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.
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What if 40% of your shipping damage happens before your container even leaves port—and you've been focused on the wrong stage entirely? Here's something most entrepreneurs don't realize: The majority of logistics disasters don't actually start at customs—they start much earlier with packaging decisions you make before your product ever leaves the factory. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Iron from Forest Leopard Logistics ( https://www.alibaba.com/showroom/forest...
How do you maintain founder momentum without sacrificing your mental health, physical fitness, and operational clarity as you scale? Don't let the new year pressure derail your momentum. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Kareem Raslan ( https://uk.linkedin.com/in/kareem-raslan-d2c ), co-founder of BrainGain ( https://braingain.fit ), about how product founders can enter 2026 with clarity, confidence, and operational strength. Learn how stripping away FOMO, conduct...
Why do successful entrepreneurs negotiate payment terms even when they have millions in the bank—and what does it reveal about building lasting supplier partnerships? Negotiating with suppliers isn't about winning—it's about creating partnerships where both sides thrive. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Lyden Smithers ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyden-smithers/?originalSubdomain=au ), President and Co-Founder of Titan Network ( https://discover.titannetwork.com...
What do Shark Tank investors, Marvel superheroes, and World Cup champions all agree is the secret to entrepreneurial success? The best moments don't happen in boardrooms—they happen on stages where entrepreneurs, champions, and innovators share the unfiltered truth about building businesses in turbulent times. In this special episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo takes you inside CoCreate 2025, Alibaba.com's premier global trade event held in London and Las Vegas, featuring an extraordi...
What if you could turn your biggest parenting frustration into a six-figure business in just 90 days—using nothing more than a turkey carving knife and memory foam? From 2am desperation to 90-day product launch—parenting pain points have a way of turning into breakthrough businesses. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Brittany Harvey ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittany-harvey/ ), co-founder of Vonu ( https://vonubaby.com ), about transforming a sleepless night i...
Why do most sustainable fashion brands stick to "boring and beige," and how is one founder proving colorful conscious fashion can thrive? Breaking the beige barrier in sustainable fashion takes more than good intentions—it requires bold vision, strategic sourcing, and a willingness to challenge industry stereotypes. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Holly Garrard ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/fundae-founder-holly-garrard/ ), founder and chief visionary officer of ...
Building a profitable hardware brand without venture capital requires strategic thinking, authentic relationships, and unwavering focus on cash flow management. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Christian Reed ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianrreed/ ), founder of Reekon Tools ( https://support.reekon.tools/hc/en-us ), fresh off his big win at Co Create Pitch. Christian shares how he scaled from a $1.2 million Kickstarter campaign to a sustainable 15-person o...
How did macro photography of insect eyes inspire a bold eyewear brand that's redefining fashion and eye health? Building a fashion-forward eyewear brand that prioritizes both style and eye health requires authentic design, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment to quality. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Dionne Ellison ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionne-ellison-5721261/ ), founder and creative force behind Vuliwear ( https://vuliwear.com/ ), about h...
Why are smart entrepreneurs celebrating the end of de minimis while their competitors panic about margin compression? The suspension of the de minimis rule has left many e-commerce sellers scrambling to understand new costs and compliance requirements. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Steven Selikoff ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenselikoff/ ), founder of Product One ( https://product.one/ ) and author of The Complete Book of Product Design, Development, Manu...
How can a simple 1-2-3 framework (brand, product, industry) transform confused entrepreneurs into data-driven decision makers? Audience research doesn't require big budgets or big teams—it requires the right approach and free tools at your fingertips. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Tsvetta Kaleynska ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsvetta/ ), founder of RILA Global Consulting ( https://rilaglobalconsulting.com/ ), about how small business owners can uncover who t...
Why do Comic-Con attendees provide better market research than focus groups, and how can trade shows become your product development laboratory? Crowdfunding isn't just about money—it's about community validation and smart risk-taking. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Nathan Nalevanko ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-nalevanko-29014133 ), Senior Design and Tech Outreach Lead at Kickstarter ( https://www.kickstarter.com/) , about what makes for a successful ca...
Why do Comic-Con attendees provide better market research than focus groups, and how can trade shows become your product development laboratory? Building a toy business that sparks imagination while navigating supply chain challenges requires persistence, creativity, and direct customer feedback. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Jeff Lawber ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/jefflawber/ ), the creative force behind Marmals ( https://www.marmals.com/ ), an adorable mod...
Why are founders who avoid buzzwords and rhetorical questions 10x more likely to secure follow-up meetings with investors? The difference isn't having the most innovative product or the slickest presentation—it's understanding the psychology behind investor decision-making and communicating with the confidence that comes from genuine preparation. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Kat Weaver ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/katweaver/ ), founder of Power to Pitch ( ht...
Why does treating "every production as the first time" prevent the kind of complacency that turns mass production into mass disaster? Turning disruption into opportunity requires more than just quick thinking—it demands the right mindset, strategic preparation, and a willingness to embrace chaos as fuel for innovation. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Kerim Kfuri (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerimkfuri/), President and CEO of The Atlas Network (https://theatlasne...
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 storytelling, community building, and the courage to do things differently. In this episode of B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Jake Karls ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-karls-653106ba/ ), co-founder and “Chief Rainmaker” of Mid-Day Squ...
Jen Kennedy and Rachel Webb of HoneyBug share their journey revolutionizing family gifting by focusing on thoughtful design and a magical unboxing experience. They elaborate on building an authentic, agile team, leveraging platforms like Alibaba for smart manufacturing, and fostering trust-based relationships with suppliers and 500+ brand partners. The discussion also covers critical entrepreneurial challenges, including cash flow management during rapid growth and navigating market pressures with a customer-first approach.
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 B2B Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo chats with Justin Liu ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinliu/ ), U.S. Country Manager for Alibaba.com, about helping U.S. businesses navigate unpredictable times through diversified sourcing strategies. Learn how toda...
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 Breakthrough, host Ciara Cristo talks with Brian Fried (@brianfriedinventor), serial inventor and Chief Inventor at Inventor Smart , about bridging the gap between great ideas and successful products. With 15 patents and 19 years coaching inventors, Bria...
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 stayed true to his authentic brand. Whether you're a creator or entrepreneur, Justin offers practical, honest advice...
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 smart strategies and the benefits of staying “patent pending,” leveraging design patents, and why branding and ...
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 analytics should drive product selection. Whether you’re new or scaling up, this conversation delivers game-changing...
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 logistics partnerships, and Alibaba’s commitment to democratizing trade. Whether you're scaling internationally or optim...
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.com Business Edge credit card’s unique benefits to strategies for managing cash flow and supplier diversificat...
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 beauty. During the month of March, buyers can take advantage of exclusive benefits, including: Get up to $20 on...
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 crafting standout marketing strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs and establ...
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 actionable advice for entrepreneurs aiming to thrive in today’s competitive environment. Tune in for key takeaways t...
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 relationships. Talk about the mindset that births new ideas and in turn, products. Delve into the wisdom of building a successful brand. Marsh...
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 empowering women through beauty, overcoming adversity, and her vision for IGL’s future. Tune in for entrepreneurial...
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 investment group, Infinity Nine. Reflecting on his work with Alibaba’s Athlete365 program, he highlights equipp...
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 industry, from sourcing sustainable materials to connecting with customers. Packed with entrepreneurial insights, th...
