Podcasts about brand storytelling

The brands everyone talks about are not the safest ones. They are the bold ones.And few people understand that better than Nick Tran.The former TikTok Global Head of Marketing and current Diageo President and CMO joins Marketing Trends to break down how he built momentum inside fast moving environments, rebuilt brands under pressure, and helped TikTok become a cultural engine instead of just another app.Nick explains why the traditional marketing playbook is obsolete, how to create ideas that move culture instead of reacting to it, and what today's fastest moving teams get wrong about attention, creativity, and risk. CHAPTERS / KEY MOMENTS00:00 Engineering a Viral Influencer02:20 What Bold Marketing Looks Like in 202604:20 Crisis Marketing at Taco Bell07:05 Lessons From Stance and Samsung09:30 Reinventing Hulu With Culture Marketing11:00 Why the Old Marketing Playbook Is Dead13:40 Inside TikTok's Project Cheetah16:45 Making Creators Culturally Famous on Purpose19:35 Five Marketing Behaviors Leaders Must Unlearn22:20 The ROI Trap and Bad Marketing Metrics25:00 Why Modern CMOs Should Become CEOs26:00 The Ocean Spray x DogFace420 Breakout Moment29:10 The Rise of AI Influencers and Virtual Icons30:00 Worldbuilding: The Future of Brand Marketing33:00 Reinventing Ciroc Through Lifestyle Experiences37:00 Pickleball, Pop-Ups, and The New Experiential Playbook43:00 Out-of-Home Creative, Simplicity, and Cultural Signals This episode is brought to you by Lightricks. LTX is the all-in-one creative suite for AI-driven video production; built by Lightricks to take you from idea to final 4K render in one streamlined workspace.Powered by LTX-2, our next-generation creative engine, LTX lets you move faster, collaborate seamlessly, and deliver studio-quality results without compromise. Try it today at ltx.studio Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Bill Neff, Head of Marketing at YETI, breaks down how the legendary cooler company became a culture-defining outdoor brand without relying on massive media budgets. From his Under Armour “locker room” days to leading one of the world's most beloved challenger brands, Bill shares the operating system behind YETI's rise, which is one built on community intimacy, real relationships, and equipment designed to last forever.And this year, YETI made The Rival 50, our index of the world's top challenger brands redefining growth, a recognition that reflects the consistency, courage, and craft behind their approach.One key takeaway: Roots before reach. Bill explains why YETI invests four times more in community than brand, how third-party advocacy beats first-party hype, and why focusing on the micro-cultures around hunting, fishing, culinary, and outdoor craft fuels more growth than broad awareness ever could. If you're building a premium brand or trying to scale without outspending your category, this conversation is your blueprint.Watch the video version of this podcast on YouTube ▶️: HERE          

Flow, Kreativität & Business: Eine Talkshow über Human Design, Positionierung und echte Verbindung. In dieser Episode dreht sich alles um Flow im Business, kreatives Arbeiten und die Frage, wie Solopreneurinnen ihre Kreativität, Sichtbarkeit und Positionierung stärken können. Gemeinsam mit drei Expertinnen aus der BIO TO BRAND Community spreche ich darüber, wie man echten Flow findet - und was ihn blockiert.Mit dabei:Heike Moellers - Business Glow CreatorSusanne Diemann - Business Mentorin für kreative ProfessionalsSabine Satzmacher - Expertin für Markensprache und Personal Brand MessagingIn dieser Folge:✨ Flow & Human Design im BusinessWie du durch Human Design verstehst, welche Arbeitsweise zu deiner Energie passt.Warum Flow kein Zufall ist - sondern entsteht, wenn Selbstkenntnis auf gute Business-Struktur trifft.Wie du Konsistenz entwickelst, ohne deine kreative Freiheit zu verlieren.✨ Flow für kreative SolopreneurinnenWie die BIO TO BRAND Community Solopreneurinnen hilft, Sichtbarkeit, Leichtigkeit und Fokus zu finden.Warum Community-Arbeit ein unterschätzter Hebel für Brand Authority ist.✨ Kreativer Flow in der PraxisHeike über ihren Weg von der Fotografie auf die Bühne - und wie Public Speaking ihr Business transformiert hat.Sabine über KI im Copywriting, Contentproduktion und warum punktuelle Arbeit für ihren Energietypen stärker wirkt als Daily Posting.Susanne über Akquise-Strategien für Kreative, Positionierung und den Identitätsshift zu echten Wunschkundinnen.✨ Tools & Rituale für mehr Business-FlowTiny Experiments, Morgenrituale und Mini-Gewohnheiten, die Kreativität fördernWarum Brandfotos und Videos ein Business stabilisieren können - gerade in schwierigen PhasenWie Kooperationen, Adventskalender und Masterclasses die Sichtbarkeit erhöhenWarum echte Verbindung der Gamechanger für nachhaltigen Erfolg istLinks & EmpfehlungenAdventkalender ⁠"Akquise Zauber ⁠" von Susanne DiemannAdventskalender „Schreib Dich sichtbar“ - Content-Impulse von Sabine SatzmacherSelfie Video Workshop von Heike MoellersBIO TO BRAND - Der Concept Store für kreative Solopreneurinnen (Community, Masterclasses, Brand Storytelling & Human Design)Deine TakeawaysFlow entsteht, wenn Strategie, Selbstkenntnis und kreative Energie zusammenspielen.Wenn du weißt, wie du funktionierst.Wenn du dir Raum für Kreativität gibst.Und wenn du in einer Community bist, die dich trägt, inspiriert und sichtbar macht.Diese Episode ist perfekt für dich, wenn du mehr Leichtigkeit, Klarheit und Authentizität in deinem Business spüren möchtest und deinen Flow langfristig stärken willst.Gefällt dir die Folge?✨ Abonniere den Podcast✨ Teile die Episode mit deinen Business-Freundinnen✨ Und komme in deinem ganz eigenen FlowMehr Infos zu mir:Meine WebseiteMein LinkedIn AccountMein Instagram AccountMein Newsletter

What if the real engine of modern luxury isn't loud marketing—but meaning delivered consistently across every touchpoint? In this episode, Dr. Jessica Quillin, fashion strategist and PhD in 19th-century poetry, breaks down how elevated storytelling creates brands that feel unified on the site, in the feed, and in the store. She shares her journey from studying the philosophy of beauty to advising global fashion houses, revealing how emotions become experiences—and how experiences become communities that buy, return, and advocate.Jessica takes us through the post-pandemic clutter of beautiful but disjointed brand moments: e-commerce that doesn't guide, social feeds that don't match the retail floor, and campaigns disconnected from values. Her antidote is both strategic and doable—codify your identity, then run small, disciplined pilots. Launch a three-post content series, read the data, refine, and repeat. From nostalgia-powered Gen Z engagement to experiential moments that spark belonging, Jessica shows how consistency across platforms is now one of the strongest moats in fashion and accessories.

Is Your Business Telling the Stories that Sell and add Value? In today's competitive marketplace, it's not the best ideas that win—it's the best stories. This week on A New Direction, I sit down with strategist and author Gavin McMahon to discuss his powerful new book, Story Business: Why Stories Rule the World and How They Can Reinvent Your Business. Gavin reveals why every leader, CEO, and sales professional must learn the language of storytelling if they want to inspire, influence, and ignite action. We'll explore the 6 essential genres of business storytelling—Value, Product, Brand, Sales, Leadership, and Culture—and how each one can transform the way you communicate and connect. Whether you're pitching an idea, leading a team, or building a brand, mastering these six stories can elevate your message from informative to unforgettable. Gavin will share practical insights on turning complexity into clarity, data into drama, and strategy into stories that stick. You'll learn why simplicity is a competitive edge, how to make your message “retellable,” and what separates a leader who speaks from one who truly connects. By the end of this episode, you'll understand how storytelling drives alignment, motivation, and measurable results—because when people believe the story, they believe in the mission. Join Gavin McMahon and me, Coach Jay on A New Direction. Discover how these six stories can help you inspire your team, elevate your influence, and lead your business in a whole new direction. Gavin McMahon's book, Story Business: Why Stories Rule the World and How They Can Reinvent Your Business" is a mind bender of a book.  Hold on to your brains folks, because this book is going to challenge the way you think about every presentation, every intereaction, and every piece of marketing you do in your business. The fact is...the stories matter!  Here is the big fact: Our brains are wired for stories.  Just think about it for a second.  What is your favorite movie?  Got it?  Why is it your favorite?  There is something about the story, right?  Well what if we apply the same principles to every avenue of your business?  And that is exactly what Gavin McMahon does in "Story Business".  He pulls the elements of great storytelling and makes it applicable to you regardless of size of business or budget. Many powerful things in the book, but the first one that stands out is the Motive Triangle:  Hope, Fear, and Reason.  The fact is we don't make our decisions rationally.  Here is the key: Emotions create action. Reason creates rationalization.  If you want people to move you have to connect to emotion...and when you can oppose hope and fear...you have a recipe for success! Secondly, The Six Genres of Storytelling are extremely powerful: Value Storytelling, Brand Storytelling, Product Story Telling, Sales Storytelling, Leader Storytelling, and Culture Storytelling opens up our minds to worlds and possibilities that I certainly had not thought of before until I read the book. I think Story Business is a must read for everyone.  Check it out by clicking: Story Business Please reach out and thank the financial sponsors of A New Direction: Enhance Your Audiobook Experience with Zoundy! If you're an author or narrator looking to produce high-quality audiobooks with ease, Zoundy is the ultimate tool you need. Designed specifically for audiobook creation, Zoundy delivers crystal-clear sound, seamless editing capabilities, and professional-grade production tools—all in one intuitive platform. Whether you're recording your own book or refining your narration, Zoundy ensures every word is heard with perfection. And here's the best part: As a listener of A New Direction, you get an exclusive deal! Head over to zoundy.com/jay and use the code JAY25 at checkout to unlock special savings on your audiobook production. Don't settle for anything less than studio-quality sound—power up your audiobook journey today with Zoundy!

In this episode hosts Michael LeBlanc and Steve Dennis from The Remarkable Retail Podcast welcome XRC Ventures' Managing Director Pano Anthos, for a deep dive into the future of retail innovation, investment strategies, and overcoming the systemic challenges that keep great technology from scaling.Pano shares his journey from serial entrepreneur to leading a venture fund focused on pre-seed and seed-stage investments at the intersection of retail, consumer behavior, and technology. With over 150 investments since 2015, XRC Ventures targets transformative sectors including retail media networks, the consumerization of healthcare, commerce enablement, and new distribution channels. Pano highlights examples of groundbreaking innovations—from AI-driven financial automation to diagnostics that detect autism in under two hours—that are redefining operational efficiency and customer impact.A major focus of the conversation is retail's organizational dysfunction, where siloed leadership and competing P&Ls create “warring tribes” that hinder adoption of transformative solutions. Pano argues that true progress requires structural change—appointing an operational leader with end-to-end responsibility for traffic and sales across all channels. The discussion also explores the promise of retail media, particularly in-store applications with untapped margin potential, and spatial intelligence, which can bring the precision of e-commerce analytics into physical stores. Pano shares candid insights on startup strategy, stressing that early-stage companies must demonstrate material ROI—significant EBITDA or revenue growth—to make it into a retailer's short list of investment priorities. About UsJennifer MarloHead of Content, CommerceNextJennifer Marlo drives industry-leading programming at CommerceNext, drawing on experience from Ascendant Network and iMedia Connection, where she spearheaded content strategies to inspire retail, brand and agency marketing leaders. Guided by the belief that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” Jennifer uses in-person and digital platforms to educate and foster industry collaboration. Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, top retail influencer, keynote speaker and media entrepreneur. Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

When everyone has access to the same AI tools, what separates the great from the forgettable is the human behind the screen.Fiverr's VP of Global Brand Communications, Shiri Hellmann, joins Marketing Trends to break down how her team turns chaos into creativity. From producing the viral “Gary” campaign with real freelancers to writing a rom-com about avocados, Shiri reveals how Fiverr spots cultural moments early, takes smart risks, and proves that talent still beats the algorithm. CHAPTERS / KEY MOMENTS00:00 - The Weirdest Fiverr Requests Ever02:58 - How Fiverr Grew from Weird to Global Brand04:00 - Inside Fiverr's Wildest Marketing Campaigns06:11 - Freelancers Behind Fiverr's AI Ad "Gary"08:40 - How Fiverr Selects Top Creators10:00 - The Data-Driven Matchmaking Engine12:10 - Strategy Behind Creative Campaigns14:05 - From Vibe Coding to Avocado Apps16:20 - AI, Humans, and the Future of Creative Work18:55 - Taking Risks and Learning from Failures21:00 - The "F***-Up Night" and Courage Culture23:25 - Biggest Marketing Lesson: Marketers vs. Consumers26:30 - How Fiverr Stays Grounded and Human29:40 - Emerging Trends and The Future of Work33:10 - How Fiverr's Culture Fuels Innovation37:25 - What's Next for Fiverr and Freelancers41:00 - Shiri's Advice for Marketers and Founders44:45 - Closing Reflections and Takeaways This episode is brought to you by Lightricks. LTX is the all-in-one creative suite for AI-driven video production; built by Lightricks to take you from idea to final 4K render in one streamlined workspace.Powered by LTX-2, our next-generation creative engine, LTX lets you move faster, collaborate seamlessly, and deliver studio-quality results without compromise. Try it today at ltx.studio Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Part 2 of his conversation with Dwayne Kerrigan, creative powerhouse Ron Tite dives deep into the execution side of belief-driven business. Ron breaks down how great companies find alignment with what they think, do, and say - and why most fail when they overthink, overreact, or chase the next shiny thing.This episode explores how to balance creativity with discipline, lead with integrity, and build brands that truly earn trust. Ron's frameworks and real-world examples (from Dell to Wealthsimple) will reshape how you think about growth, culture, and storytelling in your own business and career.Highlights:00:00 – Your brand isn't just a color palette04:15 – Balancing structure with innovation10:40 – Aligning through recruiting, training, and compensation13:15 – The short-term trap of chasing sales and ignoring foundations16:00 – Ron shares a personal story that reframes purpose and perspective22:00 – Breaking down what makes a great brand28:15 – The Dell origin story and how storytelling drives strategy and culture32:40 – Applying the Think. Do. Say. formula to everyday decision making35:00 – Identifying and removing your own barriers through honest self-reflectionKey Takeaways:Your Brand Isn't Just An Aesthetic - True brands align their belief, behavior, and communication - not just colors and logos.Balance Creativity with Consistency - You need both the “concept car” for innovation and the “assembly line” for profit.Culture Must Reflect Belief - If you believe in collaboration or honesty, it has to exist inside your organization too.Tell Future Stories - Vision isn't a statement, it's a story of where you're going and how you'll get there.Face the Hard Truths - Leaders must ask the obvious questions and own their barriers to growth.Quotes:“ A great brand has a core purpose, a fundamental belief that's behind it.” - Ron Tite“ If you're all concept car, and all ideas, and all innovation, you go bankrupt. If you're all execution, you're all assembly line, you become irrelevant.” - Ron Tite “Advertising is really just a tax on people who don't have a great product.” - Ron Tite“I've seen so many business owners torpedo their business because they wanted something new and flashier.” - Dwayne KerriganResources Mentioned:Everyone's An Artist - Or At Least They Should Be - by Ron TiteThink Do Say - by Ron TiteThe Purpose of Purpose - by Ron TiteCase Studies: Wealthsimple, Dell Computers, Church+State AgencyRon Tite is an entrepreneur, speaker, and best-selling author. He has been a creative director for some of the world's most respected brands including Air France, DoorDash, Evian, Google, Intel, Microsoft, and Volvo. He's the founder and chief strategy officer of Church+State, co-founder of advertising holding company Group 219, and an investor/ advisor to Wavy, the culture OS for distributed teams. He's the best-selling author of 3 books: Everyone's An Artist - Or At Least They Should Be (HarperCollins, 2016), Think Do Say (Page Two, 2019), and The Purpose of Purpose (Page Two, 2025).Links:Website: https://rontite.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574805686652 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rontiteInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rontite LinkedIn:

Are you a CMO or marketing leader struggling to connect scattered AI experiments into a powerful, credible brand story? In this episode of the Business of Story, Park Howell welcomes Joeri Billast—international marketing strategist and host of the "Web3 CMO Stories" podcast—to reveal how top brands transition from fragmented AI efforts to systematic, story-driven success. You'll discover: The difference between AI-first and narrative-first approaches to marketing Boardroom strategies to boost your credibility and drive real business results How ChatGPT and AI change marketing visibility and audience engagement Step-by-step frameworks for building effective, repeatable AI marketing workflows Actionable advice for aligning AI innovation with brand storytelling goals Joeri shares practical insights and proven workflows so you can maximize your team's efficiency, stand out in the boardroom, and lead your brand to storytelling success in the age of AI. Key topics: AI marketing, brand storytelling, content frameworks, marketing technology, boardroom strategy, ChatGPT, systematic workflows, CMO leadership. Listen now to learn how to turn marketing chaos into clarity—systematically—with Joeri Billast. Craft your brilliant brand story strategy in minutes, not months, and instantly create compelling content that converts customers with the StoryCycle Genie™ #StoryOn! ≈Park

In this live SocialNext Toronto 2025 conversation, guest host Maddie Alvarez sits down with Lana Rogers, founder of Gentle Lion Communications, for a candid and tactical talk on media scarcity, creative burnout, and why PR isn't just about landing one big headline.Lana breaks down how the media landscape is shifting in real time and what brands and agencies can do to stay relevant, thoughtful, and audience-centered. From earned media realities to owned channel strategy, she outlines a smarter approach to storytelling, trust-building, and campaign planning in a noisy and fragmented landscape.If you're a marketer, comms lead, or founder still chasing the golden press hit, this episode will reset your thinking. Spoiler: that Globe and Mail article might not move the needle the way you think.

Welcome to The Power Lounge! This week, we explore the transformative potential of storytelling in “Stories That Sell: Attract and Convert—Your Story into Profits.” Join host Amy Vaughan as she engages with Monica Miller, an accomplished author, content coach, and international speaker.Monica shares her unique storytelling framework, emphasizing the essential “three KNOWs” that can turn your personal narratives into effective sales strategies. Her mission is clear: to empower you to transition from being overlooked to unforgettable by harnessing the power of your story.This conversation is invaluable for marketers, podcasters, content creators, and business owners alike. Monica explains the significance of vulnerability and the importance of everyday shifts, illustrating that small changes can be just as impactful as grand transformations. By mastering the art of storytelling, you'll learn how to build trust, captivate your audience, and drive conversions.Prepare for practical strategies, insightful discussions, and inspiring stories that reveal how to unite your personal experiences with professional goals. Discover how your story can become your greatest asset in achieving business growth and making a lasting impression.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction00:10 - "Powerful Stories, Business Success"04:44 - "Storytelling Beats AI Connections"09:25 - "Using Hooks in Storytelling"12:14 - "Embrace Vulnerability to Connect"15:52 - Sharing Stories with Authenticity17:44 - "Finding Your Storytelling Boundaries"22:58 - Bravery Follows Vulnerable Storytelling25:43 - Balanced Marketing: Logic and Emotion29:28 - "Storytelling and Its Essence"31:35 - "Manifesting Through Mindset Shift"34:17 - "Small Moments Spark Big Change"39:53 - "Authenticity vs. AI Influencers"42:59 - Redefining Boundaries Together45:36 - "Building Community Through Storytelling"49:50 - "Mindset Shift Takes Time"52:45 - "Men, Vulnerability, and Growth"55:07 - Speaker Benefits & Accountability Offer57:12 - "Join Together Digital Community"58:26 - OutroQuotes:"Big change starts with small stories. Real transformation begins when we share the moments that matter most."- Monica Miller"Being real gives others permission to do the same. True growth and connection start with sharing our everyday stories."- Amy VaughanKey Takeaways:Stories Build Bridges to Business SuccessMonica's Three-Step Storytelling FrameworkKnow the Three NOs: KNOW Your Audience, Struggles, and SolutionsVulnerability is Strength, Not WeaknessMicro-Shifts Matter: No Dramatic Transformation NeededBalance Emotion with StrategyStorytelling is Universal—But Adapt to Each PlatformPractice, Practice, PracticeConnect with Monica Miller:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monicamiller17/Website:https://www.monicawrites.com/Connect with the host Amy Vaughan:LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/amypvaughanPodcast:Power Lounge Podcast  - Together DigitalLearn more about Together Digital and consider joining the movement by visiting Home - Together DigitalSupport the show

In this episode of Scratch, Eric chats with Bronwen Foster-Butler, CMO of Finisterre, the cold-water surf brand from Cornwall proving that purpose and performance can coexist. Bronwen shares how community became Finisterre's real growth engine, from “creating through community, not for it,” to rethinking top-of-funnel marketing and focusing on relationships over reach. She shows how listening to your customers can lower CAC, build loyalty, and create true advocates.Finisterre began with a simple insight: the surf industry's glossy, tropical image that didn't reflect the real, rugged world of UK surfers. Today, it's a B Corp and leading challenger brand proving that you can grow profitably without losing your soul.And finally, she dives into how a strong sense of place in Cornwall's coastline and the shipping forecast origins of the Finisterre name and thus gives the brand its distinct voice. Ultimately, the takeaway for marketers is clear: scaling through a niche isn't limiting but it is the future. Staying true to who you are as a brand, and give a platform to your community to carry the story forward.Watch the video version of this podcast on Youtube ▶️: HERE          

In this special episode of the She Believed She Could™ Podcast, host Allison Walsh sits down with Carolina and Carlos Flores, founders of Hi Hello Labs, to talk about building a service driven brand, creating professional content that actually moves the needle, and why the right collaborators help you stay focused on your genius while they handle the execution.We cover how to pitch and structure win win brand collaborations, the mindset blocks that keep creators from hitting publish, and real examples of media that created measurable community impact, including a UN project tied to YouTube Health and a corporate series that sparked donations and awareness.In this episodeThe power of partnership and staying in your laneWhy professional content is a magnet for future opportunitiesDiscovery before the pitch and how to over deliver for sponsorsBreaking through perfectionism, fear, and imposter syndromeAccountability, confidence, and making it easy to hit publishFrom nonprofit storytelling to corporate campaigns with impactHow Hi Hello Labs helps good people make good contentChapters00:00 Welcome and why partnership matters02:10 Meet Carolina and Carlos of Hi Hello Labs06:30 From first studio session to full creative partnership12:05 Content that creates real world impact18:20 Pitching brands the right way and reporting outcomes23:40 Mindset blocks and tools to move through them29:55 Collaboration that compounds your mission36:20 Corporate storytelling, community impact, and sponsorships43:10 Confidence and showing up authentically47:50 Where to find Hi Hello LabsConnect with Hi Hello LabsWebsite: hihellolabs.comInstagram: @hihellolabs / @carlosflores / @carolinadiplanfloresdWork with AllisonReady to turn your story into a service-driven brand that opens doors and expands your impact? 

Blair Huddy, a leading PR expert from Los Angeles, has garnered recognition for their communication skills, inspired in part by the artistry and career of Taylor Swift. Sharing a generational bond with Swift, Blair admires her ability to humanize herself as a global brand, making her relatable to fans through personal interactions and social media engagement. This approach, Blair notes, is a model for companies aiming to foster loyalty and community by valuing every individual's contribution, a concept they championed in their impactful work with organizations like the United Nations. Huddy draws parallels between Swift's influence and effective corporate storytelling, emphasizing the power of authenticity and personal connection in building lasting emotional ties with audiences.(00:16:06) "And that's amazing. You did that. Like, that has to be something that like, really makes you feel important. Like, like you're, you've helped shape the future." - JR Sparrow" - JR Sparrow(00:27:15) "When you get an accolade or something, that sets you apart and you do you. You talk about excellence. It's that. It's the good days, the bad days. Those are the days that you show up every day." - Blair Huddy (00:26:32)" - Blair Huddy(00:39:52) "Rather than like, I look, I look back on those moments and that's what I remember when I watch it back on Disney plus." - Blair Huddy(00:58:34) "She's always been the most honest in the music." - Blair Huddy(01:03:58) "The individual there can't be duplicated, manufactured, no other way. And with what you put in the world, it can't be manufactured any other way beyond what you produce." - JR Sparrow" - JR Sparrow- Taylor Swift's ability to cultivate a loyal and unified community around her music draws comparisons to artists like Michael Jackson.- Blair Huddy emphasizes aligning corporate social responsibility initiatives with the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals for progress reporting.- Sustainability initiatives like affordable housing and water conservation positively impact communities and align with the SDGs.- Taylor Swift's unique approach to building loyalty among fans through personal interactions sets her apart from other artists.- Taylor Swift's success is driven by emotional investment and engagement with fans, creating a sense of intimacy.- Taylor Swift's album release strategy and marketing success stem from personal connections with fans.- Taylor Swift excels at managing public relations, controlling her narrative and owning her story.Blair Huddy, born in 1989 and hailing from Los Angeles, has become one of the world's top 100 PR experts, drawing inspiration from the music of Taylor Swift, with whom they share a generational bond. Growing up in a financially struggling family, Blair was motivated to carve their path, much like Swift's rise to stardom, finding solace and inspiration in her lyrics. Educated at the University of Phoenix and the University of Southern California's Annenberg School, Blair honed their communication skills, which they have applied to significant projects for renowned companies like Google and Apple. Their career includes impactful work with International SOS and the United Nations, where they have effectively communicated complex global goals, embodying the resilience and storytelling prowess they admired in Swift's journey

 “Don't be topic or event-driven — be thought and idea-driven.” — Elliott Sayles In this inspiring episode of The Journey, host Larry Robinson sits down with Elliott Sayles, the visionary behind the Mane T-Shirt, a Memphis-born cultural brand celebrating identity, creativity, and local pride. From East Cleveland to California to Memphis, Elliott's story is a powerful reminder that creativity, faith, and authenticity can turn a single idea into a movement. A designer, thinker, and spiritual entrepreneur, Elliott shares how he transformed a simple Memphis slang word into a meaningful symbol of community and belonging. In this episode, Elliott opens up about: How he discovered his gift as a creator and idea generator The journey from Cleveland to Memphis, and how the city “crashed” his world in the best way The prayer and inspiration behind Mane and how it became a brand What intellectual property means and why ownership matters His advice for dreamers: face what scares you and pursue your ideas fearlessly How being a “girl dad” changed his perspective on life and leadership Elliott Sayles reminds us that success begins with identity and intention. When you create from who you are, not what's trending.  

Paul Marden and Andy Povey head to the VAC 2025 Conference at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, London, to explore the evolving world of attraction retail and e-commerce.With special participation from Skip the Queue's founding host, Kelly Molson, the conversation delves into practical steps for creating seamless, authentic and profitable online experiences.Joining him are industry experts Stephen Spencer, Director of Stephen Spencer and Associates, and Simon Jones, Managing Director of Navigate Agency, to discuss how attractions can create e-commerce gift shops that truly enhance the visitor experience.They discuss the Visitor Attraction Playbook and explore how storytelling, sustainability and smart integration can transform your retail offer from an afterthought into a powerful brand extension.This episode also marks the launch of our brand-new playbook: ‘The Retail Ready Guide to Going Beyond the Gift Shop' — your go-to resource for building a successful e-commerce strategy that connects with your audience and drives sustainable growth.Download your FREE copy here: https://pages.crowdconvert.co.uk/skip-the-queue-playbook Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your hosts are Paul Marden and Andy Povey.If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website SkiptheQueue.fm.If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on LinkedIn. Show references:  Stephen Spencer, Ambience Director of Stephen Spencer and Associateshttps://www.stephenspencerassociates.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/customerexperiencespecialist/Simon Jones, Managing Director of Navigate Agencyhttps://www.navigate.agency/https://www.linkedin.com/in/simontjones/Kelly Molson, Skip the Queue's founding host, Agency Advisor, Kelly Molson Consultinghttps://www.kellymolson.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellymolson/ The 2025 Visitor Attraction Website Survey is now LIVE! Dive into groundbreaking benchmarks for the industryGain a better understanding of how to achieve the highest conversion ratesExplore the "why" behind visitor attraction site performanceLearn the impact of website optimisation and visitor engagement on conversion ratesUncover key steps to enhance user experience for greater conversionsTake the Rubber Cheese Visitor Attraction Website Survey Report

Join us in Episode 239 of TCE as we sit down with trail-blazing creative director Kori Pennypacker. From groundbreaking design strategies to real-world insights into building brand narratives, Kori shares how she transforms ideas into high-impact visual stories. Kori Pennypacker is passionate about the Word of God and how it can greatly impact the children in our lives. She serves as Bible2School's CEO. Kori speaks widely on the topic of children in schools. She and her husband, Blaine, have three adult sons and adore their grandchildren. Learn more about Kori and Bible2School. To register for Summit Student Conferences, visit: Summit.org/students/ For additional free resources from Summit, go to: Summit.org/resources

How do you market the experience of walking through rooms of illusion that flip reality on its head? In this episode, Stephanie Postles chats with Andy Levey, the mastermind CMO behind the Museum of Illusions, to discover how to craft unforgettable moments that captivate audiences. Learn how to apply these strategies to market brands that sell experiences - from local business, SaaS, B2B, and more. Key Moments:00:00 Andy Levey Turns Wonder Into Marketing Strategy02:00 Inside the World's Most Photographed Museum04:00 From Wall Street to Vegas Viral Experiences07:30 Building the Biggest Brand No One's Heard Of09:30 Cracking the Local Playbook for Global Growth14:14 Data and Science Behind Going Viral16:44 Marketing FOMO With Radio and Influencers19:00 Winning Local Search and the AI-Discoverability Game24:00 Bringing Emotion Back to B2B Marketing27:23 How to Make Customers Feel Your Product33:43 Lessons from Failed Launches38:10 Using AI to Scale Creative, Not Replace It45:00 The Best Marketing Campaigns51:00 Marketing Trends Outro Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this must-listen episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc welcomes back Rob Garf, now VP and Head of Industry Strategy at Cordial, to discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping marketing, consumer engagement, and the future of retail personalization.A longtime retail strategist and thought leader, Garf brings decades of experience “at the intersection of retail, consumer, and technology.” Now leading strategy at the high-growth marketing tech firm Cordial, he shares insights from their new North American study, Brands Battle for Attention as AI Redefines the Funnel. The research explores how retailers and consumers are responding to today's marketing noise, and how brands can stand out with authenticity and relevance instead of more messages.Garf explains how AI is collapsing the traditional marketing funnel, transforming “discovery by channel” into “discovery by conversation.” With a third of consumers now engaging with personal AI agents like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Perplexity, he outlines what this means for marketers who must ensure their products and content are discoverable in an AI-first world.The conversation dives into the challenges retailers face with legacy marketing stacks, data fragmentation, and a loss of trust in their own data. Garf argues that success lies in unifying systems, embedding AI directly into workflows, and focusing relentlessly on consumer intent—understanding not only what customers buy but what they're trying to accomplish in the moment.Beyond the technology, Garf emphasizes the importance of brand storytelling, creative emotion, and the “humanization of digital experiences.” He discusses how AI and brand voice can coexist to deliver meaningful, personalized engagement across every channel—from email and SMS to emerging conversational interfaces.To conclude, Garf offers practical advice for marketers adopting AI: start with clear customer problems, get your data house in order, and manage organizational change with empathy and alignment. The goal, he says, isn't to replace humans but to empower them and deliver the effortless, relevant experiences consumers expect.Whether you're a marketer, technologist, or retail leader, this episode provides actionable insights on how to thrive at the intersection of AI, personalization, and brand authenticity in a rapidly changing digital landscape. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, host Damien Swaby talks with Victoria Duncan, a filmmaker and Senior Creative Video Producer at Bloomberg Media Studios, about building a career that bridges art, analytics, and authenticity.Victoria shares how she transitioned from post-production and film school at NYU Tisch to producing global branded campaigns at Bloomberg. She opens up about her creative process, directing style, and the balance between data-driven storytelling and emotional resonance in branded content.

Greg is a global expert in brand storytelling. He's won international awards across advertising, film, and television. Helping start-ups to Fortune 500s, brands like Adobe, Capgemini, Google, Qantas, and Virgin use him when they want to tell a stronger story. He's literally written the book on brand storytelling - 'Creating a Blockbuster Brand' has just been released. Connect with Greg here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-logan/narrativity.com Don't forget to download our FREE LinkedIn Post Templates for High Impact Posts here:https://www.thetimetogrow.com/ecsposttemplates

In this episode of The Joseph Graham Show, we sit down with Logan Mulligan — a passionate creative, marketing strategist, and co-founder of Digital Sonder. Logan and his wife have built a storytelling studio that helps brands do more than just sell — they help them connect, resonate, and leave a lasting impression.We explore Logan's journey from marketing roots to creative entrepreneurship, the power of visual storytelling, and how Digital Sonder crafts moments that move people. Whether you're building a brand, launching a business, or simply seeking to tell your story with more heart, Logan's insights will inspire you to think mythically and act intentionally.

In this episode of Scratch, Eric chats with Will Pearson, Co-Founder of Ocean Bottle, the brand turning reusable bottles into vehicles for global impact. One of the biggest takeaways from Will's story is how Ocean Bottle has made impact completely non-negotiable in its business model; every purchase is tied directly to measurable change. Rather than chasing the traditional direct-to-consumer routes, the brand leaned into B2B partnerships as its true growth engine, scaling faster through collaborations like Ed Sheeran's tour than through paid ads. Will also highlights that in a purpose-driven category, the goal isn't to outcompete others but to grow the category as a whole. Ocean Bottle's marketing reflects this mindset, relying on storytelling backed by proof, from the Change Collective initiative to transparent reporting on every kilo of plastic collected. Ultimately, the key learning for marketers is clear: purpose isn't dead; it is evolving. And partnerships are how purpose-led brands grow.Watch the video version of this podcast on Youtube ▶️: [coming soon]

Jen Moss is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of JAR Podcast Solutions, a leading branded podcast agency working with clients like Amazon, lululemon, Cirque du Soleil, Wharton, and Deloitte. A former radio producer, journalist, and award-winning writer, Jen brings decades of storytelling experience to every show she touches. She's worked with CBC, Roundhouse Radio, and the National Film Board of Canada's Digital Studio. She's written for theater, film, new media, and short fiction—and now brings that creative depth to brand content. She's also a creative writing instructor at the University of British Columbia, where she teaches the next generation of podcast storytellers. Craft your brilliant brand story strategy in minutes, not months, and instantly create compelling content that converts customers with the StoryCycle Genie™ #StoryOn! ≈Park

I chat with Trang Nova, a speaking coach, storyteller, and founder, about one of the most powerful tools in your business toolkit: storytelling.In our conversation, she walks us behind the scenes of her own daily routines, shares her journey from a shy immigrant kid to TEDx speaker, and gives actionable tips for transforming your stories into marketing, content, and connection.If you've ever felt stuck trying to sound “real” in your posts, stressed about how much backstory to share, or unsure where to drop a story in your emails/website, you're going to love this episode.We discuss:How your morning routine is non-negotiableUsing storytelling to build trust, curiosity, and emotional connectionHow to convert a bland summary into a compelling storyStarting lessons with a story, whether in emails, social media, workshops, or pages on your websiteABOUT TRANG:Trang Nova is a speaking coach for entrepreneurs who want to speak with confident authority so they can be recognised as visible leaders in their businesses and on stages. Through Trang's lifelong journey from being a withdrawn introvert to now being featured on global platforms like TEDx and Medium, she realised that speaking is a skill that can be mastered by anyone, not just those to whom it comes naturally. So now, she is on a mission to help others harness the power of their voice. Trang believes that when more visionaries speak up, then more leaders will successfully fulfil their potential and lead powerful movements to make this world better for us all and future generations. When she's not on stage or coaching others, you'll probably find her hiking on a mountain somewhere, giving her dogs forced cuddles, or stuffing her face with ice cream!CONNECT WITH TRANG:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trang_nova/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trang-nova-a887aba0/Website: https://www.trangnova.comPodcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/60IpvCPgc4amSdwhcatUpm?si=6ae13a26e03f4f37Email: trang@trangnova.comWatch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q8DjUze63IARead on the Blog: https://whitedeer.com.au/ep234/WORK WITH JACQUI:// DIY Design My Biz: The best course for business owners DIYing their own brand and graphics in Canva. Learn more: https://whitedeer.com.au/diy-dmb// The Co+Creation Design Club: Design WITH the help of a professional designer in this high-touch coaching space: https://whitedeer.com.au/designclub// Design Studio: If you're after fully done-for-you design services my studio team can help! https://whitedeer.com.au/designstudio

Not everything that drives growth shows up in Google Analytics. IIn this week's episode of Growth Talks, Matt Bahr, Co-Founder of Fairing, joins host Krystina Rubino how survey data is reshaping attribution, helping brands uncover what truly influences customer decisions in today's complex media landscape. Drawing on 15 years of experience from leading global e-commerce at Master & Dynamic to building Fairing, Matt shares why PR might matter more in an AI-driven world, how post-purchase surveys complement ad pixels, and the key strategies marketers need to move beyond the last click.  Find out how Fairing is helping leading brands turn real-time insights into smarter strategies and long-term growth.

What makes consumers truly love a brand? In this episode, Allison McClamroch, Head of Brand US at Zeno Group, shares insights from Zeno's latest research on brand love and loyalty. Discover how generational values, social media influence, and cultural relevance shape brand relationships—and what brands must do to earn and keep loyalty in today's competitive landscape. A must-listen for marketers, brand strategists, and communicators.

Send us a textWhat truly defines luxury in travel and events? In this engaging conversation, Joey Pinz sits down with award-winning event producer Cindy Nachman-Senders to explore how the hospitality industry is evolving — and what businesses must know to create unforgettable experiences.Cindy, a nationally respected leader with over 25 years in luxury hospitality and event design, pulls back the curtain on:✨ Why the meaning of “luxury” has shifted post-COVID — and how independent brands are filling the gap.✨ The hidden role of meeting planners and why the best events aren't about hotels, but about strategy, culture, and flawless execution.✨ How speakers, podcasters, and content extend an event's impact long after it ends.

From scripting space villains for Bruce Campbell to brand therapy for spiritual entrepreneurs, Hersh Rephun has had a wildly unconventional journey. In this punchy and thoughtful episode, Nicholas Kuhne sits down with the “holistic brand therapist” to explore how comedy, personal trauma, and truth-telling fuel the most powerful personal brands.If you're a founder, creative, or consultant who wants to be taken seriously without selling your soul, this episode hits hard in all the right ways. Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mariana has filmed for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, and spent five years as a senior producer at NBC. Today, she helps entrepreneurs build trust faster and accelerate sales with emotion-driven "brand videos" – not “branded” ads, but authentic stories that connect.We dive into her journey from global documentaries to digital marketing, the difference between passion and overcome stories, and why a single brand video is a "forever asset" that transforms cold audiences into believers. Mariana also shares her framework for storytelling that moves people, plus affordable ways founders can start today.If you want to pass the “instant trust test” and stop blending in, this episode is your guide.Find Mariana here:Website: https://brandmagnetic.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/brandmagneticCheat Sheet: https://brandmagnetic.com/cheatsheetPodcast: Empire Secrets of Digital Marketing⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Meet Mariana Henninger: Emmy winner & brand video strategist01:00 – From documentaries to entrepreneurship: the leap from NBC03:00 – Why personal storytelling beats features & funnels05:00 – The right (and wrong) reasons to start a business09:00 – Brand videos vs documentaries: finding your angle11:00 – Everyone has a story: passion vs overcome frameworks15:00 – Why brand videos aren't ads (and how they build trust)16:30 – Where a brand video fits in the customer journey18:30 – 30 ways to use your brand video across platforms19:30 – The Brand Video Accelerator & resources for beginners21:00 – Empire Secrets podcast & final thoughts Connect with me on:All my linksBecome a guestSign up for RiversideGet Descript #DigitalMarketing #Branding #PersonalBranding #MarketingInsights #SocialMediaStrategy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover the art and science of storytelling in content marketing with David Ebner, President and Founder of Content Workshop, in this episode of The Brand Called You. Host Ashutosh Garg dives deep into David's journey from classical storytelling to building a thriving, story-first content marketing agency. Learn how to bridge the gap between creativity and commerce, maintain brand voice consistency, navigate AI advancements, and foster authentic human creativity in the tech-driven marketing landscape. David shares practical tips for B2B storytelling, real client success stories, and why "human-led, machine-fed" is the new mantra for marketers today.Whether you're a content creator, marketer, entrepreneur, or simply passionate about storytelling, this episode is packed with insights, actionable advice, and inspiration to elevate your brand's narrative.

Franchise growth strategies have never been more critical. In an era where consumer attention is fragmented and competition is fierce, the brands that thrive are those that go beyond selling products and services—they tell stories that resonate. Few people understand this better than Nick Powills, founder of No Limit Agency and publisher of 1851 Franchise, a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between franchisors, franchisees, and the media. For more than a decade, Powills has championed an approach that blends creativity, data, and authenticity to position franchises for sustainable growth. His philosophy is rooted in a simple but powerful truth: every brand has a story, but not every brand knows how to tell it effectively. By helping brands articulate their purpose and align that message across multiple channels, Powills has helped hundreds of franchise systems grow stronger and scale faster. Franchise growth strategies today require a departure from the transactional marketing mindset. Gone are the days when success was measured solely by ad spend and impressions. Modern consumers—and prospective franchisees—crave transparency, relevance, and connection. Powills argues that storytelling is the foundation for building these connections. “If you can't explain why you matter, neither will anyone else,” he says. Ford Saeks, business growth strategist and host of The Business Growth Show, echoes this sentiment. Saeks often stresses that marketing is not about shouting louder—it's about speaking directly to the needs and aspirations of your audience. Whether attracting franchise candidates or acquiring customers, the message must be clear, consistent, and emotionally engaging. This is where the intersection of branding and franchise growth strategies becomes most powerful. Powills' work at No Limit Agency illustrates this intersection in action. His team partners with brands to integrate public relations, digital marketing, and content creation into a unified growth plan. It's an approach that moves beyond vanity metrics and focuses on impact—measured in leads, conversions, and long-term brand equity. One of his biggest innovations is leveraging storytelling not just for consumer-facing campaigns, but also for franchise development. Prospective owners aren't buying a logo; they're investing in a vision. By humanizing the brand and showcasing real success stories, franchisors can attract partners who align with their culture and values. Another cornerstone of Powills' franchise growth strategies is adaptability. The marketing playbook that worked five years ago is obsolete in today's landscape. Social media platforms evolve, search algorithms shift, and consumer expectations rise. Brands that cling to old tactics risk falling behind. Instead, Powills advocates for an agile approach that embraces experimentation and continuous improvement. This mindset mirrors the advice Saeks often gives his clients: test, measure, and refine. Growth isn't static—it's iterative. The human element, however, remains irreplaceable. Technology may amplify reach, but relationships build trust. Powills emphasizes the importance of authentic engagement—whether through thought leadership, personalized content, or meaningful interactions on social media. These efforts signal to both consumers and franchise prospects that a brand values more than transactions; it values community. As the publisher of 1851 Franchise, Powills has also created a platform for dialogue and education within the industry. By spotlighting best practices and sharing stories from across the franchise ecosystem, he fosters collaboration that benefits everyone from emerging brands to established players. This commitment to transparency and knowledge-sharing reflects his belief that the rising tide lifts all boats—a philosophy that resonates with leaders like Saeks, who champion innovation and peer-to-peer learning. The future of franchising will belong to brands that combine strategic vision with compelling storytelling. For leaders seeking to elevate their growth strategies, the lesson is clear: clarity of purpose drives clarity of execution. When you know your story—and tell it well—you position your brand to attract the right people, forge stronger connections, and achieve sustainable growth. Franchise growth strategies are no longer optional—they're a necessity. And for those willing to invest in authenticity, creativity, and adaptability, the opportunities are limitless. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Fordify LIV! streams every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Central on all major social platforms, featuring conversations with top business leaders. New podcast episodes of The Business Growth Show drop every Thursday. About Nick Powills Nick Powills is the founder of No Limit Agency and publisher of 1851 Franchise, where he helps brands grow through integrated storytelling and strategic communications. With over 15 years of experience in public relations, marketing, and franchise development, Nick has worked with more than 50 global franchise brands to build strong reputations and generate meaningful growth. He is a Certified Franchise Executive and a recognized thought leader in brand strategy and media engagement. Nick's passion for humanizing brands and creating impactful campaigns has made him a trusted voice in the franchise industry. Learn more at 1851franchise.com. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator who has helped businesses—from startups to Fortune 500s—generate more than a billion dollars in sales. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., Ford specializes in driving measurable results through strategic marketing, branding, and innovation. He is an award-winning entrepreneur, author of five books, and a recognized expert on using technology and strategy to fuel growth. Learn more at ProfitRichResults.com and watch his show at Fordify.tv.

Build trust in business through authentic storytelling The brand blueprint: how to define values and tell your story Episode 272  (Deevo is based in Charlotte, NC) In this conversation we explore… how to cut through industry noise with a no-fluff branding approach why self-discovery is the foundation of personal branding the role of trust and experience in building client relationships how authentic storytelling creates emotional connections why honesty and vulnerability make you relatable the importance of aligning your values with your business story why branding is more than visuals—it's every customer touchpoint how personal struggles and pain points can strengthen your brand why your story won't resonate with everyone (and that's a good thing) what qualities make someone an ideal client for branding work ----- About our guest, Deevo Tindal: Unapologetically Bold – he says what others won't, and it lands. Personal Brand-First – he helps people build brands rooted in identity, not imitation. No Fluff, All Fire – Real-world experience meets razor-sharp insights you can act on. It's Not Just a Talk – It's an experience. One that will shake your audience into clarity. Ready to learn more or check out his services? Visit https://www.thebrandstoryteller.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/fusionphotog/ https://www.instagram.com/deevothebrandstoryteller/ ----- Key Learning Points the no-fluff approach means dropping templates and discovering your unique story personal branding starts with knowing yourself first, not copying others trust is built through intentional client experiences, not just final products authentic storytelling connects emotionally and sets you apart vulnerability and honesty make your brand relatable your values and problem-solving define the heart of your story branding is every touchpoint in the customer journey, not just logos or colors pain points and struggles can strengthen your story if shared with purpose not everyone will resonate with your brand—and that's okay the best clients are purpose-driven, coachable, and ready to share their genius ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We'll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He's fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills  

Here's a challenge for you: go to any brand's website in your category and read their "About Us" page. Then go to their competitors and do the same before comparing them all to your own. I'll bet you that 80% of them sound very similar.   "We're passionate about quality." "We use only the finest ingredients." "We're committed to sustainability." "Our products are handcrafted with care."   Blah, blah, blah. Everyone says this stuff. It's become industry wallpaper – technically there, but completely invisible because it's everywhere.   Here's the problem: when you're trying to stand out in a competitive market, competing for the same customers, your story isn't just marketing content. Your story IS your differentiation.    So if YOU want to be the brand that is absolutely crushing it in your category, you need to figure out how to tell stories that are impossible to replicate because they're authentically, uniquely yours.   In this podcast episode, I'm sharing the Strategic Story Framework that transforms boring brand positioning into compelling narratives that your customers can't resist.       Links mentioned in this episode: If you'd like help to achieve your goals, I invite you to have a chat to find out how we can make that happen together HERE By booking a Free Growth Strategy   Other Ways To Enjoy This Episode: Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify Youtube  

What happens when the women who helped build Microsoft finally get their story told? In her new book, The Women of Microsoft, Miri Rodriguez—Senior Storyteller at Microsoft, CEO of Empressa.ai, and award-winning author—spotlights the pioneers who shaped both the company and the future of tech. Along the way, she shares powerful insights on storytelling, leadership, and how empathy and purpose can transform the way we work. What You'll Learn in This Episode How the new book, The Women of Microsoft, came together in honor of Microsoft's 50th anniversary Stories of resilience, leadership, and innovation from women who shaped Microsoft over five decades Why telling both the highs and lows of women's experiences in tech matters Practical lessons for women navigating promotions, resilience, and confidence in today's workplace How empathy, compassion, and inclusion can shape the future of work—especially in the era of AI Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:09) How the book began (02:43) The mission behind The Women of Microsoft (04:33) Surprising and moving stories (06:35) Women's impact on Microsoft's innovations (09:10) Balancing celebration and hard truths (12:11) Lessons for women navigating tech today (19:14) The code of confidence and future generations (20:42) AI, Empressa.ai, and the future of work (26:35) A brand that made Miri smile Miri Rodriguez is the CEO of Empressa.ai, a groundbreaking AI company reshaping the future of work for women, and serves as Senior Storyteller at Microsoft, where she crafts narratives that resonate globally. An award-winning author of Brand Storytelling—translated into four languages—Miri is also a sought-after speaker and consultant known for her empathetic, purpose-driven approach. Beyond her professional work, she champions social advocacy by training leaders of social enterprises in Africa, mentoring students and professionals in the U.S., and sharing mindfulness and happiness through her platform Be Mindful Be Happy. Her global travels with her husband fuel both her storytelling and her belief in the power of human experience and technology to transform lives. What Brand Has Made Miri Smile Recently? Miri shared how the shoe brand Mephisto recently made her smile. While traveling in Spain, she rediscovered the brand her father had once introduced to her as a teenager. A local store gave her an unexpectedly personal, “white glove” experience—handwritten receipts, phone calls to the manufacturer, and even custom colors. For Miri, it was a powerful reminder that personal treatment and genuine customer care still win, even in a world dominated by mass retail. Links Connect with Miri on LinkedIn, Instagram, and her website. Check out her new book, The Women of Microsoft: Empowering Stories from the Minds that Coded the World. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode of Sales Pipeline Radio from the Innovation Pavilion at Cvent CONNECT 2025, Matt spoke with Jen Mangini Perry, Senior Director, Brand Storytelling, and Mark Correira, Director, Go-To-Market Technology at Workhuman. Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Sales Pipeline Radio or tune in live Thursdays at 11:30 PT | 12:30 MT | 1:30 CT | 2:30 ET on LinkedIn (also available on demand). In just 20 fast-paced minutes, host Matt interviews the brightest minds in sales and marketing, delivering actionable advice, best practices, and insights for B2B sales and marketing professionals. Sales Pipeline Radio was recently recognized as one of the 25 Best Sales Management Podcasts and Top 60 Sales Podcasts—don't miss out! You can subscribe right at Sales Pipeline Radio and/or listen to full recordings of past shows everywhere you listen to podcasts! You can even ask Siri, Alexa and Google or search on Audible!

Welcome back to the Good Girls Get Rich podcast and I'm your host, Karen Yankovich. If you've ever thought, “I like working… I just hate the way I'm working,” you're not alone. This episode of the Good Girls Get Rich Podcast was inspired by a Facebook post from a new mom on maternity leave who dreaded going back to her job. She loved being productive and using her brain — but hated the micromanagement, the stress, the traffic, and missing her baby's milestones. And I remember that feeling. The early-morning commutes. The endless meetings. The sinking sense that your brilliance is building someone else's dream while yours waits on the sidelines. Here's the truth: This isn't burnout — it's misalignment. And alignment is your birthright.   We want to hear your thoughts on this episode! Leave us a message on Speakpipe or email us at info@karenyankovich.com.   About The Episode and Highlights: In Episode 322, I share 10 high-income business ideas you can build from the career skills you already have — so you can work in your zone of genius, enjoy more flexibility, and create financial independence. These strategies work whether you're ready for a full career change or want to start something alongside your current role. The Consultant Path – Turn Your Expertise into a Premium Service Consultants get paid for their brains, not just their time. If companies hire outside experts for projects you could do, you can become that expert. Instead of billing hourly, create value-based packages that reflect the results you deliver. Example: If you're in HR, offer a “Recruitment Process Audit” for growing companies — at a premium rate. The Course Creator Path – Build a Profitable Online Program You've likely taught or explained something 100 times in your career. Package that knowledge into an online course, workshop, or training series. You can create it once and sell it over and over. Example: A PTA president could create “The Ultimate Guide to Running a Successful PTA” and sell it nationwide. The Coach or Mentor Path – Guide the Next Generation People already ask, “How did you do that?” Turn your experience into a coaching or mentoring business. Whether 1:1 or in a group, you can support the next wave of women in your industry Example: A finance VP could mentor women looking to break into leadership roles. The VIP Day Model – Deliver High-Value Results in One Day Some clients want high-touch, quick results and are willing to pay a premium for it. A VIP Day lets you dedicate one day to solving a client's problem from start to finish. Example: A yoga instructor offers a private, customized wellness retreat day — including movement, meditation, and nutrition planning — for $2,000. The Done-With-You Model – Collaborate for Success Perfect for perfectionists — you don't do everything for the client, but you work alongside them. This builds intimacy and keeps your workload lighter. Example: In my She's LinkedUp program, we write LinkedIn profiles with our clients, ensuring their voice shines through. Digital Products – Sell What You've Already Created Templates, checklists, email scripts, or spreadsheets you've made for your own job can become instant-download products. They sell while you sleep and position you as an authority. Example: A project manager could sell a “Team Communication Toolkit” with meeting agendas and templates. Speaking & Training – Get Paid to Share Your Expertise Corporations, associations, and schools all pay for expert speakers and trainers. Build a speaker kit and start pitching topics you're passionate about. Example: A marketing director could teach “Brand Storytelling for Nonprofits” at association events. The Thought Leadership Path – Build a Brand that Attracts Dream Clients Consistently showing up online builds authority. Post on LinkedIn, do podcast interviews, and publish articles. The more visible you are, the more opportunities come to you. Example: A career coach shares weekly LinkedIn posts and guest articles on work-life balance, leading to client referrals. The Advisory Path – Offer Strategic Guidance If you have expertise in startups, boards, or nonprofits, you can offer advisory services. It's a way to provide high-level input without being tied to a 9–5 schedule. Example: A retired educator advises a startup creating educational tech for schools. The Boutique Agency Path – Lead a Small, Profitable Team Hire a small team to do what you currently do and step into the CEO role. Start with just one or two clients and grow at your pace. Example: A social media freelancer builds a boutique agency specializing in Instagram marketing for women-led brands.   Magical Quotes From The Episode: “This isn't burnout — it's misalignment. And alignment is your birthright.” “Stop pouring your brilliance into someone else's dream. Start building your own.” “Every single one of these business models is rooted in skills you already have — you don't need another certification.” “The life you want is closer than you think, but you have to choose it.”   Resources Mentioned In the Episode: I created a special guide to go with this episode — 50 Business Ideas from Real-Life Paychecks. Inside, you'll find real examples of women who turned their careers into thriving businesses, complete with quick monetization hooks and inspiration to take action. Download it here!   Help Us Spread The Word! It would be awesome if you shared the Good Girls Get Rich Podcast with your fellow entrepreneurs on Twitter. Click here to tweet some love! If this episode has taught you just one thing, I would love if you could head on over to Apple Podcasts and SUBSCRIBE TO THE SHOW! And if you're moved to, kindly leave us a rating and review. Maybe you'll get a shout out on the show!   Ways to Subscribe to Good Girls Get Rich: Click here to subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click here to subscribe via PlayerFM Good Girls Get Rich is also on Spotify Take a listen on Podcast Addict

In this captivating episode of The Voice of Retail, host Michael LeBlanc sits down with Cameron Conn, CEO of Champlain Apparel, to explore an extraordinary career journey that spans Las Vegas casinos, tech startups, and Canada's emerging entry-level luxury menswear scene.Raised in a third-generation casino family, Cameron's early career in hospitality taught him the art of customer service, loyalty, and operational excellence. From developing multi-million-dollar casino projects in Edmonton and Vancouver to launching a successful compliance tech company, his path was anything but conventional. After selling his tech venture, a chance reconnection with friend and custom suit retailer Jonathan Richard sparked his entry into fashion — and the birth of Champlain Apparel.Cameron shares how Champlain revitalizes timeless menswear staples — from polo shirts to shawl-collar cardigans — blending heritage sport aesthetics with modern fit and quality. He explains their focus on “entry-level luxury” pricing and how a meticulous, methodical wholesale strategy landed the brand in iconic retailers like Harry Rosen in their first season — a rare feat for a new label.The conversation dives deep into wholesale vs. direct-to-consumer strategies, with Cameron candidly discussing why wholesale has been their most successful growth driver, complemented by targeted DTC efforts. He also emphasizes the importance of cultivating retail partnerships, understanding merchants' needs, and empowering front-line sales staff to become passionate brand storytellers.A major highlight — Cameron previews his upcoming Retail Council of Canada's Retail West conference appearance on September 25, where he'll share the stage with Shannon Stewart, Chief Merchandising Officer at Harry Rosen. Their session will explore brand storytelling, customer engagement, and loyalty — and how these principles create the “math and magic” that makes retail partnerships thrive.From Brooklyn trendsetters to Vancouver's style-conscious shoppers, Champlain's appeal is growing fast, supported by Cameron's belief that the best retail relationships are built on trust, shared vision, and mutual success. His advice to other brand founders? Approach retailers as your customers, understand their business as well as your own, and make the math work so you can deliver the magic.Whether you're an emerging brand, retail executive, or simply love a great founder story, this episode offers valuable insights into scaling in the competitive fashion market, balancing creativity with business discipline, and building a brand narrative that resonates far beyond the showroom floor. The Voice of Retail podcast is presented by Hale, a performance marketing partner trusted by brands like ASICS, Saje, and Orangetheory to scale with focus and impact. Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fifth year in a row, the National Retail Federation has designated Michael as on their Top Retail Voices for 2025, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Struggling to explain why you started your business or what makes it different?In this video, I'll walk you through a simple framework for telling your business story — whether you're a product-based brand, a nutritionist, or a physical therapist — and show you how to use that story to attract press, customers, and opportunities.

On today's podcast episode, we discuss what “authentic storytelling” looks like in practice, surprising findings about the authenticity levels between print and digital, and what's most important when it comes to a “brand's handshake.” Join our conversation with Senior Director of Podcasts and host, Marcus Johnson, Senior Director of Briefings, Jeremy Goldman, and Vice President of Brand Marketing at Quad, Heidi Waldusky. Listen everywhere you find podcasts and watch on YouTube and Spotify.   Report link - https://www.quad.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/the-harris-poll-quad-the-return-of-touch-report-2025.pdf   To learn more about our research and get access to PRO+ go to EMARKETER.com   Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/   For sponsorship opportunities contact us: advertising@emarketer.com   For more information visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/   Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com    For a transcript of this episode click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-missing-link-omnichannel-how-authentic-brand-storytelling-drives-real-connection-behind-numbers     © 2025 EMARKETER

Welcome to another insightful episode of Build a Better Agency! This week, host Drew McLellan welcomes back storytelling and branding pro Park Howell for an episode packed with practical advice, fresh perspectives, and a live demo you won't want to miss. Park, a former agency owner turned global storytelling coach, joins Drew to discuss how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way agencies uncover, shape, and operationalize brand stories—making the process faster, smarter, and more tangible than ever before. Park introduces listeners to his latest innovation, the Story Cycle Genie, an AI-powered tool built to transform months of intensive brand development into a streamlined, accessible process. Together, Drew and Park walk through a real-world example, using AMI's own brand as a case study to demonstrate how the Genie analyzes existing content to reveal brand positioning, audience insights, emotional drivers, and actionable storytelling frameworks in minutes, not months. They discuss how the AI synthesizes agency websites, marketing materials, and other sources to uncover nuanced messaging and emotional resonance—while also surfacing areas for improvement that even seasoned agencies might overlook. Listeners will gain a front-row seat to the genie's output and hear candid reactions from Drew as he reflects on the accuracy and depth of the insights. The conversation also covers the evolving agency-client relationship when AI is part of the creative toolkit, tips for leveraging AI tools to enhance rather than replace human-led strategy, and why clients are hungry for agencies that use AI to deliver better, faster results—not just cheaper ones.   If you're curious about integrating AI into your branding processes, want to get a sense of how your agency shows up to the world, or simply want to understand the practical benefits AI can bring to storytelling and positioning, this episode is for you. By the end, you'll walk away with a new understanding of how technology can amplify your agency's value and effectiveness—without sacrificing the human touch that sets your work apart.  A big thank you to our podcast's presenting sponsor, White Label IQ. They're an amazing resource for agencies who want to outsource their design, dev, or PPC work at wholesale prices. Check out their special offer (10 free hours!) for podcast listeners here.   What You Will Learn in This Episode: Harnessing AI to streamline and enhance brand storytelling for agencies   Verifying, revealing gaps, and inspiring new ways to position your agency brand Using the story cycle framework to create actionable, measurable brand narratives How AI tools can accelerate strategic branding work from months to minutes Blending human insight and AI for more nuanced, emotionally resonant messaging Leveraging brand clarity and emotional promise to drive agency growth and client trust Exploring new business models and client services enabled by AI-powered brand strategy

In Episode 86 of the Digital Velocity Podcast, Erik Martinez welcomes Dugan Bridges, founder and Chief Creative Director of F7 Film Distillery, to explore how cinematic storytelling is transforming digital marketing. Bridges shares his journey from screenwriter and director to helping brands connect with audiences through high-impact video content. This episode dives into the hidden cost-benefit analysis behind professional video, why still photography is no longer enough, and how emotion, music, and visual storytelling forge lasting brand impressions. From startup case studies to Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brands seeking scalability, listeners will learn how to repurpose high-resolution video for long-term marketing ROI, overcome production fears, and redefine their content strategy in a video-first world. Whether you're in retail, SaaS, or B2B, Dugan makes the case that video isn't just a ‘nice-to-have'—it's essential for trust, memorability, and market differentiation in today's digital economy.

The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWin $100k from Artlist here:https://artlist.io/lp/100kfund/?utm_source=al_social&utm_medium=ugc&utm_term=100K&utm_content=100K&utm_campaign=100KWhat's up, Rock Nation! Today we sit down with Oren John, the internet's creative director. In this episode, Oren breaks down why most branded content flops and how to fix it. He unpacks the secret to building a world around your brand, the one framework every creator needs before scaling, and why playing it safe online is the fastest way to stay invisible.We dive into value vs. entertainment content, how to stand out in a feed full of noise, and the metrics Oren actually tracks when building a personal brand. He also shares his take on content “moats,” why he welcomes flops, and how to position yourself for both influence and income.If you're tired of copying trends and want to build something original that actually resonates, this episode is your blueprint.Check out Oren here here:https://www.instagram.com/orenmeetsworld/https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@orenmeetsworld⁩  SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportThe Creator Pricing Guide - The No BS Guide to Pricing Your Creative ServicesCoupon Code: ROCKNATION10 gets you $10 off at checkout for the bouldershttps://courses.the505podcast.com/pricing-guideJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsMore Free Products:Our 5 Positioning Tips to Land Bigger Clients (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/5positioningtips 6 Questions to ask on Every Sales Call (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/6questionsfordiscoverycallCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKKG Presets Vol. 1https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsKostas' Amazon Storefront:https://amzn.to/3GhId2515% OFF Prism Lens FX with code: KOSTAS15https://bit.ly/42sNdejTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro1:10 - Brand Storytelling in 20252:31 - TV series content4:01 - Creative vs Content Quality5:39 - brands crushing in 20257:08 - World Building11:17 - Tarte Cosmetic brand trips12:54 - $100k Artlist Giveaway13:46 - Value vs Entertainment creators16:17 - Embracing the flop17:53 - Formats that win on social19:25 - Do carousels still work?21:01 - Why video wins23:15 - Merging value and entertainment24:07 - How to go from value to entertainment content25:18 - Building in public26:37 - What brands miss the mark on28:11 - Cannes Festival29:13 - LinkedIn30:29 - Creating content while working a 9-532:03 - Oren's first brand deal32:48 - You just gotta be hotter34:04 - Fitness talk35:36 - Dialing in positioning39:45 - How to crush facebook ads41:17 - Creative Volume42:34 - The photoshoot playbook45:34 - The Laker's content playbook46:59 - Why Oren uses Notion48:46 - Don't copy the biggest brands if you want to win50:02 - How to build real community51:50 - How to crush live events52:55 - Your environment matters56:21 - Cost to content57:29 - Hiring58:43 - Oren's YouTube strategy1:02:36 - People still underestimate the creator economy1:05:01 - The TikTok Shop playbook1:05:42 - A.I. ads1:07:50 - Cultivating an audience that wants to buy1:10:35 - Breaking down the 505 brand1:20:10 - A.I. software that Oren uses1:21:49 - Quality vs. Quantity1:22:30 - How Luxury brands can win on social1:23:22 - Oren's clothing brand1:26:31 - What Oren's learned from making his own products1:29:28 - How men vs. women shop1:31:36 - Men's bags1:34:12 - The next 6-12 months1:35:06 - Advice to your 18 year old selfIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/

In this insightful episode of the Remarkable Retail podcast recorded live at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York, Sarah Henry, Vice President, Head of Content, Influencer & Commerce at Walmart, discusses how one of the world's largest retailers is at the forefront of digital innovation. Sarah shares her journey from classical pianist to marketing executive, charting her unique path into eCommerce and social media leadership.The discussion dives deep into how Walmart is meeting the evolving expectations of Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers. Sarah explains how the boundaries between brand discovery, engagement, and purchase are transforming, particularly for younger demographics who now discover products on social platforms more than in physical aisles or via traditional search engines. She shares insights into Walmart's strategic shift, including the rollout of the "Who Knew?" campaign, which highlights surprising products and services available through Walmart, ranging from exclusive Pokémon cards to stylish fashion from brands like Free Assembly.A central focus of the conversation is "Walmart Creator", the brand's in-house platform launched to streamline influencer engagement and power social commerce. Sarah explains how this platform connects tens of thousands of creators directly with Walmart's ecosystem, enabling shoppable content that seamlessly bridges inspiration and transaction.The conversation also touches on the increasing role of artificial intelligence in commerce. Sarah emphasizes the balance between technology and human creativity, asserting that Walmart's approach is "tech-led and people-powered." She discusses how AI is being used to support creators, personalize experiences, and enhance the customer journey, while remaining cautious about authenticity and scale.Sarah offers a look at attribution and measurement, acknowledging progress while recognizing room for improvement. She also shares her excitement for the future of social commerce and the continued growth of the creator economy as a legitimate career path. Throughout the episode, she underscores the importance of adaptability and real-time testing in a retail landscape that is changing by the day. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Ready to stop hiding behind your bench and start building a personal brand that drives sales? In this transformative episode, Tracy sits down with Taylor Smith, founder of The Power Table and self-proclaimed "pivot queen," to uncover why personal branding isn't just nice-to-have; it's essential for standing out in today's saturated market.Taylor shares her journey from college professor to multi-six-figure entrepreneur across physical products, digital courses, and coaching, revealing how embracing her pivot story became her greatest business asset. If you've ever felt like your varied experience makes you "flaky" or wondered how to separate yourself from your business, this episode will completely shift your perspective.Discover the five personal branding secrets that help creative entrepreneurs attract their ideal customers, build authentic connections, and increase profitability—all while staying true to who you are.In this episode, you'll learn:[8:00] Why hiding behind your products is hurting your sales[14:30] The identity crisis keeping creatives from building personal brands[21:30] How seeking validation from strangers led to business burnout[25:20] The five personal branding secrets that drive sales[30:00] Why enthusiasm is your secret weapon for standing out[35:00] How to use social proof beyond testimonialsHere are the resources mentioned in the show:Follow @taylorsmithonline on InstagramStand Out and Sell Summit, July 23-25Join Desire AI in the BetaAre you enjoying the podcast? We'd be so grateful if you gave us a rating and review! Your 5 star ratings help us reach more businesses like yours and allows us to continue to deliver valuable content every single week. Click here to review the show on Apple podcast or your favorite platformSelect “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review”Share your favorite insights and inspirationsIf you haven't done so yet, make sure that you subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts and on Apple Podcast for special bonus content you won't get elsewhere.xo, Tracy MatthewsFollow on Social:Follow @Flourish_Thrive on InstagramFollow @iamtracymatthews  InstagramFollow Flourish & Thrive Facebook

Dani Dufresne is an Emmy Award-winning executive producer and the Founder of The Auxiliary Co, which provides executive production, consulting, and creative project management for top agencies and brands. With over two decades of experience spanning broadcast, digital, experiential, and branded content, she has led high-impact campaigns for major brands, including Nike, Apple, Google, and Sephora. Dani also serves as an agency leadership consultant, helping creative agencies navigate growth, sales, and operations.  In this episode… Many brands struggle to create content that truly connects, let alone converts. In a fragmented digital landscape dominated by short-term thinking and data overload, creative work is often diluted, reactive, and forgettable. How can marketers craft branded content that captures attention, earns trust, and builds a lasting community? Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dani Dufresne urges brands to stop chasing trends and start building deeper relationships through clear, bold, and emotionally resonant storytelling. Integrating media strategy earlier in the process and investing in long-term thinking can dramatically improve creative outcomes. Dani emphasizes thoughtful execution, creative bravery, and audience empathy as the keys to developing a sustainable, long-term creative strategy.  In this week's episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris chats with Dani Dufresne, Founder and Executive Producer of The Auxiliary Co, about how to produce branded content that converts. Dani shares how misaligned incentives break creative, why building slow beats burning fast, and what brands can learn from influencers and legacy agencies.

Brent Vartan is Managing Partner and Co-Founder at Bullish, a unique hybrid combining a branding agency and a consumer-focused venture fund. With decades of experience in brand strategy, Brent and his team have been early investors and builders behind some of the most iconic DTC and consumer brands of the past decade, including Peloton, Warby Parker, Casper, Harry's, Hu, Bubble, and more.In this episode of DTC Pod, Brent shares his perspective on what it takes to build generational consumer brands from the earliest stages. He discusses Bullish's hands-on investment approach, the importance of brand strategy as a growth mechanism, and what differentiates brands that become household names. Brent also breaks down real playbooks from companies like Sunday Lawn and Nom Nom, providing founders concrete advice on what it takes to build brands worth talking about—and worth buying.Interact with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Bullish's hybrid brand agency and VC model2. What it means to invest as “first money” and why it matters3. The difference between building a business and building a brand4. Why customer lifetime value (CLV) trumps CAC and COGS5. Product-market fit: moving from awareness to lifetime value6. How Bullish supports brands like Harry's and Nom Nom in their earliest days7. Tactical advice for founders on capital raising and allocation8. Building brands for acquisition vs. IPO9. The playbook for becoming an acquisition target (what buyers actually want)10. The underrated power of innovation and product launches11. The role of cultural relevance in DTC brand building12. Real-world examples from Sunday Lawn, Peloton, Bubble Beauty, and more13. How great DTC brands focus on AOV, CLV, and brand loyalty14. Pitfalls to avoid around capital structure and loss of momentumTimestamps00:00 Introducing Brent Vartan and Bullish03:49 Bullish's track record and notable investments05:22 What makes Bullish different10:10 Investing as “first money,” how Bullish evaluates concepts13:19 Patterns Bullish looks for in breakout DTC brands16:09 Deep dive: Sunday Lawn's growth and strategy18:36 Positioning Harry's and building a hundred-year business21:04 Timelines, capital, and operational realities for breakout brands23:37 Building for acquisition vs. IPO: how strategies diverge28:57 What buyers are really seeking in DTC acquisitions31:47 Nom Nom's Mars acquisition and the power of niche audiences33:59 The importance of cultural relevance and taking creative “shots”35:32 Bubble Beauty: case study in innovation and customer engagement38:27 Finding the right capital structure and maintaining founder equity41:06 The risks of stalling momentum and overplanning43:33 Where to allocate raised capital: innovation vs. marketing46:20 Where to find Bullish, Brent's socials, and their newsletterShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more.  Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• ​​​​#243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokBrent Vartan - Managing Partner & Co-Founder of BullishBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic

Matt Wolfe discusses how the StoryBrand framework transforms both marketing and workplace culture by positioning businesses as guides rather than heroes in their customers' stories. This approach creates shared identity and purpose among teams while improving external messaging, leading to better alignment between departments and stronger organizational culture overall. TAKEAWAYS StoryBrand positions businesses as guides helping customer heroes solve problems, not as heroes themselves. Shared brand stories create internal alignment and unified team identity beyond just marketing benefits. Implementation requires team conversations, consistent application across touchpoints, and regular reinforcement. A QUICK GLIMPSE INTO OUR PODCAST

Forget everything you think you know about social media growth. The real secret isn't about algorithms or posting schedules - it's about mastering the art of storytelling. In today's episode, we dive deep into why stories are the ultimate growth hack and how you can use them to build a massive, engaged following.Ready to 10x Your TikTok Growth?If you loved these storytelling strategies, you need to check out my exclusive TikTok Growth Templates! I've created plug-and-play templates that combine powerful storytelling with viral TikTok formats. These are the exact templates my clients use to gain thousands of followers every month.https://keenyakelly.thrivecart.com/tiktokgrowthguide/If you enjoyed today's episode be sure to let us know on Instagram or over on our YouTube Channel - all under the name Keenya Kelly Subscribe to The If You Create It Podcast!Watch episodes on YouTube!!