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With the Olympics bringing the world together once again through sport, we're sharing an episode worth revisiting that feels especially timely.This week, join us as we reach into the vault to share an episode captured live at the Adobe Summit in Las Vegas in March 2025. Jim was joined on stage by Emily Silver, SVP, Chief Marketing, eCommerce & Athlete Experience Officer at Dick's Sporting Goods, the $13 billion revenue retailer. Dick's was founded by Dick Stack in 1948 with his first product line, bait and tackle. Today, Pittsburgh based Dick's Sporting Goods has more than 850 stores and a variety of other experience centers and platforms, all focused on sports, and is a major partner of Team USA and the official sporting goods retail provider for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.Emily has worked at Dick's for about 18 months after spending over 16 years at PepsiCo in about nine different roles. Her CEO, Lauren Hobart, was appointed Dick's CMO in 2011 and previously held that role for several years.Tune in for a personal conversation that speaks to the positive influence of sports, something we as a community have been reminded of through watching the Olympic and Paralympic Games this year.—This week's episode is brought to you by Deloitte.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In This Episode Guest:Chris Van DusenMarketing & Sales | Private Equity | Corporate StrategyChris Van Dusen is a marketing and growth professional with extensive early-stage and capitalization experience. He is the founder of Parcon Media (now Parcon LLC), former Chief Growth Officer of Balanced Health Botanicals, and a key growth partner behind Surf City Still Works.About Chris Van DusenChris launched Parcon Media and scaled it to $1.5M in top-line revenue in under two years before merging into what is now Parcon LLC. The agency worked with brands including Travis Mathew, Experian, University of California Irvine, University of California Office of the President, and Maglite.As Chief Growth Officer of Balanced Health Botanicals (BHB) in Denver, CO, Chris allocated and deployed a ~$20 million marketing budget to democratize CBD and scale BHB into the largest supplier of hemp-derived CBD globally. His strategy fueled massive DTC and brick-and-mortar growth through 2019 and navigated the shifting COVID-19 landscape in 2020—culminating in a $75M sale to Village Farms (NASDAQ: VFF) in August 2021.Simultaneously, Chris helped scale Surf City Still Works in Orange County, CA. He expanded marketing, retained Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits (the largest spirits distributor in the U.S.), raised $3.7M in capital, and moved operations into a 25,000 sq ft manufacturing facility—the first of its kind in Orange County. He also built a world-class advisory board including Bob McKnight (Founder of Quiksilver) and Travis Brasher (Founder of Travis Mathew), leading to a merger with Kimo Sabe, a Los Angeles-based mezcal company.Chris holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the College of William and Mary. He has served on boards including the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) and the Irvine Public Schools Foundation (IPSF). He is a member of Entrepreneur's Organization (EO), Young Executive Council (YEC), a National Board member of Alder, and has previously been a member of PTTOW!. Chris frequently speaks on marketing, growth, product-market fit, and brand building.What you'll learn in this episode:● Why truly understanding your customer is the foundation of scalable growth● How conversion rate optimization can 5X your ROI without increasing ad spend● The difference between lifestyle businesses and venture-scale companies● What venture capital investors actually look for before writing a check● Why focus beats chasing every opportunity● How discipline, grit, and “doing hard things” build elite entrepreneurs● The balance between confidence and coachability in leadershipConnect with Chris Van DusenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismvandusen/?hl=enTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisvandusenYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@officialcvdFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/christophervandusenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrismvandusen/ To find out more about Dan Rochon and the CPI Community, you can check these links:Website: No Broke MonthsPodcast: No Broke Months for Salespeople PodcastInstagram: @donrochonxFacebook: Dan RochonLinkedIn: Dan RochonTeach to Sell Preorder: Teach to Sell: Why Top Performers Never Sell – And What They Do Instead
In today's noisy marketplace, facts and features get ignored — but stories cut through everything. They make your message 22× more memorable than plain data (Stanford Graduate School of Business), boost conversions by up to 30 %, and drive 23 % higher sales (Nielsen). Brands that master storytelling don't just sell products — they create emotional connections that turn prospects into loyal buyers. Selling with Stories transforms dry presentations into unforgettable experiences that build instant trust and make influence feel natural. Want to start persuading more with stories? Listen to my podcast Maximize Your Influence on How to Capture Attention, Build Trust, and Close the Sale With Stories. In this episode I interview story expert Paul Smith . You'll walk away with ready-to-use story templates you can plug into your very next presentation. Kurt Mortensen Persuade with Power Maximizeyourinfluence.com
Behind nearly every breakout CPG brand is an early believer willing to write the first check. In this episode, Adam Spriggs — a founding member of the early-stage investor community The Angel Group and a general partner at its funding arm, Supernatural Ventures — shares how a casual investing experiment evolved into a 275-member syndicate backing the next generation of emerging brands. Along the way, The Angel Group has invested in standout companies including Painterland Sisters, Poppi, Siete, Goodles, Bachan's, and Jesse & Ben's — a track record that underscores its eye for breakout potential. Adam breaks down how his team evaluates nearly 1,000 opportunities each year, why founder quality remains the ultimate differentiator, and what he means by backing brands that are both "interesting and obvious" — concepts that feel fresh yet inevitable in hindsight. He also discusses the firm's evolution from early-stage "signature" checks to larger growth investments, how they support founders beyond capital, and why categories ranging from THC beverages to frozen potatoes and premium tortilla chips still hold significant untapped upside. Show notes: 0:20: Adam Spriggs, Founding Member, The Angel Group – Adam discusses his background in CPG branding and business development, explaining how his path to angel investing began with informally reviewing deals alongside industry peers before ultimately formalizing the Angel Group. He talks about how the group has completed 35 investments, primarily in brands generating less than $1 million in revenue and why its members have increasingly pursued "top-shelf" opportunities in more mature, high-growth businesses. He outlines the group's funnel along with the core signals they prioritize and ranks key investment criteria, including the founder, retail velocity, COGS, and price point, and illustrates these principles with examples such as Poppi and emerging categories like THC beverages. Adam explains how the group supports portfolio companies through regular check-ins, industry introductions, and structured updates. He closes with advice for aspiring angel investors: don't invest alone, recognize the inherent risk of early-stage bets, and seek curated deal flow and a strong community where investors can add value through expertise and connections. Brands in this episode: Poppi, Garage Beer, Olipop, Goodles, Siete, Nowadays, Shift Naturals, Painterland Sisters, Ayoh!, Jesse & Ben's, El Nacho, Wild Monkey Bar, Magic Spoon, Graza, Truff, Coyotas, Stone & Skillet, Modelo
In this week's Outspoken Review I'm going into detail about the incredible makeup brands at the Beauty Concierge pop-up in Covent Garden. When I went there on Friday I spent time with some wonderful founders including Really Ree (Reeson), Suzy Griffin Dunne (Hildun) and Ruth Reneé de Leo (Dcypher and the woman behind the pop-up). Rum mascara by Sali Hughes, Sam Chapman and Jo Jones were also there.During the episode I talk about my favourite products from each brand and why I rate them so highly.If you have a chance to go there I thoroughly recommend it. Here's the link.
Most B2B brands want to stand out, but they end up blending in by trying to look more professional and more polished than everyone else. The result is marketing that's safe and completely forgettable.That's why Snoop Dogg is such a powerful case study. Behind his music, reinventions, and cultural ubiquity is a masterclass in relevance. In this episode, we break down Snoop's B2B marketing lessons with the help of our special guest Shay Thieberg, CMO & Co-Founder at MAIA Digital.Together, we explore what B2B marketers can learn from leading with authenticity, owning a clear niche, and building trust through consistent presence instead of chasing short-term attention.About our guest, Shay ThiebergShay Thieberg is the CMO & Co-Founder at MAIA Digital. Specializing in LinkedIn marketing, Shay holds a Masters degree in Social Psychology & Decision-Making. Shay is among 30 Global LinkedIn Certified Experts and Faculty members at Reichmann University where he teaches “B2B Marketing for Tech”.What B2B Companies Can Learn From Snoop Dogg:Authenticity scales better than polish. Snoop Dogg's enduring relevance comes from never pretending to be someone he's not. Shay points out that when Snoop came to LinkedIn, he didn't dilute his identity to fit the platform. Instead, he expanded the platform by being himself. As Shay explains, “He could have come to LinkedIn, put up the suit and tie, be a super LinkedIn-ish persona… he was able, two years ago, to start making a shift and bringing and showcasing to other people with uniquenesses that they can stay cool, they can stay themself.” The B2B lesson is clear: credibility isn't earned by sounding professional. It's earned by sounding real. Brands that over-polish lose signal. The ones that feel human get remembered.Be known for one thing before you try to be known for everything. Snoop's brand works because it's anchored. No matter how many industries he touches, there's a core idea people immediately associate with him. Shay translates this directly into B2B positioning: “You want to be well known for this exact thing that you do uniquely from other people.” The strongest B2B brands don't chase every opportunity, they reinforce a single, unmistakable identity until the market does the work for them.Visibility is about presence. One of Snoop's most underrated strengths is that he never fully disappears. He doesn't overwhelm audiences, but he consistently shows up across moments, mediums, and decades. Shay say, “It's not about motivation, it's about staying constant.” For B2B marketers, the takeaway is uncomfortable but liberating: you don't need viral hits to stay relevant. You need continuity. In markets where buyers forget fast, staying present is the strategy.Quote“ Smoking, that's his thing. Now maybe some people will think it's a bad thing, which is fine, but I'm looking at it from a B2B perspective… That's his thing. So he is well known about this one and then he utilizes it for its own good… So you want to be well known for this exact thing that you do uniquely from other people.”Time Stamps[01:20] Meet Shay Thieberg, CMO & Co-Founder at MAIA Digital[01:30] Why Snoop Dogg?[02:26] Founding MAIA Digital[06:07] Who is Snoop Dogg?[16:46] B2B Marketing Takeaways from Snoop Dogg[23:31] Optimal LinkedIn Strategy for 2026[25:28] Thought Leadership and Trust[26:23] Challenges with LinkedIn Video Content[30:33] Creating Effective LinkedIn Videos[33:00] How to Optimize Your Content on LinkedIn[40:32] Final Thoughts and TakeawaysLinksConnect with Shay on LinkedInLearn more about MAIA DigitalAbout 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
*Learn more about The Brief Collective's Scaling Summit happening May 3rd-May 6th, 2026 and reserve your spot!---This week I chatted with Matt Ellis, who is the Executive Director of Brand at Metalab in the UK. We talk about how he spotted a gap at MetaLab to bring in more brand services that actually enhance product development, and what makes a brand stand the test of time. He also shares his take on AI—experimenting with new tools while keeping your craft sharp, using AI to explore ideas and make them richer rather than just speeding things up.Guest Name: Matt EllisGuest Linkedin: Connect with MattMetalab: metalab.com / @metalabLinks:The Design Minimind - My 1:1 coaching program for designersDownload my FREE Creative Direction Figma Template (includes 4 audio trainings as well)Get 30% off of your HoneyBook subscription - The CRM I use in my studio.*Enjoy 1 month of Showit FREE with my code “HelloJune” when you sign up.*Earn $100 after you run your first payroll with Gusto, my payroll and compliance software.*Get 50% off your first year of Flodesk, my email marketing software.**Some are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission.Connect With Us:Our Free Facebook CommunityOur WebsitePodcast InstagramHello June Creative InstagramThe Design MinimindJoin The Creative Diaries (my email list)Tags:designer, design, brand design, brand identity design, design studio, design business, graphic design, brand designer, better podcast, brand designer podcast, logo design
Cherene Aubert is the CEO of Growth Capital, a growth marketing firm that scales consumer brands. As a seasoned e-commerce and digital growth leader, she has nearly two decades of experience scaling DTC brands and managing media investments across multiple high-growth companies. Before Growth Capital, Cherene was the Fractional SVP of Digital & eCommerce at ILIA Beauty, where she drove omnichannel digital strategy for a rapidly growing clean beauty brand. In this episode… Marketing has become automated and identical across companies. Brands chase the same ads, channels, and short-term wins, only to discover that growth stalls and loyalty disappears. How can you build something memorable and scale without losing trust? The way forward starts with obsessing over customers, not competitors. As a growth and e-commerce leader, Cherene Aubert maintains that brands should use customer insights — from ad data to conversations — to guide creative strategy, redefine quality as value for the customer, and invest in full-funnel thinking. This requires originality, emotional resonance, and the space for creative teams to build long-term demand rather than quick conversions. In this episode of the Up Arrow Podcast, William Harris sits down with Cherene Aubert, CEO of Growth Capital, to discuss how brands can escape the marketing echo chamber. Cherene explains why copying competitors backfires, how full-funnel content drives sustainable growth, and how premium and beauty brands can stay culturally relevant.
Angela Tangas, the new Global Oliver CEO and The Brandtech Group's Chief Strategy Officer, and Jack Smyth, Brandtech and Jellyfish's Country Lead in Australia, discuss the transformative impact of agentic AI on marketing. We explore the definition of agentic AI, its applications in real-world marketing scenarios, and the benefits it brings to efficiency and decision-making. The conversation also delves into the importance of building consumer trust in AI, the evolving landscape of branding, and the role of creativity in the age of AI. Additionally, they discuss how organizations can attract and retain talent in this new environment and provide methodologies for implementing AI effectively in marketing strategies. If last year was the year when Generative AI took centre stage with some high-profile brand film productions, then this year is looking to be the year of the agents. Agentic AI is not just the hot topic; it is driving brand transformations as the new operating system for brands, for creativity, for growth and for talent attraction and retention. Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/managing-marketing/id1018735190 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/75mJ4Gt6MWzFWvmd3A64XW?si=a3b63c66ab6e4934 Listen on Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/managing-marketing Listen on Podbean: https://managingmarketing.podbean.com/ For more episodes of TrinityP3's Managing Marketing podcast, visit https://www.trinityp3.com/managing-marketing-podcasts/ Recorded on RiversideFM and edited, mixed and managed by JML Audio with thanks to Jared Lattouf.
Can a joke really sell a brand? Or save it from sameness?Most campaigns sound the same because they're afraid to sound wrong. Safe language, serious faces, purpose-heavy messages that all blur together. And yet one of the most successful creative agencies in North America has built its reputation by doing the opposite. Zulu Alpha Kilo lives by a simple motto… Fight Sameness… and they do it with humor, sarcasm, and a willingness to say the quiet part out loud.Why does that work? Why does making people laugh end up being the fastest way to earn trust? Why does honesty often land better as a joke than a lecture. Listen For3:01 Fast-forward to the start of the interview5:19 Check out an example of a funny (sarcastic) ad by Zulu Alpha Kilo5:36 Why does ad satire feel so personal to marketers?9:11 What tiny detail annoyed people in that absurd ad? Guest: Michael Siegers, Zulu Alpha Kilo Website | InstagramDougSubstack | Website | LinkedIn FarzanaSubstack | Website | LinkedIn Are you a brand with a podcast that needs support? Book a meeting with Doug Downs to talk about it.Apply to be a guest on the podcastConnect with usLinkedIn | X | Instagram | You Tube | Facebook | Threads | Bluesky | PinterestRequest a transcript of this episodeSupport the show
This week on Conflict Managed we welcome Nikhil Raval. Join us as we explore: Escalation culture How to bridge generational divides Global Gen Z similarities and differences The personal impact of fantastic leadership Want engagement? Communicate goals and expectations, consistently recognize good work, and be transparent. Taking the time to become more self-aware Being mindful to overcome generational stereotypes Human connection at work in the age of AI Conflict Managed is available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube @3pconflictrestoration Nikhil Raval is a leader, learning, and change expert who passionately believes the role of learning in its many forms is to lift the societies it serves. He believes that organizations that we work for also have the responsibility to serve society. At the intersection of these two forces lies leadership development, a pivotal element in driving meaningful change. After a successful career in Financial Services for nearly a decade in the US, he forayed into Leadership Consulting and led as the MD and Board Member of Duke CE, India. He is the author of the bestselling book Target Gen Z: Understanding the Gen Z Mindset on Brands, Work-Life, Learning and More, released in 2021 and Generational Fusion: How to Master the Multi- Gen Workforce: Uniting Strengths Across Ages, released 2025. He is also the host of the popular podcast Working with Gen Z, which examines all facets of the Gen Z generation at the workplace, heard in over more than 60 countries. A multiple-time TEDx speaker and award-winning presenter, he continues to inspire leaders at every stage of their journey. Conflict Managed is produced by Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services and hosted by Merry Brown. #ConflictManaged #Podcast #GenZ #Leadership #MultigenerationalTeams
Zora startet müde in die Folge, während Hanna den Sonnenschein genießt und von einem Berliner Opening-Event mit Snacks berichtet. Zora erzählt außerdem von ihren Möbelplänen und wie sie diese mit einem kleinen Trick direkt „ehemannkompatibel“ in die Wohnung bringt. Es geht um große Gefühle und schöne Anlässe: Hannas Grönemeyer-Konzert, Valentinstag mit vollen Restaurants, Eheringe, Brautkleidshopping und ein erster Hochzeitstag mit Erinnerungsessen. Zora steht kurz vor dem Wiedereinstieg ins Business und freut sich über Entlastung in der Küche. Im Service ist Hanna im Brühen-Fieber und erzählt von selbstgekochter Hühner- und Rinderbrühe. Zora steigt mit ein und gemeinsam landen sie bei Asien, Sternanis und Saucen. Zora hat außerdem ihr Sauerteig-Game wieder aufgenommen und bereitet sich auf die Küchenschlacht XXL um 20:15 Uhr vor – Nervosität inklusive. Im Dreierlei geht es um Snacks zur High-Tea-Time und beim Feierabendbier erzählt Zora von schwedischem Kochen und anstehender Instagram-Drehplanung. Hanna isst Pho.
Why do companies with strong consumer appeal tend to outperform? The team breaks down the elements of a resilient brand and then uses that lends to discuss recent financial results from Unity Software (NYSEL U) and Zillow Group (NASDAQ: Z). Alicia Alfiere, Rick Munarriz, and Tim Beyers discuss: - The thinking behind David Gardner's fifth trait of a Rule Breaker: strong consumer appeal. - The world's most valuable brands and what makes the best brands resilient. - What fresh results from Unity Software and Zillow say about the resiliency of their brands. Don't wait! Be sure to get to your local bookstore and pick up a copy of David's Gardner's new book — Rule Breaker Investing: How to Pick the Best Stocks of the Future and Build Lasting Wealth. It's on shelves now; get it before it's gone! Companies discussed: AMZN, MSFT, AAPL, U, Z Host: Tim Beyers Guests: Alicia Alfiere, Rick Munarriz Producer: Anand Chokkavelu Engineer: Dan Boyd Disclosure: Advertisements are sponsored content and provided for informational purposes only. The Motley Fool and its affiliates (collectively, “TMF”) do not endorse, recommend, or verify the accuracy or completeness of the statements made within advertisements. TMF is not involved in the offer, sale, or solicitation of any securities advertised herein and makes no representations regarding the suitability, or risks associated with any investment opportunity presented. Investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal, tax, and financial advisors before making any investment decisions. TMF assumes no responsibility for any losses or damages arising from this advertisement. We're committed to transparency: All personal opinions in advertisements from Fools are their own. The product advertised in this episode was loaned to TMF and was returned after a test period or the product advertised in this episode was purchased by TMF. Advertiser has paid for the sponsorship of this episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bruce Cardenas went from Marine and LAPD officer to running a high-level security company protecting celebrities — and then helped build Quest into a billion-dollar brand before helping scale Legendary Foods to the next level.Follow Bruce on IG: @bruceecardenasSpecial perks for our listeners below!
344: Vegan ice cream can be hard to come by, and apparently there are 7 brands dietitians are raving about so I am here to share my take on the top picks from dietitians and see what all the fuss is about. → 20 NEW Smoothie Milkshake Recipes Topics Discussed: → Best vegan ice cream brands? → Is dairy free ice cream healthy? → What is in vegan ice cream? → Are sugar free ice creams safe? → Clean non dairy ice cream options? As always, if you have any questions for the show please email us at digestthispod@gmail.com. And if you like this show, please share it, rate it, review it and subscribe to it on your favorite podcast app. Sponsored By: → Pique Life | https://piquelife.com/digest for up to 20% OFF and a free starter kit → Equip Foods | Code LILSIPPER gets you 20% off at https://equipfoods.com/lilsipper Timestamps: → 00:00:00 - Introduction → 00:02:50 - Oatly Vegan Ice Cream → 00:05:10 - Organic Certifications → 00:06:38 - So Delicious Ice Cream Sandwich → 00:08:29 - Sweet Nothings → 00:12:27 - Nick's Vegan Ice Cream → 00:15:57 - GoodPop Freezer Pops → 00:16:51 - New Recipes Further Listening: → Hidden Ingredients In Protein Powder That Harm Gut Health | Solo Episode Check Out Bethany: → Bethany's Instagram: @lilsipper → YouTube → Bethany's Website → Discounts & My Favorite Products → My Digestive Support Protein Powder → Gut Reset Book → Get my Newsletters (Friday Finds) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Authenticity is trending. Everyone is talking about it. Everyone is selling it. Everyone is suddenly “real.” And yet… most personal brands still feel fake. In this powerful, no-filter conversation with Jill Stanton, we unpack the uncomfortable truth about authenticity in business today. If you're using authenticity as a strategy, you've already missed it. In this episode, we break down: • Why “authenticity” as a marketing tactic is backwards • The difference between being authentic and performing authenticity • How people-pleasing is emotional manipulation • Why many entrepreneurs are still hiding behind polished personas • The identity work required to truly stand in your power • Fear of success, shadow work, and why it's rarely about success • Why sovereignty is more magnetic than strategy • How to stop outsourcing your voice and direction • The performative era online, and why it's collapsing This is not about oversharing your trauma. It's not about telling the internet your secrets. It's not about being controversial for attention. It's about freedom. Real freedom. The kind that happens when you stop managing how people perceive you and start leading yourself from alignment. If you've felt exhausted by the noise online… If you've questioned who to trust… If you've wondered whether you're blending in without realizing it… This conversation will challenge you in the best way. Authenticity is not a trend. It's an identity shift. And identity work is the real game. Chapters 00:01:57 From Web TV to Online Empire: Jill's Origin Story 00:05:47 The Bold Move: Closing a Profitable Business 00:11:10 Personal Power Over Strategy: The Missing Piece 00:14:22 The Authenticity Trap: Why Performative Energy Fails 00:15:56 Becoming Uncancellable: Standing in Your Power 00:27:11 Finding Your Values: The Foundation of Authenticity 00:37:34 The River of Misery: Forging Your Next Level Identity 00:52:36 The Smart Enough Wound: Jill's Identity Breakthrough 00:59:28 Shadow Work and Healing: The Uncomfortable Path 01:08:12 From Teaching to Coaching: Jill's Next Evolution
There's a version of you that women have no problem paying 5-figures to work with and then there's a version of you who shares the payment link and women say "not right now." I'm sharing the difference that no one talks about and what your brand is energetically and subconsciously signaling to premium buyers. Tune in today! Access The Famous 5 Figure Woman Free Audio Rewire Get your ticket for the RICHCODED Live Event in Philadelphia here Apply to the RICHCODED Mastermind Enter into The Rewired Rich Room Connect on Instagram
The Founderz Lounge Episode #74 with Don Varady and Steve Bon.Don and Steve are back with another round of Business & Bullsh*t, where real entrepreneurs break down what brands are doing right, what they are doing wrong, and what is changing in culture.This episode kicks off with Taco Bell opening a real wedding chapel in Las Vegas and what it says about owning your brand instead of playing it safe. From there, they jump into brain reading headphones from CES, retail stores disappearing, and why businesses now have to create experiences people cannot get online.They close out with Hot Takes on AI and trust in marketing, plus a Fast Five that blends business pivots with a little old school nostalgia.Tune in to hear more.Timestamps:[00:00] Trailer[01:19] Founderz RoundUp[03:44] Premium vs Value Pricing[06:33] Headphones That Track Brain Speed[08:53] Random Bullshit[09:01] Inside the Taco Bell Wedding Chapel[12:18] Why Major Retailers Are Closing Stores[18:17] Founderz Hot Takes[18:22] Stop Gaming AI Search Rankings[21:06] Founderz Fast Five[21:10] What We Are Changing in 2026[23:26] The Biggest AI Marketing Gimmick[27:34] Should Politicians Face Insider Trading Charges[28:38] What Saturday Night Looked Like in 1987[31:22] How We Would Invest $100K in a Startup[33:54] Don's Startup IdeaKey Takeaways: • “Some brands want loyalty. Taco Bell wants vows.” ~Don Varady• Taco Bell proved that when a brand fully owns its identity, it creates something people actually want to be part of. ~Steve Bon• “Would you want to know how fast your brain really moves?” ~Steve Bon• “What if it's moving slower than you think?” ~Don Varady• People are not tired of brands. They are tired of boring, copycat experiences. ~Steve Bon• What's one thing you plan to change with your business in 2026? ~Don Varady• The businesses that survive are the ones willing to double down on what they do best instead of chasing everything they can do. ~Steve BonConnect with Don and Steve…Don Varady:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/don.varady/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donvarady/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-varady-450896145 Steve Bon:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbon Instagram: https://instagram.com/stevebon8 Tune in to every episode on your favorite platform: Website: https://www.thefounderzlounge.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFounderzLounge Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Nurr4XjBE747qJ9Zjth0G Apple Music: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-founderz-lounge/id1461825349 The Founderz Lounge is Powered By:Clean Eatz:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CleanEatzLife/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleaneatzlife/ Website: https://cleaneatz.com/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJRGrE-Xv4IMW_DbxSOTGGA Bon's Eye Marketing:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonseyemarketing Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon's-eye-marketing/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bon's-eye-marketing/ Website: https://bonseyeonline.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bonseyemarketing9477
BGZ Brands has evolved from a family garage operation into a leader in mobile protection, distribution strategy, and the emerging category of device wellness. In this episode, Shane Feller shares how BodyGuardZ, Lander, and Moxyo are innovating across channels while redefining what a screen protector can be. A deep dive into innovation, retail strategy, and the future of consumer electronics.
We welcome to the Warrior Community Anouk Pappers, Brand Anthropologist and Online Presence Architect. She has published over 15 books, bringing interviews from around the globe to life, and discovered an opportunity to shine light on leaders who were outside of the spotlight. She created a platform, Signitt, to focus on the needs of business and social leaders to define their personal brand, craft their narrative, and build their online presence. Anouk shares her playbook with us, giving us the tools and powerful stories that we will find value in and some might even resonate with our own experiences. In 2002 Anouk started a storytelling expedition: Around the World in 80 Brands. The goal was to support brands and companies convey their message through storytelling. She traveled the world in search of brands with a purpose and people with a vision. Having started CoolBrands in Amsterdam, she later expanded to Dubai, São Paulo, and New York, working with companies such as PepsiCo, Apple, Google, Mercedes, Harley Davidson, and Unilever. She has interviewed over 900 CEOs, CMOs, and business leaders across the globe and published 15 books chronicling their stories. In 2015, Anouk founded Signitt to focus on the needs of business and social leaders to define their personal brand, craft their narrative, and build their online presence. Drawing on her global experience and insights, Anouk has seen first-hand how clarity of brand and story can transform careers. She has dedicated much of her work to supporting leaders better position themselves for the future and “use Google as their wing(wo)man.” A sought-after, engaging speaker, she shares practical insights and tactics to help individuals take control of their narrative and grow their visibility in a digital-first world.(3:23) Anouk shares her own story with our community, how she started working with entrepreneurs to give them a platform to share their own stories. (6:22) What does the word branding mean to Anouk and the work she does? (11:17) How has storytelling evolved, both professionally and personally, over the years? (13:10) Anouk shares an experience in her own life, that was sparked her journey of curiosity and learning about other people, cultures and their experiences. (15:50) Anouk shares how she sparks some of that same curiosity in the people that she works with. (18:40) How does Anouk work with others to help them begin storytelling for themselves, sharing their own experiences. (20:27) How is authentic storytelling holding up in our world, often addicted to optimization, AI and digital “noise”? (24:21) What does Anouk notice, in her work, that helps people to accept and move through the transformational work that she does? (30:06) What part of her story that Anouk rarely shares, but that has shaped her the most? (32:17) What does Anouk want to make sure resonates and can be actionable for our WAW community? (35:48) Anouk shares some steps on creating your own story. (38:10) What is next for Anouk? What mark does she want to leave on the world?Connect with Anouk Pappershttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anoukpappers/ Subscribe: Warriors At Work PodcastsWebsite: https://jeaniecoomber.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/986666321719033/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanie_coomber/Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeanie_coomberLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanie-coomber-90973b4/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbMZ2HyNNyPoeCSqKClBC_w
In this episode, we dive into the growing wave of consolidation—and potential deconsolidation—sweeping through the watch industry, from confirmed brand sales to mounting rumors around major maisons. Rather than speculate, we focus on what actually happens after a brand leaves a luxury group, and why leadership, distribution, and product strategy matter far more than deal headlines. First, we unpack a cautionary case study: Ebel's spin-off from LVMH to Movado. Despite meaningful product upgrades and stronger positioning under LVMH, Ebel ultimately lost momentum when placed into a retail and marketing ecosystem that couldn't sustain its upmarket ambitions—showing how misaligned infrastructure can quietly dilute even historic brands. We then contrast that with Girard-Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin's management buyout from Kering, where focused leadership and renewed investment in watchmaking are already driving creative and commercial resurgence. Together, these case studies reveal a simple truth: spin-offs don't succeed or fail because of ownership alone—they succeed or fail based on vision, execution, and whether the new stewards truly understand how to build great watch brands. Hosted by Asher Rapkin and Gabe Reilly, co-founders of Collective Horology, Openwork goes inside the watch industry. You can find us online at collectivehorology.com. To get in touch with suggestions, feedback or questions, email podcast@collectivehorology.com.
Episode Summary In a world increasingly driven by data, frameworks, and efficiency, are we losing the human element in public relations? This week, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane tackle the critical need for brands to prioritize people over processes. They explore how the over-reliance on analytics, scripts, and rigid systems can lead to poor customer experiences and stifle professional growth. From the frustrations of automated service lines to the undervaluing of professional instinct and critical thinking, this episode is a passionate call for PR and communications pros to champion a more people-first approach in their strategies. Episode Highlights [01:39] The "Read the Room" Imperative: Why it's essential for PR professionals to craft messaging that respects the audience and current circumstances, ensuring we don't lose sight of the people we serve. [02:24] People as an Afterthought: A discussion on the troubling trend where frameworks, efficiency, and bottom lines overshadow the human connections that public relations is built on. [05:03] The Limits of Data: While data is important, it isn't everything. The hosts use a baseball analogy to illustrate the importance of gut instinct and human experience in decision-making. [07:01] The Decline of Critical Thinking: How rigid frameworks and an obsession with efficiency are hindering the development of critical thinking skills for both seasoned and emerging professionals. [08:49] The Practitioner's Dilemma: Navigating the conflict between people-led PR training and being measured by numbers, quotas, and processes that often ignore the human impact. [10:07] Lived Experience is Valuable: The importance of on-the-ground knowledge and why ignoring local insights in favor of broad data can lead to misguided strategies. [12:16] Critical Thinking Isn't Dead, It's Devalued: A powerful argument that smart people with innovative ideas are often unheard because organizations fail to make room for human intellect and nuance. Related Episodes & Additional Information For more resources and discussions tailored to independent PR professionals, explore the community and articles available at SoloPRPro.com. Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today's dynamic professional landscape. Did this conversation resonate with you? Share this episode with a fellow PR pro who champions a people-first approach. Subscribe to "That Solo Life" on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review to help others find the show.
The Hidden Dose, a special episode of Flavors and KnowledgePicture this: It's a chilly February afternoon in Providence, Rhode Island, and you're wheeling your cart down the bright aisles of your local grocery store. The meat section stretches out ahead—rows of chicken breasts, ground beef, pork chops, all wrapped neatly and labeled with promises of freshness.But as your hand hovers over that familiar package, a question nags at you: What's really in this? Beyond the visible cuts, there's an invisible legacy: antibiotics fed to these animals throughout their lives. You're not alone in wondering. Millions of us are asking the same thing: How does routine antibiotic use in livestock impact our health, the environment, and the terrifying rise of superbugs?Let's pull back the curtain on what's happening in farms, stores, and restaurants across the U.S.—and give you the facts to shop and eat smarter.It all begins on the farm. Most of America's meat, poultry, and dairy comes from large-scale industrial operations.For decades, antibiotics—many of the very same ones doctors prescribe to us—have been routine here. Not just to treat sick animals, but mixed into feed or water to prevent disease in those crowded conditions, and even to make animals grow faster. The downside? It supercharges antibiotic resistance. Bacteria evolve, survive drug treatment, and suddenly infections in people become much harder—or even impossible—to treat.The CDC estimates that at least 2.8 million Americans deal with antibiotic-resistant infections each year, leading to over 35,000 deaths. A huge chunk of that resistance links back to overuse in agriculture, which still accounts for roughly 70% of medically important antibiotics sold in the U.S.Things are shifting, but not always in the right direction. Recent numbers are concerning: In 2024, sales of these important antibiotics for livestock jumped 16%—the biggest yearly spike since tracking began in 2011. Total sales hit nearly 7.1 million kilograms. Swine accounted for 43%, cattle for 41%, turkeys for 11%, and chickens for only 4%. That's progress in poultry, but the overall rise points to disease outbreaks, bigger herds, and continued preventive use.Globally, experts project livestock antibiotic use could climb another 30% by 2040 if nothing changes. And this isn't just a farm problem—it's a human health crisis.Regulations have stepped in. Since 2017, the FDA has banned antibiotics used solely for growth promotion and requires vet oversight for medically important antibiotics. USDA testing ensures no antibiotic residues remain in the meat or milk you buy. But that doesn't stop routine use earlier in the animal's life, where resistance builds.Some states like California go further, limiting preventive use and making grocery chains report on suppliers. Nationally, though, usage intensity is still nearly double Europe's.Now, let's bring it home to the grocery store. Chains like Walmart, Costco, and Kroger carry both conventional and antibiotic-free options. Hunt for labels like "Raised Without Antibiotics" or "No Antibiotics Ever"—these mean no antibiotics were used (with rare exceptions, such as day-old chicks in some poultry cases). Some states, like California, go further, limiting preventive use and making grocery chains report on suppliers.USDA Organic takes it higher: It prohibits almost all antibiotics, requires third-party audits, ensures better welfare, and prohibits synthetic pesticides. Brands like Applegate, Coleman Natural, and Perdue make these easy to find. Demand is growing—antibiotic-free meat sales surged years ago, and organic sales continue to trend up. New 2026 certifications add trustworthy third-party audits to fight greenwashing.But watch out: Phrases like "No Growth-Promoting Antibiotics" can still allow preventive doses, so they don't fully tackle resistance.Read the Full Content Subscribe to the FK Newsletter Free SimVal Media, USA
Late last month, a group of six magazine publishers – Bauer, Future, Hearst UK, Hello!, Immediate and Time Out – launched Atria, a single marketplace through which advertisers can engage with the combined reach of those publishers' brands, equivalent to about 33m consumers.The effort is powered by publisher-owned first-party data. It is hosted by audience platform Permutive.Cath Waller is the managing director of advertising at Immediate Media. She is also the chair of PPA Magnetic, part of the Professional Publishers Association, the trade body for publishers.A leading voice behind the Atria effort, Waller sat down with host Jack Benjamin to discuss the marketplace's launch and where it might be headed next.The pair also discussed the current state of magazine publishing, and the headwinds and tailwinds facing Immediate.Highlights:2:43: The launch of Atria: how it works and how it came together10:12: "The industry is where it is": Magazine media is disinvested and publishers are under pressure15:25: The value of trusted editorial and a cleaner supply chain20:41: Future-facing goals26:59: How to handle AI? Embracing innovation as AI search reduces trafficRelated articles:Why quality pays: the power of trusted editorial in media planning – PPA Magnetic and The Media LeaderCMOs on what makes publisher partnerships work: ‘Great partners push back'PPA asks CMA to require greater transparency of Google's AI search featuresThe Fishbowl: Cath Waller, Immediate Media---Thanks to our production partners Trisonic for editing this episode.--> Discover how Trisonic can elevate your brand and expand your business by connecting with your ideal audienceVisit The Media Leader for the most authoritative news analysis and comment on what's happening in commercial media. LinkedIn: The Media LeaderYouTube: The Media Leader
In this episode, we talk to Alber Armendáriz, co-founder of Armen + Max, about building a creative business that's rooted in values, purpose, and transparency.Alber shares how he went from studying engineering to building a creative career working with founders, helping them articulate what they stand for and why it matters. We talk about following your passions, navigating perfectionism, and learning to define success on your own terms instead of borrowing someone else's version of it.Website: www.armenmaks.com
From gentle parenting to FAFO, social media bombards us with content about the latest trends, so how do you really know what works and what doesn't?In today's bucket emptying episode, I talk you through some of the biggest parenting trends, and explain how they can be impacting you, and the ways in which you might then choose to parent your own kids.Because parenting is all-consuming. It's a 24/7/365 gig, and the trends of day, whether we subscribe to them or not, can feel like they define us as parents. I'm here to tell you they don't!So pour yourself a cuppa, find a comfy seat, and enjoy the conversation…Highlights from this episode:00:48 - FAFO Parenting03:30 - Are we defined by the trends?06:23 - Labels take away the overwhelm09:56 - There's no one size fits all approach12:35 - Parental intuition15:22 - Science vs media
今回(こんかい)は、久(ひさ)しぶりにランキング回(かい)です!2月(にがつ)14日(じゅうよっか)はバレンタインデーなので、バレンタインに有名(ゆうめい)なチョコレートブランドのトップ10を調(しら)べてみました。ほとんど知(し)らないブランドばかりなので、あまり深(ふか)く話(はな)せていないのですが、お取(と)り寄(よ)せもできるブランドなので、もし気(き)になるチョコレートがあれば、買(か)ってみてください。海外(かいがい)に発送(はっそう)できるかどうかは分(わ)かりません。笑It's been a while, but we're back with a ranking episode!With Valentine's Day coming up on February 14th, we checked out the top 10 most famous chocolate brands for Valentine's Day.To be honest, most of them were brands we didn't really know, so we didn't go too deep into each one.That said, many of these chocolates can be ordered online, so if any of them catch your eye, feel free to give them a try.No idea if they ship overseas though… haha
Once Upon a Farm is officially public — and it could mark a turning point for better-for-you brands. In this episode, the hosts break down the baby food company's $198 million IPO, what its $724 million valuation signals for the CPG landscape, and why going public may be emerging as a viable alternative to traditional acquisition. Is this the start of a new era for mission-driven food brands looking to scale on their own terms? Plus, they dig into the growing battle over how "healthy" gets defined at retail. Kroger adopted FoodHealth's nutrient scoring system, which aims to guide shoppers with a balanced approach to nutrient density and ingredient quality. Meanwhile, the Non-GMO Project's stricter Non-UPF Verified certification draws a hard line against processed oils, gums, and natural flavors. Are these systems complementary, competitive, or just confusing? Show notes: 0:23: Fiber Bowl. AMA In MIA. OFRM's IPO. UPF, Maybe Or No? A Burst Of Mayo, Protein & Powder. – The hosts kick things off with lighthearted Super Bowl banter and a recap of their game-day food spreads before previewing the upcoming Taste Radio Miami Meetup at Casa La Rubia on Feb. 18. The team highlights event features including live podcast interviews, networking, brand sampling, and a new "Ask Me Anything" table hosted by Atomos Strategic Marketing, encouraging founders and industry professionals to attend. The conversation then shifts to industry news, notably Once Upon a Farm's IPO, which raised $198 million and valued the baby and kids food brand at over $724 million. The hosts discuss the rarity of successful CPG IPOs, the tradeoffs between going public and selling to a strategic buyer, and what the move could signal for other better-for-you brands. From there, they explore evolving nutrition standards, comparing FoodHealth's nutrient scoring system with the stricter Non-UPF Verified certification from the Non-GMO Project, touching on hot-button topics like processed oils, natural flavors, and consumer education. The episode also features commentary on innovative products such as Graza's olive oil mayonnaise strategy, protein soda from Joyburst, protein-enhanced fruit spreads from BamJam, and the straightforward drink mix brand Fave. Brands in this episode: Royo Bread, Once Upon a Farm, Annie's, Vita Coco, Bai, Graza, Koia, Joyburst, BamJam, Drippy, Dappie, Fave, BTR Nation, Cadence, Spindrift, Duke's
Expectations for leaders have shifted, and the data proves it. According to the 2025 National Conversations in the Workplace Study, 85% of working Americans think leaders should be held to a higher standard for communication and preparation. Influence of Others: Roughly 87% of executives consider the impact of their choices on others when making decisions. Rationalization vs. Reality: Approximately 78% of business leaders admit that people often make decisions first and then look for data to justify them, according to CNBC and PR Newswire. Debra Bowers is a leadership, marketing, and sales culture strategist, the founder of Hexagon Media, and the host of the long-running podcast Deals with Heels. She works with business owners, executives, and revenue leaders to build growth rooted in clarity, psychology, and human behavior—without hype or hustle culture. Debra brings both corporate and entrepreneurial experience to conversations about leadership, sales, and decision-making. Most businesses don't stall because they lack effort. They stall because something is misaligned — the message, the strategy, the visibility, or the way sales and marketing work together. I work with business owners and leaders when growth feels stuck, scattered, or underwhelming — and they want clarity before making their next move. My role is diagnostic first. Before tactics, before ads, before “doing more,” we identify what's actually holding growth back and where focus will create the greatest impact. Through this work, I've seen the same pattern repeat: When message, strategy, and visibility align, growth becomes simpler, more sustainable, and more human. I work best with: • Business owners and leaders • Consultants and service-based professionals • Brands ready for honest strategy, not surface-level tactics • Teams who want clarity before committing time or budget If your growth feels harder than it should — or you're investing effort without seeing the return — a strategic conversation can often bring clarity faster than expected. You don't need more noise. You need insight, alignment, and a clear path forward. For more information: https://hexagonmedia.net/ Listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/deals-with-heels/id1708622990 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Voices of Search // A Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Podcast
G2's data reveals enterprise buyers increasingly rely on AI-powered search for software decisions. Tim Sanders, Chief Innovation Officer at G2, oversees insights from over 100 million annual software buyers and has identified critical optimization strategies for AI discovery. Sanders shares how markdown-formatted key takeaways at page tops dramatically improve AI crawling and training inclusion, plus why transparent pricing pages reduce model confusion and improve expected value calculations for enterprise buyers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
TikTok Live isn't a gimmick.It's the next trillion-dollar shift in commerce.In this episode, I break down why TikTok's identity crisis is actually the biggest opportunity for brands heading into 2026, and why live selling is no longer optional.China has already proven the model. The U.S. is next.If you're still “testing” TikTok… you're late.This episode explains:• Why chaos creates cheap attention • Why velocity matters more than followers • Why TikTok Shop will eat into Amazon's market share • Why live selling is the next distribution channel • Why marketing rewards momentum, not meetingsKey parts of the conversation:0:31 — Chaos Equals Cheap Attention “When platforms are in identity crisis mode, that's where early movers win.”This is the strategic window most brands miss.0:56 — The Core Truth“Chaos equals cheap attention. Cheap attention equals high margin opportunity.”This is the growth equation for 2026.1:25 — Social Media Is Evolving AgainYou outline the evolution: Photo → Stories → Entertainment → Commerce-first contentThis is where brands need to adjust.1:51 — Selling on Social Isn't Cringey Anymore“Selling on social is no longer cringy. It's expected.”Massive buyer behavior shift.2:11 — Trends Don't Wait“Marketing doesn't wait. It rewards momentum, not meetings.”One of the strongest lines in the episode.2:54 — You Don't Need Perfect“You don't need perfect lighting or scripts. You need speed, authenticity, and a buy button.”Execution > aesthetics.3:08 — The PredictionsYou lay out what's coming in the next 12 months:TikTok Shop eats into AmazonLive-selling brands outperform paid-only brands7-figure creators emerge from TikTok ShopEarly movers dominate4:05 — The Real Problem“Most brands are stuck waiting for the proof instead of building presence now.”This is the hesitation trap.4:31 — Velocity Over Followers“TikTok isn't about followers. It's about velocity.”Critical mindset shift.Great quotes from the podcast:• “Be a case study, not a cautionary tale.”• “Velocity beats followers.”• “Chaos equals cheap attention.”• “Marketing rewards momentum, not meetings.”• “If you're still building your TikTok strategy, you're already losing.”• “Attention is currency. Conversion is the ROI.”ResourcesAll Episodes: Think Millions PodcastQuestions or Comments: support@thynkconsultinggroup.comAlexa's Instagram: @dralexadagostinoAlexa's Website: AlexaD'Agostino.comBook a Discovery Call with Alexa: Discovery CallThynkFuel Agency: ThynkFuelMedia.com
It's a very scary Friday the 13th, which means it's time for Ep. 57 of the Between 2 Brands podcast with your host, Bill Petrie. In this week's Opening Shot, Bill does a quick lap around branded merch with a patented “Industry Roundup.” From there, he's joined by Quinn Bui from N9ner Marketing where they talk about his journey, the shifts he's seen in marketing and social media, living in a van full-time, and a thoughtful discussion on AI and the impact it has on the world of promotional products. BIG thanks to our pals over at Seven Sourcing for sponsoring this fine broadcast. When you're ready to be the partner your clients want – one that delivers unique, custom, and bespoke branded merch designed exclusively for them – reach out to Russ and his team at sales@sevensourcing.com.
In this episode of the UNmiss podcast, host Anatolii Ulitovskyi sits down with Alisa Sparks, the powerhouse behind Linden Creek. We're stripping away the “fluff” to look at the gears behind a luxury brand. Alisa breaks down how she simultaneously scaled a high-end design aesthetic while building a rigorous operational ecosystem through the Linden Creek…
In this episode, I'm sharing four brands I genuinely love and feel deeply loyal to — not just because of their products, but because of the missions they're built on. Each one shows how having a clear purpose, strong values, and a quality product can create lasting trust, emotional connection, and long-term brand loyalty. Come tell me which brands you're loyal to and why; I'd love to know! Key Takeaways: Building your brand around a clear mission will attract loyal customers When your brand stands for something meaningful and consistently lives it out, people don't just buy once; they recommend you, return to you, and feel emotionally invested in your success. Pairing purpose with quality creates trust and longevity A powerful mission alone isn't enough; delivering a genuinely great product builds credibility, repeat business, and long-term sustainability for your brand. Telling human stories gives your brand depth and meaning When your brand highlights real people, real impact, and real change, it builds empathy, trust, and a deeper connection that goes far beyond features or pricing. Episode Highlights: 00:24 – Why mission-led brands create strong loyalty and trust 02:38 – Madlug: how dignity and storytelling build brand loyalty 05:26 – Who Gives A Crap: sustainability, humour, and ethical business 08:29 – Manumit Coffee: employment, dignity, and social impact 10:33 – Tony's Chocolonely: ethical supply chains and purpose-driven design 13:31 – What mission-led brands can teach you about your own business Mentioned in the episode: Madlug Who Gives a Crap Manumit Coffee Tony's Chocolonely I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @lizmmosley or @buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch all of my solo episodes including this one on YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!
Most people think getting rich is about saving harder or finding the next hot stock. It's not. It's about owning things. After 15 years on Wall Street, I learned the hard way that the wealthy don't get there by trading time for money or chasing tickers. They build ownership in boring, cash-flowing businesses that most people overlook. In this episode, I break down the exact investment framework I use today: just three categories I actually care about, why I ignore single stocks and hot tips, and how private business ownership became my unfair advantage. We dive into why Buffett doubled his money at 20% per year while the S&P did half that, why leverage magnifies your mistakes more than your wins, and why volatility isn't risk — not knowing what you're doing is. But this isn't theory. It's applied finance from the trenches. You'll learn:• Why the market is more concentrated and leveraged than almost any point in modern history• How to think like Buffett: buy businesses, not price movements• Why inflation and AI are quietly eating your W2 income while you sleep• The difference between speculation and actual investing (and why most people confuse the two)• How one woman bought six pack-and-ship stores while keeping her tech job• Why Charlie Munger said the best businesses don't require you to be a genius to run them• The three types of risk in every deal: product, market, and execution• How to negotiate by understanding the seller's incentives, not just your own• Why speed and ownership are the only real hedges against what's coming If you're tired of watching your salary get chipped away by inflation, or if you've ever wondered how people actually build wealth without a finance degree or a trust fund, this episode will change how you think about money, ownership, and what it actually takes to win in 2026. Also hi I'm Codie and I run an investment and advisory firm that helps you buy and build businesses. Every year we do one 3 day virtual workshop to help you find, finance and learn to do deals live. Come learn what Wall Street (and your boss or competitors) hope you never learn: https://contrarianthinking.biz/MSML_BDYT26 ___________ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:22 The Three-Investment Portfolio: Why Less Is More 00:00:59 Buffett's 5.5 Million Percent Return: The Power of Selectivity 00:01:45 The 2026 Market Warning: Debt, AI Valuations, and Leverage Risk 00:03:40 Volatility Is Not Risk: Risk Is Not Knowing What You're Doing 00:07:43 The Asset Ownership Race With AI: Own the Farm or Be the Donkey 00:09:10 Main Street Millionaire Live: Your Path to Business Ownership 00:10:16 Build Durable Advantages: Moats, Brands, and Networks That Protect Profits 00:10:39 Nui's Story: From Big Tech to Six Pack and Ship Stores 00:14:20 Charlie Munger on Simple Business Models: Take a Simple Idea Seriously 00:15:30 The Three Risks Framework: Product, Market, and Execution 00:16:37 The Power of Incentives: Understanding What Drives Every Deal 00:18:13 Speed Wins: Why Moving Fast Makes You More Money 00:20:15 The Main Street Revolution: Your Generational Wealth Creation Event ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL
In this episode, the host interviews Brian Johnson, a leading expert in online advertising and Amazon conversion strategies. Brian shares actionable advice on how brands can stand out in crowded marketplaces by highlighting unique product features, understanding buyer psychology, and continuously innovating their listings. He emphasizes the importance of clear, benefit-driven messaging and regularly analyzing competitors and customer feedback. Through real-world examples, Brian illustrates how deep customer understanding and attention to detail can drive sales and outpace competitors. Listeners gain practical tips for differentiating products and optimizing Amazon listings for higher conversion rates.Chapters:Introduction to Brian Johnson (00:00:00)Host introduces Brian Johnson, his background in online advertising, and his achievements in Amazon strategy.Differentiation Through Unique Features (00:00:57)Discussion on using unique or overlooked product features (e.g., filtered beer, handcrafted products) to stand out in the market.Mindset Shift in Product Optimization (00:02:16)Emphasizes the importance of thinking beyond standard competition and adopting a new mindset for product differentiation.Understanding Buyer Psychology (00:02:48)Brian explains how most competitors ignore buyer psychology and the opportunity this creates for attentive brands.Continuous Innovation and Adaptation (00:04:15)Necessity of ongoing innovation and regular review of product listings to maintain differentiation as competitors adapt.Communicating Benefits Quickly (00:05:12)Advice on leading with clear, succinct benefits in product titles, images, and bullet points to answer "what's in it for me?"Conversion Rate Optimization Tactics (00:06:07)Focus on the importance of quickly communicating benefits for higher conversion rates, especially in the first few seconds.Three Actionable Takeaways (00:07:00)Host summarizes three key takeaways: always innovate, analyze top search terms and listings, and focus on customer benefits.Pattern Breaking in Listings (00:09:04)Discussion on breaking visual and content patterns in listings to stand out, while staying within Amazon's terms of service.Understanding Customer Motivation (00:10:25)Example of Wendy's Frosty: understanding why customers buy and using those insights to improve product offerings.Learning from Competitor Mistakes (00:12:00)Brian shares a Wendy's failure example, highlighting the importance of spotting and capitalizing on competitors' mistakes.Closing Remarks and Farewell (00:14:12)Host thanks Brian for his insights and encourages listeners to follow his work. Brian expresses his appreciation.Links and Mentions:Tools and WebsitesAmazonWendy'sConcepts and StrategiesDifferentiation in Product Listings: 00:07:07Buyer Psychology: 00:03:16Review Analysis: "00:03:16Actionable TakeawaysContinuous Innovation: 00:08:17Evaluate Top Search Terms: 00:09:04Customer-Centric Copy: 00:10:25Transcript:Josh 00:00:00 Today I'm super excited to introduce you all to Brian Johnson. Brian has served as a leader in online advertising and conversion rate strategy for nearly two decades. He's a trusted partner to tens of thousands of brands across the globe. And Brian's work has earned him a reputation as a disruptive force in a world brimming with new and interesting challenges. Through his advertising agency, Canopy Management, as well as his highly successful Amazon advertising consultancy, community training and software, Brian has helped over 25,000 brands increase sales by over $2 billion on Amazon through advertising strategy, conversion rate optimization and differentiation. The results his products and services deliver continue to put him in high demand, with companies both large and small around the world. So with that introduction, Brian, I want to welcome you to the podcast.Brian 00:00:56 Thanks for having me.Josh 00:00:57 I don't remember there's a there was a beer company and you might know this, right? That what they changed in their marketing is that they said that their their beer was filtered, right. I think that's the correct thing, right? Where their beer is the exact same.Josh 00:01:14 Went through the exact same process as everybody else. Right. And that is the differentiating factor is like they just went through that thought process of like, all right, what's the most expensive step or what's the what takes the longest amount of time. And they're like, oh, we spend a lot of time filtering. Let's call out that our beer is filtered. And so at that time, nobody else was calling out that our beer was filtered, whether that was important or called out. You know, and and it differentiated them. And I think there's a lot I mean, I've already had a big mindset shift with that, like with some of my products that, one thing that we can do is like there's a lot of like, hand tooling time that takes a lot of, like, hand craftsmanship for some of our products. It's like, why don't we say that this is actually handcrafted like each one gets, you know, we can market that. And instead of just looking at the standard competition and just looking at like, oh, what does everybody say about planners? Right.Josh 00:02:16 Well, our planner has 1000 pages. Mine has 1001 pages or things like that. That's that's the basic stuff. Like what? I love those questions that you talked about. And it can make such an impact. So I'll let you continue going down that path. But I want the audience to know, like this is a huge mindset shift and I don't we haven't had any podcast guests on thus far that's ever talked about something as simple as this when it comes to product optimization, that I think genuinely is like a true miss right now in the industry.Brian 00:02:48 It is a huge opportunity because I can I can guarantee you that. But, you know, I wasn't just being cheeky when I said, like, I could walk into any niche on Amazon and immediately see the opportunities. that is that is a true statement because your competitors, they don't understand the buyer psychology. They're not taking the time to consider their bio psychology. In fact, you're probably even going up against some brands that have, you know, a thousand SKUs and they don't have the time or the resources in order to even go through that process.Brian 00:03:16 But you can, right? If you truly are passionate about the audience that you're serving, I'll probably mention it a little bit later on. As far as, review, analysis. That's a whole, whole additional topic that goes into that. But, those examples, those are just a couple of, of, you know, 20 different, 30 different ways that you can make small improvements to how well that your product, you know, catches somebody's eyes, compels them or interests them, hooks them, I call it, to pull them into your product listing just from what's in your first 75 characters of your title. and then go towards the end the listing itself, 100% is that, yes, you can you can point out benefits and I and I made I pointed out a couple of examples here as far as like how do you come up with a benefit or feature that makes my product appear to be unique? Now, you brought up a very good point. And that is, you know, my competitors don't do this currently, and that is.Brian 00:04:15 Yes, they will adapt. When they see your success, they will emulate you. And you'll need to continue to innovate. So just plan on every six months going back, looking at your ni...
Gage shares his best practices for attending Natural Products Expo West – the biggest trade show in the United States for the better-for-the-world product industry! Tune in to hear 10 tips for making the most of the show, based on Gage's ~15 years of experience attending Expo West as a brand, packaging, booth, and campaign designer who's helped some of the industry most beloved brands stand out at the show. Tune into the episode or read below for his top tips! You can also download a copy here for easy reference later. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eBpd7dVhxB-30-yPrvQ8Mn8nAar5oYOUx6fX1B3Wevc/edit?usp=sharing. See you at Expo West!1. Define Your Target ROIHave a clear goal and outcomes in mind because the event is what you make it.Rightsize your investment. There's no shame in starting small, like a shared booth, table at StartUp CPG, sampling out of a backpack, etc. Even big brands need to be cautious of their spending because it adds up fast. But if you want to make a big splash, be willing to spend the money on the right opportunity.Aim to have your agenda 60% planned, but 40% flexible, because you never know who might pop up with some exciting and unexpected.2. Plan AheadBook your accommodations early, because everything near the Convention Center fills up quickly and gets very expensive.Find the sessions you want to attend, people you want to meet, and booths you want to visit through the app and social media posts, but also decide what's non-negotiable and what's optional for you, because you will get exhausted/overwhelmed.Make dinner reservations, book event venues, and meeting rooms in advance because there are a ton of competing groups looking for limited time slots.Order all your materials, swag, outfits, etc., well ahead of time because shipping delays happen, and you don't want to be caught empty-handed or paying the steep price to rush reprint in Anaheim.3. Be Clear & CompellingHave your 5-second pitch and main talking points ready, because there are way too many people and not enough time to stumble or be vague.Bring the energy, passion, and vibes because that attracts people to your booth, lifts everyone's spirits, and makes you memorable.Ask lots of questions to get to know people and how you can help each other. It can reveal incredibly powerful information for you both.4. Crush Your BoothMake sure it's clear what you're selling and what makes it special, otherwise your booth is likely to be missed (unless you're drawing attention, see below).Be unique but authentic, have a compelling story or theme for the show, and be engaging and fun as people walk up.Have events or activities at your booth that attract a crowd, and bring enough samples/goodies to go around. Tip: people are drawn to anything that's more than a tiny bite on a toothpick or a generic tote bag.Have a method for politely exiting conversations, like handing them off to an associate or introducing them to another guest, so you can be available when that critical retailer, investor, broker, or press badge arrives.5. Draw AttentionApply for a Nexty, participate in the Pitch Slam, or partner on an innovation with another popular brand. Do things that will make you more visible.Send out press releases, make announcements on social media, and offer the press a unique and exciting story to draw them to your booth.Invite an industry rockstar or celebrity to your booth for a meet and greet.Host a happy hour with a prominent group, like B Corp.6. Connect With Your CommunityAttend events hosted by your membership communities (B Corp, 1% for the Planet, Regenerative Organic, Upcycled, Non-GMO, Fair Trade, Climate Neutral, Climate Collaborative, Naturally Network, Purpose Pledge, Startup CPG, Project Potluck, :INCLUDED, etc.)Post updates in your preferred social channel (pictures, top finds, great insights, events, selfies, etc), tag people, and comment on others' posts! Wear your affiliations (shirts, hats, pins, stickers, lanyards, badges, etc).7. Take Care of YourselfHydrate and eat real food, or at least snack your way to well-balanced meals or your stomach and energy levels will regret it later.Dress comfortably and in layers. You'll be walking a lot, in and out of buildings, and the weather can change quickly. Bonus: dress memorably.Rest your feet and your back whenever you can. They will be sore.Get full nights of sleep when you can, and take some downtime in between things to recharge your batteries and brain.8. Be Brave, Be ActiveMeet people! That's why you're going. Don't just hide in your hotel, your booth, or in your co-worker/friend group. Get out there.Attend happy hours, events, and dinners even if you worked the booth all day, because that's the time to make real human connections.Go talk to that hero, buyer, investor, press, celebrity, etc because that's why they're here, and why you're here.9. Don't Try to Do it AllThe show is way too big to see every booth. Decide what's most important. It can help to pick a theme to focus, like a category, certification, stage of business, etc.There are too many sessions, events, and happy hours. Pick a focus and try to limit your FOMO. Divide and conquer with your team if you can.If you've been going as long as I have, you'll wish you could spend time with all your friends, collaborators, clients, podcast guests, and more… but it's best to be at peace with what you can do instead of worrying about what you can't.10. Follow Through Take notes on business cards, in an app, or wherever works for you because you won't remember every conversation, idea, or to-do item.Digest what you learned, who you met, and how you want to follow up each evening before that information gets too foggy.Make social posts each day, because you'll be too burned out and busy to catch up on social media after the show.Follow up with people during and after the show to solidify that new connection.Links:Natural Products Expo West: https://www.expowest.com/en/home.html10 Tips to Crush Expo West Download: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eBpd7dVhxB-30-yPrvQ8Mn8nAar5oYOUx6fX1B3Wevc/edit?usp=sharing. See you at Expo West!…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioChapters:03:00 Introduction to Expo West Best Practices05:23 Defining Goals and ROI for the Show08:21 Planning Ahead: Accommodations and Sessions10:42 Crafting a Clear and Compelling Message13:05 Maximizing Your Booth's Impact15:59 Drawing Attention and Engaging the Audience16:19 Connecting with Your Community20:40 Self-Care During the Event22:08 Being Brave and Active23:06 Managing Expectations and FOMO25:28 Following Through After the ShowSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Derek Rishmawy and Alastair Roberts host Jake Meador for a wide-ranging conversation on why evangelical institutions struggle with leadership transitions and long-term succession. They explore how evangelicalism's emphasis on discontinuity, charismatic personality-driven leadership, and brand-over-institution thinking undermines durability. The discussion touches on the boomer generational bottleneck, the producer-consumer framework shaped by technology, and what healthier models—like RTS or long-tenured churches—might teach us about building things that outlast their founders. — Mere Fidelity is a podcast from Mere Orthodoxy and is listener-supported. If you would like to support this work, become a Mere Orthodoxy Member today at http://mereorthodoxy.com/membership. Get 30% of the Baker Book of the Month, R30 Key Moments in the History of Christianity: Inspiring True Stories from the Early Church Around the World, by going to: http://bakerbookhouse.com/pages/mere-fidelity Apply for a full-tuition scholarship for Beeson Divinity School's M.Div program that begins Fall 2026 here: https://bit.ly/beesonscholarships — Chapters 00:00 – Introduction & Framing the Problem 02:48 – Evangelicalism's Built-In Bias Toward Discontinuity 06:34 – Charisma, Personality, and the Exoskeleton Problem 08:46 – Brands vs. Institutions 11:22 – RTS as a Positive Case Study 15:24 – Market Forces and Media Adaptability 17:33 – Long-Tenured Churches and the Mold vs. Platform Distinction 24:18 – The Boomer Generational Cliff 30:16 – Carson, Piper, Keller, and Golden Age Expectations 39:23 – Evangelical Anxiety About Institutional Betrayal 43:31 – Technology, Formation, and the Performing Self 51:26 – Birth Rates, Legacy, and Thinking About Succession
One of the brains behind Duck Dynasty and Sons of Anarchy is here! In this conversation, Brad Holcman shares insights from their journey transitioning from a W-2 employee in the television industry to becoming an entrepreneur. They discuss the challenges faced, the importance of showing up and being proactive, and the lessons learned from both failures and successes. The conversation emphasizes the entrepreneurial mindset, the necessity of networking, and the value of storytelling in building a brand. The speaker also reflects on the importance of being ready to leap into entrepreneurship and the significance of continuous learning.As You Listen00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins 02:04 Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur 05:55 Challenges Faced in Entrepreneurship 10:51 The Importance of Showing Up 13:41 Lessons from Failure and Success 17:49 Inspiration from Historical Entrepreneurs
When a once-successful business falls on hard times, it can sometimes be hard for them to diagnose and fix the problem from within. Today's guest has built a career out of helping these businesses turn things around, and he's doing it again with one of America's premiere fitness brands.Mark Goldston is the Executive Chairman of The Beachbody Company, which trades under the symbol BODI. Mark is one of the world's most respected turnaround executives, and has spent his career reviving some of the best known brands in the world, including Revlon, Reebok, and LA Gear to name a few. He is also a prolific inventor with 135 US and foreign patents to his name. Today, Mark walks us through the history of The Beachbody Company, the issues he identified within the business, and how he and his team are working to right the ship. Highlights:Mark's Career (1:40)Symptoms of a struggling business (6:34)The Beachbody Company turnaround (10:12)Navigating a difficult retail environment (17:16)Brand Awareness (21:58)How GLP-1's are impacting the business (26:46)What are investors missing about Beachbody? (29:50) Links:Mark Goldston LinkedInThe Beachbody Company LinkedInThe Beachbody Company WebsiteICR LinkedInICR TwitterICR Website Feedback:If you have questions about the show, or have a topic in mind you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, joe@lowerstreet.co.
Most brands spend all their time obsessing over ads and creative and completely ignore the website experience that actually converts the traffic. In this solo episode, Nik does a live teardown of multiple ecom websites and breaks down what separates a “nice-looking Shopify site” from a site that actually drives revenue. He walks through the modules, UX decisions, copy, navigation, and merchandising details that most brands overlook, but that make all the difference in conversion. Nik covers why lifestyle photography and positioning matter more than aesthetics, how the best brands use push-and-pull storytelling, and the small micro-copy moments that guide customers toward checkout. He also dives into what high-performing supplement funnels do better than everyone else, including social proof and PDP structure. If you want to build a site that feels premium, converts colder traffic, and actually earns the next click, this episode is for you. Roku pioneered streaming on TV. We connect users to the content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers with unique capabilities to engage consumers. Learn more at advertising.roku.com/limitedsupply. Want more DTC advice? Check out the Limited Supply YouTube page for more insider tips. Check out the Nik's DTC newsletter: https://bit.ly/3mOUJMJ And if you're looking for an instant stream of on-demand DTC gold, check out the Limited Supply Slack Channel for Nik's most unfiltered, uncensored thoughts. Follow Nik:Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/mrsharma
This week on Tipsy Casting we are so excited to welcome the extremely talented headshot photographer, Stephanie Girard. For the long time listeners you'll recognize her from our holiday giveaway as she has been so kind to always contribute a headshot session for our finale! Her photos are outstanding and she is such a wonderful person who cares about every person who walks through her doors and to guide them through to get the best shots!We start off with our Industry Round Up of News including the following topics of the last week!- Jess celebrates her new film!- Jenn talks about letting go of toxic jobs - We give a big congrats to Dan Trachtenberg & Ben on their first look deal with Paramount (article linked below!)- The UK has spent £9.5B in 2025 marking a drastic increase of spending- Video game production has also increases with casting notices every day it seems- We discuss the California tax incentive and how it may not be serving in the best capacity of it and how we would love to learn more about how it's actually working- Brands are now building out financial incentives to buy into the film and television worldThank you to everyone for tuning in this week! We appreciate each and every one of you! Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel to watch along with us as well!Resources:Stephanie Girard InstagramStephanie Girard WebsiteDan Trachtenberg & Ben Rosenblatt First Look Article──────────────────────────Stay Tuned with Tipsy Casting on IGWatch the Tipsy Casting YouTube ChannelFollow Jessica & Follow Jenn Learn More About Jess & Jenn's Casting Journeys -- Thank you,Jess & Jennwww.TipsyCasting.com Check out our Podcast HERE!
Finding the right 3PL is one of the most important decisions an e-commerce brand will make. It is also one of the hardest. With over 10,000 warehouses in the United States alone, most founders rely on referrals, Google searches, and guesswork.Matt built Third Person to change that.In this episode, Matt shares how he went from leading operations at early-stage startups like Rent the Runway and Birchbox to building a 3PL marketplace powered by AI. What started as a profitable consulting firm evolved into a scalable software platform designed to intelligently match brands with qualified fulfillment partners.In This Episode, We Cover✅ The Real Problem With 3PL SelectionThere are thousands of fulfillment providers. Most brands do not know how to filter them. Matt explains why this decision has become more complex, not easier, over the past decade.✅ From Consulting to Scalable SoftwareMatt and his partner were running a profitable consulting firm helping brands source 3PLs. They shut it down to build technology that could do the job better and at scale.✅ The “Dating App” Model for FulfillmentThird Person uses AI-driven scoring to match brands with top-fit 3PLs based on real operational needs. Brands see ranked matches and choose who to connect with directly.✅ Founder-Product Fit vs Product-Market FitMatt shares the difference between knowing you are the right founder for the problem and proving the market wants your solution at scale.✅ Building Value Without Charging BrandsThe platform is free for brands. Third Person earns referral fees from 3PLs by delivering qualified, high-intent leads.
This week we return with one of our most anticipated episodes of the year…the 8th annual Super Bowl Advertiser Roundtable. As is tradition, Jim is joined by Gary Vaynerchuk to welcome a collection of marketing leaders behind this year's most talked-about Super Bowl campaigns. Our Featured Guests are…Ahmed “Meddy” Iqbal, the Chief Marketing Officer of the Cadillac F1 TeamGail Horwood, the Chief Marketing Officer & Chief Experience Officer of NovartisLuis Garcia, the Chief Marketing Officer of Naterra International (Tree Hut)Steven Saenen, the President of Savory Brands & Crackers Portfolio for Mondelez (Ritz Crackers)Soyoung Kang, President of eosRecorded live on the Monday after the game, in partnership with VaynerMedia's Marketing for the Now, this conversation goes beyond the ads to explore how today's CMOs think about boldness, experiential strategy, culture, and what it really takes to turn Super Bowl attention into long-term brand impact.—This week's episode is brought to you by Deloitte and the IAB.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Ashley Herd is the founder of Manager Method, former Head of HR North America at McKinsey & Company, national keynote speaker, top 10 business podcast host, and a LinkedIn Top Voice who has trained over 250,000 managers. With a background that spans law, HR, and corporate leadership across global companies like McKinsey and Yum! Brands, Ashley brings a rare blend of practical wisdom and real-world empathy. Her new book, The Manager Method, provides a simple, powerful framework—Pause, Consider, Act—to help managers lead with confidence, avoid burnout, and create high-performing teams. On this episode we talk about: How Ashley made her first dollar as a Subway “sandwich artist” and the lessons it taught her about leadership Why she left a high-profile role at McKinsey to build her own leadership training business The surprising similarities between corporate leaders and front-line managers How social media helped her reach millions with practical management advice Ashley's three-step “Pause, Consider, Act” framework from her book The Manager Method What it's really like to write and publish a book with Hay House Top 3 Takeaways Great management isn't about titles or degrees—it's about practicing empathy, communication, and self-awareness. Social media can democratize leadership training, giving valuable education to people at every level. Pausing before reacting—whether as a leader, coworker, or entrepreneur—can turn a difficult moment into a growth opportunity. Notable Quotes “The smartest people in the world often need practical training just like everyone else.” “Whether it's a McKinsey partner or a McDonald's manager, everyone deserves access to good leadership training.” “Sometimes the hardest thing about leadership isn't knowing what to do—it's taking a breath before you do it.” Connect with Ashley Herd: LinkedIn: Ashley Herd on LinkedIn Twitter/X: @managermethod Instagram: @managermethod Website and Book: managermethod.com Travis Makes Money is made possible by High Level – the All-In-One Sales & Marketing Platform built for agencies, by an agency. Capture leads, nurture them, and close more deals—all from one powerful platform. Get an extended free trial at gohighlevel.com/travis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
H.W. Brands describes how following Poland's invasion, Lindbergh utilizes his fame to broadcast radio speeches opposing intervention, influenced by his father's WWI persecution and skepticism of British imperial motives.
H.W. Brands discusses Congress passing Lend-Lease aligning US interests with Britain, while covert Britishpropaganda operates in America and FDR uses questionable intelligence to sway public opinion against Germany.
H.W. Brands concludes that Pearl Harbor unites the wars, with FDR blocking Lindbergh's military commission, yet Lindbergh contributes by flying unauthorized combat missions in the Pacific as a civilian consultant.
H.W. Brands recounts Lindbergh returning to America in 1939 as a global celebrity, meeting FDR who tries to recruit him, but Lindbergh, valuing independence, refuses the administration's offer.
H.W. Brands explains that as Germany advances, FDR modifies neutrality laws while Lindbergh fears creeping intervention, with Churchill appealing for aid leading to the destroyers-for-bases deal intensifying domestic debate.