James Brownstein & Chris Robichaud: The Influencers' Influencers | The Guys Behind Every Influencer You Follow

Join the Institute of Politics for a special lunchtime conversation with James Brownstein and Chris Robichaud, two leaders shaping the future of digital culture, brand strategy, and the creator economy. Brownstein—founder of the influencer marketing firm Poster Child and a veteran of Twitter (now X), YouTube, and Fullscreen—brings deep insight into how creators and brands collaborate in an ever-evolving online ecosystem. Robichaud, a seasoned strategist and CEO of 93-North, has spent three decades guiding global brands through transformation, next-gen storytelling, and market shifts.

Together, they will explore how influence, strategy, and creativity intersect—and what today’s rapidly changing landscape means for emerging leaders and future changemakers.

This conversation will be moderated by Marc Adelman, Adelmania Consulting.

About James Brownstein

Based in Los Angeles, this James Brownstein is a veteran of the creator economy. He is the founder of Poster Child, an influencer marketing firm that works with major brands like Microsoft and Verizon. Previously, he spent over seven years at Twitter (now X), where he served as an Entertainment Partnerships Lead and a Digital Creator Partnerships Lead. He also worked in talent development at Fullscreen, Inc.

About Poster Child:

Founded by James Brownstein, Poster Child is led by a 90s kid who turned his love for 2000s internet culture into a full-time gig. With over a decade’s worth of experience executing marketing and talent partnerships at Twitter (X), Fullscreen (talent management), and YouTube, we’re no strangers to the world of social influence – we helped create the industry.

About Chris Robichaud

Chris Robichaud is a seasoned marketing, communications, and business strategist with over 30 years of experience leading transformative business initiatives. He has successfully built a leading global marketing agency, led award-winning campaigns, crafted compelling brand narratives, and driven significant business growth and transformation for some of the world's most renowned brands. As Founder and CEO of 93-North, he advises C-suite executives on strategies that drive growth and ensure long-term success in today’s quickly evolving world. Robichaud has led transformations across industries including consumer brands, sports, entertainment, luxury, AI, blockchain, gaming, e-commerce, and social commerce. His expertise lies at the intersection of business strategy, market foresights, and brand building, helping clients develop clear, actionable roadmaps for sustained growth. Whether optimizing marketing and communications efforts, developing long-term business driving narratives, or guiding strategic investments, his insights help organizations unlock market opportunities and establish lasting competitive advantages.

As Co-CEO of PMK•BNC, part of IPG, he played a pivotal role in the agency’s rise to a top 25 global marketing and communications firm, overseeing a 400-person team across London, New York, and Los Angeles. His leadership helped drive award-winning campaigns for Audi, Pepsi, PlayStation, T-Mobile, Samsung Mobile, YouTube and American Express elevating their cultural relevance, global engagement, and business impact.

At 93-North, Robichaud and his team specialize in brand strategy, marketing transformation, and next-gen storytelling, ensuring brands don’t just react to the future—they shape it. From global enterprises to emerging disruptors, he remains at the forefront of high-impact marketing and communications strategies that elevate brands, engage stakeholders, and drive measurable growth.

A recognized thought leader, speaker, and author, Robichaud has written multiple white papers on the future of communications, brand storytelling, and the impact of generational and technological shifts. His insights continue to guide companies in navigating audience engagement and business transformation.

About Marc Adelman

Marc Adelman is the founder of the strategic “Do-Tank” firm Adelmania Consulting, which focuses on creating client-specific initiatives that drive interest, awareness and opportunities for both discrete and large-scale projects with clients ranging from Marriott Hotels to the Clinton Foundation and the Motion Picture Association of America.