Latest news with #KarlaJoHelms
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tampa Bay Founders Take the Spotlight: High-Stakes Startup Pitch Night Ignites St. Pete July 17
JOTO PR Disruptors™ and Founders Live unite next week to spotlight early-stage founders—and fuel Tampa Bay's booming startup scene with a high-energy pitch event driving visibility, national exposure and strategic connections for the region's boldest innovators. TAMPA BAY, Fla., July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On July 17, 2025, Founders Live—the globally acclaimed 99-second pitch competition—lands in downtown St. Pete at The Birchwood. Hosted by JOTO PR Disruptors™, this high-energy event is more than a pitch night—it's a launchpad for early-stage founders and a catalyst for Tampa Bay's booming innovation economy. In a region now ranked among the top 5 U.S. cities for startups, the timing couldn't be better. With over 500 startups created and $650M raised in 2025 alone, Tampa Bay is booming. But despite the momentum, many early-stage founders still lack the visibility, feedback, and strategic connections needed to scale. This event aims to change that. "Founders Live gives Tampa Bay's innovators more than a mic, it gives them momentum," said Karla Jo Helms, Chief Evangelist and CEO of JOTO PR and the new City Leader of Founders Live Tampa Bay. "This is a platform for underdog brilliance, real traction, and founder credibility, all packed into 99 seconds." APPLY NOW: Be the Startup That Owns the Spotlight Startups in HealthTech, FinTech, AI, and MedTech are already applying—proving just how powerful this platform is for early traction and exposure. Founders can apply to pitch at: Space is limited and competition is fierce—early-stage founders are urged to apply immediately for a shot at national exposure and local validation. Not Just a Pitch — A Proving Ground Five hand-selected founders will each deliver a 99-second pitch, followed by a 4-minute audience Q&A, live voting, and the crowning of a local favorite. The winner earns entry into Founders Live's global Prime Time qualifiers and a $1M+ startup perk package, including valuable tools, visibility, and resources from global partners. Why It Matters to the Tampa Bay Economy Early-Stage Visibility: Founders Live fills a critical gap for startups not yet tapped into VCs or accelerators—offering exposure, feedback, and credibility on a public stage. Startup Ecosystem Momentum: With over $650M raised this year, investor interest is peaking. Events like this connect the capital to the ideas. Strategic Relationship Engine: It's not just pitching — it's matchmaking. Founders meet mentors, media, funders, and collaborators that can catalyze their growth. Public Validation: Founders are voted on by real people in real time — offering immediate validation and connection to the broader community. Local Dignitary Engagement: Tampa Bay's civic and business leaders are being invited to attend, recognizing the measurable economic impact of the region's startup boom. "We're not just giving founders a stage — we're giving them a story," said Helms. "And we'll follow through with the credibility-building publicity they need to help them scale nationally." Event Details Date & Time: Thursday, July 17, 2025 | 5:30 – 8:30 PM Location: The Birchwood, 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL Format: 5 founders | 99-second pitches | 4-minute Q&A | Live crowd voting Perks: Media exposure, global recognition, and $1M+ in startup support perks Tickets are almost sold out, and prices will increase soon. Reserve your seat now to be part of a movement that's redefining what's possible for Tampa Bay startups. Click here for early registration. About JOTO PR Disruptors™ JOTO PR Disruptors™ is the Anti-PR® agency behind some of the fastest-growing tech and innovation brands in the U.S. By applying crisis management techniques and modern media algorithms, JOTO PR creates third-party credibility campaigns that produce measurable results and build undeniable market influence. Learn more at About Founders Live Founded by entrepreneur Nick Hughes, Founders Live is a global media platform and pitch competition operating in over 125 cities and 50 countries. With its signature 99-second format, it connects founders, investors, and startup communities through events, education, and digital storytelling. Media Inquiries: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR™ 727-777-4629 Media Contact Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE JOTO PR™ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Disrupting the $139B Credit Industry: Devon Shigaki Rewires Trust with Blockchain
Devon Shigaki, founder of FreshCredit, joins host Karla Jo Helms on Disruption Interruption to discuss how decentralizing credit reporting through blockchain technology can democratize access to credit, combat identity theft, and reshape trust in financial systems. Shigaki's solutions promise transparency, inclusivity, and a seismic shift in the $19 trillion financial ecosystem. TAMPA BAY, Fla., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Credit systems are reaching a breaking point. According to a recent report by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft complaints have surged over 1.1 million—a 9.5% increase from last year—costing Americans an estimated $12.7 billion. (1,2) To make matters worse, 44% of surveyed Americans discovered errors in their credit reports, leading to financial setbacks and unjust consequences. (3) This week on Disruption Interruption, host Karla Jo Helms (KJ) welcomes Devin Shigaki, founder of FreshCredit, to shed light on a groundbreaking solution to these systemic issues. "Trust in centralized credit systems is broken—they control our opportunities," Shigaki explains. "By leveraging blockchain technology, we can rebuild trust and create a more equitable financial future for millions." Cracks in the Traditional Credit System The current centralized model of credit reporting has long been plagued by inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and biases. These systems have not only undermined trust but also excluded billions from economic participation. "Credit isn't just about money; it's about dignity, mobility, and connection," Shigaki argues. Yet, credit bureaus charge consumers and lenders for data riddled with errors, often manipulating profit models that benefit from breach incidents without addressing their root causes. Additionally, the rise in identity theft highlights the vulnerabilities of these outdated systems. Shigaki's own experience with identity theft, which consumed 18 months of his life, fueled his mission to overhaul credit reporting globally. "We pay for home insurance, car insurance, even pet insurance," Shigaki notes, "but what about protecting the one thing that dictates all of those rates? Our credit data." FreshCredit: A Future Built on Trust, Inclusion, and Innovation FreshCredit uses blockchain's immutable ledger to pioneer a hybrid credit reporting system. Instead of depending on centralized repositories vulnerable to breaches, it empowers individuals to manage their own encrypted credit data through a secure smartphone app. "Our app allows users to securely store verify and share their credit reports directly, eliminating middlemen," explains Shigaki. "By democratizing access, we're not just modernizing credit—we're restoring trust, dignity and inclusion." His solution also shifts the industry's profit model: offering unlimited free credit reports and only charging after a transaction occurs—unlike current systems built on recurring, report-based fees. With the credit reporting industry valued at $139 billion, and acting as a chokepoint in a $19 trillion global economy, the stakes are massive. "Fixing it," Shigaki notes, "can unlock real economic mobility—and meaningful change." Links Disrupting the Broken Credit System: Blockchain, AI, and Verified Trust, with Devon Shigaki LinkedIn: Company LinkedIn: Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today's biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption. Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple's App Store and Spotify. About Disruption InterruptionTM Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, "THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT!"? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo "KJ" Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world's key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at About Devon Shigaki Devon Shigaki is the founder of FreshCredit®, a financial technology company reshaping how trust is built, measured, and scaled in digital systems. With a background at the intersection of computational neuroscience, behavioral economics, and emerging technologies, Devon is pioneering solutions that give individuals ownership of their credit and identity—challenging centralized models that have historically excluded millions from economic opportunity. At the core of his work is the DOCAS framework, a neuroscience-based model that maps trust behaviors to brain chemistry—specifically dopamine, oxytocin, cortisol, adrenaline, and serotonin. This model helps explain why trust fails in both human relationships and digital infrastructures, and how systems can be rebuilt to restore it. Devon applies these insights to technologies like AI, blockchain, and verified identity tools to create transparent, decentralized platforms that prioritize people over institutions. Through FreshCredit® and The FreshCredit Org, Devon is leading the charge to disrupt legacy credit reporting systems and design a future where financial dignity is not just accessible—but standard. Whether engineering new infrastructure or mentoring others on trust-centered design, Devon's work aims to transform trust from a buzzword into a measurable, actionable force for equity. About Karla Jo Helms Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception. References 1. Luthi, Ben. "U.S. Fraud and Identity Theft Losses Topped $12.7 Billion in 2024." Experian, 30 May 2025, 2. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission. "New FTC Data Show a Big Jump in Reported Losses to Fraud to $12.5 Billion in 2024." Federal Trade Commission, 10 Mar. 2025, 3. Reynolds, Ryan. "Almost Half of Participants in Credit Checkup Study Find Errors on Credit Reports; More than a Quarter Find Serious Mistakes - CR Advocacy." CR Advocacy, 30 Apr. 2024, Media Inquiries: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR™ 727-777-4629 Media Contact Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Disruption Interruption
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Disrupting the $139B Credit Industry: Devon Shigaki Rewires Trust with Blockchain
Devon Shigaki, founder of FreshCredit, joins host Karla Jo Helms on Disruption Interruption to discuss how decentralizing credit reporting through blockchain technology can democratize access to credit, combat identity theft, and reshape trust in financial systems. Shigaki's solutions promise transparency, inclusivity, and a seismic shift in the $19 trillion financial ecosystem. TAMPA BAY, Fla., June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Credit systems are reaching a breaking point. According to a recent report by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft complaints have surged over 1.1 million—a 9.5% increase from last year—costing Americans an estimated $12.7 billion. (1,2) To make matters worse, 44% of surveyed Americans discovered errors in their credit reports, leading to financial setbacks and unjust consequences. (3) This week on Disruption Interruption, host Karla Jo Helms (KJ) welcomes Devin Shigaki, founder of FreshCredit, to shed light on a groundbreaking solution to these systemic issues. "Trust in centralized credit systems is broken—they control our opportunities," Shigaki explains. "By leveraging blockchain technology, we can rebuild trust and create a more equitable financial future for millions." Cracks in the Traditional Credit System The current centralized model of credit reporting has long been plagued by inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and biases. These systems have not only undermined trust but also excluded billions from economic participation. "Credit isn't just about money; it's about dignity, mobility, and connection," Shigaki argues. Yet, credit bureaus charge consumers and lenders for data riddled with errors, often manipulating profit models that benefit from breach incidents without addressing their root causes. Additionally, the rise in identity theft highlights the vulnerabilities of these outdated systems. Shigaki's own experience with identity theft, which consumed 18 months of his life, fueled his mission to overhaul credit reporting globally. "We pay for home insurance, car insurance, even pet insurance," Shigaki notes, "but what about protecting the one thing that dictates all of those rates? Our credit data." FreshCredit: A Future Built on Trust, Inclusion, and Innovation FreshCredit uses blockchain's immutable ledger to pioneer a hybrid credit reporting system. Instead of depending on centralized repositories vulnerable to breaches, it empowers individuals to manage their own encrypted credit data through a secure smartphone app. "Our app allows users to securely store verify and share their credit reports directly, eliminating middlemen," explains Shigaki. "By democratizing access, we're not just modernizing credit—we're restoring trust, dignity and inclusion." His solution also shifts the industry's profit model: offering unlimited free credit reports and only charging after a transaction occurs—unlike current systems built on recurring, report-based fees. With the credit reporting industry valued at $139 billion, and acting as a chokepoint in a $19 trillion global economy, the stakes are massive. "Fixing it," Shigaki notes, "can unlock real economic mobility—and meaningful change." Links Disrupting the Broken Credit System: Blockchain, AI, and Verified Trust, with Devon Shigaki LinkedIn: Company LinkedIn: Disruption Interruption is the podcast where you will hear from today's biggest Industry Disruptors. Learn what motivated them to bring about innovation and how they overcame opposition to adoption. Disruption Interruption can be listened to in Apple's App Store and Spotify. About Disruption InterruptionTM Disruption is happening on an unprecedented scale, impacting all manner of industries— MedTech, Finance, IT, eCommerce, shipping, logistics, and more—and COVID has moved their timelines up a full decade or more. But WHO are these disruptors and when did they say, "THAT'S IT! I'VE HAD IT!"? Time to Disrupt and Interrupt with host Karla Jo "KJ" Helms, veteran communications disruptor. KJ interviews badasses who are disrupting their industries and altering economic networks that have become antiquated with an establishment resistant to progress. She delves into uncovering secrets from industry rebels and quiet revolutionaries that uncover common traits—and not-so-common—that are changing our economic markets… and lives. Visit the world's key pioneers that persist to success, despite arrows in their backs at About Devon Shigaki Devon Shigaki is the founder of FreshCredit®, a financial technology company reshaping how trust is built, measured, and scaled in digital systems. With a background at the intersection of computational neuroscience, behavioral economics, and emerging technologies, Devon is pioneering solutions that give individuals ownership of their credit and identity—challenging centralized models that have historically excluded millions from economic opportunity. At the core of his work is the DOCAS framework, a neuroscience-based model that maps trust behaviors to brain chemistry—specifically dopamine, oxytocin, cortisol, adrenaline, and serotonin. This model helps explain why trust fails in both human relationships and digital infrastructures, and how systems can be rebuilt to restore it. Devon applies these insights to technologies like AI, blockchain, and verified identity tools to create transparent, decentralized platforms that prioritize people over institutions. Through FreshCredit® and The FreshCredit Org, Devon is leading the charge to disrupt legacy credit reporting systems and design a future where financial dignity is not just accessible—but standard. Whether engineering new infrastructure or mentoring others on trust-centered design, Devon's work aims to transform trust from a buzzword into a measurable, actionable force for equity. About Karla Jo Helms Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR® Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™. Karla Jo learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line — and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen, or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill into the good graces of public opinion — Karla Jo operates on the ethic of getting it right the first time, not relying on second chances and doing what it takes to excel. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception. References 1. Luthi, Ben. "U.S. Fraud and Identity Theft Losses Topped $12.7 Billion in 2024." Experian, 30 May 2025, 2. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission. "New FTC Data Show a Big Jump in Reported Losses to Fraud to $12.5 Billion in 2024." Federal Trade Commission, 10 Mar. 2025, 3. Reynolds, Ryan. "Almost Half of Participants in Credit Checkup Study Find Errors on Credit Reports; More than a Quarter Find Serious Mistakes - CR Advocacy." CR Advocacy, 30 Apr. 2024, Media Inquiries: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR™ 727-777-4629 Media Contact Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Disruption Interruption Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trust Over Trend: Anti-PR Unveils Why Awareness Campaigns Are Losing Credibility
JOTO PR Disruptors unveils the power of Anti-PR during high-visibility months like National Military Appreciation Month. By redefining authentic brand messaging with purpose-driven storytelling, companies like Zeel are setting the standard for connecting with audiences who crave trust and relevance. TAMPA BAY, Fla., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Every May, brands flood the media with tributes to veterans for National Military Appreciation Month—but most fall flat. In a marketplace where consumers see between 6,000 to 10,000 ads a day, high-visibility dates often amplify the noise rather than break through it. (1) Traditional PR strategies and cookie-cutter campaigns get drowned out in oversaturated messaging, with every brand saying the same thing. "You shouldn't sell WHAT you do. You should sell WHY it matters," says Karla Jo Helms (KJ), Chief Evangelist of Anti-PR™ and strategist at JOTO PR Disruptors™. "Brands relying on conventional tactics are missing the point. It's no longer about being part of the conversation—it's about shaping the narrative with purpose." Breaking Free from PR Gimmicks A State of the Connected Customer report shows that 68% of consumers believe brands should demonstrate real action, not symbolic gestures, during awareness campaigns. (2) Despite this clear mandate from the public, many brands make the mistake of launching loud, generic messaging with low impact during awareness or purpose-driven events. However, this strategy often backfires, causing their messages to fade into the background and fail to connect with today's discerning consumers. Anti-PR flips the script. Rather than chasing attention through hype, it emphasizes authenticity, mission alignment, and real action—core elements that are increasingly in demand. "Consumers today are too savvy for slogans. They want purpose," Helms explains. "Trust is currency. If you're not showing up with something real, you're not showing up at all." Lead with Why, Not What One standout example of this approach in action is Zeel, a leading provider of in-home medical massage. Instead of relying on generic "thank you for your service" phrases, Zeel took meaningful action by offering a permanent 20% discount on all medical massage therapy services for veterans and active-duty members. This program wasn't just a marketing gimmick—it was a bold move rooted in their values. Key elements that set Zeel's campaign apart: Radical Transparency: Communicating their long-term goal of redefining access to care. Data-Driven Storytelling: Backing their initiative with measurable outcomes tied to veteran wellness. Real Action: Committing to lasting change, not one-off PR stunts. Timely Relevance: Aligning messaging with key healthcare issues that matter most to today's veterans, while actively engaging military and vet communities. Zeel's campaign isn't about riding a wave of seasonal relevance—it was about advancing a mission statement. The initiative became a proof point of how purpose-aligned messaging earns visibility, loyalty, and lasting impact. Authenticity Is the New Differentiator Anti-PR doesn't just help brands stand out—it strengthens trust and drives ROI by fostering deeper connections with audiences. Companies that embed their values into every campaign—not just during awareness months—build reputations that endure. "Brands that miss the mark during cultural moments like Military Appreciation Month are wasting powerful opportunities," says Helms. "But those that align action with truth are remembered—not just for what they said, but for what they did." About JOTO PR Disruptors™ Founded by PR veteran Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR Disruptors™ emerged from extensive market research with CEOs of fast-growth companies. The agency combines crisis management skills with advanced media algorithms to develop Anti-PR® campaigns. Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, JOTO PR is globally recognized for its innovative Anti-PR services. More information is available at About Karla Jo Helms Karla Jo Helms is the Chief Evangelist and Anti-PR Strategist for JOTO PR Disruptors™.She learned firsthand how unforgiving business can be when millions of dollars are on the line—and how the control of public opinion often determines whether one company is happily chosen or another is brutally rejected. Being an alumnus of crisis management, Karla Jo has worked with litigation attorneys, private investigators, and the media to help restore companies of goodwill back into the good graces of public opinion. Helms speaks globally on public relations, how the PR industry itself has lost its way, and how, in the right hands, corporations can harness the power of Anti-PR to drive markets and impact market perception. References: 1. Adfuel Inc. "The Daily Ad Exposure: How Many Ads Does the Average Person See Each Day?" Adfuel, 27 June 2024, 2. Eversoll Duggan, Cheyenna . "The Empathy Advantage: Using Customer Data to Personalize Marketing | Simon Data." 2024, Media Inquiries: Karla Jo Helms JOTO PR™ 727-777-4629 Media Contact Karla Jo Helms, JOTO PR™, 727-777-4629, khelms@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE JOTO PR™ Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
