Spikes Excitement Talks

What does it take to succeed when the rules of the game are changing? In this episode, Gordon hosts Colin McQuay, Senior Director and Head of Strategic Revenue Management at Nestlé, who shares his perspective on the future of work, data science, AI, leadership and the evolving CPG landscape.From combining analytics with human understanding to building careers across different disciplines, Colin explores why the playbook that got companies to 2025 won't necessarily get them to 2050. He also discusses the rapid evolution of AI, why empathy and context will become even more important, and what it means to help people grow beyond what they thought was possible.Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about rewriting the rules, making data useful, embracing AI, and helping people build the skills for what comes next.

What happens when you stop following a perfectly planned career path and start saying yes to new opportunities?In this episode, Gordon sits down with Linde Scheers, Head of Marketing & Communications at ING Germany, to talk about an unconventional career journey spanning Google, N26, eBay and now ING. Linde describes herself as an “accidental marketer” — but her story is anything but accidental.From learning the fundamentals of sales at Google and spending a decade in an environment built around ambition and continuous learning, to deliberately stepping outside her comfort zone and experiencing the chaos of a fast-growing fintech, Linde shares what each chapter taught her about growth, leadership and making an impact.They also explore why financial services can be made genuinely exciting, the power of having a personal “board of mentors,” and why the rapid rise of AI is creating a new kind of excitement for marketers.Tune in to find out why disruption might actually be something to look forward to.

What does it take to disrupt one of the world's oldest industries?In this episode, Maik Hofmann sits down with Bastian Gierull, CEO of Octopus Energy Germany, for a conversation about startups, innovation, leadership, climate change and the mindset needed to transform an entire market.Bastian shares the journey that took him from marketing and e-commerce through telecommunications and a series of startups to the energy industry and explains why he was drawn to Octopus Energy's ambition to challenge an established market.From growing Octopus Germany from just a few thousand customers to one million, to building technology that is now used by other energy companies, Bastian talks openly about what excites him most: freedom, responsibility, non-conformity and the willingness to fail, learn and try again.The conversation also explores why Bastian believes the energy transition can no longer wait, how technology can accelerate change, and why Octopus sees itself not simply as an energy supplier, but as an energy tech company. At the heart of the conversation is a simple idea: the future isn't something we should keep talking about. It is something we need to build now.Tune in to hear why the energy transition needs action today, why failure is essential to innovation, and how challenging the status quo can create better outcomes for customers, businesses and the planet.

What if plastic waste could become currency for clean water, education, healthcare, connectivity—and a pathway out of poverty?In this episode, Maik Hofmann sits down with David Katz, founder of Plastic Bank, to explore a radically different approach to business, marketing and social impact. David shares how Plastic Bank turns discarded plastic into a resource that helps people in impoverished communities access essential services while creating a circular supply chain for global brands.But this conversation goes far beyond plastic. David talks about entrepreneurship, leadership, self-actualization, purpose and what it means to create the conditions for other people to change the world. He challenges the traditional idea of success and explains why, for him, business is ultimately about service, aliveness and creating prosperity for everyone involved.Tune in for a powerful conversation about turning waste into opportunity, purpose into action, and business into a force for meaningful change.

What if AI isn't the story but the relationship between humans and machines is?In this unusual airport episode, Dom Heinrich joins Maik Hofmann for a fast-moving conversation about creativity, technology, design and the future of our industry. Dom brings more than 25 years of experience at the intersection of creativity and technology, from his early days as an art director and creative technologist to his work in AI, design intelligence and innovation.Today, as Co-Founder of Creative AI Academy, Global Head of Design Intelligence at The Coca-Cola Company and Professor for AI Design at Pratt, Dom has a front-row seat to the transformation taking place around AI. But his perspective is refreshingly different from the usual AI conversation, he argues that we are still thinking too linearly about the technology  and that the real opportunity lies in understanding AI as a new kind of collaborator. Rather than trying to make machines more like humans, we need to understand what makes humans uniquely valuable.Tune in for a inspiring chat about AI, creativity and the future of human-machine collaboration.

What happens when marketing stops being the “decoration at the end of the value chain” and becomes a genuine lens into the market?In this episode, Gordon Euchler talks with David Krampe, Head of Marketing & Sales Enablement Europe North at Michelin, about connecting the things organizations too often keep apart: technology and customers, data and human behavior, strategy and execution, and marketing and sales.David shares how his career in a highly technical, engineering-driven environment taught him to translate technology into tangible customer value  and why marketing needs to earn its place at the table early in the process.Rather than asking whether AI will replace people, David argues for a more useful question: How can AI help people focus on what humans do best? From sharper customer insights to better coaching and less friction in sales and marketing, the opportunity is not simply greater efficiency but more human connection. They also explore what companies can learn from the explosive growth of AI businesses, the organizational chaos that can accompany hypergrowth, and why curiosity and adaptability may matter more than ever.Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation about making technology work for people and using AI not to make commercial organizations less human, but more human.

What does it take to build a marketing career across Italy, France, Luxembourg, India and China and still stay curious about every new culture and consumer?In this episode, Alessandro Panella sits down with Amedeo Aragona, Marketing Director for Kinder in China at Ferrero, for a conversation about global marketing, cultural adaptation, leadership and the fast-changing world of consumer behaviour.Amedeo shares the journey that took him from Confindustria in Rome to an MBA in Milan and eventually to Ferrero, where he has spent more than 14 years working across markets and brands. He reflects on what attracted him to Ferrero, why the company's values have remained so important through its growth, and how a strong culture can create an environment where people genuinely want to help each other.The conversation gets particularly insightful when Amedeo compares his experiences in India and China. From understanding how differently people communicate to adapting marketing strategies to radically different media habits, he explains why being a "guest" in another culture means learning to adapt rather than expecting others to adapt to you.He also dives into the evolution of brands like Kinder Joy and Kinder Bueno, the challenge of engaging Gen Z, China's extraordinary digital consumption, and why marketers need to be ready for whatever comes next.Tune in for Amedeo's insights on building a global career, marketing across cultures, learning from people, and turning uncertainty into one of the most exciting parts of the journey.

What does it take to build a marketing career, create lasting impact, and stay curious in a world transformed by AI? In this episode, Gordon talks to Vincent Sieben, Head of Marketing, International Region, Healthcare Informatics at Philips, about purpose-driven marketing, career growth, sustaining ideas, and the opportunities AI is creating in healthcare.Vincent shares the unconventional start to his career — he once dreamed of becoming a professional drummer—and how studying marketing ultimately gave him the energy and curiosity to build a career in technical B2B environments.A key theme of the conversation is sustaining: not simply stopping to rest, but giving good ideas the time, depth and reach they need to reach their full potential. Vincent explains why successful initiatives should be replicated across markets, why careers cannot develop at the speed of social media, and why “on to the next” can sometimes get in the way of lasting impact. Looking ahead, Vincent is particularly excited about AI's potential to transform healthcare, from earlier cancer detection and better diagnosis to making marketing and sales operations dramatically more accessible and efficient across languages and markets.Tune in for insights on what marketers can learn from brands such as Nike and Salesforce, and why community, consistency and purpose matter just as much in B2B as they do in consumer marketing.

What can a decade at Amazon teach you about building a sports brand for the next ten years? In this episode, Gordon talks to Patrick Müller, Chief Digital Officer and Chief Marketing Officer at Decathlon Germany & Founder of Primatheltics, about leadership, e-commerce, brand building, and why he believes Decathlon has a “no-brainer winning story” ahead.Patrick shares the unexpected start to his career, from initially wanting to join the police to discovering his passion for business and marketing at Staedtler. He reflects on the intensity of his years at Amazon, the leaders who shaped his leadership style, and what ultimately pulled him toward sports, coaching and Decathlon.Tune in for a conversation explores how Decathlon combines the scale of a global corporation with the energy of a startup, why product expertise and human-centric leadership matter, and what brands like Red Bull can teach us about creating experiences that go far beyond the product itself.

What happens when 20 years of media fragmentation meets AI? In this episode, Gordon sits down with Peter Grant, Interim Media Director at Boots, who reflects on his journey from asking customers at Woolworths why they bought what they bought to navigating the rapidly changing world of AI, agentic search and media. He argues that AI's greatest opportunity may not be creating something entirely new, but pulling together the vast amounts of intelligence and knowledge we already have.The conversation explores the danger of atomisation, why marketers need to resist drowning in metrics and why the hardest question is often the simplest: “Is what we're doing actually worth it?”Peter also shares his ambition to create the “perfect campaign”, inspired by Formula 1 legend Alain Prost's pursuit of the perfect lap, and explains why having an ideal is not about achieving perfection, but about having the clarity and focus to know what you are aiming for.Tune in for a conversation about AI, marketing, media, focus and why the future may belong to those who can finally bring it all together.

What happens when a career that starts with chemical engineering takes an unexpected turn into finance, sports, beauty, digital transformation and leadership?In this episode, Gordon speaks with Jessika Link, Head of Marketing and Digital Channel Germany at Avon, who shares her journey that took her from studying chemical and biological engineering to joining PUMA through a chance conversation over coffee and cake and eventually spending almost nine years at Avon, rising from intern to Head of Marketing and Digital Channel Germany.Jessika talks about why she was drawn to the beauty industry, how she built a career by embracing opportunities before she had all the answers and what she learned from leading teams and transformation across markets.Looking ahead, she explores what excites her most about AI, agentic commerce and the future of marketing and why, despite all the technology, the human factor will matter more than ever.Tune in for a conversation about embracing the unknown and building your career through bold moves.

In this episode, Gordon hosts Jim Real, Founder & Chief Creative Officer at Jim Real Creative, Real Thinking Consultancy. After shaping creative work for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and Disney Parks around the world, Jim has embarked on a new journey: helping organizations harness the power of storytelling to solve real business challenges and create lasting emotional connections.During the conversation he reflects on his years at Disney, the lessons he learned from some of advertising's greatest creative leaders and why the best ideas are never „sold“ but built together through partnership, insight and trust. He explains why every touchpoint is part of the story, why experiences matter more than ever in an AI-driven world and why the most exciting work starts with what he calls good trouble: doing something with positive intent that hasn't been done before.Tune in for a masterclass in creativity, leadership and the art of turning human truths into unforgettable brand experiences.

In this episode, Gordon sits down with Vasu Read, European Marketing Communication Lead at Nestlé, who has worked with some of the world's best-known brands like Nescafé, KitKat and Maggi to Starbucks and Nespresso . Vasu shares her journey into marketing, reflects on leading purpose-driven initiatives such as Nespresso's recycling programme and discusses why today's marketing landscape, despite AI, fragmentation and constant change, is the most exciting it has ever been. They explore why brands need to earn legitimacy, how AI should be seen as an enabler rather than the destination and why going back to the fundamentals of brand building is the key to future growth.Tune in to find out what it takes to lead some of the world's most iconic brands in the age of AI.

In this episode, Gordon hosts Julian Probst, who after nearly 15 years at P&G made the leap to financial services as CMO of BNP Paribas Personal Investors Germany. He shares why there are no boring categories, only undiscovered human insights, and how the principles of world-class brand building apply just as much to finance as they do to consumer goods. Julian also discusses the role of mentorship, why marketing must bridge creativity and technology  and how AI is reshaping the future of marketing by freeing teams to focus on what matters most: creativity and customer understanding.Tune in to hear why the best brands aren't built on products. They're built on human truths, courageous decisions and a relentless customer-first mindset.

In this episode, Gordon speaks with Christina Müller, Head of Marketing DACH at Haleon, who reflects on a career spanning Unilever, Kraft Heinz and award-winning campaigns that challenged convention, most notably the viral red cabbage pizza campaign for Kühne. She shares why marketers need to embrace risk, how to build brands that become part of culture, and why AI is making creativity more important, not less. Tune in for an exciting chat on why the biggest risk in marketing is playing it safe and how bold creativity can unlock extraordinary growth.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler talks with Vera Cvetkovic, Head of Marketing Business Operations & Analytics at Canada Post. With a career spanning engineering, marketing technology, global consulting, and enterprise transformation, Vera shares how she navigated decades of technological change from the early days of email marketing and Google's acquisition of DoubleClick to leading AI adoption and digital modernization today. The conversation explores balancing innovation with business value, the importance of mentorship, career resilience, and why success is built through curiosity, patience and purpose rather than shortcuts.Tune in to hear why lasting careers are built one opportunity at a time and how staying true to your values matter more than chasing the latest technology.

In this episode, Gordon speaks with Heana Thakur, Head of Marketing for Argos Marketplace at Sainsbury's. Heana shares her unconventional career journey from discovering her passion for data-driven marketing in agency life to leading one of Sainsbury's largest transformation projects. Together, they explore career-defining decisions, the importance of great managers and company culture, what makes marketing genuinely valuable to customers, and why curiosity and critical thinking matter more than ever in the age of AI.Tune in to hear how Heana built a career by embracing uncertainty, following the data, and staying relentlessly customer-focused—from agency life to leading one of retail's most exciting transformation projects.

What remains constant when brands, technology, and leadership are changing faster than ever?In this episode, Alessandro Panella speaks with Khanh Huynh-Kürzinger, author of the forthcoming book "Leading with Humanity". She reflects on a career spanning P&G, BSH and Siemens, where she led global brand transformations before embarking on a new journey as an author. She shares why the fundamentals of great branding never change, how purpose creates lasting impact,and why the future belongs to leaders who create environments where people can thrive, especially in the age of AI.Tune in for an inspiring conversation on timeless brand building, authentic leadership and why leading with humanity may be the greatest competitive advantage.

What does it take to build an iconic brand in a market where it's still just getting started? In this episode, Gordon is joined by Derek Zoeger, Head of Customer Marketing, Continental Europe at The Hershey Company. He shares his journey from Peru to Germany, why a career in sales changed his perspective forever and what it's like to combine the agility of a startup with the backing of one of the world's most recognized confectionery companies. Tune in for a conversation about people, leadership, cultural curiosity and the excitement of building something that lasts.

What does it take to stay ahead when technology reshapes marketing every day? In this episode, Gordon hosts Inez Fun, Global Digital Director for Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever. She shares why the ability to learn and unlearn has defined her career, from agencies and Yahoo to leading global AI transformation. Furthermore she discusses building AI-powered marketing at scale, simplifying complexity, leading through change and why curiosity remains the ultimate competitive advantage.Tune in to discover why the future belongs to those who can learn faster, unlearn boldly and simplify complexity into action.

In this episode, Gordon hosts Prashant SUkhwani, former VP Marketing at Burger King and now leading the next chapter of his career as Managing Partner, Publicis Digital Experience (PDX), at Publicis Groupe. From selling products in remote villages across India to leading marketing for Burger King India, Prashant has built his career by understanding people, culture and what truly captures attention. During the conversation he shares the stories behind Burger King's bold campaigns, why marketers must stay humble and how the rules of marketing are changing in the age of data and AI.Tune in for stories from the front lines of modern marketing, where memes, cricket, Bollywood and consumer psychology all become part of the creative playbook.

In this episode, Gordon speaks with Steve Greig, SVP Marketing, Communications & PR at Redwood Credit Union. He has built brands across beer, payments, fintech and financial services, from Heineken and Visa to Redwood Credit Union. Steve reflects on navigating career pivots, building global marketing programs, finding great mentors and why AI is making creativity more valuable, not less.Tune in to hear why growth and comfort never coexist, how global brands succeed across cultures and why the future of marketing belongs to storytellers who embrace change.

In this episode, Gordon is joined by Jim Cervantes, VP Marketing, Crunch, 100G, Raisinets at Ferrero USA, who shares his journey from selling candy at school in Mexico to leading iconic confectionery brands at Ferrero USA. He talks about building brands through curiosity, balancing creativity with commercial discipline, why Ferrero's brand-first culture stands out, and how AI can become a creative partner for marketers, not a replacement.Tune in to hear why the best marketers think like business leaders, why curiosity is a career superpower and how iconic brands stay relevant in a rapidly changing world.

In this epsiode, Gordon speaks with Andrea Zappolini, Marketing Director, Digital and Commerce Activation at Puma.From childhood inspiration in Italian advertising to leading digital marketing at Puma, Andrea shares the career decisions, mentors and moments that shaped his journey through Nike, Zalando, Adidas, and beyond. The conversation explores sports, e-commerce, AI and why, despite rapid technological change, people remain the true competitive advantage.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about sports marketing, career growth, AI and why the human element will always matter most.

In this episode, Gordon is joined by Dirk Schuelgen, Marketing Expert and former Managing Director Marketing International at ALDI Nord.From helping build Electronic Arts during the gaming boom to leading marketing at Nike and ALDI Nord, Dirk has spent his career embracing new industries, new challenges and new perspectives. He shares why growth comes from stepping into the unknown, why customer obsession beats assumptions, and how the best leaders combine empathy with ambition.Tune in to hear why curiosity, courage and customer obsession have guided one of Europe's most accomplished marketing leaders across some of the world's most iconic brands.

In this episode, Gordon welcomes Paolo Narag, Global Brand Director Sheba at Mars, who shares why the future of marketing won't belong to those with the most data, but to those who understand people best.At just 29, Paolo Narag has already built an impressive career, leading global brands at both Procter & Gamble and Mars. From the importance of mentors and courageous career decisions to building trust, creativity and truly human brands, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone passionate about brand building.Tune in to discover why the marketers who thrive in the AI era will be those who never lose sight of the human behind the data.

In this episode, Gordon speaks with Fabio Kadow, Global Media Director at Puma. Fabio shares his journey from journalism and Vogue Brazil to leading global media strategy for one of the world's most recognized sports brands.The conversation explores the challenge of aligning global campaigns across more than 30 markets, building influence without command-and-control structures and why sports remain one of the most powerful platforms for brands in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.Fabio also reflects on his move from Brazil to Puma's global headquarters, the lessons he learned working with legendary athletes and entrepreneurs, and why authentic human experiences may become even more valuable in an AI-powered world.Tune in for a discussion on sports, media, sponsorship, consumer behavior and the delicate balance between digital innovation and authentic human connection.

In this episode, Gordon speaks with Olaf Geuer, Group Head of Brand at Swisscom. With a career spanning the BBC, Channel 4, digital innovation, academia and more than 16 years at one of Europe's most respected telecom brands, Olaf brings a unique perspective on the intersection of trust, technology and creativity.The conversation explores how brands can embrace AI without losing authenticity, why trust may become the most valuable asset in an age of accelerating innovation and what it takes to guide a heritage brand into the future. Olaf also reflects on lessons learned from London's creative scene, the digital transformation of the BBC and the enduring power of brands that stay true to their purpose while constantly evolving.Tune in to find out how great brands balance stability and change and why trust remains a competitive advantage in an increasingly digital world.

In this episode Gordon sits down with Jakob Edman, Head of Brand at WASA, part of the Barilla Group. From producing shows at MTV to shaping global brands at Red Bull, agencies and now WASA, Jakob shares a refreshingly honest view on career twists, creativity and modern marketing.They discuss why storytelling remains at the heart of great brands, what it takes to make a 100-year-old crispbread brand relevant for Gen Z and why the best marketers aren't always the ones who perfect ideas but the ones who dare to challenge them.Tune in to explore leadership, agency-versus-client life, the coming transformation of the food industry and Jakob's surprisingly ambitious personal goal: becoming a space tourist someday.

What do Japan, customer centricity, aviation, food innovation and AI have in common?In this episode, Gordon sits down with Catherine Beriere, Head of Insight broad experience from Billion dollar brands to digital first scale-ups and currently Global Insight Lead for Animal and Pet at ADM, to discuss a career built on curiosity, cultural bridges and human-centric growth. From uncovering unmet consumer needs in Japan to transforming businesses at Nestlé and improving passenger experiences in aviation, Catherine shares why understanding people remains the ultimate competitive advantage.The conversation also explores leadership, innovation, the future of AI in business and why technology works best when combined with genuine human insight.Tune in for a conversation on growth, curiosity, leadership and the power of putting people at the center of business.

In this episode, Gordon speaks with Dominic Grounsell, Chief Revenue Officer at the UK Post Office, about a career shaped by transformation, curiosity and a relentless focus on impact.From starting out at Unilever, where he learned the foundations of brand marketing, to building data-driven growth models at BT and Capital One, Dominic shares how each industry shift sharpened his understanding of what really drives performance: clarity, accountability and customer impact.The conversation explores why great marketing now sits at the intersection of creativity and analytics, how digital businesses have changed the speed of experimentation and why AI and data are reshaping how companies understand and serve customers.Tune in for a conversation on transformation, data and what it really takes to build brands in a world that changes by the second.

In this episode, Gordon speaks with Julian Sauer, Head of Marketing at Puma Group about his journey from sports journalism into global sports marketing. He shares how a deep passion for sport, especially basketball, shaped his early path into storytelling and ultimately led him from journalism into communications and marketing roles at Audi, Red Bull and Puma.The discussion explores his experience building a career across highly diverse sports and brand environments, from automotive and motorsports to global sports platforms and how he learned to combine strategic thinking with storytelling. Julian reflects on working in fast-moving, international sports organizations, the realities of global sports marketing across regions such as EMEA and Africa and how data, technology and AI are reshaping how sports brands engage with audiences and build emotional connections.Tune in to hear how a lifelong passion for sport can evolve into a global marketing career spanning some of the world's most iconic sports and lifestyle brands.

In this episode, Marcela Gutierrez, Global Head of Digital Analytics & Optimization at Fossil Group, shares how curiosity, continuous learning and taking initiative have shaped her 13-year career journey. From accidentally discovering her passion for analytics to pioneering AI-powered experimentation programs, Marcela explains why the most exciting opportunities often come from creating them yourself.She discusses the future of A/B testing, the impact of AI on decision-making and why the best career moves rarely come from waiting for someone else to offer them.Tune in to learn how curiosity can become a career strategy, why initiative beats waiting for opportunities and what excites one of the leading voices in digital analytics about the future of AI.

In this episode, Philipp Züllich, Global Head of Brand at Deutsche Bank, shares why branding is ultimately about people, stories, purpose and creating meaning.Drawing on experiences from design consulting, agency leadership and now one of the world's most recognized financial institutions, Philipp explores the intersection of strategy, philosophy, creativity and human connection. He explains why brands are built from the inside out, why every employee shapes a brand and why the future of branding may be less about controlling outputs and more about defining identity.Tune in to discover what it means to shape one of Germany's most iconic brands in a world transformed by AI, fragmented touchpoints and changing expectations.

In this episode, Alessandro Panella, Advisory Board Member of Spikes,  speaks with Fabrice Digonnet, EMEA Marketing Director, Transportation & Plastic Business at Dow, about a career built on curiosity, global experience and a deep passion for Material Science, Sustainability and People.From unexpectedly joining Dow in 1995 to working across cultures and leading global innovation projects, Fabrice shares how his journey was shaped by opportunity, intuition and a willingness to embrace change rather than resist it.He also opens up about what makes Dow unique, why chemistry and sustainability have always been central to his mindset and how the future of mobility is being reshaped by recycled materials and regulation-driven innovation.Tune in to know what keeps someone excited after 30 years at the same company and many more insights about leadership, disruptive innovation, materials circularity and the evolving future of mobility in a rapidly changing world.

In this episode, Aidan Beanland, a search industry veteran with nearly three decades of experience spanning the pre-Google era, Yahoo, Silicon Valley and now Optus, explores one of the biggest shifts in digital discovery since the birth of the internet.As search evolves into AI-powered answer engines, Aidan shares his perspective on the rise of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), the challenges of measuring visibility in a world of AI-generated answers and why the fundamentals of trust, authority and originality matter more than ever.Tune in to know more about the excitement and uncertainty of today's AI revolution and a compelling argument for doubling down on human experience in an increasingly automated world.

In this episode, Virginie Berçot, Global Brand Director at AXA, shares her journey from leading strategic and creative work at some of the world's most respected agencies to shaping one of the most ambitious brand transformations in business today.Virginie discusses why she believes creativity is a powerful force for positive change, how brands can connect business, society and customers and why the future belongs to organizations willing to challenge conventions. She also reflects on AXA's path to being named Cannes Lions Creative Brand of the Year and explains how purpose, consistency and long-term commitment can turn brand strategy into real-world impact.Tune in for insights about ambition, creativity, courage and the evolving role of brands in society.

In this episode, Steph Whitacre, Merchandise Director at Vans, shares her perspective on navigating one of the most transformative periods in retail. From her early days at Bergdorf Goodman and Burberry to leading merchandising at iconic brands, Steph reflects on the growing tension between AI-driven innovation and the enduring importance of product, brand identity and human connection.Tune in to explore how technology is reshaping shopping, why younger generations may be pushing back against a fully digital future and what it takes for brands to stay relevant in an era of constant change.

In this episode, Tatiana Schoch, Head of Marketing Life & Health Re at Swiss Re, shares her journey from academia and brand management to global B2B marketing in the reinsurance industry. From Hong Kong to Zurich, Tatiana reflects on cultural differences in consumer behavior, the power of storytelling in complex industries and how insurance is evolving from reactive protection to proactive resilience. The conversation explores AI, mentorship and why meaningful communication still depends on human insight and strong copywriting.Tune in to know more about storytelling in B2B marketing, cultural insights across global markets and why the future of insurance must become more human, preventive and trusted.

In this episode, Yuri Ezhkov, VP Creative Centre of Excellence at The Estée Lauder Companies, shares his journey from design intern and agency founder to leading global creative transformation. Yuri reflects on the rapid evolution of AI, the importance of prompt engineering and why creativity is still deeply human. From building communities through coffee shops and cosmetics to creating global brand cultures across Asia and beyond, this conversation explores what makes brands truly memorable. Moreover why consistency, emotion and commitment are the real differentiators.Tune in for insights on creativity in the age of AI, building meaningful brands and why human connection still matters more than ever.

In this episode, Laura Sileo Pavat, Global Brand Homes Director at Pernod Ricard, leading the most comprehensive network of spirit venues in the industry. With over 20 years of experience, she drives innovation, brand advocacy and guest experience across 30+ destinations worldwide, bringing energy, vision and bold approaches to the future of experiential transformative tourism.From Scottish distilleries to Champagne maisons and whiskey ranches in Texas, Laura explains why travelers today seek meaningful, transformative experiences, not just destinations. She reflects on her unexpected journey from literature professor and tour guide to global hospitality leader and why “storyliving” is replacing storytelling in modern brand experiences.Tune in for a conversation about experiential travel, human connection and why the future of tourism is all about transformation.

Marketa Kristlova, Marketing Manager for Healthy Biscuits at Mondelēz International, joins Sandra Peat for a conversation about creativity, ambiguity, agility and what it really takes to build relevant brands today.From discovering marketing “by accident” to leading major brand turnarounds at Mondelēz and Müller UK & Ireland, Marketa shares why she's most energized by undefined challenges, future thinking and creating work that delivers a win for brands, business and society alike.Tune in for insights on career pivots, inclusive innovation, creativity inside large corporations and to find out why marketers need space to think, not just sprint.

Dicla Veliz Salce, Global Brand Director for IO Women's Cancer at AstraZeneca, joins Gordon for a deeply thoughtful conversation about purpose, oncology, behavioral science and why innovation only matters when it changes real lives.From starting in pharma sales “by accident” in Mexico to shaping global oncology strategy, Dicla shares how understanding human behavior has become just as important as understanding science. Tune in for a conversation that explores the future of cancer care, the meaning of well-being and why marketing must move beyond products to truly understand human experience.

Matthew Leppanen, Director of Marketing Enablement & Partnerships at Bell, joins Gordon for a conversation about AI, transformation, leadership and why the biggest career opportunities often live in the undefined spaces.From the rise of mobile internet to today's AI boom, Matthew shares what makes this technological shift different  and why leaders should actively “fill the gaps” instead of waiting for permission. Tune in to know more about mentorship, career growth, risk-taking and the lasting impact of leadership.

Julie Jackson-Jones is Director of Marketing CRM Loyalty & Analytics at EssilorLuxottica, where she works across more than 25 brands shaping customer experience, loyalty and patient journeys. Before that, she built her career across industries including luxury fashion, music, logistics and retail with roles at Bulgari, Robert Graham Designs and more. Her unconventional path — from selling subscriptions door-to-door in New York during the financial crisis to leading CRM strategy for global luxury brands — has given her a uniquely human lens on marketing, leadership and customer behaviour.Julie shares why loyalty is ultimately about belonging, how shame and desire shape consumer behaviour and why the future belongs to marketers who deeply understand human psychology. The conversation moves from career setbacks and imposter syndrome to vulnerability in leadership, emotional intelligence in CRM and embracing uncertainty in a rapidly changing world.Tune in for a deep dive into customer psychology, career reinvention and why the strongest brands are built one human interaction at a time.

In this epsiode, Tara King, Senior Director of North America Brand & Portfolio Strategy for Bombay Sapphire at Bacardi, talks about the course of her career and how she has helped shape globally recognised beverage brands across Diageo, Vita Coco and Richmond Marketing — building brands through cultural relevance, emotional resonance and instinct-led strategy. Originally from Ireland and now based in the US, Tara brings a uniquely human perspective to modern marketing: one rooted less in noise and more in meaning.She explores how brands can earn relevance not through louder messaging but through culture, moments and human insight. From moving to New York with no job and no visa, to shaping award-winning campaigns in the spirits industry, she shares her perspective on leadership, creativity, AI and the future of brand building.Tune in for a conversation about instinct, cultural fluency, emotional relevance and why the future of marketing belongs to brands that create meaning.

In this episode Ralitza Iordanova, Global VP, Brand Marketing at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, reflects on what luxury really means today, why hospitality is ultimately about human emotion, and how the future of brands may shift from aspiration to restoration. From leading iconic hotel transformations across cultures to designing experiences that help people regulate their nervous systems, this conversation explores the intersection of luxury, wellbeing, culture and human connection.Tune in to get insights on luxury hospitality, emotional connection and why the future of wellness is about helping people slow down, reconnect and truly feel cared for.

In this episode, Saurav Mohanty, Head of Digital Products & Technology at Yum! Brands Europe, shares a remarkable journey from growing up in rural India to leading digital innovation across global brands. He reflects on how curiosity sparked his path into technology, why product thinking sits at the intersection of business and engineering and what it takes to stay grounded in a fast-moving digital world. With previous roles at EF Education First, Nestlé, IBM, and Accenture, he brings a unique blend of engineering expertise and business acumen. A Harvard MBA graduate, Saurav is passionate about using technology to create meaningful impact—especially in fostering community and supporting future generations in an AI-driven world.Looking ahead, Saurav explores the role of AI in shaping society and why building real human connection and opportunity should be at the heart of it.Tune in to hear how curiosity, resilience and big thinking can turn humble beginnings into a global career in digital innovation and why the future of tech must stay deeply human.

In this episode, Billy Cheng, Head of Consumer Data Activation & CRM at L'Oréal, shares how global experience across Asia, Europe and the US has shaped his approach to consumer data and brand relationships. With experience spanning companies like AS Watson and Reckitt, he has built deep expertise in managing large-scale consumer databases, designing CRM strategies and driving innovation across diverse markets. Billy is focused on developing a broader leadership perspective that bridges data, marketing, and business strategy. From managing databases of over 100 million consumers to driving innovation in CRM and beauty tech, Billy explains why the future isn't just about more data but better trust. He explores the balance between rapid AI-driven innovation and strong governance and why brands that master both will win in the long run.Tune in to discover how data, governance and innovation come together to build meaningful consumer experiences at scale.

In this episode, Gordon sits down with Linda Bethea, Senior marketing executive and former Chief Marketing Officer at Danone with leadership experience at companies like Diageo and PepsiCo. Linda has spent her career building and transforming major consumer brands, combining deep consumer insight with sharp business acumen. Beyond her corporate roles, she also serves as a board director for Make-A-Wish Hudson Valley.Linda shares her unconventional journey from studying psychology to leading iconic brands across food, beverage and beyond. She breaks down why great marketing is about far more than ads, how to truly understand consumers and what it takes to turn around a struggling brand. From reinventing Captain Morgan to navigating the future of AI-driven marketing, Linda offers a candid, experience-rich perspective on building brands that matter—and last.Tune in to learn how world-class brands grow beyond advertising and what it really takes to win in today's fast-changing marketing landscape.

In this episode of Excitement Talks, Sandra Peat speaks with Burcu Sahin, Director of Global Marketing for Portfolio Strategic Initiatives at Mars, about a career driven by curiosity, culture and a deep understanding of people.From starting out in investment banking to discovering her passion for behavioural economics and strategic planning, Burcu shares how a non-linear path led her to global brand building. She reflects on pivotal moments—from navigating visa setbacks that turned into global opportunities to shaping transformative growth strategies for iconic brands.The conversation explores what it really takes to build brands in today's world: understanding evolving consumer values, connecting with new generations and rethinking marketing in a more human, collaborative and culturally relevant way.Tune in to understand better why the future of brand building is about deeply understanding people and co-creating with them.