As aspiring business leaders, it's crucial to understand the power of social media in forging, and protecting, your brand.
Join U of T Scarborough Management Entrepreneur in Residence and Viral Nation Co-CEO Joe Gagliese, with Viral Nation Co-CEO Mat Micheli, as we delve into social media best practices—and pitfalls—that every job seeker and professional should be aware of.
This session will help you:
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Learn how your digital presence can impact your career.
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Get a first look at Viral Nation’s new AI-powered social media–monitoring and screening solution, VN_Secure.
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Discover best practices to enhance your online reputation.
Event open to all U of T students. Save your seat!
Joe Gagliese
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Viral Nation
Entrepreneur in Residence, U of T Scarborough Management
A born entrepreneur, Joe launched his first venture—selling recycled paintballs—when he was just 12. Later, his passion for technology and bringing ideas to life led him to partner with his high school friend, Mat Micheli. Together, they launched a series of ventures, including Viral Nation in 2014. As Viral Nation’s Co-CEO, Joe has led the company’s transformation from a leading influencer marketing agency to a multi-faceted powerhouse that includes a full-service marketing and intelligence agency, a talent management service for creators, athletes and influencers, and a technology division. With representation in eight countries and the world’s largest managed influencer network, Viral Nation fuels growth for the world's leading brands including but not limited to: Disney, Anheuser-Busch, Baidu, Campbells, The Coca-Cola Company, Intuit, Logitech, Match.com, Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook), Microsoft, Tencent, Uber, and Vivid Seats. A recognized expert in influencer marketing and social technologies, Joe is regularly cited in outlets including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, WIRED, CNBC, Vox, Business Insider, Forbes, and Inc. Joe’s lifelong passion to inspire and mentor rising entrepreneurs has led to him teaching marketing courses at institutions across North America and becoming the first Entrepreneur in Residence at University of Toronto’s Scarborough Management school. Partnering with the University of Toronto, Joe has launched and will sponsor a first-of-its-kind scholarship that doesn’t have a grade requirement but rather places higher value on recipients’ business acumen, potential and entrepreneurial instincts.
Mat Micheli
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Viral Nation
A serial entrepreneur since childhood, Mat Micheli has gone from selling smartphone cases out of his backpack in high school to founding Viral Nation in 2014 with his business partner Joe Gagliese. As Co-CEO of Viral Nation, Mat oversees the company’s global operations, finance, and technology functions. Mat has led Viral Nation’s transformation from a leading influencer marketing agency to a global digital and social innovation group that powers the social ecosystem through integrated solutions that align strategy, talent, media, and technology. Viral Nation now works with tens of thousands of influencers across the social landscape and fuels growth for the world's leading brands, including Anheuser-Busch, The Coca Cola Company, Hasbro, Meta, Oculus, Tencent, and Uber. A known authority in athlete influencer marketing and social technologies, Mat has been featured in Business Insider, Forbes, and Vox and provides insight to industry outlets including Sportico. Mat also participates in events and conferences to support diverse entrepreneurial communities, including the Rotman Commerce Women in Business (RCWIB) Women’s Leadership Symposium. Mat is a recipient of the EY Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, which he was awarded in 2019 with Joe.