Julie Cottineau is a global branding expert, CEO & founder of BrandTwist brand consultancy, and the creator and Dean of her own Brand School. She is the former VP of Brand for Richard Branson's Virgin Group and has held senior agency positions in both North America and France. Julie is passionate about helping businesses, non-profits, and entrepreneurs TWIST their personal and corporate brands to stand out in crowded markets. She is the author of the best-selling branding book TWIST: How Fresh Perspectives Build Breakthrough Brands. Julie is a frequent commentator on branding in media such as CNN, Forbes.com, Entrepreneur and Authority Magazine. She is the proud recipient of the Business Visionaries Best Business Consultant award. Her own life has been filled with magical TWISTS and she currently resides in the beautiful Hudson Valley with her French husband, amazing children, and Teddy the wonder Beagle.