Coffee N° 5 with Lara Schmoisman

Send us a text Mark Menning, PhD, pharmaceutical scientist and founder of MARK Los Angeles, joins Lara Schmoisman to unpack how flavonoids, clinical trials, and advanced delivery systems are reshaping skincare. From FDA-approved antivirals to cold sore serums and acne care, he shares how science—not hype—is driving the next era of beauty and wellness. We'll talk about: Why drug delivery—not just ingredients—defines whether skincare worksHow a career in pharma led to groundbreaking skincare innovationsThe role of flavonoids as powerful anti-inflammatory and antiviral activesLessons from running full clinical trials in an industry that avoids themWhy consumer feedback forced MARK Los Angeles to reposition products—and why it workedHow inflammation became the “enemy” driving premature aging and poor skin healthWhat the future of beauty looks like when science—not marketing—sets the standard For more information, visit Mark Menning's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show Support the show

Send us a text Susanah Zeffiro, Brand Partnerships Lead at BeReal and former Spotify and Epic Games exec, joins Lara Schmoisman to explore the future of social media, authenticity vs. AI, and how brands can win with Gen Z by leaning into raw, unfiltered connection instead of glossy campaigns. We'll talk about: Why Gen Z is rejecting filtered perfection and demanding authenticityThe throughline of Susanah’s career: spotting what’s next before it hits the mainstreamLessons from Spotify, gaming, and now BeReal on building brand partnerships that actually workHow raw, iPhone-shot creatives are outperforming polished campaignsThe rise of “monocultural moments” and how real-time engagement reshapes brand storytellingWhy BeReal isn’t chasing algorithms—and why that matters for users and brandsHow social platforms are shifting from entertainment to search, and where BeReal fits inThe future of influencer marketing in an era of authenticity and unfiltered connection For more information, visit Susanah Zeffiro's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Steven J. Edelstein, VP of Growth & Partnerships at MyFBAPrep, joins Lara Schmoisman to unpack why most brands fail before they scale—covering pricing strategy, supply chain traps, trade show mistakes, and the future of beauty innovation through personalization and smarter storytelling. We'll talk about: Why pricing strategy must start with your audience—not just your ingredientsThe real margin rules that make or break a brandThe hidden costs in supply chain and trade shows that drain young businessesHow copying formulas and white-labeling kills true innovationWhy personalization and lifestyle-driven products will define the next decadeThe shift from discounts and one-off sales to loyalty and continuity programsHow to create emotional connection that keeps customers coming backThe future of beauty: smarter delivery systems, niche focus, and brands that actually solve problems For more information, visit Steven J. Edelstein's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Henry Barton, Global Head of Network & Community at Duel Tech, joins Lara Schmoisman to reveal how the smartest fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands turn their most passionate customers into unstoppable advocates—and why community is your ultimate growth engine. We'll talk about: Why your most loyal customers are your most powerful marketing channel—and how to activate themThe difference between brand “fans” and true “advocates” (and why it matters)How to find and nurture your brand’s real community—not just followersThe compounding power of advocacy-driven growth in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brandsReal examples of brands leveraging advocacy to outpace competitors without bigger ad budgetsWhy community building should be in the C-suite conversation—not just marketing’s to-do listThe mindset shift from acquisition to amplification—and why it’s the future of brand growth For more information, visit Henry Barton's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Ken Hughes, known as The King of Customer Experience, joins Lara Schmoisman to share why connection—not product—is the ultimate differentiator in today’s AI-driven world, and how brands can design loyalty that lasts. We'll talk about: Why products and services are now commodities—and why connection is your only real differentiatorThe “goldfish moment” every brand should be creating (and how to scale it)How Taylor Swift built one of the most loyal fandoms on earth—and what brands can learn from her playbookThe danger of “one-night-stand marketing” and the shift from transactional to relational thinkingWhy ROI isn’t enough—and how to build with “desire to invest” insteadReal-life stories of brands going beyond expectations to create emotional loyaltyThe perfect balance of AI and human touch in customer experience For more information, visit Ken Hughes' LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Nader Naeymi-Rad, Founder and Publisher of Beauty Independent, joins Lara Schmoisman to unpack the evolution of the beauty industry—from the death of indie beauty to the rise of professional founders, and what it really takes to build a brand that lasts. We'll talk about: Why the “indie beauty” label is outdated—and what founders need to focus on insteadThe harsh truth about brand exits, celebrity equity, and investor-backed hypeHow Nader accidentally launched a movement that changed the industryWhat really separates a brand from a collection of productsWhy founder stories matter—but only when they're earnedHow to know if you’re building something that lasts (or just playing dress-up)The professionalization of beauty entrepreneurship—and why “passion” is not a business plan For more information, visit Nader Naeymi-Rad's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Daniel Scharff, Founder & CEO of Startup CPG and host of a top 0.5% global podcast, joins Lara Schmoisman to talk brand-building, retail truth bombs, and what it really takes to grow in the crowded CPG space. We'll talk about: How Daniel scaled Startup CPG into the most trusted brand community in the industry.What most CPG founders get wrong when pitching to retailers.The surprising reason brand story is more important than ever (and how to actually tell it).Why “overnight success” is the biggest myth in consumer goods.The real-life challenges of launching a beverage brand—and hitting 3,000 doors in year one.Behind the mic: building a podcast that dominates the CPG space (and what guests really want).Lessons from 15 years in CPG—from corporate boardrooms to founder burnout and back.The one metric Daniel says every founder should track but most ignore. For more information, visit Daniel Scharff' LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Lara Schmoisman and Don Allen, CIO/CISO of Moda Operandi, discuss the evolution of e-commerce, the impact of AI on user experience and SEO, and strategic technology adoption for competitive advantage. We'll talk about: The surprising truth about SEO today—and why organic reach is (almost) a myth.Why a "compelling website" is now just "table stakes" in e-commerce.The strategic shift: when to build bespoke tech and when to buy off-the-shelf solutions.How AI is revolutionizing product tagging and SEO for high-fashion platforms.The biggest challenge of migrating to new platforms—it's not the tech, it's the people.The key difference between physical and online stores: dynamic personalization.Moda Operandi's marketplace strategy: leveraging it for hard-to-store items and new designers. For more information, visit Don Allen' LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Lara Schmoisman and Mimi Banks of MB Social dive into real talk about social media strategy, content that converts, and the future of the creator economy—from beauty brands to medical experts. We'll talk about: How Mimi helped turn nail art UGC into one of L'Oréal’s earliest creator strategies.The three types of creators you need to understand—and why the labels matter.Why good content alone isn’t enough without strategy and storytelling.The dangers of AI in influencer marketing—and how to use it responsibly.Why brand voice, targeting, and objectives still trump algorithm “hacks”.The big shift coming to Instagram SEO—and what that means for creators. For more information, visit Mimi Banks' LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Blair Enns joins Lara Schmoisman to unpack what actually works when experts sell their services. From value-based pricing to client alignment, this episode breaks down smart, integrity-driven growth. We'll talk about: The mindset shift that helped Blair move from chasing clients to choosing them.What not to include in a proposal—and how to avoid giving strategy away too soon.When your sales process is actually shaping the entire client relationship.Why real authority isn’t loud—it’s clear.How value-based pricing changes everything. For more information, visit Blair Enns' LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Board leader and former CEO Chelsea Grayson joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to break down what actually drives business growth. From managing iconic brands to scaling through economic turbulence, this episode is packed with insights on strategy, governance, and real leadership. We'll talk about: Why hiring too fast after one "good season" could tank your brand.The real cost of expanding your footprint—and how to avoid lease regret.What founders must understand about content creation in 2025.The influencer vs. content creator vs. brand ambassador debate—what actually works.Why celebrity brands flop (even with millions of followers).What a real board does—and why you need one sooner than you think. For more information, visit Chelsea Grayson's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text eCommerce connector and community builder Sara Pereda joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to unpack how Smarterships became a global force, what makes partnerships actually work, and how to scale with strategy, integrity, and connection. We'll talk about: Why Sara built a global Slack community—and made it paid on purpose.The real difference between connecting and collecting contacts.How to tell if your partners are helping you grow—or slowing you down.The #1 rule of being a super-connector (and why it’s not about you).Cultural cues and community-building lessons from running events in 24+ cities.What founders and agencies really need from their tech partners right now. For more information, visit Sara Pereda's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Beauty industry leader Liza Rapay joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº5 to unpack the strategy behind Cosmoprof’s global success, how brands can actually win at trade shows, and why purpose-driven leadership always scales better. We'll talk about: Why building a show like Cosmoprof takes strategy—not just sparkle.What most beauty brands get wrong about trade shows.The mindset shift every founder needs before exhibiting.What Beauty New York is—and why it’s being called the Fashion Week of Beauty.Why storytelling, not just samples, makes or breaks a brand’s success.The resilience of the beauty industry (even through tariffs and global change). For more information, visit Liza Rapay's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Lara Schmoisman sits down with Elizabeth Robillard, eTail Portfolio Director, to talk retail strategy, evolving search trends, content that connects, and how to avoid falling for industry buzz. This episode of Coffee Nº 5 is packed with insight for retail marketers, brand leaders, and founders navigating the future of omnichannel commerce. We'll talk about: Why AI fatigue is real—and how to shift the conversation.What consumers are actually searching for (and what they’re ignoring).Why SEO, social, and email shouldn’t live in silos.What makes a retail event valuable—and what doesn’t.Why your content strategy has to work harder than your booth.The power of research, not trend-chasing.How the best brands are adapting—without burning out their teams. For more information, visit Elizabeth Robillard's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Communications strategist Jeanne Meyer joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee Nº 5 to talk brand voice, reputation management, and crisis comms—from her work at EMI Music to major brand turnarounds at Toys R Us and Unilever. Learn how to build brand trust, adapt messaging across platforms, and lead with clarity in a noisy, fast-moving media landscape. We'll talk about: Why consistency across platforms is make-or-break for brand trustCrisis comms vs. PR: What’s the difference and why it mattersHow to build a “reputation bank” before you need itThe problem with performative messaging in today’s cultural landscapeWhy strong brand pillars are more relevant than everCommunication isn’t just talking—it’s listening For more information, visit Jeanne Meyer's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text In the 200th episode of Coffee N° 5, Sampo Parkkinen, CEO of Revieve, joins Lara Schmoisman to talk AI in beauty, brand positioning, and the power of solving real problems—not chasing trends. Learn why clarity beats gimmicks, how to build consumer trust with smart beauty tech, and what it really takes to grow a modern beauty brand. Perfect for beauty founders, marketers, and innovation leaders.| We'll talk about: Stop leading with tech. Start solving real problems.Beauty’s not overcrowded, it’s overcomplicated.Platforms don’t matter if your customer isn’t there.The new consumer doesn’t fall for fluff.You can’t be everything. Stay in your lane.AI isn’t here to replace humans, it’s here to empower them. For more information, visit Sampo Parkkinen's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee N° 5 to unpack what real leadership looks like: responsibility, adaptability, and learning as you go. If you’re building a team—or building yourself as a leader—this one’s for you. We'll talk about: Why leadership is not the same as being the bossThe hardest shift: from doing the work to leading the peopleWhat “leading by example” really means—and when it backfiresHow to stay strategic without losing sight of the detailsWhat founders get wrong when they try to do it allBuilding a team culture that values initiative—not just outputWhy good leadership starts with reflection, not perfection For more information, visit Kevin Eikenberry's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Copywriter Carmine Montalto joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee N° 5 to talk about the power of words, the importance of brand voice, and why good writing is non-negotiable across every touchpoint, from packaging to email. If your copy isn’t converting, this episode’s your wake-up call. We'll talk about: Why your consumer, not your brand, is the main characterThe difference between nice copy and copy that sellsWhat agencies get wrong about brand voice (and how to fix it)From emails to packaging: how to write with consistencyWhy every content piece needs a clear intentionUsing AI like a proThe underrated power of direct response copy For more information, visit Carmine Montalto's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Andrea Moore joins Lara Schmoisman on Coffee N° 5 to talk real leadership, smart hiring, and the strategy behind a truly connected omnichannel brand. If you're tired of chaos and ready to lead with clarity, this episode delivers. We'll talk about: Boss vs. leader: Why the title means nothing without visionHow Andrea scaled omnichannel from the ground upHiring for growth: Skill, grit, and long-game thinkingWhat mentorship really means—and what it doesn’tBuilding strategy across platforms without losing the brandLeading cross-functional teams without the drama For more information, visit Andrea Moore's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show

Send us a text Publishing a book? Learn the truth behind self-publishing, hybrid models, and traditional book deals with expert Meghan Stevenson. From securing an agent to building your platform, get industry-level insight in this episode of Coffee N° 5. We'll talk about: Meghan’s journey from Big Five publishing to independent author advocacyThe three paths to publishing: self-publishing, hybrid, and traditionalWhy audience size and platform are non-negotiables in traditional publishingCommon misconceptions about advances, agents, and bestseller listsHow long it really takes to go from book idea to publicationRed flags and mistakes first-time authors often makeThe truth about ghostwriting, marketing, and “book guarantees For more information, visit Meghan Stevenson's LinkedIn. Subscribe to Lara’s newsletter. Also, follow our host Lara Schmoisman on social media: Instagram: @laraschmoisman Facebook: @LaraSchmoisman Support the show