What happens when a finance brain meets a creative heart?

You get Nick Valenti, co-founder and CEO of MĀDIN, a bicoastal creative agency that’s redefining strategy, storytelling, and influence. In this episode of Operations Unfiltered, Nick joins me to talk about his journey from private equity to brand campaigns, the origin of MAIDEN’s name (hint: it’s not a typo), and how his agency blends intentionality with creativity to serve numerous brands across the globe.

If you’re a founder, creative lead, or just tired of marketing buzzwords with no backbone—this one’s for you. ✨

About Zuryna
Zuryna is a marketing project manager with a knack for turning chaos into strategy. She founded Live More Agency LLC to help small businesses, professional athletes, and content creators streamline their marketing efforts.

🎧 Follow the journey on Instagram
@OperationsUnfiltered | @LadyZSays | @LiveMoreAgency

About Nick Valenti

Nick is a serial entrepreneur with a background in private equity. He currently is the CEO and head of strategy for Mādin, a full service creative agency that helps many founder led brands reach their full potential. He has also worked with global brands including Formula1, Palm Tree Crew, and San Diego FC.

The Today Show tried it with a TV mom bracket (Claire Huxtable vs. Carol Brady? Be serious), but it sparked something deeper—moms have always been the blueprint for marketing. No PR team. No big budget. Just strategy, vibes, and unmatched relatability.

In this episode of Operations Unfiltered, we take a walk down memory lane and a scroll through today’s feed to explore how mom creators like @jalisaevaughn, @carmenreneeblog, and @jaylabrenae are carrying that legacy forward—turning everyday chaos into community, connection, and conversion. From packing lunches to pitching brands, they’re doing it all, often with a toddler on one hip and a contract in the inbox.

We’re breaking down the systems behind the content, the emotional resonance that makes it stick, and why brands that really get it are already winning. Spoiler alert: mom influencers aren’t just relatable—they’re reliable marketing powerhouses.

So whether you’re a PTA president, content queen, or both—this one’s for you. 🎙️

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and follow @ladyzsays + @operationsunfiltered for more behind-the-scenes gems.

This week we are talking all about the dollars behind the dupe deals.

In this episode, we’re diving into the ripple effect of increased tariffs on Chinese imports and what that really means for content creators, small business owners, and marketing teams alike. With recent announcement from Shein and Temu about upcoming price hikes, pending shifts in packaging costs and vendor timelines, this conversation is less about panic—and more about preparation.

We’ll talk project management moves, marketing pivots, and why transparency is your best friend right now. And later in the episode, we’re answering one of the most common identity questions out there: Am I a content creator or an influencer?

This episode is a quick but essential download for anyone building a personal brand or business in a shifting economy.

Don't forget to follow along on social (@OperationsUnfiltered), (@LadyZSays) and (@LiveMoreAgency).

Let’s talk about the logistics behind the legacy.

In this episode, we’re diving into the behind-the-scenes of one of Baltimore’s most iconic events—The Fells Point Fun Festival. Now in its 59th year, this historic neighborhood celebration draws thousands each fall with live music, local vendors, and waterfront vibes—but what does it really take to pull it off?

From coordinating 300+ vendors to going completely self-funded (yes, zero coins from the city), we chat with volunteer festival chair and Stevenson University alum Jeff Dewberry about the tools, team, and tenacity that keep this legacy alive.

This isn’t just about festivals—it’s about community-driven operations, process over panic, and the magic of making things happen without a blueprint.

Connect with Zuryna
Zuryna is a marketing project manager with a knack for turning chaos into strategy. She founded Live More Agency LLC to help small businesses, professional athletes, and content creators streamline their marketing efforts.

A proud Stevenson University graduate (BS '16, MS '17), Zuryna specializes in optimizing processes, identifying influencer marketing opportunities, and ensuring her clients have the right people, tools, and systems to succeed. Known for her sharp problem-solving skills and hands-on approach, she’s the strategist you want in your corner when it’s time to get organized and maximize impact.

🎧 Follow the journey on Instagram
@OperationsUnfiltered | @LadyZSays | @LiveMoreAgency

Fell's Point Fun Festival
🛎️ Learn more about the festival at fellspointfest.com

In this episode, we’re showing love to the woman who’s quietly making major moves in the world of sports—Nicole Lynn. If her name doesn’t ring a bell yet, don’t worry... it will.

Nicole isn’t just in the room, she’s running it. As the first Black woman to represent a top NFL draft pick and the current President of Football Operations at Klutch Sports (yes, the same Klutch that reps LeBron, Jalen Hurts, and Miles Garrett), her resume speaks loudly. I did my research, and let’s just say—I’m a fan.

Tune in as we talk about breaking barriers, managing talent at the highest level, and why Nicole Lynn is the blueprint.

Connect with Zuryna
Zuryna is a marketing project manager with a knack for turning chaos into strategy. She founded Live More Agency LLC to help small businesses, professional athletes, and content creators streamline their marketing efforts.

A proud Stevenson University graduate (Class of 2016), Zuryna specializes in optimizing processes, identifying influencer marketing opportunities, and ensuring her clients have the right people, tools, and systems to succeed. Known for her sharp problem-solving skills and hands-on approach, she’s the strategist you want in your corner when it’s time to get organized and maximize impact.

Follow along on Instagram (@OperationsUnfiltered), (@LadyZSays) and (@LiveMoreAgency).

Let’s talk about the money behind the highlights.

In this episode, we're getting into the world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and how student-athletes are turning their influence into income. From beauty brand sponsorships to social media game plans, we’re unpacking what it means to market yourself while still running drills and midterms.

This isn’t just about sports—it’s about strategy, storytelling, and securing the bag before you even go pro.

Connect with Zuryna
Zuryna is a marketing project manager with a knack for turning chaos into strategy. She founded Live More Agency LLC to help small businesses, professional athletes, and content creators streamline their marketing efforts.

A proud Stevenson University graduate (Class of 2016), Zuryna specializes in optimizing processes, identifying influencer marketing opportunities, and ensuring her clients have the right people, tools, and systems to succeed. Known for her sharp problem-solving skills and hands-on approach, she’s the strategist you want in your corner when it’s time to get organized and maximize impact.

Follow along on Instagram (@OperationsUnfiltered), (@LadyZSays) and (@LiveMoreAgency).

In this special episode of Operations Unfiltered, we're back with Simone Phillips, aka Charm City Table, a prominent influencer in Baltimore and the DMV. We discuss upcoming plans for Charm City Table, she shares some candid social media experiences with business owners, and offers invaluable advice on thriving as a content creator or collaborating with influencers as a business owner.

Tune in for practical tips and engaging stories!

Connect with Zuryna
Zuryna is a marketing project manager with a knack for turning chaos into strategy. She founded Live More Agency LLC to help small businesses, professional athletes, and content creators streamline their marketing efforts.

A proud Stevenson University graduate (Class of 2016), Zuryna specializes in optimizing processes, identifying influencer marketing opportunities, and ensuring her clients have the right people, tools, and systems to succeed. Known for her sharp problem-solving skills and hands-on approach, she’s the strategist you want in your corner when it’s time to get organized and maximize impact.

Follow along on Instagram (@OperationsUnfiltered), (@LadyZSays) and (@LiveMoreAgency).

Connect with Simone
Simone Phillips is an award-winning content creator, influencer and highly sought-after event curator who takes an informative and fun approach to her Baltimore-based platform, Charm City Table which she founded in 2017.

A pioneer and visionary, Simone received a Certificate of Recognition from the Mayor’s office in 2024, served as a founding member of The Baltimore Banner’s inaugural Creatives-In-Residence program and was awarded Best Foodie 2023 by Baltimore Beat, Best Twitter 2022 by The Baltimore Sun, and Best Instagram 2021 by Baltimore Magazine. She also serves as a Community Advisory Board Member for The National Aquarium’s Voyages event series which highlights Baltimore’s arts, science, and food scene to audiences ages 21+.

In addition to uplifting the Greater Baltimore Area and the DMV through her exemplary work in food and media, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, art, and travel.

Follow along on Instagram (@CharmCityTable) and TikTok (@baltimorefoodblogger) or visit her website www.charmcitytable.com

90s fashion is officially back, and it’s not just about the clothes—it’s about the culture shift bringing malls back to life. On this episode of Operations Unfiltered, we're breaking down the resurgence of brands like Levi’s, GAP, and Old Navy while questioning how Forever 21 fell off so hard.

Is this all thanks to influencer marketing? Are shopping malls really making a comeback? And what can brands learn from this revival? Tune in as we analyze the marketing project management behind the nostalgia boom and what it means for the future of retail.

Follow on Instagram @livemoreagency and @ladyzsays