In this episode of E-Coffee with Experts, our host Austin Willman sits down with Natalee Allen, Visionary and CEO at ClearBags, to break down how she leads a values-driven ecommerce company with over 5,000 products shipped to 115+ countries.
Natalee shares how ClearBags successfully operates as a family business, the operational realities of managing international manufacturing partners, and why strong core values are more than just words on a wall. She explains how ClearBags uses 26 guiding actions to shape behavior, eliminate gossip, and build a culture employees genuinely protect.
You’ll also hear why ClearBags hired a Director of AI, how AI is used safely across marketing, operations, and research, and why founders can’t afford to ignore AI, even if it feels risky. Natalee breaks down how SEO, ecommerce discovery, and customer acquisition are changing fast, and what leaders must do to stay ahead without wasting resources.
If you’re a founder, executive, or marketer navigating AI, SEO shifts, leadership challenges, or company culture at scale, this episode is a must-watch.
Takeaways:
- Strong culture doesn’t happen by accident.
- Family businesses can scale successfully.
- AI isn’t replacing employees; it’s amplifying them.
- Hiring a Director of AI is a competitive advantage.
- Values should guide partnerships, not just hiring.
- SEO, e-commerce, and customer discovery are changing monthly.
- Cybersecurity and AI safety must evolve together.
- Leaders set the tone for AI adoption.