Ad Blocking is a podcast – slash – maybe a safe space, where real people, real marketers talk about everything BUT advertising. Stories of growing up, coming out, falling down, and looking in. Underneath it all, we’re all just humans.
In this episode of Ad Blocking, I speak with John Morrison – current cornerbacks coach of San Diego's famed St Augustine High School, former head coach of Southern California's Francis Parker School and Illinois Lake Forest Academy, but maybe more importantly – a nationally known mentor to thousands of professionals and ex athletes from all walks of life. This is a unique and special conversation as coach Morrison has served as a personal father figure and inspiration for over 25 years. In that time, I've learned a lot about what it takes to be a good leader, to have conviction and grace, and to work harder than anyone else in the offseason when looking to achieve your goals. I hope our conversation about leadership in life, in profession and in sports inspires a renewed commitment to the presence and values we all need to be great team players and leaders in our daily quest in achieving growth.
This season of Ad Blocking we explore inspiring tales of taking risks, challenging convention and becoming brave. Stories that may inspire us or perhaps remind us we must choose our hard on the road to becoming whole. In today's episode, I speak with Abby Cheesman – Founder and Executive Producer at creative studio – SkillScout. As an entrepreneur and small business owner, Abby stands as one of the few innovators that have found success within both her passions and her purpose. Our discussion explores the importance of values, gratitude, failure and hustle in achieving the reaching your next level. In a world where ambition can often bring out the worst in us – Abby's humility and relentless commitment to people and culture represent the light many of us need to see as we find our way through this maze of personal growth and change. I hope Abby's wisdom and vulnerability inspire us all to win with kindness and humanity – she's proven it works.
This season of Ad Blocking we explore inspiring tales of taking risks, challenging convention and becoming brave. Stories that may inspire us or perhaps remind us we must choose our hard on the road to becoming whole. In today's episode, I speak with Justin Polk - one of the country's most prolific creators and founder of production company, Invisible Collective. Our discussion reflects on the importance of being given a chance, the power of being ready when called upon, and the importance of having an impact that grows much bigger than ourselves. As a successful entrepreneur, Justin provides a rare glimpse into the world of creativity, sustainability and trust required to achieve great things not just now but for years to come. I hope Justin's words help more of us find the inspiration we need to achieve your next big goal.
This season of Ad Blocking we explore inspiring tales of taking risks, challenging convention and becoming brave. Stories that may inspire us or perhaps remind us we must choose our hard on the road to becoming whole. In today's episode, I speak with former advertising leader at Unilever, Pizza Hut, Google, IAS and Cover FX Skincare – Ben Hsi. Since our last conversation, Ben has taken some unconventional risks, left the advertising industry to become owner of Austin, TX Franchise Teaspoon and challenged the conventional wisdom of “reinvention”. Our discussion is a timely one as the industry endures a wave of layoffs, continued ageism, and an everchanging battle with it's own identity. Some of Ben's experience can and should come as inspiration for most and validation for some. I hope you enjoy the wisdom and vulnerability Ben shared as you look inwards on your own journey.
Facebook's Lizette Williams and TrueX Christian Borges: Ad Blocking Episode 17 by Jason DaWayne Smith
In today's episode, I speak with – where do I begin…a fair and honest human, co-founder of social vibe or as some may know it – True[X], former EVP Strategy and Operations of Fox Networks Group and current CEO of OpenAP. As I wind down my first season of Ad Blocking, Dave and I discuss our shard vision for closing the access gap in our world, ideas on trial and error, imperfection, embracing hard moments in life, and our mutual love for cult classic “halt and catch fire”. Dave is a renaissance man that, like me, loves life and our contrbutions more than the fancy titles many respect on paper. I couldn't be more grateful for his time.
This week I speak with marketing legend - Karna Crawford – Head of Consumer Media and Activation Strategy at Verizon Communications. Karna has spent the last 20+ years thriving in a number of successful and important marketing roles. From her days at Millers Coors, Coca Cola, JP Morgan and others – to her time as a mentor and guide to many young people in our industry – Karna serves as one of the most inspiring representatives of the heart and soul within marketing today. In our discussion, Karna and I cover a a range of inspiring and fulfilling topics. Mindfulness, the importance of purpose and intention in our professional and personal environment today. And most importantly – the endless pursuiot of learning and stabilizing your own personal foundation. Karna truly is someone that I and may others look up to in the ad industry and I cojuldn't be more thankful for the opportunity and time she allowed for this unforgettable discussion. I hope you all enjoy.
In today's episode, I speak who I believe to be, one of the smartest and most present marketers in today's environment – Courtney Ballantini – Vice President of Marketing Communications and Design at Tyson Foods. Since meeting Courtney and serving her business back in 2017, I've felt very grateful to have learned so much grace, care, and intention by watching her work. In our discussion, Courtney and I bond over our unique upbringings, our attention to now, and shared beliefs in accountability and respect for others. Courtney delivers what I believe is one of the most influential and human perspectives I've had the fortune of hearing in these times, and I hope you forgive my poor sound quality management within the discussion. Courtney truly is someone I admire and am quite sure you will as well.
In today's episode, I speak with a dear friend and spiritual guide, Erin Arend – You may know her as Branded Entertainment Sales Lead at Discovery Incorporated, but as we discuss in this podcast, she is and has recently become so much more. Erin and I bond over the value of listening, paving a more unified path in our world, and a confronting our purpose in the work and lives we live today.
This episode is a bucket list for me. I speak with one of my best friends, my mentor, and a someone that has really had a great impact on many in our industry – Donnie Williams. EVP, Chief Digital Officer of Horizon Media. If you know me, you know Donnie. I attribute a lot of my success and professional approach to his mentorship and overall care for the people around him. In our discussion, we talk about what it takes to be a leader of now and the future, the importance of evolving both as a parent and also as a member of our global society, but more importantly – why Donnie has all those tattoos! Donnie really inspired the pluralist and forever curious in me and continues to bring a lot of growth, innovation and perspective to our industry and others around him. I hope you enjoy this discussion as much as I did and take note of some of his guidance and vulnerability
In today's episode, I speak with Veronica Appleton – current Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion at The Marketing Arm. One of the best gifts I received in 2020 was an hour with Veronica – learning about her many guideposts towards a more inclusive, embracing, and relationally intelligent world. What makes Veronica so good at what she does and who she is her her compassion and vulnerability. Understanding that there's always more to learn and more love to give. Veronica's perspective serves as north star of positivity, wisdom and courage that I hope inspires us all.
In today's episode, I speak with Edna Uribe, Vice President and Director of Sales at Univision Communications. Edna has one of the most unique and inspiring stories our industry's ever heard. From her love of flamenco, growing up in Chicago and Mexico, traveling the world, and making some big tough decisions in both her personal and professional life. Edna's paved a path of determination, passion, and success that only some of us can dream of. It wasn't easy, and Edna's tale of optimism is one I hope you all enjoy.
Ben Hsi Global Agency Development at Integral Ad Science: Ad Blocking Podcast Episode 9 by Jason DaWayne Smith
In today's episode, I speak with Marla Skiko, US & Global Head of Media at Ford Motor Company. Beyond Marla's work at Ford, she's one of Chicago's most respected marketers, a great mom, and a change agent. Marla's someone who's always got a smile on her face but more importantly always looking for a better way, always curious, and always motivating herself and those around them to not settle. In this discussion, Marla and I talk about the influence of her parents and the values she brings to her life and work each day. The challenges yet opportunities of being a mom, rising up the ranks – now and into the future. And also, the concept of regret – what it means to her and how it's motivated her to accomplish so much in her life and career. Marla's one of the kindest and most respected people in our industry – I'm still humbled by her time and insight.
On today's episode, I speak with Lisette Arsuaga – Co-President and Co Founder of the Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing or in some circles, AIMM. Above being an entrepreneur, a successful business woman, and a philanthropist, Lisette is a wind of change that flows through not just our ad industry but her home, her community, and beyond. In our discussion, Lisette and I talk about the importance of having someone believe in you, being thankful, and how life isn't about what you do, but the consciousness and purpose behind what you do. #SeeAll "Here" Commercial - click here to view. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glXqIq1_FKg
In today's episode, I speak with Rob Master, VP Media and Digital Engagement at Unilever. Beyond sharing common Chicago roots, Rob and share in the joy of fatherhood, a passion for reimagining equity and access within our world, and a deep appreciation for positivity. Rob is not only a hero of mine, but he's also an inspiration to many in our industry, in his home, and in his community. Our dialogue covers timeless words of wisdom, along with a new perspective on a brighther future that requires persistence, diligence, and resolve. I hope you all ejoy our discussion even a small outtake at the end that I thought really shows Rob's true heart and soul.
In this episode, I speak with Michael Smith – Head of Marketing Communications for PepsiCo's Water Portfolio. Beyond Mike's daily success in the world of CPG marketing, he's also a father, a husband, and a man of intention. In our discussion Mike and I explore what it means to be a good citizen in today's climate, confronting the comfort of anonymity, and flawed definitions of success. Mike inspires us all to be creative, innovate, take chances, but more importantly – live with purpose.
In this episode, I have the fortune of talking to a great friend and fellow parent, Jeremy Bloom, National US and Canada sales lead for Adobe Experience and Advertising Cloud. We cover a lot of ground in our discussion. The preciousness of life, the value of laughter, and the power of positivity. If you know Jeremy, you know him as someone that sees the bright side, despite adversity. A go getter and a family man that will stop at nothing to keep them safe, prosperous and caring for all of mankind.
In this episode, I sit down with a long time friend, a freshman ad industry roommate so to speak – Shanae Johnson, Executive Business Director of ad agency Hearts and Science. Shanae and I started working in advertising together back in 2002. It may be the year 2020, but Shanae remains as humble and as determined as ever. In our discussion, we cover Shanae's success and commitment being her wholeself, the power of positivity, setting our goals towards happy, and self care during COVID-19. Shanae is an inspiration to so many people. A beacon of posivitiy and belief in self.
In episode 2, I sit and talk with one of my best friends and inspiration, Niki DeCou - SVP Managing Director Brand Strategy at Horizon Media. A beacon of clarity, positivity, and preparedness. We talk about everything from growing up on a farm to bringing a new child into 2021 as a single mom - by choice. An inspiring discussion that I hope everyone enjoys
In episode 1, I sit down with Chief Marketing Officer of ad agency Spark Foundry, Scott Hess. Scott is a well renown TED speaker, marketing lead, and more importantly an overall great human. We talk about everything from Scott's upbringing in Ohio and Michigan to his lessons learned through failure. I couldn't have asked for a better episode 1 and hope you enjoy.
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