151 - Shane Heath, MUD\WTR
Earned: Unlocking the Power of the Creator Economy
Release Date: 11/19/2024
Earned: Unlocking the Power of the Creator Economy
In Ep. 171 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Jasmine Enberg, VP, Principal Analyst at EMARKETER. To start, we dive into the transformative journey of the creator economy. As influencer marketing becomes a more mature industry and marketing function in 2025, Jasmine shares how brands are adopting data-driven strategies to navigate this dynamic space. We explore the profound impact of TikTok's rise, the challenges posed by iOS changes, and the economic uncertainties affecting digital creators. Jasmine emphasizes the importance of platform diversification, urging creators...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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In Ep. 167 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Zaina Sesay, content creator with over 130k followers. To start, we dive into Zaina's journey from high school storytelling enthusiast to becoming a figure in the creator economy. Her unique background in casting and creative development at major networks like MTV and VH1 has equipped her with the experiences that now fuel her content creation. We explore her transformative transition from the corporate world to being a content creator, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit that drives her. Zaina candidly discusses her...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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In Ep. 163 of Earned, Conor sits down with Terrence Sweeney, former CMO at Hint—an alternative to soda and sugar beverages. To start, we dive into how momentum can transform a struggling company into a viral success, using compelling examples like the Stanley 1913’s brand revival. Terrence reveals how strategic branding and influencer marketing have elevated Hint's brand recognition to compete with industry giants like Smartwater. Terrence discusses the evolving landscape of marketing, emphasizing podcasting as a unique advertising medium that allows authentic audience engagement. He also...
info_outlineIn Ep. 151 of Earned, Conor Begley sits down with Shane Heath, Co-Founder & CEO of MUD/WTR—a powerful coffee alternative rooted in wellness. Tackling the cultural norms around caffeine consumption, MUD/WTR has transformed the lives of many with their unique blend of functional mushrooms, cacao, and chai. To start, Shane dives into his career path, beginning as a tech designer and then pivoting to being a brand founder on a quest to redefine wellness on an unconventional path. Shane delves into his story of lifestyle experimentation and business innovation, highlighting how MUD/WTR stands out with its bold branding and human-centered marketing approach. We learn about the brand's mission to challenge societal norms, its strategic expansion into retail, and how authentic collaborations with influencers who resonate with its holistic philosophy are truly beneficial. Switching gears, Shane explains how he envisions MUD/WTR as more than just a product—but a movement aimed at addressing broader societal challenges like caffeine dependency and mental health. To close the show, Shane gives his “hall of fame” book recommendations for the readers out there.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
1. How co-founder & CEO Shane's journey into wellness and the founding of MUD/WTR reflects a growing trend towards natural health solutions
2. Why MUD/WTR’s branding and marketing emphasizes simplicity and authenticity
3. How MUD/WTR has met creators where they’re at on their own wellness journeys for real, human content
Connect with the Guest:
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Shane’s LinkedIn - @shaneheath
Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ:
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Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley
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CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq
Follow us on social:
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CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics
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CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq
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CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq
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CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ