Rory, Elfried and Timothy on the future for influencers
This episode of The Bottleneck Podcast explores the future of influence — who really holds it, how it’s shifting, and what that means for brands. Timothy Armoo, founder of Fanbytes, joins Rory Sutherland and Elfried Samba to dissect the state of influencer marketing, the rise of niche communities, and why today’s real tastemakers might just be 16-24 year-olds on TikTok.Together they dive into the mechanics of trust, the art of showmanship in advertising, and how brands can stop borrowing attention and start becoming influencers themselves. From perfume to Gymshark, TikTok “aura farming” to the early misfits of AI, this episode unpacks how cultural waves are created — and how smart companies can ride them.Follow Rory:Instagram: @rorysutherland_clipsTiktok: @RorysutherlandclipsX: @rorysutherlandLinkedin: in/rorysutherland/Follow Elfried:Instagram: elfriedsambaLinkedin: in/elfriedsamba/https://www.butterflyeffect.xyz/Follow Tim:Instagram: @timothyarmooTikTok: @timarmooX: @timothyarmooLinkedin: in/timothyarmoo/https://www.timothyarmoo.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:32:49
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1:32:49
Rory, Elfried and Jordan on scaling the Sidemen
This episode of The Bottleneck Podcast explores how creators turn audiences into real businesses — and why many struggle to grow. Jordan Schwarzenberger, manager of The Sidemen, reveals how they built an empire that spans restaurants, vodka brands, and sold-out stadium shows. Together with Rory Sutherland and Elfried Samba, they explore the forces reshaping the creator economy, the opportunities ahead, and the funding hurdles that hold many aspiring entrepreneurs back.Join Rory, Elfried, and Jordan for a deep dive into the business of creators and what it takes to turn cultural relevance into long-term success.Follow Rory:Instagram: @rorysutherland_clipsTiktok: @RorysutherlandclipsX: @rorysutherlandLinkedin: in/rorysutherland/Follow Elfried:Instagram: elfriedsambaLinkedin: in/elfriedsamba/https://www.butterflyeffect.xyz/Follow Jordan:Instagram: @jordanschwarz/Linkedin: jordanschwarzenberger/tiktok: @jordanschwarzenbergerX: jordanerschwarzhttps://www.jordanschwarz.com/https://www.thinklikeacreator.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:17:09
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1:17:09
Rory, Elfried and Krish on AI
Elfried and Rory tackle a defining challenge: convincing people that AI meeting software isn’t a spy in the room and that AI isn’t about replacing people. Fireflies.ai CEO Krish Ramineni reveals how his team built trust, scaled to 20 million users, and reached a $1B valuation. Along the way the trio explore privacy, the risks of over-automation, and whether dependence on AI erodes or strengthens genuine human connection. Join Rory, Elfried, and Krish as they talk all things AI and trust. Follow Rory:Instagram: @rorysutherland_clipsTiktok: @RorysutherlandclipsX: @rorysutherlandLinkedin: in/rorysutherland/ Follow Elfried:Instagram: elfriedsambaLinkedin: in/elfriedsamba/https://www.butterflyeffect.xyz/ Follow KrishInstagram: @krishramineni/Linkedin: in/krishramineni/X: krishramineniFireflies.ai https://fireflies.ai/ Follow Sassy+Instagram: @sassyplus_/Linkedin: in/sassy plus/TikTok: @sassyplus_www.sassyplus.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1:31:25
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1:31:25
The Bottleneck Podcast - Trailer
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, and Elfried Samba, CEO and Co-Founder of Butterfly Effect and former Global Head of Social at Gymshark, explore the hidden blocks that slow teams down, from flawed strategies to missed cultural signals and outdated thinking. Each episode breaks down a real challenge through the lens of behavioural science, digital strategy, and lived experience. Through conversations with industry pioneers and creative thinkers, they unpack why teams fail and reveal secrets for driving progress. Joined by guests who’ve built, rebuilt, or reimagined entire industries, Rory and Elfried challenge assumptions, unpack failure, and explore what moves the needle. Powered by Sassy+ www.sassyplus.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
New Zealand