How Curiosity Built a Global Creative Agency | Aleks Lason of Chrillex

Aleks Lason is the co-founder and COO of Chrillex, a creative agency specializing in branded content that’s worked with brands like Puma, Under Armour, Ikea, and Kylie Cosmetics. She and her husband Chris started the company in Toronto, expanded to Los Angeles, and now lead teams across North America. Along the way, they’ve built a reputation for blending bold creative ideas with sharp marketing strategy, long before social media advertising became the norm. Aleks shares her journey from Poland to Canada, the leap from media arts student to creative entrepreneur, and how curiosity and risk-taking shaped her career. She opens up about building a business with her partner, navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and why defining success on your own terms is the most powerful choice you can make. Chapters 00:00 Meet Aleks Lason 04:10 From Poland to Canada: Early Years 08:25 Discovering a Passion for Storytelling and Media Arts 12:15 How Aleks and Chris Met and Started Chrillex 17:20 Early Creative Wins and Global Brand Collaborations 21:45 The Leap from Side Projects to Full-Time Business 26:09 Why Risk-Taking Leads to Growth 27:53 The Role of Curiosity in Long-Term Success 34:10 Scaling Across North America 39:20 Lessons from Working with High-Profile Brands 44:30 Balancing Business and Partnership 50:40 Overcoming Challenges and Refocusing on Goals 56:15 Discovering Her Own Power Through Entrepreneurship 01:03:18 “I’m Exactly Who I’m Supposed to Be” 01:06:50 What’s Next for Aleks Lason and Chrillex The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices