Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast B2B Breakthrough Podcast

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, Ciara Cristo chats with Tony Parker, four-time NBA Champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group, for a dynamic conversation on transitioning from sports to business. Tony shares his insights on the importance of resilience, adaptability, and mentorship. He discusses his ventures, including real estate, his basketball academy, and his investment group, Infinity Nine. Reflecting on his work with Alibaba’s Athlete365 program, he highlights equipping athletes with tools to succeed post-retirement. The discussion delves into balancing AI innovation with human creativity, navigating entrepreneurship’s challenges, and Parker’s vision for 2025. This episode showcases Tony’s passion for empowering others to pursue dreams with

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, our new host, Ciara Cristo, chats with Natalie Jacob, founder of Etymology Jewelry, about her creative journey and commitment to sustainability. Natalie shares how her fine arts background inspired her to build a thriving jewelry business blending vintage charm and modern style. She discusses challenges and successes in navigating the jewelry industry, from sourcing sustainable materials to connecting with customers. Packed with entrepreneurial insights, this conversation will inspire listeners to embrace their creativity and pursue their passions.

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast, Carlos Alvarez, Founder and CMO of Wizards of Ecom, joins host Sharon Gai. With over 15 years of experience on Amazon, Carlos has grown his brands to nine figures in online revenue. In this podcast, he shares his journey from side hustles to eBay to breeding and selling live insects. Carlos also discusses the importance of building a supportive community and the need for a multichannel selling approach by exploring platforms beyond Amazon. Sharon Gai and Carlos explore the growing trend of live selling in the US and China, the impact of AI on eCommerce, and offer valuable advice for newcomers in the industry. Don't miss out on this insightful and inspiring conversation - tune in now!

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast, Carlyn Bushman, Founder of CMB Brands, joins host Sharon Gai. Together, they delve into the world of trade shows and the opportunities they present for entrepreneurs. Discover the importance of planning, networking, and connecting with potential buyers. Gain valuable tips and advice for maximizing the benefits of attending trade shows and learn from the experiences of successful business owners. Get inspired to make the most of the current market conditions and build your dream business.

Join host Sharon Gai in this energizing episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast as she welcomes crowdfunding expert Will Ford, the President and Co-Founder of LaunchBoom. Together, they explore the world of crowdfunding and how it can revolutionize the way entrepreneurs validate and test new products with less risk. Will shares his expertise in crowdfunding, product ideation, marketing, and fulfillment, offering valuable insights and practical strategies for launching successful campaigns.

Get Ready to learn how to drive your business outcomes by leveraging Alibaba.com's services and tools. This special episode of B2B Breakthrough follows a Q&A format between your host, Sharon Gai, and Ciara Cristo from Alibaba.com. They discuss best practices for sourcing, finding the right supplier for your needs, and Alibaba’s Guaranteed, which protects your purchase for delivery and quality parameters.

Get ready to be inspired by Meghan Asha’s journey from the connectivity space to the world of consumer packaged goods and becoming a founder and entrepreneur. Join your host, Sharon Gai, as she talks to Meghan about scaling CPG companies, the future of e-commerce, and the importance of vulnerability and intuition.

Get ready to be inspired by the pioneers behind Superline Wholesale. Join your host, Sharon Gai, as she talks to Vivek Ramchandani and Eric Lee. The duo shares their journey in the apparel wholesale industry and discusses brand building, the role of platforms like Alibaba, and the challenges faced by luxury streetwear brands.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Sharon Gai is joined by Samir Balwani, the CEO of QRY, to discuss effective campaigns, the importance of resilience and problem-solving, and strategies for growing and scaling brands.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Sharon Gai is joined by Mark Brohan, Senior Vice President of B2B and Market Research at Digital Commerce 360, to discuss the rapid growth of B2B marketplaces. He explains how these marketplaces are meeting the needs of today's B2B buyers, and shares insights into the future of B2B marketplaces and the role of AI in enhancing the user experience.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Sharon Gai is joined by Yikun Shao, the Head of Supply Chain for B2B North America at Alibaba Group, to explore how Alibaba.com logistics offers cost-effective and efficient shipping solutions to over 220 countries and regions while maintaining top-notch service quality and leverages AI to enhance the operational efficiency and growth prospects of small businesses.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Sharon Gai is joined by Yikun Shao, the Head of Supply Chain for B2B North America at the Alibaba Group, to share the challenges business owners experience in cross-border trade, his role in connecting global business buyers and suppliers, and Alibaba.com's logistic services that can help support buyers in their purchasing journeys.

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Sharon Gai is joined by the Founder and CEO of buffaBRAND Marketing, Corey Brown. Corey has had a slightly unconventional journey from building custom apparel websites to becoming a leading expert in Amazon consulting and Walmart account management. This path has revealed many insights around creating brand strategies, navigating the complexities of e-commerce, and adapting to rapid industry changes, many of which he shares with us on the show. Corey looks at the positives and pitfalls in navigating Amazon’s latest AI innovations, like the new Rufus tool, and discusses the potential risks of AI-driven review aggregation for sellers. Tune in for a whole host of actionable advice for sellers looking to scale their businesses in a competitive marketplace.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Sharon Gai is joined by Julianna Dahbura, the founder of Deco Beauty, to explore how to build a strong brand, the importance of networking, and why entrepreneurs should focus on long-term goals.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Sharon Gai is joined by Stephanie Cartin, CEO of Entreprenista, to discuss why you should consider scaling your side hustle into a full-fledged business, how to build and maintain successful partnerships, and how to leverage social media for business growth.

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Sharon Gai is joined by Matt Jones, Founder of Crease Beast, to explore how Matt revolutionized the sneaker protection game with his innovative foam-based crease protector. They discuss how Crease Beast revives 90s hip-hop and sneaker culture for today's enthusiasts, the importance of building strong relationships with your manufacturers, and valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Sharon Gai is joined by Kia-Shun Voltz, CEO and Founder of ShampooTime, to discuss why you should innovate out of necessity, how you can turn personal challenges into business opportunities, and how to successfully launch and grow a product that meets a widespread, unaddressed need.

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Sharon Gai is joined by Jason Feifer, Editor in Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine and author of "Build for Tomorrow," to discuss why you should embrace change and seize new opportunities, how you can adapt and innovate in your business, and how to future-proof your career as an entrepreneur.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Sharon Gai is joined by Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com, to discuss how to build a successful e-commerce brand, the key strategies you can apply to achieve growth, scale, and profitability, and how you can transform your business.

Perhaps there's no more important aspect of sourcing than communication with your suppliers. Good or even great communication can not only lead to great opportunities but also increase the efficiency of your sourcing process.    On this...

The new world of post-pandemic work offers businesses all sorts of options to expand and grow.   On this episode, host Mike Jackness speaks with , Serial Entrepreneur.   They discuss: - 8:55 Values and skills of great employees.- 17:39 How...

The pandemic accelerated changes that were already happening across buying channels and supply chains. More and more buyers are expecting a seamless experience when dealing with suppliers and, increasingly, companies are taking a customer-centric...

You are listening to the Alibaba.com Ecommerce Academy podcast. The official podcast from the team at Alibaba.com. Each week on the show, we bring you conversations with industry leading experts who are using Alibaba.com to build and scale their...

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Sharon Gai interviews Darrell Spencer, the founder and CEO of King's Crowning and Crowned Skin. Darrell discusses his journey from a corporate career to pioneering beauty and hair care products designed for Black men. He shares insights into omnichannel marketing, product development, and the importance of customer engagement. Darrell also touches on the challenges he faced breaking into the beauty industry, how he balances rational and emotional appeal in marketing and his vision for empowering men to embrace self-care.

The global supply chain model has increased the affordability and accessibility of products manufactured all over the world. Sourcing products in this environment has become a much more complex task than before, and having a handle on the logistics of...

To attract repeat customers, businesses should source their products according to changing trends.  Tom Samiljan, Editor in Chief of Dealerscope, joined host Mike Jackness, President and CEO of Terran.com, on Alibaba.com Sourcing Insights. They...

It’s one thing to get a sourcing business up and running. It’s another thing entirely to optimize and scale your business across multiple markets and suppliers.   , Founder and CEO of . comes from a data analytics, supply chain, and venture...

For every brand that seems to be doing everything right, there are companies behind it, coaching it through every step of the process to get to those best practices.   Adam Weiler is the founder of one of those companies, performance-based...

While there are more opportunities than ever to grow in ecommerce, there’s also a lot of ways to miss the mark when trying to reach new customers.   , Co-Founder and VP of Operations at , is passionate about connecting retailers and...

Strong product differentiation could be the difference between a hot seller bringing in millions or a dud that just sits on the shelf. , the owner of OFR Brands, has over a decade of experience in sourcing successful products. In this debut episode of...

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast, Ron Williams, a former bodybuilding champion turned eCommerce brand owner, joins host Sharon Gai. Together they explore how a mindset shift transformed Ron’s life and business, helping him overcome personal and professional challenges. He discusses his journey into the fitness industry, creating innovative products like the Iron Chestmaster and Total Body Bar, and navigating the complexities of building a brand. Ron also highlights his use of Alibaba.com for sourcing and optimizing manufacturing processes, positioning the platform as a key player in his business growth strategy. Get a deep dive into personal development, business scaling, and the impact of eCommerce on brand success.

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast, Sharon sits down with Fred Espinal, CEO of Espinal Puro LLC and Hanley Cigar Company. Fredelyn shares his inspiring journey from the Dominican Republic to building a successful cigar business despite having no prior experience. The conversation explores his passion for cigars, the cultural roots of his brand, and his innovative use of social media during COVID-19. Fredelyn’s insights on dedication, community, and cultural integrity offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. You won’t want to miss this engaging and thought-provoking conversation with an extraordinary entrepreneur – so tune in now!

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast, Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter, joins host Sharon Gai. With a diverse background from event ticketing to digital influencing, Everette’s journey is a testament to innovation and entrepreneurship. In this podcast, he shares his evolution from launching Easy Events to leading Kickstarter, and provides insights into what it means to be a modern inventor. Everette discusses the powerful role of Kickstarter in bringing creative projects to life, the misconceptions about the platform, and the strategies for setting and achieving campaign goals. Sharon Gai and Everette also dive into the latest trends in crowdfunding, the growing popularity of physical products, and offer tips on maintaining momentum and fulfilling backer expectations. You won’t want to miss this engaging and thought-provoking conversation with an extraordinary entrepreneur – so tune in now!

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast, Jules Weldon and Stace Pierce, founders of O.M.E. Gear, join host Sharon Gai. Together, they delve into the inspiring journey from living the van life to creating a successful business that designs and manufactures versatile outdoor gear. They discuss their challenges and triumphs, including the evolution of their product ideas, the importance of perseverance, and their commitment to innovation. They further discuss the unique challenges women face in entrepreneurship and their efforts to support other female inventors through their non-profit, BoldSKY Foundation.

Inside this episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast, we are sharing our Head of Marketing, Rah Mahtani's, interview on Carlos Alvarez's Wizards of ECOM podcast about the upcoming Alibaba Co-Create conference. They explore the conference’s unique value, catering to both established eCommerce sellers and newcomers, with a focus on actionable growth strategies. Rah highlights the VIP ticket's exclusive perks, such as hotel stays and networking opportunities. They also discuss panels dedicated to female entrepreneurs and a special pitch event offering grants. Rah and Carlos express their enthusiasm for the conference, encouraging listeners to take advantage of early bird pricing and special discounts. Don’t miss this inspirational conversation.

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast, host Sharon Gai is joined by Simona Moore, CEO of PB Pro. Simona's professional journey starts with being an accomplished tennis player and transitions to an experienced brand development and eCommerce expert. Join them as Simona shares her unique journey from professional tennis player to successful entrepreneur and how her passion for pickleball led her to create high-quality products for players. Discover how PB Pro is revolutionizing the sport, the company’s shift to direct-to-consumer sales, and their plans for future growth. Get inspired by Simona's advice for first-time entrepreneurs and her dedication to continuous learning and innovation. Simona also touches on the importance of using consumer feedback to drive innovation and overcoming the challenges of competing with big-box retail in a competitive category. Don’t miss this inspirational conversation.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, Ciara Cristo chats with Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital and celebrity marketer, about mastering a winner's mindset, navigating the shifting marketing landscape, and scaling businesses. Rudy shares insights on resilience, innovative marketing strategies, building loyal communities, and the transformative role of AI in business. He also offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs aiming to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Tune in for key takeaways to elevate your business success!

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast, host Ciara sits with Marshall Day and Kevin Sagouspe, Co-owners of The Better Tool Company to have a chat about growing a startup, launching new products and exploring platforms like Alibaba.com can be a groundbreaking tool for innovative startups.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Brittany Golden, Founder and CEO of IGL Nails, about her journey from side hustle to beauty industry disruptor. Brittany shares how she’s revolutionizing the press-on nail market with inclusive designs for all nail bed sizes, tackling challenges like sourcing manufacturers and scaling her brand. She also discusses empowering women through beauty, overcoming adversity, and her vision for IGL’s future. Tune in for entrepreneurial insights and inspiration!

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, recorded on the sidelines of Alibaba’s March Expo, Ciara Cristo chats with Tim Jordan, E-commerce Seller and Strategy Consultant, and Lulu Yan, Category Specialist at Alibaba.com. Together, they explore March Expo’s sourcing opportunities, from fast shipping to deep discounts, and uncover trending products in fashion, pets, home & garden, sports and beauty. Learn how to navigate rising costs, leverage supplier relationships, and build perceived value in competitive markets. Whether you're scaling your business or spotting the next big trend, this episode is packed with practical strategies to stay ahead.

On this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Yohan Jacob, founder of Retailbound, to uncover essential strategies for thriving in the competitive retail landscape. With over 30 years of experience mentoring 4,000+ clients, Yohan shares tips on product differentiation, meeting buyer expectations, and streamlining supply chains. From mastering negotiations to crafting standout marketing strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs and established brands aiming to break into big-box retail and succeed confidently.

In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo sits down with Michael Spelfogel, Co-Founder and President of Cardless, and Yiran Li, Head of Customer Retention Strategy at Alibaba.com, to explore the evolving world of business financing. They discuss how small businesses can navigate inflation, leverage new credit solutions, and build strong business credit. From the Alibaba.com Business Edge credit card’s unique benefits to strategies for managing cash flow and supplier diversification, this episode offers actionable insights for business owners looking to scale. Tune in to discover how digital payments and flexible financing are shaping the future of global e-commerce.