Explore every episode of the podcast The PIMS Influence

On a turbulent December flight home, Andrew Yeager told himself that if United was playing Rhapsody in Blue when he walked off the plane, he needed a plan B. It was. A friend he ran into on a later flight brought him into the beauty industry.

He tells Mike how audio architecture turned a no from Ann Taylor into a client, what custom cosmetics taught him about memory, and why a personal endorsement still beats any email.

Connect with Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewyeager1/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Nicole Moodie spent twelve years building the operations behind a growing beauty brand. The weekly meeting she started went from forty-five minutes of battles to twenty of solving problems together.

She tells Mike how she got sales and operations working from one version of the truth, what she looks for in a hire that a resume will never show, and why she plans three years out rather than ten.

Connect with Nicole: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-moodie-55b003165/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Getting into retail is one problem. Staying there is a different one. Brian Evangelista runs commercial strategy at Neuro, the smart gum brand that went from TikTok Shop to Walmart, Costco, CVS, and 7-Eleven.

He tells Mike what actually changes when an online native brand hits a national shelf, why he thinks you have to act like an owner to build a category, and the sell story that keeps Neuro out of a share fight.

Connect with Brian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-evangelista-7508624/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Emily Perez started an Instagram page for Latinas in beauty. It is now a nonprofit with a board, a Pepperdine accelerator, and corporate partners.

She went looking for an organization like that in 2020 and could not find one, so she built it, for four years, alongside a full-time corporate job. Emily tells Mike how she decides whether it is working, the regulatory call indie brands defer and pay for later, and the line she draws between a manager and a leader.

Connect with Emily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyperez1/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Yarden Horwitz built a platform that predicts which beauty trends will last. She is still the first to say the data cannot make the call for you.

The co-founder of Spate sits down with Mike and co-host Ayla Anaya to get into how a rising star differs from a sustained riser, why consumers say one thing and buy another, and why she still calls Google search so telling. Plus the one metric she would track every morning if she could only pick one.

Connect with Yarden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yarden-horwitz/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Ask the client what they prefer. After 26 years on both sides of the marketing table, that is Katie Rosholt's first move with a new client.

She joins Mike to get into the modern media mix, what AI summaries mean for how brands get found, and why she now promises clients less upfront so she can deliver more. All while building SOCIETY's first US office, now kicking off its third year.

Connect with Katie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katierosholt/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Carmine Montalto named Facial Fuel with a big black notebook in Madison Square Park. The concept came first. The name came last.

He joins Mike for a candid conversation about how beauty products actually get named, the words Kiehl's refused to use, the all-pink shelfie that made him build Skincarma, and why ChatGPT is now his best friend. He also has thoughts about your eye cream.

Connect with Carmine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carminemontalto/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Octavia Morgan's own body rejected the fragrances she loved, so she learned to build cleaner ones. She joins Mike and co-host Alfonsina Messina for a candid conversation about going from farmers' markets to Ulta Beauty, the scent she almost scrapped three months from launch, and why she thinks the industry got gender wrong. Plus the question her partner asks that keeps her from running herself into the ground.

Connect with Octavia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/octavia-morgan-a090ab219/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Our generation of parents is way too involved, and Michelle Freedberg says it from the therapist's chair. Twenty-plus years after her first job at PIMS, she joins Mike for a candid conversation about parenting kids who need you less, what happens when the carpooling slows down, and why learning to run a podcast at 50 was its own reward.

Connect with Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-freedberg-4626704/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Sherry Fang never signed up to be an influencer. She says anyone with a message to get across is one now, and trust keeps getting more expensive.

Sherry hosts Soft Power Project and spent years training executives to communicate. She and Mike get into why you cannot change anyone through persuasion, what she gave up when she left a two-million-download podcast to start over from zero, and the hardest thing about getting an honest answer out of anyone.

Connect with Sherry: https://www.instagram.com/soft_power_project/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Minutes with Mike is now The PIMS Influence. Mike Ryan sits down with Sherry Fang to explain the new name, and what four years and more than 60 episodes taught him about the people who really move beauty and CPG. A candid conversation about reinvention, influence, and what comes next.

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Connect with Sherry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherryfang83/

More creators. More content. More, more, more. Brit Starr says that is not how creator marketing scales.

Depth comes first, or the scale does not hold. Brit and Mike get into why brands don't own their own stories anymore, the move from campaigns to community, and the half of every creator relationship that usually gets forgotten.

Connect with Brit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britmacstarr/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Chaz Giles says the best AI results don't start with the technology. They start with your people.

So why do most companies get it backwards? Chaz and Mike dig into what it takes to make AI augment a team instead of sitting unused, and how to tell real results from hype.

Connect with Chaz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chazgiles/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Is ESG dead in beauty? Maggie Spicer says the opposite. Strip away the politics, and sustainability is just good business, and the brands that treat it that way are the ones that hold up when tariffs and regulations hit.

She joins Mike for a candid conversation about greenwashing, supply chain visibility, and the one mistake that quietly drains beauty brands.

Connect with Maggie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretjanespicer/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Do not rush into retail. Amy Kapolnek has said it to 112 brands across 24 countries, and she has seen what a million-dollar PO does to a brand that isn't ready.

She joins Mike for a candid conversation about channel strategy, the fractional executive model, and why she thinks clinical results are about to flush the vibe brands out of beauty.

Connect with Amy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykapolnek/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Social commerce only works when brands treat TikTok Shop as infrastructure, not a campaign. Pete D learned that inside TikTok, and now runs his own TikTok Shop agency.

He joins Mike for a candid conversation about why discovery on the feed and the sale in the store are the same journey, how to tell if TikTok Shop is even right for your brand, and what really separates affiliate creators from influencers.

Connect with Pete: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-dick/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

After a decade as a creator. Aja Dang has thoughts on where brand-creator relationships go next: brands become the creator.

She joins Mike for a candid conversation about her own pivot era, the AI brand deals she walks away from on principle, and what changes when a brand decides to build its own creator function in-house.

Connect with Aja: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajadang/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Maria Karr says the unboxing experience is a story, not a box. After two decades across agency, in-house, bootstrap, and incubator seats, she has built brands at every scale.

She joins Mike for a candid conversation about why brand affinity comes before paid creator deals, how "cheap, fast, or quality, pick two" still drives 99% of project decisions, and what Maesa learned building AI-generated worlds for its fragrance brand Finery.

Connect with Maria: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-karr-05a80a31/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Devin Graciano took protein out of professional haircare and built Goldie Locks around what she saw from the chair.

She joins Mike for a candid conversation about going back to school for chemistry as a working stylist, how her partnership with McKenzie Turley actually works, and how a bootstrapped team thinks about influencer PR boxes when the budget isn't $50 million.

Connect with Devin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-graciano-04098824/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

The offices Jenny Wolf's commercial clients ask for don't feel like offices. They feel like home.

Jenny, founder of Jenny Wolf Interiors and The Huntress, joins Mike to talk about why home is a feeling, not just a look, her "10% design, 90% problem solving" framing of the work, and a Hudson, NY, auction story that ends in 2026 with a piece she first spotted in a 2016 magazine.

Connect with Jenny: https://www.instagram.com/jennywolfinteriors/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Ian Michael Crumm built Boys in Beauty around a simple idea: beauty doesn't have to be gendered. In this candid conversation, Ian walks Mike through the line connecting his esthetician practice, his Times Square billboard for the Melanoma Research Foundation, and his collective to democratize beauty for men. Inside: why community beats audience size, what brands get wrong about the men's market, and how a "beauty spectrum" replaces the old grooming-vs-makeup divide.

Connect with Ian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-michael-crumm-7a28a741/

Mike Rovner has spent 30 years in New York advertising and now runs a successful independent shop. Whether he's teaching his City College grad students or the junior creatives at TiNY Ad Agency, he tells them the same thing year after year: an execution is not an idea.

A candid conversation on why most creative work fails the insight test, what AI gets right and wrong, and the open secret of influencer marketing.

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikerovner/

Connect with Tiny: https://www.tinyadagency.com/

Conor Begley and Joe Cloyes spent $25K testing the top 20 US beers. What they found led to Fathers Brewing, a clean American lager that won gold before it hit Whole Foods.

A candid conversation on the clean beer playbook: why taste had to win before the clean story, how they ran a Super Bowl activation while selling in two counties, and why the real influencers in beer are bartenders, not Instagram.

Connect with Fathers: https://www.fathersbrewing.com/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Bryan Daniels turned brewery spent grain into a granola bar business. What's it like to run the whole thing solo?

He tells Mike how a beer hobby became All Good Craft Granola Bars, what closing his cafe taught him, and why compostable packaging is back on the roadmap.

Connect with Bryan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-daniels-vb/

All Good Granola: https://www.allgoodgranolabars.com/

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

Nick Howard has a three-part framework for where AI actually works inside a company. Most businesses skip straight to the tools and miss the strategy entirely.

He tells Mike why the first conversation should never be about technology, what he learned building a podcast to 1.8M downloads, and why the most exciting AI isn't the public-facing stuff.

Connect with Nick:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nhow/

https://imperfectinformation.beehiiv.com/

https://ambleandco.com/

Connect with Mike:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pimsmikeryan/

https://www.pimsinc.com

minuteswithmike@pimsinc.com

Shelly Socol built 1R Agency by hiring experts and letting them lead. Sixteen years later, that philosophy is why people leave, explore, and come back.

She tells Mike what happened when she gave a new VP 45 days to just observe, why she laid off 16 people and found six of them jobs the same week, and the one question she asks before entering any new channel.

🔗 Learn more about Shelly Socol: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelly-socol-79b8457/

🔗 Learn more about 1R Agency: https://1r.agency

This special 50th episode of Minutes with Mike flips the script.

For the first time, Mike Ryan, Chief Networking Officer at PIMS and the voice behind the show, steps into the guest seat, interviewed by Nick Howard. What unfolds is a candid reflection on the journey from a simple idea to a platform that captures the untold stories behind the beauty and business world.

From founders sharing vulnerable beginnings to industry leaders revealing the realities behind success, this episode explores what makes conversations truly resonate and why authenticity, not scripting, is the real differentiator.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Milestone Reflection

01:20 Celebrating 50 Episodes: What It Means

02:16 Podcasting Success Metrics and Milestones

03:36 The Origin of the Podcast and Its Purpose

04:49 Sharing Client Stories and Industry Insights

06:09 The Organic Nature of Conversations and Surprising Moments

07:16 Deep Personal Stories and Entrepreneurial Journeys

09:20 Impact of Live Episodes and In-Person Interactions

10:49 Memorable Guest Moments and Insights

12:22 The Future of Social Selling and AI

13:37 Balancing Technology and Personal Touches

15:19 Message to Listeners and Future Outlook

🔗 Learn more about PIMS: https://www.pimsinc.com

🔗 Learn more about Nick Howard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nhow/

🔗Read Nick’s newsletter: https://imperfectinformation.beehiiv.com/

Elana Drell Szyfer, the newly appointed president of CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women), joins Mike for a candid conversation about her unconventional path into beauty, the corporate culture lessons that shaped her leadership, and her bold vision for CEW’s future.

From writing cold letters to land her first beauty role at Cosmère (L’Oréal) to navigating the vastly different cultures of Avon and Estée Lauder, Elana shares the humbling moments, panic attacks, and hard-won wisdom that come with building a career across the biggest names in the industry. She opens up about what it really feels like to go from a corner office at 767 Fifth Avenue to running small companies for private equity — and why mentoring first-time CEOs is now one of her passions.

The conversation also dives into the seismic shifts in beauty marketing — from press events and controlled brand messaging to the creator economy, AI-generated video, and the question of whether authentic brand loyalty can survive it all.

On the CEW front, Elana breaks down the organization’s 2026 strategy: a national ambassador program spanning six cities, free student memberships, intimate thought leadership dinners, a new career advice column, group mentoring programs, and upcoming university partnerships for professional development.

🔗 Learn more about CEW: https://www.cew.org

🔗 Learn more about Elana Drell Szyfer https://www.linkedin.com/in/elanadrellszyfer/

🔗 Learn more about PIMS: https://www.pimsworld.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:19 Career Journey and Early Experiences

08:59 Cultural Adaptation in Corporate Environments

17:27 Lessons Learned and Mentorship

17:58 Navigating Corporate Culture

21:51 Lessons from Leadership Transitions

24:30 The Evolution of Marketing in Beauty

32:12 Building Community in the Beauty Industry

40:41 Future Directions for Professional Development

ABOUT MINUTES WITH MIKE

Minutes with Mike is the podcast where PIMS CEO Mike Ryan sits down with the leaders, founders, and innovators shaping the beauty and personal care industry.

#BeautyIndustry #CEW #CosmeticExecutiveWomen #ElanaDrellSzyfer #BeautyLeadership #MinutesWithMike #PIMS #BeautyMarketing #WomenInBeauty #CareerAdvice #BeautyBusiness #InfluencerMarketing #CreatorEconomy #ProfessionalDevelopment #BeautyExpo #LOreal #EsteeLauder #Avon #Chanel #BeautyPodcast #Leadership #CEOAdvice #CorporateCulture #BrandLoyalty #AIinBeauty

In this episode of Minutes with Mike, Nathalie Banker, Head of U.S. Communications & Advocacy at No7 Beauty Company, shares a candid look at how the communications and marketing landscape has radically evolved—and what it takes to stay relevant.

With over 20 years of experience, Nathalie walks through her career journey from agency life to in-house leadership, highlighting the importance of building a well-rounded skill set across PR, digital marketing, influencer strategy, and advocacy. She reflects on how the industry has shifted from slow-moving, print-driven campaigns to a real-time, performance-driven ecosystem, where brands must constantly test, learn, and adapt.

She emphasizes that success today requires:

1. Speed and agility in execution
2. A test-and-learn mindset over perfection
3. Deep understanding of omnichannel strategy (earned, paid, influencer, affiliate)
4. Balancing short-term performance with long-term brand building

Nathalie also shares key inflection points—from navigating the disruption of COVID-19 to mastering influencer marketing and affiliate models—and explains how brands can measure success across both tangible metrics (sales, engagement) and intangible ones (buzz, community).

One of the most powerful takeaways is her leadership philosophy:

Don’t wait for perfection, aim for 80%, take action, and iterate.

She closes with advice for the next generation: stay curious, leverage your network, and always keep your “antenna up” to spot opportunities in a fast-moving industry.

Chapters

00:00 Career Beginnings in PR

07:53 Transition to the Beauty Industry

11:38 In-House Experience at Dermalogica

15:28 The Evolution of PR and Communications

15:57 Navigating the Blurred Lines of Marketing and PR

18:48 Adapting to Change: The Impact of COVID-19

22:34 The Shift to Virtual Events and Their Lasting Effects

24:43 Customization in Marketing: Meeting Individual Needs

26:49 Current Trends at Number Seven Beauty Company

30:53 Measuring Success: KPIs in PR and Marketing

33:19 The Importance of Testing and Learning

35:18 Mentorship and Career Guidance in PR

38:29 Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Strategies

41:39 The Journey of a Working Parent in PR

About the Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaliebanker/

In this engaging interview, Natalie Mackey, co-founder of Winky Lux, shares her entrepreneurial journey from starting her first business at 16 to building the successful beauty brand Winky Lux. She discusses product innovation, social media influence, sustainability, leadership, and the challenges of scaling a brand in a rapidly changing market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Natalie's Background

01:00 Starting Young: First Business at 16

02:12 Transition into Beauty Industry

03:15 Origin of Winky Lux Name and Brand Identity

07:11 Startup Challenges and Viral Product Success

07:59 Handling Supply Chain Crises and Mistakes

11:02 Core Entrepreneurial Mindset and Resilience

13:53 Product Development and Market Trends

18:25 Social Media's Role in Modern Selling

22:28 Innovations in Packaging and Customer Experience

26:10 Sustainability in Beauty: Challenges and Approaches

30:10 Leadership, Business Management, and Future Plans

34:22 Reflections on Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth

38:05 Closing Remarks and Future Ventures

About the Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-mackey-15169370/

Keywords

Entrepreneurship, Beauty Industry, Product Innovation, Social Media Marketing, Sustainability, Startup Challenges, Leadership, Brand Building, E-commerce, Influencer Marketing

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Heidi Henneman, co-founder of groaº, a creative and operational leader in the beauty industry, as she shares her journey from small-town beginnings to leading creative services for top brands. Discover her insights on brand loyalty, influencer marketing, and building community in the digital age.

Chapters

00:00 Heidi's Early Influences and Career Beginnings

04:20 Transition to Creative Services in the Beauty Industry

07:07 Establishing Creative Operations at Estee Lauder

10:03 Growth and Development in Creative Roles

12:35 Managing Expectations and Deadlines in Creative Projects

15:18 Influencer Marketing and Its Evolution

17:28 The Evolution of Influencer Marketing

21:21 Building Brand Loyalty Through Community

25:36 The Rise of Content Creators as Brands

28:46 Introducing Retention First Growth

33:23 Purpose-Driven Initiatives and Nonprofit Work

37:11 Finding Your Path and Building Confidence

About the Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-henneman-8055a4/

#InfluencerMarketing #CreatorEconomy #BrandExperience #ContentMarketing #DigitalMarketing #UnboxingExperience #MarketingStrategy #BrandBuilding #ConsumerEngagement #ModernMarketing

In this engaging interview, best friends Kate and Kelly share their inspiring journey from high school friends to successful entrepreneurs in the fashion industry. Discover how they built their brand around unique fabrics, social selling, and overcoming manufacturing challenges, all while balancing friendship and business growth.

Chapters

04:48 Creative Paths and College Experiences

07:42 Navigating Challenges and Discovering Passions

10:20 The Birth of the Pashmina Hoodie

12:52 From Idea to Market: The Launch

15:48 Building a Business Together

18:47 Defining Roles and Responsibilities

20:39 Overcoming Challenges in Business Growth

23:16 Transitioning to Manufacturing and Production

26:07 Establishing Overseas Manufacturing Connections

28:12 Financial Strategies for Small Business Growth

30:50 The Importance of In-Person Sales and Events

34:52 Leveraging Social Media for Sales

35:14 Navigating Social Media for Business Growth

38:21 The Power of Text Marketing

40:41 Exploring Collaborations and Partnerships

40:53 Future Aspirations and Growth Strategies

44:13 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

About the Guests

Kamaru Clothing Website

https://kamaruclothing.com

Kelly's Instagram

https://instagram.com/kamaruclothing

Kate's TikTok

https://tiktok.com/@kamaruclothing

In this engaging conversation, Ayla Anaya shares her journey from a young girl in New Mexico who aspired to be a secretary and wound up becoming the president of PIMS instead. She discusses her early career, the challenges she faced in the music industry, and her transition to PIMS, where she learned valuable lessons about leadership, operations, and the importance of communication. Ayla emphasizes the significance of celebrating success, the evolving landscape of influencer marketing, and her commitment to advocating for women's rights in business. She concludes with her vision for PIMS' future and the importance of continuous learning and growth.

Chapters

03:27 Transitioning to New York and Early Jobs

06:51 Challenges in the Music Industry and Seeking New Opportunities

10:31 Joining PIMS and Initial Impressions

16:27 Learning the Ropes at PIMS

20:40 Growth into Leadership and Operations

25:13 The Journey to Leadership

31:13 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19

37:36 The Impact of New Infrastructure

42:03 The Future of Social Selling

45:07 Advocating for Women's Rights in Business

50:06 Vision for PIMS' Future

About Ayla

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayla-anaya/

#PIMS #influencermarketing #womeninbusiness #careerjourney #leadership #operations #companyculture #success

Marketing Without Borders With Lara Schmoisman

In this engaging conversation, Mike and Lara Schmoisman explore Lara's multifaceted career journey from a teen radio host to a networking powerhouse and CEO of The DARL. They discuss the evolution of marketing in the digital age, the importance of adaptability in business strategies, and the nuances of networking across different regions. Lara shares insights into her skincare brand, Infuse Skin, and emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior and building meaningful connections. The discussion also touches on the future of the beauty and wellness industry, highlighting the need for brands to be performance-driven and consumer-focused.

About the Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laraschmoisman/

https://infuse-skin.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/unpopular-opinions-6915344057930059777/

Chapters

08:59 Transition to Digital and Early Challenges

10:52 The Concept of the Non-Agency Agency

16:28 Lessons Learned and Client Relationships

18:13 Networking Insights and Podcasting Experience

20:49 The Curiosity Behind Coffee Number Five

23:01 Navigating Technology in Business

27:48 Balancing Commitments and Community Involvement

30:44 The Art of Storytelling in Marketing

35:09 Launching Infuse Skin: A Personal Journey

42:08 Future Trends in Beauty and Wellness

Keywords

podcasting, networking, marketing, digital transformation, entrepreneurship, skincare, influencer marketing, business strategy, technology, consumer behavior

In this engaging conversation, Mike and Margaret Josephs explore their long-standing friendship, Margaret’s creative journey, and her evolution as a successful entrepreneur and reality TV star. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of building a brand, the impact of social media on business, and the importance of authenticity in the influencer space. Margaret shares insights on her new venture, Soiree, and offers valuable advice for aspiring influencers.

About the Guest

https://www.instagram.com/therealmargaretjosephs/?hl=en

https://drinksoiree.com

Chapters

01:20 From Mayapack to Creative Hustle

04:12 The Journey of Entrepreneurship

07:11 Navigating Success and Challenges

10:00 The Impact of Licensing and Partnerships

12:36 Resilience in the Face of Adversity

15:27 Recognition and Personal Growth

19:43 The Bonds of History and Entrepreneurship

20:36 The Journey to Reality TV Stardom

22:05 Behind the Scenes of Housewives

24:37 Navigating Reality and Authenticity

26:26 Balancing Personal Life and Public Persona

26:59 The Impact of Reality TV on Personal Identity

29:09 The Evolution of Margaret’s Brand and Book

29:55 The Future of Social Selling and TikTok Shops

31:26 Creating a Unique Beverage Experience

33:50 The Importance of Influencer Marketing

36:57 Advice for Aspiring Influencers

38:48 What’s Next for Margaret Josephs?

In this engaging conversation, Mike interviews Maryanne Grisz, President & CEO at Fashion Group International, Inc. They discuss Maryanne's journey into the fashion industry, the significance of FGI, and its initiatives, such as the Night of Stars and the Rising Star Awards. The conversation also touches on the impact of technology and AI on fashion, the importance of sustainability, and the challenges women face in leadership roles. Maryanne shares her insights on social selling and the evolving landscape of the fashion industry.

Chapters

02:26 Maryanne Grisz's Journey into Fashion

07:02 The Evolution of Fashion Group International

10:44 The Night of Stars: Celebrating Fashion Excellence

13:41 Rising Star Awards: Nurturing New Talent

16:36 Navigating Technology and AI in Fashion

19:37 Sustainability in Fashion: Challenges and Innovations

21:47 Inspiration and Leadership in the Fashion Industry

23:51 Overcoming Challenges as a Woman Leader

27:08 The Importance of Adaptability in Career

28:53 Social Selling and the Future of Fashion

31:04 Joining Fashion Group International

About the Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryanne-grisz-43ba463/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/fashion-group-international/

Fashion Group International, Sustainability, Womeninleadership, technologyinfashion, social selling

In this episode of "Minutes with Mike", Mike interviews David Silbergleit, CEO of PIMS and friend, exploring David's journey from his early career in public relations to his current role as CEO of PIMS. David shares insights about his experiences at Edelman PR, the impact of 9/11 on the industry, and how he transitioned to PIMS, where he has worked for over 21 years. He emphasizes the importance of company culture, problem-solving, and the relationships he has built throughout his career. David also discusses the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how PIMS adapted to continue serving clients while maintaining a supportive work environment.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsilbergleit/

Chapters

03:17 Early Career in PR and Challenges

07:37 Transition to PIMS and Company Culture

11:33 Leadership Lessons from Mark Glickman

20:55 The Evolution of PIMS and Packaging with Purpose

24:06 Creating Unique Client Experiences

25:46 Understanding Operational Complexities

28:18 Scaling with Purpose and Quality

32:07 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19

39:52 Goals for the Future and Personal Growth

PIMS, public relations, company culture, leadership, influencer marketing, career journey, problem-solving, employee engagement

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Brent Ridge shares his remarkable journey from being a physician to co-founding Beekman 1802, a successful skincare brand rooted in kindness and community. He discusses the creation of the Martha Stewart Center for Living, the impact of reality TV on brand exposure, and the scientific principles behind their goat milk products. Dr. Ridge emphasizes the importance of kindness in business and the lessons from his book 'Goat Wisdom,' which offers timeless insights for building a legacy business. The conversation also touches on the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining intimacy and community engagement, as well as the exciting future plans for Beekman 1802.

About the guest

Dr. Brent Ridge completed his medical training at Columbia University in NYC and an American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) fellowship in the genetics of aging at Harvard University.

He served as Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, where he conducted research at the International Longevity Center under the pioneer Dr. Robert Butler.

After receiving an MBA at NYU Stern School of Business, he became the VP of Healthy Living at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, where he spearheaded the founding of the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai.

In 2008, he co-founded Beekman 1802 with his husband, Josh Kilmer-Purcell.

https://beekman1802.com/

How to connect

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-ridge-md-0641791/

https://www.instagram.com/joshandbrent/?hl=en

Chapters

01:12 Journey into Medicine and Aging Studies

03:48 Transition to Business and Collaboration with Martha Stewart

06:48 The Leap of Faith: From Medicine to Entrepreneurship

09:23 The Birth of Beekman 1802 and Community Impact

12:21 The Amazing Race Experience and Brand Exposure

16:27 The Unique Storytelling of Beekman 1802

23:02 Scientific Insights into Goat Milk Soap

25:18 Exploring the Skin Microbiome and Oligosaccharides

32:20 The Power of Kindness in Business

43:50 Lessons from Goat Wisdom: Love Thy Neighbor

52:51 The Year of Science: Innovations Ahead

#Dr. Brent Ridge #Beekman1802 #entrepreneurship #goatmilkproducts #kindness #longevity #communitybuilding #goatwisdom #pims #minuteswithmike

Dr. Brent Ridge, Beekman 1802, Martha Stewart, entrepreneurship, goat milk products, kindness in business, longevity studies, reality TV, community building, Goat Wisdom

In this engaging conversation, Tara Meadors Wilson, founder of the Tara Wilson Agency, shares her journey from a finance career to establishing a successful experiential marketing agency. She discusses the importance of resilience in overcoming business challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasizes the significance of personalization and community engagement in marketing strategies. Tara also explores the role of technology, including AI, in enhancing marketing efforts and looks ahead to exciting upcoming projects.

Chapters

03:44 Transition from Finance to Event Planning

06:52 The Role of Mentorship in Career Development

11:06 Overcoming Challenges in Business

14:27 Experiential Marketing and Community Engagement

16:49 The Importance of Data and Analytics

17:01 Influencer Collaborations and Brand Amplification

19:30 Personalization in Marketing

23:04 Commencement Speech at Auburn University

25:30 The Impact of AI and Technology in Marketing

28:35 Future Plans for Tara Wilson Agency

30:29 MWM Outro Short.mp4

About the Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarawilson/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/tara-wilson-agency/

In this engaging conversation, AnnRagan McGlone shares her journey from being a competitive swimmer to founding Medalist Skin, a skincare line tailored for athletes. She discusses the importance of community, sustainability, and the influence of female athletes in the beauty industry. Ann emphasizes the need for products that cater to active lifestyles and the role of AI in product development. She also highlights her involvement with LaunchBreak, an initiative empowering female athletes, and offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Chapters

02:31 Journey into Swimming and Sports

05:12 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

08:15 The Birth of Medalist Skin

10:39 Community and Influencer Impact

13:38 Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

16:19 The Role of AI in Product Development

19:45 Launch Break and Empowering Female Athletes

23:26 Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs

26:54 Future Plans and Upcoming Events

About the guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/annragankearns/

In this engaging conversation, Mike interviews Irena Kojouharova, Brand Marketing Director at Brand Impact, exploring her unique journey from finance to the beauty industry, her insights on marketing strategies, the evolving landscape of influencer marketing, and the challenges and opportunities within the cannabis and wellness sectors. Irena shares her thoughts on sustainability, the importance of authenticity in branding, and the role of women in leadership, providing valuable advice for aspiring marketers.

Chapters

05:00 Transitioning from Finance to Beauty

07:42 Managing Teams and Brand Launches

10:29 Influencer Marketing and Brand Cohesion

13:32 The Role of AI in Marketing

16:03 Trends in Retail: Pop-Up Shops and TikTok

18:54 Exploring the Cannabis Industry

21:52 Sustainability in Cannabis and Beauty

24:13 Women in Leadership

26:48 Advice for Aspiring Marketers

About the Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/irenako/

In this engaging conversation, Mike speaks with Anna Mayo, VP, Beauty Vertical, NielsenIQ, about her career journey, the evolving beauty industry, and the impact of e-commerce and social media on consumer behavior. They discuss the importance of public speaking, the rise of indie brands, and how mental health is influencing brand messaging. Anna shares insights on the current trends in beauty consumption, the effects of tariffs, and the dynamics of TikTok Shop as a new platform for product launches.

03:31 Anna Mayo’s Career Journey

06:02 Public Speaking and Communication Skills

10:37 Consumer Behavior Trends in 2025

13:23 Impact of Tariffs and Economic Uncertainty

15:16 Prime Day and Its Effects on Beauty Sales

18:47 Demographic Trends in Beauty Consumption

21:35 Indie Brands and Market Competition

23:49 Mental Health and Brand Messaging

26:37 The Evolution of Social Selling

29:02 Trust in Social Platforms and Consumer Behavior

31:33 Surprising Consumer Trends and Future Events

Beauty industry, consumer behavior, public speaking, e-commerce, indie brands, TikTok Shop, mental health, market trends, NielsenIQ, PIMS

About the Guest

(1) Anna Mayo | LinkedIn

In this episode of Minutes with Mike, host Mike Ryan interviews Grace Bryan, co-founder of Juicy Brick. Grace shares her unconventional journey from the event industry to founding Juicy Brick, a food and beverage innovation agency. The conversation explores the challenges and triumphs of starting a business, the importance of client relationships, and the impact of AI on the food industry. Grace also discusses the significance of trend reports and how Juicy Brick is positioning itself in a competitive market.

About the Guest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grace-bryan-juicy-brick

In this episode of Minutes with Mike, host Mike Ryan engages with Jaime Aspen, who shares her journey from Omaha to becoming a key player in the tech world with Growth Friday, a video commerce platform. The conversation explores the intersection of technology and sales, the importance of authenticity in content creation, and the evolving landscape of retail. Jaime emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing productivity while advocating for the irreplaceable value of human connection in business. The discussion also touches on the significance of data-driven marketing strategies and the empowerment of women in the industry.

As leaders in beauty and lifestyle, how are you using both technology and intuition to find the right voices for your brand stories? In this engaging conversation, Daniella McNulty shares her diverse career journey, from her beginnings in marketing at Heineken and L’Oreal to becoming a CMO and eventually starting her own agency. She discusses her role as a mentor and educator, emphasizing the importance of practical experience for students. The conversation also delves into the impact of AI on marketing and education, the significance of mental health and community, and her volunteering experience at the Paris Olympics.

About The Guest

Daniella McNulty

Chief Marketing Officer, DANIELLA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellamcnulty/

Technology has transformed how we connect but it has not replaced the power of finding the right connection.

In this episode of Minutes With Mike, Donetta Allen, President at Bobbie, reflected on how much the PR and influencer landscape has evolved. From flipping through magazine credits to identify journalists to now leveraging advanced digital tools, the process has become faster—but not simpler.

As Donetta shared, the real magic still lies in finding the storyteller who truly understands the brand’s essence. Whether through traditional media or influencer partnerships, that authentic alignment remains the key to meaningful brand storytelling.

At PIMS, we see this truth every day. Technology opens doors, but it is human connection that builds resonance.

As leaders in beauty and lifestyle, how are you using both technology and intuition to find the right voices for your brand stories?

In this episode of Minutes With Mike, Mike Ryan sits down with Caroline Walker, Global Brand Ambassador at philosophy. In this engaging conversation, Caroline Walker, the global brand ambassador for Philosophy, shares her journey in the beauty industry, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, wellness, and mental health in brand marketing. She discusses the evolution of live streaming as an effective marketing tool, the significance of building meaningful connections, and the role of mindfulness practices like yoga and sound baths in enhancing personal and professional well-being. Caroline’s insights highlight the need for a holistic approach to beauty and wellness, fostering a community that prioritizes mental health and authentic engagement.

Minutes With Mike is a PIMS-produced podcast.

Abby Wallach – Resilience, reinvention, and the power of storytelling take center stage in the latest episode of Minutes With Mike.

Beauty industry innovator, category creator, storyteller, and Scentinvent Technologies, Co-founder and CEO, Abby Wallach joins host Mike Ryan and co-host Alfonsina Messina, VP of Sales & Client Experience, to share how curiosity, bold moves, and community have shaped her journey across PR, entertainment, digital media, and fragrance innovation.

Highlights from the conversation include:

✨ How early PR and entertainment roles built a powerful foundation

✨ Why BeautifulStranger.tv put Abby at the forefront of digital beauty content

✨ The risks and rewards of pioneering a new fragrance category with Scentinvent

✨ The role of mentorship, community, and storytelling in building enduring brands

Packed with insights and stories, this episode offers a candid look at what it truly takes to innovate, reinvent, and lead in beauty and beyond.

Minutes With Mike is a PIMS produced podcast.

In this episode of Minutes with Mike, Mike sits down with Ken Kerrigan, current president of PRSA-NY, to unpack an unlikely path into public relations. What started as a pre-law student’s rejection letter and a late-night job counting bonds turned into a lifelong career in communications — a journey Ken now calls “accidental.”

Ken reflects on internships that began with scissors and glue in a corporate clip room, the timeless power of story over statistics, and why AP Style still matters in an age of AI and instant analytics. He explains how Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle still guides persuasion today, why micro-influencers mirror Bernays’ “Torches of Freedom” campaign, and how understanding the language of business is essential for PR’s next generation.

Ken also shares what he’s building at PRSA-NY — from sold-out media nights to tackling burnout in the industry — and offers candid advice for students, professionals, and anyone navigating the ever-evolving communications world. This conversation is both a look back at PR’s roots and a forward-facing playbook for where it’s headed next.

Minutes With Mike is a PIMS produced podcast.

In this episode of Minutes with Mike, Mike sits down with Teja Urankar, the founder, CEO, founder, & product developer behind Butter Be Kind to unpack how a lifelong struggle with eczema, coupled with her grandparents’ herbal remedies, drove her to study biotechnology and create products that are effective and gentle.

Taya’s entrepreneurial journey is a powerful story of purpose over profit. She shares her decision to leave a career in pharmaceuticals during the pandemic to launch her company, learning the ropes of business from scratch and mentorship. She details the challenges of entering the U.S. market, the pivotal role of social media in her growth, and the slow but sure success of in-person pop-up shops. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the power of a mission-driven brand, the value of authenticity in marketing, and the importance of a strong support network for founders.

Minutes With Mike Is A PIMS Produced Podcast.