions, underscoring the significance of maintaining authentic connections with creators in today's social media landscape. We explore insights into Allies of Skin's strategic global expansion and the unique storytelling behind its products, such as the popular Growth Factor Serum. Ayal’s move to Bangkok and his role in positioning the brand in emerging markets is explored, emphasizing the importance of balancing a strong US presence with international growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How shared values drive consumer loyalty: Consumers today seek more than just great products. They want to support brands that align with their beliefs and values.

2. The ripple effect of influencer marketing: When one creator shares a product they love, it often spreads through their network, creating organic buzz and credibility.

3. Why community is more powerful than advertising: Brands no longer have sole control over the narrative. Consumers trust their peers and favorite creators to shape their decisions.

Connect with the Guest:

• Ayal’s LinkedIn - @ayalpascal

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. 164 of Earned, Conor sits down with Mona Kattan, CEO and founder of Kayali Fragrances. To start, Mona shares her transformative journey from a social media skeptic to a celebrated fragrance entrepreneur, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped her path. We dive into how Mona’s diverse experiences influenced her approach to business, underscoring the significance of authenticity and engaging consumers appropriately. Mona discusses the power of the creator economy, emphasizing how fragrance brands, much like those in fashion and skincare, are harnessing the potential of online communities. Now a separate brand, Mona reflects on the challenges and triumphs of launching Kayali Fragrances under the Huda Beauty umbrella, navigating initial skepticism to achieve significant success by 2021. We explore the impact of fragrance content creators and the unique community Mona has cultivated through Kayali's heart-driven approach. As an indie brand, Kayali's dedication to product excellence and genuine connection sets it apart in the competitive fragrance industry. To close the episode, Mona rounds off the episode with a taste of Dubai's diverse offerings for anyone looking to make a trip!

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How creators are driving the fragrance boom. Once an overlooked category, fragrance now thrives on social media, where niche creators break down scent notes, share layering techniques, and build followings around specific brands.

2. Why storytelling is the key to brand loyalty. Scents can’t be experienced digitally, so stories are what capture attention. Brands that weave personal narratives, cultural references, and emotion into their marketing build deeper relationships with their audience.

3. Fragrance is becoming a cultural statement. Just like fashion or skincare, consumers—especially younger generations—use scent to communicate identity, moods, and aesthetics, making it a category that is on the rise.

Connect with the Guest:

• Mona’s LinkedIn - @monakattan

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