We'll talk about how the project is giving a “seat at the table” to 8 emerging directors from diverse backgrounds, producing 8 short films to create a feature film anthology. We can all learn a lot from the way this group is working with Hollywood power brokers and advocacy organizations throughout the film industry to bring about lasting change.

https://www.opendoorfilmproject.com/

First we'll talk with Andy Crestodina, co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Orbit Media, an award-winning 38-person web design company in Chicago. Over the past 18 years, Andy has given digital marketing advice to 1000+ businesses. He speaks at big marketing conferences, writes for big marketing blogs and he hosts a little marketing podcast, "Content Matters."

Andy's written hundreds of articles on content marketing, search engine optimization, social media and Analytics, and is the author of "Content Chemistry: The Illustrated Handbook for Content Marketing." https://www.orbitmedia.com/

We'll also talk with Raj Venkatesan, co-author of "The AI Marketing Canvas: A Five-Stage Road Map to Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Marketing." He's the Ronald Trzcinski Professor of Business Administration in the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia. We'll talk about the book, and the growth framework for business and marketing leaders to tap into the power of AI.

We'll talk about why you need to read like your career depends on it, how to absorb a book's lessons, how to read faster... All The Things!

Listen, there's no one better at extracting smarts from other people than Jeff. We can all learn a lot from him! https://readtoleadpodcast.com/

Her debut collection, "F*ckface and Other Stories," was released by Henry Holt and was named one of the best books of 2020 by The Paris Review, the New York Public Library, Slate, and others. Leah's work explores rurality, heartbreak, honeybee collapse, and illicit sex in post-coal Appalachia. If THAT doesn't make for an interesting conversation, we don't know what will. Don't miss this one!

On this episode of The Backpack Show with Chris Brogan and Kerry O'Shea Gorgone, we'll talk about how Amanda—by far the firm's youngest employee—increased conversions 1,100%, increased leads generated 1,176%, and doubled the company's coaching clients two years in a row.

Amanda has actionable tips galore for growing your network and your business, so don't miss this conversation!

We'll also talk about Amanda's passion project: http://openthelightwithin.org. And about going from singer/songwriter to CEO! OH, and her 16 years of competitive gymnastics... SO much to learn from Amanda.

"Hi, Dragons. I want to start my pitch today by letting you know that I suffer from a mental illness. I suffer really badly with body dysmorphia. I tell you this because it’s the reason I founded my brand.”

And with that statement, Danny Gray launched War Paint for Men to the world. http://warpaintformen.com

That was three years ago. Today, War Paint for Men is a multi-million-dollar brand that’s based in the United Kingdom and available in 80 countries.

On this episode of The Backpack Show with Chris Brogan and Kerry O'Shea Gorgone, we'll talk with Danny about how War Paint for Men is as much about mental health as it is about cosmetics.

We'll get into how he's opening the first brand-specific men's make up store in London, and how the store will serve as home base for an organization that helps raise awareness about mental illness. Join us!

Rob's a headhunter, management executive, podcaster, author, and entrepreneur. He founded Rob Barnett Media in 2018, an inclusive platform for thousands of job-seeking professionals and industry leaders placing the right people in the best jobs. We'll get into Rob's experience in senior management roles at MTV, VH1, and Audible/Amazon, and his own channel, aptly named "My Damn Channel."

https://robbarnettmedia.com/book/

Fashion entrepreneur and educator Leekie Tang is based in Paris, France. We'll talk with her about helping other entrepreneurs grow their business while contributing to the development of a more sustainable and inclusive society. This little 2 minute trailer will give you a glimpse of who she is and what she is about. https://mindful-business-founder.simplecast.com/

Melanie Curtis went from investment banking to professional skydiving to life coaching! We'll get the scoop from Melanie about her new book, "How to Fly: Life Lessons from a Professional Skydiver," and talk about making the leap from a traditional career (even when it's a bit scary).

With more than 11,000 jumps and 25 years experience in the sport of skydiving, Melanie is the co-founder of Highlight Pro Skydiving Team and the Executive Director of the Women's Skydiving Network nonprofit. She co-creates the podcast, "Trust the Journey." http://melaniecurtis.com/

On this episode of The Backpack Show with Chris Brogan and Kerry O'Shea Gorgone, we'll talk with Mike, Janice, and Elizabeth about creating a lifeline for artists during the pandemic, and how it grew well beyond a simple weekly call.

They put together both a book, show, and artists' talk about their work. Join us as we take a deep dive into community-building amongst artists. https://artinbrooklyn.com/2021/06/twenty-twenty-twenty-one-a-group-show-of-artists-coming-together-during-covid/

On this episode of The Backpack Show with Chris Brogan and Kerry O'Shea Gorgone, we'll talk about how David built a business out of bringing a small pack of puppies to people's parties. (Say THAT five times fast!) https://puppyparty.com/

She's also a standup comedian and circus performer! Come meet Andrea on this episode of The Backpack Show with Chris Brogan and Kerry O'Shea Gorgone! http://www.jonesrooy.com/

On this episode of The Backpack Show with Chris Brogan and Kerry O'Shea Gorgone, we'll talk with Hannah about her blog, Feeding Tube Fitness. We'll also learn about her business selling elderberry products, and the work she's doing to create a community where people with disabilities, no visible disabilities, and no disabilities at all can come together. https://linktr.ee/feedingtube.fitness

In the meantime, check out Hannah's Book, "30 Days of Movement: At Home, No Equipment Needed Workouts for All Levels and Abilities!" https://www.amazon.com/30-Days-Movement-Equipment-Abilities-ebook/dp/B08R98JSL4/

We'll talk about the company's innovative environmental and sustainability practices, as well as how they support local schools, nonprofit organizations, and their community. http://westerlayorchids.com/

We'll also talk with Hannah Perry, a certified childhood education and development professional, Female Entrepreneur of the Year (Stevie Award) and founder of The Giggling Pig, an art studio for children aged 4 to 16. We'll talk with Hannah about teen entrepreneurship, as well as the importance of art for kids and teens (including those with special needs). https://www.thegigglingpig.com/

We'll chat about David and Carole's new book, "CONNECT: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues." Come learn how to break through superficial interactions, "get real," and create meaningful connections with people in every aspect of life. https://connectandrelate.com/

On this episode of The Backpack Show with Chris Brogan and Kerry O'Shea Gorgone, we'll talk with Kevin about his career in youth development and leadership. We'll dive deep into his latest role as Executive Director of Change for Kids, and his plans to expand the organization’s program to many more elementary schools in NYC and ensure every student at every CFK school gets the quality education they deserve.

We'll also meet Bhavneet Chahal, co-founder of https://www.goskills.com, a New Zealand based online education company that provides courses to help people learn practical business skills to get a new job, upskill for their current jobs or to stay relevant in their industry.

Bhav also supports aspiring woman entrepreneurs; she supports two USD $2,000 scholarships each year: "the Scholarship for Women Who Want to be the Boss."

Come get inspired!

On this episode of The Backpack Show with Chris Brogan and Kerry O'Shea Gorgone, we'll talk with Dr. Gassam Asare about how companies can foster environments that are diverse, equitable, anti-racist, and inclusive. Join us!

Come meet Erin and hear all about how she experienced some epic business failures before ultimately succeeding in a big way, working with clients including The Oscars, The U.S. Navy, VISA and ABC/Disney to elevate digital communication styles to attract attention, increase influence, and sell smarter. https://erinking.com/