Creating The Perfect Experience

Mark Testa
  • 4.9（8則評分）
  • 職業
  • 每月更新

Get ready for an immersive experience where creativity knows no bounds. Welcome to the world of CREATING THE PERFECT EXPERIENCE podcast. Immerse yourself in riveting conversations with masterminds behind unforgettable moments, as they take you on a journey through an ever-evolving, dynamic landscape of live experiences.  We unravel the secrets of success, share pearls of wisdom, and unveil groundbreaking concepts. Your host for this adventure is Mark Testa.  As the Founder and Creative Director of Mark Stephen Experiential Agency, Mark has over two decades of design and production expertise.  Tune in and discover the magic behind crafting extraordinary experiences that leave an impressionable mark in the hearts and minds of all who encounter them. This is CREATING THE PERFECT EXPERIENCE – where passion meets inspiration.

  1. 9月4日

    Carlos Benjamin: How Investing in People Shapes Experiences

    With a career defined by cultural connection and creative leadership, Carlos Benjamin is a dynamic force in the experiential marketing industry. As the founder of High Profile Lifestyle, he builds elite, culturally aligned teams that bring brand stories to life through authentic, high-energy experiences. His work spans collaborations with Oprah Winfrey, Disney, the NBA, Pepsi, and the Essence Festival, as well as advocacy-driven initiatives like the AAPF’s HBCU Banned Books Tour. Beyond production, Carlos is a fierce advocate for freelancers, spearheading ventures like Freelancers Unplugged and The Ambassador’s Alliance to create stability, access, and opportunity for independent talent. Known as a connector, a mentor, and an artist in his own right, Carlos is reshaping the future of live experiences and the freelance economy. This episode we discuss: Carlos shares his unconventional career path and the pivotal choices that led him into experiential marketing.Why mentorship has been a cornerstone in his journey, and how he now mentors others to pay it forward.The importance of investing in yourself — financially, creatively, and personally — to sustain growth in a demanding industry.How Carlos approaches building culturally aligned teams that embody the brands they represent.The story behind Freelancers Unplugged and The Ambassador’s Alliance, and how they aim to transform the freelance economy.Lessons on resilience: why going further often means going through more.Carlos’s advice to emerging professionals about creating your own opportunities and leaning into mentorship at every stage of your career.Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at: https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/ Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/ Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

    45 分鐘

  2. 8月7日

    Give Me Feedback or Give Me Nothing: A Guide to Active Listening

    With over 20 years of experience, Staci Hallmon is a respected business development strategist known for transforming brands through innovative experiential and live event strategies that connect business lines, talent, and consumers. As founder of SHB Enterprises, she leads a firm that builds scalable, revenue-generating platforms for Fortune 500 companies, media brands, and nonprofits. Her leadership roles at Endeavor | IMG | On Location and BET Networks saw her launch groundbreaking programs, drive revenue growth, and pioneer hybrid event models. A recognized industry expert and frequent speaker, she is also deeply committed to community impact through her work with Project Morry. This episode we discuss: Staci shares her creative roots in theater and how directing live performance shaped her approach to experiential events.She breaks down her “Golden Triangle” framework: aligning audience, brand, and community impact.We dive into the origin story of Essence Festival’s Beauty Carnival and what it took to scale it into a major success.She offers real talk on sponsorship strategy—why “cool” isn’t enough, and how brands can create meaningful, measurable engagement.Staci’s advice for young professionals: embrace feedback, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to start overStaci’s advice for clients: know your goals, trust your experts, and be honest about your thresholds for successThe value of active listening, mentorship, and feedback culture in creative teamsThanks for tuning in. Check us out at: https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/ Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

    50 分鐘

  3. 6月5日

    Embrace the Unexpected. Own Your Creative Journey.

    James Aguiar is a celebrated fashion director, creative consultant, and television host with a dynamic career spanning over 25 years. From his early days dressing mannequins in Macy’s windows to becoming fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman and creative director of Isaac Mizrahi Live, James has helped shape the voice of fashion across print, television, and retail. He has worked with some of the world’s top luxury brands, appeared on major TV networks, and produced unforgettable fashion stories at Modern Luxury. Known for his theatrical flair and deep industry knowledge, James brings a singular perspective that blends glamour, grit, and authenticity. This episode we discuss: James’ unconventional path from NYC nightlife to window dressing at Macy’s and Bergdorf GoodmanHow he broke into fashion editorial without formal trainingHis transition into television, hosting Full Frontal Fashion and red carpet coverageLeading Modern Luxury’s fashion direction across 18 titles and redefining regional luxuryHis current role with Isaac Mizrahi Live and lessons learned navigating between luxury and mass-marketJames’ perspective on patience, style identity, and owning a nonlinear creative journeyWhy he believes “jobs are rented, careers are owned”A preview of his upcoming podcast, Label Queen, exploring identity, perception, and style beyond designer tagsThanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

    42 分鐘

  4. 5月1日

    How To Create Natural Conversations, in Unnatural Environments

    In this episode, Mark speaks with Richelle Carey. Richelle Carey is an award-winning international journalist and moderator, known for her work with CNN and Al Jazeera America. With over two decades in journalism, Richelle has anchored major broadcasts, reported internationally, and now facilitates real conversations with global changemakers at leadership forums, summits, and events such as the Doha Forum. Today, she focuses on moderating major conferences across a range of topics, combining her sharp journalism skills with an authentic, conversational style that engages audiences worldwide. This episode we discuss: Richelle’s unconventional path into journalism and her early career lessonsHow she transitioned from local news to CNN, and later Al Jazeera in Doha, QatarThe differences between American media and international journalismHow moderating live events compares to traditional news anchoringRichelle’s approach to creating authentic conversations, even in high-pressure environmentsHer advice for creating better panels and interviews through preparation, empathy, and real connectionThanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

    48 分鐘

  5. 4月3日

    How Lighting Can Tell a Story in an Experience with Pamela Kupper

    In this episode, Mark speaks with Pamela Kupper. Pamela Kupper, Founder of Thesan, is a theatrical lighting designer with over 25 years of experience across theater, opera, events, architecture, and fashion. She brings a holistic approach to every project, balancing function and beauty. Pamela also has a background in project management and has worked on landmark façade lighting. She continues to design for live theater and events, staying current with the evolving needs of modern productions. She is a member of United Scenic Artists Local 829. This episode we discuss: Pamela’s background and early career challengesPamela shares her path from theater to corporate, fashion, and broadcast lighting.She explains how lighting shapes emotion and tells a story.Her process blends creativity with technical precision.Highlights a mountain lighting project driven by storytelling. Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

    42 分鐘

  6. 3月6日

    From Fashion to the Red Carpet: The Art of the Perfect Shot with Luciana Pampalone

    In this episode, Mark speaks with Luciana Pampalone.  Luciana is an award-winning photographer and artist with over 30 years of global experience. Her work has been featured at top galleries in New York and Miami, as well as magazines and books, including Perfect Entertaining. Based on her contributions to the creative arts, she has been named George Wayne's Top 100 Creative Influencers.  This episode we discuss:  Luciana’s background and early career challenges.Creative Ventures, Art Projects, AI in photography. Industry evolution & her personal insights. Message behind her Crowns.Share stories, tips serving clients & so much more  Luciana Pampalone:  https://www.lucianapampalonestudios.com/  https://www.instagram.com/lucianapampalone?igsh=MWg0djk5dGUwdjVraQ== https://www.instagram.com/dream_team_creatives1?igsh=MWx5d2d0cTNzdjZrZQ==  https://www.dreamteam-creatives.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/profile/in/lucianapampalone https://a.co/d/7USTwD2 https://a.co/d/3yeU3UK https://a.co/d/97iIqtw Mark Testa:  https://www.markstephenagency.com info@markstephenagency.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/ https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

    39 分鐘

  7. 2月5日

    How to Create Bespoke Fashion Events While Empowering Women with Adrianne Mellen

    In this episode, Mark speaks with Adrianne Mellen. Adrianne Owner and Lead Planner of Propeller US. She began her career in publishing from Vogue to Real Simple. In 2009 she launched her own successful event planning business that has evolved to a more purposeful driven company that empowers women in business and life. Adrianne recently launched a new venture that creates bespoke experiences at New York Fashion Week.  This episode we discuss:  Adrianne’s background and early career in Publishing.Networking & Determination. The transition to Event Planning & Launching Propeller. Share stories, tips serving clients & Fashion Week Experiences.So much more Adrianne Mellen: https://propeller-us.com/ Email: letsgo@propeller-us.com Email: amellenramstack@gmail.com Mark Testa https://www.markstephenagency.com info@markstephenagency.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/ https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

    45 分鐘

  8. 1月9日

    Behind the Scenes of Event Security: From A-Listers to Gatecrashers with Ty Yorio

    In this episode, Mark speaks with Ty Yorio. Ty a leader in event security. His company keeps high profile events safe and secure with a degree in criminal justice. He became a New York city police officer, then detective. After he retired, he founded Citadel security, providing services to New York fashion week to freeze art fair.  This episode we discuss:  Ty’s background in Law Enforcement to how he started the business Share stories and tips serving the clients in this business “Stay Focused, give the client what they need” So much more  Ty Yorio: https://www.citadelsecurityagency.com/ Mark Testa https://www.markstephenagency.com info@markstephenagency.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/mark-stephen-design-&-production/ https://www.instagram.com/markstephenea/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK13o22i4RxQvbAgwwlh9tQ?view_as=subscriber  Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

    46 分鐘
顯示全部 (53)

4.9
（滿分 5 顆星）
8 則評分

簡介

Get ready for an immersive experience where creativity knows no bounds. Welcome to the world of CREATING THE PERFECT EXPERIENCE podcast. Immerse yourself in riveting conversations with masterminds behind unforgettable moments, as they take you on a journey through an ever-evolving, dynamic landscape of live experiences.  We unravel the secrets of success, share pearls of wisdom, and unveil groundbreaking concepts. Your host for this adventure is Mark Testa.  As the Founder and Creative Director of Mark Stephen Experiential Agency, Mark has over two decades of design and production expertise.  Tune in and discover the magic behind crafting extraordinary experiences that leave an impressionable mark in the hearts and minds of all who encounter them. This is CREATING THE PERFECT EXPERIENCE – where passion meets inspiration.

資訊

  • 創作者
    Mark Testa
  • 活躍年代
    2021年 - 2025年
  • 集數
    53
  • 年齡分級
    兒少適宜
  • 版權
    © 2025 Creating The Perfect Experience
  • 節目網站
    Creating The Perfect Experience

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