Under the Brand

The story behind the AI systems that move billions on Wall Street began with one thing first: a belief strong enough to outlast the noise.In this final segment of my conversation with Dr. Craig A. Kaplan, he shares how this mindset shaped his work when he founded Predict Wall Street. Many questioned the idea early on, but he stayed the course.By combining insights from millions of everyday investors, he built a collective intelligence system that powered a hedge fund ranked in the top 10, outperforming most of the Wall Street pros. That same mindset is what he now applies to AI safety.Listen now.

Long before modern AI systems existed, one of the greatest minds of the 20th century defined the limits of intelligence.Dr. Craig A. Kaplan, an AI pioneer and creator of Open Democratic Frameworks for Safe Superintelligence, shared insights from his time collaborating with Herbert A. Simon during his PhD program at Carnegie Mellon University:“Reason is wholly instrumental. It cannot tell us where to go. At best, it can tell us how to get there.”No level of intelligence can determine what is right or wrong. Values do not come from computation. They have to be given, guided by human judgment and values.And as AI becomes more powerful, that responsibility only grows clearer.

We often talk about AI as a powerful tool, but what happens when it grows faster than our ability to guide it?In part two of my conversation with Dr. Craig A. Kaplan, an AI pioneer, we explore the real risks behind how superintelligence is being built today. Craig has been ahead of this curve for decades, developing frameworks that prioritize people over processing power and offering a perspective that feels more urgent than ever.If you’re thinking about where AI is headed next, this is a conversation you do not want to miss.

AI is already outperforming humans in certain areas. The bigger question is what happens next?In this episode of Under the Brand, Dr. Craig A. Kaplan, an AI pioneer and creator of Open Democratic Frameworks for Safe Superintelligence, shares the phases of AI, what shifts as we move toward superintelligence and why risk rises with capability as systems get stronger and safety has to keep pace.Listen now.

Imagine audio couture for your ears, finished in diamonds and gold. ✨In this episode, Bear Clark, founder of T10 Bespoke, joins me to talk about the process of crafting the world’s first in-ear computers and why clients choose them as deeply personal investments. Check out my YouTube channel for a closer look at one of his most striking, handcrafted pieces.

What if your next piece of jewelry could completely level up how you experience sound?Bear Clark, founder of T10 Bespoke, joined me on Under the Brand to discuss the creation of the world’s first in-ear computers, built for immersive audio and designed with the craftsmanship of fine jewelry.If you love luxury, innovation and wearable tech that redefines what’s possible, don’t miss this episode.

Will AI take over jobs? The truth is, we’re not actually prepared to adapt to its speed, but the key to keeping up is how we scale our workforce.→ You need futurists who can spot trends + anticipate where opportunities exist + act on those.→ Not everyone adapts at the same pace. Having a culture of compassion gives your team space to grow.Hear how we’re building an AI-ready workforce at my agency. Listen now.

AI isn’t just shaking industries up; it’s revealing the cracks we can’t ignore. 🚨→ Training gaps are widening.→ The middle class is at serious risk.→ Leadership in this era demands a serious overhaul.I dive into these issues in this episode. Listen now to get my take on how we can tackle these challenges head-on.

Glow at 45+, from the inside out. 🪞✨Here’s the routine that’s kept my skin glowing through hectic days and constant travel.I focus on what I put into my body first: protein, collagen and minerals.Then, what I apply to my skin: gentle cleanse, peptides, retinoid and SPF every day.Some of my favorites:EVOLVE: Plant-Based Protein PowerVital Proteins: Collagen CreamerBloom: Greens & Superfoods & Colostrum & Collagen Peptides (add to morning smoothie)Listen now and share this with a friend who’s all about that lit-from-within look.

How can companies prepare for investment and M&A in a market shaped by AI, data privacy and cybersecurity?Greg Kratofil, one of the Midwest’s most influential dealmakers at the intersection of law, technology and investment and Kansas City Co-Office Managing Partner at Polsinelli, joined me to talk about how legal structure, compliance and innovation strategy are reshaping growth and dealmaking today.His advice? Prepare early, keep a clean cap table and make sure your IP is fully protected before you ever enter negotiations.Listen to the full episode now!

In this AI-first era, agencies and marketers will either thrive or get crushed if they don’t adapt. Will you survive the shift? 👀Kurt Ruf, founder of Ruf AI, joins me to talk about what it really takes to thrive through today’s disruption. We’re talking about turning data into actual wins, navigating the shift from dashboards to real-time intelligence and much more.Whether you're an agency owner, a brand strategist or a CMO, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about the future of marketing.

Is advanced technology really our biggest win… or is it becoming our biggest threat?On this episode of Under the Brand, I talk with Dr. Trei McMullen, CEO of SYOTOS Technology, about the biggest security threats emerging right now:• The hidden dangers of drones • Increasing insider threats• How economic pressure is fueling these risks and moreListen to the full conversation now! 

What are the world’s top MedTech leaders doing to stay ahead of the curve?In this episode of Under the Brand, I’m joined by Matt Valego, chief commercial officer, and Lindsay Jankovic, director of marketing, from Lumitex for a bold conversation about the strategies, innovations and branding moves shaping the future of medical technology today.

In this episode of Under the Brand, I sat down with luxury hospitality leader Wael Gharib, Director of Guest Experience. From launching five-star properties to redefining what it means to lead with empathy, Wael shares how high-touch service still wins in a world chasing automation.📌 Topics covered:• What really defines luxury in hospitality• Robot concierge services vs. human connection• Guest-centric operations and emotional brand loyalty• Behind-the-scenes leadership that shapes 5-star brands👀 Listen now to discover how luxury is still deeply human.

20 years later, I finished what I started.I began Taekwondo in college, but life pulled me in other directions. Over two decades later, I came back — and this time, I wasn’t alone. I returned to the mat with my daughter and together, we earned our black belts.This journey wasn't just about martial arts. It was about consistency, courage and following through, qualities that matter just as much in business as they do in the studio.

How far can marketing hype carry a brand?Mark Mazzarese, a fifth-generation jeweler, and I cover: → When storytelling and influencers outshine real craftsmanship → Surprising lessons from luxury fakes and fails → What makes a brand genuinely high-end today → How custom tech like in-ear computers is changing the game → Why perception often beats product qualityListen now!

Is AI taking over jobs?Join me for an honest conversation with April Sabral, a trailblazing retail leader, about AI’s role in the workplace.

Discover what really drives creator-brand success with influencer Molly Kuplen & head of influencer marketing Maren Kollhus.From luxury collabs to true ROI, this is influencer marketing without the fluff.

Rugby doesn’t come to mind when you think of Miami… but the Sharks changed that. 🏉Tomas Ordonez, head of growth for the Miami Sharks, joined me to talk about launching a pro team in a city packed with sports legends, and building a fanbase from day one.“When they heard about the Miami Sharks being a new thing, they were super excited. They actually started reaching out to us and saying, hey, this is me. How can we help?”💡 If you’re building from the ground up, this is your case study in community-first growth!

🎙️ In this new episode of Under the Brand, I reveal one of my favorite AI tools already transforming our PR strategies.We've only been using this tool for about a month and have already secured major national news coverage for clients in financial services and aviation.Check it out now!

Are you curious what inspired my podcast, Under the Brand? 🎙️My background in journalism sparked a love for sharing powerful stories — the people, passion and ideas behind some of the world’s most well-known brands and exciting new ventures!Check out the full episode now to hear how it all started! 

This week on Under the Brand, I’m sharing the second part of my conversation with Kurt Holden and Jeff Groth, the founders of J Michael’s Tavern & Grille!They talk about their perspective on working with influencers, the most rewarding part of launching the restaurant, how the pandemic influenced their approach to business and the advice they’d give those looking to launch a brand or a restaurant.Check it out the full episode now!

In this week’s episode of Under the Brand, I sat down with Kurt Holden and Jeff Groth, the founders of J Michael’s Tavern & Grille, Stuart, Florida’s newest destination for refined dining, live music and sports.They share what inspired them to open the restaurant, the key lessons they’ve learned along the way, what it takes to stand out in a crowded market and much more. Jeff also shares his journey, starting as a dishwasher and working his way up!🎥  Watch the full episode now and stay tuned for Part 2.Congratulations to Kurt and Jeff on their grand opening!

With new tariffs causing uncertainty in the stock market, many businesses are feeling the pressure. 📈In the latest episode of my new podcast, Under the Brand, I share my thoughts on navigating these uncertain times by staying consistent and true to your brand.🎥  Watch the full video now and stay tuned for the next episode!