Why I Social

On this week's episode, Chris is joined by Kaila Vander Horn (Head of Content at Speedwork) for a discussion about B2B content on LinkedIn. Kaila has more than a decade of experience in social media and digital marketing and we explore how she advanced professionally to where she is today, earning the trust of businesses and c-suite executives.  Hot Topic for This Week's Episode: B2B Content and LinkedIn  And of course, learn why Kaila socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Kaila's Links:  LinkedIn Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials, and to foster a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals.  Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://n

On this week's episode, Chris has a conversation with Jason Schemmel (Get Social Done) who helps organizations operationalize AI across marketing, sales, and operations. His expansive background in social media and digital marketing opened the door for conversation across a variety of important topics not excluding the impact of AI on the newest members of the professional workforce.   Key Highlights How his work on Twitch help landed him employment (and why what you do outside of work matters) How he got his start with HarperCollins The positives and negatives of AI on the latest generation entering the professional workforce Plus, he breaks down one of his more recent successful ad-campaigns and why sometimes "results now" isn't an option.  Hot Topic for This Week's Episode: Consumer Philosophy and Social Media  And of course, learn why Jason socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Jason's Links:  LinkedIn Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor:

On this week's episode, Chris has a conversation with A.J. Vitiello (Producer for Drew Binksy). From the origins of his role with Drew (thanks to Instagram) to YouTube tips and insights, Vitiello discusses what it's like to work as a content creator in the creator economy (YouTube specific).  Key Highlights How global travel and Instagram led to his role with Drew  Why there is more to a YouTube Hook than the first three-seconds  A deeper dive into the creator economy  What it's like to travel the globe (and manage a team of editors) Hot Topic for This Week's Episode: Working for a Global Content Creator and YouTube Best Practices  And of course, learn why A.J. socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Lexi's Links:  LinkedIn Drew Binksy (YouTube)  Videos Mentioned  He Hasn't Slept Since 1962  Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media exper

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Lexi Croisdale (Director of Global Content Marketing, Varonis). Lexi is also one of the recently announced National Institute for Social Media Advisory Board Members.  Key Highlights How her early career experiences including internships, impacted her career success Why she leads by example with LinkedIn  Why working in diverse industries has benefited her ability to deliver innovative content  Why she joined the National Institute for Social Media Advisory Board.  Hot Topic for This Week's Episode: Employee Advocacy And of course, learn why Lexi socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Lexi's Links:  LinkedIn Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility,

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Matt Bailey (Digital Marketing Instructor, Trainer - SiteLogic Marketing) to discuss digital content creation and training.  Key Highlights How understanding software engineering benefited his career and the importance of "balance"  Slowing down to think through the best way to execute our content Setting clear goals and considering analytics Training leadership to drive better results Hot Topic for This Week's Episode: Training As A Tool To Fill Marketing Needs or Gaps  And of course, learn why Matt socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Mark's Links:  LinkedIn Website Learning Site (Sitelogic) Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credential

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Mark S Babbitt (Co-Author of "Good Comes First" and "A World Gone Social").  Key Highlights Discussing writing "A World Gone Social" and "Good Comes First" The evolution of his experience as an author and the "why" behind "Good Comes First" Stories and lessons for executive leadership  Why workplace culture remains an important topic Hot Topic for This Week's Episode: Workplace Culture  - You'll also learn more about his new podcast, "Mastering Workplace Culture."  And of course, learn why Mark socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Mark's Links:  LinkedIn Author Page (Amazon) Podcast (Mastering Workplace Culture) Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibil

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Mike Evans (Founder, Fan Day Nation). Mike breaks down how he's tackled leading a start-up in Fan Day Nation and the way his military background has played a criticial part in his role as a leader. He also discusses the greatest challenges and rewards of working in a start-up.  Key Highlights The role his time in the military has played in his professional life How he began his career in sales  The origins behind his work with Mile High Huddle and Sports Illustrated Why he chose to start Fan Day Nation Hot Topic for This Week's Episode: The important role social media plays for young athletes And of course, learn why Mike socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Mike's Links:  LinkedIn Fan Day Nation Website  Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recogn

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Carrie Meconis (Leadership Coach and Staff at New York University). From a career that began in theatre both on the stage and as a stage manager to her journey to becoming a leadership coach, Carrie offers invaluable insights to take you into 2026 and beyond.  Key Highlights The connection between stage management and organizational skills The personal and mental health benefits of running  How Carrie began to work on leadership training  The importance of self-awareness and why it's an anchor for leadership Hot Topic for This Week's Episode: Setting Goals and Planning Reflection     And of course, learn why Carrie socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Carrie's Links:  LinkedIn Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM prov

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Lasheen Williams (Tchallasheen, IG - Cosplayer). Lasheen recounts his journey to becoming a cosplayer. You'll also learn how he has created a community of content creation opportunities from his experience as a cosplayer - and the opportunities cosplay has since afforded him.  Key Highlights What is a cosplayer, and how did he got started The process of content creation and collaboration How he dealt with challenges coming with cosplay  How he uses cosplay to inspire his community  Building his brand on social media The importance of education on social media (and why it can work)  And of course, learn why Lasheen socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Lasheen's Links:  LinkedIn Instagram (Tchallasheen) Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Chris Porter (Creative Director and Board Game Designer/Publisher for Chris Couch Games). Porter breaks down his journey to becoming a Creative Director and finding the best way for him - including his experience from both corporate to entreprenurial settings.  Key Highlights How he began his path to a career of a creative designer  Becoming a board game designer and publisher  Managing the time between his work as a creative designer and a publisher  What role failure has played in his life - and how it's helped him find success Why building community is incredibly important  The power of hello and acknowledging others  How to create a great Kickstarter experience through customer service  The difference between honesty and transparency  And of course, learn why Chris socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Chris' Links:  LinkedIn Chris Couch Games  Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor:

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Chris Alexander, Senior Director of Digital Communications at NYU School of Global Public Health. Chris has spent more than a decade in higher education and has experience as a podcaster, content creator and integrated marketer.  Key Highlights The role internships play in finding what you want (or don't want to) do  What it's like to experience different roles in a large university   The value of creating a professional portfolio  How integrated marketing has played a role in his career and he has helped build brand(s) And of course, learn why Chris socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Chris' Links:  LinkedIn Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Nikki Sunstrum, CCMP—a globally recognized leader who has developed and leveraged communications and engagement to create significant impact in both government and higher education.  Key Highlights How her experience in government (including as an elected city council person for the city of Portland) impacted her professional perspective Why it's important to level the playing field and bring the right people to the table  Her experience as an industry leader in higher education  Why you should "never abandon strategy" and how "content" has evolved since she began her career And of course, learn why Nikki socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Nikki's Links:  LinkedIn Website Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM prov

In a very special episode of Why I Social, we explore the Power of AI. In three previous episodes, guests Theresa Portratz, Michael Katz and Maria Duran discussed their own unique perspectives and insights on the impact of AI.  Please take a listen to their full episodes at the links below (Spotify) Theresa Potratz Michael Katz  Maria Duron Links (LinkedIn Profiles) Theresa Potratz Michael Katz Maria Duron Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor  The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals.  Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of

On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris has a conversation with Celeste Russell (SMS), who serves as social media manager for the National Institute for Social Media and OMCP. Russell has worked her way from intern to her current role at the organization and even has the opportunity to work with the current class of interns in her present role.  [Editorial Note: The previous episode left in a bit of audio that was not originaly intended for the final episode. An update was made on 9/23 at 9:30 p.m. to the audio shared]  Key Highlights What it has meant to go from intern to her current role in the organization The value of the internship experience and what it means to build a strong internship program Why her experience in theatre has benefited her career as a marketer  And of course, learn why Celeste socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Celeste's Links:  LinkedIn Learn more about Flowsend  Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today

On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Philip Wilkerson (Podcast Producer, Employer Engagement Consultant) to discuss his podcast (Positive Philter) and his role as Employer Engagement Consultant at George Mason University in Career Services. Philip's interest in connecting with people helped him develop criticial skills that allowed him to launch his podcast in 2017.  This week's business topic: Building A Brand as a Practioner  Key Highlights The unique challenges in developing new skills and why it is important to pursue professional growth How Philip collaborates to develop, build, and promote his podcast The idea of "failing forward" and building RESILIENCE   The importance of kindness  And of course, learn why Philip socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Philip's Links:  LinkedIn Positive Philter  Learn more about Flowsend  Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today. Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I

On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Casey Cornell (Founder - The Pool Journals and OPE Brands) to dig into the life of a consultant in the gig economy. From building brands to customer loyalty, Casey has been involved in every aspect of the marketing experience - before becoming founder of his own consulting business.  Key Highlights A deep dive into the gig economy and life as a consultant The gamification of social media  The importance of customer loyalty in marketing  The pros, cons and challenges of start-up life  The value of organic social and referrals in closing business deals  And of course, learn why Casey socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Casey's Links:  LinkedIn Learn more about Flowsend  Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today. Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professio

On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with returning guest Ryan Pena (Senior Marketing Leader, NMDP), a digital strategist and educator with a passion for helping individuals and organizations tell their stories more effectively through social media and emerging technologies. He expands upon what he's been up to since his original appearance on Why I Social - and more about his role as Senior Marketing Leader at NMDP.  Key Highlights Why starting as a self-taught marketer fueled his curiosity and built the foundation for his social media expertise. Why storytelling, done well, can cut through even the noisiest online spaces The importance of building genuine relationships, not just “connections,” online And of course, learn why Ryan socials on this week's episode of Why I Social! Ryan's Links:  LinkedIn Learn more about Flowsend  Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today. Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newslette

On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Chaim Shapiro, a career services professional, speaker, and LinkedIn strategist with a deep passion for helping others navigate their professional journeys. Chaim shares the winding road that led him into career services—despite being told not to pursue a career in education and explains why talking someone out of their passion can be one of the biggest disservices you can do. Key Highlights Why a visit to Universal Studios’ backlot tour became a surprisingly profound (and slightly depressing) moment How Chaim’s early love for sports didn’t translate into a career—but helped shape how he helps others explore overlooked opportunities The importance of helping people create new opportunities—even in industries and roles that don’t exist yet How adaptability has been key to his work in career development and higher education Chaim also provides practical advice about:  Using LinkedIn effectively and what changes he loves (and a few he does

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris speaks with Chris Fitzpatrick (Chris Fitzpatrick Speakes). Chris shares his journey from college to becoming a sought-after speaker and HR expert, exploring the intersection of social media, talent acquisition, and mentorship. Key Highlights Chris's evolution from student government president to HR professional and public speaker The transformative power of active listening in communication and relationship-building How social media has revolutionized talent acquisition and job searching  Chris also provides practical advice about:  Leveraging social media effectively in your job search and career development The importance of mentorship in personal and professional growth Owning your career and treating yourself as the CEO of your personal brand Quoteables: On The Value of Mentorship  "Mentorship can change somebody's life. We can all be mentors and we can all be mentored. I've never met anybody who has so much experience that they could never benefit from b

In this special episode of Why I Social: Listen to a live conversation with this year's 2025 Internship Class for the National Institute for Social Media.  Key Discussion Points:  • The challenges of wearing multiple hats in social media roles • How internships shape career paths and open unexpected doors • The importance of strategy in creating meaningful content • Why networking remains crucial for securing opportunities • The evolving landscape of social media best practices Connect with the 2025 Internship Class on LinkedIn: Alexis Barth - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-barth/   Cassandra Hultgren - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassandra-hultgren/   Jennifer Ready - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer2ready/   Kassity Lee - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kassity-lee/   Liliana Marquez - https://www.linkedin.com/in/liliana-marquez-04lm/   Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketin