Frictionless Marketing

In this episode of the Frictionless Marketing podcast, host Lori Rubinson, Managing Partner at /prompt and WFAN Sports Talk Radio host, dives into the realm of sports analytics with MLB.com's Mike Petriello. Lori and Mike discuss the often misunderstood role of analytics in sports, especially baseball, addressing common criticisms and explaining how analytics can improve decision-making. Mike shares his journey into baseball analytics, starting from his history degree to his current work with MLB and ESPN. They explore the definition of analytics, its application in baseball through pitch design labs, and the broader implications for players, fans, and the sport as a whole. The conversation touches on rule changes, the impact of sports betting, and the future of AI in baseball. This episode provides valuable insights for both sports enthusiasts and those interested in data-driven decision-making.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:48 Mike Petriello's Journey into Baseball Analytics02:19 Defining Analytics in Baseball04:32 The Evolution and Impact of Analytics in Baseball09:04 Pitching Labs and Technological Advancements11:08 Incorporating Data into Storytelling and Broadcasting14:24 The Role of Analytics in Player Contracts and Performance23:49 Rule Changes and Their Impact on the Game29:38 The Future of Analytics and AI in Baseball34:33 Closing Thoughts and Fun QuestionsFrictionless Marketing is a production from /prompt, the leading earned first creative marketing and communications agency. Grounded in the present, yet attuned to the future. To learn more about how to make marketing frictionless, purchase Friction Fatigue by /prompt CEO Paul Dyer online and at booksellers worldwide.Produced and distributed by Simpler Media Productions.

In this installment of the Frictionless Medicine mini-series, host Geeta Patel interviews Dr. Nels Carroll, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon at Los Robles Health System. Dr. Carroll discusses his journey from educator to pioneer in robotic thoracic surgery, the role of marketing in engaging doctors, and how he uses technology, data, and collaboration to provide patient-first healthcare. He shares insights on bridging educational skills with medical practice, handling patient concerns regarding advanced surgical procedures, and his groundbreaking work in Southern California, including the first-ever robotic chest wall reconstruction and single anesthetic robotic lung cancer resection in Ventura County. The episode provides a deep dive into the evolving landscape of robotic surgery and the future of med-tech and AI in the medical field.00:00 Introduction to Frictionless Medicine00:13 Meet Dr. Nels Carroll01:31 Dr. Carroll's Journey into Medicine02:43 The Role of Education in Medicine04:11 Patient Concerns and Communication06:22 Adoption of Advanced Surgical Techniques07:33 Marketing and Communication in Medicine10:25 Innovative Surgical Milestones19:58 Future of Med Tech and AI25:15 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFrictionless Medicine is a production from /prompt, the leading earned first creative marketing and communications agency. Grounded in the present, yet attuned to the future. Produced and distributed by Simpler Media Productions.

In this Frictionless Medicine bonus episode, you'll hear from Vipan Nicore, a seasoned physician, technology innovator, and Chief Medical Director at TD Bank. Vipan shares his journey from being a software developer at IBM to his current roles in the medical and healthcare innovation fields. He discusses his work on Homecare Hub, an innovative project focusing on small, personalized home care environments. Vipan also provides valuable advice for caregivers balancing corporate careers and caregiving responsibilities and discusses trends in healthcare, the importance of primary care, and the impact of AI on the industry. Additionally, he talks about his role at TD Bank, supporting the health and wellness of their employees, and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to healthcare improvement involving all stakeholders.00:00 Introduction and Guest Background00:34 Journey into Telemedicine and Health Tech02:27 Homecare Hub and Caregiving Advice04:18 Advantages of Community-Based Home Care07:27 Challenges and Marketing of Homecare Hub15:05 Role at TD Bank and Employee Health Initiatives18:37 Future Trends in Healthcare26:55 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFrictionless Medicine is a production from /prompt, the leading earned first creative marketing and communications agency. Grounded in the present, yet attuned to the future. Produced and distributed by Simpler Media Productions.

In this episode of Frictionless Marketing, host Paul Dyer interviews Alex Wagner, Vice President of Public Relations and Brand Experience at Constellation Brands. Alex discusses her extensive career journey, from starting in communications at USC Annenberg to leading global brand communications at Calvin Klein and eventually shaping consumer engagement at Constellation Brands. She delves into leadership practices, the importance of staying connected with her team, and the value of transparency. Additionally, Alex talks about the significance of purpose-driven marketing and highlights successful initiatives like the Prisoner Wine Company's social justice focus and High West's “Protect the West” program.00:00 Introduction to Frictionless Marketing Podcast00:43 Alex Wagner's Career Journey03:49 Leadership and Team Dynamics12:52 Brand Purpose and Consumer Engagement19:30 Measuring ROI and Business Impact25:14 Values in Action and Corporate Culture28:09 Fun Conclusion: Reflecting on Personal PreferencesFrictionless Marketing is a production from /prompt, the leading earned first creative marketing and communications agency. Grounded in the present, yet attuned to the future. To learn more about how to make marketing frictionless, purchase Friction Fatigue by /prompt CEO Paul Dyer online and at booksellers worldwide.Produced and distributed by Simpler Media Productions.

In this episode, Dr. Disha Narang joins the podcast to shed light on the significant advancements in GLP-1 medications, their impact on weight management and diabetes, and how media coverage plays a role in shaping public perception. Dr. Narang emphasizes the importance of evidence-based information to combat misinformation and clarifies common misconceptions surrounding GLP-1s and obesity. Highlighting the stigmatization of obesity and the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to it, the discussion also delves into the future of weight management treatments, the exciting developments in the field, and the necessity for preventive healthcare and mindful living. This insightful conversation provides valuable information on understanding obesity as a disease and the ongoing research and developments in therapeutics.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:57 The Impact of Media on GLP-1 Perception02:14 Addressing Misconceptions and Side Effects06:11 Obesity as a Disease: Public Perception and Stigma10:16 Evaluating New Treatments and Medications15:38 Future of Weight Management and Preventive Health18:13 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFrictionless Medicine is a production from /prompt, the leading earned first creative marketing and communications agency. Grounded in the present, yet attuned to the future. Produced and distributed by Simpler Media Productions.

In this episode of Frictionless Marketing, we welcome Jerome Brathwaite, the Global Head of Brand Equity and Marketing for Cetaphil at Galderma. Jerome shares insights from his extensive experience in the beauty and skincare industry, highlighting his role in transforming Cetaphil into a global brand. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the successful Game Time Glow campaign, New York Fashion Week activations, and the integration of AI in marketing strategies. Jerome also delves into the importance of cultural shifts, the role of emotion in marketing, and his approach to product innovation and talent development. Join us for an in-depth conversation on the future of skincare marketing and Jerome's passion for storytelling and brand management.00:00 Introduction to Frictionless Marketing00:06 Meet Jerome Brathwaite: Brand Management Expert01:09 Diving into the Game Time Glow Campaign02:48 The Ecosystem Behind the Campaign04:45 Global Impact and Emotional Connection08:32 Product Innovation and Market Needs12:53 Leadership and Mentorship Insights16:45 The Future of Skincare and Beauty Brands19:03 Musical Past and Marketing Journey19:59 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFrictionless Marketing is a production from /prompt, the leading earned first creative marketing and communications agency. Grounded in the present, yet attuned to the future. To learn more about how to make marketing frictionless, purchase Friction Fatigue by /prompt CEO Paul Dyer online and at booksellers worldwide.Produced and distributed by Simpler Media Productions.

In this episode of Frictionless Marketing, host Paul Dyer welcomes chats with Amy Atwood, Vice President of Regional Communication and Philanthropy at Takeda Pharmaceuticals. With over 25 years in corporate communications, Amy shares her journey, insights on the evolving pharmaceutical industry, advice for communications professionals, and perspectives on purpose-driven work and DEI. Together, Paul and Amy recap key themes from the Fierce Pharma PR Communications Summit East, including the impact of AI, storytelling, health equity, and the significance of having communicators at decision-making tables. Moreover, Amy discusses the importance of wellness and reverse mentorship in the workplace.00:00 Introduction to Frictionless Marketing00:01 Meet Amy Atwood: A Journey in Corporate Communications01:01 Key Themes from the Fierce Pharma PR Communications Summit01:44 The Role of AI in Communications03:59 Health Equity and DEI in the Pharmaceutical Industry06:15 The Importance of Communications in Business Strategy20:20 Crisis Communications: Best Practices and Insights22:19 Embracing Failures and Learning from Them23:07 The Future of Communications: Measurement and Analytics29:10 Wellness and Work-Life Balance for Communicators32:10 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFrictionless Marketing is a production from /prompt, the leading earned first creative marketing and communications agency. Grounded in the present, yet attuned to the future. To learn more about how to make marketing frictionless, purchase Friction Fatigue by /prompt CEO Paul Dyer online and at booksellers worldwide.Frictionless Marketing is a production from /prompt, the leading earned first creative marketing and communications agency. Grounded in the present, yet attuned to the future.Produced and distributed by Simpler Media Productions.

In this episode of Frictionless Marketing, host Paul Dyer welcomes Tanya Wymer, Executive Director of Enterprise Communications at Biogen. Tanya shares her journey from a farming community in Ontario to becoming a leader in corporate communications. She discusses her accolades, such as the CEO Elements Award at Biogen and the Change Communications Global Award at Novo Nordisk, emphasizing her role as a change agent in transforming corporate cultures. Tanya also delves into the challenges of balancing diverse stakeholder expectations, the significance of employee-centric communication strategies during restructuring, and the ongoing brand refresh project at Biogen. Reflecting on the evolving role of communications professionals, Tanya provides valuable insights on fostering creativity, resilience, and effective communication in a global, dynamic corporate environment.00:00 Introduction to Frictionless Marketing00:05 Meet Tanya Wymer: A Journey in Corporate Communications01:08 Tanya's Early Inspirations and Career Path02:45 Awards and Transformational Work04:10 Balancing Transformation and Stakeholder Expectations05:18 Internal Communication Strategies at Biogen07:31 Employee-Centric Culture and Brand Refresh15:15 Global Communication Challenges and Strategies23:38 Creating a Productive and Creative Team Environment25:37 Looking Ahead: Exciting Projects at Biogen26:46 Conclusion and Closing RemarksFrictionless Marketing is a production from /prompt, the leading earned first creative marketing and communications agency. Grounded in the present, yet attuned to the future. To learn more about how to make marketing frictionless, purchase Friction Fatigue by /prompt CEO Paul Dyer, online and at booksellers worldwide.Frictionless Marketing is a production from /prompt, the leading earned first creative marketing and communications agency. Grounded in the present, yet attuned to the future.Produced and distributed by Simpler Media Productions.

In this episode of Frictionless Marketing, host Paul Dyer sits down with Sri Ramaswami, Vice President of US Pharmaceuticals Communications for GSK, to discuss the challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses, particularly lupus. The conversation centers around the moving story of Salathiel, a young woman diagnosed with lupus right after her high school graduation. Sri emphasizes the systemic barriers in healthcare, especially those affecting marginalized communities, and outlines GSK's initiatives to promote health equity, reduce negative social determinants of health, and improve access to quality care. Sri shares insights into the power of storytelling in creating empathy and driving change and offers valuable advice on remaining adaptable while staying true to one's values in a rapidly evolving industry.00:00 Introduction to Frictionless Marketing00:05 A Heartfelt Story of Salathiel's Battle with Lupus00:54 Sri Ramaswami's Keynote Highlights02:58 Challenges Faced by Lupus Patients03:52 Understanding Lupus: Symptoms and Diagnosis05:31 Systemic Barriers and Health Disparities06:15 GSK's Initiatives for Health Equity08:06 Three Pillar Approach to Reducing Barriers10:09 Advice for Aspiring Professionals14:07 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFrictionless Marketing is a production from /prompt, the leading earned first creative marketing and communications agency. Grounded in the present, yet attuned to the future. To learn more about how to make marketing frictionless, purchase Friction Fatigue by /prompt CEO Paul Dyer, online and at booksellers worldwide.Produced and distributed by Simpler Media Productions.

We're excited to have Trista Morrison, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Chief of Staff to the CEO at Voyager Therapeutics, on our show today. Trista is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive advisor with over two decades of experience in corporate affairs and stakeholder management. Her career spans a range of significant roles, including Chief Corporate Affairs Officer for Saniona and Vice President of Communications and Patient Advocacy for Sobi in North America.At Voyager Therapeutics, Trista plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's strategic vision, managing investor relations, and driving corporate communications. She has a rich history in facilitating effective communications at various stages of company development, from preclinical to commercial, and has worked extensively in both the U.S. and Europe. Trista's expertise extends to areas such as DE&I, corporate social responsibility, and patient advocacy, reflecting her comprehensive approach to corporate affairs.In this episode, Trista shares her extensive experience, tracing her journey from her early days in public relations agencies to her current leadership position at Voyager. She delves into the nuances of storytelling in the biopharma industry, the transition from reporter to corporate leader, and the integration of communications with corporate strategy. Trista offers a unique perspective on the evolution of corporate communications in biopharma and provides insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with this dynamic field.Join us in exploring these fascinating topics and more with Trista Morrison.

We're pleased to welcome Lynette Jackson, Chief Communications Officer at Siemens AG, to the show. Lynette is an experienced communication professional with a rich history in the industry, including roles at HSBC, David Clarke Associates, TRW Automotive, ABB, and Delphi Technologies.At Siemens, Lynette advocates for the company's mission to combine the real and digital worlds to address significant challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and digitalization. Under her communications leadership, Siemens continues to innovate in areas like additive manufacturing, automation, and data analytics while also focusing on sustainability.In this episode, Lynette discusses the intricate balance of maintaining legacy while ushering in modernity at a storied company like Siemens. She also touches on the pivotal role of AI in communications and its impact on the Chief Communication Officer role and she delves into the fascinating concept of the industrial metaverse and offers her nuanced perspective on navigating the complex intersections of technology, leadership, and communication.Join us as we unpack these topics and more with Lynette Jackson.-----Produced by Simpler Media

Today, we're excited to chat with Linda Zink, the Chief Marketing Officer at The Simply Good Foods Company. Linda's illustrious career in the food and nutrition space includes influential roles at Atkins Nutritionals and Quest Nutrition, both of which are now part of Simply Good Foods. Before joining The Simply Good Foods Company, Linda was instrumental in steering marketing and innovation at WhiteWave Foods and held pivotal positions at Kellogg's, Clorox, and multiple other very notable companies.Linda's expertise in marketing and product innovation has been a driving force in reshaping the way food companies approach health and wellness trends, and her journey reflects a deep understanding of both consumer behavior and market trends.In this episode, Linda delves into her extensive career, from the evolution of the Atkins and Quest brands to the challenges and successes of marketing in the ever-changing landscape of health-conscious consumerism. She also dishes out her insights on personal growth and leadership, reflecting on how her experiences have shaped her approach to innovation and team building.So, without further ado, let's welcome Linda Zink, Chief Marketing Officer at The Simply Good Foods Company.-----Produced by Simpler Media

Today, we're thrilled to speak with Geoff Curtis, the former Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer at Horizon Therapeutics. Before his impactful tenure at Horizon, Geoff was a senior vice president at Edelman Public Relations, leading media strategy and execution for a multitude of pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device clients. His journey in the healthcare communications landscape spans over two decades, with notable roles at Real Chemistry, GCI Group, and the Pharmaceutical Products Division at AbbVie.In today's episode, Geoff details his extensive career journey from his early days in public relations and advertising to his pivotal former role at Horizon Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing transformative medicines for individuals grappling with rare and rheumatic diseases. Geoff also illuminates the dynamic interactions between patient-centric approaches, corporate stewardship, and the challenges associated with the swiftly evolving healthcare landscape. Moreover, he shares his personal growth narrative, reflecting on how a three-day offsite event altered his outlook on feedback, propelling him toward seeking coaching to enhance his leadership acumen.Without further ado, please welcome Geoff Curtis, former Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer at Horizon Therapeutics.-----Produced by Simpler Media

Today, we're delighted to speak with Brooke McCausland, Director of Brand Marketing at Neurocrine Biosciences. Before joining Neurocrine, Brooke served as senior manager of medical aesthetics at Allergan. Brooke's journey, however, is pretty unique as it intersects the worlds of education and biotech. Brooke spent significant time as a teacher in multiple districts, which instilled in her a deep passion for making a difference in children's lives. This passion, combined with a personally driven mission to combat neurological diseases, fuels her work at Neurocrine Biosciences.In today's episode, Brooke explores her unique journey from elementary teaching to a leadership role at Neurocrine Biosciences, a San Diego-based biotech company dedicated to discovering, developing, and commercializing life-changing treatments for people with serious, challenging, and under-addressed disorders. Brooke delves into the company's evolution from a startup to an industry leader and will examine the evolving landscape of healthcare, focusing on the intricate relationship between patient needs, corporate responsibility, and the complexities of modern healthcare marketing. Without further ado, please welcome Brooke McCausland, Director of Brand Marketing at Neurocrine Biosciences.Without further ado, please welcome Brooke McCausland, Director of Brand Marketing at Neurocrine Biosciences.-----Produced by Simpler Media

Glenn Murphy is the Director of Communications at Tune Therapeutics, a company that's seriously pushing the envelope in medical innovation with its focus on epigenetics.Tune Therapeutics is revolutionizing gene therapy by using targeted epigenetic modulation to fine-tune gene expression. If you're not entirely sure what that means, keep listening—it's a fascinating and, I believe, critical innovation in healthcare. Tune is breaking free from the limitations of traditional gene and cell therapies by developing solutions for even the most challenging diseases.In addition to his role at Tune, Glenn is the founder and Chief Instructor at NC Systema, a unique training system that blends martial arts, yoga, massage, and meditation. He's also the founder of StressProof, offering resilience training workshops and group retreats for stress management.On the writing front, Glenn is an accomplished author with more than 25 popular science titles to his name, covering topics from astronomy and anatomy to ecology and zoology. Among these are the children's hits "Why is Snot Green?" and "Will Farts Destroy the Planet?"In today's episode, we'll delve into the groundbreaking work Tune Therapeutics is doing in the realm of epigenetics and also hear Glenn's unique tips on communicating complex scientific topics to a broad range of stakeholders.Additionally, we'll explore how the resilience and stress management techniques Glenn has mastered serve him in his corporate work.Without further ado, please give a warm welcome to Glenn Murphy, Director of Communications at Tune Therapeutics.-----Produced by Simpler Media

In today's episode, we have a presentation from our CEO, Paul Dyer, which provides insight into Lippe Taylor's unique approach to earned-first healthcare marketing.As the media landscape pivots from traditional editorial teams towards prosumer content creators, the communications function within pharma companies find themselves not only at a pivotal crossroads but also with a unique opportunity to evolve into sales drivers.This episode offers compelling evidence of how adopting an earned-first creative strategy can fundamentally shift the direction of healthcare companies that are confined by conventional marketing approaches while propelling them toward their sales goals.Further, we delve into the crucial shift healthcare brands need to make from storytelling to story-making, with practical examples and case studies from brands that have successfully made this transition.To learn more about us and our agency, visit us at LippeTaylor.com.-----Produced by Simpler Media

Today we're sitting down with Wendy Goldberg, Chief Communications Officer at iHeartMedia. Wendy's professional journey led her to key marketing roles within various companies, including AOL/Time Warner, Six Flags, and Hearst. In today's interview, we'll dive into Wendy's multifaceted career, exploring how she became a pioneering figure in the tech world at a time when women in tech were still a rarity. We'll also discuss how her unique approach to life management has helped her excel across multiple industries. We also explore the innovative structure of iHeart Radio, the surprisingly enduring appeal of broadcast radio, and adapting to the challenges in a changing media landscape. Without further ado, please welcome Wendy Goldberg.

Welcome to today's episode, where we're joined by Carolyn Wang, the SVP of Global Corporate Communications at Ultragenyx. With a rich background in life sciences that began at Elan Pharmaceuticals, Carolyn has been a key player in WCG's growth and has led BrewLife, a multi-million dollar agency. She's also held a leadership role at Verily and currently serves on the board of the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health.Today, we're delving into Carolyn's work at Ultragenyx, a game-changing company in the world of rare genetic diseases. We'll discuss their innovative approaches, such as broadening access to newborn screenings and hosting rare disease boot camps. We'll also explore the keys to nurturing patient communities and ensuring diversity in clinical trials and hear Carolyn's advice for those new to healthcare communications.-----Produced by Simpler Media

Today we're excited to welcome Rob Candelino, the CEO of Radio Systems Corporation, the world's largest dog and cat product supplier with brands like PetSafe, Invisible Fence, Kurgo, SportDOG, and Premier Pet.A member of the Advertising Hall of Fame, Rob is renowned for his focus on purpose-driven branding and deep understanding of consumer insights in product development and marketing.In today's conversation, Rob shares his valuable insights on leadership, emphasizing the importance of investing in people for long-term success.We'll also dive into the challenges and rewards of leading organizational teams overseas and the significance of purpose-driven branding.Without further ado, here is Rob Candelino.-----Produced by Simpler Media

Today, we're thrilled to have Martha Boudreau, AARP's Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, joining us for a fascinating conversation. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people aged 50 and older to choose how they live as they age, with a strong focus on social change and advocacy.With extensive experience in communications and marketing, Martha has been instrumental in creating a clear and unified brand voice for AARP. She has driven member acquisition and retention, established the Consumer Experience (CX) practice, and oversees AARP's consumer Contact Centers. Martha is also an accomplished global leader, having served as President of the Mid-Atlantic region and Latin America for FleishmanHillard. A recognized industry speaker and influencer, Martha has received multiple accolades, including induction into PRWeek's National Hall of Fame and being named one of the Top 100 Women in Brand Marketing by Brand Innovators.In this episode, we'll discuss AARP's focus on accurately representing and reaching the 50+ demographic; one of the fastest-growing age groups in the country, estimated to be responsible for $12.6 trillion of spending power by 2030. Martha discusses AARP's work to address ageism and how it is often an overlooked element of most DEI strategies.Show Notes:AARP guide for marketers about authentically representing & reaching consumers 50+: www.aarp.org/RepresentAgeAdWeek Column from Martha : Age: The Missing Part of DEI and The Most Misrepresented Segment of Advertising: 10 Things Marketers Can Do About It - Advertising Week-----Produced by Simpler Media

Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Stacy Martinet, the Vice President of Marketing Strategy and Chief Communications Officer at Adobe. With a career spanning across media and marketing, Stacy has had an incredible journey, from her time at The New York Times, where she was part of the team that launched the company's first social media strategy, to her role as Chief Marketing Officer at Mashable, where she expanded the company's global brand and audience reach, turning it into a massive media brand.During her tenure at Adobe, Stacy has been a driving force in shaping the company's reputation and fostering its growth. A well-respected leader in the industry, Stacy has received numerous accolades, including being named to Folio's Top Women in Media as a Corporate Visionary and PR Week's 40 Under 40 list, in addition to being a board member of New York Women in Communications and a key member of the Adobe Women's Leadership Council.In today's interview, we'll be exploring Adobe's suite of innovative generative AI tools, including Adobe Firefly, which aims to revolutionize creative work and digital marketing while prioritizing commercial safety, copyright, and minimizing harm and bias. We'll also discuss Adobe's collaboration with large language models like ChatGPT and the Content Authenticity Initiative, which aims to ensure transparency in content creation.So, please enjoy this insightful and engaging conversation with Stacy Martinet.-----Produced by Simpler Media

Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Laura Lane, Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at UPS. Laura is a highly accomplished leader with a storied career that has spanned both the public and private sectors. She has served in roles at Citigroup, Time Warner, and the U.S. Foreign Service, where she played a critical part in trade negotiations and humanitarian relief efforts.In this interview, we'll delve into UPS's humanitarian relief work in Turkey, the balancing act between always-on earned marketing and being a good community partner, as well as the unique responsibilities of her role at UPS, which has global implications. We'll also discuss the keys to aligning your passion with your career and the power of working with purpose.Overall, Laura has a truly incredible story to share, as evidenced by her captivating TED Talk, where she recounts her experiences as a foreign affairs officer in Rwanda, rescuing Americans during the genocide, and the lessons she took away from that experience. We highly recommend watching her TED Talk titled "When you shouldn't follow the rules" (available in the show notes) for a firsthand account of the importance of advocating for positive change.Join us as we dive into these topics and more, and uncover Laura's inspiring insights into leadership, community engagement, and the impact of working with purpose. Here is Laura Lane.Show Notes:Laura's Ted Talk - When you shouldn't follow the rules: https://www.ted.com/talks/laura_lane_when_you_shouldn_t_follow_the_rules-----Produced by Simpler Media

We are thrilled to have Stacey Tank, Chief Transformation Officer at Heineken, in the house today! With a globe-spanning career, including stints in countries like Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Germany, England, France, and Amsterdam, Stacey has held senior positions at leading companies like General Electric, Home Depot, and, of course, Heineken.Stacey also founded Our Happy Place, a non-profit organization focused on childhood mental wellness and serves as a board trustee for the Heineken Africa Foundation and the American Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands. Stacey has also been recognized as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader (YGL), a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute, and an Academy for Systems Change Fellow.In our interview, we'll delve into Stacey's career journey, starting from her early days in business communications all the way to her current leadership position at Heineken as Chief Transformation Officer. Through her story, Stacey shares valuable advice for women in leadership, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and self-belief.Without further ado, here is Heineken's Chief Transformation Officer, Stacey Tank.-----Produced by Simpler Media

We are thrilled to have Jennifer Davis, the Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Dell Technologies on the show today. Jennifer, also known as JJ, has spent over 20 years at Dell collectively and currently oversees all aspects of Global Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility.JJ started her public relations and public affairs career at the Arkansas Office of the Governor and has held various communications leadership roles for both corporations and agencies nationwide. In 2010 she founded Dell's marquee women's program, the Dell Women's Entrepreneur Network, to support women entrepreneurs' success worldwide.In this conversation with JJ, we discuss Dell's approach to ESG, the inextricable link between innovation and sustainability, and how doing the right thing as a company can attract and retain top talent.Please enjoy this conversation with JJ Davis and Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer. -----Produced by Simpler Media

Today, we have Beatriz Perez: Senior Vice President and Chief Communications, Sustainability, and Strategic Partnerships Officer for The Coca-Cola Company. Bea is responsible for managing Coke's commitments to ESG as well as global, external, and internal communications, digital media strategy, and financial and leadership communications.Bea has also been named to various top leaders' lists, including the American Advertising Hall of Fame, the Sports Business Journal's Hall of Fame, and PR Week's Hall of Fame, and has been recognized as one of the '25 Most Powerful Latinas' by CNN and a 'Conservation Trailblazer' by The Trust for Public Land.In this conversation, we discuss Bea's experience at Davos, her 25+ year history at Coca-Cola, the importance of leadership that creates space for growth, and Coke's multi-pronged approach to sustainability.Please enjoy this conversation with Bea Perez.-----Produced by Simpler Media

Lynn Blashford is the Chief Marketing Officer of White Castle, a company she has been with for over a decade. Despite being over 100 years old, White Castle has remained relevant in popular culture. The brand is known for its fun and originality, with collaborations with the Wu-Tang Clan, selling branded silk robes, and even officiating weddings in its restaurants. All a testament to their commitment to outrageous authenticity.On this episode of Frictionless Marketing, Lynn delves into the inner workings of White Castle's marketing and communication processes, discussing how they continually surprise and delight their fans (known as "Cravers"), and the requirement for marketing teams to spend time working in their restaurants and factories and the thinking behind it.Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with White Castle CMO, Lynn Blashford.Create from within.A key element of White Castle's marketing is it's slogan 'What You Crave.' This phrase came from a customer focus group and ended up governing the majority of their marketing from their commercials to their endearing term for their customers or 'Cravers.' The organic origin of the slogan enabled it to be as effective as it is because it came from a place of authenticity, in this case a truly passionate customer, instead of from an insular marketing brainstorm.Merge authentic with outlandish.White Castle did a collaboration with Wu Tang Clan to promote their use of Impossible patties. This feels like a random/left field idea, but in fact, it's the opposite. The Wu Tang Clan grew up going to White Castle in New York and 8 out of the ten members recently turned vegan making this a very meaningful collaboration. With all of the seemingly random and outrageous marketing stunts brands are doing to gain attention in this post-advertising world, authenticity is a critical ingredient for effective campaigns.Spend time making your own burgers.Everyone who works for White Castle's marketing team, including agency partners, has to spend time working either in one of their restaurants or in one of their manufacturing plants for their frozen food products. This is brilliant, because it not only ensures a level of compassion and visibility for the manual workers, but it embues each person with the brand from the ground up. As Lynn says, this enables all those who work with White Castle to truly speak the truth about the brand which is what gives it its authenticity.Thanks for listening! Don't forget to subscribe and to learn more about us and our agency, visit us at Lippetaylor.com.

Alan Sexton is the Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at Prudential Financial, where he's responsible for leveraging the company's outcomes-focused Communications to generate competitive advantages for Prudential while protecting and enhancing the company's reputation around the world. Alan spent almost twenty years as a communications consultant before joining Prudential, advising business leaders at Fortune 500 corporations across a range of heavily-regulated sectors, including the financial services industry. And held prior positions at Burson-Marsteller Global Strategy Group.In today's conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Alan gets into Prudential's approach to Internal comms, communicating with customers about the state of the economy, and Prudential's prolific commitment to DE&I. Please enjoy this conversation with Alan Sexton. -----Produced by Simpler Media

Lisa Caputo is the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for The Travelers Companies, Inc., where she's been since 2011.Lisa held previous positions at Citigroup and spent over ten years in the public sector, serving as Deputy Assistant to President Clinton and Press Secretary to First Lady Hillary Clinton through President Clinton's first term in office.In this conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Lisa gets into how her political background gave her a leg up in comms, advice for young PR professionals, and the importance of understanding the relationship between content and context. Without further ado, please enjoy this conversation with Lisa Caputo.-----Produced by Simpler Media

Russell Wager is the VP of Marketing at Kia America where he oversees all of the company's marketing & communications, including the marketing operations, customer journey, and public relations areas. Russell joined Kia in July 2019 after previous positions at Mazda, DDB, and TBWA Chiat Day among others. In this conversation with Paul Dyer, Russell gets into Kia's very successful transition into EVs, balancing features and benefits with statements of purpose as well as details about the Kia EV6 GT's very cool Drift Mode! Without further ado, please enjoy this conversation with Kia's VP of Marketing, Russel Wager. -----Produced by Simpler Media

Andrea Sengara is the head of marketing at Campari America. Andrea joined Campari in 2020 after over two decades of experience within the alcohol beverage industry, including senior leadership roles across Diageo, Combs Enterprises, and, most recently, Moet Hennessey LVMH.  Today, Andrea oversees all facets of marketing for Campari Group's premium portfolio of brands, including Aperol, Campari, SKYY Vodka, Espolòn Tequila, Grand Marnier, and Wild Turkey. In this conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Andrea gets into her career history, including what it was like to work closely with Sean Combs, or Puff Daddy, or Puffy or Diddy, or I can't keep up anymore, but yes, him. Andrea also explores marketing in a post covid world and her key ingredients for powerful earned marketing campaigns. All this and so much more on today's episode of Frictionless Marketing.  Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Campari's Head of Marketing, Andrea Sengara.  Global perspectives yield better communications.  Andrea stated that "impactful, interesting ideas come from when we bring different people with different backgrounds and different experiences together to try to crack an opportunity," which is a great guideline. Diversity of thought and experience enables well-rounded teams, as well as well-rounded comms functions. Considering that the main goal of any comms campaign is to reach & influence an audience effectively, the best path forward is for your message to be informed and crafted by multiple perspectives to enable your message to be more universal and, therefore, impactful. Marry legacy with new technology.  Decades ago, Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini did an ad campaign with Campari, and to pay homage to that partnership, Campari recently created a short film on Fellini using AI technology. The intelligence in Campari's execution was in how they honored their legacy ad campaigns but modernized them by using today's technology, in this case with AI. Digging deep into the archives of your brand's previous campaigns and modernizing them with today's technology can lead to new perspectives on older ideas and very interesting marketing.  Yield the formula for earned marketing.  As an agency, Lippe Taylor is a big believer in Earned Marketing, the idea that brands have to earn a place in culture by doing real things in the real world to attract and earn real attention instead of just running ads. When asked about earned marketing, Andrea brilliantly broke down the equation she and her team at Campari think through in order to crack an earned campaign. She stated that the foundation of earned marketing is knowing what you stand for as a brand, knowing what your consumer cares about, and observing what is being talked about. Brilliant earned marketing campaigns can occur at the nexus of these three ideals, so consider this in your next brainstorming session.  Thanks for listening! Don't forget to subscribe today! ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Jonathan Adashek is the Chief Communications Officer and Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at IBM. Before joining IBM, Jonathan was at Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance in Paris, as well as Nissan Motor Co. in Yokohama, Japan, and prior to that had stints at Microsoft and Edelman.  One of Jonathan's first roles was as a special assistant at the White House before becoming director of the national delegate strategy for the John Kerry presidential campaign. At IBM, Jonathan leads a team of 800+ professionals in more than 170 countries with responsibility for IBM's global communications, corporate citizenship, and CSR, as well as strategic events and social media. Without further ado, please enjoy this conversation with IBM CCO and SVP of Marketing and Communications Jonathan Adashek.  Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Jonathan.  Simplify your message. As a company, IBM has thousands of products, services, and solutions, and prior to Jonathan coming on board, there was an overwhelming amount of different marketing and communications campaigns for these different products. This caused confusion among the general public over what IBM really stood for as a brand. One of Jonathan's first orders of business was to significantly simplify IBM's message into one slogan: “Let's Create.” A brand can only get so much attention which is why it's important not to diffuse your brand's message across a number of separate campaigns. Furthermore, emotional statements like “Let's Create” can transcend product features and benefits and get to the heart of your company's real mission, which is way more effective than focusing on the products.  Admit failure early & honestly. Jonathan mentioned committing an epic failure at IBM recently. Instead of blaming someone else, shirking behind it, or attempting some sort of internal coverup, he sent out an all-employee message outlining what had happened while owning up to it. He claimed the experience was more cathartic than scary and set a standard for radical honesty at the company that was unprecedented. Embracing humanity on an executive level with this kind of honesty is the foundation for creating extremely healthy and effective company cultures.  Be client zero; practice what you preach. All products and tech solutions conceived of and created by IBM must be used internally as a standard for their creation. Jonathan states that clients and customers will not stand by any other standard. By being client zero, IBM is able to only create products and solutions that they stand by after a lot of trial and error. This ensures a level of trust with customers that simply cannot be bought. Thanks for listening, don't forget to subscribe! ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Mark Truby is chief communications officer at the Ford Motor Company where he leads all global communications and public relations activities. This includes building the company's reputation globally and helping to lead communications that reach Ford's external and internal audiences, including customers, employees, dealers, suppliers, news media, communities, governments, and policymakers. He reports directly to  Ford CEO Jim Farley. Mark is also the proud father of 3 boys and was named to the 2022 PRWeek Power List. Prior to joining Ford, Mark was an award-winning reporter and editor at The Detroit News, which is a big part of Mark's executive origin story. Mark's journalism background gave him a much more story-centric approach to comms, which is evident in a lot of Ford's marketing.  Mark dives deep into this, his career history, and tells us a great story about the months-long process of getting to President Joe Biden to drive the Ford F-150 at a recent launch. Without further ado, here is Ford CCO Mark Truby in conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer.  Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Mark.  1. Learn journalism. Many comms leaders have stated that journalism is the most useful form of writing to learn. As a form, it teaches conciseness and the inverse pyramid concept of stating the facts up front and then expanding as you move forward, which structurally applies to just about anything. In Mark's case, his journalism background was the foundation that he built his comms career on because he not only learned all about Ford but understood journalists and how to reach them because he was one himself. This proved to be a fruitful point of leverage in his PR career because, overall, being a journalist taught Mark to always look for the story, which is what editors are always trying to uncover in every article and every pitch. More on this in the next point.  2. Make art, not ads. A lot of Ford's approach to marketing under Mark's leadership has been very story-centric and leaned more into entertainment than marketing. Ford launched a fascinating podcast series all about what happened to the Bronco, a long and elaborate story that could only be told on a long-form medium like podcasting. Ford also put out multiple documentaries, none of which felt like advertising but worked beautifully as engaging stories that elegantly showcased the brand. The benefit of creating this kind of content is that it never goes away - unlike news cycles, the documentaries and podcasts keep streaming and remain indelible.  3. Connect the past with the future.  A big challenge for heritage brands is leveraging their legacy while remaining relevant. In Mark's case, he's well aware that Ford will never seem as new and cutting-edge as Tesla, and that's ok - Tesla will never have the 100+ year history that Ford has. In bridging the gap between your brand's legacy and relevance, Mark says it's a matter of connecting the past with the future, embracing where your brand has been but, most importantly, articulating where it's going in a concise narrative.   Thanks for listening! To learn more about our agency, visit us at www.lippetaylor.com.  ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Wendy Lund is a women's health advocate, adviser, and activist with more than 30 years of experience in marketing and communications. After working at Planned Parenthood, the National League of Nursing, and some of the country's leading healthcare communications firms, Wendy joined Organon, the largest women's health company of its kind. As Chief Communications Officer, she's working to change how women's health is approached, treated, shaped, and especially talked about. In this conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Wendy gets into her career history, how to merge your passion and purpose with your career, and how the movie Erin Brockovich inspired her approach to leadership.  Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Wendy.  Listen. When they were launching, Organon initiated a comprehensive listening tour where they spoke to women everywhere about their unmet healthcare needs. This is rare for healthcare companies, who usually focus on doctors, but Organon's mission is to serve their female patient base as intently as possible, which is why they focused on listening from the day they launched in 140 markets and then made major decisions based on what they found out.  Take it personally. Wendy cites the movie and true story of Erin Brockovitch as inspiring her approach to bridging her passion with her profession. There's a line where Erin is told she is taking things too personally, to which she replies: "Not personal? That is my time, my sweat, and my time away from my kids—If that's not personal, I don't know what Is." This stuck with Wendy and inspired her approach to her work. Wendy takes her work personally because she takes the mission of helping women across the world personally. Taking it personally has made the difference in pushing through difficulties and complications because, for Wendy, it's a matter of mission.  It's cliche, but when your heart is in something, you will naturally work harder and move mountains to achieve it. Finding and, better yet, creating those causes and missions within your career will make all the difference towards your overall impact. Just go for it. Wendy cites a tendency for a lot of young professionals to wait for the perfect moment to take the leap, be more ambitious, take on bigger projects, etc. Wendy's advice: just go for it. Regardless of your perceived credentials or qualifications, taking big projects on head-first, regardless of feeling ready, can actually be the catalyst that gives you those very qualifications you want.  Thanks for listening! Don't forget to subscribe, and to learn more about Lippe Taylor, check us out at Lippetaylor.com.  ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Michael Gonda is the Chief Communications Officer of McDonald's, a position he's held for the past 8 months. Michael is responsible for setting integrated communications strategies that advance the message of the brand and drive business impact in more than 100 markets around the world. He oversees corporate communications, including media relations and financial communications; global public affairs and public policy; issues and crisis management; internal and strategic communications and communications for McDonald's International Operated Markets and International Development Licensee Markets. Prior to joining McDonald's, Michael had previous stints at Chobani and Weber Shandwick, and Michael was recently added to PRWeek's 2022 Power List.  In this conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Michael gets into why legacy brands need to fight harder for relevance, details about his meteoric leadership rise, and fun anecdotes around the recent McDonald's Indiana sign war.  Thank you as always for listening, don't forget to subscribe.  ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Maggie Schmerin leads the global advertising and social media team at United Airlines where she's been for over five years. Her previous experience includes multiple years at Edelman where she worked on such brands as BlackBerry, Shell, Kellogg's, Mars,  Proctor & Gamble and Samsung among others.  Maggie has also been honored by Crain's Chicago Business, and named a 40 under 40 by PR Week. In this conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Maggie gets into her career path including making the shift from agency-side to brand-side, leadership lessons, and the importance of mindshare over marketshare - all of this and so much more on today's episode of Frictionless Marketing. And now, please welcome, United Airlines Head of Global Advertising and Social Media, Maggie Shmerin.  Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Maggie: Agency people - learn your client's culture. At an agency, it's an obvious prerequisite to learn as much as you can about your client's industry, products, competitors, numbers, etc. but what can often get overlooked is the importance-  of learning about your client's internal culture. Maggie has an agency background and can empathize from both the agency and brand side, and she finds that her most trusted agency partners are the ones who take the time and have the passion to truly understand United's internal culture. Learning how your client's company works, thinks, operates, and communicates can  substantially increase your level of intimacy with them. A pro tip is to sit in on your client's earnings calls if they'll let you.  Related point: brand people, learn your agency's culture. The very obvious inverse of the previously stated point is that brands need to stay on top of everything their agency is doing, especially the work they're doing for other clients to really grasp what they're capable of. Mutual levels of familiarity between agency and brand can enable the kind of harmonious communication and understanding that ultimately lays the foundation for great work to be done. All of this begins and ends with understanding culture.    Focus on mind share not just market share. When doing a competitive audit before launching United's recent major marketing campaign, Maggie observed an absurd sea of sameness within the airline industry; they all used the same colors, the same verbiage, focused on the same things and overall were indistinguishable from each other - the same went for other brands in the travel sector. When leading the Good Leads the Way campaign, Maggie knew that United needed to break away from the homogeny of not just the airline industry but the entire travel industry. She recognized the importance of mindshare vs market share and that United wasn't just competing with other airlines it was competing with the entire travel industry including hotels, rental cars, etc for the mindshare of travelers. Thinking in such a macro way was one of the reasons Good Leads the Way was a massive success - it was completely fresh and different and launched as an outlier in the entire travel industry, not just among other airlines. Thanks for listening, don't forget to subscribe!

Adam Collins is the Chief Communications and Corporate Affairs Officer at Molson Coors. In years prior, Adam spent four years working for the office of Mayor Rahm Emmanuel and was the Communications Director for the Chicago Police department. In this wide-ranging conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Adam discusses all things Molson Coors, including the Superbowl ad they launched in The Metaverse, executive leadership advice, and details about Miller's long-standing rivalry with Anheuser Busch. Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Adam: Pick your battles but put the customer first.  Miller and Anheuser Busch have a famous rivalry that has resulted in everything from hilarious jab ads and online snark to real lawsuits. When asked whether this kind of public sparring with your competitor in a marketing context is worthwhile, Adam cited that it has to ultimately serve the customers. In their recent campaign The World's Dumbest Math Problem, Miller sought to enlighten calorie-conscious beer drinkers that their product, Miller 64 had fewer carbs and calories than Michelob Ultra. This seems like a typical jab but, ultimately many customers had no idea there was a lower calorie option, and thus the ad was successful because it served the customers by educating them. ESG is not only the right thing to do; it can serve the product and the company. Molson Coors has been an innovator in ESG since before it was a thing when founder Bill Coors invented the recyclable aluminum can and gave the technology away for free so it would be ubiquitous across the industry, resulting in fewer steel cans on the side of the road. Today, Coors follows the same example with multiple ESG initiatives that serve the environment and the company. The company's 75+ year sustainable agricultural standards for growing barley not only are better for the earth but make the beer taste noticeably better. Programs that prevent water leakage at production facilities not only save water but save the company money. Finding intelligent ways to make your ESG programs impact your bottom line, as well as the earth, can enable sustainability to be even more sustainable. Be there to pick up the glass. This was a throwaway point Adam made towards the end of the interview, but it bears some focus. When discussing his advice for aspiring marketing leaders, Adam mentions the importance of betting on yourself and taking risks. He also mentions that he empowers his junior staffers to take intelligent, calculated risks by guaranteeing them that if their idea turns out to be a disaster, he will stand by their side and help them clean up the mess. This is what excellent leadership is all about, inspiring your team not only with inspirational phrases but with your word that if the chips are down, you'll be by their side to pick up the pieces.  Thanks for listening, don't forget to subscribe! ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Chris Fuller is the Chief Communications Officer of Inspire Brands whose portfolio includes Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy John's, Rusty Taco, and SONIC Drive-In restaurants. Chris' prior experiences include stints at Yum! Brands and Pizza Hut as well as an early position as press secretary for the US House of Representatives. In this conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Chris dishes out advice on managing an array of disparate brands that align towards a singular mission, how to properly execute CSG campaigns, and how a culture of empathy is the key to building resilient teams.   Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Chris.   The key to effective CSG is transparency. One of Inspire's brand tenets is being action-oriented, and as such, they do an impressive amount of social purpose work. Chris claims that listing out all CSG plans, actions, and impact in a public forum is critical in ensuring success. Inspire publishes everything from the number of jobs they're creating to the economic impact they're providing to the communities they serve. This type of transparency brings a high level of accountability to ESG plans that otherwise could remain on a shelf.   Data can inform intuition. A common query among marketing leaders is how to become data-driven while remaining in touch with the kind of creative intuition that drives brilliant marketing ideas. According to Chris, the two are intertwined. Chris claims that the data and analytics his best-in-class team is able to provide, enable and inform his and his team's creative intuitions instead of stifling them. This is the left brain, right brain balance that's critical for marketing leaders to grasp.   Stay flexible, but encourage in-person meetings. Chris claims that during COVID, flexibility was key to enabling his people to adapt and pivot to the major changes they faced. Fast forward two years later, Chris and his team had to correct some of the imbalances caused by their remote work agreements, specifically the lack of team cohesion that can occur with an over-reliance on ZOOM and a lack of in-person meetings. To counter this, he introduced a program called In Good Company, where the sole purpose was to get his people back to meeting in person regularly while remaining flexible on remote work policies. Chris, like many leaders, understands that there's a magic that occurs with face-to-face meetings that cannot be replicated. Chris even went so far as to say that the biggest business decisions and innovations occur during in-person meetings. Thanks for listening, don't forget to subscribe! ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Pam Forbus is the Chief Marketing Officer of Pernod Ricard North America, a role she has held since July 2020. In her role, she oversees the marketing strategy for Absolut, Jameson, Malibu, Avion, and multiple other spirits, wines, and champagnes. Before joining Pernod Ricard, Pam worked for Walt Disney Studios, where she led the insights, analytics, and CRM functions. Prior to Disney, Pam spent nearly two decades at PepsiCo, where she pioneered – and rolled out globally – a new demand-science approach to insights.   In this conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Pam discusses the role of data in making creative decisions, her leadership path to becoming CMO, and her team's recent journey into the metaverse with Absolut Vodka.   Here are some key takeaways from the conversation with Pam:   Be a market maker, not a marketer. When asked what skills aspiring marketing leaders should acquire, Pam cited that a core understanding of what drives the business and a cross-functional awareness of how to work with sales and finance departments to determine what really sells products is everything. Pam cautioned that marketers should not focus on vanity metrics, like likes, shares, and impressions, but instead focus on understanding the drivers of bottom-line sales. She also furthered this with the following distinction: "If we're doing it right, if we're driving the business, and we're driving strong brand value equity, we are market makers, not marketers."   Don't just jump on protests bandwagons, be part of the solution. When the Facebook boycott occurred, Pam and her organization joined it but wondered what else they could do to affect real change in meaningful ways. As a result, she and her team created thehttps://engageresponsibly.org/ ( Engage Responsibly) initiative with the ANA to combat hate speech online. Since launching, more than ninety leading marketers, agencies, media companies, social media platforms, trade groups, and NGOs have pledged to take definitive action to combat online hate speech. Always remain data-led. A common query among marketing leaders is 'how do I become data-driven while remaining creatively intuitive?' As much as she values creativity, Pam cautions against being swept up in it. Pam forces herself to be objective against the work she and her team are executing, regardless of how emotionally tied to it they become. "Make your decisions based on data because that is the consumer response and consumer reaction... If it's not testing well and it's not delivering. We've got to go back to the drawing board and fix it." Thanks for listening, don't forget to subscribe! ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Kim Olson is Chief Communications Officer at Land O'Lakes, one of America's leading marketers of dairy-based food products for consumers, foodservice professionals, and food manufacturers. Land O'Lakes also offers local cooperatives and agricultural producers across the nation an extensive line of agricultural supplies, as well as state-of-the-art production and business services. Kim's history includes positions with UnitedHealth Group, Carlson, and General Mills. In this conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO, Paul Dyer, Kim gets into keys to supporting female executive leadership, how comms leaders should approach getting a seat at the executive leadership table, and how to launch an effective brand podcast. Feel free to listen to the entire conversation on Lippe Taylor's Frictionless Marketing Podcast.   Launch a niche podcast. The Land O'Lakes Something Greater podcast is in its third season and is a big success among its shareholders and partners. Kim was concerned nobody would listen because of the podcast's HYPER targeted focus on agriculture, but this turned out to be its greatest strength. The podcast focuses on issues facing farmers, legislators, and food manufacturers and topics range from everything from carbon footprints and labor shortages to agricultural technology. This allows Land O'Lakes to effect change by becoming thought leaders in specific areas that matter most to their core constituents.   The more women who reach the top, the easier it will be for other women to join them there. Land O'Lakes is strong on female leadership. Kim offered advice to other companies that would like to see more women in charge. “The more that women reach the top, the more opportunities there will be for still other women to rise. The women who get there first can and should open the doors for larger numbers of women at the C-suite level. The fact that bright, qualified, extraordinary women can line right up with bright, qualified, extraordinary men in an equal way is really exciting.”   CEO support is crucial for comms leaders to have a seat at the table. A chief executive officer who relies on comms to “move the needle on business and reputation” will likely prompt others in the C-suite to pay closer heed to what comms has to say with regard to strategic planning and decision-making affecting the company as a whole, instead of just the marketing arm. As Kim said “when you have a CEO who has used communications to make progress, other folks see the value and then you're able to spread that halo up. And if you've got a CEO behind you who says what you do is valuable, the possibilities are endless.” ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Grant Farhall has been with Getty Images for 10 years, the last two as chief product officer. Earlier, he worked for Rogers Communications as a broadcaster/newsroom assistant at radio station CFFR. Before that, Grant was a studio manager for Evolvs Media Inc. Gene Foca has been with Getty Images since 2017. In his role as chief marketing officer, he reports directly to the CEO and serves on the executive committee that oversees the brand's global marketing and communications efforts. Before joining Getty Images, Gene was senior VP of marketing for Fresh Direct. Earlier, he spent four years with Amazon, ultimately rising to the post of senior director of marketing.  In this interview with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Grant and Gene focus their thoughts on the merging of marketing and product teams, data-driven visual-content procurement, the trust-damaging impact of deep-fake technology, and what Getty's acquisition of free photo source Unsplash might mean to creatives. Here are some key takeaways from this talk with Gene Foca and Grant Farhall: Visuals of all mediums are in a crisis of trust.  It is becoming ever easier to produce "deep fake" photos and videos, which is causing consumers of media to question whether anything they're seeing these days is real - representing a trust crisis for visual-based companies and news media alike. Grant said part of the response to this emerging crisis of believability must be an insistence that creators of visual content clearly label their works as real or augmented—and, if the latter, to identify the CGI elements so that prospective users can exercise informed consent before buying. Beyond that, multiple measures are being taken to ensure that all changes and alterations made to visual files (both video and images) have an indelible record of alterations visible to anyone with the file.  Marketing pros must embrace the merging of their discipline and that of product managers. Grant said it once was common for marketing and product development to be separate entities that each did its own thing, but more and more, they're being pressed to work collaboratively. Consequently, said Gene, marketers have to be "less hung up" about having control of the things traditionally within their discipline and to instead partner with the product team in order to more successfully support the customer journey. This is a naturally cohesive path forward that integrates marketing insight and consumer demand with product development, enabling insight-based innovation. In order to rise to a position of leadership in your organization, become better at finding problems and turning yourself into a solutions architect.  Both Gene and Grant agreed that people on their way to the top need to be able to play well with others. Additionally, Grant said ladder-climbers should be on the lookout for shortcomings in the organization's operations, take ownership of them, and figure out how to fix what's broken or not running right. “Be the expert in the area that needs an expert,” he said. Meanwhile, Gene cautioned against misunderstanding what it means to “follow your passion”—according to Gene, “people too often think that following their passion means they can and should jump from the tasks they don't like to those they think will be more satisfying. But to understand the underpinnings of the business, you first have to do the tedious, menial work. You have to learn how the pieces connect. From there, you start being able to exercise your passion.” Thanks for listening to Frictionless Marketing! If you enjoyed this episode, why not share it with your friends and colleagues on LinkedIn. Don't forget to follow the show on Instagram @Lippetaylor, and to learn more about us, visit us at http://www.lippetaylor.com (Lippetaylor.com. ) Thanks again for listening to Frictionless Marketing.  ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Peter Land has been with DICK'S Sporting Goods since mid-2020, where he currently serves as their Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer. He is also an adjunct professor at the New York University Stern School of Business, a position he has held since 1998.  Prior to joining the team at DICK'S, Peter specialized in corporate reputation and consumer marketing as a partner in New York strategic communications agency Finsbury Glover Hering. Before that, he was senior veep of corporate communications for AOL, and, earlier, he held that same title at PepsiCo. In this conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Peter discusses the importance of skills acquisition, how marketing and comms functions are merging, the value of cultivating great ideas, and much much more. Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Peter Land: Build personal relationships and networks in person.  Emailing back and forth with people you meet online is no way to make viable connections. According to Peter, you need to interact face-to-face if possible because that's how deep, meaningful, personal relationships are forged. He also makes the point that personal relationships are “massively important in communications. It's important across the board, but especially in our discipline [earned-creative comms].” Having a solid network allows you to do things like “say to your work colleagues … ‘I think your idea could get us some airtime at [one of the big morning shows]—a friend of mine is a producer there; let me ask them if they think so too.'”   Find opportunities to repurpose. To illustrate the point, Peter cites the example of a campaign his brand conducted last year called “Inside Moves.” The centerpiece was a 60-second commercial featuring eight of DICK'S Sporting Goods' top executives (all of whom are female), with company CEO Lauren Hobart voicing over the story of how the brand is driving the entire industry to boost women's and girls' athletics. But while the content of the commercial started with a great idea, it wasn't the only bit of ingenious thinking—Peter explains that he and his team additionally came up with a strategy of weaving the commercial's message into profiles of the women execs for dissemination via social channels and then repurposing those personality snapshots for internal use as employee-relations/team-building tools.    Let your brand value shine by solving problems. Peter tells of seeing just before the 2021 NCAA Final Four women's basketball tournament a viral video revealing how poorly equipped the women's weight room was at the event venue, the Alamo Dome in San Antonio, Texas. That sparked a publicity gambit in which the DICK'S Sporting Goods stores in San Antonio pitched in to deliver to the Alamo Dome sufficient weight equipment to put the women's weight room on par with the much-better outfitted men's room. “It was an incredible moment that let the NCAA know we're here for the women's basketball community,” Peter says. “[This] completely energized our San Antonio teammates and got us coverage in USA Today and on NBC's “Today” show. It also became an intense social media story that grew and grew and grew.” Thanks again for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, why not share it with your friends and colleagues on Linkedin - don't forget to follow the show on Instagram @LippeTaylor and on Twitter at the same handle. ALSO, don't forget to subscribe.  ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Laura Duda is senior vice president and chief communications officer at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, where she leads all internal and external communications globally for Goodyear, including public and media relations, employee communications, corporate reputation management, philanthropy, and community relations, as well as Goodyear's fleet of world-famous airships. In this conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Laura gets into how Goodyear remains an iconic brand amid all the disruption in the auto industry, the wisdom behind strategic partnerships with brands completely unrelated to your industry, and advice for rising PR stars. Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Laura Duda.  Talk the Talk Before you Walk the Walk Laura discussed how Goodyear would only announce new innovations and ESG initiatives to the public when they were market-ready or otherwise activated. Despite the inherent dignity in waiting until something has materialized before talking about it, by then, it's usually too late. Many brands will make bold declarations about their product & ESG plans five, ten, even 25 years in advance. Being transparent about your plans for the future is critical to claiming your brand's share of voice. Purpose should extend beyond products. Goodyear doesn't consider itself as just a tire brand; instead, their overarching purpose is to enable mobility, which is way more of a universal notion to get behind. Considering how disrupted the automotive industry is and continues to get, having a purpose that transcends your product line is a critical part of future-proofing your brand by fostering the kind of agile thinking that will enable your brand to weather the storms of disruption and remain relevant. Shake things up by partnering with brands in disparate industries. The Goodyear blimp is one of the most enduring examples of earned marketing and an OG case study in the annals of communications. Goodyear hasn't ceased that spirit at all and recently enacted a partnership with AirBnb where customers were able to rent a night in the Goodyear blimp. Laura stated that one of their keys to remaining relevant was partnering with other brands that challenge their teams to think differently and outside of their industry. The activation was a win-win for both brands and an example of the kind of inter-brand partnership we're seeing more and more of. ----- Produced by https://simpler.media (Simpler Media)

Liliana Esposito is the Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer at The Wendy's Company where she guides public affairs and communications to build and protect the company's reputation. Liliana has spent nearly 15 years leading communications for consumer packaged goods, beverage and restaurant brands, with stints at Burson-Marsteller, Mars, and Dean Foods.  Wendy's is one of the most notoriously funny brands on social media and also one of the boldest. It is an example of a brand that executes many firsts, with cutting edge campaigns and stunts that have never been done before. In this conversation, we discussed Liliana's experience during the pandemic, her approach to DE&I, and how Wendy's is able to keep its winning edge in the social media ecosystem. Feel free to listen to the entire conversation on Lippe Taylor's Frictionless Marketing Podcast below.  Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Liliana. Be inspired, but be yourself. When it comes to Wendy's, the brand's constant innovations and fresh thinking--coupled with its funny and often sassy humor--makes it an extremely unique voice. Liliana is often asked by other brand executives how their brand can be more like Wendy's, to which she often replies, “Don't.” Instead of attempting to replicate a brand's presence, Liliana recommends that brands find their own voice by determining what they can bring to the community. Communal listening is a key element of this. Don't kill creativity with ROI. One of Wendy's traditions is Roast Day, in which they publicly roast a slew of other brands, resulting in hilarious Twitter banter. This is a very unique stunt that Wendy's has become known for, but Liliana speaks to how it's not designed just to sell more chicken nuggets. The point is, things like this help the brand build a following and remain top-of-mind, which naturally leads to better business results. Transparency is key during uncertain times, as is community. Throughout the course of the pandemic, companies universally had to take a deeper dive into their internal communications approach and Wendy's was no different. Liliana claimed that among employees and key stakeholders there was a craving for both up-to-date information and a connection with the Company. As a result, she streamlined communication protocols in favor of real-time conversations which enabled the company to thrive during these uncertain times. Internal comms approaches are being completely rebooted, and for good reason. It's time to throw out the rule books and speak with your people and stakeholders in real time. Thanks for listening, don't forget to subscribe! ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Josh Earnest is the Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for United Airlines, a position he's held since 2018. In the past, Josh served as the 29th White House press secretary under President Barack Obama, an experience which was extremely formidable for his approach to communications. He also serves on the Board of Advisors of Let America Vote, an organization founded by former Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander that aims to end voter suppression. In this discussion with Lippe Taylor Group CEO Paul Dyer, Josh gets into everything from DEI, finding opportunity in a crisis, keeping your cool under extreme pressure, and of course, lessons learned from his time with Obama. Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Josh.  Hire wartime communications leaders (or become one).  When Josh made the pivot in his career from politics (after being Press Secretary to the Obama Administration) to the corporate side, most brand executives he met with questioned whether his political experience would be relevant in their industry. This turned out to be shortsighted.  United, who was facing a communications crisis at the time, knew they needed to think differently if they were going to correct course. The combination of Josh's fresh perspective and proven track record of operating rationally under pressure (there's arguably no higher pressure comms job than being a press secretary) turned out to be a killer combination and exactly what United needed. Slow your body, and your brain will follow. Josh's former CEO publicly praised how well he is able to operate under extreme amounts of pressure. Josh attributed this to having both a generally low-key attitude and making a conscious effort to slow his body down when the stakes are high. Slowing the body down, he learned, slows the mind down, allowing you to think rationally and separate the urgent from the important and prioritize accordingly. He cites this as a critical skill for making good decisions in the midst of a crisis. Learn to write. Of the many pieces of advice Josh offers to younger aspiring comms leaders, at the top of his list is learning how to write. Writing is a skill that cannot be replaced by bots, no matter how good their algorithms get, and therefore is a skill that will always be needed in communications.  ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

“There have been times when my team has proposed something, and I say, ‘Let's do it,' and then we get blow-back very swiftly. Do you know what we do? We take it down, and we move on. You can't succeed in this realm if you're not willing to fail in this realm.” Sally Susman is the EVP & Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Pfizer, U.S., where she leads engagement with all of Pfizer's external stakeholders overseeing Communications, Corporate Responsibility, Global Policy, Government Relations, Investor Relations, and Patient Advocacy. She also serves as Vice Chair of The Pfizer Foundation.   Before joining Pfizer, Sally held several senior Communications and Government Relations roles at Estée Lauder and American Express. Earlier in her career, Sally spent eight years on Capitol Hill focused on international trade issues.   Sally also serves as co-chair of The International Rescue Committee, one of the world's largest humanitarian aid organizations. Sally has been named a Top Voice on LinkedIn, a PRWeek Influencer 50, a PRovoke.com Influence 100 member, and was ranked as number two on FastCompany's Queer 50 List, in addition to many more top industry lists.   Being at the forefront of the fight against COVID with Pfizer's vaccine efforts, the past two years have marked a series of unique challenges for Sally and the Pfizer team, culminating with the brand achieving top ten brand status and becoming a favorable household name across America. In this interview with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Sally discusses these challenges and how she and her team were able to overcome the adversity of the past twenty-four months.   Planning is Important, but Adaptability Moreso President Eisenhower once said: "In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable." The past couple years have been a whirlwind for Sally and the entire Pfizer team, but they weathered the storm and came out as a top ten brand in the world. Sally attributes it to adaptability, stating: "You can write the best plan in the world, but it's really about being able to be nimble and move with what's happening, and planning is a sort of continuous process."   It may be easy to say that Pfizer's reputation skyrocketed because, well… they kind of saved the world. However, Sally reminds us that Pfizer stood the risk of becoming a political tool when Presidential candidates began making vaccine promises in hotly contested debates and news cycles. There was every opportunity for this to become a year of crisis rather than positivity. According to Sally, Pfizer was able to transform from “a brand with a reputational struggle to a top ten brand” during this time because, in addition to doing the right thing, they were able to dynamically course-correct and modify their plan as it unfolded.    Stay Thirsty, My Friends After Pfizer was named a top ten brand, Sally's immediate instinct was not to celebrate but to ensure the company didn't rest on its laurels. “I always think the greatest threat, both externally and culturally, is any sense of self-satisfaction or really arrogance and complacency," she explains. Therefore, instead of allowing the recognition to breed complacency, she challenged her team to keep their foot on the gas. As a result, Pfizer hasn't slowed down its innovation, as evidenced by their recent https://www.tiktok.com/tag/pfizerpartner (TikTok campaign) combating vaccine misinformation - a first for Pharma. “There have been times when my team has proposed something, and I say, "Let's do it," and then we get blow-back very swiftly. Do you know what we do? We take it down, and we move on. You can't succeed in this realm if you're not willing to fail in this realm,” she explains.   It's Ok to Own your Narrative Sally recounts a story where she felt frustrated that media outlets preferred to politicize the vaccine debate rather than publicize the sound byline...

After a 30-year agency career that included notable stints with Edelman and WE Communications, Alan VanderMolen was named Chief Communications Officer at CPG giant SC Johnson last year. Alan oversees both internal and external communications at SC Johnson, reporting to CEO Fisk Johnson.  In this wide-ranging conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Alan delves into the importance of trust, keys to revolutionizing sustainability practice, the importance of internal comms, advice for aspiring leaders, and what it was like joining SC Johnson at the height of the pandemic. Below are some key takeaways from this conversation with Alan.  Trust is a must. Alan is often quoted as saying, “Trust is evolving into a core competency for business.” From his perspective, today's brands need to treat the notion of trust with as much reverence and focus as they would typical communications pillars like reputation and promotion.  Don't try to change the past. Alan states that “Trust is the expression of how stakeholders believe you're going to behave in the future” and emphasizes how reputation is a rear-view mirror and the sum of perceptions about past performances. From this angle, Alan finds it to be fruitless to try and change past perceptions via reputation management; focusing on the trust you build in the future is a much more fruitful endeavor. Define sustainability in terms your customers understand. SC Johnson takes sustainability very seriously at both macro and micro levels. Alan believes the key to sustainable change happens at the community level, which is why it's incumbent on brands to communicate sustainability practices effectively in terms customers can relate to. Phrases like “carbon neutral” and “zero emissions” mean a great deal to corporations, but to most people, they're jargon. SC Johnson leads with concepts like “a waste-free world” and showcases what this means on a community level with initiatives at sporting events so they can remain relevant and relatable to local communities. These are the keys to lasting change as opposed to one-off CSR initiatives. ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Russell Dyer is the VP & Chief of Communications and Government Affairs at Mondelēz International. At Mondelēz, Russ is responsible for overseeing all external and internal communications as well as government affairs for Mondelēz International, a Fortune 150 and the global leader in snacking. Russ joined Mondelēz in 2015 as Vice President, Global Communications. In that role, he was responsible for all strategic communications plans, overseeing the worldwide external and internal communication activities. Prior to joining Mondelēz, Russ spent two years at Kraft, and before that, Russ was agency-side with a 6.5-year stint at Weber Shandwick.  Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Russ Dyer.  Speed and playfulness are the names of the game. As a brand, Oreo has just about nixed the extensive content approval processes in favor of quick brand responses in real-time, which is what this digital age demands when it comes to brand relevance. Perhaps the most notable example of this was Oreo's Dunk in the Dark campaign, which has a place in the annals of marketing history. The idea itself was extremely simple, but the fact that they were the first brand to respond during this moment in culture catapulted them to the top of the conversation, making this one piece of content a best practice for years to come. As such, Oreo has built a social media content engine based on quick responses and engaging with conversations of the day in real-time and in ways that are authentic to the brand.  ESG is an open playing field; invent your own best practices. Mondelēz launched the first of its kind traceability program with the Triscuit brand, whereby consumers are able to see the exact path to production the crackers take; this includes everything from where their ingredients are sourced from to their exact manufacturing processes. As more and more consumers and stakeholders become interested in transparency, finding new ways of disclosing this information is going to become more and more important. Rather than studying how other brands were handling this element of ESG, Mondelēz decided to invent their own, and I'm sure other brands will begin to do similar things. ESG is still an evolving field, so rather than wait for a best practice to emulate, do what Mondelēz did and create your own pilot programs and test & learn to chart the path yourself.  The squeaky wheel gets the opportunities. Russ delivered a killer piece of career advice, which was to make sure you are constantly exposing yourself to new people, new knowledge, and new ways of thinking and learning. Throughout the course of a career in marketing, it's rare to have a manager who will give you the kind of mentorship and education that will really enable you to flourish towards executive leadership; these are things you're going to have to find for yourself. Russ specified that it takes a HUNGER for new knowledge and relationships to move upward, so get out there, start taking people out for lunches, coffees, or just casual conversations, if only to expose yourself to new ways of thinking and working. It all pays off eventually.  ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

“COVID-19 has impacted so many people around the world, and people really are the heart of my leadership and have been the number one priority through the pandemic. It is important to have great brands and great products and great pipeline, but people make the business.” June Lee Risser is Vice President and General Manager for the U.S. Galderma Consumer Care business.  A strategic business leader with a passion for building great brands, June is responsible for leading the U.S. commercial organization for the Galderma portfolio of consumer-available brands, including Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Care products, celebrating 70 years of healthy skin in 2017 and Differin® Gel,  first FDA-approved, prescription-strength retinoid acne treatment available over the counter since 2017.  June joined Galderma in April 2016 as Vice President of Marketing for the Consumer business.  In that role, she redefined the strategy and streamlined the structure of the marketing team to drive stronger growth on the priority brands of Cetaphil and Differin.  Prior to joining Galderma, June spent 12 years with Reckitt Benckiser in roles of increasing responsibility.  During her tenure there, she led key consumer brands such as Lysol and Clearasil to new heights.  As Global Innovation Director for the Personal Care Category based in the U.K., she led strategic planning and innovation for Clearasil. Before that, June was a Managing Director in a brand strategy consulting firm in NYC, Vivaldi Partners, advising clients on marketing and growth strategies.  June holds a bachelor's degree from Princeton University and a master's degree from the JFK School of Government at Harvard University. Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with June: Boots on the ground = real commitment. Camp Wonder is the annual event for children suffering from skin disorders that Cetaphil sponsors and is particularly proud of. Instead of just dropshipping products, June and her team attend the event on a regular basis. By being there, their commitment is illustrated, and furthermore, the experience invigorates her and her team because they get to experience the good that the brand does first hand, which is an incredible boost to morale and, therefore, performance. Having a mission is critical for a brand, but make sure your teammates can witness the mission in action up close and personal. Maintain relevance by returning to your brand's core purpose. In this day and age, there are endless amounts of upstarts that are disrupting many businesses, CPG & beauty in particular. To safeguard against this disruption, June recommends staying entirely in touch with what your brand's purpose was on day one instead of constantly reevaluating who you are, thereby confusing consumers. Third-party endorsements can help tremendously, not just doctors but influencer experts as well. Marketing, however, is a constant struggle and requires pivoting and reevaluating your strategies and tactics regularly but make sure you keep your core principles top of mind throughout the journey. Look for courage and integrity in new hires. When asked what she looks for when hiring new candidates, June, without question, stated courage and integrity. She went on to say that sales and marketing skills can be taught, but what cannot be taught are these two qualities that can tremendously enable an employee to have a consistently positive impact on the company's culture and bottom line, particularly during tough times like COVID-19. Find a way to seek these qualities out in your prospective employees in the interview process. This could be through stories of triumph over adversity or stories of courage. Integrity and courage can trump skills and experience in the long term. ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Jen Sey is the global brand president at Levi Strauss & Co.,  where she is responsible for marketing, design, merchandising, and brand experience. Jen has been with Levi Strauss & Co. for more than 20 years, holding a variety of leadership positions within the Marketing, Strategy, and Ecommerce teams. In 2013, Jen became the global chief marketing officer for the Levi's brand and, in 2018, was appointed senior vice president and chief marketing officer, overseeing marketing for the company's portfolio of brands. Jen has been named one of AdAge's "Top 40 Marketers Under 40" one of Brand Innovators' "Top 50 Women in Marketing," Billboard Magazine's "Top 25 Most Powerful People in Music and Fashion," receiver of the CMO Social Responsibility Award and she was featured on Forbes CMO Next List: 50 Chief Marketers Who Are Redefining the CMO role. As a child, Jen led an intense life of dedication, challenge, and competition. She won the U.S. National Gymnastics Championship title in 1986, less than one year after having suffered a devastating injury at the 1985 World Championships. As a result, the U.S. Olympic Committee named her Gymnastics' Athlete of the Year. Jen retired after eight years on the national team and went on to study at Stanford University. In 2008, Jen released a memoir, “Chalked Up,” a New York Times E-Book Best Seller detailing her triumphs and struggles within the world of competitive gymnastics. Jen's book led to her producing a Netflix documentary on the investigation and ultimate conviction of Larry Nassar and the decades-long abusive culture of USA Gymnastics. This was a pretty wide-ranging conversation and Jen really over delivered on the leadership advice here, focusing a lot on how climbing the corporate ladder is not always a recipe for success in corporate America, as well as details on how Levi's weathered the storm of COVID-19 and keys to establishing an authentic company culture.  Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with Jen. Focus on expansion over upward progression. This is a great piece of career advice. In addition to her executive position at a Fortune 500 brand, Jen is a former elite athlete, published author, and successful documentary producer. She has had accomplishments in many disparate arenas, and each experience seems to have compounded to develop her professionally in ways that serve just about everything she does. This may run counter to the 'Jack of all trades' debate, but Jen makes it work beautifully. When Jen found herself overly focused on climbing the corporate ladder, she frequently felt stuck. What Jen found to be a much more effective and enjoyable strategy for her career progression was to focus on experiences and projects that would expand her skill sets and knowledge base. Doing so made her a much more well-rounded professional with the ability to pivot, adapt, and learn new skills, all of which served her tremendously as a leader. Bring a unified version of yourself to everything you do. When publishing her first book, Jen's initial instinct was to be silent about it out of concern it could make her seem less dedicated to her corporate work. As her book's popularity blew up and she began doing a robust amount of media interviews, ultimately, she could no longer hide it. What ended up happening when people found out, though, was the opposite of what she had feared; her new accomplishment was extremely impressive to many people and made her more synonymous with being outspoken, creative, and downright more interesting, all of which ultimately helped her career. So if you're accomplishing a lot with your side hustles, don't hide them because they may just help boost your corporate persona. Creating an environment for true selves is the key to authenticity, and it starts at the top.  Leaders who are forthright about their own feelings give others permission to do the same. This has never been more...

John Galloway is chief marketing and innovation officer for Godiva Chocolatier, the 95-year-old Belgian maker of premium chocolate. He joined the company in 2018 after nearly 30 years in marketing, including substantial stints at Pepsi and Hard Rock.  John came to Godiva from a position as CEO of Beautiful Day, where he worked for three years to roll out the lifestyle brand startup. Before that, he was with Hard Rock for eight years, handling advertising, public relations, loyalty, and social media for 208 hotels, casinos, cafés, and music venues in 75 countries.  At PepsiCo, he began with the Mountain Dew brand and worked in sports marketing, integration of new acquisitions, and other areas, concluding as vice president of marketing for Gatorade. Before that, he worked for agencies including TracyLocke and Burson Marsteller. John has a bachelor of arts in marketing from Manhattan College and attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Here are some key takeaways from this conversation with John Galloway.  Get your guardrails in place to disaster-proof your brand. The past year was extremely challenging for most brands, but the brands who weathered the storm the best were the ones who had the strongest sense of who they are. The best way to respond to tragedy is with authenticity, which can only come from a brand that knows its identity, mission, purpose, and overall reason for being. Having a handle on this enables you to not only act fast in real-time, but it enables your team to do so as well. If your company has a universal understanding of your brand's identity, you can move faster and further in a crisis by giving more autonomy to your employees. This was a key to John's ability to weather the storm of 2020 by hanging true to Godiva's north star of “opening people's eyes to a more wonderful world.”  Stick to your cause. This is an interesting, albeit controversial, topic. Godiva is a very cause-oriented organization, but John recommends picking a cause and sticking to it, investing in it, and focusing on it. In a world where there's a lot of bandwagon CSR, people can spot greenwashing, or any kind of washing, a mile away. Sticking to one cause not only prevents you from watering down your company's footprint in a specific charity or cause, but it's the kind of dedication that affects real change, all while showing your customers that you're the real deal. Show your face! This is a simple one but potentially powerful. In our ZOOM-driven world, it's easy to turn the camera off and listen in on meetings, as ZOOM fatigue is a real thing. However, John claims that keeping the cameras on creates more energy, fosters community, and makes the meetings more productive. Today, a key element of retaining your staff is ensuring that they feel like they are part of a community, and having everyone see everyone else helps do that. Also, studies show that when people go through the motions of looking and dressing their best to prepare to be on camera, they're naturally more optimistic and productive, which we all could use more of.  ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)

Jordan Silbert is the founder and CEO of Q Mixers, the premium brand of cocktail mixers. The idea for the company came to him while he was drinking top-shelf gin mixed with low-quality tonic with friends and asked himself, “Shouldn't my tonic be as good as my gin?” Next came years of experimenting before he devised the perfect blend of high-quality ingredients and ample carbonation that became the brand's first product. Today the Brooklyn-based company has 11 products and is distributed by all major retailers, in addition to being stocked by discerning bartenders everywhere.   Before founding Q Mixers in 2006, Jordan was director of rebuilding initiatives for the Alliance for Downtown New York, where he provided the creative spark to revitalize parts of Lower Manhattan devastated by 9/11. Prior to that, he was director of business development for a startup, EQuill, that was eventually acquired by Microsoft. At earlier stages in his career, as an account executive with iTraffic, he oversaw day-to-day online marketing for Disney.com and was an economic development fellow with the Sonoma County Economic Development Board.   Jordan has an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a bachelor of arts in public policy from Brown University. In this conversation with Lippe Taylor CEO Paul Dyer, Jordan discusses his entrepreneurial journey behind the launching of Q Mixers and how the brand has faired during the age of Covid. Please enjoy this conversation with Jordan Silbert.  ----- Produced by https://podcastlaunch.pro (Simpler Media)