Parhaat IT Industry Podcastit (2025)

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#254: This Game Unites Boomers to Gen Alpha and It All Started in a Third-Grade Classroom with Tim Walsh 49:13

5d ago49:13

49:13

What if a simple classroom activity could unite generations across decades? In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, we’re celebrating 30 years of Blurt with its inventor, Tim Walsh, and uncovering the incredible story behind the game that connects Boomers to Gen Alpha. Discover how a third-grade classroom exercise—reading dictionary defin…

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EP349: David Campbell – How To grow Your Salon Business in 2025 1:10:07

7d ago1:10:07

1:10:07

Welcome to How To Cut It in the Hairdressing Industry Podcast 2025 Kickoff! If you’re wanting to learn how to grow your salon business and set your hairdressing ambitions sky-high for the year ahead? Perfect, because you’re about to hit play on one of our most inspirational episodes yet! In this jam-packed episode brought to you in partnership with…

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"I Like To Tinker and Build Things" 51:16

16d ago51:16

51:16

Erik Hiltz is a long time carpet cleaner and founder of Zipper Wands. He tells his start up story from the very beginning of how he got started and what motivated him to jump into manufacturing of his own brand of commercial wands and stare them with the industry. He started like most of us did as a technician working for a different company and le…

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#253: 4 Key Lessons to Launch and Scale Your Toy Business While Juggling a 9-to-5 26:08

12d ago26:08

26:08

Building your dream toy business while working a 9-to-5 might be overwhelming, but with the right mindset and a dash of creativity, you can take small, actionable steps to turn your big ideas into reality! It’s all about getting scrappy, seeking unfiltered feedback, and spotting opportunities to stand out from the crowd. In this episode of Making I…

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#252: How One Company’s Bubble Toy Got Nominated For A Major Toy Award with Ron Weizman 36:49

19d ago36:49

36:49

The highest honor your toy can get in this industry is the Toy of the Year® (TOTY®). This award is so coveted, that just a nomination alone has been said to boost sales and recognition of the brands lucky enough to earn one. A TOTY win can trigger a flood of retailers knocking on your door, desperate to get your product on their shelves. So what do…

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#251: Write Click-Worthy Email Subject Lines For Your Next Toy Pitch: Extended 32:06

26d ago32:06

32:06

Struggling to get your toy pitch noticed? 🚀 In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade reveals the secrets to crafting email subject lines that grab attention and boost your chances of success. Learn the powerful 'Four U’s' formula—Urgent, Useful, Unique, Ultra-Specific—and discover proven tips to make your emails stand out…

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EP348: Building a Premium Salon Group Brand Rooted in Heritage with Lucan Salem 48:26

1M ago48:26

48:26

In this podcast episode in partnership with Wella Professionals, I sit down at Grid Studios London for a conversation with Lucan Salem—Director of HARI’s salon group. Lucan will share the inspiring journey of HARI’s, a salon business started in Sydney Street, Chelsea, London by his father and visionary Hari Salem in 1976. Lucan and his sister have …

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#250: The Art Of Toy Photography with Mitchel Wu: Extended 47:45

1M ago47:45

47:45

Ever wondered how toys come to life through photography? 🎨✨ Mitchel Wu, an acclaimed toy photographer known for his brilliant use of motion and emotion in toy imagery, joins Azhelle Wade in this episode to unravel the magic behind his spectacular work with major clients like Marvel, Disney, and Hasbro. Learn how he transitioned from a mundane consu…

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Navigating the Cybersecurity Maze, with Geoff Moore 40:42

1M ago40:42

40:42

On this episode of the IT Matters Podcast, Keith Hawkey is joined by Geoff Moore, Chief Information Officer at Valmark Financial. Together, they discuss cybersecurity best practices, navigating the complex world of managed security services, and the evolving role of AI in threat detection. Conversation Highlights: 00:00 Introducing Geoff Moore, CIO…

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Cutting Through the Pandemic: Barber Blanco on Leadership and Resilience 53:03

1M ago53:03

53:03

What did you think about this Episode? In this episode of Let's Talk About It, we sit down with Barber Blanco to explore his journey of starting a business during the pandemic. Blanco shares how he prioritized client safety in uncertain times and the strategies he used to balance ownership and leadership while maintaining a work-life balance. This …

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#249: 7 Tips To Improve Your Virtual Toy Pitch: Extended 46:04

1M ago46:04

46:04

Ready to turn your toy ideas into marketable products but feeling lost in the world of virtual pitching? 🚀 Don’t worry, this episode is definitely for you! In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade drops all the tips you need to nail your next virtual toy pitch. Discover why energy is your secret weapon, how to create an u…

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EP347: Grid Studios London – Capturing Beautiful Hair Content in 2025! 34:33

1M ago34:33

34:33

In this episode of How To Cut It, we dive deep into Grid Studios, the innovative creative space designed specifically for professionals in the hair and beauty industry. Nestled in the vibrant Old Street, London, Grid Studios fills a crucial gap in the market by offering tailor-made amenities for hairstylists, barbers, and content creators. Join me …

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EP346: Guy Kleinhaus – Introducing with Dom Lehane 44:24

2M ago44:24

44:24

Welcome to the first episode of our new series, Introducing with Dom Lehane, where I spotlight the industry’s hottest new names, rising stars, and undiscovered hair artists. This week, we’re excited to introduce Guy Kleinhaus, a big name in the making. In this episode I have the pleasure of exploring Guy’s journey from Cape Town to London’s vibrant…

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#248: Breaking Through Barriers in Children’s Book Publishing with Charles George Esperanza: Extended Cut 52:14

2M ago52:14

52:14

Ever wonder how a kid from the South Bronx grew up to be a superstar children's book author and illustrator? 🚀 In this episode of Making It in The Toy Industry, join host Azhelle Wade as she chats with Charles George Esperanza, the creative mind behind Boogie Boogie Y’all! 🎨📚 From dreaming of drawing comics to becoming a HarperCollins author, Charl…

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The Evolving Role of Virtual CIOs, with Jeff Roberts 48:44

2M ago48:44

48:44

On this episode of the IT Matters Podcast, Keith and Aaron are joined by Jeff Roberts, Founder & CEO at Innovation Vista. Drawing from his extensive experience as a CIO and consultant, Jeff discusses common pitfalls organizations encounter with VCIO services and shares strategies for leveraging their potential to drive greater efficiency and succes…

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#247: How to Fix What’s Not Working in Your Toy Business with Tyler Turk 37:50

2M ago37:50

37:50

How do you pivot your toy business when your current model isn’t working? In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade chats with Tyler Turk, founder of Crated with Love, about his journey from subscription box entrepreneur to retail board game powerhouse. When Tyler’s subscription box business skyrocketed during the pandemic, it …

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Cutting to Success: Steve Gray on financial Freedom, Barbershop Operations, and Dope Barber Brand 38:29

2M ago38:29

38:29

What did you think about this Episode? In this episode, we sit down with Steve Gray, the owner of Cali Coast Barbershop in Lemon Grove, CA. Steve shares his journey toward achieving financial freedom, the ins and outs of running a successful barbershop, and how he balances the day-to-day operations of his business. We also dive into his exciting ne…

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EP345: Ashley Gamble – Achieving Salon Success as a Married Team 1:00:47

2M ago1:00:47

1:00:47

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Ashley Gamble. We’ll be discussing how he went from being a stylist to achieving salon success with his wife Stephanie—and what it took for them both to get there! For the past 12 years, Ashley and Stephanie have been the owners of Ashley & Gamble, an award-winning salon in Shifnal, Shropshire UK. They have worked …

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#246: How AI is Making Toy Innovation and Pitching Easier Than Ever Before with Azhelle Wade 37:59

2M ago37:59

37:59

Are you skeptical about integrating AI into your toy business? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade, also known as The Toy Coach, shares her AI expertise from this year's People of Play Innovation Conference and ChiTAG - Toy and Game Fair in Chicago, where she presented her talk on 'How AI is Making Toy Innovation and…

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EP344: Trevor Sorbie MBE 1949-2024 42:12

2M ago42:12

42:12

Welcome to a special episode of the How To Cut It podcast. Today we are marking the sad passing of an extraordinary figure in the world of hairdressing, Trevor Sorbie MBE. Trevor Sorbie MBE, who was born in Paisley, Scotland in 1949 and rose to become one of the most influential hairdressers of all time. With unparalleled creativity and kindness, T…

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#245: Crazy Aaron’s Secret Formula for Perfect Putty with Aaron Muderick 48:25

2M ago48:25

48:25

Have you ever wondered how a simple office toy evolved into a toy phenomenon? In this episode of 'Making It In The Toy Industry', host Azhelle Wade sits down with Aaron Muderick, the creative mind behind Crazy Aaron's Thinking Putty. From a child's love for tinkering to creating a renowned brand, Aaron's journey is a testament to innovation, persis…

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EP343: Don’t Let Your Condition Hold You Back with Craig Parkinson 45:23

2M ago45:23

45:23

In today’s episode, I’m to bring you the inspiring journey of Craig Parkinson, a hairdresser who has carved out a successful career despite the ongoing challenge of a stammer. I first met Craig at an event I hosted in 2016. He was taking to the stage for the first time ever, presenting a look he had created. That’s nothing special, you might say. B…

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#244: Choosing The Right Crowdfunding Platform For Your Launch with Lisa Ferland 41:46

2M ago41:46

41:46

Have you ever wondered what it takes to successfully launch on a crowdfunding platform? Many creators go to the world of crowdfunding believing it's simply about having a great idea and posting it online. However, there's far more strategy involved than we realize. The process requires meticulous planning, audience engagement, and a strong narrativ…

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#243: Vendors VS Sales Reps: A Storytelling Sales Showdown with Tres Patten and Rachel Jones 49:08

3M ago49:08

49:08

Ever wondered how to truly captivate buyers in the toy industry? Or why do some sales pitches fall flat even when the product is amazing? In today’s episode, we will talk about the magic of storytelling in the toy industry! We’ll cover how sales reps and vendors approach things differently, plus the secrets to crafting pitches that go beyond a quic…

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EP342: Charlie Taylor – Caring About the Hair and Scalp Health of Those We Serve 48:07

3M ago48:07

48:07

Today in collaboration with Wella Professionals, I’m honoured to welcome to the podcast Charlie Taylor, three-time Scottish Hairdresser of the Year and British Hairdressing Hall of Fame icon. From her formative years with Trevor Sorbie to co-running renowned salons in Perth and Dundee with her husband Alastair, Charlie has consistently set the bar …

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#242: How Wow Moments Became The Foundation Of This Toy Business with Richard North 56:30

3M ago56:30

56:30

Want to know how to ‘wow’ your way into the competitive toy industry? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade looks into Richard North's life, sharing how he went from a determined 19-year-old to a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and the founder of Wow! Stuff. You will learn about his career’s turning points, such as be…

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EP341: Launching the See Me Aprons Brand While Working Behind the Chair with Vivienne Blake 41:34

3M ago41:34

41:34

In this episode, I have the privilege of chatting with Vivienne Blake—a name maybe not familiar to you but someone who came to my attention as a member of our How To Cut It Platform Community. Vivienne has not only carved a unique path in our industry as the owner of her boutique salon and an independent educator, but also launched her innovative p…

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#241: What This Bold Merger Means for the People of Play Innovation Conference with Greg Ahearn and Mary Couzin 39:17

3M ago39:17

39:17

Curious about what happens when major toy industry players team up? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade cracks open the toy box on the epic merger between The Toy Association and People of Play. You’ll hear straight from the toy legends — Mary Couzin and Greg Ahearn—as they give us backstage passes on their big plans…

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#240: Getting Media Attention For Your Plush Brand with Hugimals Founder Marina Khidekel 53:35

3M ago53:35

53:35

Ever wondered how a toy brand can also serve as a wellness tool? In this episode of Making It In The Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade interviews Marina Khidekel, the founder of Hugimals World. Discover how Marina transitioned from a successful health journalist to a toy entrepreneur on a mission to address anxiety and stress with weighted plush toys. Mar…

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#239: Leaving A Career In Flowers For A Career In Toys with Chrissy Fagerholt 33:06

4M ago33:06

33:06

Have you ever thought about switching careers and diving into a completely new industry? In this episode of 'Making It in the Toy Industry,' student host Virginia takes the reins to interview Chrissy Fagerholt, a former floral designer turned toy entrepreneur. As one of the first graduates of the Toy Creators Academy (TCA), Chrissy shares her incre…

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Explore inside the San Diego Barber Expo: A conversation with the hosts Angel Alvalrez and Ruth Q 37:17

4M ago37:17

37:17

What did you think about this Episode? In this episode, I sit down with the dynamic owners behind the upcoming San Diego Barber Expo to discuss the challenges and excitement of organizing such a massive event. From competition to education, they share their insights on what it takes to create a top-tier barber event and how its shaping the industry…

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EP340: Sean Hanna – Why Taking Calculated Risks & Planning for Your Exit Strategy Are Essential 1:06:07

4M ago1:06:07

1:06:07

In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Sean Hanna—the visionary behind the leading salon group, Sean Hanna Salon Group. Sean is here to share with us his incredible story, from opening his first salon to building a successful salon empire. We delve into his journey, exploring the challenges he overcame and the pivotal moments that fuelled th…

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#238: Starting and Growing An Online Business with Amy Porterfield: Extended Cut 41:10

4M ago41:10

41:10

Want to learn secrets to growing your toy brand online? In episode 238 of Making It In The Toy Industry, host Azhelle Wade revisits an extended interview with her mentor, Amy Porterfield, a multi-million dollar online business owner and expert in email marketing. During the podcast, Amy shares her journey from corporate life to becoming an entrepre…

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EP339: Little Princess Trust—Giving Hair and Hope to Children with Cancer. 59:00

4M ago59:00

59:00

Im thrilled to welcome back Wendy Tarplee-Morris, the co-founder, and Phil Brace, the CEO, of the Little Princess Trust, a charity that holds a special place in all our hearts. Wendy and Phil are two amazing people who have drive, compassion, and leadership. Since its inception by Wendy 20 years ago, the Little Princess Trust has provided over thou…

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How to be the best salon owner in the industry! Full interview with Shalamar Johnson 35:12

4M ago35:12

35:12

What did you think about this Episode? On this episode, we sit down with Shalamar Johnson, owner of Continued Beauty Lounge in San Diego, to discuss what it takes to become a successful salon owner. We dive into the challenges she's overcome to maintain success and explore the critical role leadership plays in running a thriving business. Tune in f…

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#237: Crowdfunding Your Idea Just Got Easier with BackerKit 34:26

4M ago34:26

34:26

Ever wondered how to turn your toy idea into a fully-funded product without breaking the bank? In this episode of Making It in the Toy Industry, Azhelle Wade sits down with two crowdfunding experts from BackerKit, Lafia and Maddie, to spill all the secrets behind running a successful crowdfunding campaign. They dive into how BackerKit helps creator…

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#236: The Toy Coach and The Toy Queen Discuss The Best Toys For Early Childhood Development 34:31

4M ago34:31

34:31

What Can a Pediatric Occupational Therapist Teach Us About Toys? In Episode 236 of "Making It in the Toy Industry," host Azhelle Wade chats with pediatric occupational therapist, Keri Wilmot, who has a treasure trove of insights from her nearly 25 years in the field. Keri uses toys to help children improve fine motor skills, coordination, and overa…

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EP338: Passionate Profit with Alan Austin-Smith 55:36

4M ago55:36

55:36

In this motivational episode of the How To Cut It podcast, we welcome back Alan Austin-Smith, the influential figure behind The Fantastic Hairdresser . Alan’s teachings and coaching have transformed countless salon businesses and hairdressing careers worldwide. Known for his dynamic approach to merging passion with profitability, Alan brings a trea…

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#235: How to Use Consent-Based Email Marketing To Sell More Toys 39:58

5M ago39:58

39:58

Is Your Email Marketing Consent-Compliant, or Are You Just Spamming? In digital marketing circles, consent in email marketing has never been a hotter topic. Before the toy industry gets left in the dust on what constitutes as "consent" in email marketing, you NEED this episode. Today on Making It in the Toy Industry, The Toy Coach shares a conversa…

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EP337: Sonia Magnier – Enhancing Wellbeing for Salon Professionals 57:56

5M ago57:56

57:56

In this week’s episode, I’m inviting the expertise of Sonia Magnier — a transformative holistic wellbeing coach for salon professionals. This conversation is crucial for anyone in the hair industry seeking to reprioritise their own wellbeing without sacrificing their passion for their work. Sonia Magnier, through her journey from salon ownership to…

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#234: Avoid These 3 Common Mistakes When Working with a Toy Factory 28:43

5M ago28:43

28:43

Time for a little tough love toy-coaching: If you're struggling to develop a pre-production sample of your toy that you're proud of, the problem might be you! This week on the podcast, you'll learn 3 common mistakes that new toy creators make when working with overseas factories. This episode includes insights from my full time work in the toy indu…

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EP336: Your Guide to Hair Loss Prevention and Maintaining a Healthy Scalp with Leading Trichologist Mark Blake 54:03

5M ago54:03

54:03

August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month, so for this episode we dive deep with Mark Blake — a globally recognised Harley Street trichologist advising celebrities, media & everyday people in the intricate world of hair loss and scalp care. In collaboration with Wella Professionals UKI and Nioxin, Mark will take us on an engaging conversation ab…

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#233: How Plush Toy Brands Are Going Viral with Experiential Glow-Ups 27:21

5M ago27:21

27:21

Forget just selling products—it's time to create immersive shopping experiences for your customers, in person and online. The sensory retail revolution is here, driven by consumers who are tightening their purse strings yet still craving a deeper connection with the brands they invest in. In today’s episode, we’ll dive into three powerful ways plus…

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#232: The Underconsumption Core TikTok Trend is Shaping the Future of Toys 30:14

5M ago30:14

30:14

What is the "Underconsumption Core" TikTok trend and how might it effect the toy industry? From "Loud Budgeting" to "Underconsumption Core" Gen Z and Millennials are leading an era of saving over spending, and they aren't keeping quiet about it. As the cost of living skyrockets while wages remain stagnant, the U.S. is bracing for a financial downtu…

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EP335: Classic Rerun – Lee Stafford, from Living Room Haircuts to Industry Legend! 46:32

5M ago46:32

46:32

Today, we’re jumping in the time machine to revisit an epic episode from April 2017 with the legendary Lee Stafford. In this throwback, we uncover Lee’s transformation from humble beginnings in his mother’s living room to becoming an icon in hairdressing. “I’ve always believed that to be the best, you’ve got to learn from the best,” Lee shares, rev…

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#231: Art Made Easy: How Project Joy Studios Is Breaking Into The Toy Industry 49:35

6M ago49:35

49:35

What if I told you that you can easily create museum-quality art? This week, the Making It In The Toy Industry podcast hit the road for an in-person interview with Jessica Joy London at her studio space. Jessica is the founder of Project Joy Studios, and she's on a mission to make art accessible to everyone. Joy’s story shatters the myth that only …

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EP334: The Niche World of Competition Hairdressing with Dody Constantinou 1:13:21

6M ago1:13:21

1:13:21

Are you a hairdresser or barber with a passion for pushing the boundaries of your craft? Have you ever wondered what it takes to not just participate but shine in the competitive world of competition hairdressing? Yes then this is a podcast episode you don’t want to miss. Join me as I sit down with Dody Constantinou, a formidable force in the compe…

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#230: How She Invented A Plush Toy and Licensed The Idea For Passive Income 43:54

6M ago43:54

43:54

Have you ever wondered if it were possible to sell your toy idea instead of the finished product? Today’s podcast episode follows one creator, who does just that. Today’s guest Joanna Paul, shares her journey of developing Moodles (formerly known as "What's Its Face?"), a patentable plush invention designed to help children understand and express t…

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#229: How Brand Experiences Can Increase Your Sales and Brand Loyalty 33:42

6M ago33:42

33:42

Branded Giveaways Are Dead! 😵 It's time to ditch the tired swag bags and discover the magic of themed experiences that truly connect with your audience. In this episode, our toy industry insiders reveal how to skyrocket your brand loyalty and sales through unforgettable brand experiences. Branded giveaways at trade shows are passé. Instead, themed …

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EP333: Bruno Marc Giamattei’s Hairdressing Journey of Inspiration, Mentorship and Leadership 1:05:12

6M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Join us for a long-awaited podcast with a true leading figurehead in British hairdressing, the brilliant Bruno Marc Giamattei. Renowned for his extensive industry accolades, mentoring and leadership role in the family-founded Marc Antoni Group, Bruno is to share invaluable insights rooted in over three decades of industry experience. With a straigh…

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