Episode 8: The journey to Gymshark, with Ben Francis (Live from the Gymshark flagship store on Regent Street)
In this special episode, Nicola speaks to Ben Francis MBE, founder and CEO of the fitness brand Gymshark, from the Gymshark flagship store in London, England. Ben talks about what motivated him to found Gymshark, why he decided to take the leap and open a store, and how he continues to be inspired by the Gymshark community. He looks back on his childhood influences and forward to the future of ecommerce and the metaverse, considering how gymshark will continue to grow alongside new technologies. He also shares how the arrival of his twin boys has changed his personal and professional outlook, and how they’ve helped him to become more present.
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28:58
Episode 7: Not business as usual with Benoit Pagotto
Benoit Pagotto is co-founder of the hugely successful RTFKT Studios, a company focused on merging realities within the fashion and gaming space by creating next-gen sneakers and collectibles for the metaverse. Benoit has been involved in some amazing collaborations, with the likes of Japanese pop icon Takashi Murakami and blockchain artist FEWOCiOUS. In this episode, Benoit talks about his latest projects and what he looks for in a collaborator. He reflects on his early career and the impact of the Nike acquisition of RTFKT. And he looks to the future, talking about AI, innovation and his goals for the next 10 years.
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28:26
Episode 6: Motoring into the metaverse with Allyson Witherspoon
In this episode, Nicola speaks to Allyson Witherspoon. Having worked as a marketer in the mobility sector for over twenty years, Allyson reveals in this episode that she has recently been promoted to global CMO of Nissan. As she looks towards this exciting new chapter, Allyson reflects on her career so far, offers advice to other women working in male-dominated industries, and shares the importance of not compromising on your priorities as a leader. She explains how emerging metaverse technologies will invigorate marketing in the mobility sector through the use of virtual and augmented reality, as well as touching on the electrification of cars and how evolving technologies will make driving even safer in the future.
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31:11
Episode 5: Entertainment and the metaverse with Lindsey McInerney
In this episode, Nicola speaks with Lindsey MicInerney. Named one of ‘The 30 Most Influential People in the Metaverse’, Lindsey is the founder of Black Sun Labs, a company helping other businesses to understand the emerging metaverse. Lindsey is also CEO of Sixth Wall, the digital arm of Mila Kunis’ production company, which explores the intersection of entertainment and web3 technology. A self-confessed nerd and tech futurist, Lindsey has launched multiple projects in the metaverse including Stella Artois, in an explosive partnership with ZED RUN, a crypto horse racing game during her time as Global Head of Technology and Innovation at AB Inbev. In this episode, she tells Nicola all about her incredible career spanning web3, crypto, and NFT’s and how she believes entertainment will be the force that drives the masses to enter the metaverse.
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35:42
Episode 4: Where art knows no bounds, with Gabe Gault
Gabe Gault is without a doubt one of the most exciting artists working today. His pieces defy definition, blending classical techniques with modern mediums and reimagining what it means to ‘create.’ Gabe has become a bona fide social media sensation thanks to videos that show him painting and designing in the metaverse as well as shots from behind the scenes at the Glass City River Wall, the largest mural in the United States. In this episode, Gabe discusses his artistic inspirations, his love for subverting the norm, and his creative ambitions for the future.
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This season, Nicola Mendelsohn, VP, Meta, explores the pathways to the metaverse, meeting with the most exciting future leaders, changemakers, innovators and risk-takers of today who are weaving the tapestry of the future of the internet and the metaverse. Together, they’ll explore the now — the pioneering work they’re doing today, the then — their past and influences, and the ten— what their industry will look like 10 years from now.
Subscribe now so you don't miss out when season 3 lands!
Can't get enough? Check out seasons 1 and 2, where Nicola speaks to the driving forces behind some of the world’s most influential communities, including Depop, Comic Relief, Xbox, Condé Nast and Netflix.
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