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Few investors understand the business of games from both sides of the table like Phylicia Koh. A General Partner at Play Ventures, an early-stage fund investing globally in gaming, consumer apps, and gaming-adjacent tech, she has led investments in Alter (acquired by Google), Arya, BibleChat, and Alinea. Before joining Play as Employee #1, she spent nine years in marketing and growth, including at the Singapore Economic Development Board. In this episode, Phylicia joins Aliza Freud to unpack the $200 billion gaming industry, which is bigger than movies, TV, and music combined, and what marketers can learn from it. They discuss how AI is driving an explosion in ad creative and why personal AI agents could soon put consumers in control of the ads they see. Phylicia also shares how she fell into venture capital and why getting comfortable with risk starts with knowing yourself. Episode Highlights Who’s really playing — Today’s average gamer is in their mid-30s, split about evenly between men and women, and plays on a phone.Gaming’s marketing playbook — How games built some of the most rigorous approaches to targeting and engagement.The creative volume machine — Why top apps test up to 1,000 new ads a month, and how AI makes that possible for small teams.Agents for the consumer — Phylicia’s vision of a personal AI “bodyguard” that filters out ads you don’t want.Messaging over targeting — Why understanding your customer still beats any algorithm.Risk and starting over — Leaving a senior marketing role for an entry-level VC job, and why overplanning holds you back.Links and Resources Connect with Phylicia Koh on LinkedIn Learn more about Play Ventures Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

What does it take to create content people connect with? For Fara Wilson, it starts with showing up as yourself. In this episode of Women of Influence, host Aliza Freud sits down with the creator behind TheFaraFix to discuss her unexpected journey from corporate marketing and communications to content creation. What began as a creative outlet during the pandemic grew into a community built around everyday life, practical tips, and honest recommendations. Fara shares how she found her voice, why building trust goes beyond sponsored posts, and how her marketing background shapes her approach to brand partnerships. She also offers advice for creators navigating comparison, perfectionism, and the pressure to chase trends. Episode Highights Finding your voice: Getting comfortable in front of the camera after a career behind the scenes.Building community through everyday content: Why sharing real experiences helps audiences feel connected.Creating effective brand partnerships: Balancing a brand’s message with your own voice and audience’s needs.Making people stop scrolling: Pairing strong hooks with useful, relatable content.Growing on your own terms: Moving past perfectionism and focusing on your progress instead of someone else’s numbers.Using AI as a business tool: Fara’s perspective on supporting creativity while preserving human connection.Links and Resources Follow @thefarafix on Instagram Follow @thefarafix on TikTok Watch @thefarafix on Youtube Learn More About Fara Wilson Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

Katelyn Rhoades has built her career on a philosophy she repeats often: take messy action. A Forbes-featured social media strategist and founder of Enfluence Marketing Studio, she grew her Instagram following past 200,000 from scratch, scaled a 7-figure boutique agency, and turned a $19 digital guide into a six-figure passive income stream — all after starting out selling her own clothes for grocery money at 21. In this episode, Katelyn joins Aliza Freud to talk about building a following imperfectly and consistently, how a $19 PDF guide turned into six figures in passive income, and why she believes AI raises the value of human perspective rather than replacing it. They also dig into handling public criticism, her "Oh Well" for turning rejection into redirection, and why ambitious women struggle to stop people-pleasing. Episode Highlights From selling clothes to a 7-figure agency — How Katelyn went from struggling to cover college costs to building a following, an agency, and a media brand from nothing.Messy action over perfect action — Why her earliest, most awkward videos were the foundation for everything that came after.The $19 product that made six figures — How a simple Canva PDF guide, priced to be accessible, turned into a six-figure passive income stream — and why she now pairs it with live coaching to stand out.Handling the good, the bad, and the ugly — Why she built her team a "brag about it" channel to counterbalance the sting of public criticism.AI as amplifier, not replacement — How Katelyn uses AI to help her organize and articulate ideas while keeping her voice and perspective front and center.The "Oh Well” Theory — Her personal framework for reframing rejection as redirection, not a verdict on her worth.Redefining influence — Why Katelyn measures success by impact, not follower count — and what "visibility without influence" really means.Links and Resources Follow Katelyn Rhoades on Instagram Listen to Call Her Creator Buy the Visibility Content Vault Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

Kristen Sellentin has built a career on the same thing that makes any good friend worth listening to: authenticity. A Houston-based family lifestyle creator with more than 845,000 followers across social media, she creates content spanning family life, DIY projects, recipes, home decor, seasonal celebrations, and everyday motherhood — and has become a trusted voice for modern families along the way. Her partnerships with brands like Walmart, Target, Netflix, Sony, General Mills, Nike, Michael's, Crayola, and M&M's are proof that relatability, not polish, is what actually moves people to buy. In this episode, Kristen joins Aliza Freud to talk about what it really takes to build a community versus an audience, why authenticity always outperforms polish, and how she evaluates brand partnerships to protect the trust she's built. They dig into the mechanics of a great hook, the shift toward long-term brand partnerships and UGC, and why — even in an AI-driven content landscape — her community can tell the difference between a real photo and a generated one, and responds accordingly. Episode Highlights From hobby to full-time business — How Kristen's early posts about crafts and motherhood evolved into a career built on sharing wins, failures, and everything in between.Community over audience — Why trust, consistency, and authenticity — not follower count — are what actually drive brand results.The anatomy of a hook — Why leading with the finished product (not chronological storytelling) is what keeps audiences watching, and how on-screen text and pacing factor in.The value of long-term brand partnerships — Why ongoing creator-brand relationships lead to stronger content, deeper trust, and better results for everyone involved.Creating multiple income streams — How Kristen has built a business beyond sponsored posts, and why diversification matters for creators.Using AI without losing authenticity — How Kristen incorporates AI into her workflow while ensuring her content still feels personal, genuine, and true to her brand.Kristen's story is a reminder that in a crowded creator economy, the edge isn't more content — it's more trust, built one authentic post at a time. Links and Resources Follow Kristen Sellentin on Instagram Follow Kristen Sellentin on TikTok Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

Few people have experienced the retail industry from as many angles as Anne Mezzenga. With more than 25 years of experience spanning journalism, retail, marketing, and technology, she's held leadership roles at Target, co-founded the influential retail podcast Omni Talk, and now leads Retail Field Report, where she uncovers the people and ideas shaping the future of commerce. In this episode, Anne joins Aliza Freud to discuss the rapidly evolving retail landscape, from AI-powered shopping and social commerce to the growing importance of authentic human connection. Together, they examine why creators are becoming indispensable to modern commerce, how brands can stay relevant in an increasingly fragmented marketplace, and what leaders should be doing now to prepare for what's ahead. Anne also shares lessons from her own entrepreneurial journey and why curiosity, authenticity, and trust remain the most valuable currencies in business. Episode Highlights Preparing for the next era of commerce — Why AI, social commerce, and agentic shopping are redefining how consumers discover and purchase products.The human advantage in an AI-driven world — Why authentic experiences, trusted recommendations, and creator voices remain essential to building consumer confidence.How retail brands are adapting — From luxury retailers embracing "invisible AI" to brands navigating an increasingly complex mix of sales channels.Creators are becoming commerce engines — Why creator content is fueling retail media, product discovery, PDPs, and AI search in ways traditional marketing can't.From corporate leader to entrepreneur — Anne reflects on building Retail Field Report and creating a platform centered on meaningful conversations rather than headlines.The power of authentic storytelling — Why asking better questions, staying curious, and leading with empathy create stronger content and deeper connections.Links and Resources Connect with Anne Mezzenga on LinkedIn Follow Retail Field Report on LinkedIn Learn more about Retail Field Report Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

Mary Matyas has spent twenty-five years moving across every layer of the digital media ecosystem — from operating leadership at Criteo, The Trade Desk, and MediaMath, to the deal table as COO and Managing Partner at Ironbound Group, a boutique M&A advisory firm specializing in FinTech, AdTech, and MarTech. What sets her apart from most advisors: she's been the operator on the other side of the table. In this episode, Mary unpacks what the Publicis acquisition of LiveRamp could mean for identity, RampID, and the future of "neutral" data infrastructure. She breaks down how platforms like Meta are pushing advertisers toward open targeting and message-first strategies, why better creative works with modern algorithmic delivery rather than against it, and what acquirers actually look for when evaluating ad tech and martech businesses. Plus: a firsthand look at the Criteo/Hook Logic integration, the retail media consolidation coming, the creator economy's missing infrastructure, and where AI is actually moving the needle. Episode Highlights What the Publicis/LiveRamp deal really signals — what a $2B acquisition tells us about the future of identity, RampID, and whether "neutral" data infrastructure can survive inside a holding company.Open targeting and the creative imperative — how Meta and other platforms are nudging advertisers away from tight audience controls, and why message-first creative is the new competitive advantage.The M&A playbook from both sides of the table — what strategic buyers and private equity look for differently when evaluating ad tech, martech, and agency businesses, including the role of leadership and culture.Why earnouts don't have to be a trap — the structural conditions that make earnouts a feature rather than a fight waiting to happen.Criteo and Hook Logic as a retail media origin story — a firsthand account of integration friction that ultimately helped define an entire category.The creator economy's unfinished business — why measurement, contracts, and brand safety remain the missing infrastructure holding the space back.Where AI is actually delivering — why the real impact is showing up in data quality, fraud detection, and supply path optimization rather than in replacing authentic creative voice.Links and Resources Connect with Mary Matyas on LinkedIn Connect with Ironbound Group on LinkedIn Learn more about Ironbound Group Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

Amy Vollet has spent her career at the intersection of media, commerce, and retail — watching the entire landscape transform around her. Now leading the digital commerce practice at Saatchi X, part of Publicis Commerce, she brings together media planning and buying, data and analytics, and e-commerce into one end-to-end approach that reflects how consumers actually shop today. In this episode, Amy shares her perspective on how retail media has evolved from shopper marketing, why the brand-retailer relationship is more complicated than ever, and what it takes to stay competitive when private label is growing and AI is rewriting the rules of media buying. She also gets candid about leadership, the lost art of humanity in business, and what the next generation is teaching us about intentional personal branding. Episode Highlights How the retail media conversation has expanded to include the retailer as a full partner — and why that changes everythingWhy social media has collapsed the traditional purchase funnel, turning a single piece of content into an end-to-end brand experienceThe "four shelves" framework: digital, physical, social, and agentic — and what it means for content strategyWhy brand-building remains the most powerful answer to private label competitionHow AI agents are already changing media planning — and why the human 20% is what separates good from greatHer "no dead ends" philosophy and what it really means to be omni-channelWhy she defines influence as advocacy — and how that shapes the way she leadsLinks and Resources Connect with Amy Vollet on LinkedIn Learn more about Saatchi X and Publicis Commerce Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

When Sarah Centrella hit a breaking point in her life, she was left with uncertainty, pressure, and no clear path forward. In that moment, a simple shift in thinking opened the door to something new: the idea that her future could be shaped by what she chose to believe. As an author, speaker, and coach, and the author of multiple books including her newest release Think It, Sarah has spent over a decade helping individuals and executives reprogram their mindset, aligning their thoughts with the outcomes they want to create.  In this episode, she breaks down how internal dialogue shapes reality, why many people unknowingly reinforce the same patterns, and how small, intentional shifts in thinking can unlock entirely new possibilities.  Episode Highlights The moment that sparked her mindset shift and changed the trajectory of her lifeHow thoughts influence outcomes and why repetition plays a key role in rewiring the brainWhat mental fitness looks like in practice and how to apply it dailyWhy negative self-talk is often the biggest barrier to growthSimple tools, including the Power of Pause, to interrupt unhelpful thinkingHow visualization and future planning can create clarity and momentumSarah offers a practical and grounded perspective on influence, showing that real change starts internally. By becoming more intentional with our thoughts, we can begin to shape better outcomes in both our personal and professional lives. Links and Resources Connect with Sarah Centrella on LinkedIn Learn more about Sarah’s Mindset & Vision Setting Purchase Sarah’s Books Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

When Thayer Lavielle joined Wasserman, she recognized an opportunity to drive change from within one of the world’s leading sports and entertainment agencies. What began as a conversation about how to better support women across industries became The Collective—a global initiative dedicated to advancing the power of women through data, strategy, and storytelling. As Managing Director, Thayer has helped transform how brands and organizations view women’s impact as consumers, fans, and leaders. In this episode, she discusses the evolution of women’s sports, the cultural moments fueling its momentum, and why authentic influence starts with service and purpose. Episode Highlights The inspiration behind The Collective and how it’s elevating women across sports, music, and entertainmentResearch-driven insights revealing the true scale of women’s fandom and purchasing powerKey cultural milestones that have shifted public perception of women’s sportsThe challenges and rewards of building a new brand within a global agencyLessons from Thayer’s early career in journalism and beauty that shaped her leadership approachWhat influence really means and how it’s best expressed through service and authenticityThayer’s perspective offers a thoughtful look at how advocacy, business, and storytelling can come together to create lasting impact for women everywhere. Links and Resources Connect with Thayer Lavielle on LinkedIn Connect with Wasserman on LinkedIn Learn more about The Collective Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

When Diana Thomas became one of the first women in the United States to give birth through donor egg IVF in 1996, there were no guidelines, agencies, or contracts. It was determination and uncharted territory. Today, as Founder and CEO of The World Egg and Sperm Bank, she is on a mission to bring transparency, ethics, and rigorous standards to a rapidly growing and often misunderstood industry. Episode Highlights Diana’s groundbreaking 15-year journey through infertility and how it shaped her mission to protect and empower future familiesEye-opening truths about the global egg donation landscape, including trafficking, exploitation, and overlooked legislative gapsWhy transparency and rigorous screening are critical—and the essential questions every hopeful parent should ask their clinicPractical advice for women navigating fertility challenges, including how to advocate for themselves in an emotional and complex processWhether you are navigating fertility yourself or want to understand an industry that touches millions, Diana’s insights are both eye opening and inspiring. Links and Resources Connect with Diana Thomas on LinkedIn Connect with the The World Egg and Sperm Bank on LinkedIn Learn more about The World Egg and Sperm Bank Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

Rikki Marler, Vice President of Client Development at Pēq, joins Women of Influence to share how she helps brands move beyond surface-level metrics to understand the true incremental impact of their campaigns. With a background in shopper marketing and lessons learned from early mentors, Rikki talks about why today’s marketers need real-time insights, how transparency has guided her career, and the importance of staying curious when navigating change. Episode Highlights: The shift from proof of performance to proof of value in marketing.Why in-flight optimization is essential as budgets tighten.Lessons in transparency from early career mentorship under Walmart’s first COO.Staying curious and using an “advisory board” to navigate career twists.Influence as making people feel seen, heard, and empowered.Links and Resources Connect with Rikki Marler on LinkedIn Connect with Pēq on LinkedIn Learn more about Pēq Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

Ad fraud and data privacy are changing the way advertisers and consumers interact. In this episode of Women of Influence, Nina Talcott, Director of Research Communications and Media Engagement at Pixalate, explains how fraud drains billions from the industry, what new privacy laws mean for consumers, and why transparency is critical. She also shares her perspective on influence, the value of mentorship, and the advice she would give her younger self. Episode Highlights: How Pixalate combats ad fraud and protects consumer data.Billions lost to bots, spoofing, and fake apps on connected TV.Why consumer privacy and new data laws matter.Influence built through one-on-one connections.Advice to her younger self: be authentic and embrace individuality.Links and Resources Connect with Nina Talcott on LinkedIn Connect with Pixalate on LinkedIn Learn More about Pixalate Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

Retail media is rewriting the rules of marketing, and Cyndi Loza is here to break it all down. As Senior Editor at Path to Purchase Institute, she shares what brands need to know about AI, shopper behavior, and why in-store still matters more than you think. Cyndi also reflects on her journalism roots, defining influence, and navigating work-life balance as a parent and professional. Episode Highlights How retail media is reshaping the marketing funnelWhat shoppers really want in-storeThe role of AI in measurement and optimizationWhy social content is showing up in TV adsAdvice on career growth, failure, and finding your voiceConnect with Cyndi Loza on LinkedIn Connect with Path to Purchase Institute on LinkedIn Learn more about Path to Purchase Institute Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

Diane Schwartz, CEO of Ragan Communications, breaks down one of the year’s most viral PR moments—the Coldplay concert “Crisis Cam”—and shares what brands should do when leadership missteps play out in public. She also reflects on becoming Ragan’s first female CEO, why internal communications is more important than ever, and how leaders can build trust, influence, and confidence at every level. From the value of in-person connection to what today’s employees want most, this episode delivers practical insights for communicators navigating a changing workplace. Episode Highlights How Diane would’ve handled the “Crisis Cam” fallout.The enduring value of in-person community.Why flexibility, recognition, and transparency matter most to employees.Advice for speaking up, building influence, and bouncing back from failure.What leadership really looks like behind the scenes.Links and Resources  Connect with Diane Schwartz on LinkedIn Connect with Ragan Communications on LinkedIn Learn more about Ragan Communications Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

OLLY's presence in-store is powerful. It's digital strategy? Even more so—and Jennifer Peters is making it all click.  As Director of DTC, Martech, + Digital Compliance at OLLY, Jennifer Peters is helping one of the most recognizable wellness brands deepen its relationship with consumers—both online and off. In this episode, she shares how OLLY is bridging the gap between shelf and screen, redefining loyalty in a retail-first world, and keeping customer empathy at the center of it all. Jennifer also reflects on her 13 years at Barnes & Noble, how tech is transforming customer feedback into action, and the advice she gives every rising professional looking to build a meaningful, long-term career. Episode Highlights Why DTC is especially challenging for retail-first CPG brands—and how OLLY is making it work.What receipt scanning reveals about today’s hybrid shopper.Why loyalty means more than points—and who it’s really for.What “being where your customer shops” really means in 2025.Her advice for building influence and nurturing the next generation of talent.This episode is packed with practical advice, big-brand insights, and career lessons you’ll actually use. Links and Resources  Connect with Jennifer Peters on LinkedIn Connect with OLLY on Linkedin Learn more about OLLY Want more from SheSpeaks? * Sign up for our podcast newsletter HERE! * Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksupContact us at [email protected] our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV