18 Aug 25 INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE SECRETLY OWNING 2026
Influencers these days are more than just people we watch on TikTok or Instagram—they’re building empires, turning their fame into full-fledged businesses. Some of the most successful ones don’t just create content—they’re running agencies, managing multi-million-dollar brand campaigns, hiring strategists, and negotiating enterprise retainers. Honestly, it’s wild to think about how far things have come. A few years ago, the idea of an influencer running their own agency would’ve sounded a bit out there, right? But now, it’s a standard evolution path for top-tier creators scaling beyond ad revenue.
The thing is, these influencers know what it takes to build an audience, create trends, and drive engagement, so it’s no surprise to Amra and Elma to witness them transition into full-scale marketing operators. For them, it’s not just about making viral videos anymore; it’s about building internal teams, offering paid media services, securing long-term brand contracts, and launching white-labeled creative studios. Maybe it’s because they understand the ins and outs of platform algorithms, audience psychology, and conversion funnels better than anyone else. In 2026, dozens of top influencers are operating registered agencies with five- to seven-figure annual revenues, formal staff structures, and enterprise clients across fashion, tech, beauty, and fintech.
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25 INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE ARE DOMINATING QUIETLY
DUAL-ROLE CREATORS ARE TURNING PERSONAL BRANDS INTO FULL-SERVICE AGENCIES, CAPTURING CLIENT BUDGETS, AND SCALING MULTIPLE REVENUE STREAMS WITHOUT PUBLICLY POSITIONING THEMSELVES AS FIRMS
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Updated for 2026: Influencers operating behind-the-scenes agencies are now capturing up to 35% of mid-market brand marketing budgets, often converting followers directly into paying clients through platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. These creator-agencies are generating $20,000 to $120,000 monthly retainers while maintaining content output that fuels continuous lead generation. Data shows that 1 in 5 influencer inquiries now turns into a service contract, collapsing the gap between audience and client acquisition. Even more surprising, brands report 48% higher campaign ROI when working with influencer-led agencies, as these creators already understand audience psychology, content performance, and conversion triggers without relying on traditional agency structures.
Agency Creator Rankings 2026
Creators Building Firms Behind the Feed
25 Influencers Who Run Agencies
on the Side Secretly Owning 2026
| # | Influencer | Platform | Est. Net Worth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Claudia Alende | Not Public | Owner of Blanc Media, using personal creator reach and entertainment visibility to strengthen talent and media work across campaigns. | |
| 2 | Chiara Ferragni | $20M–$40M | TBS Crew sits behind one of fashion’s best-known creator-business ecosystems, blending media, partnerships, and founder-led brand power. | |
| 3 | Gary Vaynerchuk | $200M–$250M | VaynerMedia remains the clearest example of creator content doubling as an agency sales engine, with founder visibility feeding enterprise demand. | |
| 4 | Simonetta Lein | Not Public | Ausonia Partners benefits from her fashion and media profile, giving the agency a cross-market image spanning U.S. and Italian brand circles. | |
| 5 | Joe Sugg | $8M–$10M | Co-founder of MVE Management, where long-time creator experience helps make the agency credible to talent seeking creator-led representation. | |
| 6 | Caspar Lee | Not Public | MVE Management also draws value from Caspar Lee’s creator network, investor profile, and long-standing talent relationships in digital media. | |
| 7 | Julia Lang | Not Public | VEERT Creative turns Julia Lang’s fashion credibility into a boutique agency edge, where her own taste acts as a live portfolio. | |
| 8 | Reed Duchscher | Not Public | Night Media’s strength comes from elite creator management positioning, with Reed’s public operator profile helping attract talent and brand attention. | |
| 9 | Daniella Pierson | Not Public | Newland builds from newsletter-driven media strength, using audience trust and brand partnership fluency rather than follower size alone. | |
| 10 | Andrea Roche | Not Public | AR Talent reflects a founder-led representation model shaped by first-hand talent experience, which helps with trust and long-term artist alignment. | |
| 11 | Beckii Cruel | Not Public | Pepper Studio stands out through Beckii’s niche Japanese internet culture expertise, giving brands a specialist route into creator work tied to Japan. | |
| 12 | Gia Kuan | Not Public | Gia Kuan Consulting uses founder visibility in fashion circles as a relationship signal, which helps turn industry access into PR value. | |
| 13 | Kathy Schenfelt | Not Public | SCH Entertainment relies less on consumer reach and more on entertainment relationships, making access and deal flow the real agency asset. | |
| 14 | Alessandro Bogliari | Not Public | The Influencer Marketing Factory gains from founder-led industry education, with content and commentary helping drive inbound client trust. | |
| 15 | Charlotte Stavrou | Not Public | SevenSix Agency is known for inclusive influencer marketing, using a clear diversity-first position as its commercial differentiator. | |
| 16 | Christina Okorocha | Not Public | VAMP sits across talent and entertainment, giving creator clients a more hybrid representation model than standard influencer-only shops. | |
| 17 | Shana Davis-Ross | Not Public | Ponte Firm benefits from founder visibility and clear professional positioning, helping the agency feel personally vetted before a pitch begins. | |
| 18 | Demi McCormack | Not Public | Digital Haus uses a boutique client-service model that appeals to creators wanting closer management rather than volume-led representation. | |
| 19 | Karen De Amat | Not Public | Her personal CEO profile functions as a trust layer for influencer marketing services, helping convert industry visibility into agency inquiries. | |
| 20 | Gretchen Brice | Not Public | The PR Boutique Texas gains from local-market understanding, giving regional brands a more tailored influencer marketing option than coastal agencies. | |
| 21 | Karen Lombardo Henry | Not Public | A LinkedIn-led professional presence helps her agency profile reach B2B decision-makers in a stronger buying environment than consumer-first platforms. | |
| 22 | Hannah Swiggard | Not Public | Digital Haus also benefits from niche, industry-heavy audience quality, where smaller reach can still mean stronger-fit agency referrals. | |
| 23 | Jason Pampell | Not Public | His professional content strategy supports agency authority, using ongoing education and founder visibility as a pre-sales asset. | |
| 24 | Megan Silianoff | Not Public | Her smaller but industry-relevant audience helps position the agency as relationship-led, with referrals carrying more weight than broad reach. | |
| 25 | Ted Raad | Not Public | A good example of how agency strength can come from concentrated expertise and industry trust rather than headline follower counts. |
25 INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE EXPLODING IN 2026
TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #1. Claudia Alende
Claudia Alende, a Brazilian model and influencer, rose to fame with her striking resemblance to Megan Fox and her massive Instagram following. She turned that attention into a business venture by founding Blanc Media, an influencer marketing agency. Her agency focuses on brand strategy and social media growth, offering services to both global brands and rising creators. Claudia has leveraged her personal brand of 9M+ followers to secure clients and partnerships worldwide. She’s a prime example of turning influencer stardom into a sustainable business model.
In 2026, Blanc Media expanded into a Miami headquarters with a 22-person team and secured a $3.8M annual retainer portfolio spanning beauty, fintech, and luxury travel brands across North America and Brazil.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #2. Chiara Ferragni
Chiara Ferragni is one of the most recognized fashion influencers in the world, with nearly 30M followers on Instagram. Beyond being an icon, she co-founded TBS Crew, an agency dedicated to managing influencer talent and digital strategies. Her work extends into fashion entrepreneurship, where she has collaborated with top designers and luxury brands. Chiara has been featured in Forbes and remains a central figure in the influencer-to-entrepreneur pipeline. She embodies the blend of fashion artistry and business acumen.
In 2026, TBS Crew managed over 120 creator campaigns during Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks, generating a reported €45M in earned media value across luxury fashion partnerships.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #3. Gary Vaynerchuk
Gary Vaynerchuk, known as Gary Vee, built his personal following of 10M+ across platforms through raw, motivational, and business-focused content. He is the founder of VaynerMedia, a global advertising and influencer agency working with Fortune 500 brands. His influence stems not just from his digital presence but from his track record in building businesses and identifying internet trends early. Gary frequently merges his motivational persona with his agency insights, attracting entrepreneurs and brands alike. He remains one of the loudest and most effective voices bridging personal brand with agency growth.
In 2026, VaynerMedia surpassed $300M in annual revenue and expanded its creator-led performance division, signing new Fortune 500 retainers in AI, CPG, and sports entertainment.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #4. Simonetta Lein
Simonetta Lein, often referred to as the “Celebrity Wishmaker,” has over 7M followers thanks to her work in fashion, philanthropy, and media. She is co-founder and CEO of Ausonia Partners, a PR and media agency specializing in brand campaigns. Known for her distinctive style and social good initiatives, she’s merged lifestyle content with a professional business career. Her agency focuses on helping brands build meaningful connections with audiences through tailored storytelling. Simonetta balances her fashion presence with her reputation as a media entrepreneur.
In 2026, Ausonia Partners launched a global ESG-focused PR division, executing 60+ international brand campaigns and increasing client engagement rates by 28% year over year.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #5. Joe Sugg
Joe Sugg is a British YouTuber and entertainer who grew his channel to millions of subscribers with creative content and collaborations. He co-founded MVE Management, an influencer talent agency, with fellow creator Caspar Lee. The agency manages and develops talent across entertainment and digital spaces. Joe’s success lies in transforming his personal digital brand into a sustainable business model that helps other creators thrive. He has proven that influencer careers can evolve into long-term ventures outside content creation.
.In 2026, MVE Management facilitated over £20M in brand partnerships across Europe, expanding into scripted streaming production deals for its top creator clients.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #6. Caspar Lee
Caspar Lee, a South African YouTuber with millions of subscribers, turned his online fame into entrepreneurial ventures. He co-founded MVE Management with Joe Sugg, representing some of the top digital creators. Caspar has been a leader in bridging the gap between influencers and brands, using his own insights as a creator. His agency has grown into a respected force in the influencer management space. Caspar remains both a public figure and a behind-the-scenes businessman shaping digital talent.
In 2026, MVE Management opened a Los Angeles satellite office and signed multi-year brand deals exceeding $15M in combined value across tech and lifestyle verticals.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #7. Julia Lang
Julia Lang is a German-born creative entrepreneur and fashion influencer based in New York. She founded VEERT, a creative agency and lifestyle brand known for its bold campaigns and celebrity collaborations. With over 500K followers, Julia has become a tastemaker in fashion and design. She often blends her personal style with her agency’s branding, creating a cohesive identity. Her ability to merge art, culture, and business has positioned her as a rising force in the industry.
In 2026, VEERT secured a major celebrity capsule jewelry launch worn at the Met Gala, driving a 240% spike in direct-to-consumer sales within 72 hours.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #8. Reed Duchscher
Reed Duchscher is a talent manager and entrepreneur with a large digital presence in the creator economy. He founded Night Media, which manages some of the biggest YouTubers like MrBeast and Dream. His influence comes less from traditional content creation and more from his role as an architect of creator careers. Reed has been instrumental in shifting influencers into full-scale businesses and brands. He’s widely respected as someone who redefined what an “influencer manager” could achieve.
In 2026, Night Media brokered an eight-figure brand expansion deal tied to a global snack launch, contributing to over $100M in projected retail sales for its top talent.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #9. Daniella Pierson
Daniella Pierson is a media entrepreneur who gained traction online through lifestyle and digital publishing. She launched Newland, a media and agency business, expanding her influence beyond her initial digital content. Daniella’s work combines influencer marketing, publishing, and brand strategy. Despite controversies, her ventures have been recognized in high-profile publications like Forbes. She represents the mix of influencer visibility and traditional media ambition.
In 2026, Newland restructured into a hybrid media-agency model and closed seven-figure enterprise contracts across fashion publishing and digital commerce strategy.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #10. Andrea Roche
Andrea Roche, an Irish former model and television personality, transitioned into entrepreneurship. In 2013, she founded Ireland’s first dedicated influencer talent agency, AR Talent. Her agency represents many of Ireland’s most successful digital creators. Andrea herself maintains a digital following, blending her modeling past with her current business role. She’s known as a pioneer of influencer management in Ireland.
In 2026, AR Talent expanded into the UK market and reported representing over 60 creators with combined campaign billings exceeding €12M annually.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #11. Beckii Cruel
Beckii Cruel, real name Rebecca Anne Flint, first gained attention as a viral YouTuber in Japan. She later co-founded Pepper Studio, an influencer marketing agency in the UK. Beckii’s transition from viral star to entrepreneur highlights her adaptability in the digital economy. She now works to help brands navigate influencer partnerships strategically. Her journey shows how early internet fame can lead to sustainable business ventures.
In 2026, Pepper Studio executed 40+ TikTok Shop activations for UK retail brands, generating conversion rates 35% higher than platform benchmarks.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #12. Gia Kuan
Gia Kuan is a fashion publicist and influencer who carved her niche in the New York creative scene. She launched Gia Kuan Consulting, a boutique agency working with fashion labels and cultural projects. Her digital presence blends advocacy, fashion, and professional insight. Gia has been profiled in outlets like Vanity Fair for her approach to reshaping PR. She continues to stand out as a thought leader in modern fashion communications.
In 2026, Gia Kuan Consulting led PR strategy for three New York Fashion Week runway debuts, securing placements in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Business of Fashion within a single season.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #13. Kathy Schenfelt
Kathy Schenfelt is an entrepreneur in entertainment and social media. She founded Missmanaged and is the president of SCH Entertainment, both centered around talent and influencer management. Kathy has built her presence in the entertainment world through her combined influencer and executive roles. Her agencies focus on digital creators, models, and entertainers. She bridges the gap between talent and business with a unique influencer’s perspective.
In 2026, SCH Entertainment expanded its digital talent roster by 50% and negotiated brand partnerships totaling over $10M across streaming, fashion, and music sectors.
TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #14. Alessandro Bogliari
Alessandro Bogliari is the co-founder and CEO of The Influencer Marketing Factory, one of the fastest-growing agencies in the field. He has a following as a marketing influencer himself, sharing insights on TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Alessandro has worked with Fortune 500 companies to integrate influencer marketing into their campaigns. His agency is known for its data-driven and creative approach. He’s become a recognizable face in the influencer marketing education space.
In 2026, The Influencer Marketing Factory launched an AI-powered analytics suite for enterprise clients, helping drive a reported 2.7x average campaign ROI across global campaigns.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #15. Charlotte Stavrou
Charlotte Stavrou is an entrepreneur who built her digital presence through advocacy for inclusivity. She founded SevenSix Agency, which focuses on championing diverse voices in influencer marketing. Charlotte frequently uses her platform to discuss fairness and equity in the industry. Her reputation has been strengthened by her recognition in Vogue Business’s 100 Innovators list. She combines activism with business in a way that sets her agency apart.
In 2026, SevenSix Agency partnered with two multinational beauty conglomerates on inclusivity audits and influencer activations spanning 15 countries.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #16. Christina Okorocha
Christina Okorocha co-founded VAMP, an agency representing Black talent and creatives in entertainment and influencer spaces. She uses her online presence to advocate for diversity in digital industries. Christina’s work has been covered by major outlets like The Times. She demonstrates how influencers can build structures that benefit entire communities, not just individuals. Her focus is on equitable representation in the influencer world.
In 2026, VAMP doubled its talent roster and secured national broadcast integrations tied to three prime-time television campaigns focused on diverse creator representation.
TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #17. Shana Davis-Ross
Shana Davis-Ross is the founder and CEO of Ponte Firm, a New York-based influencer management agency. She manages around 80 influencers, crafting tailored campaigns for lifestyle, beauty, and fashion niches. Shana is also active in influencer circles, using her own following to maintain credibility. Her agency has become known for its curated approach to digital talent. She balances being a behind-the-scenes strategist with having her own online voice.
In 2026, Ponte Firm managed over 120 brand collaborations with an average campaign value of $75,000, expanding into experiential pop-up events in New York and Los Angeles.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #18. Demi McCormack
Demi McCormack is a Houston-based influencer who turned her passion for content into a business venture. She co-founded Digital Haus, an influencer and social media agency. Demi continues to build her following while managing a growing roster of talent. Her agency specializes in connecting brands with local and national influencers. She represents a new generation of creators evolving into entrepreneurs.
In 2026, Digital Haus reported a 60% revenue increase after launching a performance-based influencer division tied to TikTok Shop and Instagram Checkout integrations.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #19. Karen De Amat
Karen De Amat is the CEO of an influencer marketing agency in Houston. She has built her reputation through both her professional leadership and her personal social presence. Karen uses her experience in digital campaigns to guide both brands and creators. Her agency has become a key player in the local influencer marketing landscape. She exemplifies the mix of influencer and executive.
In 2026, her agency closed multi-brand hospitality contracts across Texas, producing influencer-driven campaigns that increased client booking rates by 21% year over year.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #20. Gretchen Brice
Gretchen Brice is a Houston-based entrepreneur and influencer agency CEO. She is recognized for her work in guiding talent management and digital brand partnerships. Gretchen is known in local business and lifestyle communities, where her influence carries weight. Her agency work highlights the growing need for regional influencer representation. She continues to balance her role as both a digital voice and a business leader.
In 2026, her agency launched a regional creator accelerator program supporting 30 emerging influencers while overseeing six-figure campaign budgets across lifestyle brands.
TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #21. Karen Lombardo Henry
Karen Lombardo Henry operates an influencer marketing agency in Houston. She is active in the influencer economy both as a strategist and as a creator. Her personal following complements her role as an executive, creating credibility with clients. Karen is known for focusing on innovative approaches to campaign building. She represents the new wave of entrepreneurial influencers.
In 2026, her firm piloted a data-tracking dashboard for clients that improved influencer attribution modeling accuracy by 33% across paid and organic campaigns.
TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #22. Hannah Swiggard
Hannah Swiggard is a co-founder of Digital Haus, working alongside Demi McCormack. She has a background in social media and influencer marketing, which she combines with her own creative content. Hannah’s online presence demonstrates her eye for branding and digital aesthetics. Her agency has quickly gained traction with both creators and companies. She continues to merge personal branding with professional management.
In 2026, Digital Haus expanded into e-commerce brand consulting, managing product launch campaigns that generated over $4M in first-quarter gross merchandise value.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #23. Jason Pampell
Jason Pampell is a Houston-based influencer marketing agency CEO with an entrepreneurial spirit. His online presence gives him insight into the creator landscape he manages. Jason’s work focuses on guiding brands in their partnerships with influencers. His role bridges the gap between marketing strategy and influencer culture. He is part of a cluster of Houston professionals redefining the influencer economy.
In 2026, his agency introduced a cross-platform creator licensing program that secured seven-figure annual contracts across retail and tech sectors.
TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #24. Megan Silianoff
Megan Silianoff is both a lifestyle content creator and an agency CEO. She uses her own experiences as an influencer to shape how her agency serves clients. Megan is known in Houston’s influencer and creative spaces. Her focus is on building campaigns that are authentic and community-driven. She balances her online identity with her professional business role.
In 2026, her agency produced over 85 integrated campaigns with a combined reach exceeding 150 million impressions across lifestyle and community-driven brands.
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TOP INFLUENCERS WHO RUN AGENCIES ON THE SIDE #25. Ted Raad
Ted Raad is a Houston entrepreneur who leads an influencer marketing agency. His digital presence adds weight to his credibility as a strategist in the space. Ted’s work has focused on supporting influencers while connecting them to meaningful brand partnerships. He represents the entrepreneurial path of influencers becoming executives. His career shows how local agency leaders can impact larger digital economies.
In 2026, his agency signed three enterprise-level retainers in healthcare and fintech, contributing to a projected $5M annual billing milestone.
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CONCLUSION
So, yeah, influencers running agencies is kind of a game changer. What started as posting dance videos or beauty tutorials has turned into a structured, revenue-generating business model in 2026. It’s like they’ve figured out how to turn their influence into something way more than just a paycheck—it’s a full-blown career with payroll, retainers, and enterprise contracts. Brands know it too, and they’re locking in six- and seven-figure annual agreements with creator-led agencies that understand platform trends in real time. Maybe it’s because influencers have insider knowledge about algorithms, audience retention, and conversion triggers, but there’s something deeper happening.
They’ve cracked the code to building brands that actually speak to people, and it’s not just about products—it’s about data-backed storytelling, community building, and measurable ROI. These influencers are showing that with the right infrastructure, followers can convert into repeat customers, subscribers, and long-term brand advocates. In 2026, influencer-founded agencies are reporting profit margins comparable to mid-sized digital firms, with some managing portfolios exceeding $20M in annual billings. This isn’t a trend anymore—it’s a structural shift in how marketing is built, executed, and scaled.
Sources:
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https://influencermarketinghub.com/influencer-marketing-benchmark-report/
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https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/Industries/technology-media-telecommunications/perspectives.html
Disclaimer: The influencers featured in this article are highlighted for editorial and informational purposes only. All embedded social media posts are displayed using the official embed tools provided by their respective platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, etc.), in accordance with platform terms of service. We do not claim ownership of any embedded content, and all rights remain with the original creators. If you are an influencer featured here and would like your content removed or updated, please contact us directly.