Earned: Unlocking the Power of the Creator Economy

In this episode of Earned, CreatorIQ Chief Partnerships Officer Tim Sovay sits down with Damon Berger, SVP of Shared Marketing Services at Gap Inc., to discuss the evolution of digital storytelling and the growing role creators play in shaping culture. With a career spanning Disney, What's Trending, Fullscreen, Mattel, and Gap Inc., Berger brings a unique perspective on how audiences, platforms, and brands have evolved over the past two decades. Tim and Damon explore why creators have become the conduit to culture, how iconic brands can stay relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape, and what marketers can learn from the rise of creator-led communities. They also discuss the importance of authenticity in creator partnerships, the future of long-form content, why YouTube remains one of the industry's biggest opportunities, and how brands can move beyond campaigns to build lasting cultural relevance. In this episode, you'll learn: Inside Gap's earned media strategy, they're working with creators to stay relevant inside internet culture instead of relying on traditional advertising What it looks like to scale an influencer program strategy from a few partnerships to tens of thousands of creators Where attention is shifting next, including YouTube, gaming communities, and other emerging digital spaces Connect with the Guest: Damon's LinkedIn - @damonberger Connect with Tim Sovay & CreatorIQ: Tim's LinkedIn - @timsovay CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

As 2025 comes to a close, Alex Rawitz—CreatorIQ's Director of Research & Insights—hosts the final How to Build Brands and Influence People: Live of the year with a special crossover guest: Brit Starr, CreatorIQ's Chief Marketing Officer and host of the Earned podcast. Together, they unpack the biggest creator marketing shifts of 2025 and lay out what brands should prepare for in 2026. Brit names 2025 the year the creator economy became inevitable—an inflection point where creators moved from "nice to have" to a true business imperative. They dig into the data behind that momentum, including a major budget realignment: creator marketing investment surged, with significant net-new budget coming from traditional and paid advertising. The takeaway is clear—creators didn't just stay relevant; they took a bigger share of center stage. From there, the conversation turns to brand safety—why it became a top priority for enterprise brands and agencies, and how safety and suitability now go beyond binary "safe/not safe" decisions into nuanced, values-based alignment. Alex and Brit also explore the evolving role of AI in creator marketing, where adoption is growing but audiences (and creators) are signaling a renewed preference for human-led authenticity. Finally, they look at the platform landscape heading into 2026—why YouTube may be poised for a breakout year, how LinkedIn is evolving into a true creator platform, and why multi-platform strategy and tighter community-building will define what's next. In this episode, you'll learn: How creator marketing matured in 2025 and what that means for budget and planning decisions in 2026. Why brand safety and suitability are now prerequisites for scaling creator programs. Where AI supports creator programs and where human judgment still matters most. Connect with the Guest Host: Alex's LinkedIn - @alex-rawitz-1a8353b2 Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit's LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In this episode of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Nina Zadeh, co-founder of Sidewalker Daily, to explore the evolving landscape of the creator economy and the transition of creators into savvy entrepreneurs. Nina shares her extensive experience in brand management and offers invaluable insights into how creators can strategically position themselves as essential partners to brands. The discussion highlights the significance of long-term partnerships, the role of data transparency, and the need for fair compensation, as creators increasingly take control of their business relationships. Listeners will gain an understanding of the strategic shifts expected in 2025, where creators are adopting a business-minded approach, utilizing financial tools like P&L statements, and tailoring content to meet the specific demands of platforms such as YouTube and Substack. This episode is packed with strategies for monetization and audience engagement, emphasizing the importance of exclusive, platform-specific content to build deeper connections with followers. Join us as we uncover the future of content creation, brand collaboration, and business innovation, setting the stage for creators to achieve sustainable success in the digital world. In this episode, you'll learn: The business skills creators need to set their value and present it effectively. Where creators are finding growth today across social platforms and audience behaviors. What creators can do to build stronger businesses as they shift toward strategic, ongoing partnerships. Connect with the Guest: Nina's LinkedIn - @nina-zadeh Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit's LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ Where to find SideWalker: Website: https://sidewalkerdaily.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidewalkerdaily/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SidewalkerDaily Free Trainings: https://sidewalkerdaily.com/trainings/

In this episode of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Alisa Metzger, co-founder of INNBEAUTY Project, to explore her journey from leading roles at beauty giants like L'Oréal and La Prairie to building her own clean, vegan, affordable skincare brands. Alisa shares how her passion for beauty and marketing fueled the creation of INNBEAUTY Project with co-founder Jen Shane, and how they're redefining customer engagement in a rapidly evolving market. You'll hear how INNBEAUTY Project emerged to fill a critical gap in skincare—blending scientific rigor with storytelling to create meaningful connections. Despite launching amid the global pandemic, Alisa's focus on authenticity, innovation, and quality helped both brands thrive. She also breaks down the power of strategic partnerships, from collaborations with Sephora to working with creators who truly embody the brand's values. Tune in to celebrate the women shaping the future of beauty. Alisa's story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose—a testament to how innovation and genuine storytelling can spark lasting impact across the industry. In this episode, you'll learn: How INNBEAUTY produces content based on product performance and customer feedback, not trends. The importance of partnering with creators based on relevance and making sure they have authentic connections to the product. Why customer education creates deeper brand affinity than hype. Connect with the Guest: Alisa's LinkedIn - @alisa-metzger-3301489 Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit's LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Episode 183 of Earned, CreatorIQ's Chief Marketing Officer Brit Starr sits down with Liz Gramp, VP of Marketing and Communications at Moose Toys, to explore how the brand brings play to life through characters kids love—like Bluey and Little Live Pets. Liz pulls back the curtain on Moose's approach to capturing attention during the all-important July–December season, guiding caregivers through purchase decisions, and keeping kids engaged through platforms like Instagram and TikTok. We also dig into YouTube's evolving role in toy marketing, from the rise of scripted content to building authentic creator partnerships with names like MrBeast. Liz shares how Moose's signature "Aussie audaciousness" fuels bold product innovation (yes, even the Fart Blaster) and inspires collaboration across teams and creators alike. As the conversation wraps, Liz reflects on the universal power of play to connect generations and cultures. She also underscores Moose's commitment to building an inclusive, diverse team that shapes campaigns with global resonance. The result? A brand that balances creativity, community, and impact—showing just how meaningful toys can be in bringing people together. In this episode, you'll learn: About Moose's family-owned, disruptive culture, and how they build global toy brands. Why Moose Toys thinks of audiences rather than ages when they go to market. The strategies behind launching new products on an intense, short timeline. Connect with the Guest: Liz's LinkedIn - @lizgrampp Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit's LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Episode 181 of Earned, CreatorIQ's Chief Marketing Officer Brit Starr sits down with Christina McGonagle—Chief Marketing Officer of Outcast, the bold Australian fashion brand taking the world by storm—to unpack how a bikini startup transformed into a global powerhouse. From its humble beginnings selling swimwear out of a bedroom, Outcast has grown into an international sensation, fueled by a fearless brand identity and a savvy embrace of influencer marketing. Today, the U.S. accounts for 70% of its revenue, thanks to immersive brand activations that go far beyond photo ops and create experiences customers can't forget. Christina shares the strategic bets that have propelled Outcast toward the $100 million milestone, from investing in team culture to weaving influencers directly into advertising and product development. She also takes us inside the brand's expansion into the UK, with a new warehouse and dedicated site designed to elevate customer experience. Along the way, Christina highlights how Outcast keeps customer engagement playful and personal through initiatives like the Heartbreak Hotel loyalty program and the Lake Club Outcast community. At the core, she makes a compelling case for balancing technology with real human connection—showing how Outcast is redefining authentic engagement in a digital-first fashion landscape. In this episode, you'll learn: How Outcast turned influencer partnerships and organic gifting into a growth engine, driving US sales to 70% of total revenue. Why immersive, unconventional events are key to Outcast's brand strategy and build lasting community engagement. The strategy behind scaling a fashion brand from a small Australian startup to nearly $100 million in revenue while staying true to its core identity. Connect with the Guest: Christina's LinkedIn - @christina-mcgonagle-0705663a Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit's LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In this special episode of Earned, we're compiling the best moments from our conversations with five powerhouse beauty brand founders: Sarah Gibson Tuttle of Olive & June, Lilly Ghalichi of Lilly Lashes, Rea Ann Silva of Beautyblender, Taylor Frankel of Nudestix, Courtney Shields of DIBS, and Deepica Mutyala of Live Tinted. Tune in to hear how these women transformed personal inspiration and experiences into globally recognized beauty brands. We dive into the emotional and strategic aspects of entrepreneurship, highlighting the role of empathy and leadership in driving brand success, before discussing the importance of flexibility, resilience, and maintaining authenticity amidst growth challenges. We also examine the effective role of influencer marketing in their business strategies, emphasizing the significance of organic promotion and community engagement. Learn how to navigate entrepreneurial challenges, the importance of quality products and strong teams, and the emotional highs and lows that accompany business growth. In this episode, you'll learn: What the most successful beauty founders know about building brands that outlive trends, and how they keep consumers coming back. How the beauty industry has shifted over the years, and what today's founders are doing differently to grow their brands. What aspiring founders need to hear before they start, from emotional endurance to building the right team. Connect with the Guests: Sarah Gibson Tuttle's LinkedIn - @gibsontuttle Lilly Ghalichi's LinkedIn - @lilly-ghalichi-a93654139 Rea Ann Silva's LinkedIn - @reaannsilva Taylor Frankel's LinkedIn - @taylor-frankel-0ab0b5102 Courtney Shields' Instagram - @courtney_shields Deepica Mutyala's LinkedIn - @deepica-mutyala-0a063711 Connect with Conor Begley & CreatorIQ: Conor's LinkedIn - @conormbegley CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ

In Episode 178 of Earned, CreatorIQ CMO Brit Starr sits down with Shima Katouzian, powerhouse beauty creator (@sheemoma on Instagram, 2.8M followers) and founder of BODO Makeup. To start, we dive into Shima's remarkable journey from Tesla employee to beloved Instagram influencer who's fostered a community of nearly 3 million passionate fans. We learn how during the COVID-19 pandemic, Shima discovered her passion for content creation through her desire for authenticity and a deep connection to her Iranian roots. Shima reveals how her decision to create content in her native language of Farsi, despite the challenges it posed for brand recognition, allowed her to build a genuine and tight-knit community. We then hear how Shima manifested her dream brand partnerships through intentionality and positivity. To close the show, Shima underscores the importance of staying true to oneself, building genuine connections, and fostering a collaborative community—three things that have been integral to her success. In this episode, you'll learn: Why creators who stay true to their native language and culture often drive deeper engagement and better performance. What many brands get wrong about short-term influencer campaigns, and how to build high-return partnerships that last. How Shima helped turn followers into loyal brand advocates by inviting her audience into every step of the product development process. Connect with the Guest: Shima's LinkedIn - @shima-katouzian Shima's Instagram - @sheemoma Connect with Brit Starr & CreatorIQ: Brit's LinkedIn - @britmccorquodale CreatorIQ LinkedIn - @creatoriq Follow us on social: CreatorIQ YouTube - @CreatorIQOfficial CreatorIQ Instagram - @creatoriq CreatorIQ TikTok - @creator.iq CreatorIQ Twitter - @CreatorIQ