exvagency

FutureProof: A Paradigm-Shifting Conference That Transcends Business Conventions

Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:41:07 GMT

WELCOME TO FUTUREPROOF: THE UNCONFERENCE OF YOUR WILDEST DREAMS

Hello, fellow business enthusiasts! It's Karen Gamba, CEO of the ExV Agency here, and I'm absolutely thrilled to take you on a journey through my unforgettable experience at this year's FutureProof conference. Trust me when I say that the buzz you've heard, the photos you've seen, and the reviews you've read do not even begin to capture the essence of this remarkable event. As someone who had a few reservations about diving back into the world of big conferences post-pandemic, I can confidently tell you that FutureProof is not your run-of-the-mill corporate gathering. It's a game-changer, a breath of fresh air, and a whole lot of fun, all rolled into one extraordinary event. I hopped on a flight from Hong Kong to Huntington Beach for this adventure, and despite my initial jetlag and grumpiness, I was in for a pleasant surprise.

THE UNCONFERENCE EXPLAINED

Picture this: quick 15-minute "Breakthrough" meetings that seamlessly connect you with industry leaders and potential collaborators, leaving you inspired and invigorated. This is the magic of FutureProof. Weeks after the event, I'm still wrapped up in meaningful conversations with both old friends and newfound connections made at the conference. If you've ever contemplated attending, let me assure you, it's an experience like no other – one of the most extraordinary events I've had the privilege of attending in my career.

EMPOWERING WOMEN AT THE HELM

As a woman business owner, one of the standout moments for me was being privy to the vulnerable insights shared by powerhouse women. I had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable Alli Webb, NY Times Bestselling Author and Co-Founder of Drybar, in conversation with Jaclyn Johnson, Founder of Create & Cultivate, and Cherub. It was truly mind-blowing to see women at the zenith of their careers openly discussing their achievements and setbacks, all against the breathtaking backdrop of Huntington Beach's sandy shores, palm trees, and radiant sunshine. FutureProof is a celebration of the incredible success and resilience of women who are truly making waves in the business world.

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO IDEAS

Gone are the stuffy conference rooms. FutureProof reimagines the traditional conference experience by hosting speaker sessions and panels on outdoor concert stages, infusing each discussion with a breath of fresh air. It's akin to a music festival for business aficionados, where you can absorb knowledge while basking in the warm California sun.

GAME-CHANGING WOMEN

While the event featured global luminaries, my focus was squarely on the remarkable women who are leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields. I had the pleasure of listening in on insightful discussions led by the likes of Michelle Wie West, a pro golfer and angel investor at PitchBook, Nicole Casperson, the visionary Founder of Fintech is Femme, and Deborah Yang of Daizy.com. These women are boldly reshaping their industries, and their wisdom was nothing short of inspiring.

THE VISIONARIES BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Before I wrap this up, let's take a moment to acknowledge the incredible organizers and visionaries who breathed life into FutureProof. This event wasn't just well-attended; it was impeccably organized, fluid, and, dare I say, cool! Some have even likened it to the "Coachella of Wealth Management Festivals," and having experienced it firsthand, I can wholeheartedly vouch for the accuracy of that comparison.

OUR TIME TO SHINE

At ExV Agency, we've had the honor of seeing some of our long-standing clients take the stage at FutureProof in 2022. This year, it was our turn to experience it for ourselves, and let me tell you, we're beyond grateful that we did. Hats off to John Swolfs, Matt Middleton, Dave Masterson, and all the masterminds who brought this event to life. FutureProof is an experience like no other, and we're eagerly anticipating our return to this vibrant tapestry in 2024.

A MULTIFACETED EXTRAVAGANZA

FutureProof seamlessly blends education, efficient networking, brand activations, music, and art in an outdoor beachside setting, creating an unforgettable experience. With nearly 3,000 attendees representing over 1,800 companies, it stands out in the corporate conference landscape.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

In the realm of corporate conferences, financial services gatherings have often been associated with dull meetings in dimly lit hotel rooms. However, the FutureProof conference has shattered these stereotypes and brought the financial industry into a radiant [beachy] light. It's a refreshing, empowering, and downright enjoyable experience that you simply cannot afford to miss. So, mark your calendars, and let's rendezvous at FutureProof in 2024. I promise you'll walk away with stars in your eyes and a network of extraordinary colleagues and new business contacts.

See you there!

How I Navigated The Unscripted Television Industry (Part 2 of 3)

info@exv-agency.com (Karen Gamba) — Thu, 18 May 2023 00:06:03 GMT

PART 2: THE PANDEMIC & PITCHING IN PAJAMAS

THE WORLD CHANGED

Looking back to New York City in 2020 and how it impacted my unscripted television development career is truly remarkable. Waking up every day in our apartment in such an unstable and terrifying world, perpetually in constant fear. This was the one thing that kept me going . That kept me creatively challenged. Just because the world stopped, it didn’t mean I had to.

We now had Lifetime Network interested in making our concept, an incredible production company partner, and we were off to the races to create a show that we came up with! I will never forget, looking at our first call sheet with my name on top listed as Executive Producer and Creator! What would my late-mom think? I never could have imagined that this boy from the Bronx would have this opportunity- it was an almost out of body experience.

As we worked on the show remotely, we realized that the world was changing around us…and so was our show. We initially pitched a show where two people were getting married and only one person could be at the wedding. The missing person was there, but on a Skype (how wild!), and witnessed their own nuptials through a computer screen. What was once unheard of now became commonplace in our new Covid normal.

We worked so hard to make something out-of-the-box and special, but ultimately what made our show so unique wasn’t so unique anymore. Covid changed everything.. including what we believed to be a sure-fire hit.

Lifetime ultimately passed, and although it stung, boy did we learn so much from that experience. Every note we received and every pivot we took made us stronger producers and creators. This experience was something that never in my wildest dreams did I think would happened to me. Looking back now, I realize what an outstanding opportunity it was to cut our teeth making a TV show with the world in the state it was in. I think my Mom knew exactly what I needed during that time, like she always does.

CREATING MAGIC

One of the most valuable notes we received from our respected lead producer was that we have the innate ability to find content that we can relate to. He told us the most important thing we can do is “look inward” to find our next concept.

Ok bro.....Now what?

I’ll never forget rollerblading around Central Park and calling my partner Tim, excitedly yelling that we should make a show about a female ice hockey team. As an avid rollerblader, and former ice hockey player, I envision the next Mighty Ducks meets Glow . I had to look to my current environment in order to find our next concept. It was as if a switch went off in my brain, and it is the process I stand by to this da y. If I need an idea, I just take a deep breath and look around me.

We found the right team and we were right back at it, Pitching In Pajamas , yet again! Ice Queens was born and we got to meet every major network from the comfort of our own home. What a wild experience- such a different way to do business!

We learned about ourselves during that process, what our strengths are, and that our passion is what can help sell a television show. We took that show everywhere, but alas, “The world just wasn’t ready for a female sports show." When I received that note, I listened, and said, absolutely fucking not! We are finding our next show..and its going to be about female sports.

Enter In Sync, the show about all-female synchronized swimmers training for the Olympics. How did the show come about you ask? I was laying on a gurney getting ready to go under anesthesia for a colonoscopy, when my doctor, who always loved to chat and gush about reality TV shows with me, taps me on the shoulder and says, “You should make a show about synchronize swimming, that world is incredible…..now count backwards from 10.”

When I came to, the first thing I did was get dressed and call Tim- maybe not in that exact order, lol. “We have to make a show about synchronize swimming.” And so on, and so on the process goes….

The true lesson here is that the world can always change around you, but it doesn’t matter when you’re drawing the power of creativity from inside. Creativity becomes you, it becomes part of your DNA, and consumes your thoughts. I have learned that for me, true creativity is derivative. You follow the thread from one place to the next until ultimately you see a pattern. This has been my experience, and I cherish the opportunity that I had to figure this out at such a dark time.

So my Covid story as it relates to my unscripted television career truly is this: Although I was isolated, scared, and detached from the rest of the world-I was able to create magic because I found it within.

BACK OUTSIDE...GULP.

I had no idea how hard it would be coming out of Covid, and having to meet people in this industry for the first time-in person! I had been doing this alone in my pajamas but now it was time to put on a shirt and pants and get back out there. Forever changed, with a new expertise, ready to make a dream happen.

There was something safe about being in the house doing all of this in a silo- somehow it didn’t fully feel real. Imagine my surprise when I realized, it was!

UP NEXT: ONE EPIC DAY, WILLIAM MORRIS, & WHERE WE ARE TODAY (Part 3 of 3)

REINVENTING YOURSELF AFTER SAYING GOODBYE

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 11:48:42 GMT

The ExV Agency's PR & Communications Intern shows us what we can learn from Gen Z.

HI, I'M JILLIAN

I’ve known from the age of six that I was born to write. I wrote my own little book in elementary school, and my mom often talks about it to remind me of just how much I love this passion.

Flash forward to being twenty-one years old, and in just 3 short months, I am taking my first leap into the world of adulthood as an optimistic public relations professional. As a second-semester senior at the University of South Carolina, I stare at my syllabi and think about all the assignments I must complete before I walk across the graduation stage. College graduation approaching so quickly seems scary and stressful, but it feels as if I have been prepared for post-graduate professional life.

I had always despised taking tests, and coming to college, that did not change. As a high school student, it was very distressing to be in the learn, quiz, test, and forget rotation. Luckily for me, choosing public relations as my major in college had lifted my educational mindset.

MY STORY

The public relations major at the University of South Carolina has always been a hands-on program, which turned out to be perfect for molding my creative mind. I have taken classes where we interacted with real clients, built case studies from scratch, researched, written and designed our own white papers, and I am currently in a class where I get to write and design for the journalism college alumni magazine.

In the end, I’ve absolutely loved my college experience. “Senioritis” has hit, and the priority of finding a career and succeeding in the working world has been higher than ever. I was sorority Vice President in 2021, and President in 2022, and these leadership positions required me to step up in a professional manner that has shaped me into a young professional. I absolutely loved leading such a strong and motivating group of women. Our sorority values are love, honor, and truth; I feel as if these are values that should be driven in my post-graduate workplace.

The ExV Agency internship has been a match made in heaven for me from the start. Frank Carlisi and Karen Gamba have welcomed me with open arms, and truly show how much they care about my education in the public relations world. I am excited to see how far I go in my internship and am blessed to learn from professionals that share the love, honor, and truth values.

HOW GEN Z DEFINES STRONG LEADERSHIP

Don't Be Afraid To Speak Your Mind. People value honesty and constructive criticism, whether it be as a boss, employee, coach, friend, captain, etc.

Be A GREAT Listener. Showing interest and giving a person your undivided attention is the way to start a positive chat with your team.

Be The Change. Adapt to the ability to drive change and lead within time sensitive situations. Take the leap to get things done, even if you are not 100% on the idea. You never know what may come from you taking that first step for change.

Motivate and Inspire Others. Your team will be looking to you for guidance and positive reinforcement. People tend to do best when they are rewarded for their efforts and bonded to their team.

Build And Foster Relationships. Building these trusting relationships will make a team work stronger, and more honestly with one another. The bond that your team shares will strengthen your company in many aspects. One of my favorite bonding activities is a homemade pizza party. With this activity, the team can share their interests and personality on something that everyone loves, Pizza!

Recognize Success. We need to normalize celebrat ing another person’s accomplishments. At the end of the day, we all have similar goals, and each other’s successes’ are what drive us to reach those goals.

WE ARE CHANGING THE WORLD

Generation Z students and young professionals have the most sought-after perspective in the professional world . Yet, this did not used to be the case. Generation Z had never been taken seriously, as we were the children who grew up during the rise of technological advancement. But I think that this is what makes us different. Generation Z has broken the stigma related to work-life balance. We value a job that makes a difference, aligns with our views, and offers co-worker bonding and a healthy work-life balance for mental health. The Generation Z mindset aligns with healthy reinvention of yourself during transitions, whether it be a new city, new job, or new status in life.

I have heard from my professors that post-graduate life is the time to reinvent oneself. Interests, taste, hobbies, and time management change as you enter a new point in your life. With maturity comes a better routine of self-care, one that I am personally excited for.

The transition period from high school to college was terrifying. So, I can’t imagine how I’m going to feel come May 6 as I pack up my things and move back home.

As I near the end of this chapter of my life, however, I feel ready to enter another.

I couldn’t have found a better university to call home. As I near my senior spring break, graduation photos, final exams, and sorority events get me thinking. South Carolina created memories for me that have forever changed the course of my personal and professional life. This university can truly shape a person to be the best version of themselves. I am excited to graduate as a Gamecock alumna, so bring on adulthood, Atlanta!

JILLIAN'S TIPS FOR REINVENTING YOURSELF

Be Your True Self. Always remember that your likes and dislikes, hobbies, and quirks are what make you special.

Push your Boundaries! I’ve always been interested in trying new things. Take that extra leap to put yourself out there, although it may be uncomfortable at times. This is how I know that I like to wakeboard! Who knew?

Stuck In A Hard Place? Try A Change. Whether it be a new city, new job, or new friends- it is always worth it to explore a new option that may be a best fit for YOU!

Make a Bucket List! We all had that one bucket list from when we were kids but try making an adult bucket list! Try that new restaurant, make goals to take on new clients or a new hobby.

Define Your Core Values. Recognize the type of values that you want to see in yourself, others, or your workplace. This can be helpful for reinventing a new kind of change in your social environment.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help! Oftentimes we are afraid to ask for help. Little do we know that a family member, co-worker, teammate, or friend may be experiencing a similar situation.

How I Navigated The Unscripted Television Industry (Part 1 of 3)

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 20:00:58 GMT

PART 1: THE BEGINNING

MOVE THAT BUS!

Many people ask me how a PR & event professional, a classically trained chef, and someone with a master's degree in health services administration, found his way into developing unscripted television concepts for major networks? Even writing that intro seems outrageous! The answer can be traced back to one person. The "inciting incident" that has shaped every fiber of my creative process: Ty Pennington.

You may know him from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Not the answer you were expecting? It wasn't so much the show, but the person I was watching with - my late Mom, Toni Ann. Sunday nights she and I would sneak into the basement and watch Ty & his crew change people's lives. The changes were so drastic it would bring us to guttural tears, hand holding, sharing of snacks, and outright consoling each other. I am still amazed at how a piece of content can bring out so much emotion. It was our time to connect, share a moment that was all our own, be vulnerable, and just be present as we watched our favorite show.

I wasn't out then, so my days were spent keeping up a facade of hyper masculinity and outward stoicism, afraid to show any emotion. I never spoke about my sexuality with my Mom back then, but she knew. She knew this was a safe space where I could be myself, cry if I wanted to, and not have to pretend. I miss those Sunday nights, and I guess my love for unscripted television can be traced back to the humanness of those episodes, the safety I felt with her, and the longing I feel each day to spend more time - just me and my Mom.

THE ULIMATE ELEVATOR PITCH

I wish I had a better, more elegant way of saying that our first idea came from being inebriated at a gay bar in Hell's Kitchen, NYC, but I don't. I was with my dear friend & now (& forever) co-producer, Tim Grady. We had just finished dinner and a tequila (or 3) and the idea just came out:

As a chef, how much of a burden would it be to have to cook someone's final meal?

We talked about the idea deeply, as two people who are a few in do, and concluded, "Wouldn't that make a great TV show?"

We easily could have left it there, but the idea followed us everywhere we went. It became an all- consuming thought, but it was still just an idea. We had no clue how to get it out of the ether and into something tangible, until... we started talking about it to everyone and anyone who would listen. Talking about it, refining it, and sharing it made it real.

One night I was at a friend's Christmas party in Chelsea. As I was leaving, I got into an elevator with some friends and other guests of the party. (And here I go again) I started talking about our idea to my captive audience and when I finished I felt a tap from behind on my shoulder by another party guest I'd just met. He handed me his business card, and said, "Call me Monday."

NYC: MARCH 10, 2020

This began my unexpected journey (The Hobbit pun intended) of meetings with producers, riding the famous escalator up the Viacom building in Times Square into MTV Studios, and a crash course in unscripted TV development.

I had a taste for the business and an idea in my pocket. I decided to take a class on a whim in TV production on a memorably arctic February day in NYC. It was a full day of camera work (I hate being on camera) but at the end of the afternoon, we were visited by an Executive Producer & Creator of The Real Housewives of Atlanta & Potomac, and more recently Dubai! I was struck by the fact that this incredibly successful TV producer took the time in -5 degree weather to visit a class and casually talk to us about this business. It felt selfless , and I was truly moved by her choosing to being there.

It took me at least an hour to stand up and "pitch" our idea. I was so nervous I probably stuttered through and blurted out nonsense, but she told me to e-mail her anytime. And so, we began a relationship that has resulted in 4 development deals with Truly Original and a mentor and friend that I truly cherish to this day. I learned on that freezing day in February to never be transactional with creative souls , but to always focus on the relationships that grow, as they will flourish over time and produce something truly special.

Our original idea gave birth to a new idea. In learning our subject's story, a single phrase got us thinking, and a new show was born from its predecessor.

What is a proxy wedding?

I had no idea, but I knew it was a great TV show idea! And the journey continued...

Using what we learned from our first show, we took this idea to our fresh network of unscripted producers in NYC. We found a partner, and together we pitched our new show to Lifetime Network ( on a zoom?! ). Our in-person meeting was canceled by the network the day-of because there was something going around called Covid-19. They didn't want to take the risk of having in-office visitors, so Tim and I sat around a board room table at the production office and zoomed in with the Lifetime team, killed the pitch , and threw ourselves in a cab to get back up to our apartments in Harlem. All of this while feeling depleted and too exhausted to even celebrate the huge win we both just shared.

That was March 10th 2020 , the day before NYC was declared a state of emergency and we both unknowingly had Covid.

The bad news- I couldn't get out of bed for 3 weeks. The good news - we got a call to tell us that Lifetime wanted the show ...

UP NEXT: THE PANDEMIC & PITCHING IN PAJAMAS (Part 2 of 3)

THE BENEFITS OF WRITING A WHITE PAPER

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 18:12:46 GMT

THE BENEFITS OF WRITING A WHITE PAPER

White papers have long been seen as an archaic and boring approach to sharing expertise. With attention spans getting shorter by the day – companies and individuals often wonder if white papers are still relevant. While it might be harder to capture the attention of consumers, it is possible to do so with compelling research, insightful and educational metrics, and captivating design.

Three Reasons Why You Should Produce a White Paper:

White Papers Immediately Establish Thought Leadership on a Subject

Your expertise in an industry or field can be outlined in a thought-provoking and well-produced white paper. The opportunities associated with producing a white paper are limitless. It may help you better secure speaking engagements, mentorship opportunities, and visibility with new client groups.

White Papers Are a Secret Weapon in Marketing Strategies

While presentations, brochures or web content are a great way to tell your story, a white paper immediately elevates your expertise due to the statistical research, case studies, testimonials, and metrics it reveals. Even today, white papers are one of the best tools businesses can use to influence and engage buyers.

Attention Spans May Be Dwindling, But Consumers Appreciate Insightful Information

Research has shown that as consumers become more educated and savvier, they are willing to take their time to see if a product or service benefits them. A well-produced white paper offers potential buyers well-packaged and targeted information about services, a company’s expertise, and even its values and social impact.

According to a TechTarget report, 91% of IT buyers found white papers to be the second-most effective type of content in the buying process, ranking higher than video, webinars, and social media posts (the first was product literature).