Unmissables with Ariba Jahan

Hosted by Ariba Jahan

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Mar 2026

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Unmissables is a podcast about technology, behavior, and trust. Host Ariba Jahan talks with builders, strategists, and leaders about the things they're sitting with — what they're building, the tensions they're working through, and the questions they keep coming back to. Some episodes go deep on a single product or decision. Some zoom out to the systems underneath. How products earn loyalty, how data practices shape what gets prioritized, how AI is changing what companies build and how people respond to it. Each episode is built around one thing worth not missing. You'll leave with a framework, a question, or a pattern you won't stop noticing. The companion newsletter goes deeper with analysis, curated reads, and original writing on the same territory. Subscribe at www.unmissables.xyz www.unmissables.xyz

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15 recent

March 5, 2026Episode 649 min

The Biggest Competitor to Your Product Might Be Paper | Daniel Burka, Mahima Chandak & Elyce Cole, Hard Problems

What if the hardest part of building technology isn’t the interface, it’s earning a place in systems that already work?Daniel Burka left Google Ventures to spend eight years building health tech in rural clinics across India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka. Mahima Chandak builds AI-powered screening tools for frontline healthcare workers. Elyce Cole is the organizational psychologist focused on the power structures and team dynamics that determine whether technology actually reaches the people it's meant to serve.Together they co-founded Hard Problems, a not-for-profit with a goal to help more technologists to work on the world's hardest problems, like climate change and public health. Their platform Simple is used a million times a month to manage hypertension across some of the most constrained clinical environments on the planet.In this conversation: why paper was their real competition, what it takes to get a clinical visit down to 13 seconds of data entry, why they deliberately hid individual productivity from managers, and what co-design looks like when your government partner is going through a coup.Follow along00:54 — Introduction02:05 — What Hard Problems is and why they named it that07:12 — Paper as competition10:51 — The psychology of change12:44 — 13 seconds: designing a clinical visit17:49 — What they let go of20:34 — Data, surveillance, and system design25:02 — Co-design with nurses29:21 — Co-design with governments32:22 — From shipping to sustaining35:52 — The beachhead analogy37:37 — How to enter the space39:27 — AI at the edge: oral cancer screening44:09 — The unmissableFor complete list of takeaways, recap & resources, visit https://unmissables.substack.com/p/ep-15-hard-problemsEnjoying Unmissables? A ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on Spotify and a review on Apple helps more people find the show. 🫶🏽 Get full access to Unmissables at www.unmissables.xyz/subscribe

January 28, 2026Episode 553 min

The Behaviors You Reward Are Your Real Culture | Kit Krugman, Foursquare

What happens when you stop talking about culture and start designing it like a system?In this episode, I talk with Kit Krugman, SVP of People & Culture at Foursquare, about what it actually takes to build organizations that move fast without burning people out. Kit spent years advising companies like LinkedIn, Microsoft, and CHANEL on organizational design at co:collective. Now she’s doing the work from the inside—redesigning how Foursquare operates at the level of behaviors, feedback loops, and everyday decisions.We dig into how she audited Foursquare’s performance system and found a “collection of parts” instead of an ecosystem. How her team moved from annual reviews to real-time, peer-based impact tracking. What it looked like to return to office three days a week and what the data actually showed (an 83% jump in cross-functional collaboration). And the provocative experiments they’re running: stripping out meetings, flattening structures, and letting people feel what’s missing before adding it back.Kit doesn’t treat culture as a brand exercise. She treats it as a behavioral system, one you either design intentionally or inherit by default.What we explore in this episode* Why the behaviors your system rewards are your real culture* How Foursquare shifted from effort tracking to impact tracking* What Kit learned from auditing who was succeeding and who wasn’t* The tension between trusting people and holding them accountable (especially with RTO)* Her “Maslow’s hierarchy” of people practices and what self-reinforcing culture actually looks like* A reframe on burnout: it’s not about hours, it’s about disconnection* Why storytelling is context, and how micro-narratives shape whether people feel valued* The career move everyone called a dead end that changed everythingFollow along02:04 – What Foursquare does today06:03 – From advisor to operator09:58 – What's breaking inside companies right now14:35 – The 83% collaboration jump15:49 – Defining culture: behaviors rewarded and repeated17:47 – Culture debt21:55 – Redesigning performance at Foursquare29:11 – Maslow's hierarchy of people practices31:01 – You can't coach speed40:11 – The provocative experiments46:07 – Rapid fire + the dead-end job that changed everything49:48 – Sturdy leadershipIf this resonated, subscribe, and share with someone who should be in the future you’re building.Takeaways, Signals to Watch & Resources here: unmissableswithariba.comWhere to find Kit Krugman (LinkedIn )Where to find Ariba Jahan ( Linkedin , Instagram )Newsletter: unmissableswithariba.comEnjoying Unmissables? A quick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on Spotify + a review on Apple helps more people find the show. Thank you! 🫶🏽 Get full access to Unmissables at www.unmissables.xyz/subscribe

September 17, 2025Episode 41 hr 2 min

Beyond Dystopia: Designing Futures You Can Live In | Keely Adler & Caitlin Keeley, RADAR

Most futures work stops at trend decks that never leave the room. RADAR is doing something different. As a digital cooperative, they turn collective imagination into practice—research cycles, rituals, grants, and cultural artifacts people can actually use.I’m joined by Keely Adler (Head of Practice) and Caitlin Keeley (Head of Imagination) to talk about futures you can live in—not just look at. We get into “mundane futures,” why optimism needs rigor, how love and psychological safety show up as design tools, and crossing the “yearning gap” from longing to action.What we exploreWhy “shiny, robotic” futures leave people out—and how to fix itPrototyping futures in public (not behind closed decks)“Mundane futures” as a design test for what’s livableLove and psychological safety as real infrastructureRituals, artifacts, and cooperative ownershipCrossing the yearning gap with small, repeated actionsFollow along00:00 — Introduction to RADAR and its evolution02:19 — Understanding futures & cultural futurism04:25 — The concept of mundane futures06:49 — Community & collective ownership at RADAR09:22 — Digital cooperatives and shared ownership11:58 — Where RADAR meets client/industry work18:52 — The creative ecosystem (participants, partners, artifacts)24:32 — Multiplayer imagination & experimentation in practice31:08 — Embodied futures & love as infrastructure34:38 — Yearning for change & the 2025 mission44:33 — The power of imagination in shaping the future47:20 — Understanding yearning burnout & its impact50:18 — The role of small actions in creating change53:30 — The future of collaboration & AI54:58 — Lessons from multiplayer mode in creative processes57:13 — Fostering psychological safety for innovation01:02:14 — The importance of community & gathering for changeIf this resonated, subscribe, and share with someone who should be in the future you’re building.Takeaways, Signals to Watch & Resources here: https://unmissables.substack.com/p/designing-futures-multiplayer-modeWhere to find Keely Adler & Caitlin Keeley* Keely Adler — Head of Practice (LinkedIn)* Caitlin Keeley — Head of Imagination (LinkedIn | Site)* RADAR — Website | LinktreeWhere to find me* LinkedIn: /aribajahan* Instagram: @ariba.jahan* Newsletter: unmissableswithariba.comEnjoying Unmissables? A quick ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on Spotify + a review on Apple helps more people find the show. Thank you! Get full access to Unmissables at www.unmissables.xyz/subscribe

August 13, 2025Episode 347 min

Making the Invisible Interactive: Immersive Storytelling with Aditi Rajagopal

What does it take to design stories people can step into and feel?Aditi Rajagopal is the Head of Experience Design, Immersive at Atlantic Studios, where she creates interactive educational and entertainment experiences for platforms like Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest. Her recent project, Cosmos in Focus—a virtual planetarium featured at SXSW, turns James Webb Space Telescope data into an emotional, interactive experience that makes the universe feel close and personal.Her career spans animation, creative strategy, and immersive storytelling roles at Meta across India, Singapore, and the UK. She’s worked with brands like Spotify, Samsung, and Uber, and has been recognized at Cannes, SXSW, and D&AD.In this episode, we talk about designing for presence instead of novelty, choreographing focus in 3D space, and building immersive experiences that balance wonder with access. We explore how behavior, empathy, and inclusivity shape immersive media and what it takes to lower the barriers for more diverse creators to enter the space.If you care about the future of storytelling, education, or interactive design, this conversation will expand your creative lens.What we explore in this episode:Defining immersive media beyond hypeHow Cosmos in Focus turns data into emotionThe “choreography of focus” as a design skillWhy headset access limits storytelling equityDesigning for behavior, empathy, and unexpected usersEntry points for creators using no-code and low-cost toolsBreaking outdated “rules” in VR and XR designShownotes and transcript: https://unmissables.substack.com/p/making-the-invisible-interactiveWhere to find Aditi RajagopalLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aditirajagopalWhere to find Ariba JahanLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/aribajahanInstagram: @ariba.jahanNewsletter: unmissableswithariba.comFollow along:00:00 – Welcome + Meet Aditi Rajagopal02:49 – Magic and Potential of Spatial Storytelling05:13 – Defining Immersive Experiences07:35 – Designing for Presence10:17 – Creating Emotional Connections12:52 – Inside Cosmos in Focus15:42 – The Choreography of Focus18:15 – Lessons from Collaboration20:36 – The Future of Immersive Storytelling25:43 – The Future of Spatial Computing27:34 – Challenges in Spatial Design33:03 – Diversity in Storytelling34:13 – Barriers for Creators35:15 – Getting Started in Immersive Storytelling38:20 – Responsibility in Storytelling41:17 – Behavioral Shifts in Immersive Experiences43:17 – Breaking the Rules of Immersive Storytelling45:37 – Encouragement for Aspiring Storytellers47:23 – OutroEnjoying Unmissables?Your review helps others discover the show. Please leave a 5-star rating on Spotify and a review on Apple Podcasts. Thank you!I want to hear from you! Drop in the comments or reach out to me to share what types of topics and questions you want explored on future episodes. Get full access to Unmissables at www.unmissables.xyz/subscribe

June 17, 2025Episode 243 min

Designing Health Tech When Trust Is the Product | Ambreen Molitor

What does it take to build digital health products that center care, clarity, and trust?In this episode, I talk with Ambreen Molitor, a product leader working at the intersection of reproductive health, equity, and digital access. At Planned Parenthood, where she served as National Director of Product Innovation, Ambreen helped launch and redesign award-winning tools like Roo, an AI-powered chatbot for teens, and Spot On, a bilingual birth control and cycle tracker that prioritized user trust before it became a tech talking point. Her work helped Planned Parenthood win Webbys, Effies, and the VIVE Techquity for Health Champion Award, while quietly reshaping how digital care shows up in people’s lives.She strives to support users navigating trauma, surveillance, and stigma with empathy and precision. Now as a Principal PM at Zocdoc, she continues to build with a sharp eye on who health tech serves, and how.We unpack how her team at Planned Parenthood shifted from building in-house to partnering with pre-seed startups, and what that evolution revealed about urgency, alignment, and power. Ambreen also walks us through a revealing experiment: testing LLMs against their own content to evaluate not just accuracy, but tone and trust. The results opened up deeper questions about emotional safety, care at scale, and what readiness actually means when AI enters the room._____What we explore in this episode* What people still get wrong about nonprofit innovation* Why trust shapes product architecture in digital health* How Planned Parenthood designed for tone, clarity, and care* The real gap between LLM output and emotionally safe content* What vetting a startup partner looks like when values are at stake* Why tone isn’t a polish layer, it’s an equity decision* Building through legal gray zones, shifting policy, and urgent timelines* Why impact is a long game, but direction starts now_____Shownotes, takeaways & resources: https://unmissables.substack.com/p/bbfd4292-fc3f-48db-908e-ecd9a8225d89_____Follow Along00:00 – Introduction to show + Guest Introduction01:56 – Meet Ambreen Molitor03:45 – How Planned Parenthood scaled innovation under constraint06:00 – Roo and Spot On: Designing for clarity, care, and context09:00 – Partnering with startups (and protecting values)12:00 – Testing LLMs against real-world content15:00 – Why tone is an equity issue in health tech18:00 – Tech’s role in care: assistant, not provider20:30 – Policy, urgency, and real-time scenario planning23:30 – Closing reflections + unmissable signals_____Mentioned on this episode* Spot On – Planned Parenthood’s bilingual, inclusive birth control & period tracker* Roo – The AI-powered sex education chatbot launched in 2019* Autonomy – Startup helping patients get matched to federal/state/local abortion funding* VIVE Techquity for Health Champion Award – Award recognizing equity-first innovation in healthcare* StereoSet – A benchmark for measuring bias in language models* Frost & Sullivan’s Femtech Market Forecast – Femtech projected to hit $103B by 2030Update: Since recording the episode, 19 states have some form of abortion bans, 12 have total bans._____Where to find Ambreen Molitor* LinkedIn : /ambreenmolitorWhere to find Ariba Jahan* Linkedin: /aribajahan/* Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ariba.jahan* Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC61NDFgqsM02-wtE1PrZOswEnjoying Unmissables? Leave a 5-star review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. It helps us reach the right listeners.Thanks for tuning in!Would love to hear from you, tell us what this episode made you think about? Is there a health tech app you love using, why? Get full access to Unmissables at www.unmissables.xyz/subscribe

June 3, 2025Episode 152 min

How Futures Thinking Sharpens Strategy | Tameka Vasquez

Most companies are stuck toggling between reacting to the moment and chasing the next big thing. Tameka Vasquez helps them pause, zoom out, and build strategy that doesn’t just respond, but reimagines.In this episode, we unpack what futures thinking actually looks like in practice: how to build clarity inside complexity, what makes vision operational (not just aspirational), and why tiny shifts—not big bets—are what shape tomorrow.Tameka Vasquez is a futurist, strategist, educator, and the Founder of The Future Quo, an advisory group helping executive teams design new visions with foresight, creativity, and purpose. Her background spans brand strategy, systems design, and academia—including roles as Head of Marketing at Google’s Sidewalk Labs and teaching at Columbia University._______What we explore in this episode:- Why strategic foresight isn’t about prediction and what it’s actually for- How trend-chasing leads to mimicry, not momentum- The cost of working without vision, and how it shows up day-to-day- Why futures thinking belongs in the room, not in the research deck- How to design for possibility when urgency is loud- What LEGO got right—and what your team can learn from it- The power of narrative as an operating system- Why “nonlinear” careers are often the most aligned_______Shownotes and transcript: https://unmissables.substack.com/p/how-futures-thinking-sharpens-strategy_______Mentioned on the episode:The Future Quo: https://www.thefuturequo.comPwC 2024 Global CEO Survey: https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/ceo-survey/2024/download/27th-ceo-survey.pdfStrategic Foresight 101: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/01/strategic-foresight-help-companies-survive-thrive/LEGO Scenario Planning: https://www.seriousinsights.net/legos-scenario-planning-asia/_______Where to find Tameka VasquezLinkedIn : /tamekavasquezThe Future Quo: https://www.thefuturequo.comWhere to find Ariba JahanLinkedin: /aribajahan/Substack Newsletter: unmissableswithariba.comInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/ariba.jahan_______Follow along:00:00 – Welcome + Meet Tameka Vasquez02:20 – How Tameka Found Her Way to Futures Work04:30 – What 'Futures Thinking' Means11:20 – Democratizing the Practice of Foresight16:00 – Tameka’s Approach: From Trends to Narrative23:45 – Vision Gaps in a Reactive World24:00 – The LEGO case study: foresight in action31:00 – AI, Urgency, and the Risk of Reactive Thinking40:45 – Making Futures Thinking Practical46:15 – Multiplicity, Reinvention, and Nonlinear Careers49:30 – Unmissable Signals + Closing Reflections_______Your review helps more listeners find us: If you enjoyed listening to this episode, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and a 5-star rating on Spotify. Thank you so much! Get full access to Unmissables at www.unmissables.xyz/subscribe

January 4, 2024Episode 948 min

The Evolving Landscape of Digital Innovation: Insights on livestream economy, immersive digital ecosystems, gaming, and AI from Jessica Berger | S01E09

Have you ever thought about having a digital twin?In this episode of Up Next in Tech, I sit down with Jessica Berger, SVP of Innovation at Publicis Media. Admirably known for her insight and understanding of cutting-edge technology, Jessica shares her expertise on trends like web3, AI, extended reality, and gaming. In this conversation, we focused on 4 emerging trends that Jessica's team highlighted in their recent trends report called, Future Forward. The report included topics like instant content to commerce, immersive digital ecosystems, AI's impact on identity and social life, and the revolutionary implications of gaming's evolution on brands. The episode also sheds light on Jessica's personal definition of innovation and how she nurtures her curiosity, opening up interesting questions around the adoption of virtual try-on technologies and the possibility of using a digital twin.So if any of these trends interest you, be sure to check out the episode and let me know what you think about virtual try on technologies or any of the trends we mentioned! Also, check out the glossary that breaks down a lot of the new words that come up on this episode. It’s a new thing we’re trying, so let us know if you like it.Follow along:01:39 Jessica’s definition of Innovation 04:00 Nurturing Curiosity and Innovator's Mindset13:58 Personal Use of Generative AI19:27 Identifying Trends and Directions24:49 Ethical Considerations in the Digital Age32:59 The Potential of Virtual Try-Ons35:01 The Role of Blockchain in Authenticity and Equity42:34 Nurturing Mental Health and CuriositySpeaker Bio: Jessica Berger leads innovation and strategy at Publicis Media by harnessing the power of emerging technologies and insights. With an industry reputation for her unwavering enthusiasm and profound understanding of cutting-edge tech, such as web3, AI, and AR/VR, Berger has become a sought-after speaker, judge, and host at industry events. Her expertise lies in deciphering the future of media and brand experiences, enabling her clients to capitalize on the potential of breakthrough innovations.Moreover, her dedication to mentorship and advocacy for diverse voices in organizations like the Adweek Executive Mentorship program and Girls In Tech exemplifies her commitment to empowering the next generation of marketers and thinkers. Prior to joining Publicis, Berger worked at agency powerhouses Weber Shandwick and Publicis’ MSL where she strategized and implemented campaigns and digital innovation efforts for clients in the luxury goods, CPG and tech sectors. Her over a decade-long experience is informed by working for agencies and companies across Germany, Japan, and North America – giving her a unique global edge valued by many clients and industry peers. For the full show notes with transcript, glossary of terms and resources, visit https://www.aribajahan.com/upnextintech/jessica-berger🙏 LEAVE A REVIEWIf you enjoyed listening to this episode, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and a 5-star rating on Spotify! 💻SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTERGet exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and valuable resources delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://upnextwithariba.substack.com/🔗 CONNECT WITH JESSICA BERGER LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicaberger1/🔗 CONNECT WITH ARIBA JAHANInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/aribajahanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aribajahan/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC61NDFgqsM02-wtE1PrZOswTwitter: http://twitter.com/aribajahanPost a screenshot and what you loved and tag me on instagram, linkedin, or twitter. Get full access to Unmissables at www.unmissables.xyz/subscribe

December 6, 2023Episode 841 min

Spatial Computing and Building for Gen Alpha with Chief Futurist, Cathy Hackl | S01E08

In this episode, I sit down with Cathy Hackl to discuss her journey and inspiration from being a journalist to becoming a futurist and the godmother of the metaverse. We explored what brands should keep in mind when building for Generation Alpha - a group of tech natives who are rewiring the future. Cathy also explained the concept of spatial computing and its applications in various industries and how it may evolve over the next few years. We acknowledged the challenges, the need for ethical considerations in how this tech evolves and the potential of spatial computing in creating more immersive and engaging experiences through more integrations of physical and digital worlds and geopolitics in the metaverse.Throughout our chat, Cathy and I shared personal stories as women and moms in the industry, valuable insights that pave the way for a deeper understanding of the tech landscape, and much more. What questions come up for you? Let us know so we can have a future episode breaking concepts down and answering your questions. Follow along:2:10 - Cathy's Journey from Journalism to Tech3:45 - Importance of Strategic Decision Making and Mindset4:40 - Challenging Gender Norms and Embracing Success9:52 - Understanding Generation Alpha and How to Engage with Them18:19 - Exploring Spatial Computing and its Potential Applications 26:12 - Challenges and Ethical Considerations of Spatial Computing 32:41 - Why You Need to Stay Informed and Adapt to Technological Changes35:36 - Cathy's Reflections and Personal Experiences in the Tech IndustryBio: Cathy Hackl is a leading business executive, tech futurist, and media personality. She’s a leading authority in emerging tech and leads Journey’s Virtual Studio helping companies and governments with gaming, AR, AI, spatial computing and virtual world strategies and strategic foresight. Brands like Nike, Walmart, Louis Vuittion, and Clinique have trusted her to guide them into new virtual spaces. She was recently named one of Ad Age’s Leading Women of 2023 and on the Vogue Business 100 Innovators list. She’s a member of the prestigious Ad Council Board of Directors and the host of an award winning Adweek podcast. She’s popularly known in tech circles as the Godmother of the Metaverse and has been a fixture in the world of immersive technology for almost a decade with many media appearances in CNBC’s Squawk Box, 60 Minutes+, CNN, Good Morning America, GQ, Time, The Economist, Bloomberg, and more.For the full show notes with transcript and resources, visit https://www.aribajahan.com/upnextintech/cathy-hackl🙏 LEAVE A REVIEWIf you enjoyed listening to this episode, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and a 5-star rating on Spotify! 💾 DIVE INTO WEB3 What is Web3? Is it still relevant? If you’ve been wanting to dive in to learn more about Web3, check out this free guide I put together for you: https://www.aribajahan.com/get-web3-guide💻SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTERGet exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and valuable resources delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: https://upnextwithariba.substack.com/🔗 CONNECT WITH CATHY HACKLInstagram: www.instagram.com/cathyhacklTwitter/X: www.twitter.com/CathyHacklTikTok: www.tiktok.com/@cathyhacklLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyhackl/🔗 CONNECT WITH ARIBA JAHANInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/aribajahanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aribajahan/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC61NDFgqsM02-wtE1PrZOswPost a screenshot and what you loved and tag me on instagram, linkedin, or twitter. Get full access to Unmissables at www.unmissables.xyz/subscribe

November 22, 2023Episode 455 min

What does it take to work in the creative innovation industry? An insider's perspective with Chris Denson | S01E07

In this episode, I had the chance to speak with my good friend, Chris Denson, who is a marketer, innovation coach, multimedia host, and bestselling author of the book- “10 Essential Rules for Breaking Essential Rules”. Conversations around innovation in the creative, advertising or media side often focuses only on the outputs, so we focused this episode on everything else. We lifted the hood on the mindsets it takes, the internal conversations and day-to-day challenges and so much more.Chris shares insightful stories about how his childhood experiences shaped his curiosity and influenced his current work, and highlighted the importance of maintaining relentless optimism even when things don’t work. We discuss a variety of topics related to innovation, the realities and challenges of bringing ideas to life, the significant role emotional intelligence plays in the field of innovation and so much more like: 04:26 - Chris’s Origin Story: His shift from comedy to innovation13:08 - The role of curiosity and openness in innovation25:49 – The skill of connecting and collecting dots in innovation30:39 - Emerging Tech Trends in innovation33:19 - The key to balancing optimism and reality35:37 - Dealing with daily struggles and taking mental health breaks39:43 - Understanding self-identity and the power of self-talk44:46 - The role of innovation in personal growth 50:11 - Things to look forward to in the world of tech and innovationBio: Chris Denson is marketer, innovation coach, multimedia host, and bestselling author. He has spent his career building better companies, launching new ideas, and giving rise to cultural tastemakers through awe-inspired experiences, content, and advisory. Echoing an award-winning career across entertainment, marketing, media and technology industries, Chris has valuable insights, practices, and resources to thrive in an always-evolving cultural and technological landscape. He has done this alongside The United Nations, Fast Company, Omnicom Media Group, MullenLowe, The Emmys, Cannes Lions, The Nyah Project, HubSpot, The Obama Administration, and authored the 2018 #1 bestselling book, "10 Essential Rules for Breaking Essential Rules".For the full show notes with transcript and resources, visit https://www.aribajahan.com/upnextintech/chris-denson💾 DIVE INTO WEB3 What is Web3? Is it still relevant? If you’ve been wanting to dive in to learn more about Web3, check out this free guide I put together for you: https://www.aribajahan.com/get-web3-guide🔗 CONNECT WITH CHRIS DENSON Twitter: www.twitter.com/densonologyLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdenson/Website: www.chrisdenson.co🔗 CONNECT WITH ARIBA JAHANInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/aribajahanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aribajahan/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC61NDFgqsM02-wtE1PrZOswTwitter: http://twitter.com/aribajahan💻SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTERGet exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and valuable resources delivered straight to your inbox. Unmissableswithariba.com🙏 LEAVE A REVIEWIf you enjoyed listening to this episode, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and a 5-star rating on Spotify! Post a screenshot and what you loved and tag me on instagram, linkedin, or twitter. Get full access to Unmissables at www.unmissables.xyz/subscribe

November 8, 20231 hr 8 min

Expanding Digital Identity Through Community Driven Virtual Fashion with Nirmala Shome of the Fabricant | S01 E06

The runway is going virtual, empowering new creators and breaking industry boundaries through community-driven digital fashion. In this episode, I chat with Nirmala Shome, the Head of Marketing and Growth at a digital fashion house, The Fabricant, to break down what that means, how they’re trying to build a new fashion industry where everybody participates and profits while leveraging blockchain and augmented reality, how creativity is transcending beyond physical apparel, and the role of fashion in gaming. With over 15 years of experience across digital agencies, e-commerce platforms, and immersive startups, Nirmala has honed her expertise as a digital producer, community builder, and storytelling marketer for emerging technologies, having worked in advertising and digital production in both Melbourne and New York.Learn why major luxury brands are now investing in digital-only clothing and products tailored for virtual worlds and metaverse environments. Gain strategic insights on co-creation, authenticity, and digital ownership from a leader guiding a fashion startup through rapid technological shifts.We dive into:2:00 Nirmala's Career Journey and Transition into Digital Fashion05:00 Exploring the Potential of Digital Technology in Fashion09:00: The Shift from Traditional Marketing to Digital Marketing12:08 The Journey from Australia to New York and Europe and their different work environments 16:08: The Impact of Digital Technology on Fashion Industry20:04: The Role of Community in Web 3.023:06: The Influence of Different Work Cultures on Career27:02: The Evolution and Future of Digital Fashion30:40: The Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Fashion33:50: The Role of Gaming in the Future of Digital Fashion38:00: The Impact of Digital Fashion on Consumer Behavior41:50: The Intersection of Fashion, Culture, and Community44:08: The Role of Blockchain in Digital Fashion48:00: The Ethical Considerations in Digital Fashion50:08: The Transition from Community to Marketing and Growth54:50: The Future of Metaverse and Digital FashionBio:Nirmala Shome joined The Fabricant in 2020 and has worked across product and production. She is now heading up the Marketing and Growth pillar to focus on The Fabricant's mission to grow and nurture the new digital-only fashion ecosystem. She started off in advertising and digital production, working across Melbourne and New York, and is now based in Amsterdam.For the full show notes with transcript and resources, visit https://www.aribajahan.com/upnextintech/nirmala-shome💾 DIVE INTO WEB3 If you’ve been wanting to dive in to learn more about Web3, check out this free guide I put together for you: https://www.aribajahan.com/get-web3-guide🔗 CONNECT WITH NIRMALA SHOMETwitter: https://twitter.com/nirmala_shomeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nirmalashome/Newsletter: https://ok.substack.com/🔗 CONNECT WITH ARIBA JAHANInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/aribajahanLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aribajahan/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC61NDFgqsM02-wtE1PrZOswTwitter: http://twitter.com/aribajahan 💻SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTERGet exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and valuable resources delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here: unmissableswithariba.com🙏 LEAVE A REVIEWIf you enjoyed listening to this episode, then please leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and a 5-star rating on Spotify! Get full access to Unmissables at www.unmissables.xyz/subscribe