Lifestyle

Bob Myers of Skyl Discusses Social Media – Disrupt or be Disrupted: The New Hollywood Blvd?

Published

4 years ago

February 12, 2021

The lines between entertainment and technology have never been more blurred than today’s social media-driven society. Whether it’s JoJo Siwa (listed on the Time’s 2020 Most Influential People) or launching the careers of YouTubers like Liza Koshy (with over 18 million Instagram followers and 17 million YouTube subscribers) crossing over into mainstream film, these social media powerhouses are arguably the new Hollywood elite. Millennial entertainment is not the entertainment of the past!

So what is it about social media that incubates both talent and fandom that is enough to rival and overpower the stardom of Hollywood and mainstream entertainment?

Arguably one of the primary reasons that social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram are becoming “The New Hollywood Blvd” is the potential for authenticity (organic) and effective self-promotion.

According to Social Media Today, the popularity of social media in our society, “comes down to a basic human desire to really connect with others and to be part of a community.” Social media platforms are reshaping what it means to be a celebrity or entertainer, with many traditional Hollywood agencies now securing top digital creators as a mainstay of their talent roster.

Savvy marketers and advertisers are also taking note of this shift in the industry. We are seeing them move away from partnerships with “traditional” Hollywood celebrities, and engaging with digital influencers and social media stars who have an unparalleled reach and audience engagement. This move is real, disruptive, and must be recognized by traditional media curators. This includes both traditional studios as well as the onslaught of new streaming services.

Even Hollywood stars like Will Smith, Kevin Hart, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, authentically utilize their social media platforms, connect, and converse with their fans and followers. This includes posting videos, pictures, live streams, and even personally direct messaging or responding to comments from fans. The opportunity to see the “real” person behind the star, their day-to-day life, and perhaps even hear back, is unrivaled in mainstream media where teams of publicists and managers exist. Having a strong social media presence and fanbase is arguably an essential requirement for stars to build and maintain their stardom.

Social media combined with new and interesting technologies supporting innovative new ways to engage will be the difference between today’s media mongols and the future media disruptors. “Disrupt or be Disrupted,” is a phrase commonly used by Myers. Myers offers his final advice, ”Choose your path but the journey is unavoidable.”

Bob Myers

Bob Myers, tech industry veteran with over 30 years of experience in entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship, is the current Chairman of SKY LLC and the previous CEO and founder of Pillar Technology, now Accenture (ACN). SKYL is a next-generation incubator that helps entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs scale startups by providing partners to enhance their vision. Myers is also the founder of the FORGE Innovation Centers. Myers has helped create technology such as OnStar and contributed to the development of autonomous vehicles.

Lifestyle

Crafting a Greener Glow: Alternative Therapies’ Sustainable Skincare Revolution

Published

24 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Michelle Langton

Photo Credit: Alternative Therapies

Byline: Avery Lim

Photo Credit: Alternative Therapies

Sustainability is an ongoing theme in a world that finally answers the environment’s call to action. From toning down single-use plastics to making subtle yet powerful lifestyle changes, modern society means business when it comes to the green revolution.

The skincare industry, in particular, is pitching in by resorting to clean beauty. From Greece to the Netherlands, Amalia Pavlidou stumbled upon a revelation. As she browsed rows of natural products, the idea for Alternative Therapies began to take shape—a skincare line rooted in nature, yet forward-thinking in science.

The Evolution of a Conscious Skincare Movement

As consumers demand more transparency in their beauty routines, the natural and vegan skincare market is booming. Alternative Therapies finds itself at the heart of this eco-conscious shift.

“When we started, it was not just about creating products—it was about driving a movement that would help put the world on track toward healing,” says Amalia Pavlidou. “I wanted to prove that luxury and sustainability can coexist without canceling each other out.”

This philosophy shines through in every detail, from the company’s recyclable glass packaging to its commitment to avoiding harmful chemicals like parabens and sulfates. One of the flagship products, the vitamin C serum, is a true reflection of this concept, blending 2% natural Vitamin C, ferulic acid, and sea-buckthorn to deliver both radiant skin and a clean conscience.

Alternative Therapies, once a small player, has utilized this trend, entering the competitive U.S. market this year. “There is a deep-rooted connection between nature and self-care in Greek culture,” explains Pavlidou. “We are bringing that tradition to the global stage, blending it with progressive science.”

The Rise of Eco-Beauty

Amalia Pavlidou’s plan for progress in the industry—one where luxury does not compromise ethics—has attracted a growing community of supporters. As Alternative Therapies expands its presence in the U.S., it remains grounded in its mission to redefine beauty standards.

“When I started this, I was hoping to do more than simply build a business—I wanted to build a legacy,” reflects Pavlidou. “Apart from looking good, beauty should be about feeling good and doing good.”

Now the question is not whether the beauty industry will embrace sustainability—it is how quickly it can catch up with pioneers like Alternative Therapies taking the reins. With its commitment to changing the world with mild ingredients, the brand is crafting a greener glow, lighting the way for a more conscious industry. To that effect, it is evident that luxury and beauty can be synonymous.