You read that right, Valeria Maltoni joins the team at Powered.
After more than 20 years on the company side, where I've helped mature brands grow and start ups reinvent themselves, I chose to write the next chapter as part of the strategy team at Powered. Most recently I was with a Fortune 500 corporation and the active lead representing member for that organization at the Social Media Business Council.
I'm excited to join a diverse and experienced team I admire and respect -- people like Aaron Strout, Joe Jaffe, Greg Verdino, Jen van der Meer, Jane Quigley, and Steve Kleinberg.
Social media is helping us see how things have changed in how we communicate, share, and buy. I'm looking forward to putting my experience to work for organizations that are looking to power what’s next in their business cycle and reach their true potential with social media.
Having built a social network with Fast Company magazine going back 10 years, and with this blog about to turn 4, I have walked the talk for many years, seeing and creating opportunities to connect ideas and people. It wasn't as sexy to put that on your resume back then, believe me, especially in corporate America.
I do know for a fact that partnerships were formed, business models were improved, and numerous opportunities to collaborate on projects and make money, find jobs, and even get engaged in the romantic sense of the word were outcomes from those activities. It has been the best use of my spare time.
Definitely a labor of love and passion. Although the insights and connections have been priceless, I have given back to the business community freely -- with the network and with this blog, often covering the out of pocket costs. I am honored to serve the community by sharing what know, and grateful for your attention and participation.
Want to do something for me?
- leave a comment here telling me how I can be more helpful to you -- do you think we can get to 200?
- subscribe if you don't
- share this blog with your network and ask them to subscribe
We're just getting warmed up. Starting today, I am M- Powered -- I continue to be fearless in Philly. Let's get to work, shall we?
***
Look forward to more ideas, connections, and stories of executions at Conversation Agent, on Twitter, and in other social media outposts.
© 2010 Valeria Maltoni. All rights reserved.
Congratulations on the new gig, Valeria!
Posted by: Gavin Heaton | June 07, 2010 at 07:24 AM
Valeria, congratulations. This is a bold move and I wish you the best.
Posted by: gianandrea facchini | June 07, 2010 at 07:31 AM
Way to go, Valeria. Now Jaffe will have some company with the first lady of social media!
Posted by: Geoff Livingston | June 07, 2010 at 07:34 AM
Welcome onboard, Valeria! So excited to have you on board. I can't wait to get started.
Posted by: Greg Verdino | June 07, 2010 at 07:41 AM
Woohoo! Congratulations Valeria! Great news, great team... I'm very, very happy for you.
Posted by: Luc Debaisieux | June 07, 2010 at 07:46 AM
Congrats Valeria, you have given generously to the social community and deserve a little give back in return. It's a classic example of how those in the community have access to incredible creative brain power.
Verdino, Jaffe, Quigley, and Strout are among the most thoughtful. Quite frankly I believe many companies are still playing by the old rules and don't realize the power of the community of talent that exists outside of the formal agency structure.
All the best to you and the rest.
Posted by: Albert Maruggi | June 07, 2010 at 07:49 AM
Congrats Valeria! I think I got you covered on the three above, too. Recommend your blog often and already subscribed!
Posted by: Arik Hanson | June 07, 2010 at 07:51 AM
Valeria -- I know you know this already but I am thrilled to have someone like you, someone whose blog posts and tweets I've enjoyed reading over the last few years, joining Powered. Look forward to welcoming you to the team in person next week in NYC!
Best,
Aaron | @aaronstrout
Posted by: Aaron Strout | June 07, 2010 at 07:51 AM
Fantastic! I know you'll run with it!
Posted by: Ike | June 07, 2010 at 07:54 AM
Congrats Valeria! So excited for you.
Posted by: Nick Ayres | June 07, 2010 at 07:57 AM
Valeria! Very very excited for you. I've had the opportunity to meet (face to face) a few of your new crew mentioned above and am big fans of them all. I'm certain you'll rock it.
Hope to see you again in person soon.
DJ Waldow
Director of Community, Blue Sky Factory
@djwaldow
Posted by: DJ Waldow | June 07, 2010 at 07:58 AM
Valeria,
Congratulations and all the best as you venture out into your next chapter!
How can you be helpful to me? Continue to participate in #blogchat like you did last evening... I found your comments to be very insightful and valuable and would love the opportunity to learn more from you in that venue!
My very best wishes to you,
@LisaPetrilli
Posted by: Lisa Petrilli | June 07, 2010 at 08:02 AM
Valeria,
Congratulations!! This is even more exciting than I could have ever imagined!
I am a huge fan of the Powered team and have long admired Aaron, Greg and Joe and their work. What a "Power'ed' House!" all of you make together (sorry, couldn't resist the pun). ;-)
Looking forward to how this next phase of your career shapes the next level of conversation.
Posted by: Beth Harte | June 07, 2010 at 08:02 AM
Great news Valeria. Powered indeed you are!
The new challenge will bring you fresh perspectives that will surely benefit your writing here at Conversation Agent.
Best of luck,
@armandoalves
Posted by: Armando Alves | June 07, 2010 at 08:04 AM
You and powered will make a great team. Congrats!
Want to be helpful? Continue to be an original thinker. Go get 'em. :-)
Posted by: Chris Baskind | June 07, 2010 at 08:06 AM
This is great news Valeria and couldn't think of a better person to lead the strategy team. Great team. Great people. Great ideas... All we can do is learn... :-)
Posted by: Michael Walsh | June 07, 2010 at 08:24 AM
Good for you! Best wishes for you and your team.
Posted by: Anne Libby | June 07, 2010 at 08:26 AM
Congrats Valeria!
This looks like a great move for you, can't wait to see the great things to come from it :D
@liangtfm
Posted by: Anthony Liang | June 07, 2010 at 08:33 AM
Excellent news! I've long thought that it was a shame that only one company got to take full benefit of your smarts. Now, on the agency side, you'll be able to offer those insights to a whole host of clients!
Congrats to you and the lucky folks at Powered!
Drew
Posted by: Drew McLellan | June 07, 2010 at 08:34 AM
Great news Valeria. I like almost everybody at Powered (except Jaffe... damn you Jaffe!!!! ;)
Kidding!
You're going to have a blast!!
Enjoy the ride.
Posted by: Mitch Joel - Twist Image | June 07, 2010 at 08:43 AM
Congratulations, Valeria! Powered, much like those of us who get to enjoy your Twitter feed and blog, is lucky to have you.
Matt Davis
@cuwarrior
Posted by: Matt Davis | June 07, 2010 at 08:49 AM
Really excited to hear this news, Valeria! Couldn't be happier for you!
Posted by: Mark Goren | June 07, 2010 at 08:49 AM
Way to go Valeria! How smart of Powered to bring you into their organization. Looking forward to your next adventure in social media.
Posted by: Toby Bloomberg | June 07, 2010 at 08:50 AM
Wow - congratulations!
Posted by: Dan Blank | June 07, 2010 at 08:52 AM
I look forward to seeing what you, Aaron Strout and the rest of this imaginative, experienced team will co-create now that you have more time in the same sandbox :-)
Posted by: kare anderson | June 07, 2010 at 08:59 AM