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The Aussie AI Startup Helping Disney and Gucci Co-Create With Their Fans: Michelle Reeves from Zipline AI | #543

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Co-creation isn’t clickbait: it’s how brands like Disney are turning superfans into designers and driving 11-minute engagement sessions.

In today’s episode we’re getting to know Michelle Reeves: the Co-Founder and CEO of Zipline AI, a platform that helps brands unlock next-level engagement by letting customers co-create products in real time. And when we say next-level engagement, we’re talking about turning a 54-second scroll into an 11-minute experience. With clients like Disney, Gucci, and Hugo Boss already on board, Michelle is building a future where shoppers don’t just consume: they collaborate.

With a career that’s spanned wine ecommerce, sports marketing, social media, and Web3, Michelle knows how to spot a shift before it goes mainstream. In this chat, she breaks down how Zipline AI helps brands connect directly with customers, what Gen Z expects from online experiences, and how even small Aussie brands can get in on the action.

“They’re creating all these branded assets without the brand’s permission… it’s basically counterfeit, but there’s a ton of brand passion.


Today, we’re discussing…

  • How Zipline AI boosts engagement time from 54 seconds to 11 minutes
  • Why Gen Z and Gen Alpha expect to shape the brands they shop from
  • What Disney’s Inside Out 2 campaign teaches us about AI creativity
  • How challenger brands can use co-creation tools without breaking the bank
  • What it takes to turn customers into content creators
  • Why ecommerce teams need to own the customer experience again
  • The surprising truth behind digital product value (and $1,600 Fortnite tees)

0:00 Michelle Reeves Introduces Zipline AI
3:20 From 54 Seconds to 11 Minutes Engagement
8:42 How Zipline AI Works With Major Brands
15:25 Data Analytics Disguised As Creative Playground
23:19 Gen Z Expectations and Digital Value
35:40 Supporting Women Who Innovate
46:05 From Logan to Global Innovation
49:47 Key Takeaways on Co-Creation


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Hosted by

Nathan Bush is a director at eCommerce talent agency, eSuite. He has led eCommerce for businesses with revenue $100m+ and has been recognised as one of Australia’s Top 50 People in eCommerce four years in a row. You can contact Nathan on LinkedIn, Twitter or via email.

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