Spikes Excitement Talks

In this episode, Ciaran McCarthy, VP Brand & Advertising at Microsoft, shares his path from art school in Dublin to his current position at Microsoft. What started with a blunt rejection from a professor became the catalyst for a career spanning agencies, global campaigns, gaming and now the frontlines of AI.Ciaran takes us behind the scenes of creative life and reflects on the pivotal shift from agency to client side, where creativity meets business impact  and what it really means to become a “creative business leader.”Now at Microsoft, Ciaran is at the heart of one of the most transformative moments in technology. He shares how AI is reshaping not just the outputs of marketing, but the entire creative process—from idea generation to prototyping and brand building. Tune in for a deep dive into curiosity, resilience, and what it takes to create meaningful work in an era where the rules are being rewritten in real time.

In this episode, Mélanie Brinbaum Head of Marketing & Consumer Communications Europe at Nestlé, shares her unconventional journey through some of the world's most iconic brands—revealing why passion, curiosity, and authenticity matter more than any carefully crafted career plan. From leading global marketing at scale to pursuing a PhD while raising a family, Mélanie opens up about the reality of juggling ambition with meaning. She reflects on the mentors who shaped her, the personal experiences that redefined her purpose and why she believes marketing's future is more human in the age of AI.Tune in for a reminder that growth comes from stretching yourself, staying curious and having the courage to be unapologetically you.

In this episode, Silke Mennenga Vishab, Co-Head of Design, Brand at JPMorgan Chase, shares her remarkable journey from a small town in Germany to co-leading design for one of the world's largest financial institutions. With roots in agency life and global beauty brands, Silke reveals how early lessons in resilience, craftsmanship, and attention to detail shaped her creative philosophy.She takes us inside the world of large-scale design systems at JPMorgan Chase, where even the smallest detail can impact millions and explains why she sees financial services as a true luxury experience. From designing credit cards like pieces of jewelry to creating immersive airport lounges, Silke shows how great design is about making people feel something.The conversation dives into the power of collecting ideas, the importance of strong creative foundations in the age of AI, and why surrounding yourself with inspiring, challenging people is key to doing your best work. Tune in to know more about the art of turning vision into experience.

In this episode, Miriam Garcke, Marketing Lead NIVEA Face & Skin Care Germany at Beiersdorf, reflects on a two-decade career shaped by iconic brands like Nivea and Eucerin. From launching products seen in millions of households to creating meaningful impact for people with real skin concerns, she shares how her motivation evolved from visibility to purpose.Miriam also talks about the power of strong leadership, trust, and a unique job-sharing model that fuels learning and collaboration. As she transitions back to Nivea, she discusses what excites her most—people, fresh challenges, and the opportunity to keep growing.Tune in to hear more about innovation in skincare, shifting consumer values, and why curiosity—paired with human connection—remains the key driver in an ever-changing industry.

Luke Paxton, VP of New Product Exploration & Incubation at Fidelity Investments, takes us on a journey from architecture and 3D design to the forefront of AI innovation. With a career shaped by reinvention—from startups to skateboards to cutting-edge tech—Luke shares how user experience has been the common thread throughout.The conversation explores how AI is transforming the way we build, learn, and create—removing skill barriers and enabling anyone to turn ideas into reality. Tune in to dive into mentorship, creativity as an adult and why the future belongs to those willing to experiment, learn and think beyond limitations.

In this episode, Gordon is joined by Shruti Bose, Head of Global Campaigns at Roche and former VP at APACD, shares her journey across continents and industries—shaped less by planning and more by embracing opportunity. From “planned happenstance” to her philosophy of “bloom anywhere,” she reflects on building a meaningful career in healthcare communications.The episode explores the shift from treating illness to enabling lifelong health, the impact of AI, and why today's communicators must navigate constant change—and take calculated risks instead of chasing perfect answers.Tune in to find out more about the power of inspiring leadership and why the future belongs to those willing to take calculated risks rather than chase perfect answers.

In this episode, Greg Lombardo VP Global Marketing at Tupperware, shares how great brands don't just grow—they evolve. From reinventing Transformers into a storytelling powerhouse to redefining Play-Doh and rediscovering the emotional core of Tupperware, Greg breaks down what it really takes to unlock a brand's full potential.Tune in for a deep dive into creativity, strategy and the art of staying true to your brand while thinking bigger than your category.

In this episode, Leonora Scarpa, VP at Procter & Gamble, shares what it really takes to build brands in a world where commerce, technology and human behavior are constantly evolving.From a 20+ year journey across innovation, digital commerce and brand building, Leonora reveals why true growth starts with curiosity and why the future of marketing depends on staying deeply connected to real human needs.A conversation on leadership, mentorship, purpose and how to integrate creativity, data and commerce without losing the human at the center.

From the Greek special forces to McKinsey, P&G, Samsung, and until recently CMO at Electrolux—Nikos Bartzoulianos shares a powerful perspective on what it takes to build brands and careers that stand out.This episode dives into the importance of bold choices, authenticity and emotional connection in a world overloaded with options. Nikos explains why great brands don't just compete on features, but on meaning and why being different beats being better.Tune in for a conversation about discipline, storytelling, cultural intelligence and the human edge in marketing.

In this episode, David Dowgiello, Director Global Social Media at Adidas, shares his journey from aspiring sports journalist to shaping global brand conversations at one of the world's most iconic companies.From early days in digital advertising to pivotal roles at Twitter and TikTok, David reflects on building a career at the intersection of culture, technology and sport. He also opens up about moving to Germany, navigating personal setbacks, and why embracing the “underdog mindset” can unlock bold, creative work.Tune in for a energetic conversation about risk, resilience and doing work that genuinely excites you.

In this episode, Gordon hosts Jason Holzman, former Senior Vice President, Creative & Production at Macy's.He shares his unconventional journey from studying literature at Harvard University to leading creative strategy at global brands like NBCUniversal and Macy's.Jason unpacks how storytelling sits at the heart of marketing, why learning “on the job” can be your greatest advantage, and how the future of branding lies at the intersection of entertainment, retail and immersive experiences.Tune in to get insights on leadership, creative feedback and why in an AI-driven world, human authenticity may become the most valuable currency of all.

In this episode, Valda Coryat, VP Marketing Consumer Products & Branded  Food Service at McCormick & Company, shares her journey from an MBA at Columbia University to leading marketing across global giants like Colgate-Palmolive, Heineken and now McCormick & Company.Valda dives into the power of mentorship, the transition from functional to emotional branding, and why trust is the real foundation of great careers. She also explores the shifting dynamics between brands, retailers, and consumers, and what it takes to build brands that endure for generations. Tune in to get insights about how a world shaped by AI and rapid change, the marketers who win will be those who stay human, intuitive and relentlessly curious.

In this episode, Gordon hosts Gaurav Datta, Global VP Personal Care at Unilever who shares how he balances legacy, innovation and consumer obsession across billion-dollar brands. So what does it take to lead some of the world's most iconic brands into the future—without losing what made them iconic in the first place? From leadership lessons to the end of “lazy marketing,” this is a deep dive into what modern brand building really demands.Tune in to learn how to grow legacy brands, lead through complexity, and win attention in a world where just stopping the scroll is already a victory.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler speaks with Thomas Ullram, Global Marketing Director for Taste & Wellbeing at Givaudan. With more than 25 years in the food and beverage industry—from Kraft Foods to flavour houses—Thomas shares how curiosity, consumer insight, and bold marketing shape the future of what we eat and drink. They explore the fast-changing world of flavours, the power of provocative brands, and why the most valuable career lessons often come from the toughest bosses.Tune in to hear why understanding consumer curiosity, embracing change and even learning from the bosses you didn't like can shape a truly flavorful career.

In this episode, Dave Cobban speaks with Sierra Thomas, Head of Brand Innovation at Crocs. Starting with a background in fine arts and art history, Sierra found her path into marketing just as social media was emerging as a powerful business tool. She shares how creativity, curiosity, and agile thinking shape modern brand building—from rapid-response marketing to culturally relevant campaigns. The conversation explores agency vs. brand-side life, the power of mentorship, and why the future of marketing may actually be more human and more “in real life” than ever before.Tune in to learn how creativity, culture, and agile thinking help brands move at the speed of the internet and why the future of marketing may be more human than ever.

In this episode, Gordon talks with Nikita Kucheryavy, Digital Activation Head at Mars Petcare, about his journey from professional ballroom dancer to a decade-long career at Mars. Nikita shares how the company's culture and values shaped his path, what it means to work at the intersection of retail media, marketing, and e-commerce, and why embracing change—especially in the age of AI—is essential for marketers today.Tune in to get how curiosity, purpose and adaptability fuel long-term growth.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler speaks with Anja Spielmann, VP Global Brand Strategy & Growth at Mars' Royal Canin, about building brands with long-term thinking.From starting as a marketing assistant at Ferrero to leading global brand transformations at Mars, Anja shares lessons on courage, leadership, and why choosing the right manager matters more than choosing the right job.They explore the power of family-owned companies, what marketers can learn from category dynamics, how she helped transform Ben's Original and why the future of marketing will be radically reshaped by AI.Tune in to find out why choosing the right manager matters more than choosing the right job. 

In this episode, Gordon Euchler speaks with Robyn Parks, Vice President and National Head of Marketing Strategy & Growth at Verizon.Robyn shares the unconventional path that took her from engineering studies to HR, and eventually into marketing leadership—building a two-decade career inside one company. She talks about the power of mentorship, why breadth of experience early in a career can matter more than rapid promotions, and how some of the biggest professional lessons come from parenting.They also explore leadership during the COVID era and why chasing impact matters more than chasing titles.Tune in to understand why the future of marketing will be shaped where technology, humanity and business meet.

In this episode, Gordon hosts Per Christiansen, Consultant - Brand, Marketing & Media at Advisory. From agency strategist to global marketing leader at KAYAK, Per shares what it really takes to scale travel brands at speed. He walks us through the high-stakes growth journey of Momondo — scaling fast, entering new markets in weeks and treating marketing like an investment portfolio, not an ad department. The conversation dives into experimentation at scale, why marketers must “throw the textbooks out the window,” and how even hard-to-measure channels like Premier League sponsorships can be turned into measurable growth engines.Tune in for a conversation about curiosity, challenger thinking and staying objective in a world where every channel eventually peaks.

In this episode, Gordon speaks with Omer Waysman, VP Marketing B2C North America at Michelin, who shares a powerful journey across industries — from Microsoft to Danone — and across continents, from Paris to the American South.What unfolds is more than a marketing career. It's a masterclass in resilience, brand building, and servant leadership. Omer opens up about failing spectacularly during a live demo, why selling a product you don't love can make you a better marketer and how winter tires can create an emotional experience of trust. Most of all, he reveals why the real KPI that excites him isn't market share — it's people growth.Tune in for insights about culture, confidence and what it really means to build brands that matter.

In this episode, Gordon sits down with Alex Nicholson, Senior Director of Digital Strategy at AstraZeneca, whose career spans from record stores and underground event promotion to leading social media transformation at USA TODAY and working with iconic brands like National Geographic.A true early pioneer of social media (full-time since 2007), Alex reflects on riding the first wave of digital disruption and what today's AI boom can learn from it. From securing facebook.com/USAToday in the early days to training 140 journalists to break news on Twitter, she shares hard-earned lessons about change management, authenticity, and the tension between technology and humanity. The conversation dives into connection, credibility, media responsibility and why the future may belong to those who can contextualize, not just create.Tune in for a exploration of digital evolution  and a reminder that in every wave of innovation, the real opportunity lies in understanding how humans connect.

In this episode, Gordon sits down with Katie Fernands, former Marketing Director at Prudential Financial and former VP Growth Marketing Manager at U.S. Bank, to explore the deeply human side of money. From personal loss and becoming a primary caregiver to shaping ultra-high-net-worth strategies, Katie shares how her lived experiences transformed her understanding of financial stability. She reveals how curiosity drew her into the industry, why “simplicity is a superpower,” and how AI should free us for deeper human connection—not replace it. Tune in for a future-facing conversation on emotional money and why the most rational decisions often begin with understanding what we feel.

In this episode, Gordon speaks with Bhavna Satyanarayan, Head of Corporate Brand Strategy & Positioning at BASF.From agency life to global leadership roles across India, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, Bhavna shares how storytelling, strong mentorship and bold career moves shaped her journey — including returning to BASF after exploring new paths at Volvo Buses. They discuss aligning brand with business strategy, building global teams from scratch, the power of purpose-driven brands like Patagonia, and why the future of marketing lies in bringing humans and AI together — not choosing between them.Tune in for a conversation about curiosity, courage, and crafting brands that truly stand for something.

In this episode, Sandra speaks with Ginevra Adamoli-Kalbli, Director of Marketing Intelligence and Digital Analytics at Marriott International.From academia and early social media research to agency life at Epsilon and global hospitality, Ginevra shares how her love of culture, diversity, and understanding people shaped a non-linear and powerful career in analytics.They explore the evolution of “big data,” the challenge of connecting fragmented customer journeys, and why AI isn't optional anymore — it's about how creatively you use it.Tune in for a sharp conversation about insight, innovation, and the future of marketing intelligence.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler speaks with Mareike Bell, CSR & Sustainability Director for L'Oréal Consumer Products Division in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Mareike reflects on her 18-year journey in the beauty industry—from category management at Henkel to leadership roles at L'Oréal—and shares how sustainability, refills and cultural change have become her personal mission. Tune in for insights on learning outside your comfort zone, leading with vulnerability and why optimism is a critical skill when driving real transformation.

In this episode Gordon hosts Therese Bork, Director Marketing, Head of Brand and Partnerships, Nordics & Baltics for Visa. She shares an honest story about ambition, joy and choosing a career path that feels right—even when it doesn't look linear on paper. From fashion and design to the Stockholm School of Economics, from Mondelez to Amazon, and now leading branded partnerships for Visa across the Nordics and Baltics, Therese has always followed one guiding principle: spark joy. She reflects on the courage it takes to leave great roles behind and discovering that loyalty itself can be a superpower. Tune in for a conversation about self-belief, growth and embracing the scenic route—professionally and personally.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler sits down with Michelle van der Veen, Global Direct-to-Consumer Lead for Specialized Nutrition at Danone. Michelle shares her unconventional journey from art history and museums into global digital commerce, how COVID fast-tracked Danone's DTC ambitions and why DTC is less about selling more—and more about serving better. The conversation explores personalization, AI, patient-centric platforms and what it really takes to build meaningful digital services inside a global corporation.Tune in to get insights about building what matters. 

In this epsiode, Gordon speaks with Lea Drusio, Marketing Director at Nespresso Germany. She shares her non-linear journey from startups and agencies to global brands. From learning performance marketing in the early Rocket Internet days to leading highly emotional categories like pet care and coffee, Lea reflects on trust-based leadership, the courage to say no, and why corporate environments can be powerful platforms for real impact. Tune in for insights about brand consistency, human connection in a tech-driven world, and what truly excites marketers looking ahead.

*german episode*In this episode Gordon hosts Michael Lüttgen, Chief Customer Officer at Kaufland and former CMO at Biedronka for Jerónimo Martins, OBI and Lidl. From challenger mindsets and retail scale to customer insight, price reality, and leadership without ego, Michael shares why marketing is not advertising, why consistency beats copycats, and why understanding people matters more than winning arguments. Tune in for a sharp episode about impact, complexity and staying grounded in reality.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler sits down with Angeliki Kazantzidi, Head of Marketing Northern Europe at Kenvue, to talk about leadership without ego, the power of learning agility, and what it really takes to manage complex brand portfolios across cultures.With nearly two decades at Johnson & Johnson / Kenvue, Angeliki shares her unconventional career path from chemistry to marketing, why she returned to the same company twice, and how purpose-driven brands, great teams, and curiosity fuel long-term success. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about people-first leadership, mentoring and the future of marketing in the age of AI.

In this episode, Dave Cobban sits down with Guido Gennari, Executive Director Product Management at JP Morgan Chase. From Buenos Aires to New York, Dallas and now JP Morgan Chase, Guido's career is a masterclass in embracing change. He shares how strong analytical foundations, customer obsession, and curiosity shaped his journey from KPMG to leading product management for nearly 300,000 employees worldwide.The conversation dives into the balance between data and human insight, the power of killing your ego, building memorable customer experience cultures and why AI isn't here to replace us—but to help us go faster and think bigger. Tune in to get insights about growth, leadership and designing experiences that truly work.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler sits down with Lucia Martinez Barrenechea, Global Strategy and Competitor Intelligence Lead for Beauty & Wellbeing Business Group at Unilever, to unpack how global FMCG giants really think and compete. From a law degree in Spain to shaping strategy across a beauty and personal care business, Lucia shares how decoding competitors, understanding organizational structures, and tracking trends like longevity, AI, and social commerce are redefining the beauty industry. Tune in for insights about markets in motion, brands that endure and the people who shape meaningful careers.

In this episode Gordon Euchler hosts Danyal Syed Ali, Head of Consumer and Customer Insights at IKEA, to explore his journey from early startup life in Pakistan to global brands like Nestlé, the BBC, and ultimately one of the world's most loved retailers.Danyal shares what it really takes to evolve an iconic brand in a time shaped by AI, omnichannel complexity, and changing customer expectations—without losing the warmth and humanity that made the brand successful in the first place. The conversation also dives into IKEA's unique culture, what keeps people there for decades, the power of diversity and inclusion in retail, and Danyal's growing interest in responsible consumerism and the role businesses must play in protecting the future of our planet.Tune in to find out what it takes to stay relevant while staying human.

In this episode, Gordon sits down with Natasha Maharaj, Senior Global Brands Director at The Heineken Company. With a career spanning Unilever, Nestlé, PepsiCo and now Heineken, Natasha shares how world-class FMCG brands are built at the intersection of creativity, culture, and commercial impact.From her belief that “marketing chose me,” to shaping iconic beer brands around human connection and togetherness, Natasha reflects on leadership, curiosity, experimentation, and why timeless insights matter even more in an AI-driven world. Tune in for a conversation on brand courage, creativity at scale and the future of marketing.

In this episode, Dave sits down with Matt Kerbel, Global Brand Strategist and Marketing Leader at Turo. With nearly two decades of experience across challenger brands like Lyft, Call of Duty, MeUndies and now Turo, Matt shares how curiosity, empathy and human connection have shaped his career.From formative childhood experiences in multicultural Toronto to career-defining mentorship moments, Matt reflects on what great leadership really looks like, why fundamentals still matter in an AI-driven world, and how brands can build meaning beyond transactions. Tune in for insights on staying human in an ever-accelerating industry.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler hosts Rob Edwards, Head of Media Digital at Arla Foods, shares his journey from local press to leading brand media, reflecting on the power of creativity, personality, and storytelling in an increasingly data-driven world. He explores the role of partnerships, mergers, and integrity in shaping brands that stand out, and why connecting with people—at all levels—is the secret to lasting impact. Tune in to get inspired on building a brand with personality.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler sits down with Alexander Shmelkov, Director of Consumer & Brand Insight at IKEA, to talk about what it really takes to evolve a global brand tracker. Alex shares his journey from economic sociology and GfK to the client side, and offers a behind-the-scenes look at leading large-scale change in a values-driven, consensus-oriented organization. The conversation covers brand tracking transformation, change management, IKEA's culture, and what excites Alex about the future of marketing in an increasingly complex world.Tune in to get first-hand insights  of one of our most beloved brand! 

In this episode, Sandra Peat sits down with Elle McCarthy to explore a career defined by transformation. From her early days in advertising to senior leadership roles at EA and the Ford Motor Company, Elle shares how failure, curiosity, and the intersection of art and science shaped her path. Together they unpack brand as a driver of cultural and business change, the power of leading transformation from within, and what excites Elle now—from AI-driven strategy to building the future of brands. Tune in for a conversation about growth, impact, and reimagining what brand leadership can be.

In this episode, Sandra Peat is joined by Richard De Villa, Marketing Director for the UK, Ireland and Nordics at Club Med. Richard shares his journey through the travel industry—from destination marketing at the Philippines Embassy to airlines, and finally to leading one of the world's most iconic holiday brands.Together they explore the power of storytelling, what makes Club Med's all-inclusive experience truly distinctive, and how technology and AI are reshaping the future of travel. Tune in for insights about customer experience, innovation, and why travel remains one of the most exciting industries to work in.

In this episode, Sandra Peat is joined by Lucas Bergmans, Global Marketing Director at Wise, to explore a career that spans FMCG giants, challenger brands, startups, and fintech. Lucas shares how he moved from languages into marketing and ultimately made the leap into digital-first financial services. Together, they discuss the shift from brand-led to product-led businesses, building growth in fast-paced fintech environments, the power of founder-led cultures, and what excites Lucas most about Wise's mission and future—plus his perspective on AI and what it could unlock next.Tune in for insights on Building challenger brands, driving growth and some witty anecdotes. 

In this episode, Gordon Euchler sits down with special guest Allyson Witherspoon, CMO and Global Brand Advisor at Nissan Motor Corporation, to talk about leadership, brand transformation, and the power of taking bold leaps. Allyson shares her journey from accounting student to global marketing leader, her experiences across iconic automotive brands, and the mentors who shaped her career. They explore Nissan's ongoing transformation, the role of creativity inside large corporations, inspiration from brands beyond automotive, and what excites her about the future of marketing—especially the impact of AI. Tune in for a candid conversation about boundaries, curiosity, and building brands with purpose.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler speaks with Zsuzsanna Szak, Global Category Director at Henkel, about building a global FMCG career driven by curiosity, ownership, and people-centric leadership.Zsuzsanna shares her journey from early marketing roles at FrieslandCampina to nearly a decade at Colgate-Palmolive, followed by senior leadership roles at Henkel across multiple countries. Having lived and worked in six countries, she reflects on how international experience, adaptability, and continuous learning have shaped her leadership style.The conversation explores what marketing looks like beyond campaigns, the value of cross-functional collaboration, and why people centricity is essential in both marketing and leadership. Zsuzsanna also introduces her perspective on endurance versus resilience, explaining why sustainable routines and long-term thinking matter more than short bursts of effort in today's fast-changing world.Tune in to find out how to stay grounded while navigating constant change.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler speaks with Amina Mattern, Head of Marketing for Canada and LATAM at Indeed. Amina shares her career journey from psychology and journalism into global marketing leadership roles across agencies, LinkedIn, and now Indeed.They discuss the evolution of digital marketing, the importance of aligning marketing and sales, and how brands can balance growth with ethics and responsible data use. Amina also reflects on leadership, mentorship, and how personal experiences have shaped her approach to work.Tune in to take a look to the future of marketing, where Amina explains why mentoring the next generation of marketers and using AI to unlock creativity excites her most.

In this short episode of Spikes Excitement Talks, Gordon Euchler speaks with Mona Elsaka, VP Global Sponsorships & Partnerships at Mastercard,  about the evolving role of marketing at the intersection of culture, technology, and human passion. Mona shares her journey from social impact work to leading major brand and communication functions, and why brand partnerships and human connection remain at the heart of meaningful marketing.She reflects on mentors who shaped her mindset, the importance of not taking things personally, and why authentic, trust-building storytelling will define the future.Tune in for a refreshing chat about creativity, collaboration, and the power of people in a tech-driven world.

In this episode of Spikes Excitement Talks Gordon Euchler hosts  Julien Moignard, Global Chief Prospective Innovation and Design Officer & SVP - Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever.The conversation explores the future of beauty, innovation, and leadership. Julien shares his journey from a family of pharmacists to working with L'Oréal and Estée Lauder, and now driving Unilever's transformation into a true beauty company.He discusses how he blends innovation, design, and sustainability to create products that inspire confidence, joy, and desire. Furthermore foresight, mentoring, and shaping the future of work and life, while balancing business ambition with human responsibility. Tune in for a conversation packed with passion, vision and the art of making beauty meaningful.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler talks with Gabriele Haessig, Managing Director for Communications and Sustainability at Procter & Gamble Deutschland (Germany). With a remarkable career spanning decades at P&G, Gabriele shares her journey from economics student to leading sustainability and communications for one of the world's biggest brands. She discusses how purpose and sustainability are woven into the fabric of P&G, shaping everything from product innovation to global partnerships. Gabriele also dives into her vision for the future—a future where brands are co-created with purpose, sustainability is no longer optional, and businesses actively contribute to a better world for generations to come.Tune in for an motivating conversation on how brands can drive meaningful change and why the future is brighter than we think.

In this episode, Gordon speaks with Marco Philipp Koppenstein, Head of Category Development DACH at Mars Wrigley, about excitement, leadership, and the future of retail.Marco shares how he found his way to Mars, why he stayed, and what makes the company's purpose. He explains how his team works as a neutral, data-driven category consulting unit, optimizing store touchpoints, checkout layouts, and impulse modules to grow entire categories, not just brands.They talk about inspiring leaders, why the best ones stay in the background, and how Marco's own team motivates him daily. He also reveals what excites him about the future: AI-driven retail, seamless shopping, and shaping the next generation of in-store experiences.Tune in for an inspiring talk about purpose, growth, and the people who make work exciting.

In this episode, Gordon speaks with Mark Grether — one of the rare leaders who has built billion-dollar advertising businesses at Amazon, Uber, and now PayPal. Mark shares the story behind selling Seismic to Amazon as their first-ever advertising acquisition, how he helped turn Uber profitable through ads, and why PayPal's transaction graph may be one of the most powerful data assets in the industry.He explains how PayPal Ads is being built from the ground up and how innovations like storefront ads let people buy products directly inside any publisher environment — without ever leaving the page.Along the way, Mark reflects on the people and principles that shaped his career, from German media pioneers to Amazon's leadership culture. And we end on the big one: what excites him about the future of advertising in the age of AI.Tune in for a conversation about data, identity, commerce, and the next wave of advertising innovation.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler speaks with Matteo Giarrizzo, Head of Media & Digital at Opella (Sanofi), about his journey from media agencies to major global brands like Samsung, Vodafone, L'Oréal, and Henkel—leading up to his current role in the fast-evolving consumer health sector.Matteo shares how media has always been the engine of change, why FMCG mindsets are reshaping healthcare, and how AI is transforming the relationship between content, audiences, and brands. He reflects on global transformation projects, the mentors who pushed him beyond his comfort zone, and why the future of marketing is exciting precisely because it's unpredictable.Tune in for a concise conversation about change, curiosity, and building the future of media.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler sits down with Cristian Grajales—a marketing leader with an extraordinary journey spanning more than 15 years at Audi, global roles across continents, a leap into autonomous-driving tech, and now CMO at Germany's long-established homebuilding company, Viebrockhaus.What connects selling sports cars and selling homes? As Cristian reveals: a car takes you from A to B—but a home brings you home. Together, they explore the deep emotional power behind buying a house, the German one-time-in-a-lifetime homeownership mindset, and how these insights shaped Viebrock's new campaign “Einmal im Leben”.The conversation addresses how early hardship shaped Cristian's work ethic and global mindset, the creative giants and empathetic leaders who shaped his career, navigating the scale and speed of a global automotive brand and why the future of marketing belongs to human creativity amid exponential tech and AI.Tune in for an insightful conversation about career, creativity, and the places we choose to call home.

In this episode, Gordon sits down with Steffen Zeller, CMO of Rügenwalder Mühle – the German food pioneer that taught an entire nation to love veggie meat. Steffen shares his unusual journey from physics student to FMCG marketer, shaped by mentors, challenges, and a love for food discovered on the beaches of La Rochelle.He talks about reviving iconic brands, launching innovations with tiny budgets, bringing the Captain back from sea, and what it's like to run marketing in a company that produces both meat and plant-based alternatives under one roof.Steffen also gives a rare inside look at how his team blends marketing fundamentals with entrepreneurial test-balloons, how agencies become one team instead of suppliers, and why consistency beats pressure.And in the end, he shares what really excites him about the future: not just the next campaign, but the responsibility—and opportunity to transform how we eat.Tune in to get inspired to do things differently.