The Millennium Alliance Advisory Board Meeting 2019

The Millennium Alliance Advisory Board is a group of world-renowned industry leaders and visionaries, who are tasked with providing invaluable input and expertise. The Board ensures that we continue to deliver the highest level of business transformation to our members. To officially launch 2019, we hosted our inaugural Advisory Board Annual Meeting at our headquarters in NYC on Friday, January 25th.

The 2019 Advisory Board consists of 26 Board members who have partnered with us throughout the last five years of The Millennium Alliance’s growth. Our Board members are past and present industry titans and world-renowned academics coming from a wide spectrum of industries including cybersecurity, financial services, healthcare, marketing and technology.

Board members share their expertise with our C-Level community by providing thought leadership, transformative content and industry insights year round. With their knowledge of the business world, the Advisory Board helps to grow our community by ensuring that leading executives and transforming companies partner with The Millennium Alliance to engage and innovate.

The Advisory Board met with the entire Millennium Alliance team to learn what is top of their mind for the start of 2019.

“The old approach to security is very technical. There needs to be a shift so it’s accessible to people. Approaches may work on paper, but they may not be realistic with user experience.” Michael Coates, Co-Founder & CEO, Altitude Networks

“Companies need to adapt quicker and be more creative and transparent with their branding.” Alan Siegel, President & CEO, Siegelvision

“Developing human capital across all disciplines is important. How do you communicate and convey messages for it to make sense?” Diana Burley, Chair, George Washington University

Board members highlighted a few key reasons as to why C-Level executives get tremendous value from attending Millennium Alliance assemblies. For some, it was the networking and connections they have made from being apart of The Millennium Alliance. For others, it was the intimate format of the assemblies and the executives and companies that attend, which have remained at the highest level.

“There is value in collaboration and innovation and value in knowing you are not alone in your challenges.” Pierre Vigilance, Associate Dean, George Washington University

“The format of Millennium Alliance assemblies isn’t death by PowerPoint. The environment provides access to ask questions that are outside of a presentation as well as the ability to follow up with industry peers in the room.” Vince Campitelli, Enterprise Security Specialist, Cloud Security Alliance

“In a closed-door session, you can connect with someone who is in a completely different industry than you, but relate to the same issues you are having and open up about pain points in an intimate setting that is sensitive towards an executive’s privacy.” Cynthia Johnson

We were able to share with our Board members the creation and vision for our newest ventures, including our Digital Diary content platform as well, Millennium Live: Digital Diary Podcast and our Millennium Live Video Series. Stay tuned for upcoming content on these platforms from our Advisory Board members throughout 2019.

“We are excited to have such fantastic leadership and support from all of our Advisory Board members. The Annual Meeting was an excellent way to welcome new members to the Advisory Board and launch our vision for 2019 and beyond.” Nick Peacock Smith, Chairman, The Millennium Alliance Advisory Board.  

A handful of our Advisory Board members share their top business tips for The Millennium Alliance in 2019. Check out the video here

The Millennium Alliance Hires New VP of Marketing

The Millennium Alliance is waving goodbye to our Vice President of Marketing, Freya Smale, and welcoming a new member to our team. Seasoned marketing vet, Greg Dicso will take on her role as our new VP of Marketing.

As we send Freya off to a new chapter in her life back to her hometown in the U.K., we reflect on the hard work that Freya has done in creating and growing our marketing division. We also look to the future and what we are looking forward to when it comes to executing the visions of Digital Diary and beyond, with Greg now in charge.

Digital Diary has sat down with both Freya and Greg to receive a first-hand look at their thoughts and ideas regarding the change. Take a look below!

Where It All Began…

The role of our VP of Marketing is no easy feat, but Freya took it on with stride. When Freya began her job in 2017, she had a clear vision in mind: to create a team of people passionate about showing the world the message of The Millennium Alliance. Through hard work and persistence, that vision came to life and now, our marketing and product team are an integral part of our company.

Since creating The Millennium Alliance Marketing Department almost two years ago, what do you hope to leave for the company and your team?

My hope for Millennium is that they continue to do what they do to the high standard they are known for. The best part of working for Millennium is the open-environment where innovation is welcomed.

I’m a little biased but the Marketing/Product/Client Services teams are at the center of the business and constantly push for positive change. I could not be more proud of how these teams tackle every challenge that comes their way! In just two years, we’ve launched events, launched and re-launched Digital Diary, founded a marketing team, put in place vital business processes and systems, and so much more!

I hope the teams continue to be the driving force behind the innovation and growth for the company and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

Was there something that surprised you when you first started working at The Millennium Alliance?

I was really surprised by how open everyone was to trying and experimenting. The biggest lesson I learned was that failing is okay. Rob and Alex are open to seeing what’s out there and understand that sometimes it doesn’t work! All they ask for is that you try your hardest and learn from everything you do.

What is your favorite memory of being onsite with your fellow staff members and C-Suite Executives?

Being onsite is always hard work but is always fun! Getting to see the finished product that you’ve been working on for months is hugely rewarding.

I can’t lie, but the team drinks post-event are a huge highlight. It’s great to get to celebrate with the rest of the team.

What are you looking forward to the most in the next chapter of your career?

I’m not sure what the next chapter is yet so that’s hugely exciting. I just hope that I’m lucky enough to work somewhere that encourages and challenges the way Millennium does.

“Working with Freya has been an amazing experience. I have learned so much from her, and am so grateful for the opportunity.” – Jenny Schecher, Social Media Manager & Client Services Director 

“Freya is not only an incredible leader, but she is equally the greatest supporter and friend. You can always count on her to get things done to helping you out when you need it, all while bringing joy and laughter into the office (and British chocolates)! I will miss her very much and it is so sad to see her go, but she will do exceptional things no matter where she goes and I am so privileged to have worked with her this year – I am so thankful for you, Freya, you are the best boss ever!” – Catherine Hand, Marketing Coordinator

“Freya is one of the smartest individuals I’ve had the pleasure of working with. She always seemed to be two steps ahead with her forward thinking and has tremendously helped our marketing department. She will be missed by everyone!”- Josh Michi, Senior Alliance Director

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Freya.  Her dedication, creativity and leadership skills are only a few of the reasons she will be missed. Millennium has benefited greatly from her contributions and we wish her all the best!” – Victoria Rowland, Vice President, Human Resources

Where We Are Now…

Greg Dicso will become our new Vice President of Marketing, and we are excited about what Greg will bring to the table as he joins our team.

Tell us about where you were before The Millennium Alliance and what attracted you to the company?

Prior to joining The Millennium Alliance, I was most recently at Access Intelligence for five years, leading the marketing charge for a number of their largest conferences and trade shows. A big reason I was so attracted to joining the team here at The Millennium Alliance is the tremendous level of growth that this company has experienced in a relatively short period of time, in addition to the limitless potential for the future.

What excites you the most about stepping into such a vital role at The Millennium Alliance?

I’m incredibly excited to bring new ideas to the table to help build on the solid foundation that has already been established in the marketing department. There is huge opportunity to elevate this group to new levels and I’m thrilled to have joined such a dynamic and talented team.

Could you tell us about a few preliminary goals you have in mind for the company and for the marketing department?

For the company as a whole, I would like to further solidify The Millennium Alliance’s position as the premier networking and educational destination for top executive leaders across the globe. As for the marketing department specifically, a big priority early on will be to grow the Digital Diary and help it to reach its full potential as a leading content platform and community.

What was your first impression of Digital Diary and The Millennium Alliance community that’s been created?

I was extremely impressed with the Digital Diary and predict that this will be a vital part of The Millennium Alliance for years to come. Top notch content and key contributors will be the driving force behind building it into an established community, that members turn to daily to remain on the cutting-edge of their industry.

“Greg brings many years of industry experience and we are excited to continue to grow our brand and our footprint with his leadership and fresh ideas based on his global experiences. With so many new and exciting ventures coming in 2019, we know Greg will be leading from the front as we continue grow our C-Suite community.” – Nick Peacock-Smith, Director of Strategic Partnerships

“A new start means fresh ideas and a unique perspective on the future. I’m definitely looking forward Greg leading our team and I’m excited for what he brings to the table.” – Conor Tuohy, Producer, Digital Diary Content 

With a goodbye, comes a hello. We are sad to see Freya leave but look forward to the future. Thank you, Freya, for all your hard work, dedication and passion you have shown our company.

ABOUT THE MILLENNIUM ALLIANCE

Headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, The Millennium Alliance is a leading technology, business, and educational advisory firm. Focusing primarily in areas such as business transformation, executive education, growth, policy, and need analysis. Millennium is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic locations for collaboration across the world.

Millennium Membership offers Fortune 1000 C-Level executives, leading public sector/government officials, and thought leaders across a variety of disciplines unique and exclusive opportunities to meet their peers, understand industry developments and receive introductions to new technology and service advancements to help grow their career and overall company value.

The Millennium Alliance Named One of the 43 Fastest Growing Companies

NEW YORK, October 29, 2018 – The Millennium Alliance is thrilled to announce it has been named as one of the 43 Fastest Growing Companies by the Blue Hen 17&43 Awards 2018.

The Blue Hen 17&43 Awards build on the University of Delaware’s long tradition of leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship by honoring the 17 most promising new ventures and 43 fastest growing companies founded, owned or led by our students and alumni.

Alex Sobol, Co-Founder and CEO, The Millennium Alliance graduated from the University of Delaware in 2007 having majored in Communications. During his time at the University, he was very active within the Greek community, acting as President of Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity during his junior year. In his senior year, he was head
of university recruitment for all fraternities on campus.

About The Millennium Alliance

Headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, The Millennium Alliance is a leading technology, business, and educational advisory firm. Focusing primarily on areas such as business transformation, executive education, growth, policy, and need analysis, Millennium is quickly becoming one of the most dynamic locations for collaboration across the world.

We provide a framework for Fortune 1000 C-Level executives, leading public sector/government officials, and thought leaders across a variety of disciplines, to meet their peers, understand industry developments, and receive introductions to new technology and service advancements to help grow their career and overall company value.

Millennium was created to provide opportunities for collaboration and offer guidance on best practices for executives from the world’s leading organizations. We are dedicated to providing meaningful opportunities for Alliance members to simplify their personal growth, increase business networks, and have the right information to build their capabilities and leadership skills at every level. This is in addition to providing market intelligence, advisory services, and industry-leading programs for all major industries. Millennium’s aim is to bring out the best capabilities for all of our clients so they can make the right decisions at the right time.