Best Chris Cella Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 82 - Michael Lucci 45:06

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21h ago45:06

45:06

This episode of The China Desk features Michael Lucci, founder and CEO of State Armor, in a deep, candid conversation with host Steve Yates. They break down how China targets American states, the vulnerabilities inside U.S. supply chains and critical infrastructure, the threat of Beijing’s political warfare operations, and why state-level stress te…

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#72: Concept to acquisition with Chris Tilkov, DocuSketch 19:45

2d ago19:45

19:45

Many entrepreneurs dream of scaling a niche product, achieving market dominance, and ultimately securing a successful exit—but few actually make it happen. How do you take an idea from concept to acquisition, and what key lessons can other business leaders, including marketers, take from that journey? Joining me today is Chris Tilkov, General Manag…

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Ep. 81 - Ben Delman 35:51

2h ago35:51

35:51

America’s solar industry is growing fast—but China still controls huge portions of the global supply chain. In this interview, Steve Yates sits down with Ben Delman of Solar United Neighbors to break down how U.S. solar manufacturing is changing, where our steel and panel components really come from, and how new policies could shift the balance of …

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#71: Optimizing the handoff between marketing and sales with Gabe Lullo, Alleyoop 21:58

9d ago21:58

21:58

We've spent a decade trying to align marketing and sales. What if the very metric we created to bridge the gap—the MQL—is actually the thing that's perpetuating the rivalry between them? Agility requires a willingness to challenge the foundational metrics we've built our go-to-market strategies on. It demands that we replace gut feelings and legacy…

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Ep. 80 - Dennis Molinaro 31:16

14d ago31:16

31:16

This episode of The China Desk dives deep into one of the most urgent national-security challenges facing North America: the Chinese Communist Party’s long-running campaign of espionage, foreign influence, and elite capture. Host Steve Yates sits down with Canadian intelligence expert and author Dennis Molinaro—whose new book Under Assault uncovers…

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#70: Marketing measurement and the dark funnel with Chris Golec, CEO of Channel99 19:42

16d ago19:42

19:42

This show is brought to you by Channel99, a B2B marketing technology company helping clients get more out of their spend with AI-powered decision-making. What if 99% of your target accounts see your marketing, but never click a single ad? How would you prove your value then? Agility requires a willingness to abandon outdated metrics, even when they…

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Ep. 79 - Chris Fenton 48:04

21d ago48:04

48:04

Former DMG Entertainment executive Chris Fenton joins host Steve Yates to reveal how Hollywood’s ties with Beijing reshaped global storytelling, what “Feeding the Dragon” really means, and why America’s entertainment industry must rethink its relationship with China. From Iron Man to propaganda, Fenton exposes the inside story of U.S.–China influen…

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#69: How AI is Transforming Project Management with Alan Mosca, nPlan 27:14

23d ago27:14

27:14

If you could eliminate one of the biggest roadblocks to successful project delivery in your organization today, what would it be and why? Agility requires not only the ability to adapt to change but also the foresight to anticipate it. This means embracing data-driven insights and leveraging technology to navigate the complexities of modern project…

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Ep. 78 - Benedict Rogers 43:22

28d ago43:22

43:22

Human rights advocate and author Benedict Rogers joins Steve Yates to discuss 30 years confronting the Chinese Communist Party’s repression—from Tiananmen to Hong Kong and Xinjiang. Rogers shares insights on China’s growing global influence, Xi Jinping’s authoritarian turn, and the moral cost of Western complacency. A powerful discussion on truth, …

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#68: Improving lead quality with Derek Gerber, Power Digital 26:03

1M ago26:03

26:03

Are you getting lots of leads, but never enough good ones? Agility requires not only the ability to adapt to change quickly, but also the foresight to anticipate what's coming next, whether that's top, middle, or bottom of the funnel in B2B lead generation. Today, we're going to talk about why so many B2B marketers are still struggling with poor le…

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Ep. 77 - Hillel Neuer 47:38

30d ago47:38

47:38

In this powerful episode of The China Desk with host Steve Yates, UN Watch director Hillel Neuer exposes how China and other authoritarian regimes manipulate the United Nations from within. Neuer breaks down Beijing’s long-term strategy to dominate global institutions like the World Health Organization, the Human Rights Council, and other Geneva-ba…

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#67: CMOs are shaping the messaging and the markets with Monica Kumar, Extreme Networks 23:51

1M ago23:51

23:51

Is the Chief Marketing Officer becoming the Chief Market Officer? Are CMOs now responsible not just for messaging to the market, but for actively shaping and creating it? Agility requires not just reacting to market changes, but anticipating them and creating the future you want to see. It demands a deep understanding of customer needs, competitive…

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Ep. 76 - Tom Switzer 43:36

1M ago43:36

43:36

In this episode of The China Desk, host Steve Yates speaks with Tom Switzer, former senior fellow at the Center for Independent Studies and veteran journalist, about Australia’s evolving relationship with China and the United States. Switzer explains how Australia shifted from optimism about China’s integration into the liberal world order to a pos…

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#66: Building a culture of AI innovation with Michael Domanic, UserTesting 21:21

1M ago21:21

21:21

Is your organization truly AI-powered, or are you just slapping a little GenAI onto existing processes? Agility requires embracing experimentation and empowering teams to rapidly iterate, especially when integrating transformative technologies like AI. It also demands a culture that views failure as a learning opportunity, not a setback. Today, we'…

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Ep. 75 - Weifeng Zhong 43:53

2M ago43:53

43:53

In this episode of The China Desk, host Steve Yates speaks with Weifeng Zhong — senior advisor at the America First Policy Institute and co-creator of the Policy Change Index — about his journey from Communist China to the U.S., how AI and information control shape authoritarian regimes, and why America must reclaim its fight for free expression. W…

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#65: Transforming CX with AI plus People, Processes, and Platforms, with John Durocher, Calix 23:03

2M ago23:03

23:03

Are your people, processes, and platforms delivering value or to drive better customer experiences, or are they—and your CX—disconnected and siloed? Agility requires a willingness to adapt and evolve, as well as a deep understanding of how customer trust is built (or broken) through simplicity, personalization, and empowered employees. Today, we're…

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#64: Successful AI adoption requires human ingenuity, with Nickole Brown, Cella by Randstad Digital 25:40

2M ago25:40

25:40

Is the hype around AI in marketing finally starting to match reality, or are we still just scratching the surface of its true potential? Agility requires a willingness to experiment with new technologies like AI, but it also demands a deep understanding of your customer and the ability to adapt your strategies based on data and insights. It also re…

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Ep. 74 - Nick Eftimiades 44:15

2M ago44:15

44:15

In this episode of The China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates sits down with veteran intelligence officer and author Nick Eftimiades to explore the tactics behind Chinese espionage. Drawing on decades of experience at the CIA, DIA, and State Department, Eftimiades explains how Beijing uses a “whole-of-society” approach—spanning the Ministry of State …

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#63: Marketing in a world of agent to agent transactions with Mathieu Dhondt, EPAM 23:41

2M ago23:41

23:41

What is the role of marketing when humans are taken out of both ends of the customer experience, replaced by AI agents talking directly to each other on our behalf? Agility requires more than just implementing the newest AI tools — it means being able to make smart, strategic choices about which technologies are actually creating value for your cus…

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Ep. 73 - Joseph Cella 33:22

2M ago33:22

33:22

Former U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella returns to The China Desk Podcast to expose the growing threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party at home and abroad. From Michigan universities tied to Beijing and smuggling attempts involving dangerous biological materials, to the risks of agro-terrorism against America’s food supply, Cella details how local…

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#62: B2B CX and the Evolving B2B Customer with Rajesh Sankaran 21:21

2M ago21:21

21:21

Agility requires a deep understanding of evolving customer expectations and the ability to adapt quickly to meet those needs, especially in the complex B2B landscape. It also demands breaking down silos between marketing, sales, and customer service to create a unified customer journey. Today, we're going to talk about the nuances of B2B customer e…

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Ep. 72 - Andrew Phelan 49:27

3M ago49:27

49:27

On this episode of The China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates speaks with Andrew Phelan—Australian entrepreneur and writer—about the rise and transformation of China from Deng Xiaoping’s reforms to Xi Jinping’s wolf warrior diplomacy. Phelan shares his personal experiences living and working in China, explains how offshoring hollowed out Western indu…

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#61: How agentic AI can transform B2B event marketing with Travis Cushing, CPO of RainFocus 23:19

3M ago23:19

23:19

If you had to bet on one technology that will fundamentally reshape B2B marketing in the next five years what would it be, and would it have "agentic" and "AI" in the name? Agility requires not just reacting to technological advancements like agentic AI, but proactively experimenting with them and adapting your strategies based on real-world result…

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#60: Anticipating and adapting to change with Kathleen Pomento, ProcureAbility 22:40

3M ago22:40

22:40

Agility requires not only adapting to change but also anticipating it. This means understanding the evolving needs of your customers and the broader market landscape, and adjusting your strategies accordingly. Today, we're going to talk about navigating the complexities of marketing in the procurement services industry, especially in times of econo…

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China Desk Weekly: U.S. Military Signals, North Korea, and Beijing’s Calculus 2:58

3M ago2:58

2:58

Stay ahead of the shifting balance between the United States and China with China Desk Weekly. In this episode, host Steve Yates unpacks a striking New York Times story hinting at a covert U.S. special operation on North Korea’s coast. From secret missions in Iran to bomber flyovers during high-stakes summits, America continues to flex its reach. W…

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Ep. 71 - Peter Mattis 55:05

3M ago55:05

55:05

Peter Mattis, president of the Jamestown Foundation and former CIA counterintelligence analyst, joins host Steve Yates on The China Desk to unpack the Chinese Communist Party’s strategic intentions, intelligence operations, and United Front influence campaigns. From the roots of his career to lessons from Taiwan, Mattis explains how Beijing wields …

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#59: Maintaining customer centricity by knowing when to automate with Jeanne Duca, BCN 17:36

3M ago17:36

17:36

With customer centricity being top of mind, is the rush to automate and hyper-personalize making things better or is it making customers feel less connected to their favorite brands? Agility requires keeping the human elements of empathy and understanding visible and audible beneath growing layers of automation tools. Today we're going to talk abou…

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Ep. 70 - Bret Manley 49:51

3M ago49:51

49:51

China’s Rare Earth Gamble: Bret Manley on Energy, Trade & U.S. Security:In this episode of The China Desk Podcast, host Steve Yates speaks with Bret Manley, Executive Director of the Energy Fair Trade Coalition, about America’s dependence on China for rare earth minerals, the risks to U.S. national security, and what real fair trade looks like in t…

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#58: Interfaces that generate joy, with Dominik Angerer, Storyblok 20:44

3M ago20:44

20:44

Is it possible for enterprise marketing technology to actually spark joy? Or are we all just resigned to a future of clunky interfaces and frustrating workflows? Agility requires adaptable technology and empowered teams. It also requires a willingness to embrace new approaches and a focus on continuous improvement. Today, we're going to talk about …

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#57: Supply chain as competitive advantage with Salvatore Lombardo, Coupa 20:43

4M ago20:43

20:43

Is your supply chain a competitive advantage, or your biggest liability waiting to be exposed? Agility requires preparing for the unpredictable, especially when your brand's ability to deliver hinges on global events that are entirely out of your control. In a world of political unrest, regulatory change, and natural disasters, the brands that win …

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#56: Building a global B2B marketing strategy with Sangeeta Prasad, Slalom 16:31

4M ago16:31

16:31

What's harder—building a global marketing strategy from scratch, or educating your organization on why it matters in the first place? Today's guest has done both—twice. Sangeeta Prasad is the Chief Marketing Officer of Slalom, a global business and technology consulting firm with $3 billion in revenue and a presence in over 40 markets. With three d…

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Ep. 69 - Joel Wuthnow & Phillip Saunders 47:47

3M ago47:47

47:47

In this compelling episode of The China Desk, host Steve Yates speaks with leading experts Joel Wuthnow and Phillip Saunders about the rise of China's military power. Drawing from their new book China’s Quest for Military Supremacy, the discussion dives deep into the modernization of the PLA, the evolving role of the Chinese Communist Party in mili…

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#55: AI and small businesses with Aparna Khurjekar, Verizon Business 23:51

4M ago23:51

23:51

We're seeing a fascinating paradox: while everyone's talking about AI's impact on Big Tech, it's quietly revolutionizing small businesses. Is this a sign that SMBs are more agile and adaptable than their enterprise counterparts, or is something else at play? Agility requires not just adopting new technologies, but understanding how they fundamental…

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Ep. 68 - Denis Mandich 41:26

4M ago41:26

41:26

In this explosive episode of the China Desk Podcast, former U.S. intelligence official and quantum security expert Denis Mandich joins Steve Yates to unpack the national security nightmare unfolding in plain sight. Mandich explains how China’s massive IP theft, covert operations in American universities, and advances in quantum computing could unde…

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#54: Building a world-class brand from scratch with Maria Winans, Kyndryl 25:29

4M ago25:29

25:29

What if rebranding wasn't just about a new logo and tagline, but about transforming an 80,000-person company's entire culture and strategy? What if brand became one of your most valuable tools for business reinvention? Today, I'm joined by Maria Winans, Chief Marketing Officer at Kyndryl. After nearly three decades at IBM, Maria took on the monumen…

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Ep. 67 - Rod Martin 36:20

4M ago36:20

36:20

In this hard-hitting episode of The China Desk, host Steve Yates sits down with tech entrepreneur and policy strategist Rod Martin for a wide-ranging conversation on U.S.-China relations. From PayPal's early disruption to the dangers of authoritarian AI, Martin traces how America’s economic leverage—and spiritual clarity—can counter the CCP’s ambit…

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#53: Creating brands and categories in regulated industries, with Kristin Russel, Symplr 23:50

5M ago23:50

23:50

Can a brand in a highly regulated industry stand out without stepping outside the lines? Today we're going to talk about how to create memorable brands and even new categories—within established and often highly regulated sectors like healthcare technology. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Kristin Russel, Chief Marketing Officer a…

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#52: Navigating the effect of AI on marketing jobs and the job market with Sue Keith, Landrum Talent Solutions 19:09

5M ago19:09

19:09

This episode is brought to you by Landrum Talent Solutions, a national recruiting firm specializing in marketing and HR positions. Our guest today has been keeping us up to date with the current state of hiring for marketers on a quarterly basis, which has taken us on quite a roller coaster ride. Today we're going to look at how marketing and commu…

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#51: Readying an AI-augmented workforce with John Munsell, Bizzuka 24:06

5M ago24:06

24:06

Everyone listening that is already in the workforce, from entry level positions to leaders has had to learn at least a little bit about AI over the last few years. But what are we teaching college students about how AI will impact their work, and more importantly, what should we be teaching them? Today we're going to talk about helping companies sc…

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#50: REPLAY: Data-driven decision-making in B2B marketing and sales with Kunal Mangal, Verizon Business Group 28:46

5M ago28:46

28:46

Making intelligent decisions is critical for all businesses, but relying on good information is becoming more critical than relying on what worked yesterday. Today we're going to talk about data-driven decision making in B2B marketing and sales. I'd like to welcome Kunal Mangal, Associate Director of MarTech Strategy at Verizon Business Group, who …

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#49: Adapting your B2B marketing playbook at the speed of AI, with Victoria Blackwell, G2 27:04

5M ago27:04

27:04

Agility today means adapting your marketing playbook at the speed of AI—experimenting fast, learning faster, and never assuming yesterday's tech advantage still applies. Today we're going to talk about how B2B marketers should be thinking about AI in the months ahead—and how to know if you're already behind. To help me discuss this, I'd like to wel…

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#48: REPLAY: B2B Brand Stories with Tiffany Grinstead, Nationwide Insurance 30:18

6M ago30:18

30:18

We aired this episode a little while ago but wanted to share it again because we think there are some great insights for B2B marketers within it. Today we're going to talk about using personalization to create more engaging and inspiring stories for B2B brands. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Tiffany Grinstead, Vice President – P…

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#47: The power of AI in UX research and design with Jason Bowman, The Office of Experience 21:35

6M ago21:35

21:35

How does a B2B brand maintain speed and agility in the area of UX design, where it has often taken a considerable amount of time, effort, and testing to get to a better result? Today we're going to talk about using AI strategically in UX research, design, and testing. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Jason Bowman, Executive Direct…

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Ep. 66 - Keyu Jin 46:58

6M ago46:58

46:58

In this episode of The China Desk podcast, host Steve Yates interviews Keyu Jin, professor at the London School of Economics and author of The New China Playbook. With deep academic expertise and personal insight as a Chinese economist, Jin unpacks the myths, realities, and misunderstood dynamics driving China’s modern economy.They cover the role o…

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#46: Better onboarding and operations using AI to augment with Srikrishnan Ganesan, Rocketlane 18:55

6M ago18:55

18:55

Customer onboarding is often where good intentions often end up with less-than-stellar execution. Delays, confusion, and misalignment derail even the most promising new relationships. Why is onboarding still broken in so many organizations, and how is AI finally changing that? Today I'm joined by Srikrishnan Ganesan, Co-Founder and CEO of Rocketlan…

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Ep. 65 - Kerry Brown 44:41

6M ago44:41

44:41

Steve Yates speaks with Kerry Brown, professor of Chinese Studies at King’s College London and author of Why Taiwan Matters. With decades of experience as a diplomat, scholar, and author of nearly 20 books on Chinese politics, Brown breaks down the complex geopolitical puzzle of Taiwan’s past, present, and uncertain future.Brown shares his journey …

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#45: REPLAY: Thriving amidst transformation, with Steve Blum, Autodesk 29:45

6M ago29:45

29:45

We aired this episode a little while ago, but thought it had some amazing insights we thought were worth sharing again. Today we're going to talk about building a change maker culture and how you can help your teams to thrive among change, instead of being disrupted by it. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Steve Blum, Chief Operati…

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Ep. 64 - David Lin 38:24

6M ago38:24

38:24

Steve Yates sits down with David Lin, Senior Director for Future Technology Platforms at the Special Competitive Studies Project and former CIA analyst, to discuss the evolving U.S.-China technology competition.Lin shares insights from his 12 years in government service, including his time at the State Department and the CIA, and explains why he tr…

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#44: Why "slow" experiences are the new "site is down" with Gerardo Dada, Catchpoint 31:22

7M ago31:22

31:22

When your site is technically "up" but takes too long to load, customers don't care—it might as well be down. Why is "slow" the new "down", and how is that reshaping the way organizations think about digital experience? Today I'm joined by Gerardo Dada, Chief Marketing Officer at Catchpoint, a leader in digital experience monitoring. Gerardo recent…

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Ep. 63 - Barbara Demick 44:49

6M ago44:49

44:49

Award-winning journalist Barbara Demick joins host Steve Yates on The China Desk Podcast for a powerful and emotional conversation about China's one-child policy, forced adoption, and the story behind her latest book, Daughters of the Bamboo Grove. Demick, a former Beijing bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, shares her investigation into the br…