B2B Breakthrough Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

What if the secret to breakthrough supplier innovation isn't telling them what to make, but asking them to solve your problem instead?

Building a brand that parents trust and kids love requires more than just great products—it takes thoughtful design, strategic partnerships, and an unboxing experience that creates lasting memories. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Jen Kennedy, founder and visionary behind HoneyBug, and Rachel Webb, the company's brilliant chief operating officer. Together, they share how they revolutionized family gifting by creating clean, effective, and thoughtfully designed products that solve real parenting pain points. Learn how they built lasting supplier relationships through Alibaba.com, developed their signature unboxing experience, and scaled from garage operations to a trusted marketplace featuring 500+ brands.

Tune in to learn:

• (00:00) The Parking Lot Epiphany: How HoneyBug Was Born
• (07:01) Building a Scrappy, Authentic Team Culture
• (10:57) The Packaging Experience as Product Strategy
• (15:08) Axio AI Sourcing Advertisement
• (16:37) Scaling Handcrafted Elements Through Smart Manufacturing
• (21:20) Vetting Suppliers and Building Trust-Based Relationships
• (30:28) Cash Flow Management: The Hidden Challenge of Rapid Growth
• (35:22) Looking Ahead: Celebrating Every Occasion

Jen Kennedy is the founder and visionary behind HoneyBug, a company revolutionizing family essentials and gifting with clean, effective, and thoughtfully designed products. Coming from a corporate background in the restaurant industry, Jen identified a gap in the market for curated, high-quality baby and toddler gifts that take the guesswork out of thoughtful giving. Under her leadership, HoneyBug has grown from a garage operation to a trusted marketplace featuring over 500 domestic and international brands.

Rachel Webb serves as HoneyBug's Chief Operating Officer and logistical force, bringing her expertise in scaling operations and building supplier relationships. With a background in working with large-scale food suppliers, Rachel applies her process-oriented approach to help HoneyBug maintain quality standards while managing rapid growth and complex vendor relationships.

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• Finding OEM-Friendly Factories: Expert Tips from Serial Inventor Brian Fried

Could catalog-based browsing transform how you discover new products for your business?

Sourcing globally isn't just about finding the lowest prices—it's about building resilient supply chains and smart business relationships. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Justin Liu (https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinliu/), U.S. Country Manager for Alibaba.com, about helping U.S. businesses navigate unpredictable times through diversified sourcing strategies. Learn how today's retailers and manufacturers can leverage both international suppliers and emerging U.S. brands to build stronger distribution networks. Whether you're a small business scaling up or a retailer diversifying your inventory, Justin offers practical insights on everything from catalog-based discovery to local stock opportunities.

Tune in to learn:

• (00:00) Platform Strategy and Buyer Experience Focus
• (01:22) Justin Liu's Role as U.S. Country Manager
• (02:50) Challenges Facing Small Business Owners and Manufacturers
• (05:38) Understanding Buyer Demands and Pain Points
• (11:16) Retailer Needs vs Brand Builder Requirements
• (15:13) Supply Chain Diversification and Tariff Strategies
• (17:38) Local Stock Strategy and U.S. Brand Distribution
• (23:41) Sales Channels and Platform Improvements
• (29:10) Global Export Opportunities for U.S. Brands
• (32:57) Future Forecasting and Business Focus Strategies

Justin Liu is the U.S. Country Manager for Alibaba.com, where he leads initiatives to improve buyer experiences for American businesses while helping U.S.-based suppliers expand their global distribution networks. With over a decade of experience in B2B marketplace development, Justin focuses on connecting retailers, manufacturers, and brand owners with qualified suppliers worldwide while addressing the unique needs of American small businesses navigating supply chain challenges..

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/how-to-simplify-your-sourcing-on-alibabacom-insights-from-ciara-cristo)
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/kickstarter-confidential-insider-tips-from-the-ceo-live-at-cocreate)
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford (https://b2b-breakthrough-podcast.castos.com/episodes/crowdfunding-success-secrets-launchbooms-strategies-for-product-ideati...

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!

Join them as they discuss:

• The Winner's Mindset  
• The Evolution of Marketing  
• Building Brand Loyalty and Community  
• The Mental Shift in Scaling  
• Navigating Supply Chain Complexities  
• Actionable Steps for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Rudy Mawer is a serial investor and CEO of Mawer Capital. He is also the CEO of multiple brands. He runs multiple businesses, including a Marketing Capital group with Kevin Harrington, the Original Shark from the TV show “Shark Tank”, where he helped over 50,000 small businesses worldwide.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast, host Ciara chats with Marshall Day and Kevin Sagouspe, co-owners of The Better Tool Company to discuss the journey of their startup company.
Join them as they:

• Highlight the key functions of their product, Rak-O.
• Share valuable insights needed to upscale a product.
• Implications of dealing with untrustworthy relationships.
• Talk about the mindset that births new ideas and in turn, products.
• Delve into the wisdom of building a successful brand.

Marshall Day is a co-owner of The Better Tool Company with an extensive background in marketing and advertising. He is also a video director and an editor, who has been in the music business for over a decade working with some of the industry’s biggest names. He is the owner of the Mainline Film Works.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

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!
Join them as they discuss:

• From Passion to Business  
• Addressing Nail Bed Diversity  
• Building Strong Supplier Relationships  
• Networking for Retail Success  
• Resilience Through Challenges  
• Manifesting Future Success

Brittany Golden is a wife, mompreneur, and multimedia content creator based in Los Angeles. In 2019, following her father’s passing, she left her Fortune 500 corporate career and embraced entrepreneurship during the COVID-19 era. She founded IGL Nails, a thriving press-on nail brand celebrated for its focus on individuality and inclusivity for all nail bed sizes. Brittany also shares her journey on her YouTube channel, It’s A Golden Lifestyle, inspiring over 20,000 followers with beauty trends, authenticity, and empowering community-driven content.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

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 determination.
Join them as they discuss:

• The Mantra of Dreaming Big
• Mental Fortitude in Sports and Business
• Tony’s ambassadorial Role with Alibaba.com
• Building Infinity Nine Group and Basketball Academy
• The Influence of Mentorship
• Adapting to Technology and AI
• Challenges of Entrepreneurship vs. Sports

Tony Parker, a four-time NBA Champion, Finals MVP, and six-time All-Star, has seamlessly transitioned from the basketball court to the boardroom. As the founder and president of Infinity Nine Group, he leads ventures in sports, education, lifestyle, and technology. Parker is the president and majority shareholder of LDLC ASVEL and LDLC ASVEL Féminin and serves as an ambassador for innovative projects. A Hall of Famer with a competitive edge, Parker now inspires through business leadership, mentorship, and media endeavors.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

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.
Join them as they discuss:

• Introduction to Natalie Jacob and Etymology Jewelry
• From Fine Arts to Jewelry Design
• The Essence of Etymology Jewelry
• Navigating the Sourcing Landscape
• Connecting with Customers
• Balancing Art and Business
• Insights on the Jewelry Market
• Wisdom and Insights from Experience

Natalie Jacob is a Brooklyn, NY native and Brooklyn-based designer and artist. As the owner and designer of Etymology Jewelry, she is an alum of MICA (The Maryland Institute College of Art) in Baltimore and the noteworthy, famed school LaGuardia HS of Music and Art in NYC. In her previous life, Natalie was (and still is!) a classically trained artist, having even featured her work at the Society of Illustrators in Manhattan. With such a creative background, Natalie takes these fine art influences to her jewelry work, her primary medium today.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Sharon Gai sits down with Corey Brown, Founder of buffaBRAND Marketing, to explore how to build effective brand strategies, the evolving world of e-commerce, and buffaBRAND Marketing’s cohesive, in-house approach to client success. Corey shares insights on staying ahead of Amazon’s innovations, leveraging AI for customer engagement, and handling the growing influence of Chinese sellers in the U.S. market. He also offers valuable tips for mental well-being in the ever-demanding e-commerce world, alongside advice for brands weighing the benefits of platforms like Amazon and Walmart.
Join them as they discuss:

• Corey's Journey into E-Commerce and Brand Building
• The Foundations of a Brand Strategy Framework
• Corey's Work with Grill Perfect: A Case Study in Visual Storytelling
• Effective Use of Amazon’s A+ Content for Brand Identity
• Navigating Amazon’s Evolving AI Landscape
• Defending Brand Reputation and Managing Customer Reviews
• The Impact of New Marketplace Trends on U.S. Sellers
• Effective Techniques for Staying Informed in a Fast-Changing Industry
• The Importance of Building a Brand Off and On Amazon
• The Pros and Cons of Fulfillment Options Like FBA and SFP
  
  

As Founder of buffaBRAND Marketing, Corey has an extensive background in helping e-commerce brands build strong digital presences that thrive in competitive marketplaces. Driven by a passion for data-driven strategies and quality customer engagement, Corey offers a fresh perspective on how brands can scale effectively and maintain customer trust. His journey in e-commerce is marked by a keen focus on innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to building resilient brands in the global marketplace.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

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.
Join them as they discuss:

• Introduction to Darrell Spencer and His Journey
• Identifying a Market Gap
• The Role of Creativity in Marketing
• Launching King’s Crowning and  Crowned Skin
• Addressing Barriers in the Beauty Industry
• Engaging with Customers and Building Community
• Navigating Retail and Trade Shows
• Investment Funding and Brand Integrity
• Personal Skincare Routine and Trends
• Marketing Gendered Products

As the CEO of Kings Crowning and Crowned Skin, Darrell is driven by a singular mission: to redefine men's beauty, grooming, and style with innovative, high-quality products that meet the modern man's needs. Over the years, he has built brands that combine functionality with sophistication—offering everything from protective headwear to premium skincare. Darrell is committed to enhancing how men look and feel and empowering them with the confidence that comes from using products crafted with excellence. His journey as a beauty and fashion entrepreneur is fueled by a deep passion for innovation, a relentless pursuit of quality, and a vision to elevate men’s grooming to new heights.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

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.
Join them as they discuss:

• Introduction to Ron Williams and his background in bodybuilding
• Ron’s accomplishments: winning Mr. Universe, Mr. Olympia, and Mr. World multiple times
• Transitioning from bodybuilding champion to coaching and entrepreneurship
• The concept of detoxifying life, removing toxins from food, relationships, and spirituality
• Building eCommerce brand and providing value to companies
• Importance of product development and innovation
• The journey of sourcing materials and optimizing manufacturing through Alibaba.com
• The challenge of balancing cost, quality, and overbuilding products
• Ron’s philosophy on fitness: combining spiritual and physical health
• Insights into resistance training for longevity, bone density, and quality of life
• Ron’s legacy: promoting a mindset shift for faith, family, fitness, and finances

Ron Williams is one of the most decorated natural bodybuilders, earning titles like Mr. Natural Universe, Natural Olympia, and Mr. Natural World, as well as the “Natural Bodybuilder of the Decade” award. He authored the Faith & Fat Loss book and developed the Ultimate Fat Loss System, blending physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. With over 40 years of experience, 
Ron has been a fitness coach, professor, and Master Fitness Trainer for the U.S. Army. He also created the Iron Chestmaster and Total Body Bar, holding five patents. As an international speaker and pastor, Ron inspires others through his personal transformation story. He frequently partners with Alibaba.com to source and manufacture products, enhancing his entrepreneurial ventures. Ron's mission is to help millions achieve healthier, toxin-free lives, guided by his core principles of faith, family, fitness, and finance.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

• How to Simplify your Sourcing on Alibaba.com: Insights from Ciara Cristo
• Kickstarter Confidential: Insider Tips from the CEO - Live at CoCreate
• Crowdfunding Success Secrets: LaunchBoom's Strategies for Product Ideation and Marketing with Will Ford

 Previous guests include Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital; Tony Parker, four-time NBA champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group; Mike McClary, CEO of Amazing.com; Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Media; Kia-Shun Voltz, Chief Executive Officer of ShampooTime; Matt Jones, Founder of The Crease Beast; and Julianna Dahbura, Founder of Deco Beauty. 

B2B Breakthrough Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at: #