Earned: Unlocking the Power of the Creator Economy CreatorIQ

In Ep. 134 of Earned, Conor sits down with Gregory Galant, co-founder and CEO of innovative PR-software company Muck Rack and The Shorty Awards—the first award show to honor digital and social media content. To start, we dive into Greg’s early adventures in podcasting before unpacking his role in reshaping the public relations landscape. Greg shares how his experience interviewing social media pioneers influenced his engagement with emerging platforms, leading to the viral success of the Shorty Awards and the inception of Muck Rack. Next, Greg explains how Muck Rack evolved from a free service for journalists into a comprehensive SaaS platform that revolutionized PR as the first-ever CRM for PR teams. We then discuss the intricacies of PR measurement, the importance of customer feedback, and the transformative potential of AI in the industry. To close the show, Greg shares what motivates him and how he finds fulfillment in creating tools that help professionals excel.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn: 
How Muck Rack's media database and coverage reporting help prove the value and impact of PR. How Muck Rack transformed the industry by creating the first-ever CRM for PR teams. How early adoption can lead to innovative platforms that meet evolving industry needs—like the Shorty Awards.  
Resources:
Muck Rack - https://muckrack.com/
 
Connect with the Guest:
Gregory’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/galant/
 
Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ:
Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley
CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq
 
Follow us on social:
CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics
CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq
CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq
CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ
 

In Ep. 133 of Earned, Conor sits down with Neahle Jones, VP of US Consumer Engagement for L'Oréal’s Consumer Product Division. To start, we dive into L'Oréal’s tried-and-true strategies for crafting authentic and accessible content—including leveraging creative material and influencer collaborations. Neahle discusses how L'Oréal shifted from following the traditional marketing playbook to fostering community and building genuine relationships with superfans. Next, Neahle offers a behind-the-scenes look at managing a global brand like Maybelline and discusses how L'Oréal leverages its extensive resources to maintain its position in the market. Switching gears, Neahle emphasizes the importance of working with creators who are genuinely enthusiastic about your brand to ensure authenticity and alignment throughout the partnership. To close the show, Neahle opens up about the challenge of balancing a thriving career with personal goals. 
In this episode, you’ll learn: 
How L'Oréal fosters authentic connections that resonate with consumers by shifting from traditional marketing to creator marketing Why L'Oréal has shifted from highly produced content to democratized, creator-driven content in order to humanize the brand and leverage the unique strengths of creators Why the company fosters a culture of innovation and emphasizes mentorship for employees' professional growth  
Resources:
L’Oréal - https://careers.loreal.com/en_US/content
 
Connect with the Guest:
Neahle’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/neahlejones/
 
Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ:
Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley
CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq
 
Follow us on social:
CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics
CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq
CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq
CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ
 

In Ep. 132 of Earned, Conor sits down with Kim Larson, Global Managing Director & Head of YouTube Creators. To start, we dive into Kim’s career at Jamba Juice and Google, which helped shape her interest in diverse global markets and growing niche communities. We pivot to YouTube, and Kim explains how the platform’s monetization strategies empower creators to earn an income outside of brand deals. We also discuss YouTube’s dedicated support systems for gaming content, and the rise of watching YouTube content on TV. Next, Kim reveals how generative AI is revolutionizing content creation, with tools like thumbnail A-B testing and Project Lantern, before offering a sneak peek into YouTube's innovative features like Dream Screen and Dream Track. We then hear how YouTube’s community and partner managers provide personalized support to creators at every stage of their journey. To close the show, Kim talks about motherhood, and shares the joys and challenges of raising multilingual children.
 
In this episode you will learn:
The different support models that YouTube offers to its creators across verticals.  How YouTube is investing in AI tools for content creation and why the platform is prioritizing longer, high-quality videos. The monetization strategies that empower creators to earn money outside of typical brand deals.  
Resources:
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/
 
Connect with the Guest:
Kim’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-larson-304486/
 
Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ:
Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley
CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq
 
Follow us on social:
CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics
CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq
CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq
CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ
 

In Ep. 131 of Earned, Conor sits down with Bridget Dolan, Managing Director of the YouTube Shopping division. To start, we explore how the creator economy has evolved on YouTube and unpack its significant influence on e-commerce. Bridget explains how creators, viewers, and brands are entwined in a symbiotic relationship that's reshaping retail through authentic content and seamless shopping experiences. We then dive into YouTube's innovative shopping features, including an affiliate program that fosters partnerships between over 50,000 creators and leading brands. Next, we discuss distinct consumer behaviors and trends—like Korea's live shopping craze and Brazil's unique market—and Bridget shares how cultural differences impact consumers’ shopping habits. Switching gears, Bridget reflects on her time at Sephora and reveals why she decided to join YouTube. To close the show, Bridget emphasizes the importance of authentic creator partnerships and their impact in building an audience and driving sales.
 
Tune in to learn how:
Trust & Authenticity Drive Success: YouTube's affiliate program connects 50,000+ creators with top brands, fostering genuine relationships that encourage viewers to shop with confidence. Cultural Nuances Shape Shopping: From Korea's live shopping craze to Brazil's unique consumer habits, understanding regional differences is crucial for global e-commerce growth. The Future is Shoppable Content: With strategies like QR codes for TV shopping and data on creators driving sales, YouTube is at the forefront of merging entertainment with online shopping. Resources:
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/
 
Connect with the Guest:
Bridget’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridgetdolan/
 
Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ:
Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley
CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq
 
Follow us on social:
CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics
CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq
CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq
CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ
 

In Ep. 130 of Earned, Conor sits down with Peter Thomas Roth—founder and CEO of his beloved, namesake skincare brand, Peter Thomas Roth. To start, we dive into how Peter’s problem-solving formulas for acne and anti-aging have propelled his products to top-shelf status. Peter then walks us through his brand's evolution and shares how he leverages social media to fuel growth. Next, Peter pulls back the curtain and reveals how he manages production costs and inventory, as well as why he chooses to remain an independent company.  To close the show, we discuss the challenges of navigating the retail landscape, and Peter shares his strategies for marrying the art of skincare with the science of business.
In this episode, you’ll learn: 
How PTR’s commitment to high-quality product development has been key to the brand's success
Why a strategic approach to brand placement, inventory management, and production costs is essential in navigating the luxury skincare market.
How viral social media moments can significantly impact sales, and why brands must have the operational agility to handle sudden surges in demand.
 
Resources:
Peter Thomas Ross - https://www.peterthomasroth.com/
 
Connect with the Guest:
Peter’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/peter-thomas-roth-clinical-skin-care/
 
Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ:
Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley
CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq
 
Follow us on social:
CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics
CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq
CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq
CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ
 

In Ep. 129 of Earned, Conor sits down with Brad Schultz, co-founder and CMO of BeatBox. To start, we dive into how Brad and his high school buddy Justin Fenchel (fellow co-founder and CEO of BeatBox) evolved from teenage business enthusiasts to the masterminds behind a beverage revolution. Brad pulls back the curtain around the pair’s experience on Shark Tank, and we hear how the critical mentorship of Mark Cuban fueled the brand’s trajectory towards innovation and market success. We then discuss the strategic shifts that propelled BeatBox to new heights, like transitioning to eco-conscious Tetra Pak packaging. We explore the complex challenges of the alcohol industry's regulatory landscape and how Beatbox has navigated them with grace. Switching gears, Brad touches on Beatbox’s influencer marketing program and the community-building strategies that have kept the brand top of mind for consumers. To close the show, Brad reveals his favorite BeatBox flavors.
In this episode, you’ll learn: 
How leveraging word-of-mouth marketing, real-life experiences, and influencer partnerships can expand your brand. How strategic product shifts, like transitioning to eco-friendly single-serve packaging, and a strong brand identity centered on community have propelled BeatBox to the top of the alcohol industry.  How BeatBox’s Shark Tank appearance, mentorship from Mark Cuban, and subsequent strategic decisions played pivotal roles in navigating financial hardships and regulatory challenges in the alcohol industry.  
Resources:
Beatbox - https://beatboxbeverages.com/
 
Connect with the Guest:
Brad’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradorbradley/
 
Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ:
Conor’s LinkedIn - @conormbegley
CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq
 
Follow us on social:
CreatorIQ YouTube - @TribeDynamics
CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq
CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq
CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ