E-commerce Insights from Global Branding Expert Bashak Ilhan

My guest on E417 of #thePOZCAST is Bashak Ilhan. She is a master of brand strategy and business development. As the founder of ROAD, they help startups and established companies unlock their full potential—whether scaling globally or securing investment. With expertise in retail, e-commerce, tech, and service industries, their firm operates across Austin, South Florida, and Istanbul, bridging markets in the U.S., the Middle East, and Europe. 
Armed with an MSc in Electronic Commerce from the University of Westminster and a Digital Business Strategy certification from MIT, Bashak specializes in transforming businesses into powerful, purpose-driven brands. Get ready for a deep dive into strategic growth and branding!

Connect with Bashak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/basakilhan/Learn more: https://www.roadbranding.com/bashakilhanhttps://www.roadbranding.com/

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Summary

In this episode of #thePOZcast, Adam Posner interviews Bashak Ilhan, a master of brand strategy and business development. They discuss the influence of family on entrepreneurial spirit, early experiences in business, the evolution of e-commerce, the essence of branding, and the challenges of business transformation. Bashak Ilhan shares insights on the importance of consistency in branding, consulting dynamics, and global expansion strategies. The conversation highlights the need for businesses to listen to their audience and adapt to market trends. 
In this conversation,Bashak Ilhann and Adam Posner discuss the significant shifts in retail and e-commerce due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the transformative role of AI in business, and the challenges of parenting in a technology-driven world. They explore the importance of leadership in attracting the right team, the daily struggles of maintaining motivation, and the varying definitions of success in entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

- Bashak Ilhan learned the importance of creating something from nothing from her father.
- Sales and revenue are the only true measures of success.
- Branding is not just a logo; it's a promise to the audience.
- Consistency in branding is crucial for customer loyalty.
- Businesses must think locally while acting globally.
- E-learning saw significant growth during the pandemic.
- Positioning is often overlooked in marketing strategies.
- Trust issues can hinder effective consulting relationships.
- Understanding market trends is essential for business growth.
- Listening to the audience is key to successful transformation. The pandemic accelerated the shift to online courses and e-commerce.
- AI is becoming a trusted tool for businesses, especially in content creation.
- Quality control is essential when using AI-generated content.
- Privacy concerns are rising with the increasing use of AI and smart devices.
- Balancing screen time for children is a challenge for modern parents.
- Addiction to technology and online shopping is a growing concern.
- Leadership skills are crucial for attracting the right team members.
- Consistency in daily routines can help maintain productivity.
- Success can be defined by financial stability and reinvestment in business.
- Understanding the evolving landscape of retail is vital for entrepreneurs.