B2B Breakthrough Podcast

B2B Breakthrough Podcast

Every two weeks, the B2B Breakthrough Podcast brings you the knowledge, insights and strategies that you need to continue to grow your business. By learning from industry experts, successful e-commerce business owners, and the team at Alibaba.com, you’ll be well on your way to your next big business breakthrough. If you’re facing challenges on your path to success as a small business owner, we’re here to give you the tools you need to break through and reach the next level.

Episodes

July 8, 2025 36 mins

How did three people with no social media following turn handwritten notes and free samples into a multi-million dollar snacking empire?

Building a successful food brand in today's market requires more than just great products—it takes authentic ...

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What if the secret to breakthrough supplier innovation isn't telling them what to make, but asking them to solve your problem instead?

Building a brand that parents trust and kids love requires more than just great products—it takes thoughtful de...

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Could catalog-based browsing transform how you discover new products for your business?

Sourcing globally isn't just about finding the lowest prices—it's about building resilient supply chains and smart business relationships. In this episode of ...

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How can you tell if an overseas factory is legitimate without visiting in person?

Turning ideas into physical products isn't just about creativity—it's about strategic planning and finding the right manufacturing partners. In this episode of B2B ...

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In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Justin McClure, the creator behind The Mighty McClures and founder of QoS Ultra Light. Justin shares his inspiring journey from creating viral content to developing groundbreaking products. Learn how he overcame manufacturing hurdles, built lasting business relationships, sourced suppliers through Alibaba.com, and sta...
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In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Carmine Denisco, President of United Inventors Association, to unpack the real-world challenges of intellectual property protection. From filing provisional patents to building resilient manufacturing partnerships, they explore how inventors and entrepreneurs can protect their ideas without breaking the bank. Discover...
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Success on Amazon isn’t just about great products—it’s about data-driven decisions and human-focused optimization. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Adriana Rangel, PickFu brand ambassador and Sellers Podcast en Español host, about avoiding costly mistakes as an Amazon seller. Learn the secrets of keyword research, multi-language listings, and why ana...
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In this special episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo sits down with Kuo Zhang, President of Alibaba.com, to explore how AI is revolutionizing global trade for small businesses. They discuss Alibaba’s AI-powered sourcing engine, Accio, and its role in enhancing search, communication, and business research. Kuo also shares insights on AI-generated content, strategic logistic...
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In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo sits down with Michael Spelfogel, Co-Founder and President of Cardless, and Yiran Li, Head of Customer Retention Strategy at Alibaba.com, to explore the evolving world of business financing. They discuss how small businesses can navigate inflation, leverage new credit solutions, and build strong business credit. From the Alibaba...
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In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, recorded on the sidelines of Alibaba’s March Expo, Ciara Cristo chats with Tim Jordan, E-commerce Seller and Strategy Consultant, and Lulu Yan, Category Specialist at Alibaba.com. Together, they explore March Expo’s sourcing opportunities, from fast shipping to deep discounts, and uncover trending products in fashion, pets, home & garden, and...
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On this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Yohan Jacob, founder of Retailbound, to uncover essential strategies for thriving in the competitive retail landscape. With over 30 years of experience mentoring 4,000+ clients, Yohan shares tips on product differentiation, meeting buyer expectations, and streamlining supply chains. From mastering negotiations to craf...
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In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, Ciara Cristo chats with Rudy Mawer, CEO of Mawer Capital and celebrity marketer, about mastering a winner's mindset, navigating the shifting marketing landscape, and scaling businesses. Rudy shares insights on resilience, innovative marketing strategies, building loyal communities, and the transformative role of AI in business. He also offers act...
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In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough podcast, host Ciara chats with Marshall Day and Kevin Sagouspe, co-owners of The Better Tool Company to discuss the journey of their startup company.

Join them as they:
  • Highlight the key functions of their product, Rak-O.
  • Share valuable insights needed to upscale a product.
  • Implications of dealing with untrustworthy...
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In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Brittany Golden, Founder and CEO of IGL Nails, about her journey from side hustle to beauty industry disruptor. Brittany shares how she’s revolutionizing the press-on nail market with inclusive designs for all nail bed sizes, tackling challenges like sourcing manufacturers and scaling her brand. She also discusses emp...
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In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, Ciara Cristo chats with Tony Parker, four-time NBA Champion and Founder and President of Infinity Nine Group, for a dynamic conversation on transitioning from sports to business. Tony shares his insights on the importance of resilience, adaptability, and mentorship. He discusses his ventures, including real estate, his basketball academy, and his...
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In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, our new host, Ciara Cristo, chats with Natalie Jacob, founder of Etymology Jewelry, about her creative journey and commitment to sustainability. Natalie shares how her fine arts background inspired her to build a thriving jewelry business blending vintage charm and modern style. She discusses challenges and successes in navigating the jewelry ind...
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In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Sharon Gai sits down with Corey Brown, Founder of buffaBRAND Marketing, to explore how to build effective brand strategies, the evolving world of e-commerce, and buffaBRAND Marketing’s cohesive, in-house approach to client success. Corey shares insights on staying ahead of Amazon’s innovations, leveraging AI for customer engageme...
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In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast, host Sharon Gai interviews Darrell Spencer, the founder and CEO of King's Crowning and Crowned Skin. Darrell discusses his journey from a corporate career to pioneering beauty and hair care products designed for Black men. He shares insights into omnichannel marketing, product development, and the importance of customer engagement. Da...
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In this episode of the B2B Breakthrough Podcast, Ron Williams, a former bodybuilding champion turned eCommerce brand owner, joins host Sharon Gai. Together they explore how a mindset shift transformed Ron’s life and business, helping him overcome personal and professional challenges. He discusses his journey into the fitness industry, creating innovative products like the Iron Chest...
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