Podcasts about brand strategy

Today on the Community podcast, Kristina is joined by Puja Malhotra, founder of Roop Creative, to talk about what it really takes to build a brand and website that can grow with your business.Puja shares her journey from corporate art director to entrepreneur, the lessons she has learned through ten years in business, and why strategic branding is about so much more than choosing colours, fonts, and a pretty logo.Tune in to hear:Why saying no to the wrong opportunities can help you attract better-fit clients.When DIY branding and websites make sense, and when it may be time to invest in professional support.Why your website should be helping sell your business before someone ever gets on a discovery call.The biggest website mistakes Puja sees business owners making.Why your brand should be built around your ideal client, not just your personal preferences.How to create a brand and website you can grow into instead of constantly needing to rebrand.Why personal branding, SEO, blogging, and funnels should all be approached strategically based on your business goals.Puja also shares how the psychology behind branding, thoughtful website strategy, and the human element all work together to build trust with potential clients. They talk about creating a customer journey that feels intentional, showing up professionally online, and why your website needs to be more than a digital business card.If you are building a service-based business, thinking about a rebrand, or wondering whether your website is actually helping you attract your dream clients, this episode will help you look at branding and website strategy through a more long-term lens. Tune into this episode of Community anywhere you get your podcasts to learn how to build a brand you can confidently grow into!Connect with Puja Malhotra:WebsiteFollow Roop Creative Agency on InstagramFollow Puja on InstagramLinkedInMentioned in this episode:Try our Podcast Content MachineSend me a text!Support the showFor Your Information:• Host your podcast on Buzzsprout!•Join The High Vibe Women Online Community!• Join our favourite scheduling platform Later• FLODESK Affiliate Code | 25% off your first year!• Connect with Kristina  Don't forget to come say hi to us on Instagram @thesocialsnippet, join the Weekly Snippet or follow us on any social media platform! Website . Instagram . Facebook . Linkedin

What happens when the leader of a legacy beauty brand starts talking about more than skincare products? Joy, purpose, and profit. Episode Summary In this final installment of Jenn Whitmer's conversation with Helen Morrison of Frownies, the discussion expands beyond brand growth and social media into a deeper conversation about power, beauty standards, aging, visibility, leadership, and influence. Helen shares how she sees Frownies as more than a skincare company. For her, the brand is an opportunity to challenge harmful beauty narratives, help women reclaim agency, and use influence responsibly. Rather than chasing profit alone, Helen is focused on building a company that leaves people better than it found them. Jenn and Helen also explore what it means to lead with purpose, create from deep alignment, and stay visible in a culture that often encourages women to disappear as they age. This episode is a thoughtful listen for leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, creatives, and business owners who want to grow something meaningful without losing themselves in the process. In this episode, you'll learn: 01:36 Helen shares what she has learned about power, responsibility, and stewardship, and why influence becomes dangerous when it is disconnected from purpose. 04:52 What happens when purpose and joy are the center of a business 11:07 How purpose-driven leadership shapes growth, impact, and legacy. 12:03 What joy at work looks like. 13:31 Should women remain visible as they age? Key takeaway: Leading with purpose means using your influence to challenge harmful norms, stay visible, and build something that creates real good beyond profit. Why You Should Listen You want to build a mission-driven brand without sacrificing growth or integrity. You're thinking deeply about leadership and influence and how to use both responsibly. You care about changing beauty culture instead of simply participating in it. You want to stay visible and confident as you age in business and in life. You're a founder, creative, or business owner trying to grow something powerful while staying aligned with your values. If you lead a business, a team, or a brand built on trust, this conversation offers a powerful example of what it looks like to grow with integrity. Helen Morrison shares honest insight on leadership, visibility, social media backlash, authentic marketing, customer loyalty, and scaling a business in the digital age. About Helen MorrisonHelen Morrison is the fifth-generation CEO of Frownies, the iconic family-owned, women-led skincare brand founded in 1889. A great-great-granddaughter of founder Margaret Krosen, Helen has helped lead the brand into the modern era, blending legacy, storytelling, and customer connection with a sharp instinct for digital growth. After joining Frownies full-time in 2020 as Director of Brand Strategy, she became the relatable face of the brand across social media, helping turn a long-trusted beauty secret into a viral modern phenomenon while staying rooted in the personal, high-touch care that built the company in the first place. Today, Helen is known for her honest, approachable voice, her ability to translate heritage into relevance, and her leadership in growing Frownies without losing the heart of what made it matter for generations. Grab $10 off Frownies here! jennwhitmer.com/frownies Helen's Social:Instagram: https:instagram.com/helenkmorrison/ TikTok: tiktok.com/@helenkmorrison LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/helen-morrison-09469769 About the Host: Jenn Whitmer Jenn is an international keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and the founder of Joyosity™, helping leaders create positive, profitable cultures through connection, curiosity, and joy. With a background in communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics, Jenn helps leaders and organizations navigate complex people challenges, reduce burnout, and build flourishing workplaces. Her insights have resonated with audiences worldwide, blending real-world leadership expertise, engaging storytelling, and a dash of humor to make the hard stuff easier. Whether on stage, in workshops, or with coaching clients, Jenn equips leaders with the tools they need to solve conflict, cultivate communication, and lead with purpose. Her book Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbooks offer leaders a fresh approach to joy at work that builds real results. jennwhitmer.com Jenn's Social Instagraminstagram.com/jenn_whitmer Linkedinlinkedin.com/in/jennwhitmer Podcast edited by Katey Perkins, Midsouth Story Co Resources & Links: Ready to stop over-functioning and start leading with more clarity, intention, and joy? There is a program for you. Join the waitlist here: jennwhitmer.com/waitlist Get Joyosity and the Joyosity Works Playbook Joyosity: How to Cultivate Intense Happiness in Work & Life (Even If Things Are What They Are) Joy isn't extra. Joy is how you thrive. This book gives leaders the tools to turn exhaustion into resilience and build cultures where work is a joy, people are whole, and organizations flourish. Joyosity Works Playbook: Practical Plays and Strategies for Joy at Work and Beyond is the official companion workbook to Joyosity to help you practice joy every day. Find direct links to purchase at your favorite booksellers at https://jennwhitmer.com/books. Free 99: Joyosity Explorer Map → This map will guide you to understanding the deeper purpose and story you tell yourself about your work. Joy is linked to purpose and productivity increases by 20% or more when you directly link your purpose to your work. Ready to Make a Plan: Joyosity™ Jumpstart → Get crystal clear on what you want, what's in the way, and how to move forward with traction. Starting the Journey: Enneagram Navigator → Stop guessing your type. In this 1:1 session, get clarity on your motivations and blind spots. Ready to Dive In: Joyosity™ Intensive → A one-day transformative experience to realign with your values and build a practical plan for joyful leadership. A Party for More: Bring Jenn & the Joy to Speak → Bring the spark (not just the spark notes!) to your whole team with contagious joy, practical tools, and plenty of laughter. Loved this episode? Rate, review, and share with a fellow leader who's ready to ditch the drama and lead with more joy, curiosity, and clarity.

Welcome to the Health Marketing Collective, where strong leadership meets marketing excellence.On today's episode, Kelly Franchetti, CEO of The Patient View, nurse, rare disease mom, and seasoned patient insights expert joins Sara Payne for an essential conversation about the art and science of weaving patient insights into brand planning. As healthcare marketers dive into planning season, Kelly offers a strategic and practical playbook for moving beyond assumptions and building campaigns, support programs, and messaging that truly resonate with patients.We dig into the critical questions: Where do patient insights fit into the brand planning process? Why do so many organizations wait too long to seek patient feedback? And what real-world impacts have companies seen when they involved patients early vs. when they didn't? Kelly Franchetti shares powerful stories from triple-negative breast cancer rebrands to evolving support in rare diseases showcasing how early, authentic patient input can fundamentally change both creative direction and patient outcomes.This isn't just market research. Kelly Franchetti explains how agile, front-end insight work is different, faster, and often significantly less expensive than most teams assume. Practical guidance follows for working with tight budgets, leveraging advisory boards, and collaborating with agencies to get the strongest ROI from your patient engagement investments.Key TakeawaysMove Patient Insights Upstream: Too often, patient feedback is treated as a late-stage validation step testing messaging after it's already locked in. Kelly argues for bringing patients into the room from the very start of brand planning 02:21, when strategy, positioning, and creative direction are being formed. Early involvement is not just easier and less costly; it's foundational to building architecture that reflects real patient needs.Beware of Assumptions Even on Experienced Teams: Even sophisticated marketing teams can unconsciously operate from inside the brand, not inside the condition. Common assumptions such as what patients' biggest pain points are, or what support they need often miss the mark. Kelly Franchetti stresses that gaps arise not from lack of skill but from differing perspectives; closing those gaps during planning season is what drives real resonance and results 05:02, 07:54.Patient Insight vs. Market Research & Advisory Boards: Patient insight initiatives are not just another traditional market research project, nor are they interchangeable with advisory boards. Kelly Franchetti explains that patient insight work is quicker, more agile, and designed to shape hypotheses before they are fully formed 15:58. Advisory boards have their value for focused, tactical conversations, but fall short in surfacing the full breadth of patient perspectives required for foundational planning 20:41, 22:41.Involving the Patient Voice Isn't Out of Reach: Patient insights don't require big teams or massive budgets. Programs can be spun up quickly (in as little as two to three weeks) and at budgets starting as low as 10,000–15,000 17:41, 18:25. Kelly Franchetti encourages teams to explore what's possible with what they have rather than assuming time and cost are barriers.ROI Is Highest When Insights Inform Early Decisions: If you only have resources for one initiative, invest on the front end shaping strategic priorities and messaging pillars instead of saving for late-stage message testing. Testing confirms, but early input shapes 26:46. Realigning plans after launch is always possible pulse checks midyear are fast and affordable 32:30 but the greatest ROI comes from minimizing assumptions upfront, regularly calendaring patient insight check-ins, and being honest about where the plan is built on guesses versus knowledge.Thank you for being part of the Health Marketing Collective, where strong leadership meets marketing excellence. The future of healthcare depends on it.Mentioned in this episode:Health Marketing Collective is Powered by InprelaThe Health Marketing Collective is powered by Inprela: a communications firm built for health brands determined to lead, not follow. We partner with marketing innovators who aren't just chasing attention—they're building movements. Connect with the audiences shaping the future of care and lead the conversations that move your market. Ready to rise above the noise? Visit inprela.com. Let's create something that moves the market.Inprela Communications

A CMO Confidential Interview with Kristin Wozniak, Chief Growth Officer and Data Officer at Cosmo5, formerly SVP Analytics and Strategy at Cossette Media. Kristin discusses why she believes many leaders have developed an unhealthy obsession with data, how "the need for certainty" stifles innovation, and Goodhart's law, which states "when a measure becomes a target, it's no longer a good measure." Key topics include:- The risk of constantly wanting more data and dashboards- The need for "buddy metrics"- Why you should link KPI's, compensation, and business results- The concepts of "AI Brain Fry" and "Hiding Behind the Data"Chapters

The Profitable Brand Strategy: How to Turn Attention into Monetization. Building an audience online is easier than ever, but building a business that actually pays your bills is a completely different challenge. Countless creators, agency owners, and service providers fall into the exact same trap: they pour months of energy into publishing content, accumulating followers, and racking up views, only to realize their bank account remains unchanged. Having attention is incredible, but attention alone will not cover your overhead or create financial stability.

Get our free course to help women web designers stop undercharging and overdelivering and create a consistent, full-time income at https://webdesigneracademy.com/freecourse⁠ Episode 207: Why Web Designers Are Already Doing Brand Strategy (Just Not Charging For It) with Sarah Robb Sarah Robb of Brand Strategy Academy has spent over twenty years building brand strategies for companies like Pfizer, EY, PepsiCo, and Oracle, and in this episode she and Shannon break down why brand strategy has almost nothing to do with fonts and logos and everything to do with four simple questions every strong brand can answer. Sarah makes the case that most web designers are already doing this work with clients, they just haven't named it, structured it, or charged for it, and she and Shannon talk through exactly what it looks like to shift from being seen as the person who executes a client's vision to the person who leads them through a real strategic process. What you'll learn in this episode: The four questions behind every brand strategy, and why they matter more than any logo or color palette Why the "discovery phase" you're already running with clients is brand strategy work you're underpricing How to shift from executor to advisor without becoming a different person, just a more structured one Why AI can speed up research but still can't replace human judgment in strategy work Why small and medium sized businesses need strategic help more than ever, and what that means for who you target next What's actually inside Brand Strategy Academy Resources mentioned: Brand Strategy Academy Rebrand Right by Sarah Robb and Rachel Fairley Related episodes: Episode 154: Strategic Branding That Pays Off Episode 143: Building a Brand with Jacob Cass of Just Creative Episode 111: The True Value of Branding with Mike Brevik of BrandRetro & Cyberdogz About Sarah Robb: Sarah is a brand strategist with over twenty years of experience, the co-author of the Amazon bestseller Rebrand Right, and the founder of Brand Strategy Academy, which has helped over four hundred designers become confident brand strategists. Website: brandstrategysarah.com | Instagram: @brandstrategysarah About Shannon Mattern: Shannon Mattern is a Pricing Strategist, creator of The Package Matrix™ Method, and the founder of the Web Designer Academy, where she helps experienced women web designers book higher-paying web design projects, charge more with confidence, run projects without overworking and burnout, and break through to their next level of income and freedom. For Web Designers: webdesigneracademy.com For Service Providers, Consultants & Agencies: shannonmattern.com Instagram: @profitablewebdesigner

Joel Holtby believes creativity should be the most exciting part of any business — not something optimized into submission.As Founder & Global Co-CCO of Courage, one of Canada's most awarded creative agencies, Joel has helped build work for brands including KFC, KitKat, CIBC, Nescafé and more.In this conversation, Joel & Jeff get into why creativity and efficiency often sit at opposite ends of the spectrum, why people don't actually hate advertising, how Courage finds human truths that travel beyond borders, and why craft still matters in an AI-powered world.We also talk about the agency's philosophy of courage, turning down the wrong clients, the story behind KitKat's security convoy, Joel's experience creating IKEA's Lamp 2, working with people like Seth Rogen and Connor McDavid, and why AI should remain a tool - not become the creative.In this episode: Why creativity is a powerful business driver  The difference between courage and risk  Why efficiency can work against creativity  How simple ideas become memorable through craft  Why people don't hate ads - they hate bad ones  Creating work that enters culture instead of interrupting it  How Courage chooses clients  Why brand DNA can be a creative “cheat code”  The enduring power of human insight  Joel's concern with using AI to replace creative problem-solving  Why the next generation of creatives should become sponges, not trend-chasers Chapters00:00 — People Don't Hate Advertising. They Hate Bad Ads.00:35 — Meet Joel Holtby & Courage01:43 — Creativity as a Business Driver04:02 — Finding the Feeling of a Great Idea06:05 — Awards, Ego & Finding Joy in the Work09:25 — Building Courageous Brands11:02 — Courage's First Big Creative Bet14:52 — The Secret Sauce of Storytelling17:50 — Why Creativity Isn't Efficient20:22 — What Makes Advertising Memorable23:07 — People Don't Hate Ads - They Hate Bad Ads25:14 — The KitKat Security Convoy27:40 — Courage as a Client Filter30:12 — Rich and Miserable vs. Great Work32:21 — The Ad That Changed Joel's Creative Philosophy36:13 — IKEA's Lamp & The Art of the Rug Pull38:15 — The Pressure of Creating Lamp 240:01 — Finding the DNA of a Brand42:57 — Seth Rogen, Connor McDavid & Celebrity46:01 — AI vs. Lived Human Experience49:39 — Advice for the Next Generation of CreativesConnect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.Cover art by Daniel DevoyMusic by Stephen Voyce©2024-2026 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Lauren Fields is the Founder and CEO of Fieldswell, a wellness and personal growth company dedicated to helping individuals and creators evolve from the inside out. Lauren's journey spans hospitality, wellness, and psychology, culminating in a Master's degree in Psychology, a TEDx talk, and a podcast featuring global thought leaders, all driven by her curiosity about human potential and commitment to growth.After overcoming a traumatic brain injury, Lauren transformed her personal wellness journey into a mission to empower others to create lives they love, not in spite of adversity, but because of it.Through Fieldswell, Lauren leads:The Fieldswell Podcast - recorded at Fieldswell Studios in Rancho Santa Fe, featuring conversations with global voices in wellness, mindset, and personal development.Fieldswell Wellness Sanctuary - a hub for coaching, healing, red light therapy, nervous system support, and mindfulness practices.Fieldswell Studios - a luxury content and podcast studio providing curated sets, VIP content days, and creative support for entrepreneurs and creators.Workshops & Live Experiences - sold-out events focused on mindset, wellness, and brand-building to spark clarity, connection, and transformation.Coaching & Brand Strategy - psychology-driven guidance helping clients achieve inner alignment, expand identity, and craft impactful personal brands.Lauren is passionate about helping others cultivate clarity, confidence, and lasting impact through holistic growth, creative expression, and transformational experiences.In This Episode, We Explore:How Lauren's personal journey, including overcoming a traumatic brain injury, shaped her approach to growth, resilience, and empowerment.The critical role of identity and nervous system safety in personal development and how to navigate limiting beliefs.The importance of authentic visibility and aligning your brand with personal values to connect deeply with your audience.Strategies for building sustainable success without sacrificing wellbeing, including avoiding burnout while pursuing professional goals.Practical insights and actionable steps for transforming adversity into growth and embracing challenges as catalysts for personal and professional evolution.Follow Lauren Fields on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenfields/Follow Fieldwells on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fieldswell/Learn more Fieldswell here: https://www.fieldswell.com/Listen to the The Fieldswell Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fieldswell-podcast/id1743282753Stay Connected:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/whitneyaronoff/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/starseedkitchen/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@whitneyaronoffTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@starseedkitchenLearn more about Starseed Kitchenhttps://starseedkitchen.com/Shop organic spiceshttps://starseedkitchen.com/shop/code STARSEED for 10% offShop Chef Whitney's favorite source for organic regenerative meats at StarWalker Organic FarmsUse code CHEF for 10% off your online order of $150 or more. Get an additional 10% off for a total discount of 20% when you choose a subscription. https://www.starwalkerorganicfarms.com/discount/CHEFSave 20% off on the healthiest beef sticks by Artemis. 100% organic grass-fed & grass-finished beef sticks. Regeneratively raised with the added bonus of organ meat, heart & liver. Use code STARSEED20 for 20% off. https://bit.ly/4aHDKFlThe 36-pack Subscribe & Save plus my code saves you about 36% off retail.Work with a personal chefhttps://form.typeform.com/to/CGDu08tEBook a 1-on-1 callhttps://bit.ly/4smXWUfFind more of Chef Whitney's offerings herehttps://linktr.ee/whitney.aronoff

A CMO Confidential Interview with Maryam Banikarim, Chair of The Wall Street Journal CMO Council, Co-Founder of The Longest Table, and 5-time CMO. Maryam discusses how the industry is evolving, the continuing importance of data and storytelling, why many leaders are wondering "if they want the job," and how every CMO job is different. Key topics include:- Why so many people have a side hustle- How younger employees see corporate jobs as "higher risk"- Why the key to success is "knowing how to pick yourself up and recover"Tune in to hear why you should "Stop blaming your parents!" and how a key character for the late '70s show Taxi was created. ⏱️ Chapters1:46 - AI and Marketing Evolution6:13 - CMO Role and Responsibilities10:39 - Agency Trends and Side Hustles19:39 - Community Building and Leadership25:46 - Working with Executive Boards29:07 - Managing Career Setbacks32:20 - Personal Anecdotes and ConclusionSubscribe for weekly episodes featuring world-class marketing leaders, board members, and C-Suite executives.#CMOConfidential, #MarketingLeadership, #BrandStrategy, #CorporateActivism, #MarketingStrategy, #CMO, #AIinMarketing, #ExecutiveLeadership, #BrandReputation, #ConsumerTrust, #DigitalMarketing, #MarketingInsights, #ThoughtLeadership, #BusinessStrategy, #CustomerCentricSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dior George is a marketing executive with a career spanning Condé Nast, Nike, McDonald's, agency leadership, and financial services. Today, she serves as VP of Marketing at Truist Bank, where she develops integrated marketing programs at the intersection of culture, community, sports, entertainment, and financial services. Named one of Event Marketer Magazine's Top 10 Women in Events, Dior has built her career around creating experiences that connect brands with people in meaningful ways—and turning ambitious ideas into scalable programs.This episode we discuss:Dior's path from Condé Nast and Nike to McDonald's, agency leadership, banking, and Truist.Why learning how to turn “no” into “yes” has been one of the most important lessons of her career.How Dior was using culture, limited-edition products, and influencers at Nike before social media transformed marketing.How McDonald's community marketing evolved into large-scale national experiential programs.Why the best experiential work comes from specialized teams and agencies working together.How financial brands can move beyond transactions and build deeper relationships through culture, community, and experiences.Why marketers should define the desired outcome first—and how experiential KPIs are evolving beyond attendance and impressions.Dior's advice for the next generation of marketers: stay open, find your strengths, and never stop learning.Follow Dior at:https://www.instagram.com/thatdamndior/Thanks for tuning in. Check us out at:https://www.markstephenagency.com/podcastThanks for tuning in. Check us out at https://www.instagram.com/markstephenagency/

In Part 3 of this Pulse Check series, host Faton Sopa sits down with Stephanie Geyer, associate vice president for marketing and brand strategy at the University of Montana, to explore the evolving student journey. The conversation challenges the common practice of organizing university websites around institutional bureaucracy rather than student decision-making, emphasizing that digital strategies must prioritize the user's perspective. Guest Name: Stephanie Geyer, AVP of Marketing and Brand Strategy, the University of Montana Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-geyer-553a862/ Guest Bio: Stephanie Geyer has spent more than thirty years in higher ed marketing. She spent nearly two decades scaling higher education digital services at Ruffalo Noel Levitz, then advised campuses as a consultant and acting chief marketing officer at Modern Campus. She now runs it herself as Associate Vice President for Marketing and Brand Strategy at the University of Montana. She holds an MBA certificate from Tulane University and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Mallory Willsea https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallorywillsea/https://twitter.com/mallorywillseaAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:The Higher Ed Pulse is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too!Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — The AI Workforce Platform for Higher Ed. Learn more at element451.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Everyone thinks IKEA's success comes down to affordable furniture, flat-pack boxes, and Swedish meatballs.They're wrong.Behind every IKEA decision—from the flat-pack design and product names to the store layout and restaurant—is one powerful brand philosophy that has remained remarkably consistent for over 70 years.In this episode of The Unified Brand Podcast, we unpack one of the greatest examples of unified branding ever created and reveal why IKEA isn't just selling furniture—it's expressing a belief through every customer touchpoint.You'll discover:Why flat-pack furniture is a brand strategy—not just a logistics solution.The hidden purpose behind IKEA's famous Swedish product names.How the store layout, restaurant, pricing model, and catalogue all reinforce the same core promise.Why the strongest brand signals often come from operational decisions, not marketing campaigns.How any business can turn everyday processes into powerful brand differentiators.If you want to build a brand that's memorable, consistent, and impossible to copy, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately.

Just 29% of creator ads outperform the average brand ad. Research from System 1, WPP Media and Tiktok uncovers what drives attention, emotion and brand recognition across creator content. System 1's Andrew Tindall and brand strategist Eugene Healey join WARC's Anna Hamill to break down creator effectiveness hacks, how to brief creators properly, and why so many marketers are using the wrong metrics to measure success. Guests: Andrew Tindall, Chief Advertising Officer, System1 Eugene Healey, Brand Strategist and Content Creator (@eugbrandstrat) Anna Hamill, Senior Editor, The WARC Podcast Chapters: 00:00 - Intro: Welcome to The WARC Podcast 00:10 - How do creators build brands? 02:17 - Methodology of the WPP Media/TikTok/System1 creator research 04:09 - What really drives brand memory: engagement, deep engagement or creativity? 05:37 - How should creators and brands think about brand fit and long-term impact? 07:54 - What metrics should marketers prioritise in creator marketing? 13:55 - Characteristics of the most effective creator campaigns 16:27 - What creator content actually performs on social? 20:03 - 3x brand memory lift from early brand cues 22:43 - Briefing creators for authenticity and effectiveness 27:54 - Why you can't outbrief a bad strategy in creator marketing 29:27 - What are social devices and what is the one thing marketers should do next? For 40 years, WARC has been providing the marketing industry with rigorous, unbiased evidence and expert effectiveness guidance. The WARC Podcast publishes a new episode every Tuesday and Thursday. Subscribe to The WARC Podcast here: https://www.warc.com/en/warc-podcastsSign up to daily WARC News for free: https://www.warc.com/en/latestBook a demo: https://www.warc.com/en/subscribe

In this episode Thomas and I clarify the differences between marketing and branding and talk about ways that AEC firms can use their brand and a brand strategy to differentiate themselves. We draw on best practices from B2C and B2B to brainstorm what a blue ocean strategy could look like for an AEC firm and what success looks like for a strong AEC brand. About Tom: Tom is a professor of practice, teaching Sustainability Marketing and Branding. He also advises global cities, institutions, and corporations on the development of strong brand strategies. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-murphy-929b5730/

What if the secret to building a better business isn't being slightly better than everyone else - but becoming impossible to compare?Josh Lowman is the founder of Gold Front, a category design studio that helps companies create, define and own their categories.In this conversation, Josh explains why differentiation usually gets ignored, how category strategy can align an entire company and why founders need a simpler place in their minds from which to tell their story.But this episode goes beyond strategy.Josh and Jeff explore the tension between love and money, why wanting financial success doesn't invalidate meaningful work, what it means to build a personal brand publicly and how Josh is navigating doubt during difficult seasons in his business.They also unpack the rapidly changing relationship between creativity and AI - from Josh's experiments building an AI-powered operating system for his agency to the increasingly important role of human judgment, emotion and craft.In this episode:• Why being slightly different usually isn't enough• The two ways a business can own its category• How category strategy aligns founders, marketers and product teams• Why great work alone doesn't guarantee a great business• Reconciling creativity, purpose, ambition and money• Building a personal brand without treating LinkedIn like a money machine• Sharing uncertainty instead of pretending to have every answer• How Josh built AI agents around Gold Front's strategy frameworks• The danger of overbuilding with AI• Why processed creativity quickly loses its value• What humans may still contribute that AI cannot• How to find work you genuinely want to do - and frame it differentlyChapters00:00 – We're All Greedy00:44 – What Makes a Good Business?03:13 – The Two Ways to Own Your Category05:51 – From World-Class Agencies to Gold Front08:10 – Why Great Work Wasn't Enough10:34 – Category Strategy as a Company-Wide Idea14:19 – How Ready Must a Company Be to Change?15:19 – Storytelling, Underdogs and Josh's Deeper Motivation17:43 – Reconciling Love, Money and Ambition23:09 – Learning to Actually Sell24:16 – Becoming Josh Lowman in Public26:14 – The Complicated Relationship with Content28:09 – Sharing Doubt When Business Is Down31:29 – Building an AI-Powered Agency OS36:11 – The Danger of Overbuilding with AI37:55 – Turning Expertise into Helpful AI Agents39:42 – The Builder's Brain vs. the Storytelling Brain43:58 – Why AI Creativity Feels Processed46:55 – Finding the Human Advantage51:03 – Josh's Best Advice for Building a Brand53:06 – The Lifelong Desire to Tell StoriesJosh Lowman is the founder of Gold Front.Find him at GoldFront.com and on LinkedIn.Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you. Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.Cover art by Daniel DevoyMusic by Stephen Voyce©2024-2026 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

How do you turn military leadership into a powerful business advantage? Eric L. Johnson II of Flavor Hills breaks down how discipline, brand strategy, leadership, and community engagement have helped grow a standout Black-owned hospitality brand. From shaping the customer experience to expanding into new markets, Eric shares lessons on building a brand people remember and a company culture people want to be part of. For entrepreneurs, veterans, and business leaders looking to scale with intention, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, marketing, and sustainable growth. Resources & Mentions

To celebrate our 175th episode, we sit down with Neal Mann, CEO and Co-Founder of NOAN (an AI-native fact layer business), formerly the Global Head of Transformation at Anomaly and News Corp journalist. Neal shares his thoughts on what it takes to create and manage AI agents, the importance of "structure," and how to combat "AI Slop." Key topics include:- How onboarding an agent is similar to onboarding a human- Why AI thrives on structure- The concept of "A Business Brain built with Legos"Tune in to hear how to "fire" an agent and why the Netflix series "Mindhunter" is a tutorial on corporate transformation in addition to a show about serial killers. ⏱️ Chapters1:21 - Defining AI Agents vs Assistants2:27 - Implementing Agents into Team Workflows6:19 - Structuring Data for AI Success10:42 - Avoiding the AI Slop Problem16:51 - Tracking ROI of AI Agents23:30 - Tips for Onboarding AI Agents27:06 - AI Impact on Marketing Agencies29:38 - Common Mistakes in AI Adoption32:01 - Final Advice on Business TransformationSubscribe for weekly episodes featuring world-class marketing leaders, board members, and C-Suite executives.#CMOConfidential, #MarketingLeadership, #BrandStrategy, #CorporateActivism, #MarketingStrategy, #CMO, #AIinMarketing, #ExecutiveLeadership, #BrandReputation, #ConsumerTrust, #DigitalMarketing, #MarketingInsights, #ThoughtLeadership, #BusinessStrategy, #CustomerCentricSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do you get your brand into the 90% of memory that's subconscious? In this segment from Marketing Trends, neuroscientist Pranav Yadav reveals that the human brain is a pattern-seeking storytelling device — and the formula for creating lasting brand memory hasn't changed in 5,000 years. From Vedic rituals to Alexander the Great's encounter with a naked wise man to MasterCard's Priceless campaign, Pranav traces the thread between ancient storytelling wisdom and modern brand architecture. This episode was made possible by Attentive. ----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, Verena Gründel is joined by Andreas Wieser, VP Brand Strategy & Customer Experience at Miele, and Yulia Kalner, Head of Creative and Media Effectiveness at Kantar. Together, they explore why German heritage brands must move beyond engineering excellence and functional messaging to build emotional connections. They discuss Miele's brand transformation, the launch of its Outdoor Kitchen category, the role of creativity and humor, and why emotional differentiation is becoming the key competitive advantage. In this episode of the DMEXCO Podcast, Verena Gründel is joined by Andreas Wieser, VP Brand Strategy & Customer Experience at Miele, and Yulia Kalner, Head of Creative and Media Effectiveness at Kantar, to explore why even the world's most respected heritage brands need to evolve beyond engineering excellence and product quality.For decades, German brands have built their reputation on precision, reliability and functionality. But in an increasingly competitive market, these strengths alone are no longer enough to create lasting brand preference. Andreas and Yulia discuss why emotional connection has become one of the most important drivers of brand growth and how companies can embrace it without losing the authenticity that made them successful in the first place.The conversation dives into Miele's ongoing brand transformation, the launch of its new Outdoor Kitchen category, and the thinking behind a campaign that deliberately breaks with traditional category conventions. Andreas explains why Miele chose to evolve from a position of strength rather than necessity, while Yulia shares insights from Kantar's research on creativity, advertising effectiveness and the power of emotional differentiation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af1mgSWxvgcTogether, they discuss why humor deserves a place in premium branding, how emotional storytelling complements functional excellence, and what marketers can learn from one of Germany's most iconic brands.They answer the following questions:· Why have German brands traditionally relied so heavily on functional communication? · How can premium brands create emotional impact without losing credibility? · What role does humor play in premium advertising? · Can entering a completely new category strengthen an entire brand portfolio? · How should heritage brands balance tradition with transformation? · What can marketers learn from Miele's brand evolution?A fascinating conversation about brand transformation, creativity, consumer perception and the future of premium branding.Listen now!

A CMO Confidential Interview with Dr. Ed Dobbles, Founder of Dobbles.AI and former VP of Analytics and Insights at Diageo, H&R Block, and SUPERVALU. Ed discusses the evolution of analytics from the Almanac to BI to Generative Analytics and explains his thinking on why great tools often don't get used. Key topics include:- Why "Analytics is hard, but people are harder"- How generative analytics will allow leaders to truly talk to their data- The importance of AI governance- Why "All models are wrong but some are useful"Tune in to hear stories about H&R Block, Malort Liquor, and the racquetball court at Best Buy. ⏱️ Chapters1:44 - Defining Analytics and Business Intelligence3:26 - The Evolution of Data Adoption9:31 - Analytics and Human Factors15:06 - AI Systems and Synthetic Panels24:35 - Building Future Analytics Teams32:10 - Closing Advice and StoriesSubscribe for weekly episodes featuring world-class marketing leaders, board members, and C-Suite executives.#CMOConfidential, #MarketingLeadership, #BrandStrategy, #CorporateActivism, #MarketingStrategy, #CMO, #AIinMarketing, #ExecutiveLeadership, #BrandReputation, #ConsumerTrust, #DigitalMarketing, #MarketingInsights, #ThoughtLeadership, #BusinessStrategy, #CustomerCentricSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The brain behind billions of views at Crocs, Duolingo, Smosh, TV and more. Sarah Whittle is an award-winning Director, Producer and Strategist that's worked across television, entertainment, tech, and CPG brands. In 2024, she was honored on AdAge's 40 Under 40 list and is currently building her own empire (Unicorn Social) consulting, directing and creating… You can see her (and her cats) on the internet @rudeunicorns and her internet expert musings on LinkedIn and her newsletter.

"As algorithms and AI increasingly automate the ""what"" and the ""how"" of marketing, what is the enduring value of human creativity, and how do we prove its worth?Agility requires not just adapting our tools, but fundamentally rethinking how we define, nurture, and measure creative value in a world increasingly guided by machine logic.Today, we're going to talk about the intersection of brand creativity and artificial intelligence. We'll explore:- Why brand distinctiveness becomes a critical differentiator when algorithms favor homogeneity.- The new operational model for creative teams, where human judgment guides machine-speed execution.- Strategies for building lasting brand memory in a media landscape optimized for short-term performance.To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Jason Ippen, Vice President, Brand Strategy & Content at Georgia-Pacific. About Jason Ippen Jason Ippen is Vice President, Brand Strategy & Content at Georgia-Pacific, where he leads brand strategy, innovation and marketing for a portfolio of some of the country's most recognized consumer brands. Over the course of more than 16 years with the company, he has held leadership roles across brands including Quilted Northern, Sparkle and Vanity Fair, helping drive growth through consumer insight, product innovation and brand building.Jason has more than 25 years of experience spanning consumer packaged goods, marketing and general management. He earned an MBA from Columbia Business School and a bachelor's degree from Colgate University. Jason Ippen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-ippen-1120086/ ---------- Resources ---------- : https://www.gp.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://aglbrnd.co/r/2868abd8085a9703 We're proud to be a media partner for #MAICON26 - Oct. 13-15! Learn how AI can power your marketing and business and help you grow smarter. Use code AGILE150 to save! https://aglbrnd.co/r/7fe458ced0f04658Reach your customers with Reddit. Spend $500 in ad spend, get $500 back in ad credit! Learn more: https://advertalize.com/r/491818c79fb1873fChaser is the only Slack-native project management platform that helps teams turn messages into tracked tasks, automate follow-ups, and maintain team-wide visibility, without adopting another tool. Now integrated with Claude and other GenAI tools. Learn more at trychaser.com and use code AGILEBRAND for a 3-month free trial (normal trial is 14 days).The most influential minds in software, AI, and engineering leadership will be at WeAreDevelopers World Congress North America, September 23-25 in San Jose. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/60a7299222a7bcf1 Start building your own apps with Replit and get $20 off. Learn more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/93531742a7625a20 Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://aglbrnd.co/r/faaed112fc9887f3 Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://aglbrnd.co/r/35ded3ccfb6716ba Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brand isn't just a marketing expense. It's one of the best long-term investments you can make as a business owner. In this episode, Guy Bauer steps away from filmmaking and creative direction to talk owner-to-owner about why Umault has invested more than half a million dollars into building its brand over the past seven years. Drawing from his own experience of putting marketing on pause while making his feature film Ana the Cleaner, he explains why strong brands continue generating results long after campaigns end. If you're focused entirely on short-term lead generation, this episode is a reminder that the strongest businesses are built by investing in something people remember long after they've seen it.

Most businesses don't have a branding problem—they have a systems problem.In this episode, Chris Outlaw introduces the Unified Brand Framework, a practical methodology designed to help founders, CEOs, and marketing leaders eliminate confusion and build brands that scale consistently.Drawing on real-world experience, Chris explains why so many businesses suffer from a "brand identity crisis," where leadership teams have different interpretations of the brand, resulting in inconsistent marketing, unclear positioning, and diluted growth.You'll discover the four interconnected layers every successful brand needs:• Brand Strategy – defining purpose, positioning, values and audience.• Brand Identity – translating strategy into visual and verbal expression.• Brand Marketing – communicating your brand consistently across every channel.• Brand Governance – creating the systems that keep your brand aligned as you grow.Rather than treating branding as a one-off project, Chris explains how thinking of your brand as an operating system creates stronger marketing, better decision-making, and sustainable growth.Whether you're scaling your business, repositioning your brand, or simply trying to create more consistency across your organisation, this episode provides a practical framework you can implement immediately.Listen now to discover how a unified brand becomes one of your biggest competitive advantages.-----Whether you're a founder, marketing director, or business leader managing a growing brand across multiple teams or regions, this episode will help you identify the hidden friction points holding your brand back.Take the Brand Power Assessment: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BrandPowerScorecard.co.uk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Book a ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Brand Discovery Call:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe for more episodes focused on building stronger, smarter, and more unified brands.Watch podcast clips & deep dives on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Elements Brand Management⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Elias Curtis, co-founder of Transform Design (started with his wife in 2009, incorporated in 2015), joins Hugo to talk building a subscription-based creative agency, running a business with your spouse, and why he's now designing for AI search — GEO — instead of just Google. They also get into creative perfectionism, faith, and letting go of control.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/sol-meets-heart--3691166/support.

Simon Forster is the founder of Robot Food, a leading branding and design agency. Join us as we explore Simon's journey from a snowboard-inspired creative to building an internationally renowned agency behind some of the world's biggest food, drink and lifestyle brands. We discuss creativity, brand strategy, entrepreneurship and what it takes to build brands that people genuinely care about. We go behind the scenes at Robot Food, talking about the future of branding, company culture, the power of great design and the lessons Simon learnt working with global brands while staying true to a creative vision.You can follow what Simon is up to on Robot Food's Instagram @robotfoodcreative and be sure to check out the site robot-food.comLike what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference. Past guests on The Rad Season Show include Chris Berkard, Stacy Peralta, Todd Richards, Gerry Lopez, Xavier De Le Rue and loads more.Contact Oli Russell-CowanOn Instagram olirussellcowanOn LinkedIn at olirussellcowanThanks for listening & keep it rad! 

Joe Bayern with MM Brands outlines a strategic roadmap for professionalizing the cannabis industry, emphasizing that sustainable growth requires moving beyond fragmented operations. Key strategies include adopting a portfolio-based management model to share operational and manufacturing costs, implementing minimalist, needs-based branding to simplify the consumer experience, and navigating regulatory hurdles through omnichannel agility. Furthermore, Bayern advocates for a "one plant" regulatory framework and anticipates continued industry consolidation, noting that businesses must modernize their supply chains to drive the quality, consistency, and therapeutic reliability essential for long-term mainstream adoption.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A CMO Confidential Interview with Brent Rivard, co-founding Partner of Geezer Creative, previously CMO of Internova Travel and President of Mass Minority. Brent shares his thoughts on the tunnel vision, reliance on "safe" playbooks, and faulty KPIs that often prevent marketers from seeing the elephant in the room. Key topics include:- Why you shouldn't confuse media with sales- The relentless focus on young consumers even in categories like alcohol where Gen X and Boomers out-consume youth 8:1- The distressing lack of employees over 50 in the agency businessTune in to hear why loyalty is in decline and the idea of agency selection based on a "Jam Session" instead of an RFP. ⏱️ Chapters00:01 - Introduction to Brent Rivard04:25 - The Overlooked $8.3 Trillion Market07:37 - The Myth of Lifetime Value and Changing Consumer Loyalty09:45 - Industries Adapting vs. Falling Behind19:23 - Reassessing KPIs and Marketing Metrics23:28 - Cultural Shifts and Modern Aging31:46 - Practical Advice for Working with AgenciesSubscribe for weekly episodes featuring world-class marketing leaders, board members, and C-Suite executives.#CMOConfidential, #MarketingLeadership, #BrandStrategy, #CorporateActivism, #MarketingStrategy, #CMO, #AIinMarketing, #ExecutiveLeadership, #BrandReputation, #ConsumerTrust, #DigitalMarketing, #MarketingInsights, #ThoughtLeadership, #BusinessStrategy, #CustomerCentricSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For anyone who's been putting off their branding because they've told themselves they need more money first, I get why you'd think that. But it's genuinely one of the more expensive beliefs you can hold in business. This podcast kicks off a three part series on building a brand on a budget, and today I'm tackling the myth head on. Because a strong brand isn't actually about how much you spend, it's about knowing what to prioritise and what can wait a while. I'm walking through the four things your brand genuinely needs (spoiler, your logo is only one of them), the two things you can happily skip for now, and the hidden cost of not sorting your branding out at all. Free Canva Masterclass: Design Tools to $100k

Terence Reilly, Chief Brand Officer at Crocs, Inc., joins the Speed of Culture podcast to discuss the mechanics of building brands that define their categories. The conversation covers the intentional changes that turned functional items into global lifestyle symbols through the power of community and clear leadership vision. Listeners will discover how responding to authentic cultural moments can lead to unprecedented brand awareness and loyalty.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Terence Reilly on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at suzy@suzy.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A CMO Confidential Interview With Aarron Spinley, Director at the Field Bell Institute and Author of "The Customering Method." Aarron discusses his belief that customer management deserves its own discipline as part of marketing, that understanding customer needs is the foundation of sales, and why popular metrics can be misleading. Key topics include:- Why you should "learn the asset versus learn instead of the measures"- The need to focus on "unnatural churn"- The difference between automation and serviceTune in to hear why he's not fully on board with NPS and a story about "trendy rabbit holes." ⏱️ Chapters00:00 - Introduction to CMO Confidential and Guest Aarron Spinley01:23 - Defining Customer Experience and "Customering"04:35 - Limitations of Marketing Concepts and Survey Data in Customer Management06:53 - Drivers of Customer Loyalty vs. Net Promoter Score (NPS)10:11 - The Relationship Between Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty in Banking12:30 - The Correct Sequence of Customer Management: Asset, System, Measurement13:59 - Market Orientation vs. Sales Orientation within a Customer Base27:28 - What Effective Customer Interaction Looks Like30:02 - The Role of AI and Centralized Decisioning/Orchestration32:52 - Career Advice: Focus on Fundamentals Over Tools34:36 - Conclusion and Closing RemarksSubscribe for weekly episodes featuring world-class marketing leaders, board members, and C-Suite executives.#CMOConfidential, #MarketingLeadership, #BrandStrategy, #CorporateActivism, #MarketingStrategy, #CMO, #AIinMarketing, #ExecutiveLeadership, #BrandReputation, #ConsumerTrust, #DigitalMarketing, #MarketingInsights, #ThoughtLeadership, #BusinessStrategy, #CustomerCentricSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join Beau Catley, CEO and Founder of Nardo, for a deep dive into why pure software engineering is no longer a sustainable enterprise moat without an intentional brand identity. For years, the traditional tech playbook focused entirely on building efficient features while treating customer experience and branding as an afterthought. Conversely, consumer companies prioritized aesthetics while utilizing manual, fragmented operational backends. Beau argue that the defining enterprises of the next generation will be those that erase this divide entirely—fusing elite cultural brand relevance, high-end user interfaces, and generative AI execution into a single, cohesive product ecosystem. Drawing from a career building one of Australia's most prominent independent streetwear labels (Geedup) and executing premium apparel production lines for digital giants like TikTok and Google.

Kirk and Andy sit down with marketing and brand strategist Joshua David for a conversation that starts with a joke about his very long bio and quickly goes somewhere much more honest.Josh traces his path from working hotel front desks (including a stint in London that convinced him he was in the wrong industry) to community management, influencer marketing in New York, and eventually running social for Ebony, where he grew the platform from 200,000 to nearly a million organic followers before he turned 25. Along the way he crossed paths with a who's who of names, but the real story is what he learned about himself in those rooms.Mostly, this is a candid talk about being real in spaces that reward performance. The guys get into authenticity versus code-switching, what it costs to be the only person of color in the room, why Josh leaves a job before they start to hate him, and the price of doing the one thing you don't want to do just to reach the next rung. There's a lot on the tension between caring too much and protecting your own peace, plus a hard look at how companies say they want you to shake the table right up until you actually do.Funny, blunt, and occasionally uncomfortable in the best way. Come for the industry stories, stay for the truth-telling.The Kirk and Kurtts Design Podcast. Kirk Visola, founder and creative director of Mind the Font, and Andy Kurtts, founder and creative director of Buttermilk Creative.Send us Fan MailSupport the showAbout Kirk and Andy.Kirk Visola is the Creative Director and Founder of MIND THE FONT™. He brings over 20 years of CPG experience to the packaging and branding design space, and understands how shelf aesthetics can make an impact for established and emerging brands. Check out their work http://www.mindthefont.com.Andy Kurts is the Creative Director and Founder of Buttermilk Creative. He loves a good coffee in the morning and a good bourbon at night. When he's not working on packaging design he's running in the backyard with his family. Check out Buttermilk's work http://www.buttermilkcreative.com.Music for Kirk & Kurtts intro & outro: Better by Super FantasticsShow a little love. Share the podcast with those who may benefit. Or, send us a coffee:Support the show

Welcome to Nerd Alert, a series of special episodes bridging the gap between marketing academia and practitioners. We're breaking down highly involved, complex research into plain language and takeaways any marketer can use. In this episode, Elena and Rob explore why packaging redesigns so often backfire, and what actually drives shoppers to pick a product off the shelf. Topics covered: [01:21] "The Packaging Redesign Modernization Dilemma" [03:06] Why redesigns are an expensive, common gamble [05:35] Does looking more modern actually boost sales? [06:17] Why familiarity beats likability at the shelf [07:31] When a redesign makes sense, and when it doesn't To learn more, visit marketingarchitects.com/podcast or subscribe to our newsletter at marketingarchitects.com/newsletter.Resources:  Caruso, W., Romaniuk, J., Page, B., & colleagues. (2026). The packaging redesign modernisation dilemma: The relationship with familiarity, likeability, and its effect on purchase intent. Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services. Get more research-backed marketing strategies by subscribing to The Marketing Architects on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Have you ever looked at a brand from your childhood and felt a sudden rush of memory—a connection to a story or character that helped shape who you are today? In an age of fast-moving trends, we often forget that the most powerful brands aren't just products; they are shared experiences that connect us across generations.Today, we are joined by a man who has mastered the art of reviving that magic. Sam Bremner is the founder of IVEST Consumer Partners, a private equity firm dedicated to investing in consumer brands, intellectual property, and those nostalgic franchises that have stood the test of time.  Sam Bremner is the founder of IVEST Consumer Partners, a private equity firm focused on investing in consumer brands, intellectual property, and nostalgic franchises that have shaped generations. His work centers on reviving beloved brands and bringing them back into cultural relevance, proving that the stories and characters people grew up with still hold powerful emotional value today. Before founding IVEST, Sam's path took him from entrepreneurship into the corporate world, where he eventually partnered with former Warner Bros. executives behind iconic licensing deals, including Harry Potter. That experience deepened his belief that the most successful brands are more than products, they're shared memories that connect people across generations.Today, Sam leads with what he calls “high-frequency leadership,” a philosophy rooted in emotional connection and authentic partnerships with the brands and teams he works with. He is also the author of the forthcoming book “The Frequency of Leadership”, where he explores how leading through connection rather than control can help brands and the people behind them reach their full potential.  CONTACT DETAILS:Business: IVEST Consumer PartnersWebsite: https://ivestconsumer.com/ Social Media:LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sambremnerivest/ Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment on my Google Business Page. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing. Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can help you get more visibility on your products and services.

This week on CMO Confidential, we are revisiting one of our favorite conversations with Rob Ward from January of 2026.A CMO Confidential Interview with Rob Ward, co-founder and General Partner of Meritech Capital, a top Silicon Valley venture firm. Rob shares his take on what he calls a "super terrifying and exciting time" and provides perspective on AI receiving the most capital of any technology in history, the "durability of revenue" and how quickly start-ups are now reaching $100 million in revenue. Key topics include: why VC's focus on growth vs. profitability; the risks associated with massive long-term capital investment; why marketers should pick a "trusted advisor" as their AI partner; and why your data strategy needs "context. Tune in to hear how Astronomer handled the "Coldplay Concert Incident" which immediately became a PR classic and the "VC Foie Gras Effect."What happens when a top venture capitalist pulls back the curtain on AI, valuations, hype cycles, and what's actually working?In this episode of CMO Confidential, host Mike Linton sits down with Rob Ward, Co-Founder and General Partner at Metech Capital, to unpack the realities behind the AI boom. Rob has spent more than 26 years investing in category-defining companies like Facebook (Meta), Snowflake, NetSuite, Zipcar, and Cloudera — and he brings a rare, grounded perspective to today's AI frenzy.Together, they explore: • Why AI adoption is still early — despite explosive growth • The real risks behind inflated valuations and “AI-washing” • How VC decision-making changes during platform shifts • What marketers and executives should actually look for when choosing AI partners • Why data strategy, change management, and trust matter more than tools • What layoffs, productivity, and the future of work really look like beneath the headlines • A masterclass in crisis communications, featuring Ryan Reynolds, Gwyneth Paltrow, and ColdplayIf you're a CMO, CEO, board member, founder, or agency leader trying to make sense of AI without getting swept up in the hype — this is a must-listen conversation.⸻Chapter Markers00:00 – Welcome to CMO Confidential00:19 – Introducing Rob Ward and today's AI conversation01:13 – Where we really are in AI adoption02:26 – Explosive AI growth: what's real vs hype03:35 – Why enterprise AI adoption is still a slog04:37 – Vendor spend, hyperscalers, and the trillion-dollar buildout06:12 – Is this an AI bubble? Public vs private market realities07:20 – Accelerating investment rounds and lack of diligence08:12 – AI-washing and durability of AI businesses09:46 – Proof-of-concepts, switching costs, and fragile loyalty10:55 – Big Tech vs startups: why this cycle is different11:40 – Why VCs chase platform shifts despite the risks13:05 – How AI is changing profitability and headcount math16:11 – “FOGRA” investing and capital distortion17:00 – Circular investing and data-center risk18:23 – Data centers, GPUs, and betting on the wrong future19:38 – Credit default swaps and financial warning signs21:45 – How executives should choose AI vendors22:58 – Change management and why culture matters most24:09 – Why data strategy is the real AI strategy26:36 – “Frequently wrong, never in doubt” and AI hallucinations27:01 – Practical AI use cases for marketers30:00 – Layoffs, productivity, and what's really happening to jobs33:05 – The best questions to spot real AI fluency35:00 – AI safety, geopolitics, and long-term risks36:38 – Crisis management masterclass: Astronomer, Coldplay & Ryan Reynolds39:58 – Final advice and closing thoughts⸻Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring world-class marketing leaders, board members, and C-Suite executives.#CMOConfidential, #MarketingLeadership, #BrandStrategy, #CorporateActivism, #MarketingStrategy, #CMO, #AIinMarketing, #ExecutiveLeadership, #BrandReputation, #ConsumerTrust, #DigitalMarketing, #MarketingInsights, #ThoughtLeadership, #BusinessStrategy, #CustomerCentricSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"You want to own the message and your narrative."Strong communication is about more than delivering a message—it's about building trust over time. As Zoom's Chief Marketing Officer, Kim Storin has helped shape communication at one of the world's most recognizable brands, balancing empathy, transparency, and consistency in an era of rapid technological change. In this episode of Think Fast, Talk Smart, Storin joins Matt Abrahams to discuss how leaders can communicate with authenticity, navigate crises with clarity, and build cultures rooted in transparency. They explore the art and science of shaping perception, maintaining connection in hybrid workplaces, and creating messages that solve problems—not just capture attention.Key Takeaways:Lead with authenticity and transparency. Clear, honest communication builds trust—especially during periods of change or crisis.Own your narrative. Consistent messaging and a clear story shape how others understand your brand, team, or ideas.Activity:Before your next team update or difficult conversation, ask yourself: "What information can I share that will build trust?" Include one additional point of context or reasoning that helps your audience better understand the decision.Printable Expanded Takeaways & ActivitiesEpisode Reference Links:Kim StorinEp.82 It's Not About You: Why Effective Communicators Put Others FirstConnect:Premium Signup >>>> Think Fast Talk Smart PremiumEmail Questions & Feedback >>> hello@fastersmarter.ioEpisode Transcripts >>> Think Fast Talk Smart WebsiteNewsletter Signup + English Language Learning >>> FasterSmarter.ioThink Fast Talk Smart >>> LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeMatt Abrahams >>> LinkedInChapters:(00:00) - Introduction (01:37) - Leading Through a Global Crisis (03:36) - Changing Brand Perception (06:50) - Building Culture at Scale (09:00) - Virtual Communication Gains & Losses (11:24) - Creating Meaningful Moments (12:34) - Communicating Through Difficulty (16:03) - The Final Three Questions (21:33) - Conclusion ********Thank you to our sponsors.  These partnerships support the ongoing production of the podcast, allowing us to bring it to you at no cost.Most Work Platforms Help People Communicate.  Some help you organize, but Zoom turns conversations into outcomes. Try Zoom Mate today

Many enterprise marketing teams struggle with low campaign engagement because they treat cross-cultural outreach as a secondary budget extension rather than a foundational strategy. Jorge Plasencia, CEO of Republica Havas and Global Chief Client Officer of Havas, breaks down how to build comprehensive cross-cultural campaigns that align directly with high-growth consumer demographics.He shares his approach to navigating the shift toward automated "agentic" shopping networks, using large-scale simulated data frameworks to maintain visibility in automated retail loops.Key discussion topics include:Bypassing late-stage campaign additions to integrate cross-cultural insights directly into core strategy.Optimizing brand positioning to remain competitive when autonomous AI assistants handle routine consumer shopping.Deploying automated research systems to track consumer choices across diverse demographic segments.Retraining operational staff from basic administrative tracking into creative and strategic service positions.Positioning regional market hubs as entry points for international business expansion.Guest Profile: Jorge Plasencia is the CEO of Republica Havas and Global Chief Client Officer of the Havas network, managing client alignment across 700 partner agencies in 100 countries.Connect & Scale Your Operations:Follow Jorge Plasencia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgeplasencia/Explore Republica Havas: https://republicahavas.com/Optimize Omnichannel Performance Capital with Strike Social: https://strikesocial.com/guaranteed-paid-social-media-ads-outcomes/Connect with Host Dylan Conroy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanconroy/

What separates unforgettable brands from businesses that constantly fight for attention?In this episode of Liftoff with Keith, branding expert Bill Harper, Founder of Brand Boss HQ and one of the world's Top 20 Branding Experts, shares why branding—not just marketing—is the ultimate competitive advantage.Bill explains why most companies spend too much time optimizing ads and too little time building a memorable brand. From GEICO and Volvo to startups and SaaS businesses, he reveals how successful companies create differentiation, simplify their message, and become the obvious choice for customers.We also discuss:Brand Strategy vs Brand IdentityWhy performance marketing alone eventually failsHow AI is changing branding and marketingThe psychology behind memorable brandsHow startups can stand out in crowded marketsReal-world branding success storiesCreating a brand customers actually rememberWhether you're a founder, entrepreneur, marketer, or business leader, this conversation is packed with practical branding advice you can implement immediately.Sponsor Info: We are strategic business advisors with decades of leadership experience and a proven track record of driving businesses' growth. We specialize in creating custom-tailored strategies to introduce your company, drive growth, build leadership teams, and ensure companies implement appropriate compensation programs. Our mission is to utilize our expansive network to benefit your company https://www.compass-strategic-advisors.com/Connect with Bill Harper:Website: https://www.brandbosshq.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandbosshq/ Subscribe for more founder insights and hit the bell for notifications! Follow us on our channels for exclusive startup content and behind-the-scenes insights from interviews like this one. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cFpLXfYvcUsxvsT9MwyAD?si=f5a14e779777487d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/liftoff-with-keith-newman/id1560219589 Substack: https://keithnewman.substack.com/ Newman Media Studios: https://newmanmediastudios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/liftoffwithkeith If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to Like, Subscribe and Share.#Branding #Marketing #Startup #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #BrandStrategy #AI #MarketingStrategy #Founder #Podcast

Rebalancing toward brand from a performance-only mix lifts revenue ROI by a median of 90%. Yet 67% of senior marketers are still shifting budget the wrong direction. The gap between what marketers know and what they do turns out to be one of the costliest problems in the industry.In this episode, Elena, Angela, and Rob dig into the Multiplier Playbook, a new WARC report that surveyed over 200 senior marketers to identify the structural, cultural, and measurement barriers keeping brands stuck in a performance-only loop. They break down the doom loop, explain the missing 15% of brand value hiding in baseline sales, and discuss what it really takes to close the say-do gap. Topics covered:[01:18] What the Multiplier Playbook found about the say-do gap [02:01] Why 67% of marketers keep shifting budget toward performance [07:15] The doom loop and how performance-only thinking compounds over time [10:56] The missing 15% of brand value hiding in your baseline [14:12] Why 41% of marketers say creativity is seen as a risk [16:13] How brand investment strengthens your visibility in AI-driven search [17:55] Why 90% of ads get pulled before they ever wear inTo learn more, visit marketingarchitects.com/podcast or subscribe to our newsletter at marketingarchitects.com/newsletter.Resources:The Multiplier Playbook: https://www.warc.com/en/the-multiplier-playbook-2026Get more research-backed marketing strategies by subscribing to The Marketing Architects on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

A CMO Confidential Interview with Michael Treff, the CEO of Code and Theory. Michael shares his belief that the ambiguity in markets is here to stay, why traditional B2B playbooks aren't working like they used to, and why this is the "dawn of a new era for creativity."Key topics include:- Three key B2B questions companies are asking- The concepts of "stacking talent" and "forward-deployed teams"- The need to be truly honest about your organization and the marketplace- Why the future for agencies will be driven by tech, software, and serviceTune in to hear about why you should "Keep it simple," and why the future will bring "A reckoning for the service business."⏱️ Chapters1:12 - Guest Introduction and Overview of the B2B Marketplace4:35 - Technology Investments and the Changing Journey6:16 - Evolving Roles within the C-Suite7:20 - Culture Shifts and the Service Business Reckoning13:12 - Walled Gardens vs. Open Data Environments16:12 - Synthetic Data Sets18:40 - Advice for Traditional Clients26:35 - The Future of Creativity in B2B31:25 - Predictions for the Future33:37 - Closing and Final AdviceThis episode is sponsored by Typeface - the agentic AI marketing platform that turns one idea into thousands of on-brand assets. Learn more: typeface.ai/cmo.Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring world-class marketing leaders, board members, and C-Suite executives.#CMOConfidential, #MarketingLeadership, #BrandStrategy, #CorporateActivism, #MarketingStrategy, #CMO, #AIinMarketing, #ExecutiveLeadership, #BrandReputation, #ConsumerTrust, #DigitalMarketing, #MarketingInsights, #ThoughtLeadership, #BusinessStrategy, #CustomerCentricSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most people who are good at marketing are terrible at marketing themselves. Mat Zucker is no exception, and he'll be the first to say it. Mat spent two decades as a creative director at some of the biggest agencies in the world — Ogilvy, Razorfish, R/GA. Then he launched his own podcast and spent the first few years not applying a single one of those lessons to himself. Today he's a marketing strategy consultant, host of Cidiot (eight seasons, 124 episodes), published author, and somehow an amateur music producer. We talk about what institutions teach you that going solo never will, how to actually build an audience without a budget, and what happens when someone who knows the playbook finally runs it on themselves.Brand books for your own creative work. The 10-3-1 Rule for finding the right place to move. Why consistency beats every audience growth hack. The accountability trick that cracks stop-start syndrome. And the song Mat made after selling his family home following his mother's death — a project rooted in grief that's quietly becoming something much bigger. This one's for anyone building something on the side and wondering why it isn't moving faster. Come ready to take notes.Takeaways Most creative solopreneurs skip their own brand strategy. That's exactly why their work feels inconsistent and their choices feel arbitrary.Big agencies teach you something solo work can't replicate: passive growth through proximity. You get better by watching how talented people defend ideas, handle pressure, and raise their craft. Going independent means manufacturing that pressure yourself.Freelancing gives you control. It also takes away the friction that was making you grow. That trade is real and most people don't see it coming.Consistency of release moves the number more than almost any other tactic. More than ads. More than PR. More than stunts. Showing up on schedule is the unsexy answer that actually works.Going on other people's shows is the single highest-leverage thing a podcaster can do to grow. Most people know this and still wait too long to start.Stop-start syndrome is a creative person's problem. The cure isn't more discipline. Build something with someone else and it becomes much harder to quietly abandon.A newsletter is infrastructure, not content. Own the relationship with your audience before the algorithm changes. Mat wishes he built his in year one.Your toolkit travels further than you think. Mat can't play a single instrument. He's produced two songs by doing what he knows: writing a brief and hiring the right people to bring it to life.Done is better than perfect — not as a consolation prize, but as a philosophy. Release it. Move to the next one. The iteration is the point.Links & ResourcesMat's Website & Podcast: CidiotMat's Song: "Ashwood Road" — available on Spotify and Apple MusicMat's 10-3-1 Worksheet: linked at cidiot.comConnect with DrewDrew's Substack: https://thedrewenglish.substack.com/ Drew's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drewenglishh/ Drew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewenglish/ Drew's Website: http://www.drewenglish.com/

Recorded live at SocialWest 2026 in Calgary, Charlie Grinnell, co-CEO of Rightmetric, joins host Lindsay Smith to explore why the data brands have been collecting about themselves is only half the story.Rightmetric helps North America's leading consumer brands harness external digital data across social, search, web, app, and ad spend to uncover what Charlie calls outsights: intelligence derived from how people actually behave online rather than what they say in a survey or focus group.Charlie breaks down why traditional segmentation falls short, how AI has turbocharged the ability to count and interpret behavioral signals at scale, and what it looks like when a brand finally sees the full picture of their audience rather than the one they assumed was there.Because there's a big difference between what people say they do and what they actually do.Edited and produced by Takt.

A CMO Confidential Interview with Drew Pinto, EVP and Chief Revenue and Technology Officer of Marriott International. Drew discusses the concept that architecture and data should be viewed as a means to an end, methods for assessing legacy systems, and why tech is critical to customer experience.Key topics include: - Why he believes in "built to change”- Ways to assess your data- Why marketers shouldn't get "enamored by solutions- The idea of "buying commodities" vs. building everything yourselfTune in to hear a discussion about "data puddles," and why marketers should take their tech partners to dinner.⏱️ Chapters1:12 - Introduction and Guest Welcome2:32 -Defining Data Architecture5:00 - Evaluating Legacy Systems12:51 - Sponsor Message: Typeface ARC Agents13:55 - Built to Change vs. Built to Last17:15 - Tech Sourcing: Build vs. Buy21:11 - Customer Experience and Data Management27:54 - Common Mistakes and Advice for Marketers30:44 - Closing Remarks and Final ThoughtsThis episode is sponsored by Typeface - the agentic AI marketing platform that turns one idea into thousands of on-brand assets. Learn more: typeface.ai/cmo. Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring world-class marketing leaders, board members, and C-Suite executives.#CMOConfidential, #MarketingLeadership, #BrandStrategy, #CorporateActivism, #MarketingStrategy, #CMO, #AIinMarketing, #ExecutiveLeadership, #BrandReputation, #ConsumerTrust, #DigitalMarketing, #MarketingInsights, #ThoughtLeadership, #BusinessStrategy, #CustomerCentricSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Most people have no idea what really happens when mattress giants merge—discover the truth (and the surprising impact on your sleep and business).Ever wondered what actually goes on behind closed doors when industry leaders like Malouf, Everest, and Sinomax join forces? In this episode, Tara Kinsley sits down with Ashlee Doonan (Director of Marketing & Brand Strategy) and Beth Thompson (Director of Communications) to reveal the untold story of their groundbreaking collaboration.You'll hear unfiltered insights on how three powerhouse brands are integrating teams, sharing resources, and navigating the challenges of overlapping roles—all while fiercely protecting their culture and keeping customer needs front and center.If you've ever felt confused by industry mergers, frustrated by mattress marketing "gimmicks," or curious how real industry leaders set boundaries and avoid burnout, this is your must-listen. Ashley and Beth open up about maintaining honesty in marketing, tackling casual sexism, and why doing the hard thing is the key to career growth—especially for women in a male-dominated space.Plus, get an inside look at how American manufacturing, global partnerships, and post-pandemic realities are shaping the future of sleep products. Ready to rethink everything you know about this industry?Timestamps:- 00:45 – The surprising way mattress execs recharge (hint: it's not what you think)- 04:00 – The boundaries sleep industry leaders won't compromise on- 08:10 – The #1 misconception about women in leadership- 15:00 – How Maloof, Everest, and Sinomax are changing the game together- 18:30 – The real challenges (and benefits) of merging mega-brands- 20:45 – How U.S. manufacturing and global teams are reshaping product quality- 25:00 – The truth behind Maloof's ‘Google-esque' company culture- 32:00 – The career advice every young professional needs to hear- 35:30 – Why ‘gimmicks' are hurting the mattress industry (and what to do instead)- 41:00 – Fun lightning round: sleep habits, guilty pleasures, and unexpected factsConnect with The FAM Podcast:

On this episode of The Buzz, Scott Luton is joined by special co-host Dr. Muddassir Ahmed and special guest Anthony Reeves, Vice President of Global Brand & Creative at Kohler and author of Eat the Donkey: Why Great Companies Embrace Discomfort. Together, they explore the realities of AI adoption, decision-making optimization, innovation, leadership, and what separates organizations that thrive from those that struggle to keep pace. As supply chains continue to evolve in the age of AI, organizations face critical decisions about technology adoption, data quality, change management, and leadership. Scott, Muddassir, and Anthony examine why many AI initiatives fail, what companies can learn from both successes and setbacks, and why strong decision-making remains one of the most valuable competitive advantages. The conversation also explores the growing importance of human connection, brand differentiation, organizational culture, and the willingness to embrace discomfort in pursuit of long-term growth. Drawing on experiences from Amazon, Kohler, Starbucks, and other global brands, Anthony shares powerful lessons on innovation, leadership, and staying true to what makes an organization unique. Key Takeaways: AI success depends as much on adoption, change management, and leadership as it does on technology. High-quality, contextualized data remains the foundation for effective AI implementation. Organizations must learn from failed initiatives just as much as successful ones. Soft skills, emotional intelligence, and human connection will become increasingly valuable as AI handles more routine work. Strong brands remain differentiated by purpose, customer experience, and authenticity—not technology alone. Great leaders make difficult decisions early rather than delaying action until opportunities have passed. Whether you're leading a supply chain transformation, evaluating AI investments, or building a stronger organization, this episode offers practical insights from leaders who have navigated innovation at the highest levels. You'll walk away with actionable advice on decision-making, change management, leadership, and creating organizations that can thrive amid constant disruption. Additional Links & Resources: Guest LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyreeves/ Guest Instagram Handle: @anthony.j.reeves Guest Company Website: anthonyreeves.co APL Logistics: https://www.apllogistics.com/ With That Said: https://bit.ly/WTS-7JUN2026 The Corner Market: https://bit.ly/The-Corner-Market Exclusive: Starbucks scraps AI inventory tool across North America: https://reut.rs/4vuPSkR 4 Supply Chain and AI Predictions for 2026: https://bit.ly/AI-Predictions-2026 AI Strategy Takes A Data Foundation That Cleansing Can't Provide: https://bit.ly/Paul-Noble-Gartner2026-Takeaways 5 Signs Your Supply Chain Has Outgrown How It's Managed Today: https://bit.ly/5-signs-your-SC-has-outgrown-mgmt Eat the Donkey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G97CHK9F When Safety Technologies Backfire and How Managers Can Prevent It: https://bit.ly/When-Safety-Tech-Backfires Upcoming Live Programming:  https://supplychainnow.com/upcoming-live-programming/ Supply Chain Now Resource Hub: https://supplychainnow.com/resource-hub/ Connect with Anthony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyreeves/ SCMDOJO: https://sensei.scmdojo.com/ Connect with Muddassir on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/muddassirism/ Follow Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/ WEBINAR- Amazon Supply Chain 101: Enabling efficiency and growth for businesses everywhere–and everywhere they sell: https://bit.ly/49r8N7D WEBINAR- The Expanding Role of Supply Chain Optimization Teams in Driving Business Impact: https://bit.ly/3PHRAAf WEBINAR- AI that moves at velocity: Cut through latency with agentic workflows: https://bit.ly/4x4626t This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and Dr. Mudassir Ahmed. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/buzz-ai-adoption-brand-differentiation-embracing-comfort-1595 The content in this episode, including all audio, videos, visuals, and graphics, is the property of Supply Chain Now and is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized use, reproduction, distribution, modification, or re-uploading of this content in any form is strictly prohibited without explicit written permission from Supply Chain Now.For licensing inquiries or permissions, please contact us at production@supplychainnow.com© 2026 Supply Chain Now. All rights reserved. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Your World of Creativity, we travel around the world talking with creative leaders who turn ideas into impact.Last time Aurora Winter joined us, we explored her book Turn Words Into Wealth. Now she's back with a bold new message: 2026 is “do or die” for experts and entrepreneurs. Today we're diving into her newest release, Brand Strategy in the Age of AI — and what it takes to build a valuable, future-proof brand in an AI-powered world.Aurora Winter is a bestselling author, brand strategist, and former TV executive producer who helps experts and entrepreneurs turn their message into money. With a background in storytelling and showrunning, she's guided thousands of leaders to create influential, scalable brands.Aurora's WebsiteAurora on YouTube@aurorawintermba on InstagramHer new book, Brand Strategy in the Age of AI, tackles one urgent question: Will AI replace you — or amplify you?1 — Why 2026 Is “Do or Die”Aurora, last time we spoke about turning words into wealth. Now you're saying that 2026 is a “do or die” moment for experts and entrepreneurs. That's strong language. What's happening right now that makes this moment so critical?What are you seeing that most leaders are underestimating about AI's impact on branding and visibility?2 — Catching the AI Wave (Without Being Replaced)There's a lot of fear in the market right now — will AI replace writers, coaches, strategists, consultants? From your perspective, how can entrepreneurs catch the AI wave and profit rather than get wiped out by it?You talk about four human superpowers that AI can't replicate. What are they — and how do they translate into a valuable brand? Your story; your presence; your sense of style; your leadership approach.3 — The Visibility Imperative (Why Video Matters)You've said leaders who skip video are training the market to ignore them. That's provocative. Why is video so essential in the AI era?How does the “movie trailer mindset” help leaders grab attention in a crowded digital landscape?4 — Think Like a ShowrunnerYou come from television and production, and now you're applying what you call the “Netflix Framework” — thinking like a showrunner to build binge-worthy content. What does that mean for a founder or expert building a brand?You also mention leveraging a “fractional Showrunner.” What is that role, and why might it be the missing piece for scaling a powerful personal brand?5 — Early Adopters Win (How to Be One)You've said that early adopters with the right brand strategy are going to crush it in 2026. What does “the right strategy” actually look like?If someone listening feels behind, what's one move they can make this month to position themselves as an amplified expert rather than an invisible one?We explored all these themes:• AI as amplifier, not enemy• Human superpowers as differentiator• Showrunner thinking for strategic visibility• Brand as intellectual property• Early adoption as leverage

AI is changing how people discover, evaluate, trust, buy, create, hire, and compete. The bigger question is whether your business model is built to survive a future where attention is fragmented, trust is harder to earn, execution is easier to automate, and buyers have more options than ever. Learn how to activate the M.A.S.S. Effect Business Model, a strategic ecosystem built around: • Media to create attention, trust, authority, and discoverability • Assets to create scalability, leverage, and income beyond your direct time • Strategy to create clarity, alignment, interpretation, and better decisions • Systems to reduce friction, support consistency, and keep the business moving Many businesses are addicted to acquisition because they never built retention. In an AI accelerated world, that becomes dangerous because information is easier to access, skills are being compressed, and execution is becoming automated. The real value now shifts toward trust, experience, clarity, influence, systems, and community. The future belongs to adaptive businesses that can evolve with the market, keep customers connected, turn trust into retention, and scale without breaking the founder, team, or customer experience. If your business grew tomorrow, could it actually hold the growth, or would the model collapse under the weight of what you asked for? Beyond The Episode Gems: Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: The Blueprint To Scale Your Business StrategizeUpBook.com Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network Get Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy:  Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews Follow Troy's Socials @FindTroy: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, TikTok Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel For Strategy Videos & See Masterclass Episodes Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com

Marketing leaders are being asked to drive more growth with less budget, fewer resources, tighter timelines, and more pressure from every direction while AI is being treated like the shortcut to replace entire marketing teams. But AI will not fix bad strategy, weak alignment, poor customer understanding, or broken marketing fundamentals. In part two of this master class conversation with Matt Hummel, CMO of Pipeline360, the focus moves into what it really takes to become the kind of CMO AI cannot replace. Not by chasing every new tool, adding more MarTech, or hiding behind automation, but by understanding the business as a whole, building trust across departments, speaking the language of revenue, and creating alignment between marketing, sales, product, leadership, and the customer. To lead marketing in a volatile market where expectations keep rising and the old playbook is no longer enough, you need to know how to: • Make sales an ally instead of your bitter rival • Build shared pipeline ownership across marketing and sales  • Communicate risk without becoming defensive • Connect marketing decisions to the larger goals of the business • Set clearer expectations with your team and leadership • Understand resource constraints without using them as excuses • Stay close to customers while leading strategy • Create momentum without pretending there is an easy button The best marketing leaders are not just managing campaigns, tools, reports, and dashboards. They are translating complexity into strategy the business can trust. The reminder is clear: AI will not fix bad strategy. More MarTech will not fix bad marketing. The CMO AI cannot replace is the one who understands the business, earns trust, aligns with sales, leads the team, knows the customer, and gets back to real marketing when everyone else is hiding behind tools. (P.S. If you haven't, listen to Ep. 149 for part one of this masterclass episode) Beyond The Episode Gems: Connect With Matt Hummel on LinkedIn Listen To Troy On Matt's Podcast, Pipeline Brew: The Evolving Role of CMOs & Community Building Visit Pipeline360 website to learn more about how they solve B2B marketers' biggest headaches Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: The Blueprint To Scale Your Business StrategizeUpBook.com Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network Get Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy:  Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews Follow Troy's Socials @FindTroy: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, TikTok Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel For Strategy Videos & See Masterclass Episodes Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com  

Marketing leadership has become one of the most volatile seats in business. CMOs and marketing leaders are often expected to create immediate pipeline, prove instant ROI, fix deeper business issues they did not create, defend brand investment, align sales, understand customers, translate strategy across the organization, and still become one of the first functions questioned, blamed, or cut when growth slows. In part one of this master class conversation, Matt Hummel, CMO of Pipeline360, brings a clear reminder back to the table: great marketing starts with trusting the buyer, knowing the customer, and simplifying how you market. In a market obsessed with performance data, attribution, automation, dark social, buyer signals, and immediate results, more complexity does not automatically create better customer understanding. For aspiring CMOs, current CMOs, marketing leaders, founders, and business owners, this conversation is a valuable look at how to lead marketing without getting trapped in the pressure cooker. It challenges you to rethink what it really means to put the customer at the center, not as a tagline, not as another automation workflow, and not as another dashboard filled with signals, but as a deeper responsibility to understand the person, pressure, timing, risk, and decision behind the purchase. The conversation moves through buyer trust, brand versus demand, customer empathy, attribution, sales alignment, CMO pressure, market timing, and the difference between chasing pipeline and building LTV. It is also a reminder to get out of your lane, understand product, spend time with sales, listen to customers, and learn how the whole business works. Because the best CMOs are not just campaign operators. They are translators, mediators, trust builders, and business leaders who know how to connect marketing to revenue, customer experience, and long term growth. Beyond The Episode Gems: Connect With Matt Hummel on LinkedIn Listen To Troy On Matt's Podcast, Pipeline Brew: The Evolving Role of CMOs & Community Building Visit Pipeline360 website to learn more about how they solve B2B marketers' biggest headaches Buy Troy's Book, Strategize Up: The Blueprint To Scale Your Business StrategizeUpBook.com Discover All Podcasts On The HubSpot Podcast Network Get Free HubSpot Marketing Tools To Help You Grow Your Business Grow Your Business Faster Using HubSpot's CRM Platform Support The Podcast & Connect With Troy:  Rate & Review iDigress: iDigress.fm/Reviews Follow Troy's Socials @FindTroy: LinkedIn, Instagram, Threads, TikTok Subscribe to Troy's YouTube Channel For Strategy Videos & See Masterclass Episodes Need Growth Strategy, A Keynote Speaker, Or Want To Sponsor The Podcast? Go To FindTroy.com