Talk Digital To Me Podcast

There comes a point when “I’ll figure it out later” stops being a financial strategy. Spenser Liszt is a holistic financial life planner and founder of Motif Planning who helps busy parents become financial adults and make their money work for the life they actually want.In this episode, we talk about what financial adulthood really looks like, from understanding your cash flow and preparing for major life transitions to navigating investments, taxes, insurance, retirement, and the financial decisions that come with raising a family. Spenser also shares his own unconventional path into financial planning, starting with just $67 to his name as a touring musician.

Shayla Smith is a Chief Operating Officer with experience leading across operations, HR, recruiting, IT, finance, and client services. Her career has taken her through leadership roles in law, wealth management, and corporate environments, giving her a unique perspective on what it really takes to keep an organization moving. In this episode, Shayla and Nikki go behind the C-suite title to talk about the work that happens when no one is watching, the decisions, people, systems, and relationships that keep a business running. They explore what it means to navigate power structures as a minority woman, advocate for yourself in rooms where decisions are made, and balance the demands of executive leadership with motherhood. It's a conversation about the work behind leadership, the realities of being seen and heard, and building a career without leaving the rest of your life behind.

Alexander Smith has built a LinkedIn community of almost 70,000 followers by sharing his perspective on careers, content, and professional life. He's also a published author whose writing has appeared in HuffPost and USA Today.In this episode, Alexander and Nikki explore how to make LinkedIn more authentic and less performative. They discuss finding your voice, creating content that feels natural, building a genuine network, and why your personal brand doesn't have to look like everyone else's.

Gigi Robinson is a keynote speaker, bestselling author, creator economy strategist, and chronic illness advocate. Featured by Forbes, The TODAY Show, NBC, and more, she helps creators and organizations navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape.In this episode, Gigi and Nikki explore how the creator economy is changing the way people build careers and businesses. They discuss creator etiquette, the opportunities AI is creating, and what it takes to build a sustainable business in an increasingly digital world.

Mita Mallick is a two-time bestselling author and corporate changemaker on a mission to fix what's broken in today's workplaces. Drawing from decades of leadership experience in both marketing and HR, she helps organizations rethink what great leadership really looks like.In this episode, Mita and Nikki unpack the habits that create bad bosses, why toxic leadership often develops over time, and what good leaders can learn from difficult workplace experiences. They also discuss the power of community, and how Mita's LinkedIn audience helped turn her latest book into a bestseller.

Tameka Bazile has spent years helping brands grow while building a recognizable brand of her own. Through content, strategy, and community-building, she's become a trusted voice on career growth and entrepreneurship.In this episode, Tameka and Nikki discuss how professionals can build a personal brand within a corporate environment. They explore visibility, authenticity, and why creating a reputation that follows you, not just your employer, can be one of the most valuable investments in your career.

Chris Koehler brings 25 years of experience across marketing, sales, and product, giving him a unique perspective on how organizations grow and adapt to change.In this episode, Chris and Nikki explore what happens when AI becomes part of the marketing team. They discuss how AI is reshaping roles, workflows, and team structures, as well as the new skills marketers need to stay relevant. They also dive into the growing reality of creating content for both human audiences and the AI systems that increasingly influence how information is discovered.

Hailey Felt is a marketing and brand management professional with experience leading international projects across French and English markets. At MagicPost, a France-based SaaS company, she works across bilingual campaigns, influencer partnerships, and cross-channel content strategy.In this episode, Hailey and Nikki talk about how a French immersion program at age five sparked Hailey’s curiosity about the world, and how that curiosity eventually shaped her career in international marketing. They explore global experiences, creative growth, and building a career fueled by both ambition and adventure.

Sarah Whittle is the creative mind behind billions of views across brands like Crocs, Duolingo, Smosh, and more. After years in brand marketing, she recently left Duolingo to build her own creative empire as a director, producer, strategist, and creator.In this episode, Sarah and Nikki talk about navigating algorithm changes, bringing journalism instincts into social media, and why expertise is built through experience, not job titles. They also explore what it means to keep evolving in an internet-first world.

What happens when the career you’ve built no longer fits the life you want?Brett Trainor spent 25 years in corporate before stepping into a new path. Today, he’s the founder of the Escapee Collective and host of The Corporate Escapee Podcast.In this episode, Brett and Nikki talk about leaving corporate, from layoffs to intentional change, and what it means to rebuild your life around what truly matters.

There’s no single version of who we are meant to be.In this episode, Nikki speak with Jenny Altman, Brand and Editorial Director and Founder of Midlife Mom, a collective storytelling platform for mothers.We talk about how careers evolve alongside life, and how motherhood often becomes the turning point for redefining identity, direction, and success.Learn more about Midlife MomsSocialsWebsite

There’s a lot of noise in marketing, new platforms, new strategies, new rules every day. So how do you make it all work together?In this episode, Nikki talk with Kelly Byrd Marín, Head of Marketing, North America at the Project Management Institute, about navigating a multichannel world through integrated marketing.Kelly also shares how her non-linear career journey, and living across five countries, gave her a holistic approach that turns scattered channels into strategies that actually deliver.

Kaitlin Morelli, founder of Verus Collective, has helped leaders and creators unlock their voices for over a decade, through ghostwriting, executive communications, and viral social content. She’s known for blending insight, humor, and relatability to reach millions across platforms.In this episode, Kaitlin and Nikki chat about a simple but powerful idea: content creation is really just documenting your life, if you’re paying attention. They discuss how to capture authentic moments, tell stories that resonate, and use your own experiences to build meaningful connections online.

Data analytics might not sound like the recipe for viral content, unless you’re Bill Yost. A longtime Google and Netflix analytics pro turned chronic LinkedIn poster, Bill has built a following by mixing sharp industry insight with humor, relatability, and a little bit of chaos.In this episode, we talk about finding your creative lane, the unexpected pros and cons of going viral, building a community that’s deeper than your follower count, and why your “niche” might not be as narrow as you think.

When social media first appeared on the marketing scene, few saw it as a legitimate business driver. For Robyn Nissim, it wasn’t just a new channel; it was a blank canvas to create impact. In this episode, I sat down with Robyn, a LinkedIn Creator, content strategist, and fractional VP of Social, to talk about turning “just vibes” posting into measurable business results, scaling processes, building brand voice, and keeping your sanity in an industry that never stops moving.

The digital space is saturated with short form video, algorithms, growth hacks, and a never-ending chase for more views. But beneath all the viral trends, there’s a much bigger question content creators need to be asking: Are you building an audience or a real community?In this episode, I’m joined by Daniel Kading: LinkedIn Top Voice, content creator, mental health advocate, and founder of his own creative studio (but seriously, don’t call it an agency). Daniel has built a thriving business helping brands and personal creators cut through the noise with authentic content, while balancing creativity, family, and mental well-being.If you’re trying to create consistent content, navigate short form video, or just figure out how to stay sane while building your brand online, this one’s for you.

In today’s world of high-achieving professionals, many of us spend years tying our identities to job titles, companies, and external success. But what happens when you pause, whether by choice or circumstance, and take a step back? How do you redefine success on your own terms?In today’s episode, we’re exploring the power of professional pauses, the evolving seasons of career and motherhood, and what it truly means to build a life beyond your resume.Joining me is Zoé Zeigler, an award-winning marketing executive with two decades of experience leading brands like Toyota, Chase, Peloton, Google, Lyft, and Teen Vogue. Zoé has been recognized as a Marketer to Watch by Business Insider and Brand Innovators, but today, she’s sharing her personal journey of career pivots, motherhood, and how she learned to embrace the “in between.”

We’ve all had those moments where we wonder, "Do I really belong here? Am I doing a good enough job?" Imposter syndrome is real, and it’s holding way too many high achievers back from getting promoted, stepping into leadership, and getting paid what they’re worth.Today, I’m joined by Rachel Lounds, an executive and career coach who has helped countless professionals silence their self-doubt, build unshakable confidence, and finally break through to the next level in their careers.If you’ve ever felt like you’re one mistake away from being "found out" or that your success is just luck or timing, this episode is for you. Rachel is here to call BS on imposter syndrome and give you practical, no-fluff strategies to step into your power at work.

Influencer marketing isn’t just for fashion brands and TikTok dance trends anymore. It’s driving measurable impact in some of the most regulated, trust-heavy industries—including healthcare.In this episode of Talk Digital to Me, I’m joined by Keith Bendes, Chief Strategy Officer at Linqia, Forbes contributor on influencer marketing, and co-host of the Creator Economy Live podcast. With experience helping massive brands like Unilever, McDonald’s, and Pepsi navigate the creator space, Keith has seen it all—and he’s breaking down exactly how and why influencer marketing is changing the game in healthcare.

True industry disruption happens when brands challenge the status quo—but how do you truly disrupt a legacy industry? How do you build an authentic brand and scale in the face of challenges?To break it all down, I’m joined by Sara Ahmed-Holman, Chief Commercial Officer at Bobbie. If you’re unfamiliar with Bobbie, it’s the first mom-founded and led infant formula brand to enter the U.S. market in decades. They’ve been shaking up an industry dominated by giants and proving that mission-driven brands can also be category leaders.

Marketing magic happens when data fuels creativity—but how do you strike the perfect balance? How do brands predict trends before they fade? And what’s the secret to crafting high-performing campaigns that actually convert?To break it all down, I’m joined by Scott Frost, a marketing powerhouse with 15+ years of experience across agencies, brands, and partners—including Adidas, Chubbies, and Solo Brands. Now leading consumer analytics at Eli Lilly, Scott has mastered the art of moving at the speed of culture, using data to drive both brand building and performance marketing.In this episode, we’ll uncover:✔️ The secret formula for high-impact campaigns✔️ How brands can stay ahead of trends before they disappear✔️ The biggest mistakes companies make when mixing creativity with data

The digital world is crowded. Brands are constantly competing for attention, credibility, and influence. But what if instead of renting space on someone else’s platform, you could own the conversation in your industry?Today, I’m joined by Melissa Rosenthal who is helping brands do just that through a platform helping brands become the number one news source in their space. We are going to talk about how companies can take control of their brand authority, inject themselves into key conversations, and break away from outdated marketing playbooks.If you're a marketer, brand strategist, or founder trying to navigate the shifting content landscape, this episode is for you.

Today, we’re diving into one of my favorite topics—social media. It’s where brands come alive, communities thrive, and, let’s be real, trends either take off or flop spectacularly. Joining me today is someone who knows this world inside and out: Lauren Freund, Social Media Manager at Canva. Lauren has a lot of experience in marketing and digital media, and she’s absolutely mastered the art of turning likes and shares into meaningful growth.Whether it’s building community, crafting strategic engagement, or jumping on trends at just the right moment, Lauren has seen it all. We’re here to talk about how to truly master social media for growth—how to build a community that actually cares, engage in ways that make a difference, and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to trends.If you’re a marketer, brand strategist, or even just someone curious about the magic behind the posts you double-tap, this one’s for you.

When it comes to Artificial Intelligence, innovation isn’t just about cutting-edge technology—it’s about creating meaningful, human-centered experiences that make a real impact. AI has the power to transform industries, simplify everyday tasks, and solve some of the most complex challenges of our time. But how do we balance innovation with ethics and practicality?In today’s episode, we’re exploring how AI is shaping our world, the importance of responsible development, and the exciting possibilities on the horizon. Joining me is Ria Cheruvu, an AI software architect at Intel and a trailblazer in the field. At just 14 years old, Ria became Intel’s youngest-ever AI hire. Since then, she’s earned a degree in data science from Harvard, taught as an instructor, and become a passionate advocate for open-source communities and women in STEM.

What if AI could predict not just what customers want to buy, but how they make those decisions? Today, we're pulling back the curtain on the AI revolution that's transforming how brands connect with consumers—from the early adopters shaping trends ….to the skeptics who still prefer human interaction.Joining me is Michael Nevski, Director of Global Insights for Visa's Business Economics Insights team. As a self-proclaimed "recovering marketer," Michael has spent three decades turning complex consumer data into game-changing strategies, pioneering the first customer purchase journey analysis at Charles Schwab and now shaping how global brands adapt to the AI era.

In the world of healthcare marketing, creating content that connects with patients goes far beyond simply sharing information. It’s about building trust, meeting patients where they are, and crafting authentic stories that resonate. In today’s episode, we’re exploring how to prioritize content topics in healthcare—starting with what patients search for first and guiding them through every stage of their journey.Joining me is Jesse Fiest, a healthcare marketing leader with over a decade of experience in content strategy, patient engagement, and SEO. Jesse has spent her career helping healthcare brands connect with patients in meaningful and impactful ways.I’m your host, Nikki Ramirez, and this is Talk Digital To Me, a podcast where I explore the latest in digital marketing, tech, AI, innovation, and strategies for personal and professional growth. This is episode 18: Google to Diagnosis: Building Trust Through Stories.