Podcasts about brand strategy

Monster trucks, skeletons, and a CMO who doesn't think about cost analysis very often. In this in-studio conversation, Torq CMO Don Jeter breaks down how brand-led world-building beats feature dumps, why entertainment now matters more than information on the trade show floor, and how a Monster Jam partnership and an episodic LinkedIn “junior intern” series created real pipeline by earning mental real estate long before buyers are in-market. We get into the 60-day rebrand sprints, showing up at Black Hat, aligning sales and product so bold creative actually converts, measuring what matters when attribution gets fuzzy, and using AI for brainstorming without shipping “AI slop.” Stick around to the lightning round where Don reveals his $10M marketing moonshot and the sacred marketing belief he thinks won't age well. If you care about brand, demand, and breaking B2B sameness, watch through to the end and then queue it up on audio for the commute. Key Moments: 00:00: Brand > Features: Cold Open02:09: Rebrand to Stand Out (Not Blend In)03:53: Trade Show Strategy + Monster Jam Booth07:31: World-Building for B2B Brands10:02: Episodic LinkedIn: Meet “Intern Trevor”13:18: Do Bold Stunts Actually Drive Revenue?20:16: Brand x Product x Sales: Tight Alignment30:04: Polarizing on Purpose: Handling the Haters34:30: Collabs, Culture & Consistency (Beyond F1)38:52: AI for Ideas, Humans for Taste45:00: Hiring Creatives + Technical PMM Muscle48:03 Lightning Round (Super Bowl Ads, Hot Takes & More)  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.

If “you” online isn't the same you who shows up in person, you're not alone.  Most founders haven't taken the time to align their personal identity with how they present themselves online. But that clarity–on the inside and out–is what gives your brand staying power. This is a special episode where I joined Jesse Paliotto on FastSpring's Growth Stage podcast to talk about personal branding, founder identity, and why branding from the inside out is the only way to build a business that lasts. The SOULiD Framework Every founder already has a personal brand. The question is–does yours reflect the essence of who you are? In this episode, I share the framework we've used with hundreds of entrepreneurs at brandiD to help them uncover their true differentiators, define their vision, and build a brand around what makes them unique.  Practical Tips for Founder Visibility We talk about the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make when they try to grow their brand–and what to focus on instead. I share how to do a quick audit of your digital presence (hint: it starts with a Google search), why AI can't replace real personality, and what every founder needs to know before they hit publish. Whether you're just getting started or working to build long-term visibility, this conversation will help you focus on what really moves the needle. Enjoy this episode… Soundbytes 16:43 - 17:02 “So many people don't do this, but buy your vanity URL. So buy your first name, last name, and the .com. Even if you have a company, it's not so you don't feel like it's about building your personal brand, you should still point that vanity URL to your about page on your corporate site.” 11:01 - 11:18 “When we know what we stand for, we can talk about those things in a way, with conviction–and those also can be very sticky points, both in a positive and negative way to attract our ideal clients.” Quotes “Resilience as entrepreneurs, I think it's absolutely one of the top three qualities we need to be successful.” “In today's world, consumers are so much more savvy around companies they're supporting or not supporting.” “People don't think they have a personal brand. But, we all do.” Links mentioned in this episode: Connect with brandiD Easy Tips to Adjust your website: https://buildmybrandid.com/website-tweaks/ Personality Quiz: https://content.leadquizzes.com/lp/jqgbMsr00g  Ready to elevate your digital presence with a powerful brand or website?  Contact us here: https://thebrandid.com/contact-form/ From Our Guest Host Website: https://fastspring.com/ Connect with FastSpring on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fastspring/

When Experience Gets Rebranded Off the Menu What happens when a brand forgets that experience—not logos—creates loyalty? In this episode of A Shark's Perspective, Shark is joined by licensed therapist and social media influencer Trey Tucker to explore Cracker Barrel's controversial rebrand. Together they unpack the psychology of nostalgia, why customers revolt when traditions vanish, and how brands risk everything when they lean away from what makes them unique. Key Takeaways Protect the Experience – Great experiences create differentiation stronger than any logo. Marketing Can't Fix Everything – Operations, culture, and service matter more than cosmetic changes. Invest in What Lasts – $700 million spent on logos won't fix cold biscuits; true growth comes from food, service, and culture. If you want to understand the intersection of branding, psychology, and customer loyalty—this is an episode you don't want to miss.

The outlook for gift boutiques, online & in person, is shifting fast, and if you're a business owner, you'll want to pay attention. In this episode, I break down what's happening in the market, why customer expectations are changing, and how you can position your business to thrive in the middle of it all. 

In this solo episode, host Meghan Lynch, CEO of Six-Point Strategy, unpacks why “letting your work speak for itself” no longer cuts it—especially for generational businesses. She reframes brand as your transferable reputation, shares an example client story, and outlines how intentional brand strategy fuels growth, attracts talent, and boosts enterprise value.Key Topics DiscussedReframe brand as reputation you actively shape - not logos or taglines.Identify mindsets that stall growth - status-quo comfort, craft-first pride, and misconceptions about brand.Learn from one family business's example: protect distinct visual IP, focus categories, prune underperformers, and integrate customer feedback to regain leadership.Spot the hidden costs of ignoring brand - plateaus, missed “return on luck,” hiring/retention friction, and valuation drag.Build a brand that outlasts a single leader - make trust transferable across generations and management.Take the leadership challenge - audit whether your brand is working for or against you, and where clarity is missing.Connect with Meghan Lynch on LinkedIn or visit Six-Point StrategyBuilding Unbreakable Brands is hosted by Meghan LynchProduced by Six-Point Strategy

Leading with a growth mindset isn't just a buzzword—it's a transformative approach that defines how businesses adapt, innovate, and thrive in competitive markets. For Larisa Walega, Chief Growth Officer at Ziebart, this mindset has been the foundation of a remarkable career and a driving force behind the evolution of a 65-year-old global brand. Ziebart is a name many associate with automotive protection, but under Larisa's leadership, the brand has become much more. Today, it operates in 37 countries with over 400 locations, serving millions of customers worldwide. That level of scale doesn't happen by chance. It's the result of forward-thinking strategies, deliberate culture-building, and a willingness to embrace change when others resist it. Larisa's journey with Ziebart began in field marketing—a role that gave her an up-close perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing franchise owners. That hands-on experience shaped her leadership philosophy. She believes growth starts with listening, understanding stakeholder goals, and aligning strategies to support them. This isn't theory; it's a practical application of leading with a growth mindset. For Larisa, adaptability isn't optional—it's essential. Her rise to the C-suite coincided with one of the most pivotal chapters in Ziebart's history: rebranding. Legacy brands often face an identity challenge. They carry decades of success, but shifting consumer expectations and market disruptions demand reinvention. Rather than clinging to the past, Ziebart doubled down on transformation, modernizing its image and strengthening its positioning as the leader in automotive appearance and protection. That decision required bold leadership, and Larisa played a central role in making it happen. What does leading with a growth mindset look like in practice? It's a mix of strategy, empathy, and execution. Larisa emphasizes the importance of culture—both at corporate headquarters and within franchise locations. For her, team members are not just employees; they are brand ambassadors. Building a strong internal culture translates directly into customer experience. When employees feel valued and connected to a company's mission, they deliver better service, foster loyalty, and strengthen the brand. Technology also plays a key role. Under Larisa's leadership, Ziebart embraced digital tools to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations. This included integrating systems that make it easier for franchisees to connect with customers through text, email, and other digital channels. These shifts might seem minor, but they reflect a mindset focused on relevance and responsiveness—two traits that define market leaders. Ford Saeks, a business growth strategist and longtime advocate for operational excellence, often underscores this principle: businesses that fail to adapt risk becoming obsolete. Leading with a growth mindset means anticipating change and preparing for it long before the market demands it. Larisa embodies that principle, guiding Ziebart through initiatives that prioritize customer needs while safeguarding franchisee success. Franchising, by nature, requires balance. Brands must maintain consistency while allowing flexibility for local markets. For Larisa, the answer lies in systems and relationships. A structured framework ensures brand integrity, while strong communication fosters collaboration and trust. This dual approach has helped Ziebart maintain decades-long relationships with many of its franchise owners—a rarity in today's fast-changing business environment. Recognition of Larisa's influence extends beyond Ziebart. She chairs the International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee and serves on its Board of Directors. Her leadership has earned her accolades from Entrepreneur, Brand Innovators, and 1851 Franchise, placing her among the top thought leaders shaping the future of franchising. As industries navigate economic uncertainty, labor challenges, and technological disruption, one truth stands out: companies that embrace growth-minded leadership will outpace those that don't. Leaders like Larisa Walega demonstrate that success isn't about maintaining the status quo—it's about challenging it. By fostering innovation, empowering teams, and staying customer-focused, brands can achieve sustainable growth in any market. Leading with a growth mindset isn't just a leadership style. It's a competitive advantage. And for organizations willing to embrace it, the opportunities are limitless. Watch the full episode on YouTube. Fordify LIVE! streams every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Central across all social media platforms, featuring conversations with top business leaders. New episodes of The Business Growth Show podcast drop every Thursday. About Larisa Walega Larisa Walega is the Chief Growth Officer at Ziebart, a global automotive appearance and protection brand with more than 400 locations in 37 countries. With over 16 years at Ziebart, Larisa has led initiatives in franchise development, marketing, and brand transformation, helping position Ziebart as a modern leader in its category. She serves as Chair of the International Franchise Association's Women's Franchise Committee and sits on the IFA Board of Directors. Recognized as a Top 100 Influencer in Franchising and honored by Entrepreneur and Brand Innovators for her marketing leadership, Larisa is passionate about building strong cultures, driving innovation, and leading with a growth mindset. Learn more about Ziebart. About Ford Saeks Ford Saeks is a Business Growth Accelerator with over 20 years of experience helping organizations—from startups to Fortune 500s—generate more than a billion dollars in sales. As President and CEO of Prime Concepts Group, Inc., Ford specializes in marketing strategy, innovation, and customer engagement. He is the founder of Fordify LIVE and The Business Growth Show podcast, where he shares real-world insights for business leaders. An award-winning entrepreneur, Ford has authored five books, holds three U.S. patents, and speaks globally on growth strategies and leadership. Learn more at ProfitRichResults.com and watch his show at Fordify.tv.

Cześć! Dzisiaj zapraszam Was na specjalny odcinek, który pochodzi z naszej konferencji Fundamenta e-commerce B2B, która odbyła się w czerwcu 2025 roku. Wystąpili na niej topowi eksperci B2B, którzy poruszyli tematy kluczowe dla sukcesu firm w tym segmencie. Odcinek, który usłyszycie, to prelekcja Michała Burdy, CEO fellowheads (dawniej Estru). Michał, z ponad 15-letnim doświadczeniem w marketingu i brandingu, podzieli się z Wami swoją wiedzą na temat budowania silnej marki w B2B.W dzisiejszym odcinku dowiesz się między innymi:Jak skutecznie łączyć strategię marketingową z wizualną tożsamością marki B2B?Jak stworzyć markę, która nie tylko jest rozpoznawalna, ale również angażująca i efektywna w generowaniu sprzedaży?Jakie kluczowe elementy należy uwzględnić w budowie marki B2B, by wspierała rozwój biznesu i wyróżniała się na rynku?Jakie zmiany czekają marki B2B w nadchodzących miesiącach i jakie działania są najważniejsze?Zapraszam do wysłuchania pełnej prelekcji i dowiedzenia się, jak Michał Burda buduje skuteczne strategie marek, które wzmacniają pozycję na rynku!O Michał Burda:CEO i dyrektor strategii w fellowheads (dawniej Estru), agencji marketingowej z 15-letnim doświadczeniem w pracy z markami B2B i B2C. Michał specjalizuje się w tworzeniu i wdrażaniu strategii brandingowych oraz marketingowych, które łączą aspekty wizualne z marketingiem cyfrowym. Michał jest również wykładowcą na Akademii Leona Koźmińskiego, gdzie prowadzi zajęcia związane z marką e-commerce i strategią marketingową.

Today on Entrepreneur Conundrum, Virginia sits down with Doug Zarkin, brand leader, keynote speaker, and author of Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone. Doug brings a wealth of experience from shaping powerhouse brands like Avon, Victoria's Secret PINK, and Pearle Vision.He shares:His journey from agency life to leading global consumer brands Why entrepreneurs should adopt a “think human” philosophy in marketing How to balance short-term revenue goals with long-term customer relationships The real purpose of marketing (and how to avoid alienating your audience) His best advice for overcoming roadblocks and moving forward

The CPGGUYS are joined in this episode by Ron Bielski, Managing partner, Global FMCG lead of NielsenIQ Next which is the strategy, growth and transformation consulting division of NIQ. This episode is an industry focused one that will span the spectrum of macro and microeconomics and what CPG brands can really do about it as they look for volume growth. This episode is sponsored by NielsenIQFollow Ron on LinkedIn at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronbielski/Follow NielsenIQ on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nielseniq/Follow NielsenIQ Next online at: https://nielseniq.com/global/en/solutions/quest-for-next/Ron answers the following questions : Decompose what is this strategic consulting arm of NIQ?As Head of Strategy Consulting, how are you advising CPG brands to evolve in response to the most critical market shifts—especially regarding consumer behavior, inflation, and supply chain volatility?With vast shopper data at NIQ's disposal, how do you help clients move beyond data collection to actionable, predictive strategies that drive growth and resilience?How is the rise of e-commerce and digital marketplaces reshaping your strategic consulting approach for CPG clients balancing online vs. traditional brick-and-mortar?Many retailers are expanding private label offerings, while consumers are more price-conscious than ever. How are you positioning CPG brands to preserve margin and differentiate in this environment?Consumer demand for sustainability and ethical branding is rising. How does your team at NIQ support brands in aligning these consumer values with business performance, avoiding both underperformance and greenwashing?What role is AI playing in NIQ's strategic consulting capabilities—from forecasting to scenario planning—and how are you helping clients adapt to its usage?As global consumer markets diverge post-pandemic, how do you help clients calibrate strategies across diverse regions—from developed to emerging markets?How are you advising on quicker innovation cycles and stronger retailer collaborations to capture incremental growth opportunities amid expedited category changes?What modern KPIs—beyond sales and market share—do you recommend for measuring the long-term impact of strategy consulting engagements in areas like brand health, consumer loyalty, and omnichannel effectiveness?Reflecting on your career in strategy consulting, which lessons do you hold most valuable? And what emerging CPG trends excite—or concern—you the most looking ahead?CPG Guys Website: http://CPGguys.comFMCG Guys Website: http://FMCGguys.comCPG Scoop Website: http://CPGscoop.comRhea Raj's Website: http://rhearaj.comLara Raj in Katseye: https://www.katseye.world/DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast episode is provided for general informational purposes only. By listening to our episode, you understand that no information contained in this episode should be construed as advice from CPGGUYS, LLC or the individual author, hosts, or guests, nor is it intended to be a substitute for research on any subject matter. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by CPGGUYS, LLC. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appeaCPGGUYS LLC expressly disclaims any and all liability or responsibility for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or other damages arising out of any individual's use of, reference to, or inability to use this podcast or the information we presented in this podcast.

The Cracker Barrel Logo change recently to a plain, minimalistic design caused a massive uproar all over social media and tv. There's 3 big lessons small business owners can learn so you never have to upset your customers this way.

It's not easy to make people rethink their assumptions. If you want to shift perception, you need to challenge expectations, gently, cleverly, and sometimes with a perfectly executed deepfake.That's the brilliance of Orange's Women's Soccer Ad, a mind-bending celebration of women's soccer disguised as a highlight reel of men's soccer. And in this episode, we're decoding its genius with the help of Angie Westbrock, CEO of Standard AI.Together, we explore what B2B marketers can learn from surprising your audience, staying true to both your brand and your customer, and not allowing biases to affect your content.About our guest, Angie WestbrockAngie Westbock's mission is to build high-performance, diverse teams that transform challenges into opportunities. With a solid background as COO and now CEO, she thrives on aligning our company's strengths to create impactful solutions, all while cultivating a culture that celebrates diversity and encourages groundbreaking ideas.Angie is currently serving as the CEO at Standard AI, a startup using AI and computer vision technology to help retailers and brands optimize operations and bottom lines through real-time insights into shoppers' in-store experiences. With a non-traditional background beginning in CPG and then moving into tech, her experience spans from stealth start-ups to IPO to Fortune 500 companies. Leveraging this expertise in commercialization strategy and growth, Angie is able to guide organizations through every phase of development. What B2B Companies Can Learn From Orange's Women's Soccer Ad:Surprise your audience. Great marketing can earn attention through clever misdirection, then deliver a powerful payoff. The Orange ad didn't just say women's sports deserve respect,  it showed it by tricking viewers into watching with existing bias, then rewiring their perception. Angie explains, “Had they not executed the deepfake as well as they did, you would've noticed it from the beginning, and it would've just validated any of the biases that were already there.” The same applies to B2B: stop announcing your message, design it to unfold in a way that surprises and engages.Technology isn't the story; the outcome is. Orange used advanced deepfake technology, but they never made that the headline. The ad wasn't about AI, it was about bias, identity, and respect. The technology was the tool, not the message. “We always try to  tie it to the customer's use cases and ROI versus just about the tech,” says Angie. This is a trap many B2B companies fall into. You're proud of your tech stack, your infrastructure, your proprietary model, and rightly so. But your buyer doesn't care. They care about what your product helps them become. Sell the before and after, not the engine.Don't let your biases affect your content. Too many B2B marketers create content for the people who already agree with them, existing customers, internal stakeholders, or the "safe" ICP. But powerful messaging challenges assumptions. Orange didn't make an ad to celebrate women's soccer for people who already love it, they made an ad to get skeptics to pause and rethink. Angie says, “It wasn't just to the women to honor them and to empower them. It was actually to the men also, to say, you need to revisit your thinking here.” In B2B, you're often selling change: a new workflow, a new tool, a new way of doing things. That means your messaging needs to meet people where they are, not where you wish they were. Quote“ We get so caught up in what we want to say that we don't take into consideration the very specific viewpoints of the customer that you're selling to and making sure that it's going to land with them in a way that aligns with how they're thinking.Time Stamps[00:55] Meet Angie Westbrock, [01:00] Why Orange's Women's Soccer Ad [01:50] What Standard AI Actually Does[05:33] Why Physical Retail Is Still Underrated[11:38] Designed for Rewatching and Social[13:51] Real Tech, Real Players, Real Impact[14:55] Messaging That Reaches the People Who Need to Hear It[21:59] B2B Marketing Takeaways from Why Orange's Women's Soccer Ad [34:38] Not a Cheap Trick — A Trusted Brand Moment[38:13] It All Starts With a Single Shift in Mindset[40:00] What Marketers Want From In-Store Strategy[47:41] Standard AI's Brand Strategy and Differentiation[52:40] Final Thoughts: Break Through the NoiseLinksConnect with Angie on LinkedInLearn more about Standard AIAbout Remarkable!Remarkable! is created by the team at Caspian Studios, the premier B2B Podcast-as-a-Service company. Caspian creates both nonfiction and fiction series for B2B companies. If you want a fiction series check out our new offering - The Business Thriller - Hollywood style storytelling for B2B. Learn more at CaspianStudios.com. In today's episode, you heard from Ian Faison (CEO of Caspian Studios) and Meredith Gooderham (Head of Production). Remarkable was produced this week by Jess Avellino, mixed by Scott Goodrich, and our theme song is “Solomon” by FALAK. Create something remarkable. Rise above the noise.

In this episode of The Leadership Sandbox, Tammy dives into the recent Cracker Barrel rebranding debacle. This corporate misstep, a $700 million gamble aimed at attracting a younger demographic, led to a 14% stock drop and a massive customer backlash. Tammy dissects the four major lies leaders told themselves that led to this catastrophic failure. You'll discover why a brand's most valuable asset lives in the memory and emotion of its customers—and what happens when you strip that away. This isn't just a story about a failed rebrand; it's a critical leadership lesson on the dangers of ignoring your core identity, failing to connect with your audience, and letting financial recklessness get disguised as innovation. Key Takeaways for Leaders Your Brand is an Emotion: A brand's value is rooted in nostalgia and emotional connection. Without it, your brand becomes soulless. The Cost of Ignoring Your Customer: Chasing a new market while alienating your core customer base is a recipe for disaster. Arrogance vs. Integrity: Long-term strategy without short-term integrity is just arrogance. Ignoring customer feedback to push a "modern" agenda is a critical failure of leadership. Financial Recklessness: Understand the difference between a sound investment in your brand and a financially reckless gamble disguised as modernization. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why Cracker Barrel's $700 million rebrand led to a massive stock drop and customer backlash. The four communication lies leaders believed that led to this major misstep. How to prioritize brand integrity and emotional connection in your business strategy. Why ignoring customer sentiment is the most dangerous form of leadership. How to avoid being "dead right" by leading with both strategy and humility. Join us in the sandbox to explore the lies leaders tell themselves and how to avoid making a fatal mistake. 

Send us a textThe transition from college to adulthood has dramatically transformed over recent decades, with financial independence, full-time employment, and independent living occurring much later for today's graduates than their 1980s counterparts. Yet despite these shifting timelines, Sallie Mae's latest research reveals that higher education continues to deliver tremendous value for Gen Z.According to Annat Shrabstein, Senior Director of Consumer Insights & Brand Strategy at Sallie Mae, their "How America Succeeds After College 2025" report uncovers interesting insights about what success truly means for recent graduates. Research reveals a significant shift in how Gen Z defines post-college success, balancing financial health, mental wellbeing, and career satisfaction in a world where traditional adulthood milestones are happening later than ever. The data challenges common assumptions about higher education's value while highlighting critical opportunities to better prepare students for life after graduation.• Only 25% of 21-year-olds in 2021 were financially independent, compared to 42% in 1980• 90% of recent graduates report positive college experiences, with 70% believing education was worth the cost• 74% of grads who used student loans say they would have rather borrowed than not gone to college • Students who use career services are significantly more likely to find jobs in their field• 64% of graduates wish they had fully engaged in all their college had to offer• Having a mentor is the attribute most strongly associated with post-college success• Almost two-thirds of recent graduates are living with parents two years after collegeVisit salliemae.com to access college planning tools including Scholly Scholarship Search, Scout College Search, step-by-step FAFSA guides, and research reports. Email lisa@drlisahassler.com to share stories about what's working in your schools.

You have all the strategies, all the frameworks, and all the tools, but you're still not implementing them. At this point, you know the problem isn't your lack of knowledge. Today I'm switching things up from my usual strategy heavy episodes to tackle the real issue that's keeping you stuck: your mindset around marketing and content creation. After being surrounded by entrepreneurs outside my direct industry, I've realized we're complaining about posting 3 times a week while others are treating content creation like the full-time job it actually is. The truth is, we're headed toward a future where you can't afford to be on just 1 platform anymore, and if you can't manage 2 posts now, you're going to struggle when the standard becomes 6 posts across multiple platforms just to crack six figures. This isn't about adding more to your to-do list, it's about fundamentally shifting how you think about content and marketing in your business. I'm walking you through the exact mindset shifts that have allowed me to expand my marketing platforms and treat content creation like what it actually is: the primary way I make money. From stopping the comparison trap with other niches to understanding why discomfort in content creation is actually data, these shifts will change how you approach your entire marketing strategy. In today's episode, we're talking about: How to reframe every post as a salesperson knocking on 1,000 doors The difference between teaching and selling through content  Why comparing your content to other niches is sabotaging your strategy How comfort in content creation is actually preventing your growth  The mindset shift from inspiration-based posting to systematic content creation  Connect with me:  Website Join our email list! Instagram Pinterest Get creative support to turn your content into sales before, during and after your launches. From content classes to learn new campaign marketing skills, to custom designed assets completely done for you, we've thought of it all inside Sales Studio. Join today: https://highflierpowerhouse.com/retainer  Get the photoshoot, website, and content strategy you need to increase your business revenue and reputation. Apply for The Rebrand Experience https://highflierpowerhouse.com/rebrand-experience

Storytelling has become an essential marketing strategy that helps brands forge lasting connections with their audience. Nandini Sankara, Vice President, Marketing and Brand Strategy, and Spokesperson for Suburban Propane, highlights the pivotal role storytelling plays in shaping brand perception. She offers strategic insights for creating narratives that capture attention in a fun and engaging way.D S Simon Media is well-known as a leader in the satellite media tour industry. The firm produces tours from its studio and multiple control rooms at its New York headquarters. Clients include top brands in healthcare, technology, travel, financial services, consumer goods, entertainment, retail, and non-profits. Established in 1986, the firm has won more than 100 industry awards. To learn more about D S Simon Media's services, email us at news@dssimon.com.

Want clarity on your leadership style? Take the quiz at www.bebrightlisa.com/quiz Stepping out of corporate and into coaching, thought leadership, or entrepreneurship can feel like walking around in shoes that don't quite fit yet. You're excited about what's next, but you can't shake the feeling that you're still “becoming” the person you want to be. In this episode, visionary business coach and personal branding expert Lisa Guillot shares the identity-shifting work behind confident visibility. You'll learn how to release the version of you that no longer serves your vision and step into the leadership presence that will attract your future clients.

In this episode of Building Unbreakable Brands, host Meghan Lynch sits down with Jen Traeger, second-generation leader of United Skates of America and certified family business coach. Jen shares the fascinating story of how her family grew the company into the world's largest roller skating brand while building wealth through a strategic real estate model. From navigating leadership transitions to fostering an ownership mindset among employees, Jen offers candid insights on sustaining a family business across generations—and why success means more than staying in the rink.Key Topics DiscussedBuilding a generational business model – How United Skates of America scaled from a single rink to a nationwide brand by pairing operational growth with strategic real estate acquisition.Leadership transitions with intention – Why the Traeger family chose non-family CEOs and how that decision fueled company success.Cultivating an ownership mentality – Teaching financial literacy and transparency at every level of the organization.Balancing family values with business needs – How empathy, trust, and treating employees like family shaped a strong workplace culture.The role of real estate in long-term profitability – Leveraging property ownership to provide stability and reinvestment opportunities.Succession planning with grace – Lessons from moving leadership from Gen 1 to Gen 2 and preparing for the next chapter.Connect with Jen Traeger on LinkedIn or visit execfamilybusinesscoach.comBuilding Unbreakable Brands is hosted by Meghan LynchProduced by Six-Point Strategy

If your logo is “fine” but doesn't feel like you, attract the right clients, or work across platforms... it's probably not doing its job.In this episode, I'm diving into why logos should come after brand foundations, the difference between pretty and purposeful, and how to make your logo work everywhere from websites to socials.What You'll Learn:Why your logo should be one of the last things you designWhat makes a logo purposeful, not just prettyKey mistakes that make logos clunky or hard to useWhat to include (and exclude!) in a clean logoWhy your logo supports (not defines) your full brandHow to design logos in Canva properlyGet your free ticket to the Design Masterclass

Welcome to episode #998 of Six Pixels of Separation - The ThinkersOne Podcast. Annie Wilson is a marketing professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and co-author, with Ryan Hamilton, of The Growth Dilemma - Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things. Her work examines the deep interplay between consumer behavior, culture and brand identity, helping leaders understand why growth often creates as many risks as it does opportunities. In The Growth Dilemma, Annie unpacks how efforts to reach new customer segments can clash with the values of loyal buyers, sometimes threatening the very meaning of a brand. Drawing from real-world examples (from Apple's software missteps to Gucci's unintended association with reality TV fame) she reveals how scarcity, exclusivity and cultural perception shape brand power in ways most executives overlook. Beyond brand strategy, Annie's research and teaching explore the ways marketing has evolved as a discipline, especially in an era of AI, fragmented media and globalization. She highlights how authenticity, community and cultural nuance are becoming non-negotiable for sustainable success, and why short-termism remains one of the most dangerous traps for modern marketers. For those navigating the intersection of consumer connection and cultural influence, Annie offers a critical lens on how to balance growth with integrity, how to adapt without betraying your core identity and how to see branding not just as a commercial practice, but as a cultural one. This conversation is essential listening for anyone grappling with the future of marketing in an age of shifting consumer expectations, technological disruption and global homogenization. Enjoy the conversation... Running time: 1:01:53. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Six Pixels of Separation. Feel free to connect to me directly on Facebook here: Mitch Joel on Facebook. Check out ThinkersOne. or you can connect on LinkedIn. ...or on X. Here is my conversation with Annie Wilson. The Growth Dilemma - Managing Your Brand When Different Customers Want Different Things. Follow Annie on LinkedIn. Chapters: (00:00) - The Changing Landscape of Marketing. (02:56) - AI's Role in Marketing Education. (05:49) - The Evolving Perception of Marketing as a Career. (09:13) - Advertising in a Fragmented Media World. (12:07) - Branding in a Personalized Market. (14:59) - The Growth Dilemma: Balancing Consumerism and Sustainability. (33:01) - Cultural Influence Over Brand Identity. (35:53) - The Balance of Growth and Authenticity. (39:01) - The Evolution of Consumer Connection. (41:47) - Navigating Brand Growth and Consumer Expectations. (47:07) - Short-Termism in Marketing Strategies. (51:58) - Scarcity and Exclusivity in Brand Strategy. (55:52) - Consumer Perception and Brand Influence.

AI video ads are here, but are they ready for prime time? In this episode of Death to the Corporate Video, Umault founder and creative director Guy Bauer shares the five things you need to know before diving in. From the murky legal landscape, to the limits of what AI actually solves, to the backlash (and wasted credits) you should expect - Guy breaks down the realities of making AI-generated ads after producing four of them himself. Whether you're curious about the potential of AI in video marketing or wondering how to avoid the biggest pitfalls, this episode will help you understand where the magic is—and where the hype ends.

Chris Holman welcomes back Nakia Mills, VP of Digital Marketing and Brand Strategy, Better Business Bureau®of Michigan Southfield, MI. Now that the Eastern and Western Michigan BBBs have merged, this is the first BBB of Michigan Torch Awards recognizing businesses throughout the entire state (besides the 3 counties near the border that are served by Toledo). Tell us about these awards? What are the Criteria, which are focused on 4 areas: character, culture, customers and community? Do leaders demonstrate a high level of personal character? Does the organization foster and inspire an ethical culture? How does the organization generate trust with customers? How does the organization interact with the community ? Are there other criteria? Must be in 80-county Michigan service area Don't have to be BBB Accredited For profit and 501c6 applicants must have a "B" rating or better Must have been in business at least 3 years Government agencies not eligible Winners from the past 3 years are not eligible How are entries are evaluated? (by an independent, volunteer panel of judges comprised of business, nonprofit and community leaders. ) Please give a quick run down of the 8 total awards? based on size this year: 6 business categories (ranging from 1-3 to 100+ employees) and 2 nonprofit categories (less than 20 and 20+ employees) How to nominate a business or apply for your own business to win? at bbb.org/miawards When are Applications due by? September 7 When is the Awards ceremony to recognize winners? will be held in November Other topics if we need to fill time: BBB is hosting a skilled trades career fair in partnership with Schoolcraft College on September 25th. » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN's YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/

Welcome to the Health Marketing Collective, where strong leadership meets marketing excellence. On today's episode, host Sara Payne is joined by Melissa Prusher, an accomplished B2B healthcare marketing leader with 25 years of experience in professional services and a deep focus on healthcare IT. Together, they unpack one of the most underappreciated drivers of brand credibility, customer loyalty, and market momentum in B2B healthcare: human capital. Sara and Melissa dive into how the people behind the brand—employees, leaders, customer-facing teams—impact brand perception, trust, and community advocacy. They explore practical strategies for aligning internal culture, marketing, sales, and delivery teams to ensure the experiences promised during the sales process are lived out through implementation. They also discuss actionable ways marketing leaders can activate both partners and employees to serve as authentic brand advocates—without losing the polish or control that can worry corporate stakeholders. The conversation spans the unique challenges and opportunities of B2B healthcare marketing, from navigating complex decision-making cycles with clinicians, IT, and procurement leaders, to building trust among evidence-driven buyers by showcasing real-world outcomes and partnerships. Real-life examples from Melissa's career, plus a fun quick-fire round about admired brands, marketing myths, and timeless leadership advice, round out a rich episode packed with both strategic insights and practical tips. Key Takeaways: People Are the Greatest Brand Asset: Melissa emphasizes that in B2B healthcare, buyers don't just evaluate products and platforms—they evaluate the people behind them. Employees, partners, and advocates are a company's most valuable assets. Their actions, professionalism, and alignment across the buyer journey directly shape trust, credibility, and differentiation in a crowded market. Marketing's Role in Ensuring Alignment and Continuity: As organizations grow and service offerings expand, maintaining alignment between marketing, sales, and delivery becomes more complex—but also more crucial. Marketing must act as both gatekeeper and advocate, ensuring consistent messaging, customer experience, and values are reflected at every touchpoint, from pre-sale promises to post-sale execution and storytelling. Building Brand Credibility with Evidence and Advocacy: Healthcare buyers—especially clinicians and IT leaders—rely on evidence and peer validation over flashy claims. Brands must back up their promises with concrete examples and case studies that demonstrate outcomes. Melissa highlights the importance of forming a “community of advocacy”—actively partnering with customers and industry voices to tell authentic shared stories via media, webinars, bylines, and conferences. Activating Employee Advocacy at Scale: Brands can no longer rely solely on executive spokespeople or polished corporate channels. Melissa recommends empowering employees to share brand stories, successes, and experiences on social media and professional platforms to extend reach and build trust through relatable, authentic voices. She outlines practical frameworks for doing this—establishing guidelines, structured programs, and easy-to-share content, plus embracing both formal and informal advocacy to harness the “power of your network's network.” Measuring the Soft Power of Trust and Community: Though brand trust and advocacy don't always translate neatly into immediate business metrics, they drive critical outcomes—like improved recruitment, greater media interest, and increased customer loyalty. Melissa suggests looking at utilization rates, talent pipeline improvements, engagement growth, and anecdotal feedback alongside hard KPIs. Over time, these “soft” investments in people and stories deliver tangible business results, fueling the virtuous circle of brand advocacy and...

Ready to build you personal brand in a simple and structured way? I got you! What You'll Learn: How to create a clear brand umbrella that organises your entire messaging hierarchy Why specificity in your target audience is crucial (and won't scare away good clients) The four levels of your brand umbrella framework How to audit your products and services for brand alignment Why your messaging needs to make people feel like you're reading their mind Key Takeaways: Your brand umbrella is what you want to be known for - not just what you do, but what you're here to do in the world Get so specific with your ideal client that you could call them out in a crowd Content themes should blend business expertise with personal insights (70/30 split works well) If you don't love your product suite, you won't sell it effectively Train your AI tools with your authentic voice and client problems for better messaging Resources Mentioned: Amplify Accelerator (Suz's main programme) AI tools: Claude and ChatGPT for content creation   **************** ⋒ WORK WITH SUZ Foundations - Brand Builders Academy - https://www.suzchadwick.com/bba Scale - Amplify Accelerator - https://www.suzchadwick.com/amplify 1:1 Coaching - https://www.suzchadwick.com/bc Shop - https://www.suzchadwick.com/shop   ⋒ My 2025 YouTube Equipment & Tech: Descript - www.suzchadwick.com/descript DJI Pocket Osmo 3 - www.suzchadwick.com/DJI Softbox Lighting - MSKIRA Softbox DJI Tripod - EUCOS 62' Tripod   ⋒ PODCAST LINKS Listen on Apple: https://suzchadwick.com/applepod Listen on Spotify: https://suzchadwick.com/spotify Listen anywhere else: https://kite.link/BrandBuildersLab   ⋒ FOLLOW SUZ CHADWICK TikTok: /suzchadwick Instagram: /suzchadwick LinkedIn: /suzannechadwick Join the community: https://www.suzchadwick.com/subscribe   About: I'm Suz Chadwick, a personal brand & business coach and the Creative Director of Bold Vibes Consulting Personal brand agency. I (mainly) work with women to help you build the confidence and strategies to build a brand that sells for you and finally step off the content hampster wheel to sales strategies that work!  

Most entrepreneurs make business decisions based solely on sales data. But I've learned that auditing your entire marketing ecosystem gives you a much clearer picture of what's actually working and what needs to change. In today's episode, I'm walking you through the comprehensive marketing audit framework I use to make informed business decisions in my seven-figure creative agency. This isn't about analyzing individual content performance. It's about taking a 360-degree view of your messaging, positioning, funnel, brand perception, and systems to understand why certain offers aren't converting or why you're attracting unqualified leads. I'm sharing how this audit approach helped me realize that people were buying our rebrand service first, then Sales Studio, when I wanted Sales Studio to be the entry point. That insight led me to completely reposition Sales Studio as campaign support that helps people make money, which then funds their rebrand investment. You'll learn the 5 key areas I audit: service and audience alignment messaging and positioning content performance  conversion points in your funnel visual branding consistency  Plus, I'm breaking down how to use these findings to make strategic decisions about offer direction, platform focus, and whether you need new systems or just need to double down on what's already working. In this episode, we're chatting about: • The 5-part marketing audit framework • How I repositioned Sales Studio  • Beyond vanity metrics  • How audit findings should inform offer direction, platform focus, and resource allocation Connect with me:  Website Join our email list! Instagram Pinterest Get creative support to turn your content into sales before, during and after your launches. From content classes to learn new campaign marketing skills, to custom designed assets completely done for you, we've thought of it all inside Sales Studio. Join today: https://highflierpowerhouse.com/retainer  Get the photoshoot, website, and content strategy you need to increase your business revenue and reputation. Apply for The Rebrand Experience https://highflierpowerhouse.com/rebrand-experience  

You've invested in a logo, typography, and visuals that look amazing—but your brand still isn't converting. Why?In this episode of The Unified Brand Podcast, we break down the myth that branding starts and ends with visuals. We uncover what truly drives brand growth—positioning, messaging, and strategic clarity—and why most brands fail to connect with their audience or align internally.Learn:Why beautiful design isn't enoughThe hidden power of brand strategyHow positioning shapes perceptionWhat causes marketing to feel like "shouting into the void"Real-world examples of brands that turned things around with strategy-first branding

The Say YES Sisterhood is your invitation to a vibrant community of women who are embracing their dreams, reclaiming their joy, and living life with intention. Join today!Welcome to the Say YES to Yourself! Podcast—the show for midlife women, empty nesters, and those navigating major life transitions like divorce, reinvention, and rediscovery. If you're ready to shed old roles and finally put yourself first, you're in the right place.In this episode, Wendy speaks with Siew Ting Foo, former Chief Marketing Officer turned author, podcaster, and soulful brand strategist. After 25 years leading global marketing at brands like Unilever, Mars, Diageo, and HP, Siew is now guiding leaders in building brands guided by soul, not just strategy.They explore: Why reinvention requires presence How to align personal purpose with professional evolution The five pillars of a brand with soulThis is your reminder that the most powerful brand you'll ever build begins with presence, not pressure.Connect with Siew:Get her book: Building Brands with SoulHer Podcast: Leadership With SoulHer Website: SoulForProfit.orgLinkedIn________________________________________________________________________________________ Say YES to joining Wendy for her: Say YES Sisterhood PWH Farm StaysPWH Curated France TripsInstagram: @phineaswrighthouseFacebook: Phineas Wright HouseWebsite: Phineas Wright HousePodcast Production By Shannon Warner of Resonant Collective Want to start your own podcast? Let's chat! If this episode resonated, follow Say YES to Yourself! and leave a 5-star review—it helps more women in midlife discover the tools, stories, and community that make saying YES not only possible, but powerful.

In this episode of the Sunlight Tax podcast, I talk with Reggie Tidwell and Tim Scroggs, the founders of the design agency 40 Hearts. We dive into their journey as designers, explore the impact of AI on the creative industry, and discuss why community and branding matter so much during times of economic uncertainty. Our conversation highlights the need for genuine human connection and the enduring value of creativity in navigating challenges.   Also mentioned in today's episode:   02:52 Meet the Designers: Reggie Tidwell and Tim Scroggs 08:38 Creating Enduring Value in Design 11:58 Navigating Client Relationships and Brand Strategy 14:49 Building Confidence as a Designer 17:35 Embracing the Unknown in Creativity 23:55 AI and the Future of Design 29:56 Community and Connection in the Design World 32:36 The Impact of AI on Creativity and Humanity 41:19 The Importance of Intuition and Human Connection   Takeaways The design industry is evolving with the introduction of AI, but human creativity remains irreplaceable. Branding is essential for businesses, especially during economic uncertainty. Transitioning from a beginner to an expert designer involves gaining confidence and experience. AI should be viewed as a tool to enhance creativity, not a replacement for it. Isolation is a significant challenge for creatives, and community support is vital. Understanding client needs is crucial for effective branding and marketing strategies. Creativity thrives in environments that value human connection and collaboration. The future of design will require a blend of technology and human intuition.   If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review and share it! Every review makes a difference by telling Apple or Spotify to show the Sunlight Tax podcast to new audiences.   Links: Link to pre-order my book, Taxes for Humans: Simplify Your Taxes and Change the World When You're Self-Employed. Link to pre-order my workbook, Taxes for Humans: The Workbook Get your free visual guide to tax deductions Check out my program, Money Bootcamp  

In this episode of Building Unbreakable Brands, host Meghan Lynch sits down with Mark Moffatt, third-generation president of Moffatt Products, a 71-year-old design and manufacturing company rooted in family tradition and smart innovation. Mark shares how a simple under-hood lamp evolved into a versatile flex-arm solution used in medical and industrial settings. He offers a candid look at the pivotal decisions, cultural shifts, and generational transitions that have helped the company stay relevant, nimble, and deeply values-driven. Whether you're navigating leadership change or seeking ways to future-proof your business, this conversation offers timeless insight into building a legacy with purpose.Key Topics DiscussedTraces the company's origin from a service station invention to a full-scale manufacturing businessExplores the leap from task lighting to customizable flex-arm solutions for medical and industrial useReveals how customer collaboration shaped product evolution and market expansionDetails the company's smooth generational transition and shift to shared decision-makingHighlights the internal cultural shifts necessary for entering highly regulated marketsEmphasizes the importance of values—respect, excellence, and family—in driving long-term business growthConnect with Mark Moffatt on LinkedIn or visit moffattproducts.comBuilding Unbreakable Brands is hosted by Meghan LynchProduced by Six-Point Strategy

In this powerhouse episode of The Unified Brand Podcast, host Chris Outlaw is joined by globally renowned brand strategist, speaker, and author Peter Wilken—often called the Father of Brand DNA.Peter shares the story of his journey from advertising exec at top agencies like Ogilvy and BBDO to founding his own consultancy, The Brand Company, where he pioneered the concept of Brand DNA and the Brand-Centred Managementmodel.You'll discover:Why most brands respray the car without checking the engine (and what to do instead)The key elements of Brand DNA that form the foundation of truly differentiated brandsHow Dim Sum Strategy delivers bite-sized, actionable tools for solopreneurs and foundersWhy design must come after strategy—and how to align culture, experience, and communication around your brand promiseBehind the scenes of creating The Lighthouse Brand Strategy Academy to democratize effective brand buildingThis episode is packed with decades of experience distilled into practical, strategic insight that will change the way you think about your brand. If you're a founder, marketer, or business leader—you don't want to miss this one.

Welcome back to the Health Marketing Collective, where strong leadership meets marketing excellence.In today's episode, host Sara Payne sits down with Gino Giovannelli—digital marketing strategist, educator, and founder of Miles Interactive—to discuss a concept that doesn't get enough credit in modern marketing: the power of saying no. Drawing on his vast experience with brands such as Caribou Coffee, Lifetime Fitness, and even the Super Bowl Host Committee, Gino unpacks why essentialism—doing fewer things, but better—stands at the heart of smart, sustainable marketing strategy.Gino, who also serves as a professor at the University of St. Thomas and hosts the podcast In the Key of D, brings a fresh, liberating perspective on how marketers can reclaim focus, avoid digital overwhelm, and create more impact by prioritizing what truly matters. Together, Sara and Gino dive into what it means for marketing leaders to show restraint, how to strategically select the right digital channels, and why letting go of the “more is better” mentality can propel organizations (and their teams) further.This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stretched too thin or uncertain about how to cut through today's digital chaos. Whether you're a CMO, a marketing manager, or someone seeking to make marketing more meaningful and manageable, Sara and Gino provide both the “why” and the “how” for ruthless prioritization in the digital age.Thank you for joining the Health Marketing Collective, where strong leadership meets marketing excellence. Because the future of healthcare depends on it.Key TakeawaysSaying “No” Is Essential to Strategic Marketing Success: Gino champions the philosophy of essentialism, urging marketers to do fewer things—but with much more intention and excellence. Rather than reflexively saying “yes” to every opportunity or channel, success often comes from confidently (and respectfully) saying “no” to good ideas so you have room to say an enthusiastic “hell yes” to the right ones. This discipline frees up resources and attention for what truly drives the business forward.Let Business Goals Lead Channel Selection: Marketers often feel pressured to appear everywhere—SEO, SEM, email, social, display, content—but Gino explains why most organizations lack the resources (and sometimes the skills) to execute across all six major digital channels effectively. Instead, he recommends letting business objectives—in particular, whether your greatest need is acquisition or retention—determine which channels you prioritize. For example, a startup should invest in acquisition-focused channels, while an established retention-focused business can double down on email and social.Break Out of Habit—Strategy Is About What You Should Do, Not Just What You Could Do: Much of what marketing teams do daily is based on habit rather than strategic necessity. Gino suggests taking a periodic step back to audit activities, questioning which ones genuinely serve current business priorities. Developing a digital marketing strategy means making tough choices—prioritizing high-impact, low-burden opportunities, and relentlessly cutting busywork and legacy activities that offer little value. As Gino puts it, “the difference between could do and should do is simply ‘no'.”Apply a Proven Framework for Channel Prioritization: Gino shares his five-step methodology used in both his consulting and university teaching. This framework transforms overwhelming possibilities into a sharp, actionable plan—ensuring resources are channeled where they have the most leverage.Evolve With the Changing Digital Landscape—And Use Advanced Tools Wisely: The digital ecosystem is increasingly blurry and interconnected; channels now blend and overlap, making it harder to...

matt wan and joshua desabris—co-founders of set and previously momentous—join sean to unpack how set is reimagining nicotine pouches as tools for focus and performance. they explore how creatine shifted from a “gym bro” staple to a mainstream supplement, and how set is aiming to do the same for nicotine. along the way, they break down what went wrong at momentous, what they're doing differently this time, and why discipline, deep customer insight, and ruthless focus are the secret sauce.

When product teams build fast and brand is left behind, user experience gaps emerge — and trust erodes.In this first installment of our Brand & Product Series, Focus Lab CEO Bill Kenney sits down with Lee Eisenbarth (Co-Founder, Max Q) to unpack why brand and product are still so often siloed — and why that separation is a critical failure for B2B startups and scale-ups.From early-stage identity myths to missed emotional cues in product design, this conversation sets the foundation for a new way forward: one where brand is built in from day one.What we cover:Why product-first thinking often undervalues brandHow emotional architecture builds resonance and retentionThe business risk of “brand as garnish” thinkingReal-world moments where brand drives product trust (Duolingo, Chase, Chewy)How to align marketing, product, and brand as one experienceWhether you're a founder, product leader, or brand strategist, this is a must-watch on how to create unified, enduring experiences that move both hearts and markets."Brand Isn't the Frosting. It's the Framework" (Lee's Article)Connect with Lee on LinkedIn---Focus Lab is an established B2B brand agency that believes, without question, that the most successful companies are the ones who invest in branding. Focus Lab creates transformative B2B brands that resonate with their customers and stand out as industry leaders. Through a proven process and a shared commitment to create unforgettable experiences, we develop true partnerships that help B2B brands become their boldest, most original selves.---STAY IN TOUCH:► Newsletter: https://focuslab.agency/subscribe► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-lab-llc► Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/prof...► Instagram: @focuslabllc Looking for a brand agency? We would love to hear from you. Email us: hello@focuslab.agency

What drives innovation and resilience in today's ever-changing footwear industry? In this episode of Shoe-In Show, Aldo Product Services President Jonathan Frankel shares his journey from the world of action sports to leading global footwear brands like Sperry. With decades of experience scaling brands through licensing, digital leadership, and strategic retail partnerships, Jonathan offers sharp insights into what it takes to stay relevant in a crowded, constantly shifting market. With special guest: Jonathan Frankel, President, ALDO Product Services Hosted by: Matt Priest, FDRA and Thomas Crockett, FDRA

If you've been feeling like your brand is “fine” but not WOW… chances are, you're missing this step.Today I'm kicking off my Build Brand Model series by breaking down the very first thing you need to get right if you want a brand that's magnetic, consistent, and actually works for your business.Before you even open Canva or pick a colour palette, you need this foundation in place...because when you skip it, you end up with visuals that look nice… but don't convert.In this episode, we cover:The first (and most important) step in building a premium brandWhy starting here will make every design decision easierHow this step helps you attract clients who actually want to pay youThe biggest mistake business owners make when DIYing their brandingWhat's coming next in the Build Brand ModelGet your free ticket to the Design Masterclass

In this episode, Chris and Kevin dive deep into the importance of branding and how it can significantly impact your business's revenue. They share personal experiences with rebranding their core business and provide actionable insights on how to listen to customer feedback to tweak your brand effectively. From transitioning a carpet cleaning business to focus on health and mold remediation services, to leveraging social media for branding. Chris and Kevin offer practical advice for entrepreneurs at any stage. The episode also touches on the evolution of personal and business branding and the benefits of joining the Boardroom Elite group for further growth and networking opportunities. Learn more about Board Room Elite and how to connect with our community.   

In this episode of The Big Impression, we're joined by James Rothwell, managing director of brand marketing at Kinective Media. Rothwell walks us through what's changed since launch — from major brand partnerships and custom content integrations to a headline-making alliance with JetBlue. With over 110 million traveler profiles and 63 million MileagePlus members, Kinective is fast becoming one of the most compelling new players in commerce media. Episode TranscriptPlease note, this transcript  may contain minor inconsistencies compared to the episode audio. Damian Fowler (00:00):I'm Damian Fowler.Ilyse Liffreing (00:01):And I'm Ilyse Liffreing.Damian Fowler (00:02):And welcome to this edition of The Big Impression.Ilyse Liffreing (00:09):Today we're checking back in on one of the boldest moves in airline media, connected media by United Airlines as they've redefined what's possible in the world of Traveler Media Networks.Damian Fowler (00:22):Our guest is James Rothwell, managing director of brand marketing at Connective Media. James and his team are helping United leverage the power of 110 million traveler profiles, create new opportunities for brands across the entire customer journey.Ilyse Liffreing (00:38):We actually spoke with Connective on this podcast just last year and just a week after they launched. A lot has happened since then from major brand partnerships to rapid innovation in tech content and measurement, and today we're catching up on what's new. So let's get into it.Damian Fowler (00:57):So James, this time last year, United had just launched Connective Media. It was June, 2024 at CAN, and it was the first airline media network. Could you walk us through what's happened since then? How has the network grown? How has it attracted brand campaigns and how is it working?James Rothwell (01:20):Yeah, absolutely. And thank you Damian, for having me on. This is great to be here. We just celebrated our first birthday, which is a wonderful thing. We're engaging with so many different types of brands who are interested in reaching a premium traveler audience. We've seen some success in most of the key verticals that you would imagine, and then some surprising ones too. And obviously it's a slam dunk for a travel brand or a destination brand, but those non-endemic brands, the non-endemic advertisers who are trying to reach travelers, no matter where they are in their journey or even in between journeys, we're finding really interesting use cases, really interesting targeting options and ways for them to be able to reach them across all of our screens. And on,Damian Fowler (02:08):Let's get into it a little further. Can you give us some examples? And you mentioned non endemics as well, but maybe we could start with the endemics and then move on to the non endemics.James Rothwell (02:17):No, absolutely. I think travel as a category is a growth sector right now. I think ever since the pandemic, people have been looking to explore the world and get out of the, I mean, they were cooped up for quite a while there, and so travel's never been more popular. Like any industry, you've got to break through the noise and the options that you have out there. Right? World's a big place.(02:43):Luckily we fly to a lot of different places. We have over 330 different destinations. One really interesting case study that we've just completed was with the Cayman Islands tourist board, and they were looking to drive passengers travelers to the Cayman Islands, and they worked with us across all of our media, and we were able to do closed loop attribution based on the bookings that were then made to those destinations. So for us, measurement and measurability is incredibly strong in the travel sector and the travel space. We were able to see basically with Cayman Islands, that 9,000 bookings came from exposure to the ads that ran across email, across our club lounges and in our entertainment seat back screens on the planes. So we were able to drive awareness, intent, and then conversion, and we were able to track that and they saw a 13 times return on an ad spend against that campaign. We were incredibly happy with that. They were incredibly happy with that. We obviously made some travelers very happy to go enjoy the wonderful blues ocean around the Cayman Islands.Damian Fowler (03:58):Yeah, there's something nice when you see that on screen. You'reJames Rothwell (04:01):Like that, I'm going to go there. Yeah, that looks nice. That one sells itself. ItIlyse Liffreing (04:05):Does. So you mentioned non-endemic brands too. That's really interesting.James Rothwell (04:09):Yeah, I mean, we're all travelers, right? We all got on a plane to be here in Cannes. It doesn't define us, but certainly it helps to give context and potentially insights around who we are as individuals and what we like to spend our money on where we like to spend our time. And so that translates into a really interesting audience segment for different brands. So we've had a lot of luck and a lot of success with luxury brands who want to reach, especially front of plane individuals. B2B brands has been a real boon for us as well. Business decision makers, they're looking to find those individuals and we can find 'em on the planes in the clubs and through different digital channels as well. And so that's been a really interesting sector that we've been able to really capitalize on, and I think they've been able to see some significant growth on that. And we work with, for example, JIRA, which is an Atlassian product, and they did a full omnichannel activation with us and they saw some fantastic results there.Ilyse Liffreing (05:16):Very cool. Could you describe that a little bit more, how, I guess you worked almost in a custom way, it sounds like With JiraJames Rothwell (05:26):For that one was very custom. In fact, they had their own branding moment and wanted to use some of that branding and creativity and plug it into the inflight entertainment screen. So we created a custom channel for them with curated content behind it, which then obviously gave them a branding moment and an opportunity to drive their messaging with more engagement. So that was a very custom moment, but also an opportunity for us to do very targeted work to find the right audience members throughout the journey.Ilyse Liffreing (05:56):We spoke with Mike Petre on this podcast just about a year ago, A week after you guysJames Rothwell (06:02):Launched. That's right.Ilyse Liffreing (06:03):It seems that you're moving fast and obviously moving on to things like custom solutions and everything like that. What else is new in the past 12 monthsJames Rothwell (06:12):Where to start? We've been bringing on a significant amount of partners, not only on the technical side, but also on the content side. So most recently we did a deal with Spotify. We're very excited about that partnership. Again, from a content perspective and an engagement perspective, that gives us a whole new set of ways and deeper engagement from people while they're on the planes. It's also an opportunity for a loyalty aspect of that as well. And we'll talk a little bit about how Mileage Plus comes into our overall offering, but if you sign up for Spotify Premium, there's a Mileage Plus component to that. We are the first airline to offer audio books and video podcasts within our planes. There's a lot going on in the loyalty space. We are working with many partners to be effectively integrated into our loyalty program with that will also be a media component as well. So this marriage of loyalty and media together is been a real, it's been very successful in terms of not only helping to drive awareness of those campaigns and those opportunities for Mileage plus members to convert, but also to drive media value for those individual brands. So Vivid Seats is another recent partner of ours where we are able to give mileage plus members the opportunity to earn miles as they buy tickets to entertainment. But you can imagine a world where for those types of companies, we know where those individuals are going to(07:41):At those destinations. Those companies know how many seats are available at a particular location. Can we match that data and make really customized targeted advertising campaigns to say, okay, we see you're going to Vegas, here are some seats available when you get there. So that opportunity of matching data with our partners from a targeted perspective and then a loyalty perspective is really limitless in terms of what the opportunity is there.Damian Fowler (08:08):Let me just ask you, partnerships like this seem hugely valuable in this space. What else are you seeing?James Rothwell (08:15):One of the partnerships that we're super excited about is a very recent announcement with JetBlue. We will be working with JetBlue in a number of different ways. Again, loyalty will be a component of that where we are able to, a JetBlue customer can use United Miles to fly on JetBlue and vice versa. There will be a component that will extend to airport and gate availability down the road. There's a commerce play part as part of that where JetBlue will be powering commerce for us for ancillary products like hotels, cruises, cars, et cetera. And then where it's very exciting for the Connected Media group is that we will be effectively selling JetBlue audiences under the connected media roof that will sit alongside our United Media and United audiences. So the combination of that obviously is a scaled audience across different geographies where JetBlue is stronger in the northeast where we are not as strong. So very kind of complimentary in terms of the audience. And that obviously from an advertiser perspective is great because that's more scale. It's one less phone call to make in a world where there's 280 different media networks that kind of consolidation or rather that opportunity to create an airline audience at scale. We think there's massive opportunity there, and we're talking to a number of other airlines about that opportunity.Damian Fowler (09:36):And when you talk about at scale, you've got 63 million mileage plus members, so that's aJames Rothwell (09:42):Serious, yeah. And 174 passengers over the year. I think JetBlue is around 40, soDamian Fowler (09:49):74 million. Yeah.James Rothwell (09:50):Yeah, 174 million. And then you add 40 million of JetBlue you're getting up there in terms of hundreds of millions of audience members that we can now get in front of. That's a serious proposition.Ilyse Liffreing (10:00):Yeah, it's a great partnership really in a lot of ways. Almost a surprising one too, because you guys are competitors but are also helping each other out in ways. AndJames Rothwell (10:13):Again, it's a very complimentary partnership. I think they're strong in places where we don't have the same coverage. And so it works from that perspective. At the airline level, I think what's most interesting for me is we think we might be the first commerce media player to bring a, I wouldn't even call 'em competitor. I would call 'em a pier,(10:35):A pier into the garden. And this is not a walled garden. This is an anti-Wall garden straight. We've built this technology stack purpose built for the airline. We've built it so others don't have to. And we think by bringing more individuals and more airlines into this world, and it could extend to travel partners more broadly than just airlines, we think all boats will rise. I should probably say planes will fly, but we think there's value in, again, creating scale, creating efficiency for buyers, and ultimately sort of making the whole thing a little bit more streamlined.Damian Fowler (11:14):Yeah, yeah. We like that idea that especially when we look at advertisers and media buyers, the idea that everyone benefits from partnerships like this, so it's not like we're it locking you out. That idea of opening up, it's the value prop for media buys is huge.James Rothwell (11:35):Yeah, it's very new. So we're still figuring out all of the logistics. It'll start on the back seat screens and offsite, how we merge those and deduplicate those audiences through technology partners like LiveRamp is still being figured out, but we're very excited about the proposition and we'll start selling offsite later in the year. And then moving on to Seatback screens in 2026.Damian Fowler (12:01):Now, you did mention some metrics here, but we're just going to press you a little further on that. One of the virtues of Connected Media networks is that ability to tie back purchases to customers and some of the campaigns or partnerships you've mentioned. How is that working? What kind of visibility do you have?James Rothwell (12:20):So we work with a number of different measurement partners, Kantar di nata. We've just started working with Adelaide, which is an attention based measuring partner. And recent tests on that is looking pretty good. You can imagine we do have people literally strapped in by their seat belts and the screen is right in front of them. So the viewability is pretty strong, the attention is very strong too. So we're able to prove, obviously, that as an extension of television, whether you call that a CTV or digital out-of-home screen, it's a very compelling proposition for a brand, and it's an opportunity for them to tell stories on a pretty dynamic canvas. But yeah, we work with a number of different measurement partners. We continue to expand those partners because we believe that while we can choose ones that we think are good, that's not always going to be everyone's first choice. And so we want to be able to create flexibility and brands and agencies to bring their own partners to the table. And so over time, we'll integrate more and more of those partners so that again, measurability and measurement is enabled for all in the ways that they want.Ilyse Liffreing (13:29):Very cool. You were talking about how connective is offering omnichannel measurement. Are there any surprises that came out of that analysis so far?James Rothwell (13:41):Yeah, I think some of the insights that I've been most intrigued by have been around what I call the traveler mindset, this idea that individuals may act a little differently when they're in the middle of their journey. And a couple of reasons for that hypothesis. I think if you think about maybe you are a business traveler, your company's paying for your flight, your hotel, probably a little bit of your food if not all, while you're gone. I think people think they've got a little extra change in their pocket. Maybe they'll feel a little bit more open to advertising, open to brands being part of that journey and maybe even convinced that they should go out and actually spend some money on that brand. Obviously there's always the opportunity for those people who've got their sunglasses and making that a purchase in the airport, but I think it goes beyond that. What was really intriguing though for me was we did some analysis around business travelers and noticed that business travelers are actually more likely to respond to advertising than leisure travelers, which for me was a little counterintuitive because I thought business travelers might tune that out given how frequent they are. They're more likely to be frequent flyers, right?(14:54):But I think they may be a little bit more attuned to the environment they're in as opposed to maybe a leisure traveler or AER traveler who's going with their family and they're having to look after the kids. They're a little distracted, or maybe they're zoning out because they can't wait to get to the beach or back home, but the business traveler is a little bit more tuned in. And so I think that's why we've seen so much success with B2B brands because of that insight and that response.Ilyse Liffreing (15:24):And to me, it does sound like there's B2B brands are having kind of a moments, and I think this is across all categories, but it sounds like you're seeing that too, that B2B brands are even driven to the plane beer.James Rothwell (15:40):Yeah, I think in general, B2B marketing as digital has matured, B2B marketing looks a lot like B2C marketing. There's not a huge amount of difference. And brands, there are business brands that really invest a significant amount of money in that brand. And you don't have to look too far from across the sports world to see how many brands are investing in high profile sporting events and wanting to reach influencers and business decision makers. I think we have a great audience for that. So I think we are another choice for brands to be able to engage with them.Damian Fowler (16:14):Quick question here. On that note, do you have any brand partnerships with sports teamsJames Rothwell (16:18):At the United level? We do. We work with a number of different teams across the nation, obviously usually associated a lot more aligned with our hubs where we have a lot more exposure. And so yeah, lots of different professional sports teams. And then obviously when it comes to things like NCAA tournaments, we do a lot of fun marketing around that. If your team unexpectedly goes all the way, you're going to have to hop on a plane, well, we can figure we help you out with that, or you can cancel your flight and don't worry about it. We will take care of you if your team crashes out.Damian Fowler (16:55):Moving on here, to zoom out a little bit and look at the landscape, the big picture, as it were from, should we say 30,000 feet? Let's do it. Terrible. I love it. You wouldn't believe how many plane analogy Canal. Get the pun every, I'm sure you can every day. Lemme ask you for your favorite plane analogy at the end ofJames Rothwell (17:10):Something,Damian Fowler (17:11):But you've likened connectives personalization to Netflix's style recommendation engine, but with rich signals as more brands enter the traveler media space, and we don't necessarily have to name them, what do you see as United's distinct advantage?James Rothwell (17:28):I'm going to highlight another partnership here because I think it will illuminate the audience on where this is going. So we announced our partnership with starlink recently, and we are scaling starlink out across the fleet. That will take some time because we have to take those planes out of rotation, install the hardware, but we did a recent test and got hardcore gamers and hardcore streamers, and we were doing shopping and testing it, and they were literally trying to break it and they couldn't break it. And it was absolutely flawless super fast. That is a game changer because now you can do everything on the ground at 30,000 feet. And there's been a lot of questions about, does that mean we're going to have to take Zoom calls on the planes? And the good news is no, I think you can listen, but I don't think you can talk. So that's kind of the rule there. But yeah, we had people FaceTiming with their moms on that flight, but the reason I bring that up is because that is going to effectively create a whole world of hyper-personalization that just wasn't possible before. The technology that again exists at zero feet will be at 30,000 feet. And so you think about what that means from an advertising perspective, every screen becomes addressable. We can do programmatic delivery against thoseSpeaker 4 (18:53):ScreensJames Rothwell (18:54):And we can create shoppable moments, brand integrations. It unlocks a huge amount of content opportunities as well. Now you can stream live sports, you can stream anything you want on the ground in the air. So that's where I think we already have an advantage in that we have an amazing audience, an omnichannel offering and hours of attention. We're going to supercharge that attention with incredible content and amazing brand integration opportunities and advertising opportunities.Damian Fowler (19:25):We have these rapid fire hot seat questions. You're not strapped in or anything, sorry. Terrible. Another airline analogy. This is one we like to ask. What is it that you are obsessed with figuring out right now about the marketplace you're in?James Rothwell (19:40):I'm obsessed with, I think just continuing to find out more about the audience that we get to engage with every day. I have the pleasure of not only being head of marketing for Connected Media, but I also mileage Plus. And so I'm curious every day about how I can understand more about our loyal customers, how we can enrich their experiences with us and enrich their lives more broadly. Because again, it doesn't stop with the journey from others. How do we engage with them in authentic and compelling ways in a very noisy media marketplace, but also try and get them to continue to think about Mileage Plus and the airline on a more regular basis, not just when they have to travel.Ilyse Liffreing (20:29):Yeah. What would you say is missing from the market and needs to be solved?James Rothwell (20:37):What's missing from the market? I don't think it's missing. It just needs to continue to evolve, and that's measurement. I think no one's cracked the code. It feels like every time we get close, the move a little bit, and as more and more first party data driven networks crop up, it becomes more and more relevant for us to solve the attribution game. And I think even when I understood retail media networks to be the answer to all of that because of closed loop attribution, my understanding is that is still not figured out. That's not still solved. And if retailers who operate at that lower end of the funnel and point of sale haven't figured it out, then that's challenging for the industry because we've got a long way to go still.Damian Fowler (21:21):You mentioned you had a favorite. Do you have any favorite airline? Do you have any favorite airline analogies or even jokes?James Rothwell (21:29):I try to avoid the jokes because that's a tricky one. No, I think a lot of what I talked about today, we were excited to announce it. We're still building, so I would say we're still building the plane while we're flying it.Damian Fowler (21:42):That's a good one. Yeah.Ilyse Liffreing (21:42):Yeah, we use that one all the time.Damian Fowler (21:46):In the business, it works very well.Ilyse Liffreing (21:48):Bad worlds, I would say.Damian Fowler (21:54):And that's it for this edition of The Big Impression.Ilyse Liffreing (21:56):This show is produced by Molten Hart. Our theme is by Love and caliber, and our associate producer is Sydney Cairns.James Rothwell (22:03):And remember, we did some analysis around business travelers and noticed that business travelers are actually more likely to respond to advertising than leisure travelers.Damian Fowler (22:15):I'm Damian. And I'm Ilyse. And we'll see you next time.

In this insightful summer bonus episode of the Remarkable Retail podcast, we welcome Stuart Hogue, Lands' End, Senior Vice President, US Consumer, for a fast-paced conversation recorded live at the CommerceNext Growth Show in New York City. Stuart brings a wealth of brand experience—spanning time at Nike and a passion for brand strategy shaped by none other than fellow podcast guest Scott Galloway—and shares how Lands; End is evolving while staying grounded in its heritage.Founded in 1963 as a sailing outfitter, Lands' End has evolved over the decades from a catalogue stalwart to a digitally savvy harmonized retailer. Stuart walks us through how the company continues to build on its legacy of quality, durability, and classic American style, while embracing modern retail strategies—from digital marketplaces and fashion drops to AI-driven customer discovery.Stuart details Land's Ends; successful expansion into platforms like Nordstrom.com and Amazon, where clever use of data helped make their Bedford quarter-zip sweater a top seller. He emphasizes the importance of aligning product selection with platform-specific customer mindsets, demonstrating a sharp and disciplined approach to marketplace strategy.We also delve into how Lands' End achieved surprising viral success through personalized tote bag pop-ups in Soho, which not only drove younger customer engagement but also created powerful emotional brand moments that were amplified organically through TikTok. The brand's strategic move toward monthly product drops has helped introduce newness while preserving customer loyalty around legacy franchises, such as Tugless swimsuits, no-iron chinos, and its legendary Squall jackets.Stuart shares thoughtful insight into omnichannel retail, calling it less about technology and more about being present at key customer moments across touchpoints. He highlights the growing influence of AI agents. He emphasizes the need for brands to prepare for a new era of product discovery, where brand authority and relevance across marketplaces become increasingly crucial for staying top of mind. About UsSteve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career. Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada's Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael's cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

In this episode of The Cookbook, host Iris Goldfeder welcomes Julie Lord, president of FRC Global and Alltherm, to discuss her journey in the steel industry, the importance of women in leadership, and the evolution of empathy in business. They explore the challenges and triumphs of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, the significance of authenticity in leadership, and the value of creating community and connection. Julie shares her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and resilience. The conversation also touches on mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and the power of leading with empathy. Chapters 00:01 Welcome to The Cookbook 02:52 Life Journeys and Transitions 05:55 Finding Your Voice and Standing Out 08:40 Brand Strategy and Business Alignment 11:33 The Importance of Company Culture 14:33 Navigating Client Relationships 17:26 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship 20:10 The Debate on Rebranding 23:12 Cultural Adaptation in Business 26:11 User Experience and Brand Positioning 28:55 Niche Marketing and Differentiation 31:58 Closing Thoughts and What Lights Your Fire

In this episode of Building Unbreakable Brands, Meghan Lynch sits down with Tobi Flowers, second-generation President and CEO of TraCorp, a full-service learning and development company. Tobi shares how she stepped into her father's shoes to lead the company through a generational transition, a strategic rebrand, and bold business expansion—alongside her husband and co-leader, Christian. From lessons in leadership and succession planning to unexpected inspiration from motorsports, this episode offers practical wisdom and fresh perspective for anyone navigating growth, legacy, and brand evolution in a family-owned business.Key Topics Discussed:Navigating second-generation leadership with intentionality and informal successionRebranding a legacy business with inspiration from motorsports and personal valuesBalancing risk and realism when leading with a spouse or partnerThe importance of content curation in corporate learning—and why software isn't enoughHow customer feedback shaped TraCorp's LMS and product evolutionUsing proactive communication tools, like therapy, to strengthen business and personal relationshipsConnect with Tobi Flowers on LinkedIn or learn more about her work at Tracorp.com.Building Unbreakable Brands is hosted by Meghan LynchProduced by Six-Point Strategy 

Send us a textWhat do soccer sidelines, mommy blogs, and multi-million-dollar influencer campaigns have in common? Paula Bruno. In this mini episode, Danny Gavin sits down with the founder of Intuition Media Group to explore how influencer marketing has evolved from the early blogosphere into today's creator-first economy.With nearly 25 years in branding, Paula brings a strategic, practical, and deeply human perspective to working with creators. From why listening is more powerful than posting, to how brands should actually approach metrics, Paula breaks down the future of social-first marketing—and why you don't DM creators unless you know their dog's name.Episode Highlights: Paula shares how influencer marketing evolved from mom blogs to multi-platform campaigns across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. She shares why most brands focus on the wrong KPIs and what metrics actually signal influencer success.Learn how she personalizes creator outreach and builds long-term relationships, not one-time transactions.Hear why superfans outweigh scale, and how smaller creators can outperform massive influencers.Paula's key advice is to get real about AI, authenticity, and building co-branded products that actually sell.Episode Links: Paula Bruno on LinkedInIntuition Marketing GroupFollow The Digital Marketing Mentor: Website and Blog: thedmmentor.com Instagram: @thedmmentor Linkedin: @thedmmentor YouTube: @thedmmentor Interested in Digital Marketing Services, Careers, or Courses? Check out more from the TDMM Family: Optidge.com - Full Service Digital Marketing Agency specializing in SEO, PPC, Paid Social, and Lead Generation efforts for established B2C and B2B businesses and organizations. ODEOacademy.com - Digital Marketing online education and course platform. ODEO gives you solid digital marketing knowledge to launch/boost your career or understand your business's digital marketing strategy.

You've got a great idea, operations, and some funding. But how do you actually build the brand…and make it the best it can possibly be? With AI disrupting the space, what do we need to change and what should stay the same? Matt Kerbel, Head of Global Brand Strategy at Turo, joins the show to unpack what marketers are missing in the age of AI. He and his team are on a mission to change the way we rent cars and it turns out, it's working in major cities.  From building soft skills like vulnerability, storytelling, and confidence, to launching high-impact brand campaigns rooted in human insight, Matt shares a compelling case for why the fundamentals still matter. Plus, did you know that brand is actually measurable? Matt walks us through how we can measure it.  Whether you're an entrepreneur at a startup or in growth at a large company, this is the episode for you.  Follow Matt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewkerbel/ Follow Daniel: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@themarketingmillennials/featured Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Dmurr68 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-murray-marketing Sign up for The Marketing Millennials newsletter: www.workweek.com/brand/the-marketing-millennials Daniel is a Workweek friend, working to produce amazing podcasts. To find out more, visit: www.workweek.com

Today, we're delighted to welcome back a longtime friend of the show, Russ Dieringer.  He's here to share key insights from Stratably's latest research, diving into how brands are navigating content optimization for Rufus and the evolving landscape of AI-driven search. Tune in to find out more!   KEY TAKEAWAYS In this episode, Julie, Jordan, and Russ discuss: Russ shares his own experience as an Amazon shopper using Rufus, noting its usefulness for browsing and specific queries, but also highlighting that most everyday shoppers aren't aware of Rufus by name. Stratable's survey included 286 brands and agencies, focusing mainly on mid-sized and enterprise consumer brands, to understand industry attitudes and actions towards AI optimization. Despite AI being the industry buzzword, only 12% of brands and 20% of agencies have taken concrete steps to optimize product detail pages for Rufus. There's a lot of talk, but relatively little action so far. A major barrier is a lack of clarity from Amazon about how Rufus works and what specifically brands should do to optimize for it. Many brands are still trying to perfect basic search optimization, let alone adapt to the new AI layer, with content under-resourcing being an ongoing issue. Evaluating the impact of AI-oriented content changes is tough—only about a quarter of those who have made changes report a positive effect, and tracking the influence of AI touchpoints (like review summaries) is still a gray area. Russ recommends a balanced approach: don't ignore AI advancements or drop everything to chase the trend. Instead, start testing and learning now, so your brand can adapt as best practices and clearer measurement tools emerge. The episode closes with an emphasis on curiosity, experimentation, and the reality that there's no perfect playbook—brands should embrace the unknown and be proactive in learning as the ecosystem evolves.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Are Brands Actually Updating PDPs for Rufus? What's Holding Brands Back from Optimizing for Rufus? Are Rufus-Driven PDP Updates Driving Results? Connect with Stratably's Founder & CEO, Russ Dieringer Learn more about Stratably Connect with our host, Julie Spear Connect with our host, Jordan Ripley Learn more about Acadia

In this solo episode, I'm getting real about what five years of motherhood and business ownership looks like—and spoiler alert, it's nothing like I expected when my son was born back in 2020.With baby two now in the mix, I'm diving into how being a mom has completely shifted alongside my career. We're talking daily schedules (chaos included), managing client expectations, and Dylan (my husband) now being home full-time with the kids. Plus the financial pressures of variable income and my ongoing feelings of mom guilt.00:45 Motherhood & Business Q&A02:15 Daily Schedule & Family Dynamics07:15 Managing Client Expectations & Project Timelines09:32 Financial & Growth Considerations12:22 Personal Development & Mindset20:33 Client Work & Creativity24:20 Practical Day-to-Day Management27:52 Long-Term Vision & LegacyEpisodes Mentioned:Bonus Episode: Navigating Maternity Leave and Scaling a Business with a NewbornS5 E21: 2-Year Update on Motherhood and BusinessS7 E22: 3-Year Update on Motherhood and BusinessS10 E6: 4-Year Update on Motherhood and BusinessS9 E3: Steal My Web Design ProcessS11 E7: What Happens After You Design a Website?S11 E2: How to Take(Paid!) Extended Time Away from Your Business S11 E5: Making “The Leap” from Agency to Studio (and Balancing Mom Life) with Katie HigginbothamS5 E14: Iterating on the One-Concept MethodS9E10: Entering a New Era of Brand Strategy with Marion TanS4 E3: All About Brand Strategy with Melinda LivseyLinks:The Design Minimind / Get notified - Applications opens Nov '2530% off of your HoneyBook subscription1 month Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with GustoGet 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.(Some are affiliate links)Connect With Us: Our Free Facebook Community | Our Website | Podcast Instagram | Hello June Creative Instagram | The Design Minimind | Join The Creative Diaries (my email list)

What does it take to build a brand that's global, rooted, and unmistakably you?In this episode of Breaking the Mold, I sit down with Raj Kotecha — global brand strategist and founder of Creative Content Agency — whose clients include Gary Vee, Tony Robbins, Steven Bartlett, and the Dubai Future Foundation.We talk about identity, influence, and building a brand that cuts through the noise in 2025.Highlights: • Why “being Indian is like winning the lottery” • The generational playbook behind brown excellence • Raj's season of sleeping on a mattress—with a Mercedes parked outside • Why most people will never be seen • How to become your own mini McKinsey • The real meaning of credibility in a global marketIf you're a creator, founder, or someone stepping into a new chapter — this one's going to stay with you.—

After a rebrand and close to $1 billion in 2024 revenue, Turo is about to move into the early majority market. We talk with Global Head of Brand Strategy, Matt Kerbel. Thanks to Tracksuit (the affordable brand tracking solution) for making this episode possible. More at gotracksuit.com.

In this episode, we sit down with Asia Dore—a transformational brand strategist and creator of the STRATEGY/AUDACITY™ Method. Asia helps entrepreneurs and leaders build sustainable, impactful brands that resonate deeply with their audiences while staying true to their expertise and personality.From working across eight different industries and pivoting multiple times in her career, Asia shares how these diverse experiences shaped her unique approach to brand strategy. She dives into the importance of balancing strategy with boldness—helping experts simplify their messaging, stand out confidently, and build brands that are not just seen but felt.Key Takeaways:What makes a brand truly sustainable in today's crowded marketplaceHow to simplify complex ideas into clear brand messagingThe five essential steps in her STRATEGY/AUDACITY™ MethodThe hidden connection between storytelling and brand strategyWhy many experts struggle to articulate their value—and how to fix itBonus Insight:Asia reveals why storytelling must be balanced with logic and facts to create brand messaging that sticks and drives action.Free Gift for Our Listeners:Access Asia's free masterclass: "The 5 Things You Need to Position Yourself as an Expert" by entering code: "NOLABELSNOLIMITS" at checkout.Connect with Asia Dore:Website: https://asiadore.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asia.dore/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/asiadoreYouTube: @asiadorePinterest: @asia_doreFacebook: asiadorebrandstrategistConnect with Sarah Boxx:Website: https://sarahboxx.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategicvisioncoach/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahboxxllc/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahboxxsherpa/X: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FSarahBoxxNEW Podcast Alert for Nonprofit Leaders: Nonprofits Today — practical insights & real talk for modern nonprofit professionals.Listen here: https://shows.acast.com/nonprofits-todaySubscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@NonprofitsToday⁩

In this episode, we break down the real meaning of branding and why it's the sum of every experience, every touchpoint, and every memory people have with your practice. Danielle shares some fantastic insights on how to go beyond just visuals—like logos and colors—and focus on the details that truly matter, from the way your team answers the phone to the scent in your waiting room. We talk about the three core branding questions every practice owner should ask before even thinking about design: What problem do you solve? How do you solve it differently? And who do you solve it for? Danielle also walks us through how to find your emotional core by channeling your “inner toddler” and asking “why” until you get to the heart of your brand's purpose. We also dive into the importance of backing up your brand promises with real action, the difference between brand promises and core values, and why being authentic and consistent is key to building trust with both clients and your team. Danielle shares some great examples of employer branding, showing how practices can attract the right team members by being clear about who they are—and who they're not. We cover how to maintain brand consistency as you scale, the importance of ongoing brand management, and how to keep your messaging human and specific in the age of AI. If you're wondering when to start thinking about branding, Danielle's advice is clear: the sooner, the better—ideally before you even open your doors. We also talk about why it's okay (and actually necessary) to be picky about the clients you attract, and how serving everyone can actually hurt your brand in the long run. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your practice's brand to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable tips, real-world examples, and expert advice to help you build a veterinary brand that resonates and endures. Tune in to learn how to create a brand that's more than just a logo—it's a lasting promise to your clients, your team, and your community.

300. Building Creative Magic with Simon Rogers: Mission, Meaning, and Making an Impact In this episode of Creative Chats, Mike Brennan speaks with Simon Rogers, founder of A Little Better Co., about the essence of creativity, his evolution in professional life, and the importance of aligning creativity with personal values. They discuss the challenges creatives face in a tech-driven world, the role of curiosity, and the responsibility of creatives to use their power for good. Simon emphasizes the need for mission-driven creativity and the joy found in the creative process, encouraging listeners to engage actively in their creative journeys. 3 Key Takeaways:

You know those people who refuse to let B2B get boring? That's Jay Schwedelson sitting down with Shawn Perritt, who's out to prove that “business to boring” is a mindset—one that needs to go. From why your brand budget shouldn't be an afterthought, to how AI can actually make things less creative if you're not careful, this one's full of real talk for anyone tired of beige B2B. You'll walk away rethinking brand, attribution, and why your best creative ideas probably don't come from staring at Zoom.Follow Shawn on LinkedIn for more B2B brand inspiration and original thinking.Sean is VP, Brand Strategy and Creative at Acquia.Best Moments:(02:31) The human brain literally ignores the average—emotion is what gets remembered.(04:12) Creativity needs a workout plan, just like the gym; go get different experiences to spark ideas.(05:47) Think first, prompt second—don't let AI shortcut the work your brain should do.(07:15) The risk of AI is turning brand into a “high-def sea of sameness” that costs more to stand out from.(09:01) The brands that win will build a strong “human stack” first, then power it with AI.(11:47) Most companies miss the mark by only investing in the 5% of buyers ready to buy right now—what about the other 95%?(14:45) If you want real brand awareness, get “revenue in the room” with events and human connection.=================================================Check out our 100% FREE + VIRTUAL EVENTS! ->Guru Conference - The World's Largest Virtual EMAIL MARKETING Conference - Nov 6-7!Register here: www.GuruConference.com=================================================Check out Jay's YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@schwedelsonCheck out Jay's TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@schwedelsonCheck Out Jay's INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jayschwedelson/=================================================AND don't miss out on this awesome FREE upcoming Quick Hit!Marigold: Should I Switch Email Platforms? 5 Truths & Myths!6/24 11am – 12pm ET.Register HERE: https://www.linkedin.com/events/7325947932031991808/comments/=================================================MASSIVE thank you to our Sponsor, Marigold!!Email chaos across campuses, branches, or chapters? Emma by Marigold lets HQ keep control while local teams send on-brand, on-time messages with ease.Podcast & GURU listeners: 50 % off your first 3 months with an annual plan (new customers, 10 k-contact minimum, terms apply).Claim your offer now at jayschwedelson.com/emma