Podcast/Video Interviews by Stephen Ibaraki

A Chat with Mat Micheli: Trailblazing Entrepreneur: Innovator; Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Viral Nation; EY Young Entrepreneur Of The Year; and Joe Gagliese: Dynamic Entrepreneur; Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Viral Nation; first Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Toronto

This week, Stephen Ibaraki has an exclusive interview with Mat Micheli and Joe Gagliese.

Mat Micheli stands at the forefront of Viral Nation as Co-Founder and Co-CEO, driving the company's evolution into a leader in Social-First marketing, talent representation, and cutting-edge technology. Since founding Viral Nation in 2014, Mat has been a pioneering force in the creator and talent space, shaping the company's strategic vision and overseeing its global operations, finance, and technology with remarkable insight.

Mat's innovative approach has been instrumental in transforming Viral Nation from an early influencer marketing agency into a global powerhouse in digital and social innovation. His forward-thinking leadership has facilitated the company's extraordinary growth, enabling it to forge significant partnerships with iconic brands such as Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Disney. Under Mat's stewardship, Viral Nation has harnessed the power of its extensive network of influencers to create groundbreaking and authentic social experiences that resonate across the digital landscape.

As a trailblazer in athlete influencer marketing and social technologies, Mat has earned widespread recognition, including the prestigious EY Young Entrepreneur Of The Year award. His relentless drive and visionary strategies continue to redefine the social media marketing landscape, affirming Viral Nation's status as a vanguard in the industry and solidifying Mat's legacy as a true innovator in the creator economy.

Joe Gagliese is the dynamic Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Viral Nation, a trailblazer in Social-First marketing, talent representation, and advanced technology solutions. Under Joe's visionary leadership, Viral Nation has undergone a remarkable transformation, achieving unprecedented growth and innovation, and scaling its business by over 300% year-over-year – all without relying on external investment.

Joe's strategic acumen and commitment to excellence have been pivotal in establishing Viral Nation as a dominant force in the creator economy. Under his guidance, the company has expanded its roster to nearly 1,000 creators, positioning itself as one of the largest and most influential talent representation agencies globally. His work bridges the gap between leading brands and contemporary culture, forging impactful partnerships with top-tier companies including Amazon Prime, The Coca-Cola Company, Meta, and Walmart.

Beyond his role at Viral Nation, Joe Gagliese is also recognized as the first Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Toronto. He is the founder of the YES Scholarship, an initiative dedicated to promoting the value of post-secondary education and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial talent. Joe's unwavering dedication to both his company and his community underscores his commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in all his endeavors.