Authentic Avenue

Antis Roofing | Charles Antis Today, I have an especially powerful conversation for you all. My guest is Charles Antis, who is the Founder & CEO of Antis Roofing. Charles has one goal in this life, at least as far as this podcast shows -- keeping families safe and dry. In this podcast, Charles talks about that in a literal sense (he's a vivid, visceral storyteller -- and that will be obvious), but we also explore that concept as it extends to the way you lead and treat your people. Charles is an expert at the human side and the storytelling side -- and so we also talk about best practices for telling your own story -- something I think we all can learn a thing or two about. Take a closer look at Charles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-antis-a3b6637/ Read more about Antis Roofing's mission: https://www.antisroofing.com/ FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

CLICKON | Rich Wilson Today, my guest is Rich Wilson. He's the Founder & CEO of CLICKON, which is a new-age creative agency specializing in content tech. Today, Rich and I speak about how he got into the advertising world, beginning with the documentary-style storytelling and brand work he began with. (As someone into long-form content, I definitely related to this!) From there we explore why he's leaned into content tech, and what it means to build a platform around the creative process rather than just be a resource towards its production. We touch on the coexistence of creativity and technology (including how AI is likely not the answer), and hypothesize what brands will be asking for in the future when it comes to remote content production. I believe the agency world has a long way to go with its tech investments as a means of being agile globally and employing local talent and taste. Rich understands this, and I think you'll enjoy his perspective. Follow Rich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-wilson-bb03a855/ Learn more about CLICKON: https://www.clickon.co/ FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Retail Store Tours | Dan Hodges On this Authentic Avenue podcast episode, my guest is Dan Hodges. He's the Founder & CEO of Retail Store Tours, through which Dan leads corporate leadership teams, boards, affluent tourists, global travelers, and more through experiential tours through the world's foremost retail landscapes. Today, Dan and I talk about why he got into that business (which started with conference tours, if you can believe it, at the National Retail Federation Big Show), including how it grew from one tour in NYC to a global phenomenon. We also talk about Dan's timely entry into China in the fall of 2019, and how his experience there led to outsized growth (not business slowdown) during COVID. Finally, we move to what Dan knows best. What do you not see in a retail store, despite what you look at? And: where is the cutting edge of retail headed in 2022? You'll learn today. Follow Dan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-h-814a1114/ Check out Retail Store Tours: https://retailstoretours.com/ Check out the World Retail Forum: https://worldretailforum.com/ FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

GRC Advising | Geof Rochester Today, I interview Geof Rochester. Geof is the Founder of GRC Advising, and is a globally known expert in the worlds of sustainability, purpose, and everything in between. Previously, Geof has held chief marketing roles at Showtime, WWE, and The Nature Conservancy (during which time his office was across the street from this host's!). Today, we talk about what it means to be a CMO, and how it overlaps with the Chief Sustainability seat. Can both coexist? We explore that topic, as well as how to ensure the word "sustainability" doesn't just become a brand buzzword (in the way that the word "authenticity," unfortunately, has). What is posturing, and what is progress? We learn that here. Follow Geof: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geofrochester/ GRC is leading the charge in these efforts, and has some wonderful examples to show for it. See more: https://www.grcadvising.com/ Many of the recent guests I've had have been inspired by GRC's work. I encourage you to listen to the message that their founder offers here. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Afterpay | Zahir Khoja Today, I interview Zahir Khoja, who is the General Manager of North America for Afterpay. Afterpay is among a few major players in the booming "buy now, pay later" financial trend -- and its $29 billion acquisition at the hands of Square (now Block) indicates that it's here to stay. Zahir took the role in 2021, a few months before the Block announcement. On today's podcast, we focus on authentic human leadership -- specifically, how to drive change through influence rather than force. I find Zahir's perspective incredibly interesting because the only reason we met is because I was brought into the Mastercard (Zahir's previous tenure) family via an acquisition. I experienced what it was like to be acquired from an entry-level perspective -- and today we get to learn what it's like for a leader. That, plus we learn a little more about Zahir's role models, what he's learned from them, and the all-too-important definition of authenticity from his POV. Follow Zahir: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahirkhoja/ Check out Afterpay: https://www.afterpay.com/en-US FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Carta | Mita Mallick Today, I interview Mita Mallick, who is a general powerhouse. She's the cohost of Brown Table Talk, a fantastic podcast offering advice and leadership lessons to women of color. She's also the Head of Inclusion, Equity, and Impact at Carta. Finally, she is a prolific content creator, having been included in LinkedIn's inaugural Creator Accelerator program. Today we talk about how to retain your authenticity even after a return to office, the reasons why great brand storytellers sometimes aren't great personal storytellers, allyship, and more. Follow Mita: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/ Follow Brown Table Talk: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brown-table-talk/id1591309211 FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

MindSpark | Kellie Lauth Today, I interview MindSpark CEO Kellie Lauth, who is doing fantastic work in the world of education. Ever wanted to know how to start a school? You'll learn that here, plus what the future of continuing ed looks like within business. Follow Kellie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-lauth-9b837018/ Follow MindSpark: https://www.mindspark.org/ FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/.

Today, I take a few minutes to have a chat between you and me. No guest, no music. Just a chat about how this first year of Authentic Avenue (both the pod and the business) has been, and what's to come. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/.

Fireclay Tile | Eric Edelson, CEO Today, I chat with Eric Edelson, CEO of Fireclay Tile. Fireclay lays claim to making the most beautiful tile in the world -- and Eric comes on the show to talk about how the journey to get there involved firing all his customers and becoming unencumbered from retail. We also talked about how this former neuroscientist instilled a mentality of employee ownership into the minds of his investors and team, to the point that he massively over-indexes on it. We speak about the implications of that, and his vision for the future, on today's episode. Check out Fireclay for yourself: https://www.fireclaytile.com/ And follow Eric while you're at it: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericedelson/ FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

AT&T | Alicia Dietsch, SVP Business Marketing Today, my guest is Alicia Dietsch, SVP of Business Marketing at AT&T. But today, instead of American Telephone & Telegraph, today we'll be reviewing some Authenticity Tips & Tricks from one of the mainstays of the telco giant. For the past 30 years, Alicia has led various parts of the business (and started with a dozen years in sales, which this host greatly appreciated) -- and today opens up about what the business marketing side of AT&T is all about (and how it differs from the consumer side you see on TV). We also chat about initiatives like FirstNet, and how AT&T is approaching a new-ish world of "B2B2P." Sit back and dial up this episode! FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Parachute | Ariel Kaye, Founder & CEO Home used to be "where the heart is." Well, right now, home is where everything is. And no one knows that better than my guest on today's Authentic Avenue. Ariel Kaye is the Founder & CEO of Parachute, a home brand which focuses on bringing comfort to the everyday. I was especially excited to interview Ariel as I've previously featured her first hire, Luke Droulez. Once a bedding brand, Parachute has extended its presence across the entire home -- and along the way, Ariel has similarly stretched her business past the inflexibilities of the past year. Today, we talk about that journey, plus what makes for the next greatest Parachuter. Seeing as it all began with better sleep, I also made sure to ask Ariel what currently keeps her up at night, along with asking for her thoughts of that grand A word I study so closely (including what that particular page in her personal dictionary says). Finally we also touch on the Homes for Dreams initiative, which is Ariel's personal way to give back via mentorship and support Black-owned businesses. Enjoy! FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Grove Collaborative | Stu Landesberg, Co-Founder and CEO Ever heard of "wishcycling"? I hadn't -- at least, not until today's Authentic Avenue. Today, my guest is Stu Landesberg. He's the Co-Founder and CEO of Grove Collaborative, a now billion-dollar sustainable home brand. They provide, among other things...shall we say "cleaner cleaning?" Between shampoo bars, lotion sticks, hand soap sheets and more, there's so much I didn't know about Grove that Stu helped me to understand. He also helped open my eyes to the brainwashing going on in the world of recycling. News flash: it's not as helpful as everyone thinks. (It's still good!! But it's benefits are overblown.) That's why Stu has committed his brand and his purpose to going plastic-free. Completely plastic-free. On today's show, we also discuss that journey, and how it plays into the authenticity the business manifests for itself as a result. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Snack's Kim Kaplan, with JUV's Ziad Ahmed On the menu for today's Authentic Avenue...a Snack. Adam is joined on the podcast by Kim Kaplan, CEO of Snack. Think of Snack like "TikTok Meets Dating." It's only fitting, then, that I'm also joined by a previous guest who is the best Gen Z expert I know -- Ziad Ahmed, the CEO of JUV Consulting. (JUV just got into the podcast game, as well! Be sure to check out Just Us Vibing.) Listen in to here more about what Gen Z desires most from tech-connected, IRL experiences today. Plus, if you've never heard the word phygital before...well, we'll take care of that for you too. Enjoy! FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Adore Me | Romain Liot, Co-Founder and COO On this Authentic Avenue, Adam is joined on the podcast by Romain Liot, co-founder and COO of Adore Me. Adore Me is a sustainable lingerie business which hopes to bring "Trust Through Transparency" to the industry. Did you know that the fashion industry accounts for 4% of global carbon emissions -- more than France, Germany and the UK combined? Romain did -- and it's so serious that he believes the fashion industry should actually shrink over time, to lessen our impact on the earth. Why, then, would he continue to grow a business within that industry? That's a question he answers for us today. Enjoy! Full transcript below. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Birchbox | Brittany Tomkiewicz On today's Authentic Avenue podcast, Adam deep-dives into the world of influencers, and within a category which has arguably leveraged them the most: beauty. Specifically we feature the Birchbox perspective today, specifically through Brittany Tomkiewicz. She's their Director of Brand Marketing, Partnerships, & PR -- and having been with the business since 2011, she has seen the evolution of the beauty influencer world. From free boxes to co-produced product, she weighs in on how thoughtful that world has gotten over time -- and what's next. Enjoy! Full transcript on the website: authave.com/podcast FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Yasso | Andy Judd, CMO On today's Authentic Avenue podcast, Adam has a sweet treat: Andy Judd, the CMO of Yasso. The brand, known for its better-for-you ice cream (yes you read that correctly), is on a path to take over novelty dessert. Today, we talk all about it. Find your favorite form and flavor of Yasso here: https://yasso.com/shop/. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Mass Luminosity | Angel Munoz, Founder, President and CEO On today's Authentic Avenue podcast, Adam learns from Angel Munoz, Founder, President and CEO of Mass Luminosity, about how to invest in suspending disbelief and defragment the human experience...all through tech. How do you maximize humans while choosing atoms over bits? Mass Luminosity has also just launched its non-beta release of Beacon, a video communications platform to rival the Zooms of the world. Check it out: https://beaconx.com/. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

LinkedIn | Callie Schweitzer, Senior Marketing Editor, LinkedIn News On today's Authentic Avenue podcast, Adam brings his career full-circle. Our guest is Callie Schweitzer, Senior Marketing Editor for LinkedIn News. (Adam had his first professional experience at LinkedIn in 2013, as an intern in NYC!) Today, Callie and Adam discuss what makes up the DNA of an authentic marketer, including specific examples of each (and specific people to follow on LinkedIn as inspiration). Also discussed: the Great Resignation / Reshuffle, aligning internal and external brand, marketing FOMO, and world-class advice. Here are a few amazing marketers you should follow on the platform (profiles linked to each): Lisa Mann, Soyoung Kang, Kofi Amoo-Gottfried, Dara Treseder, Jabari Hearn, Julian Duncan, and Andrea Brimmer. And, of course, follow Callie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callieschweitzer/. Other popular resources for marketing expertise on LinkedIn are Callie's Marketer Must Read and Jessi Hempel's Hello Monday podcast. Enjoy! Full transcript on authave.com/podcast. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam at adam@authave.com. Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

"Voice Content and Usability" | Preston So, author Today, Adam sits down with Preston So. Preston is an expert in voice tech, and is the author of "Voice Content and Usability," which launches TODAY, June 22. Check out the book here: https://preston.so/books/voice-content/. AI-powered transcript on authave.com. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

AppHarvest | Jonathan Webb, Founder & CEO On today's show, AppHarvest Founder & CEO Jonathan Webb talks about AgTech (agriculture tech), the third wave of sustainable infrastructure. We talk about how, at current rates of production, we'll need two earths to provide the needed supply of food by 2050 -- and about how Jonathan is tackling that plus other systemic issues like hunger despite supply. Listen in, and check the full transcript on authave.com/podcast. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authave.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

PGA Tour Superstore | Jill Thomas, CMO, CxO, Head of eCommerce Today I chat with Jill Thomas, who is the CMO / CxO / Head of eCommerce for PGA Tour Superstore, a growing golf retail footprint founded by industry legend Arthur Blank which has everything your golf game needs...except a better approach shot. Today, we discuss Jill's approach! Full transcript (powered by AI, provided by Descript) available at https://www.authenticavenuemedia.com/post/take-a-swing-at-the-story-jill-thomas-pga-tour-superstore. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Special Edition: Culture, Connections, and Content | A Study On today's episode, Adam reveals the results of a CXO study outlining the intersection of culture, connections, and content. Full study and transcript available at authenticavenuemedia.com. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

StockX | Deena Bahri, Chief Marketing Officer Question of the day: how do you authentically market hype? I mean seriously. We've seen NFTs, stocks, trading cards, and sneakers (even sneakers that don't exist) swing wildly in value via hype. How you tell the authentic story of a platform that harnesses that hype for the "next-gen consumer"? Well, today I have someone who knows the answer to that question: you'll meet Deena Bahri, Chief Marketing Officer of StockX. Via StockX's platform, you can get your hands on some of the latest products in categories known for "drop culture" -- limited-time, limited-quantity offerings. (You can also flip these products via the platform, too.) Deena has been with the company since fall of 2019 -- far before the most recent hype train left the station. She teaches me all about what the "next-gen consumer" is, and has a neat three-part definition for authenticity which I think you'll appreciate. Check out their platform while you listen: https://stockx.com/. Maybe you'll find something you like! FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Lunchclub | Chelsea Maclin, Chief Marketing Officer Lunchclub, an invite-only platform dubbed the future of business networking, announced today that Chelsea Maclin will be joining the team as Chief Marketing Officer. So, naturally, we had to get a podcast together for day 1! (Here's an invite to the platform, by the way.) Today, Chelsea shares her journey to Lunchclub and what makes it such a great opportunity, including what she looks for in a brand and why Lunchclub meets it. We talk about her experience in personal networking from Bumble, and how it can apply to the business networking world. We follow along to a few stories of networking success via the Lunchclub platform, including new partnerships, investments, and charitable efforts. Here is one such story: Reaching out to share a story about serendipity on Lunchclub. I've done about a dozen meetings now and one of them turned into a great project to help severely malnourished children in Nigeria. On July 7/24 I met Chris on a Lunchclub call. We talked about work and our love of cycling. Towards the end of our time together he mentioned that he was putting together a fitness class for some friends and wanted to find a non-profit to donate any proceeds to. I mentioned a project I'm involved in and the work we do at Active For Good (helping to solve world hunger for kids combined with helping people getting active). Long story short, Chris and I ended up booking a second call and eventually working together. The result of our meeting was over 16,000 life-saving therapeutic meal packets to kids in Nigeria, which is enough to deliver full treatments to 110 children. These packets are more than food, they are administered by a health worker to young children who are sometimes days away from death. With over a 95% success rate these packets are truly life-saving! Crazy. Chris and I talk about how we almost hung up the call that day without even talking about the class he was going to do. The irony that your app is called Lunchclub and it actually provided meals to kids in need. Amazing. Just thought I would share, it was too good of a story not to. (Additionally, shout out to Jessica Alderson, founder of So Synced, who raised $1 million via a connection she made on Lunchclub!) All this revolves around authentic connection -- so, towards the end, Chelsea shares her advice for how to find your own. By the way, if you would like to join Lunchclub, check out the above invite link and you can get in! I'll put it again here: https://lunchclub.com/?invite_code=adamc53. Enjoy! FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Mozilla | Lindsey Shepard On today's show, we figure out how to unfck the internet. Helping us on that journey to discovery is Lindsey Shepard. Lindsey, who also goes by Shep, is the Chief Marketing Officer of Mozilla. You probably best know them by their FireFox browser. (Maybe you're reading this through it right now!) Shep is interesting because she comes from Facebook, where she led, among other things...integrity. So naturally I was curious about her journey away from the social network to the browser world. On that very same note, we then talk about how the internet is...well, fcked. How'd it get there? Why's it stuck there? And, what is Mozilla doing to fix it? To unfck it, as they've put it? We end on a note of advice, and a first for my career here: Shep calls me out on how I define and think about the word authenticity. I loved it, and I hope you enjoy the brief challenge as well. It wouldn't be a feature of Mozilla if I didn't give you a link to download FireFox, so here it is: https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/. Enjoy, and happy unfcked surfing! FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Rival | Dan Parise, Chief Marketing Officer Today: how to bring together the worlds of real and virtual sport -- plus, how to bring brands into the fold. My conversation today is with Dan Parise. Dan is about a year into his role as the Chief Marketing Officer of Rival, which is a B2B enterprise solution creating community through gaming and interactive experiences. Now when I think of video games, my mind doesn't immediately jump to the B2B world, and it's possible that yours doesn't either. But the truth is: brands are trying to jump into this world at the same time as traditional sporting orgs. And this makes for incredibly interesting business opportunities. What's more: Dan himself is not a life-long gamer -- so it feels very much like everyone is learning together. Today, you'll learn right along with us, especially when it comes to how to authentically combine the three entities into a common channel -- one which has only been mainstream-popular for a couple of years. By the way, here's the story about Stevenage I'd mentioned: https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54279530. It's worth mentioning that Fernando Machado, who was previously CMO over RBI here in the US (which owns Burger King in NA), has moved into the gaming world himself via a move to become CMO of Activision Blizzard. Perhaps we'll have a pod about it soon! Enjoy! FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Ascension | Nick Ragone, EVP, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer Today: how a $24B Catholic healthcare system unites. I'm on with Nick Ragone, the EVP, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Ascension. Nick pursued law to start his career, and found that marketing carries the same linear storytelling style. Today, Nick continues to tell the story he's spread for the last seven years at Ascension, which advocates for a compassionate and just society as it expands access to healthcare for those who need it most. Today we talk about how Nick led the One Ascension unification process for its hospital network, and how that togetherness became immediately valuable when COVID struck just a few months later. We also chat about the unfortunate rising tide the pandemic brought to float all healthcare boats, and how Nick responded. Finally we talk about some of Nick's favorites avenues Ascension has utilized to tell their authentic story all the while. (Including a podcast. Did you know Ascension has a podcast? Check it out: https://ascension.org/news/podcasts.) FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Sunwink | Jordan Schenck, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer Here's a story about lightning in a bottle...in a bottle. Today we explore Sunwink through the eyes of their Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Jordan Schenck. Jordan's a celebrated marketer in the plant-based world, having previously been Head of Consumer Marketing for Impossible Foods. She was also recently named to the Forbes CMO Next 2021 list. Sunwink is a consumer brand producing "super clean plant powered Sparkling Tonics and Superfood Powders for everyday wellness." Wellness. That's a word I've heard more than almost every word in the brand world over the last year. I get it. Pandemic, stress, depression. Anyone who can front as a wellness brand immediately captures some value, right? Maybe. Maybe not. Actually these days when I hear the word wellness I think either 1) it's marketing buzzwords meant to drive a sale regardless of truth, or 2) it actually makes me feel "unwell." Sunwink has a recent campaign and study recognizing this and seeking to clear up what wellness truly means. Today, we chat about that plus Jordan's unique perspective as someone with the responsibility of innovative marketing while staying lean as a founder. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

PLBY | Rachel Webber, Chief Brand & Strategy Officer Today: how a flagship name in sexual wellness and creative expression has evolved from its heritage to its NFT age. It's PLBY Group, which you'll know from its flagship brand Playboy. Rachel Webber is their Chief Brand & Strategy Officer, who joined the group two years ago from NatGeo following years in mass media, consumer tech, and other brands. Today we discuss a number of things, like: Rachel's story of joining the brand, and what she's learned along the journey from big media to consumer tech to brands. The certain stories along Rachel's path which come to mind which inform how she thinks about being her Authentic Rachel, plus what the word itself means What is PLBY about today? What does it stand for? How PLBY operationalizes authenticity, particularly via creative conversations PBLY and NFTs. Does the blockchain = structural authentic foundation? Advice, including the importance of a personal Board of Directors FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

The Beachbody Company | Carl Daikeler, Co-Founder and CEO Today we take the science of at-home fitness and the art of the SPAC...and myx them together. (Not a typo.) My guest is Carl Daikeler, co-founder and CEO of The Beachbody Company. Beachbody is dedicated to help people achieve their goals and enjoy healthy, fulfilling lives. Carl, a marketer at heart rather than a fitness junkie, has built the business (on cash flow only) to today's $1 billion annual revenue. I checked in with Carl shortly after COVID's onset to chat about fitness without gyms, and today I build on that by learning how he's kept up the momentum up. We also talk about what will change for Beachbody now that the company has announced it will go public via SPAC (the first time this host has interviewed any brand about) and will also fold in MYXfitness, an in-home fitness company which competes with players like Peloton. Enjoy! FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

OkCupid | Melissa Hobley, Global CMO Today my conversation is with someone who I think is one of the better communicators among marketers that I've ever chatted with. Melissa Hobley is Global CMO of OkCupid (part of Match Group), and shares hers perspective on effective communication on today's show. I found this particularly interesting because a surprising percentage of my guests are...let's say, just OK at having a conversation. Totally fine, but not like "no wonder you're leading this multi-billion org" level. I think Melissa has that X factor. We also talk briefly about things like how dating is evolving in 2021, public speaking as a skill and (as always) advice on how to carve your own avenues to authenticity. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Kinship | Leonid Sudakov, President How do you enhance humanity through non-humans? My guest today can help with that question. I'm chatting with Leonid Sudakov, the President of Kinship. Kinship is a coalition of brands seeking to bring more to pet care. Specifically today we explore two pairs of words which have their nuances but within which Leonid sees a strong intersection as part of his work. The first, which titles this show, is humanity and care. Leonid has found that caring for pets enhances one's own humanity, and we delve into that today. The second is authenticity and meaning. Within that, we explore the intersection in name and then get specific about how certain initiatives within Kinship's four walls like supporting female founders and its broad coalition work) helps to flesh it out in real life. It turns out Leonid and I have a common connection here, who we chat about briefly. (That's Marc Atiyeh, the founder of Pawp, who has been supported through the Companion Fund which Leonid advises.) Of course we also cover advice on how to carve your own path to authenticity, through which Leonid shares a personal side to how he found his. Be sure to stay tuned until the end for that. Enjoy! Learn more about what Kinship does: https://kinship.co/about/ Learn more about Leonid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonid-sudakov-0a39892/ FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Hershey | Jill Baskin, Chief Marketing Officer On today's show, a sweet conversation with one of my personal favorite guests. I'm learning more from Hershey's today!! A brand which needs no introduction, the chocolate champ is home to Jill Baskin, their Chief Marketing Officer. And while we talk plenty about our (mostly my) favorite candy (which, right now, is the Mini Robin Egg...link below), we talk even more about Jill's perspective on self-discovery. After all, it is a critical component of one's authentic path -- and one which Jill has focused on through her career. Additionally, we talk about how CMOs can be engaging their teammates from a distance, and a few of the ways Hershey is showing its authenticity externally as well. Enjoy! If you don't know what these Robin Eggs are, I got you covered: https://www.hersheys.com/whoppers/en_us/products/RobinEggs.html Here's some coverage on that all-PB Reese's Cup to drool over: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/reeses-peanut-butter-cup-no-chocolate/ FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Party City | Julie Roehm, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer Break out the balloons for today's episode of Authentic Avenue. My guest is Julie Roehm, the Chief Marketing and Experience Officer of Party City. I was particularly interested in talking with Julie not just because of her rich background across brands (including within auto, which is a current interest of mine), but because of her dual role. While I've interviewed plenty of CMOs, Julie didn't start out as that -- but rather, as CXO. (She was also Chief Storyteller at SAP. Another role I'd never heard before.) Today we talk about a number of things, like how Julie joining the team amidst a number of new leadership arrivals impacted her seat at the table, the importance of experience, and how to look for good culture. It was that last point where most of my interest as the interviewer resided. We talk about what makes a good fit, and how to tell early on that fit simply isn't there. Enjoy! CHECK OUT JULIE'S PODCAST: https://www.julieroehm.com/conversational FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

New Balance | Chris Davis, Chief Marketing Officer Today I have a podcast with one of my favorite guests, SOLEly based on how genuine the chat is. Seriously. You'd be surprised how many times I have conversations on this podcast that are super rehearsed and guardrailed. It's an unfortunate part of the game. So, consider today a fortunate edition of Authentic Avenue. My conversation is with Chris Davis, who serves as Chief Marketing Officer of New Balance. Chris has been with the brand for 10 years, and is a familiar voice to those who listened to my podcasts pre-AA. In that time, New Balance has elevated far, far beyond any dad-shoe meme: they're a top-3 global athleticwear powerhouse. You might be surprised then, to hear Chris talk about being a challenger brand. It's not the first term you'd sooner hear from a startup which Chris uses to describe the business. Phrases like radically agile or fearlessly independent typically aren't associated with multi-billion dollar businesses. Thankfully for Chris, his team embodies these values -- and have benefited massively from it. We talk more about that today, as it encapsulates what authenticity is for Chris and New Balance. What I found particularly interesting was the piece of the conversation on elevating their partners' voices and stories rather than speaking, as a brand, through them. I don't hear that take often. I think you'll find it interesting too. Enjoy! FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Age of Learning | Sunil Gunderia, Chief Innovation Officer and Head of Mastery and Adaptive Product If you have children, how are they being schooled right now? Are they back in the classroom? Fully remote? A mixture? Today my guest is Sunil Gunderia. He's the Chief Innovation Officer, and Head of Mastery & Adaptive Product, for Age of Learning. Age of Learning blends education best practices, innovative technology, and insightful creativity to bring learning to life for children across the U.S. and around the world. It is best known for its ABCmouse.com Early Learning Academy, made for children 2–8. Today Sunil I talk about why education is important to him, but also the critical juncture the world of education currently finds itself in. After all, a lack of quality education has been shown again and again to have significant downward pressure on opportunities in life (and health and wealth as a result), and this disproportionately affects the socioeconomically disadvantaged as well as minorities. We talk about what COVID has done to learning, and how Age of Learning is doing its part to step in -- including an important discussion around sacrificing an enticing bottom line in exchange for doing what the brand felt was right. (In my opinion it's the epitome of authenticity -- so stay tuned for that. Plus, how 2021's vaccine hopes imply a return to traditional educational avenues, and how Age of Learning intends to remain part of the mix. So sit back and enjoy this episode Authentic Avenue as I get real with Age of Learning and Sunil Gunderia. By the way, here is some interesting material on the Shared Value subject: HBR article (paywalled): https://hbr.org/2011/01/the-big-idea-creating-shared-value More on the Shared Value Initiative: https://www.sharedvalue.org/ FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Rakuten | Dana Marineau, Chief Marketing Officer, Rakuten Rewards What if I told you there was a company out there that's basically Google plus Amazon plus Verizon plus Kaiser combined? Would you be surprised to learn it's right here in the US? Well it is -- just not in that form. Yet. Let's learn more about it on this Authentic Avenue. Rakuten. An ecommerce company that pays you cash back to do your usual shopping. Dana Marineau is the Chief Marketing Officer for Rakuten Rewards. In her first year at the newly rebranded company (it was previously eBates), she's committed her tenure to changing consumer shopping behavior. The task is a large one: make Rakuten the very first thing consumers think about when they shop for what they love. Today, we talk about how she plans to do that for the online retailer (with over 3000 stores, by the way! See everything you can get on Rakuten here). Dana also gives a book recommendation! Here's where you can find your own copy of Radical Candor by Kim Scott: https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Candor-Revised-Kim-Scott/dp/1250235375. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Who Gives a Crap | Danny Alexander, Co-Founder, Chief of Product & Purpose Here's a title I never thought I'd interview: the Chief of PP. You got that right. And for a toilet paper brand, no less. Of course, that's just wordplay. (And the guest gave me the green light to use it, so, even better.) Today my guest is Danny Alexander, the Co-Founder and Chief of Product & Purpose (see what I mean) for Who Gives a Crap (see what I mean!!!), the toilet paper brand which builds toilets rather than break them down. Our conversation spans the creation of the brand, as well as why Danny finds it so important to donate half of its profits to build toilets all around the world. You can learn more about everything Danny does here: https://us.whogivesacrap.org/pages/our-impact. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Carat | Robert Schwartz, Global CMO and Kris Doerfler, Media & Data Ethicist and Applied Futurist We've talked about "sustainability" from time to time on this podcast. After all, many brands, especially those in consumer goods, are currently prioritizing it as integral to being an authentic provider or product. Product. That's where I've heard this s-word. I haven't heard it before in terms of media. "Sustainable Media?" What is that? How do you make media more sustainable? And, by the way, if there is a way to do it...why isn't everyone doing it already? Shouldn't that be the most authentic way to do things? Well, today I have the pleasure of welcoming Robert Schwartz, Global CMO of Carat (which is within the Dentsu umbrella), and Kris Doerfler. Kris Doerfler serves as a Media & Data Ethicist and Applied Futurist for Carat. On this episode, we learn all about what sustainable media -- an effort which Carat is spearheading -- is. (Plus, I learn a little more about Kris's title. Have you ever heard of that one?) Learn more about what Carat is doing in this realm: https://www.carat.com/services. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Art of Sport | Matthias Metternich, Co-Founder and CEO Today, for the first time on Authentic Avenue, I feature a brand co-founded with superstar support -- and what a story to start with: Art of Sport, which was built in part by Kobe Bryant. One of his co-founders, Matthias Metternich, is my featured guest today. After founding brands across the globe, he brought his talents to LA and built this brand with The Black Mamba and Brian Lee (LegalZoom, The Honest Company). Today, we talk about the brand story, Kobe's impact, and the moments following Kobe's tragic passing. In total, we answer the question: how do you proceed and show resilience as a business after you lose your key talisman? We also talk about how to tell when your current opportunity is right for you (and when you should look elsewhere), as well as what Matthias is looking forward to for the brand in 2021. Check out more Art of Sport stories here: https://artofsport.com/blogs/athlete-stories. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

No Days Wasted | Nishal Kumar, Founder & CEO Today, I have a real-life dragon slayer on the podcast. Nishal Kumar founded a brand with a wordplay I greatly appreciate: No Days Wasted. The brand has a mission of maximizing life's moments -- "from proactively providing immune support, keeping you optimally hydrated, to simply helping you get up and going after a night out with friends (maybe after a drink or two)." Point is, if 2021 means getting back to hanging with friends and related (over) enjoyment, then this will come in handy. Today we talk about Nishal's recent experience on Dragon's Den (which is essentially Shark Tank in Canada). Specifically, what about the real experience is similar or different to what in seen in the final television product? How do the Dragons (or Sharks) really make their decisions? And how do they benefit the entrepreneurs at the end of the day? (Note: Nishal managed to strike a deal via the show with Michele Romanow.) We also talk about partnership efforts, including their most recent with Chase Claypool of the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers. Sit back, have a glass of water, and enjoy! FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Coldwell Banker | David Marine, Chief Marketing Officer Imagine you've spent nearly your entire career committed to a single business. You perform so well that, after almost 20 years of service, you sit at the very top. The business, over a century old in its own right, is to undergo a rebrand which will give it a new look for the first time in 40 years -- and you're the one leading the charge. To most people, this would be a career-defining moment. It would for this interviewer. Now imagine nearing that fateful moment -- a moment meticulously planned and methodically staged for rolled out. And then, just two days prior, the world derails. How would you describe a situation like that? Worst-case scenario? Or "perfect?" David Marine, the Chief Marketing Officer of Coldwell Banker, chose the latter. Today, our conversation spans that rebrand story and extends to a conversation on changing consumer behavior, digitizing real estate transactions, agents as influencers, and even a few unexpected topics like the ever-changing ad creation process and the streaming wars. Enjoy! See a few pieces David himself has written here on Coldwell Banker's Blue Matter. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Authentic Avenue Media | Adam Conner, Founder / Host / Self If you’ve taken a glance at the title of today’s podcast, you’ll notice something slightly different -- the lack of a guest. No illustrious mind, no illuminating marketer. Instead, it’s my name -- and today, I’ll be telling, albeit briefly, my own story. After all, you may have wondered at one point or another -- what’s this guy doing this for? Why did he choose this path? And for goodness sake, why’s he doing it full time? All good questions. And perhaps I’ll boil it down to one which I’ll address in this abbreviated episode: why am I here? So if you’ll allow me, let’s dive into a slightly different version of Authentic Avenue. (FULL TRANSCRIPT can be found at https://www.authenticavenuemedia.com/post/adam-conner-why-am-i-here.) FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Bud Light Seltzer | Conor Mason, Sr. Director 2021 is upon us, and that means: New Year, New...Beer? At least that's what our premiere guest would perhaps like to see. Conor Mason is the subject of today's show. At just 28 years of age, he's risen the ranks within Anheuser-Busch (check out my interview with the highest rank, Marcel Marcondes, at this link) to become Sr. Director over Bud Light Seltzer. Seltzer in general has been flying high over the past few years, and Conor now manages to drive it forward for the largest name in beer. So, how do you do that? How do you stay culturally relevant and fresh in an emerging category while marrying with a household name in an established one? You'll find out today in our 2021 debut with Conor Mason. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Holden | Andrew Lim, Co-Founder I've noticed this year that people I know are getting engaged at a faster clip than normal. Maybe it's because I'm in my late 20s...but I think it has something to do with the fact that people have taken 2020 stay-at-home life as a sort of proving ground. Regardless, if you've started thinking about putting a ring on your roommate, I've got the Authentic Avenue episode for you. (And I have a promo code for you. Think of it as an early wedding present.) Andrew Lim is the co-founder of Holden, a brand forging custom rings for the modern couple. The word of the day is "inclusivity": I've covered this word before, but not often in the context of building from the ground up with it (and moreso with larger orgs which have to adopt it). We chat about this as well as Andrew's story on today's show. Enjoy and, if you're shopping for a ring yourself: head over to hiholden.com and use promo code AA25 for $25 off your first order. AA25, $25 off. Pretty simple. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Holler | Sarah Aitken, Chief Marketing Officer When you're in charge of revolutionizing conversation, what happens when revolutionary conversation comes to you? Today on Authentic Avenue, my guest is Sarah Aitken. She's the Chief Marketing Officer of Holler, a next-gen tech company which aims to overhaul our digital person-to-person communications with richer, more engaging media than your typical text. On today's show, we discuss what exactly a "next-gen" tech company is (shouldn't all tech be "next-gen"?), as well as the implications of being a technology which is, by nature, tied to our most personal digital moments. We also talk about what it means in 2020 to be one of the few tech companies with a black founder & CEO (shout out to Travis Montaque). With this year came the latest conversations about racial injustice and inequality. You'll learn how Holler has risen with the responsibility to speak through a content engine it hopes will be your go-to for all things diversity, inclusion, and belonging. (See the resultiing project, DIB Source, here: https://www.dibsource.com/.) (By the way, here is another fantastic marketing podcast on which Travis recently appeared, if you'd like to get deeper into this story: https://www.marketingtodaypodcast.com/236-emojis-expression-leadership-with-hollers-travis-montaque/). So listen in as I get real with Holler and Sarah Aitken. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Tecovas | Paul Hedrick, Founder & CEO The cowboy boot: an American staple known for its durability and worn by some of the more "real" people you'll meet in this country. Today on Authentic Avenue, I've got a founder who, like the wearers of the boots his brand produces, promises to shoot me (and us) straight. Paul Hedrick is the founder and CEO of Tecovas, and today he shares not only why he founded a western boot and accessories brand specifically, but why he felt that he must be the specific individual to do it. We also talk about how he makes sure his company shoots people straight every day, as well as a few tips on how the prospective brand-builder may find their North Star. Enjoy! FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s Other sounds by cjfilmmaker (https://freesound.org/people/cjfilmmaker/) licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).

Chipotle | Adam Ornelas, Social Media and Influencer Strategist Today on Authentic Avenue, I get to interview someone from what is possibly the most socially omnipresent brand I've ever seen. No matter where I go on social media (or the internet, really), there they are. I'm referring to Chipotle (and you just might agree with me), and my guest today is 1 of their 3 web wizards. Adam Ornelas plays the part of Social Media and Influencer Strategist for the boss of the burrito and bowl, and he lets me in on just how the brand wrangles every corner of the internet. Specifically we talk about the use of influencers both big and small, some of Adam's favorite campaigns, and how you -- the prospective influencer -- might be able to get noticed by them. (Oh, and also, I had to ask Adam what his go-to Chipotle order is. Come on -- couldn't pass that opportunity up.) Get out your chips and guac and enjoy! If you don't have any, go to Chipotle, there's plenty. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Foot Locker | Sarah Houseknecht, Sr. Director of Public Relations & Influencer Marketing Get on your feet! We've got an episode of Authentic Avenue today with a brand I like for their ability to tap into cult followings. It's Foot Locker, and the cult followings I speak are those both of footwear brands like Jordan and sneakerheads as individuals. My guest today is Sarah Houseknecht, who is their Sr. Director overseeing Public Relations and Influencer Marketing. Sarah has seen Foot Locker's influencer program (which launched mid-2019) through two distinct chapters roughly divided by COVID's presence. However, the presence of other socioeconomic circumstances in 2020 has seen the program evolve in new ways. For example, the ongoing issue of racial injustice, and efforts to stem it, is particularly close to the brand and its followers -- leading Foot Locker to commit $200 million to the Black community in June 2020. Learn more about that here. Sarah joins me to speak about how all of the above has crafted how Foot Locker develops relationships with, and leverages, influencers in the way it goes to market. We also dip our toes into what's in store for the brand as we move into 2021. So take a listen, won't you? #BecauseSneakers. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Loop Commerce | Jenn Muller, Chief Marketing Officer I hope you've gotten started on your holiday season shopping at this point (December 7th!). If not, I'd advise you get on it -- and maybe today's Authentic Avenue episode will give you some inspiration. I'm on with Jenn Muller, Chief Marketing Officer of Loop Commerce. Loop, a Synchrony solution, is well-known for its GiftNow platform. Through GiftNow, consumers can directly connect generous thought and generous action without any of the struggle in between. (You know what I'm talking about, especially this year. "Does she need this? Will she use it? Does she even want it? Is it the right size? Color? Will she like it?" I could go on.) You can use GiftNow with a number of their merchant partners as a conusmer looking for a holiday treat -- but it's deeper than that. For organizations, for whom corporate gifting is on the rise (but also for whom some employees claim they've never gotten something from their employer they actually like), GiftNow's Gift Experience Management (GXM) can offer a helping hand. Learn more about GiftNow: https://www.giftnow.com/product. Check out who you can use GiftNow with today to get that holiday shopping taken care of: https://www.giftnow.com/looking-for-gifts#partners-1. FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s

Landing | Andrew Speyer, Chief Marketing Officer Have you moved this year? I've heard SO many talk about it -- whether it's to move closer to family, get out of the city, explore or otherwise -- the remote life has sparked a certain work wanderlust that today's featured brand is hoping to solve. Meet Andrew Speyer. He's the Chief Marketing Officer for Landing, and he's tasked not only with making an authentic experience of the often-tiring and stressful situation that is moving, but also making it repeatable. (Who wants to keep on moving? Andrew has an idea.) We also talk about the bump that COVID and 2020 has given the business, and how that isn't at all what the brand is relying on to continue to grow. (After all, eventually COVID will be behind us -- and Landing has ambitions of sticking around for far, far longer than that.) If you've been bitten by the moving bug, check out what Landing has to offer: https://www.hellolanding.com/. (This host has been shamelessly searching the LA market...as an East-coaster all my life, there is a certain draw to the sun and sand.) FOLLOW AUTHENTIC AVENUE, AND ADAM, ON SOCIAL MEDIA: LinkedIn (Authentic Avenue): https://www.linkedin.com/company/68049428/ LinkedIn (Adam Conner): https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjconner/ Adam is also on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authenticadam Email Adam: adam@authenticavenuemedia.com Learn more at https://authenticavenuemedia.com/. Theme Song: Extreme Energy (Music Today 80) Composed & Produced by Anwar Amr Video Link: https://youtu.be/8ZZbAkKNx7s