B2B Creatively

Stories Bureau

Covering a wide range of creative, strategic, and other relevant topics, B2B Creatively keeps you up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the B2B creative, design and marketing worlds. Hosted by Alisa Manjarrez & Kory Grushka.

  1. 10/07/2025

    Scale vs Craft in AI Video

    What happens when a filmmaker with deep storytelling chops, an HBO pedigree, and early access to cutting-edge AI tools takes on B2B video? You get Noah Wagner. Noah, a live-action and AI director, joins Alisa Manjarrez and Kory Grushka from Stories Bureau to discuss where AI video actually stands today, how B2B content benefits from cinematic storytelling, and why creativity still matters more than ever. Noah has been at the forefront of AI video experimentation, working with platforms like Sora, Runway, and Kling. But he’s no tech evangelist. Instead, he’s here to bring nuance, perspective, and real-world insights on how to blend AI tools with traditional filmmaking to create more expressive, more human, and more effective video content—especially in the B2B space. What You’ll Learn:  • The current status of AI-generated video (and why it’s still not push-button ready) • The misconception that AI eliminates the need for teams and craft • Where AI helps most in post-production, and where humans still need to lead • Why AI workflows are better suited for hybrid approaches—not full automation • Why video creators are going to LinkedIn Mentioned in this Episode: Five Guys AI video Noah’s Bio: Noah Wagner is an award-winning director, writer and filmmaker, specializing in both live-action and AI, and a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. His work has appeared on HBO, Netflix, NBC, and BBC. Collectively garnering millions of views, his films have won numerous awards at Oscar-qualifying festivals worldwide, including AI thriller Watch Room. Currently, Echobend Pictures is packaging Noah’s debut feature, THE DIRTY OYSTER, which was recognized as one of six projects worldwide at Fantasia Frontières. Noah specializes in ‘grounded genre’—everything from science fiction to magical realism, moody atmosphere to playful whimsy, and any permutation in between—always building a world rooted in our own. Through a lyrical lens and an eye for the absurd, he challenges audiences to reflect the world around them and question the truths they may have taken for granted. More from our guest: Website: https://www.noahwagner.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noah-wagner/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workofark B2B Creatively is powered by Stories Bureau. Connect with us on LinkedIn: Stories Bureau, a creative agency focused on B2B marketing and internal corporate storytelling across media Kory Grushka, Founder and Creative Director of Stories Bureau Alisa Manjarrez, Managing Director of Stories Bureau

    34 min
  2. 09/09/2025

    The AI Shake-Up in B2B Messaging

    We dive deep into how AI is shaking up B2B messaging with Chris Silvestri, Founder of Conversion Alchemy. From redefining the role of content writers to rethinking persona development and conversion strategy, Chris shares his thoughtful and tactical approach to B2B growth. As a messaging strategist, Chris combines copywriting, UX design, and digital psychology to help his SaaS and eCommerce clients convert more visitors into customers. He fills us in on how AI is transforming marketing workflows, what makes copy truly empathetic, and how brands can stand out in the age of informed consumers.  If you're trying to make your B2B brand impossible to ignore, this is the episode for you. What You’ll Learn:  • The people shift in B2B marketing • How AI is streamlining copywriting and messaging workflows, from research to first drafts • How to train AI to be more empathetic • The four types of personas you need • What AI tools Chris uses to scale personalized copy workflows • The balance between company capabilities and customer needs in copywriting • The future of copywriting and marketing in the age of AI Mentioned in this Episode:  Gemini: https://gemini.google.com Claude: https://claude.ai chatGPT: https://chatgpt.com TeamGPT: https://team-gpt.com Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai TypingMind: https://www.typingmind.com/ Chris’ Bio: Chris Silvestri is the Conversion Alchemist. A SaaS message-market fit specialist and conversion copywriter, he worked 10 years as a software engineer in industrial automation. Then, took a sharp turn to enter the digital marketing world as UX lead at the usability testing startup Conversion Crimes (and previously at the conversion design agency Zeda Labs). Chris has been working as a copywriter and Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) specialist for online brands since 2016. More from our guest: Chris Silvestri B2B Creatively is powered by Stories Bureau. Connect with us on LinkedIn: Stories Bureau, a creative agency focused on B2B marketing and internal corporate storytelling across media Kory Grushka, Founder and Creative Director of Stories Bureau Alisa Manjarrez, Managing Director of Stories Bureau

    50 min
  3. Merging Metrics with Emotion

    05/27/2025

    Merging Metrics with Emotion

    Alisa reconnects with longtime friend and creative powerhouse Nidia Verdugo, a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Microsoft, who seamlessly merges metrics with emotion—and her passion for travel—into a thriving marketing career. Together, Alisa and Nidia explore how creativity and data-driven decision making go hand in hand, especially in B2B marketing. Nidia opens up about launching her travel blog, TouristyAF, during the pandemic, explaining how it evolved from long-form travel guides into dynamic brand collaborations with tourism boards and hotels. Throughout the conversation, Nidia reflects on what it means to truly connect with an audience. Whether crafting a product story at Microsoft or editing a video journal in Puerto Rico, her advice always circles back to human-centered communication. “We’re all human at the end of the day,” says Nidia. “So, put yourself in the shoes of your target audience—it’s something that’s so simple and works with anything that you do.” What You’ll Learn: • How Nidia turned her love for travel into a storytelling platform and brand-building engine • The connection between creativity, analytics, and emotional resonance in B2B marketing • The power of video journals and documenting everyday moments authentically • Advice on overcoming fear of data as a creative and making informed decisions • Social trends that B2B marketers should adopt • Practical advice for young professionals still figuring out their careers Mentioned in this Episode:  TouristyAF, Nidia’s travel blog and brand https://touristyaf.com/ Cannes Lions Festival https://www.canneslions.com/ Nidia’s Bio: Nidia Verdugo is a seasoned marketing professional with a decade of experience driving growth for tech companies and brands. As the creative director of her own life, she seamlessly blends strategy and storytelling, leading marketing initiatives while running her own marketing and creative consulting business. Beyond her corporate and consulting work, Nidia is an avid traveler who has lived in Argentina and Mexico City, embracing global cultures and perspectives. She channels her passion for marketing, creativity, and travel into her blog, TouristyAF, where she shares unique experiences and insights from around the world. More from our guest: Nidia Verdugo B2B Creatively is powered by Stories Bureau. Connect with us on LinkedIn: Stories Bureau, a creative agency focused on B2B marketing and internal corporate storytelling across media Kory Grushka, Founder and Creative Director of Stories Bureau Alisa Manjarrez, Managing Director of Stories Bureau

    55 min
  4. Elevate Your B2B Brand with Narrative Storytelling

    04/29/2025

    Elevate Your B2B Brand with Narrative Storytelling

    Does your B2B brand need to start a narrative podcast? Magika Creative Producer M de Leon joins Alisa to explore what it really means to create narrative content and how storytelling is redefining what’s possible for B2B.  Drawing from their work on a variety of projects, M shares how character-driven stories can elevate your B2B brand—and why it’s worth the risk. M shares lessons from producing Traceroute—a Webby-nominated podcast that made internet infrastructure feel personal—and how its key to success were the emotional stories told. Backed by compelling examples and thoughtful insights, M and Alisa make the case for narrative podcasting as a strategy for humanizing B2B brands in meaningful ways that resonate with customers. Can AI help with this? Surprisingly, yes.  “Messaging is far more effective when there’s a story,” says M. “You create that sense of connection… and the brand goes beyond being a thing on a shelf to a figure in your life.” What You’ll Learn:  • Why narrative podcasting is different from other content formats • Using storytelling as a strategy in B2B • Humanizing a brand with stories • How AI tools can support the creative process  • How to pitch a narrative podcast internally • Building community among niche B2B audiences M’s Bio:  M de Leon is a producer, writer, and sound designer specializing in sound-rich, longform narrative storytelling—crafting work that is immersive, thoughtful, and built to resonate. From 2023–2024, M served as Senior Producer for Traceroute, a Webby Award–nominated series recognized in the Best Tech Podcast category. Working across every stage of production—from research and scripting to editing and scoring—M’s practice explores not just how stories are made, but how clear, intentional systems can support the people who make them. More from our guest: M de Leon B2B Creatively is powered by Stories Bureau. Connect with us on LinkedIn: Stories Bureau, a creative agency focused on B2B marketing and internal corporate storytelling across media Kory Grushka, Founder and Creative Director of Stories Bureau Alisa Manjarrez, Managing Director of Stories Bureau

    29 min
  5. What B2B Can Learn From TikTok

    03/18/2025

    What B2B Can Learn From TikTok

    Freelance art director & designer Ben Tuber knows how to cut through the noise of a chaotic digital world, creating visuals that stop you mid-scroll and demand attention. Specializing in branding, lettering and motion, Ben typically works with high-profile B2C clients, like Netflix, HBO, Vice and Refinery 29. In this episode, Ben explains why bold, colorful, and animated visuals dominate platforms like TikTok—and how these trends are making their way into the B2B world.  We also explore how B2B brands can take inspiration from B2C marketing trends, including nostalgia-driven aesthetics, the rise of influencer-inspired content, and the increasing significance of authenticity.  Through it all, Ben shares insights into his own creative process, how he manages client feedback, and his advice for B2C designers looking to pivot into B2B.  What You’ll Learn: • The rise of maximalism in social media • The impact of TikTok on marketing • Current trends in B2C branded content for B2B • How to manage client feedback in creative work • Advice for designers transitioning to B2B Ben’s Bio: Ben Tuber is a freelance art director, graphic artist, animator, and illustrator with 7+ experience in advertising and design. A native New Yorker, Ben’s work includes traditional graphic design & layout, custom illustration and animation, as well as photography and video.  Ben’s unique style and command over a range of techniques have led him to work with clients, such as HBO, I Love New York, Warner Brothers, Showtime, TNT, and Hulu. Formerly, he was the Design Director at GLOW, having worked his way up from design intern. While there, Ben was responsible for establishing the look and feel on campaigns, ensuring they met the highest visual standards. Several projects were either nominated for or won Shorty Awards and other industry accolades. Ben is also a verified artist on GIPHY. Notably, he was among the first artists commissioned to create the now-ubiquitous GIPHY stickers, and the views on his GIPHY page are around 4 billion. He continues to collaborate with GIPHY and add to his portfolio of custom .gifs in his spare time. Graphic and advertising art are Ben's chief passion in life, and he is always looking to work in new, innovative ways that challenge him and his collaborators and surpass their expectations.  More from our guest: Ben Tuber Check out Ben’s work: bentuber.com B2B Creatively is powered by Stories Bureau. Connect with us on LinkedIn: Stories Bureau, a creative agency focused on B2B marketing and internal corporate storytelling across media Kory Grushka, Founder and Creative Director of Stories Bureau Alisa Manjarrez, Managing Director of Stories Bureau

    44 min
  6. The Art & Science of Product Marketing

    01/21/2025

    The Art & Science of Product Marketing

    Div Manickam, a product marketing leader, mentor, and author of Mastering the Art and Science of Product Marketing, shares her professional and personal journey on achieving the balance between creativity and data-driven tactics in the B2B space. Drawing on her diverse interests, including photography and writing, Div explains how creativity fuels her work in crafting compelling narratives and launching impactful campaigns. We explore the concept of "creative abundance"—finding inspiration amidst the chaos—and how this frame of mind drives Div’s approach to product marketing. From collaborating with cross-functional teams to crafting evergreen content, Div emphasizes the importance of storytelling, customer-centric strategies, and a growth mindset. She shares how her passion for exploration and innovation helps her navigate the challenges of bringing new products to market. We also get into the "CEO mindset" (curiosity, empathy, and openness) that guides Div’s leadership and mentorship. She discusses the role of authenticity and kindness in professional growth, reminding us that creativity isn’t just about output but about connecting deeply with people and ideas.  What You’ll Learn:  • Find inspiration amidst the chaos • Master the art and science of product marketing • Enhance your work through creativity • Create magic with a CEO (curiosity, empathy and openness) mindset • How to make evergreen content stand the test of time Mentioned in this Episode:  Product Marketing: Mastering the Art and Science of PMM by Div Manickam Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek Div’s Bio: Div Manickam has led B2B SaaS product marketing efforts in startups and Fortune 500 technology companies for 10+ years in collaboration with product, sales and marketing teams. Div is a neurodivine, mindful soul, who enjoys sharing experiences on neurodiversity, workplace wellbeing, career growth, authentic leadership, mindfulness, happiness, stress and anxiety, and product marketing. She is passionate about empowering folks to be their best and true authentic self. A mentor and Expert in Residence, she is recognized as one of the top 100 Product Marketing Influencers (2019-23) by the Product Marketing Alliance. As a foodie and traveler, she has explored and captured moments in nature and 80-plus cities around the world.  More from our guest: Div Manickam B2B Creatively is powered by Stories Bureau. Connect with us on LinkedIn: Stories Bureau, a creative agency focused on B2B marketing and internal corporate storytelling across media Kory Grushka, Founder and Creative Director of Stories Bureau Alisa Manjarrez, Managing Director of Stories Bureau

    35 min
  7. Managing a Global B2B Rebrand

    11/19/2024

    Managing a Global B2B Rebrand

    Creative Director of Global Brand & Design Roni Lagin shares his insights on the recent brand evolution for Equinix, the global Fortune 500 digital infrastructure company.  Roni discusses the challenges and strategies involved in managing a large-scale rebrand, including the importance of maintaining core brand principles while exploring new design directions. He emphasizes the need for strategic planning, internal and vendor collaboration, and ongoing feedback to ensure long-term growth. Roni’s takeaways provide valuable learnings for anyone embarking on a rebranding journey, showcasing the power of thoughtful design, strategic storytelling, and collaborative teamwork in shaping a brand's evolution. What You’ll Learn:  Why collaboration is crucial for a brand evolutionRolling out a rebrand strategicallyDesign forecasting and planningHow to communicate with internal teams and vendors Roni’s Bio: Roni Lagin is a multidisciplinary designer, artist, and creative director with a knack for visual storytelling. A graduate of Drexel University, Roni has worked for over 25 years with organizations, companies and people who are striving to make the world better. In 2020, Roni joined Equinix, the world’s digital infrastructure company, as Creative Director. More from our guest: Roni Lagin B2B Creatively is powered by Stories Bureau. Connect with us on LinkedIn: Stories Bureau, a creative agency focused on B2B marketing and internal corporate storytelling across media Kory Grushka, Founder and Creative Director of Stories Bureau Alisa Manjarrez, Managing Director of Stories Bureau

    39 min
  8. Product Marketing Events, Strategies & Trends

    09/19/2024

    Product Marketing Events, Strategies & Trends

    Join Kory and Alisa as they sit down with Mia Villarreal, Product Marketing Manager for VMware Tanzu at Broadcom, to explore the critical role storytelling plays in product marketing and development. Mia shares her journey from digital marketing to product marketing, where she now leads major product launches and works closely with cross-functional teams. The conversation delves into Mia’s approach to event strategy, including her involvement in VMware’s global events like VMware Explore. Mia provides insights into the complexities of merging companies post-acquisition, adapting to Broadcom’s expansive enterprise environment, and the impact of multi-cloud platforms in modern IT infrastructure. Kory, Alisa, and Mia also discuss the challenges of balancing branding with business goals in a fast-evolving tech landscape, along with how Mia’s marketing strategies help maintain customer engagement and drive growth through community events and content marketing. What You’ll Learn: The evolving role of a product marketing managerHow to leverage storytelling in product developmentEvent planning tips for large-scale tech eventsBuilding community through virtual and in-person eventsNavigating post-acquisition changes in a large enterprise Mentioned in this Episode: VMware Tanzu: A multi-cloud platform for developers and engineersVMware Explore: Annual event for IT professionals, developers, and engineers Mia's Bio: With eight years of experience, Mia Villarreal has successfully accelerated the growth of businesses by leveraging storytelling in product marketing, development, and brand campaigns. Specializing in introducing innovative products to the market, Mia has consistently delivered results in dynamic, competitive environments. She is particularly drawn to opportunities that embrace diverse perspectives within a collaborative team environment. Mia is committed to community service, leading initiatives in St. Monica's Young Ministering Adults program, including clothing drives, food distribution for the homeless, and racial justice projects. --- More from our guest: Mia Villarreal --- B2B Creatively is powered by Stories Bureau. Connect with us on LinkedIn: Stories Bureau, a creative agency focused on B2B marketing and internal corporate storytelling across media Kory Grushka, Founder and Creative Director of Stories Bureau Alisa Manjarrez, Managing Director of Stories Bureau

    43 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Covering a wide range of creative, strategic, and other relevant topics, B2B Creatively keeps you up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the B2B creative, design and marketing worlds. Hosted by Alisa Manjarrez & Kory Grushka.