Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Misha Kouzeh.
Hi Dr. Misha, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’d be happy to! My journey has been anything but linear, but I think that’s what makes it exciting. I started my career in the Netherlands, where I pursued a Bachelor’s in International Business Administration at Erasmus University. Early on, I was fascinated by the intersection of global business, health, and social impact — so I deepened that focus with two master’s degrees: one in Marketing Management from RSM Erasmus, and another in Nutrition & Health from Wageningen University.
From there, my path took me across three continents, working with incredible organizations like Coca-Cola, Unilever, and the UN’s World Health Organization, where I saw firsthand how powerful marketing and education can be as tools for positive change.
I eventually made my way to Los Angeles, where I earned dual certificates in Marketing and Sustainability from UCLA Extension, and later a higher education certificate from Harvard. But perhaps one of my proudest milestones was completing my Doctorate in Education at the University of Southern California (USC). It gave me the opportunity to combine my passions for teaching, research, and empowering future leaders.
Today, I wear a few hats — I’m a TEDx speaker, university lecturer, and social entrepreneur. With my firm, Tech Makes History, I advise purpose-driven brands, consult on digital marketing and sustainability strategies, and speak globally on stages like Sustainable Brands, inspiring others to see themselves as changemakers too. I also serve on advisory boards for UCLA Extension and Harvard Business Review, and I’m a certified Climate Reality Leader — which allows me to stay deeply engaged in community efforts, from empowering youth to advising C-suite executives.
People often call me the “Digital Changemaker,” which I take as a responsibility and a privilege. At the heart of it all, my work is about helping brands and individuals alike harness the power of marketing, social impact, and education to create a better world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all — and honestly, I wouldn’t want it to have been. Smooth roads don’t build resilience or perspective.
Like many people pursuing a cross-continental career, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. Relocating internationally, building a professional reputation in new markets, and adapting to different cultural and business environments wasn’t easy. There were moments of feeling like an outsider, moments of self-doubt, and times when I had to start over, proving myself all over again — even when my past credentials were solid.
On top of that, working at the intersection of social impact and business means you’re constantly balancing purpose with profitability. Not everyone understands or values that balance at first. Early in my career, I often found myself in rooms where the idea of doing well by doing good felt like a tough sell. But I’ve learned to treat skepticism as an invitation to educate and inspire, rather than a roadblock.
And of course, like many women in leadership, there were challenges around visibility and voice — especially in male-dominated industries. I had to learn to advocate for myself unapologetically, while also lifting others as I climbed.
But every challenge sharpened my mission. It taught me to be relentless about the impact I want to make, to trust my values, and to build spaces where others feel they belong too. These experiences have given me a much deeper sense of empathy, and they’ve fueled my commitment to helping other changemakers rise.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Tech Makes History, we specialize in purpose-driven marketing that connects brands with their audiences in meaningful ways. Our focus on digital marketing strategies rooted in social impact and sustainability has led us to collaborate with organizations like Coca-Cola, Unilever, and the United Nations’ World Health Organization to drive positive change.
Our commitment to aligning business success with societal well-being sets us apart, as we believe that marketing is a powerful catalyst for social change. One of our proudest achievements includes advising nutrition and medical device companies on marketing strategies that have transformed lives. For instance, we have worked with companies developing AI-powered medical devices and nutrition applications that enhance diagnostic accuracy and personalize patient care. By implementing innovative digital marketing and social media strategies, we have significantly boosted sales and heightened awareness about these advanced health interventions, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes.
At Tech Makes History, we’re more than just a consulting firm; we’re a movement towards integrating purpose with profit, offering tailored consulting in digital marketing, social impact strategies, and sustainability practices for brands aspiring to make a meaningful impact.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Los Angeles is a city that never ceases to amaze me!
From the historic charm of Pasadena, with its beautifully preserved architecture and vibrant cultural scene, to the breathtaking art collections at the Getty Center perched atop Brentwood’s hills offering panoramic city views, there’s always something new to discover. TThe city’s diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique flavor, invite exploration—whether it’s savoring authentic dim sum in the San Gabriel Valley, enjoying the latest fusion dishes in the Arts District, or delighting in the rich flavors of Mexican street food in Boyle Heights. This melting pot of cultures, histories, and innovations makes Los Angeles very fascinating to me!
Navigating Los Angeles can be quite the adventure, especially when it comes to traffic. Studies have shown that Angelenos spend an average of 103 hours annually in traffic, making it one of the most congested cities in the United States. Imagine the skills you could master in that time—learning a new language, binge-watching an entire TV series, or perfecting your sourdough starter. So, next time you’re stuck on the 405, just remember: you’re not in traffic; you are traffic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.techmakeshistory.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkouzeh
