Stephen Seidel is a multi-hyphenate creative redefining how brands, leaders, and communities connect. A former engineer turned actor and storyteller, he blends precision, empathy, and strategy to build platforms where purpose meets performance. As founder of his namesake agency and coaching practice, he’s partnered with Fortune 500s, startups, and cultural innovators—from Coca-Cola and Allergan to Clutch Coffee Bar and SeedLegals—bridging culture, commerce, and impact through authentic storyt...
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Stephen Seidel is a multi-hyphenate creative redefining how brands, leaders, and communities connect. A former engineer turned actor and storyteller, he blends precision, empathy, and strategy to build platforms where purpose meets performance. As founder of his namesake agency and coaching practice, he’s partnered with Fortune 500s, startups, and cultural innovators—from Coca-Cola and Allergan to Clutch Coffee Bar and SeedLegals—bridging culture, commerce, and impact through authentic storyt...
Stephen Seidel is a multi-hyphenate creative redefining how brands, leaders, and communities connect. A former engineer turned actor and storyteller, he blends precision, empathy, and strategy to build platforms where purpose meets performance. As founder of his namesake agency and coaching practice, he’s partnered with Fortune 500s, startups, and cultural innovators—from Coca-Cola and Allergan to Clutch Coffee Bar and SeedLegals—bridging culture, commerce, and impact through authentic storyt...
With a career spanning over 25 years, Mark Testa has defined himself as a leader in experiential design and production. As Founder and Creative Director of Mark Stephen Experiential Agency, he has built a reputation for crafting culturally relevant, immersive experiences that connect with audiences across the globe. From producing international events during his early career at Condé Nast Traveler to leading large-scale activations for brands at Essence Festival of Culture and Beautycon, Mark...
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 produ...
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 progra...
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 stori...
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 ...
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...
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 Ventur...
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 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 busi...
In this episode, Mark speaks with Cate Lochead. Cate is CMO for Snorkel AI, that enables enterprises to develop AI that works for their unique workloads. Cate is a master in marketing and building world class teams. With over 25 years of experience building high growth organizations, Cate is now a leader in AI space. In this episode we discuss: How Cate got started in Tech, her background, Marketing and AI.Cate Shares how leveraging events can elevate your brand. Cate Loche...
In this episode, Mark speaks with Jarrad Clark. Jarrad is a passionate and experienced producer with over 30 years of experience producing events in more than 20 countries. Jarrad has worked with prestigious and creative brands to deliver unforgettable experiences. Jarrad is also an advocate for sustainability, eco-friendly practices and the future of technology in the events industry. This episode we discuss: Jarrad’s background and prior experiences Sustainable practices i...
In this episode, Mark speaks with Stephanie NoNe Dunivan. Stephanie is an energetic Essence on-air personality whose hosted multiple shows and various events. She is also a professional singer, co-host of Best Friends with Benefits podcast and the VP of Video and Branded Content at Essence. This episode we discuss: Stephanie’s background and the power of persistence.Share real world experiences and valuable tips for any industry.So much more.Stephanie “NöNe” Dunivan: https://www.insta...
In this episode, Mark speaks with Marty Tennant. Marty is an award-winning sales and marketing veteran with over two decades experience in the wine experience industry. She has been named the portfolio manager of the year and is currently the Experiential Development Manager of Moet Hennessey. This episode we have a Q&A panel discussion with Marty Tennant and Carmen Jones. We discuss: Diversity and Experiential MarketingShare real world experiences. Goal help listeners c...
In this episode, Mark speaks with Courtney Brown Warren. Courtney is the Chief Marketing Officer at Kickstarter. She's been the creative force behind some of the top brands including Audible, Madison Square Garden Company and Time Inc. Courtney has over two decades of experience working with global brands across diverse industries. In this episode we discuss: Courtney’s background and how she balances creative with business Courtney shares valuable tips of pivoting and trans...
In this episode, Mark speaks with Ric Spencer. Ric is a top costumer for film and television. His work has been seen in King Richard boys in the band and the spider man franchise He's also a producer and director and is currently in production on the documentary called charivari the fashion uproar. In this episode we discuss: Ric’s background and how he turned a Help Wanted sign into a successfully career Shares what it’s like to work on Hollywood movie sets as a costumer Ri...
In this episode, Mark speaks with Ariel Foxman. Ariel is the Vice President Brand Experience of Boston Seaport, formerly the Editor in Chief of InStyle Magazine. Ariel has also been named Out Magazine's Out 100, the Business of Fashion's Top 500, and Crain's 40 Under 40, a contributing editor of Vanity Fair and a writer for Architectural Digest. In this episode we discuss: · Ariel’s background. His work as a writer, editor, and content developer. · ...
In this episode, Mark speaks with Gigi Burris. Gigi is one of fashion's top American hat designers. Gigi is a CFDA member and was named Forbes 30 under 30. Her designs have been featured in all the major publications from Vogue to Wall Street Journal. Gigi hats are worn by British royalty to celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Zoe Kravitz, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Bella Hadid, and Madonna. In this episode we discuss: Gigi shares her background and how she got started with Milline...
In this episode, Mark speaks with Chris Quidley. Chris is the director and co-founder of Quidley and Company Galleries in Florida and Nantucket. Chris works with corporate and private clients to acquire fine art and builds collections of distinction. Chris has been representing fine art for over 30 years. With a top contemporary painter as his father, and framer mother, Chris literally grew up in the art business. Chris previously worked for Christie's in London, managed several g...
In this episode, Mark speaks with Maria Clifton a.k.a DJ Ria. Maria is a successful well-known DJ for A list celebrity and events and major brands. Maria is an on-air personality for Sirius XM, Wilhelmina model, Actress, DJ, and in game host for the New York Islanders and New York Liberty. In this episode we discuss: DJ Ria background from Professional Basketball to Modeling/Acting to Hosting/DJing. How her personality and networking lead to her career journey and niche ...
Stephen Seidel is a multi-hyphenate creative redefining how brands, leaders, and communities connect. A former engineer turned actor and storyteller, he blends precision, empathy, and strategy to build platforms where purpose meets performance. As founder of his namesake agency and coaching practice, he’s partnered with Fortune 500s, startups, and cultural innovators—from Coca-Cola and Allergan to Clutch Coffee Bar and SeedLegals—bridging culture, commerce, and impact through authentic storyt...
