The M Word - Uncensored Conversations On Marketing

Most people think PR is spin. Marjie Hadad says it's a survival skill. If you're not using PR principles to lead your business and life, you're missing out. The post Episode 68: Reinvention, Real Talk & PR Truths with Marjie Hadad first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Is direct mail dead, or is it actually the secret weapon that your competitors are using while you're chasing clicks? What if the marketing channel you're overlooking could provide you with the highest ROI this year? The post Episode 67: Is Direct Mail Dead? Travis Lee Says No first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

What hidden power lies in a name? Can a simple name change really shape a product's success in the market? On today's episode of The M Word, renowned behavioral management specialist James I. Bond reveals how iconic names and strategic branding can transform market potential—and why the right combination of letters might be the most valuable asset your business isn't fully leveraging. The post Episode 66: The Power of a Name with James L. Bond first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

You're lost at sea, sharks swimming around you, what do you do? Dr. Rob Yonover answered this question himself when he invented the See/Rescue® Streamer, a device used to easily find those lost at sea. The post Episode 65: Dr. Rob Yonover on Innovating for Impact first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

What if you could transform your small business into a powerhouse with nothing more than creativity and authenticity (even on a shoestring budget)? Hallie Seltzer joins The M Word to share how you can make a big impact, no matter the size of your budget. The post Episode 64: Creativity, Community, and the Power of Experiential Marketing with Hallie Seltzer first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

In today's fast-paced business world, marketing is often misunderstood as a quick fix or a "nice-to-have" rather than a core, strategic function. But as marketing expert Tara Meehan reveals, it's much more than just catchy slogans or viral trends—it's about building trust, aligning values, and playing the long game. The post Episode 63: Building Trust and Strategy with Tara Meehan first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

The future of AI and marketing is here, transforming how we create, communicate, and connect. This shift unlocks limitless possibilities for brands to engage with their audiences like never before. The post Episode 62: The Impact of AI on Marketing with Antra Montmarquet first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

If you watched the 2025 Super Bowl, you probably noticed more than just the touchdowns—there were some ads that were downright memorable, and we're not just talking about the ones with the most celebrity cameos. In the latest episode of The M Word podcast, host Jennifer Mulchandani and special guests Jen Bakos and Greg Hamilton […] The post Episode 61: The Super^Commercial Bowl Breakdown first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Ever wonder what makes a brand truly unforgettable? It's more than just a killer logo or a catchy tagline. It's about weaving together storytelling, design, and values in a way that feels authentic and stands out. In this episode of The M Word podcast, we chat with Brian Ver Straten, the Creative Director and VP […] The post Episode 60: A Deep Dive into Creative Branding with Brian Ver Straten first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

What does it take to lead a world-renowned program through uncertainty while shaping the next generation of global citizens? In this episode of The M Word, Scott Marshall, President and CEO of the Institute for Shipboard Education, shares his journey from academia to leadership, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of guiding Semester at […] The post Episode 59: Leadership, Legacy, and the Future of Semester at Sea with Scott Marshall first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

As we close out 2024, it's the perfect time to reflect on the trends, challenges, and successes that shaped the year in marketing.  In this final podcast episode of the year, Jennifer shares key lessons learned from working with businesses across industries, offering a candid perspective on what truly drives growth. One of her biggest […] The post Jennifer Shares What Worked in Marketing in 2024 first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Can AI really replace the personal touch in financial planning, or does it just help us make better choices? This week on The M Word, Jennifer chats with Andy Esser, a financial advisor with over 20 years of experience in finance and law. Andy dives into why it's crucial to understand not just the numbers, [...] Read More The post Episode 57: Andy Esser on Bridging the Gap Between AI and Human Insight in Wealth Management first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Hustle culture often glorifies constant work and relentless ambition, equating success with how hard and long we grind. However, this mindset can lead to burnout and a hollow sense of achievement, as it prioritizes output over well-being and personal fulfillment.  In this latest episode of The M Word, Bianca Aiono, a coach specializing in business [...] Read More The post Episode 56: Finding Harmony in Business with Bianca Aiono first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

There's nothing quite like starting your day with a warm cup of coffee. Meet Alicia, the founder of Alicia Boateng Designs, who aimed to elevate this essential morning ritual. In this episode of The M Word, Alicia shares how her product and business went viral overnight, all while overcoming significant personal challenges. The post Episode 55: Navigating Resilience and Authenticity in Business with Alicia Boateng first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

There's nothing quite like starting your day with a warm cup of coffee. Meet Alicia, the founder of Alicia Boateng Designs, who aimed to elevate this essential morning ritual. In this episode of The M Word, Alicia shares how her product and business went viral overnight, all while overcoming significant personal challenges. Alicia shares her [...] Read More The post Episode 55: Navigating Resilience and Authenticity in Business with Alicia Boateng first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, how can business owners effectively navigate the complexities of marketing and brand management? In this episode of The M Word, Jennifer chats with Rachel Oslund, Certified Master Home Inspector and Managing Partner of LodeStar Inspection Services. They discuss the challenges and rewards of running a business, and Rachel shares [...] Read More The post Episode 54: Entrepreneurship in a Competitive Male-Dominated Industry, with Rachel Oslund first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Ever thought about how thought leadership shapes the path to innovation? Join Jennifer as she chats with Christopher Fox, the creator behind Ideas-Led Growth, to uncover how deep thinking and strategic communication can transform ideas into impactful solutions. In this episode of The M Word, Christopher talks with Jennifer about the real deal behind thought [...] Read More The post Episode 53: Diving into Thought Leadership and Innovation with Christopher Fox first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Have you ever felt like you're just one mistake away from being “found out” at work or in life? That nagging doubt that you're not as capable as others think you are has a name: imposter syndrome. In this episode, Jennifer is joined by Hannah Balliet of Ugly Mug Marketing to discuss the evolution of [...] Read More The post Episode 52: Letting Go of Imposter Syndrome with Hannah Balliet first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

“Your greatest progress and growth is on the other side of whatever it is you're avoiding.” Kimberly Spencer is an accomplished entrepreneur, high performance coach, and founder of Crown Yourself. Kimberly brings energy and authenticity to this episode of The M Word. She offers a thought-provoking exploration of success, authenticity, and the power of vulnerability.  [...] Read More The post Episode 51: Kimberly Spencer: Crown Yourself! first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

“Any entrepreneur that starts a business has to have – me included – a touch of narcissism, if not a good dose of it.” In the world of business, achieving growth requires more than just expanding locations or launching new ventures. It's a journey that involves facing challenges, learning lessons, and personal evolution. Roger Martin [...] Read More The post Episode 50: Roger Martin: Success and the Narcissism of Entrepreneurship first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

“I take 30 seconds every day to contemplate, ‘what am I potentially wrong about today?'” Kurt Uhlir is a sought-after marketing leader who's been called the “king of scaling”. He has built and run growth for early-stage companies as well as those over $500M in annual revenue and assembled teams across six continents.  Kurt shares [...] Read More The post Kurt Uhlir: Failure, Leadership, and Growth first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

“So did I fail? Maybe. But, maybe not.” Kim and Jennifer embark on a heartfelt and vulnerable conversation about the highs and lows of running a small business on this episode of The M Word. They peel back the layers of entrepreneurship, revealing the raw emotions and challenges that often are hidden. Kim shares her [...] Read More The post Kim Fredrich: Pivoting in Pursuit of Personal Fulfillment first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

“For me, it's not about balancing my life and my work. It's how do I bring my life to my work? So, it's much more of an integration to me than a balance.” Miriam Ortiz y Pino is an accomplished professional organizer, simplicity expert, and money breakthrough business coach. On this episode of The M [...] Read More The post Miriam Ortiz y Pino: Organizing is Letting Go and finding Clarity first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

“I'm just gonna do this myself. I've been doing this since the beginning of this industry's existence.” Meet Katie Stoller, an influencer marketing pioneer with a diverse background in PR and corporate communications.  In 2023, she launched influencerinsiderguide.com, a resource hub for professionals navigating the complex world of influencer marketing. Jennifer and Katie discuss entrepreneurship, [...] Read More The post Episode 46: Katie Stoller first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

“If you're not going to be afraid, the sky's the limit.” From British morning show television producer to Northern Virginia-based production company entrepreneur, meet Helen Saks. Helen Saks is the CEO and Creative Director of Striking Media, a production company that creates visual content for corporate clients, non-profits, and schools. In this episode of The [...] Read More The post Episode 45: Helen Saks first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

“I had four kids at home, I had a family, I had a life, I had things that I wanted to do, people I wanted to spend time with, and I needed to figure out a way to get out of my own way.” Meet Chad Hackmann, a direct yet easygoing business owner and family [...] Read More The post Episode 44: Chad Hackmann first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

In the first episode of 2024, Jennifer takes you on a journey through the evolution of the podcast over the past three years. It all began with a focus on tactical marketing discussions, but gradually shifted towards deeper explorations of branding and the human experience behind it all. With each passing season, the conversations became [...] Read More The post Episode 43: Jennifer Mulchandani Talks About Sh*t That Matters first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Super Bowl 58 – America's premier sporting event. From the excitement of the game to the camaraderie of watching with friends and family, there's something for everyone to enjoy. But let's not forget about the commercials! The Super Bowl brings together people from all walks of life, not just for the game itself, but also [...] Read More The post Episode 42: The Super Bowl Commercials first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

In Part 2 of the special two-part Barbie movie discussion on The M Word Podcast, host Jennifer Mulchandani gathers a dynamic trio—Karen Bate, Cheryl Fischer, and Whitney Kernodle—for a dynamic and honest discussion on the Barbie movie. Set in the intimate backdrop of Jennifer's home, the episode takes a unique turn, unraveling the layers of [...] Read More The post Episode 41: Barbie and Female Empowerment Part 2 first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

In part one of a special two-part episode of the M Word Podcast, host Jennifer Mulchandani engages in a lively discussion about the Barbie movie with guests Karen Bate, Cheryl Fischer, and Whitney Kernodle. The conversation delves into various topics, including societal expectations, gender norms, personal experiences with self-image and relationships, and the wisdom that [...] Read More The post Episode 40: Barbie and Female Empowerment Part 1 first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

In the final episode of The M Word podcast's third season, hosts Jennifer Mulchandani and Heather Myklegard reflect on their journey over the past three years. the hosts discuss the evolution of their podcasting experience, from the early scripted questions to the more organic and unscripted conversations with guests that this season reflects.  Hosting a [...] Read More The post Episode 39: Reflections of Podcast Hosting and a Plot Twist first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

In this episode of The M Word, hosts Jennifer Mulchandani and Heather Myklegard engage in an unfiltered conversation with Jennifer Lemmert, a seasoned corporate communications and marketing executive who transitioned to running her own solo consulting firm specializing in employee engagement and branding.  She partners with leaders to articulate their company vision and mission, fostering [...] Read More The post Episode 38: Jennifer Lemmert, Jennifer Lemmert LLC first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Episode 37 of the M Word features guest Jess Owens, the founder of GreenList, a peer-to-peer returns technology that is disrupting the retail industry. Jess talks about her journey from marketing agency (yes, our agency!) employee to CEO of her own startup.   GreenList is aiming to reduce the environmental impact and e-commerce carbon footprint by [...] Read More The post Episode 37: Jess Owens, GreenList first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

On today's episode of The M Word, we talk with fellow podcaster, mindset coach, health & wellness guru, and corporate trainer Cheryl Fisher about her journey from escaping a career rut to becoming a successful business owner. Leaving a job to follow a passion and start a business is a daring step. Cheryl gets real [...] Read More The post Episode 36: Cheryl Fischer, OMG Teach Me Podcast first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

In this episode of The M Word we chat with Danielle Siarri, the founder and owner of InnoNurse, about her journey from nursing to clinical marketing. Danielle, with a background in trauma nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing Informatics, talks about how she created InnoNurse, an open-source health tech library. InnoNurse serves as [...] Read More The post Episode 35: Danielle Siarri, InnoNurse first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

In this inspiring episode of The M Word, Alex Trakas, founder of Bash Boxing, gets deeply personal about her business journey. Alex's entrepreneurial journey to create and expand Bash Boxing is rooted in her strong connection to dance and movement, and was greatly influenced by her father's unwavering support and love before his death. Alex [...] Read More The post Episode 34: Alex Trakas, Bash Boxing first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

In this engaging episode of the “M Word” podcast, host Tara Claeys, founder of Design TLC, discusses her journey in marketing, entrepreneurship, and niche specialization. With a background in advertising and marketing, Tara ventured into digital design and WordPress websites for small schools and education-focused nonprofits. She emphasizes the importance of trusting one's instincts, living [...] Read More The post Episode 33: Tara Claeys, Design TLC first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

In this podcast episode, hosts Jennifer Mulchandani and Heather Myklegard discuss the significance of making positive first impressions in marketing and business interactions. They share personal anecdotes of past mistakes and lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of avoiding errors that can harm relationships with clients. Jennifer and Heather discuss how first impressions set the tone [...] Read More The post Jennifer & Heather: First Impressions first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

If you thought we were done with discussing brand… think again! In this bonus Season 2 episode, Heather Myklegard interviews co-host Jennifer Mulchandani about Arlington Strategy's beginnings, development, rebrand, and future. Subscribe to The M Word wherever you listen to podcasts for more uncensored conversations. Connect with us on our socials on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, [...] Read More The post Bonus Episode: Celebrating 10 Years first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

In the season 2 wrap-up, co-hosts Jennifer Mulchandani and Heather Myklegard go back through their discussions on all things brand. Tune in to hear them share highlights from each guest, what they learned, and their favorite moments captured both on and off the record. Subscribe to The M Word wherever you listen to podcasts for [...] Read More The post Season 2 Wrap-Up first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Today we are talking with Whytni Kernodle, attorney, political strategist, co-founder and president of Black Parents of Arlington, co-founder and steering committee member of Arlington for Justice (where she also co-hosts a Facebook live show about racial and justice issues called Let's Talk Tuesday), and now the CEO of Arlington Independent Media. Tune in to [...] Read More The post Whytni Kernodle: Arlington Independent Media first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Today we are talking with Karen Bate, former journalist and Congressional press secretary, co-founder of the professional networking group Awesome Women, and founder of KB Concepts PR. Tune in to hear Karen talk about her current brand projects and the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion statements. Thanks for listening; we hope you'll come back! [...] Read More The post Karen Bate: KB Concepts PR first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Today we are talking with Julius D. “JD” Spain, Sr., U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, civil rights Community Advocate, and President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Arlington Branch. Tune in to hear JD talk about how he utilizes his Southern upbringing to lead the local NAACP branch with a [...] Read More The post Julius D. “JD” Spain, Sr.: NAACP Arlington first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Today we are talking with Gavin Hammar, the founder of StoryPrompt, and former CEO and founder of Sendible, which was acquired in 2021. Gavin builds and grows self-funded Software as a Service (SaaS) businesses and knows the importance of investing in a brand at the start of the journey.  Tune in to hear Gavin talk [...] Read More The post Gavin Hammar: StoryPrompt first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Today we are talking with Manuel “Manny” Cosme, President and CEO of CFO Services Group. An entrepreneur with diverse accounting experience and a love for sharing knowledge, Manny founded CFO Services Group in 2012. He wanted to support new, small, and growing organizations with scalable accounting expertise and services beyond typical bookkeeping or tax firms.  [...] Read More The post Manny Cosme: CFO Services Group first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Today we are talking with Navare Carter, a passionate brand therapist, multi-award-winning designer, and founder of Intuitive. With over a decade of design experience and knowledge in brand strategizing, Navare has a proven track record of delivering extraordinary brand identities and websites for brands and companies alike, giving them a competitive advantage. Tune in to [...] Read More The post Navare Carter: Intuitive first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Today we are talking with Evelyn Powers, founder and CEO of Design Powers. She is a graduate of the 2016 Leadership Arlington program and winner of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce's 2020 Best Home-Based Business Award. Evelyn started her website and design company as a graphic designer in 1996 so she could work from home [...] Read More The post Evelyn Powers: Design Powers first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Today we are talking with Greg Hamilton, publisher and co-founder of Arlington Magazine. Greg has more than 25 years of experience in brand marketing and digital media and was previously the CMO of a DC media company. One of our favorite parts of this interview is Greg recalling how his then 7-year-old daughter assisted him [...] Read More The post Greg Hamilton: Arlington Magazine first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Today we're talking with Christine Wilson from MtoM Consulting, based in Falls Church, Virginia. Christine started her business in 2011 as a single consultant around a kitchen table. Initially helping businesses market to moms, she's since spent the last ten years growing the MtoM brand and her agency to provide digital marketing expertise for clients [...] Read More The post Christine Wilson: MtoM Consulting first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Today we're talking with Kate Bates, President and CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Kate also serves on several local and regional boards, including the Arlington Economic Development Commission and the Leadership Center for Excellence Board of Directors. In 2019, Kate led the Chamber through a rebrand, managing to modernize and refresh the brand [...] Read More The post Kate Bates: Arlington Chamber of Commerce first appeared on Arlington Strategy.

Today we're talking with Kim Klingler, Executive Director of the Columbia Pike Partnership. Kim is well-known in the Arlington, VA community through the many hats and roles she has held in her career, including being chair of Arlington's Emergency Preparedness Advisory Committee. Last year, we got to know Kim when Arlington Strategy was hired to [...] Read More The post Kim Klingler: Columbia Pike Partnership first appeared on Arlington Strategy.