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Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson l Presented By Marigold
A new special series is here, and yes, it's short enough to fit between meetings—or bathroom breaks. Jay Schwedelson teams up with Daniel Murray for a 10-minute hit of marketing smarts, and this one's all about AI. They go beyond the basics to talk prompt jacking, answer engine optimization, and why your ad swipe file should be best friends with ChatGPT.Best Moments:(01:57) The easiest AI workflow for repurposing transcripts into 10+ pieces of content(04:05) How to test if your website is “answer engine optimized” for ChatGPT(05:35) Why checking the sources ChatGPT pulls in matters—and how to use them(06:08) Prompt jacking 101: reverse-engineer viral images and posts instantly(07:03) Daniel's trick for writing headlines in the style of Ogilvy or Halbert(08:10) Yes, there's an F1 movie and yes, Daniel is hypedFollow Daniel's show The Marketing Millennials and let them know on LinkedIn what topics you want next.Prompts from this episode:1. Podcast/Transcript Repurposing PromptDescribed by Daniel Murray:Upload your transcript to ChatGPT and prompt:“Act like [insert expert type—e.g., paid media strategist]. Based on this transcript, what are the top 5 takeaways that would matter most to someone in that role?”Then:“Format this into [a tweet thread / LinkedIn carousel / email / blog post, etc.].”2. Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) PromptDescribed by Jay Schwedelson:Start by asking ChatGPT:“I'm looking for the best software for [your industry/problem].”If your company doesn't show up in the answer, follow up with:“What prompt should I use to audit and optimize my website so that it becomes a top recommendation when someone asks that question?”Then feed it your URL and ask for specific improvements.3. Source Analysis PromptDaniel adds a follow-up idea:“Can you analyze the sources you used to generate this answer? Why were they selected, and what makes them authoritative?”This helps reverse-engineer the pages ChatGPT is favoring in its answers.4. Prompt Jacking / Image Reverse-Engineering PromptJay's tip for swiping viral content:Screenshot a viral post or ad and upload it to ChatGPT (or another AI tool) with:“Reverse engineer this image. What prompt would generate something like this for my brand?”Customize the elements it gives you.5. Copywriter Style PromptDaniel's favorite for headline writing:“Act like [David Ogilvy / Gary Halbert / Joseph Sugarman]. Write 10 headlines for this product in their style.”Or combine styles:“Mash up Ogilvy and Halbert and write variations in their tone.”=================================================Check out our 100% FREE + VIRTUAL EVENTS! ->Guru Conference - The World's Largest Virtual EMAIL MARKETING Conference - Nov 6-7!Register here:
Luis “Tito” Ramirez, Chief Creative Officer of Whirlpool's in-house agency WoW Studios and a veteran of Ogilvy's global network, shares his journey from his native Colombia to the U.S., the lessons learned from chasing titles too early, and how he's redefining creative culture inside corporate walls—plus a few memorable missteps along the way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thank you for the overwhelming response to Episode 1 of The Bridge!We absolutely loved reading your comments, your thoughts, reflections, and even disagreements made it clear: We need more conversations like these.So, here we are back with Episode 2.This time, we're asking: IS PERSONAL BRANDING NECESSARY?Why is everyone suddenly obsessed with “being seen”?Why does every Gen Z feel the need to show up online all the time?And is that visibility actually translating to value?Joining Shantanu this time are two sharp Gen Z voices, Avani Rathore (Entrepreneur, Ex-BCG) and Goutami Rane (Senior Account Executive at Ogilvy), who've built their presence in the digital world and understand the trade-offs that come with it.Across the table are Revant Bhate (Co-Founder & CEO, Mosaic Wellness) and Kaushik Mukherjee (Co-founder & COO, SUGAR Cosmetics). Two seasoned founders who've built iconic brands from scratch without ever turning themselves into a ‘brand'.Together, they unpack what personal branding really means today, beyond LinkedIn carousels and viral reels.Tune in for an honest debate on:1. Does Gen Z value visibility over actual value?2. Can your LinkedIn presence really get you promoted?3. Where's the line between authenticity and performance?Drop your thoughts in the comments below!Tune in now to hear both sides of the debate and rethink how we show up in the world of work.Navigate your way through the chapters00:00 Coming up01:00 Introduction02:06 Views of Gen Z on Personal Branding03:45 The gap between the true self and the public persona06:59 The role of branding in starting a career08:25 Employee views on Personal Branding11:52 Promoting online presence vs. valuing offline skills14:28 The importance of storytelling in building a brand18:42 How social media impacts personal branding19:08 Recruitment parameters based on personal brands22:27 The reality and effort behind personal branding25:41 Founders on using podcasts to boost growth27:54 Closing thoughts
Andy Johnson is joined by 2006 U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy to preview the 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club. Andy and Geoff discuss the setup at Oakmont as the club prepares to host the U.S. Open for a record 10th time. Geoff shares insights from his experience playing at the 2007 U.S. Open as the defending champion and emphasizes the unique challenges that Oakmont presents. The two discuss the mental strategy needed to contend for 72 holes at one of the toughest courses in America and focus on players such as Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Xander Schauffele as potential winners.
Sharing a Coke with Rhonda and Ketut! In today's episode, Managing Partner Craig Emanuel sits down with Andrew Baxter, current Chair of several iconic Australian industries, businesses and not-for-profits. Andrew was previously the CEO of two of Australia's largest marketing agencies, Publicis and Ogilvy, creating the famous ‘share a Coke' campaign. How do you create a successful global marketing campaign to last generations?Andrew is one of Australia's most trusted business, marketing and communications advisors. Before establishing his consulting firm, Andrew Baxter worked with many of Australia's largest companies, brands and government bodies, as the CEO of two of the country's biggest communications agencies, now a Senior Advisor at KPMG. Andrew is currently the Chair of Australian Pork, Deputy Chair at Foresters Financial, Deputy Chair at Sydney Symphony Orchestra, a Non-Executive Director at OzHarvest, Agricultural Innovation Australia, Disclaimer: The information in this podcast series is for general financial educational purposes only, should not be considered financial advice and is only intended for wholesale clients. That means the information does not consider your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider if the information is appropriate for you and your needs. You should always consult your trusted licensed professional adviser before making any investment decision.
Using Unconventional Thinking to Tackle Creative Blocks with guest David Carson Up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code VALERIE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance PATREON: Thank you to our existing patrons for believing in our work offline and here in the podcast. Become a patron of the arts at Patreon.com/valerieihsan for books, writing instruction, coaching, and planning. Also, the Planner Plays and Monthly Reflections are always free for all members on my Patreon page. But I don't list them as Public", so click correct tier for updated links, dates, and cancellations. I just put up a new schedule last week for the upcoming months. Go to Patreon.com/strangeairstories for short stories in the paranormal mystery genre. Segment 1 (Announcements/Author Updates): (Valerie): catching up from being in Florida. Book club. Cleaned my son's kitchen, dog training started, email past retreat participants to personally invite them to the new coaching program. • Aligned Author: A bespoke book coaching journey for soul-led experts, creatives, and writers ready to channel their life's work into a living, breathing legacy.) I created Aligned Author to provide a sacred space for authors to truly understand what has been holding them back, to learn how to merge the soul with the ego, to live and create in that duality, and to discover their own super powers. • Creating a new freebie for my mailing list and patrons (patrons always get everything 1st, even before the mailing list subscribers). It's a three-part micro masterclass on story structure, character arc, and universal truth stmt/theme (Erick): Shadow Signals for sale now; publishing anthology soon; updating back Fake My Run for Strava; Much Music (from Canada); Fuse (MTV competitor) What are you reading? Valerie: How to Read a Book (Monica Wood) (Not ready to give up on them, but struggling to finish them:) Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman; The Year of the Puppy (Alexandra Horowitz) ; The Teller of Small Fortunes Julie Leong Erick: A Wounded Deer Leaps Highest (Charlie J. Stephens) David: 831 Stories (Comedic Timing) The Case Against Reality (Donald Hoffman) The Weirdest People in the World; N+1 (The Pirates of Ayahuasca: That Shaman Stole My Personality) • Segment 2 (Resources/Tips/Tidbits): Tidbit #1: • Tidbit #2: Segment 3 (Main Topic): Using Unconventional Thinking to Tackle Creative Blocks David Carson is an entrepreneur and marketing innovator whose groundbreaking companies and products have impacted millions worldwide. Renowned for his expertise in creative thinking, Carson has collaborated with global giants like American Express, Nike, Coca-Cola, and IKEA, as well as cutting-edge advertising agencies including Mother and Ogilvy. His unconventional approach has not only shaped iconic brands but also challenged traditional notions of problem-solving in business and beyond. Dumb-Thinking makes you smarter. "Smart" prevents the creative thinking. Strive to have "dumb ideas." Exercises to teach brain to think of dumb ideas: ways to think Example: George Castanza Model (Do the Opposite of Everything you typically do) How develop that curiosity? Creation: What if? To follow the curiosity. It may seem absurd, but go deeper. Make it worse. Improv (Yes, And for collaborating) Use Chat GPT as a collaborator. It wants to be "smart," to make them "illogical": what is a commonality between extreme ideas, or create a new idea from two opposite things. Colab Culture. If it's weird enough, it gets me curious. Lean in. Example: Make it Worse (to create new things, learned how to NOT do it, shake up brain) When start projects, start with mental models first, what you've written isn't that precious, too afraid to change it. Test the dumb idea with feedback. What's the fastest way to test? Tik-tok, open mic, writing group, social media ads, reddit, Dumbify: summer Podcast: Dumbify (dumb ideas that have changed culture) The Weird and the Eerie Mask under a mask as a plot device. Sign up for David's Newsletter: Dumbify (David-carson.com) Look for the podcast next month or two, and the book this summer. And don't forget: Go to valerieihsan.com to schedule a free consultation to see if Aligned Author is right for you. Get 48% off the Magic Mind : https://magicmind.com/VALERIE20 and use Valerie20 at checkout. #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance Next episode: Find Us: Valerie's Linktree: https://linktr.ee/valerieihsan (Find Passion Planner discount codes here.) Erick's Linktree link: https://linktr.ee/erickmertzauthor Patreons: https://patreon.com/valerieihsan https://patreon.com/strangeairmysteries Tools: ProWriting Aid: https://prowritingaid.com/?afid=9378 (affiliate link)
Peter Wilken is a branding expert with 30 years of experience working with some of the world's most prestigious brands, including Coca-Cola, BMW, Disney, FedEx, IBM, McDonald's, Shell, Sony, and Visa.A 'madman' advertising veteran, Peter ran top creative agencies such as BBDO, Leo Burnett, and Ogilvy. He co-founded The Brand Company in 2002, a Hong Kong-based firm whose clients included AIG, SmarTone-Vodafone, and Shangri-La Hotels.A global nomad, Peter has lived in England, Scotland, America, the Solomon Islands, Singapore, China, and the Philippines. He moved to Canada in 2007, where he founded his private consulting company, Dolphin Brand Strategy, and the online brand strategy coaching platform, The Lighthouse Brand Strategy Academy. Launched in late 2023, the academy is Peter's online course and mentoring program focused on democratizing effective brand strategy, making it accessible, affordable, and actionable to small business owners, solopreneurs, and brand strategists everywhere.Peter is the author of Dim Sum Strategy: Bite-Sized Tools to Build Stronger Brands, which includes more than 40 carefully curated, bite-sized creative and strategic thinking tools, as well as the free e-book, The 10 Commandments to Build a Strong Brand (and Steer Your Ship). He lives in West Vancouver, BC, with his wife Regina. They have three grown sons, two grandchildren, and a beagle.Connect with Peter here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterwilken/https://www.facebook.com/lighthousebrandstrategy/https://www.instagram.com/dolphinbrandman/https://www.peterwilken.com/Don't forget to register for my FREE LinkedIn 101 workshop on June 9th from 12 - 1:30 pm EST here:https://networkacademy.kartra.com/page/LinkedIn101
In this eye-opening conversation, join host Rajiv Parikh as he unveils Arena AI – their revolutionary platform that's transforming how marketing campaigns are planned, executed, and optimized. Sajjan Kanukolanu (VP of Global Operations) and Vikrant V.(CTO) walk us through how their team has embedded 20 years of marketing expertise into a system that combines project management, unified analytics, and AI agents that execute real marketing work.• Arena includes project management specifically designed for marketing workflows• The Calibrate interface provides unified dashboards pulling data from 130+ platforms• RPA technology connects even to custom platforms without APIs• AI co-pilot powered by multiple agents that execute specific marketing tasks• Built on what Position Squared calls their "Growth Language Model"• Platform incorporates 20 years of industry-specific marketing expertise• System provides 95% accurate predictive analytics using LSTM neural networks• Campaign strategies incorporate industry data and competitor analysis• Human oversight remains crucial at decision points for optimal results• AI agents work together to handle everything from ICPs to ad creationThe marketing technology landscape has exploded with specialized tools, leaving marketers buried under mountains of disconnected data and endless manual tasks. What if there was a way to harness artificial intelligence not just for insights, but to actually do the work?The most fascinating aspect of Arena isn't just its ability to connect data from hundreds of platforms (even proprietary ones without APIs), but how it deploys specialized AI agents to handle specific marketing tasks. Unlike generic AI tools that provide broad recommendations, Arena's Growth Language Model understands the nuances of different industries and buyer personas, delivering highly targeted strategies that have historically driven results.What makes this conversation particularly valuable is how openly the team discusses their journey from service provider to software company. Their practical approach demonstrates that effective AI implementation isn't about theoretical capabilities, but about solving real problems that marketers face daily.Sajjan Kanukolanu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sajjank/Sajjan serves as Vice President of Global Operations & Strategy at Position². He has experience as a digital marketing, growth & digital experience strategist and previously led strategy & growth at Ogilvy, & Wunderman. Sajjan is an AI Advisor and Speaker, having accepted a role on the AI Advisory Board at the University of San Francisco School of Management. He holds a Ph.D. in Marketing, an MBA, and an MS Electrical Engineering. Vikrant V.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikrantv/Vikrant V is the Chief Technology Officer at Position². Prior to his current role at Position², he served as Chief Technology Officer at TiLa from July 2020 to September 2023. Vikrant has led large ecommerce and analytics teams at Amazons and Moneyview, a fast growing fintech company. Vikrant holds an MS in Software Systems from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani.Website: https://www.position2.com/podcast/Rajiv Parikh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivparikh/Sandeep Parikh: https://www.instagram.com/sandeepparikh/Email us with any feedback for the show: spark@postion2.com
Mark Kingsley is the author of Universal Principles of Branding and the forthcoming Brands in the Age of AI. A Grammy-nominated designer turned brand strategist, he's led work for Citi, Equinox, and Blue Note Records. Mark joined me on this week's On Brand to talk about branding's future—and how AI is changing the game. Mark Kingsley began his career designing album packages for legends like John Coltrane, Pat Metheny, and Quincy Jones—work that earned him a Grammy nomination in 2001 for Blue Note Records—before transitioning into corporate branding, where he led major initiatives at Landor and Collins for clients such as Citi, Ogilvy, and Equinox. Through his studio, Malcontent, he serves a diverse mix of clients from indie filmmakers to Pulitzer Prize winners. Mark teaches in the SVA Masters in Branding program, previously held the Melbert B. Cary Professorship at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and is currently Head of Brand for the fashion label Oumlil. His book Universal Principles of Branding became a bestseller in 2023, and his next, Brands in the Age of AI, is due out in December. What brand has made Mark smile recently? Mark shared decades-old smiles from the record label ECM, a company whose recordings provide a classic example of creating space through design and sound. Connect with Mark on LinkedIn and the Malcontent website. Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
When 20% of your population are descendants of convicts, rules will be broken. Some of the smartest creative and strategic minds in Australia join me live from Sydney to share how they are playing it perfectly unsafe. Thanks to Tracksuit, The Effies and WARC for supporting our Live Tour series. And to Ogilvy for hosting us.
Rohit Bhargava, founder of the Non Obvious Company and IdeaPress Publishing, on augmented creativity, the human mode, and accelerated learning. Adjunct professor at Georgetown University with a background in marketing and advertising at Ogilvy and Leo Burnett, he argues the significance of live events, media literacy, and the role of the curator in the stories we tell in branding. Technology advancements and storytelling, he says are interlinked, but the future will always depend on the greatest storytellers, and in particular, those who find the non-obvious stories to tell.#Advertising #Business #Technology
This week, I sat down with my friend Reid Litman, Global Consulting Director at Ogilvy, to talk about what it actually means to build trust with Gen Z—and why most brands are doing it wrong.We cover creator-led brands, the evolution of retail strategy, loyalty programs that don't suck, and why “authenticity” has officially lost all meaning. Reid shares what he's seeing on the agency side, from legacy brands trying to stay relevant to new ones trying not to embarrass themselves.Plus, we get into why A24's membership model works, what Feastables learned moving from DTC to retail, and how YouTube is quietly becoming the new cable box. If you're working in brand, marketing, or just trying to keep up with the next generation of buyers, this episode is full of insights you'll actually use.
In this episode of Spikes Excitement Talks, Gordon sits down with Tapas Sharma, Vice President, Marketing and Brand Design Lead at JP Morgan Chase in London. Tapas shares his fascinating journey from a television actor in India to becoming a driving force in brand design across multiple industries. Tapas shares how design is more than aesthetics, it's a tool to build trust, evoke emotion, and break industry biases.They explore Tapas's early days designing Subway posters at Pink Papaya Productions, his evolution through agencies like Ogilvy and Chime, and his in-house leadership roles at Nutmeg and WorldRemit. Tapas reflects on the design-led rebrand and repositioning of Nutmeg that helped pave the way for its acquisition by JP Morgan Chase and what it means to shape a brand within a financial giant while retaining startup spirit.He talks about the emotional power of design, the thrill of pulling off the “magic trick” of visual storytelling, and how brand psychology influences consumer behavior – the emotion in brand connection, the impact of micro-moments like a smile or a nod, and why experiences, before, during, and after are the future of marketing.From telecoms to fintech, across continents and cultures, Tapas opens up about what makes brand work meaningful and how curiosity, adaptability, and a passion for deeper symbolism have shaped his path. Whether you're into branding, creative strategy, or global career pivots, this episode is full of insights and inspiration.Tune in and hear why great design is more than decoration: it's transformation.
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„Es gibt keinen Grund mehr, sich einer Agentur anzuschließen.“ Was sehr radikal klingt, ist für Dora Osinde, Chief Creative Officer bei Ogilvy Germany, eine Feststellung – und ein Weckruf für die Branche. Wer heute mit KI arbeitet, sich vernetzt und Zugang zu Kunden bekommt, braucht kein großes System mehr, um kreativ durchzustarten. Die Folge: Agenturen verlieren an Attraktivität – nicht weil Kreativität weniger wichtig wäre, sondern weil viele Strukturen nicht mehr zeitgemäß sind. In der neuen Folge von #WhatsNextCreatives spricht Dora mit Kim Alexandra Notz und Bärbel Egli-Unckrich über eine neue Definition von Creative Leadership. Weg vom kontrollierenden Titeldenken, hin zu einem Führungsverständnis, das Menschen stärkt, Verantwortung teilt und echte Nähe zulässt. Sie spricht darüber, wie Care, Culture und Community zur Währung der Zukunft werden – und warum es Führungskräfte braucht, die zuhören, Rückendeckung geben und den Raum halten, statt ihn zu dominieren. Gleichzeitig beschreibt sie, wie das kreative Produkt selbst im Wandel ist: schneller, datenbasierter, technischer – aber auch persönlicher, emotionaler und direkter als je zuvor. Dora analysiert die Auswirkungen von GenAI auf Rollenbilder, beschreibt, wie sich Hierarchien auflösen und welche Skills künftig entscheidend sind: Urteilskraft, Haltung, Geschmack. Sie plädiert für mehr kollaborative Modelle, für neue Offenheit gegenüber Indie-Formaten und hinterfragt die Mechanik von Awards und Rankings, deren Gewicht sich zunehmend an Einreichvolumen statt kreativer Substanz bemisst. Beim ADC zeigt sich für Dora das Dilemma der Branche: Würde es allein nach inhaltlicher Relevanz gehen, hätte sie längst auf eine Teilnahme verzichtet – zu viele Wiederholungen, zu wenig neue Stimmen. Auch das Thema Diversity bleibt nicht abstrakt: Sie benennt klar, wo Deutschland im internationalen Vergleich hinterherhinkt – und was sich ändern müsste, damit Führung wirklich vielfältiger wird. Diese Folge ist ein reflektierter Blick auf eine Branche und eine Einladung, Creative Leadership in Zukunft neu zu denken.
La agencia Ogilvy es una de las más influyentes del mundo. Hace ya más de 30 años que se integró en WPP Group pero mantiene su identidad y su considerable tamaño: alrededor de 25.000 empleados en más de 90 países. En España son alrededor de 600, repartidos entre Barcelona y Madrid, y tienen la tercera operativa más grande de Europa, que no es poco.En el programa de esta semana hemos liado al CEO de Ogilvy Barcelona (y vicepresidente a nivel España), Jordi Urbea. Jordi lleva 27 años en Ogilvy por lo que veréis que da en una conversación muy estimulante sobre la evolución del mercado publicitario desde el arranque de la disrupción digital y sobre todo cómo se está reconfigurando el ecosistema con la irrupción de la inteligencia artificial generativa.⭐[Beloved sponsor] CTT Express, tu partner de paquetería https://www.cttexpress.com/
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Alvin Crawford, CEO of EdVice K12 and a seasoned expert in the field of education and technology. Alvin takes us on a journey through his career, from the early days of the internet, working with major players like Digitas and Ogilvy, to his pivotal role in the growth of Schoolnet, and his current work as a consultant with Edvice K12. Alvin dives into the critical topic of adolescent literacy and highlights innovative solutions like World Book ClassMate, which leverages AI to personalize learning and boost student engagement. He also shares valuable insights on navigating the complexities of ed tech entrepreneurship, the importance of trusted resources in the age of disinformation, and the future of AI in education. Recorded live at the ASU+GSV Summit, this episode offers a blend of experience, expertise, and forward-thinking perspectives on the ever-evolving world of education. Key Takeaways: Ed tech solutions should focus on solving urgent problems, such as adolescent literacy, to ensure relevance and impact. AI has the potential to transform teaching and learning by providing personalized support and enhancing teacher effectiveness. Curation and trust are paramount in the age of AI to combat misinformation and ensure access to reliable information. Successful ed tech ventures require a deep understanding of the education ecosystem, including implementation and distribution strategies. Why You Should Listen: Whether you're an educator seeking innovative tools, an entrepreneur developing ed tech solutions, or simply curious about the future of education, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Alvin Crawford's expertise and real-world experience make this a compelling and informative listen. Subscribe and Follow: Stay ahead of the curve in education! Subscribe to Trending in Education for more engaging discussions and expert interviews. Visit us at TrendinginEd.com for more.
In this episode, host and General Manager of ALF Insight, Amanda Rosevear, chats to Laura Vipond, Chief Growth Officer at Ogilvy. They discuss Laura's career journey, the importance of new business culture, and the strategies Ogilvy employs for agency growth. Laura shares her knowledge of how best to understand client needs, the evolving pitch process, and why she promotes the Positive Pitch Pledge, aimed at improving the pitching experience for both agencies and clients. The conversation also touches on the importance of emotional intelligence in business development and the long-term strategies for building client relationships. Plus, Laura answers the OnBD Quickfire Questions revealing which animated movie title best describes her career. 00:00 Introduction to Laura Vipond and Her Career Journey03:53 Understanding Agency Growth Models08:13 The Importance of New Business Culture11:06 Ogilvy's New Business Strategy15:02 Identifying and Filling the Pipeline18:47 The Long Game: Asparagus Growth Strategy21:12 Evolving Pitch Processes and Client Expectations27:04 The Positive Pitch Pledge32:50 Quickfire Questions and Key Takeaways If you want to do business with the UK's leading brands, request an ALF Insight demo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
My guest this week is someone whose career path may not be linear, but it's been anything but boring. Jason Chebib started out in some of London's top ad agencies, including Ogilvy, Publicis, J. Walter Thompson, and BBDO, where he worked alongside CMOs and future CMOs at brands like Shell, Unilever, Dyson, Mars, and Ford. Then came a pivot—from creating campaigns to teaching the science behind them. Jason traveled the world, training the next generation of marketers in what actually works when it comes to growing brands. Eventually, he jumped back into the deep end—this time client-side at Diageo. First in Amsterdam, working on global strategy for Johnnie Walker, and then in New York as Head of Planning for Diageo North America, where he shaped the future of brands like Smirnoff, Baileys, Guinness, and Captain Morgan. Now fully rooted in the U.S., Jason has worn many hats—from advising agencies to serving as Committee Chair of Agency Relations at the ANA and Co-Chair of the Marketing Society in New York. He brings the kind of perspective that only comes from being deep in the trenches: agency, client, strategy, research, and education. And while he's not one to chase titles, let's just say his next chapter is wide open—and any brand would be lucky to have him. I am proud to call him my friend, my confidant, my mentor: Jason Chebib.
En este podcast, Jordi Urbea, experto en creatividad y publicidad, CEO de Ogilvy comparte estrategias clave para conectar con tu audiencia a través del storytelling, la tecnología y el marketing personal. Descubre cómo las marcas pueden emocionar, inspirar y enganchar a sus consumidores, incluso en un mundo dominado por la inteligencia artificial.
Creativity through the lens of the Founder and CEO of The Free Spirits Company"Critical thinking that helps solve a problem. That solves a problem that is additive." Milan is a creative business executive with a history of driving growth and successin both large enterprise and entrepreneurial environments. Milan has heldexecutive-level positions across three continents, leading both Fortune 50 andgrowth brands.In 2020, Milan founded The Free Spirits Company and is currently the CEO ofthe organization. Working with a talented team of multi-disciplinary professionals,Milan is dedicated to changing global drinking culture by offering people betternon-alcoholic options when ‘drinking'. Over the four+ years since its founding,Free Spirits has become one of the leading brands in a category that continues toaccelerate.Prior to Free Spirits, Milan led Grey Advertising through a significant turn-aroundand to the most successful time in its history. Under Milan's leadership, Grey SanFrancisco was recognized as one of the fastest growing, most creatively awardedagencies on the West Coast. Taking home top honors at festivals including Effies,Cannes, OneShows and D&AD, in addition to the business results achieved forGrey's clients were all factors in the Agency being named as Global Agency of theYear three years running.Earlier in his career, Milan spent over a decade at Ogilvy & Mather in bothLondon and New York City, later joining a digital agency as Chief Strategistwhere he also orchestrated the sale of the company to a publicly tradedorganization.A native of the East Coast, Milan now lives with his family in Mill Valley, Californiawhere he plays drums (serviceably) in a neighborhood dad band called “The SofaKings”.https://www.linkedin.com/in/milanmartin/https://drinkfreespirits.com/https://www.instagram.com/drinkfreespirits/Send us a text
Tu peux soutenir sur le podcast en mettant 5⭐️ sur Apple Podcasts ou SpotifySébastien est Creative Staff Product Designer chez OpenClassrooms.Passionné par la création depuis tout jeune, Sébastien a envie de travailler dans les jeux vidéo. Après une prépa aux écoles d'arts, il rejoint l'école e-artsup avant de réaliser qu'il n'a pas les compétences pour faire du design 3D. Mais il trouve rapidement sa place dans la direction artistique.Sébastien revient sur son parcours scolaire et sur ses stages où il se cherchaient encore entre digital et print, avant de spécialiser petit à petit dans le numérique.Lors d'une mission en agence, il organisation un salon autour de la pub. Il décide de partager son portfolio à certains intervenants, et se fait recruter chez Ogilvy comme Directeur Artistique.C'est à ce moment-là qu'il découvre le métier d'UX Designer. Son métier ressemble alors de plus en plus au métier d'UI Designer travaillant en binôme avec un UX Designer. Il travaille alors de plus en plus sur des sites internet et des applications iOS.Après 3 années chez Ogilvy, Sébastien à l'opportunité de faire un VIE en Inde et de gérer un studio de design. Un grand changement pour lui : il a désormais une équipe d'une dizaine de personne à gérer. Un changement de paradigme pour Sébastien qui doit faire grandir et monter en compétence une équipe, tout en faisant de moins en moins de design.Malheureusement, le studio fait énormément d'applications pour Facebook qui décide de jour au lendemain de les arrêter. Le studio doit donc fermer, Sébastien décide alors de faire du freelancing. Comme le marché évolue, il décide de le suivre et de s'orienter dans le Product Design.Sébastien rejoint ensuite OpenClassrooms en tant que Product Designer avec une forte appétence UI, et avec la volonté de monter en compétence sur la User Research. On parle alors du rôle de Sébastien chez OpenClassrooms : comment il réfléchit a une fonctionnalité, la met en place et s'assure qu'elle fonctionne.Les ressources de l'épisodeOpenClassroomsDesign BetterDesign EmotionnelComment se faire des amisLes autres épisode de Design Journeys#15 Audrey Hacq, Product Design Director @ OpenClassrooms#81 Morgane Constant, Content Design & UX Research Manager @ OpenClassrooms#84 Romain Kuzniak, ex-CTO & Head of Product @ OpenClassrooms Pour contacter SébastienLinkedInHébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
What topic would you like us to cover next?Getting fired can be devastating to your career - or it can be the catalyst for something greater. For Patrick Collister, being unceremoniously dismissed from a French-owned direct marketing agency where he was billed at £1000 per hour became a transformational moment that propelled him toward success.In this fascinating conversation, Patrick takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable journey from copywriter trainee at Ogilvy to Executive Creative Director and eventually Head of Design at Google. Patrick unpacks how his most humiliating professional setback opened the door to understanding direct marketing just as digital communications was transforming the industry.Patrick shares the untold story behind one of Britain's most iconic advertisements - the "Accrington Stanley" milk commercial that continues to resonate decades later. Discover how that instantly recognisable line "Accrington Stanley, who are they? Exactly!" wasn't the original plan at all, but emerged from rejection and creative necessity.Throughout our discussion, Patrick explores the paradox at the heart of effective marketing: the tension between creative risk-taking and business pragmatism. He challenges the concept of "risk" altogether, suggesting that what we call risky is often just exciting and unfamiliar. His refreshingly practical definition of creativity as "nothing more and nothing less than solving problems" strips away mystique and makes innovation accessible to everyone.For marketers navigating today's fractured media landscape, Patrick offers invaluable insights on reframing challenges, interrogating briefs properly, and fostering environments where meaningful creativity can thrive. His stories of pitch disasters, encounters with industry legends, and observations about the current state of advertising deliver both entertainment and enlightenment.Subscribe now to hear Patrick's full conversation and learn how our greatest professional mistakes often become our most powerful catalysts for growth and reinvention. Is your marketing strategy ready for 2025? Book a free 15-min discovery call with Chris to get tailored insights to boost your brand's growth.
This week's story is The Star by H.G. Wells, which might be a prequel to The War of the Worlds. There's actually a cameo by Ogilvy the Astronomer and the Martians, who are watching all of the hijinks on Earth from afar… probably with less envious eyes than they are in War of the Worlds.If you have a story you'd like to contribute to the series, you can visit https://submissions.soundconceptmedia.com/You can support the show by becoming a paid subscriber on Substack: https://auditoryanthology.substack.comBy becoming a paid subscriber you can listen to every episode completely ad-free!Curator: Keith Conrad linktr.ee/keithrconradNarrator: Darren Marlar https://darrenmarlar.com/Other shows hosted by Darren:Weird Darkness: https://weirddarkness.com/Paranormality Magazine: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/paranormalitymagMicro Terrors: Scary Stories for Kids: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/microterrorsRetro Radio – Old Time Radio In The Dark: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/retroradioChurch of the Undead: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/churchoftheundead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
O choque geracional já é uma realidade e as organizações estão na linha de frente dessa transição. Enquanto a Geração Z chega com sua influências, costumes e ambições, boa parte das empresas reage de maneira conservadora. Nessa disputa, quem vai ceder? Dado Schneider, um dos maiores especialistas brasileiros em comportamento, sociedade e novas gerações, sinaliza quais as transformações que esse conflito invisível deve proporcionar. Conteúdo patrocinado DESENVOLVIMENTO Estude na maior rede de ensino técnico do Brasil e construa seu diferencial no mercado de trabalho https://adm.to/42BqNrS ESPRESSO QUENTINHO Quer ter um café premium no seu escritório? Conheça a assinatura Nespresso Professional https://adm.to/4j4vP7a Sobre o entrevistado Dado Schneider escritor, palestrante e publicitário com três décadas de estrada. No auge da propaganda no Brasil, trabalhou em grandes agências, como DM9, Ogilvy, MPM, entre outras. Além de ter sido consultor de grandes empresas, foi executivo da CLARO e um dos criadores da marca. Dado é pós-Graduado em Marketing pela Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul e Mestre e Doutor em Comunicação pela PUC/RS. Nos últimos anos, palestra sobre as suas pesquisas sobre comportamento das novas gerações e foi considerado pelo site Buzzfeed como "palestrante imperdível da Campus Party", de onde também é Embaixador.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pete Dailey is the creative director of Postmodern Tectonics.The creative label has collaborated with Casa Ysasi, Amaxi Autosport, and Creative Entrepreneurs.As a Global Director for Ogilvy, he has worked with Samsung, Google, Android, and Ford. Me and Pete sat down for a coffee at The Mandarin in NYC in the morning hours getting to know one another and it felt like we've known each other for years.Applied Imagination. Integrative Approach. Niche Yet Accessible.Please welcome Pete Dailey to Wear Many Hats.instagram.com/petedaileyinstagram.com/pomotectinstagram.com/wearmanyhatswmhinstagram.com/rashadrastamrashadrastam.comwearmanyhats.com
In the second episode of the monthly Career Edit podcast, Dean Connelly and Elizabeth Howlett are joined by Jo Carr, president of Women in PR and co-founder CCO at Hope & Glory PR to discuss how PR leaders can support more women into senior roles. Additionally, Howlett and Connelly talk about Axe + Saw's recent appointment of Hannah Sharrat who joins the agency as associate director, having previously worked at Ogilvy PR UK. 1 mins: Howlett and Connelly intro themselves, thanking the PRmoment Podcast sponsors PRCA and directing listeners to keep their eyes peeled for more webinars and masterclasses on PRmoment's site. 2 mins: Hannah Sharrat appointed as associate director at Axe + Saw "It can help move the agency into the next level of growth""The amount of Ogilvy employees commenting on the [Linkedin] post saying they will miss her..."4 mins: The hot topic of the month following CIPR's Missing Women In PR, is on how to get women into more senior PR positions. 6 mins: Connelly gives his insight into recruiting women into senior roles "Women are progressing up to associate director level and then a big shift happens" 7 mins: Carr discusses CIPR research and talks on why "some people don't see the problem"13 mins: If women are being overlooked for legacy projects, should we base pay on what people have achieved?14 mins: Carr outlines solutions and things leaders can do immediately to push change21 mins: What can male leaders do if they recognise the senior team isn't diverse enough and feel uneasy?
In this episode of The Sodality of Our Lady Radio Hour, the hosts reflect on the liturgical seasons of Lent, St. Joseph's month, and the feast days of the saints, focusing on the life and martyrdom of St. John Ogilvy L'articolo Sodality of Our Lady Radio Hour – A Reflection on St. Joseph, St. John Ogilvy, and Devotions to Our Lady proviene da Radio Maria.
n this episode of The Sodality of Our Lady Radio Hour, we journey through a rich spiritual reflection on the Lenten season, the Feast of Saint Joseph, and the significance of Saint Patrick. The episode delves into the life of Saint John Ogilvie, a Jesuit martyr who fearlessly pursued his mission in Scotland, and offers […] L'articolo Sodality of Our Lady Radio Hour – The Sodality of Our Lady Radio Hour: Lenten Reflections and Saint John Ogilvy's Mission proviene da Radio Maria.
Jenny sits down with Josh Rangel, a seasoned social media expert, to unpack the evolution of social media marketing. From the early days of Twitter to today's high-speed, high-volume content landscape, Josh shares insights on what's changed, what's stayed the same, and why organic social media still matters. He also offers advice for social media managers, emphasizing the importance of building a team, measuring success effectively, and—above all—having fun.Guest Name: Josh Rangel, Senior Director, Social at OgilvyGuest Socials: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrangel/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@rangelie Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/joshrangel.bsky.socialGuest Bio: Josh is a Senior Director, Social at Ogilvy. He has 19 years of experience providing strategic social media and public relations counsel - developing data-driven content, social engagement, and influencer marketing strategies and tactics that tap into culture and earn attention for some of the biggest brands in the world, including McDonald's, Google, Unilever, Allstate, Dyson, Grubhub, General Mills, and PepsiCo. His experience includes channel and content strategy, brand communications, paid and earned influencer marketing, real-time engagement execution, trend-spotting, social customer experience oversight, community management, social listening, brand and product launches, and strategic social media lead on several award-winning campaigns. - - - -Connect With Our Host:Jenny Li Fowlerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennylifowler/https://twitter.com/TheJennyLiAbout The Enrollify Podcast Network:Confessions of a Higher Ed Social Media Manager is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you'll like other Enrollify shows too! Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.Attend the 2025 Engage Summit! The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education. Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025! Early bird registration ends February 1st -- https://engage.element451.com/register
Hello everyone and welcome back! Thanks for your patience with this episode - it's been a busy few weeks. Today on the podcast we have Rory Sutherland, the Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK and the founder of the behavioural science practice at Ogilvy. Rory doesn't have a side project that we discuss, but he does have some of the sharpest insights on creative thinking and how to stay creative.Rory is arguably one of the most influential behavioural scientists in the world - his TED talks have over 7 million views. He also writes a column for the Spectator, serves on the advisory board of The Evolution Institute, and is the former President of the IPA (Institute of Practitioners in Advertising). Rory is a master of creative thinking and new ideas. He's written a best selling book called Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense - all about how irrational ideas matter in the age of the rational. In this podcast we talk about all sorts of things - if you've come across Rory before you'll know quite how unwieldy conversation with him becomes. We talk about why he would love to sell air conditioners, why Elon musk should build a modern day trailer business, why he thinks the Industrial Revolution was largely because of good marketing, the homogenisation of modern society, and if he believes AI can ever replace an irrational human mind, and how to sell climate solutions that change behaviour. It's quite the conversation, let me know what you think via comments!Looking for coaching to help you find your own voice and be more creative? Head to outofhours.org/coaching Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Geoff Ogilvy returns to the Fried Egg Golf Podcast as he joins Andy Johnson to preview this week's Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Geoff shares some his experiences as a player at the event and details what makes Pete Dye's Stadium Course a tough test for the best golfers in the world. Andy and Geoff also discuss some PGA Tour pros that have caught Geoff's eye so far in 2025, leading to a larger conversation about the chase for speed in today's game.
Rory Sutherland is a British advertising executive and is the Vice Chairman of the Ogilvy & Mather group of companies. SPONSOR. Augusta Precious Metals: our trusted gold IRA partners. Click to learn more: https://learn.augustapreciousmetals.com/trigger SPONSOR. Stash. Go to https://get.stash.com/trigger to see how you can receive $25 towards your first stock purchase. Join our exclusive TRIGGERnometry community on Substack! https://triggernometry.substack.com/ OR Support TRIGGERnometry Here: Bitcoin: bc1qm6vvhduc6s3rvy8u76sllmrfpynfv94qw8p8d5 Shop Merch here - https://www.triggerpod.co.uk/shop/ Advertise on TRIGGERnometry: marketing@triggerpod.co.uk Find TRIGGERnometry on Social Media: https://twitter.com/triggerpod https://www.facebook.com/triggerpod/ https://www.instagram.com/triggerpod/ About TRIGGERnometry: Stand-up comedians Konstantin Kisin (@konstantinkisin) and Francis Foster (@francisjfoster) make sense of politics, economics, free speech, AI, drug policy and WW3 with the help of presidential advisors, renowned economists, award-winning journalists, controversial writers, leading scientists and notorious comedians. 00:00 Introduction 05:00 Bud Light 12:24 Brands Pushing Agendas On Social Issues 16:02 The Jaguar Rebrand 28:57 The Explore-Exploit Trade-Off 36:53 Moralistic Lecturing From Companies 52:51 Getting The Media We Deserve 57:54 Rory's Thoughts On Political Marketing And PR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 508 - A X Foster - GAVEL TO GAVEL and DOUBLE BLIND - THE SENECA COUNTY COURTHOUSE SERIESA. X. Foster was a prosecutor in Maryland for 20 years and then opened up his own law firm where he represented criminal defendants for an additional 15 years.As a prosecutor, he tried approximately 100 jury trials, including homicides, sexual assaults, domestic violence and animal cruelty cases. His work promoting increased protection for animals led to the legislature enacting the first felony animal abuse law in Maryland history. He also won the first conviction under the new law in 2000.Foster graduated from Bennington College in Vermont with a double major in Literature and Theatre Arts. He then spent two years as a copywriter at the Madison Avenue advertising agency Ogilvy & Mather.Foster then traveled in Europe while based in Amsterdam, where he performed for two years at the English Speaking Theatre of Amsterdam. After returning to New York, he became a member of the acting unions Actors' Equity, the Screen Actors' Guild, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. In the 1980s, Foster performed in various TV soap operas, including “Ryan's Hope,” “Search For Tomorrow,” “The Guiding Light,” “Another World,” and “As The World Turns.”Disenchanted with the world of professional acting, Foster entered law school to become an entertainment lawyer, but took a different path once he studied criminal law.At Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Foster won the school-wide Moot Court tournament and also received the prize for best legal writing, the Best Brief Award, and the prize for best speaker, the Best Oralist Award. He was then named to represent Emory in the National Moot Court tournament where he competed against other law schools from across the country.Upon graduation from law school, Foster first worked for the Department of Justice in Wilmington, Delaware and then took a position as an Assistant State's Attorney in Maryland.GAVEL TO GAVEL, Foster's first legal thriller, is based on Foster's experiences as a prosecutor. A life-long fan of murder mysteries and legal thrillers, with Agatha Christie, John Grisham and James Patterson as influences, Foster began writing the novel in 2020, when COVID greatly curtailed activity in the local courthouse.In GAVEL TO GAVEL, a wealthy businessman is murdered by his wife. The only eyewitness is their nine-year-old disabled daughter. Her testimony is the key to the case. Top prosecutor Mac MacIntyre is calm, confident and relies on his courtroom cunning to maneuver through a maze of office politics, the bright glare of the media spotlight and his own thorny ethical dilemmas. The story follows Mac as he navigates from the crime scene investigation to the selection of the jury, to fierce cross-examination, to a surprising jury verdict.GAVEL TO GAVEL was published by Paper Raven Books in 2023 and has garnered many positive reviews. His next book in THE SENECA COUNTY COURTHOUSE SERIES is titled DOUBLE BLIND, and features another murder trial with elements of police and judicial corruption. https://www.axfoster.com/Support the show___https://livingthenextchapter.com/podcast produced by: https://truemediasolutions.ca/Coffee Refills are always appreciated, refill Dave's cup here, and thanks!https://buymeacoffee.com/truemediaca
Today I'm joined by Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman at Ogilvy UK and TED Global Speaker, for a masterclass on all things advertising and behavioural science. Sponsored by https://www.b2bframeworks.com Brought to you in partnership with https://awardsinternational.com
Go to www.LearningLeader.com for full show notes This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire 1 person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world have the hustle and grit to deliver. www.InsightGlobal.com/LearningLeader Chris Beresford-Hill is the Worldwide Chief Creative Officer at BBDO. Previously he spent 2 years as North America President and CCO of Ogilvy, where he helped bring the agency and its clients a new level of relevance. He brought Workday to the Super Bowl, led the team that brought in the Verizon account, and one of the biggest Super Bowl campaigns ever, “Can't B Broken,” featuring Beyonce, and created the most celebrated Super Bowl campaign of 2024, the social & influencer lead "Michael CeraVe," for CeraVe. Chris and his teams have won every award for creativity and effectiveness many times over. He has been included in ADWEEK Best Creatives, the ADWEEK 100, and Business Insider's Most Creative People in Advertising. Notes: Cold Emails: Be specific in your praise and specific in your ask. The lame "Can I pick your brain" type emails get deleted and ignored because they aren't specific. You never need permission to take responsibility. Chris learned this from Ed Catmull's book Creativity Inc.… And he's embodied this his entire career. The people who build huge careers take ownership of their own and regularly solve problems and improve their clients' and colleagues' lives. Chris has done this since his early days as an intern. At any level taking on responsibility yourself, unasked, makes you stand out. Competence combined with insane follow-through. For some clients, it takes 50 ideas to get to the one that will work. Creating a culture where the team can share all of their bad ideas safely to get to the one great one. The creative process: Brain dump everything. Purge your brain of everything it has. When you think you're done, you're not. There's more. You have to get it all out. "A lot of creative people aren't fully aware of the process or the structure, they just feel it (Rick Rubin). "When you can see it lift off the page, you feel a sense of mastery over it." Chris's first Super Bowl commercial -- Emerald Nuts. He won it because he was both funny and added the fact that the product provided energy. Most people only covered one part, Chris did both. Push your edges - Chris is like Lionel Messi. He's always walking around in the office, asking questions, looking for ideas, being curious. Then he sees an opportunity and goes for it 100%. Chris has a standing reservation every week at the same restaurant where he meets with a mentor, mentee, or peer to deepen the important relationships in his life. That would be a good idea for us all to do. Chris was pen-pals with Dave Matthews for 8 years. Chris saw that they recorded at Bearsville studios and wrote a letter to Dave there. He also said, "Show up with gifts." He gave Dave a Beatles Bootlegged album. A leader takes what comes and then turns it into an opportunity. The formula is Competence + Insane Follow-Through. How to build relationships: Meet with people in person. Get drunk with them. Do hard work with them. Go through something bad with them. Laugh with them. I got hired from my internship by cold calling Mark Cuban to get him to approve of using his name in an ad. The best ideas are often bad in their first moments, or massively wrong, and then someone flips it or unlocks it. You have to stay on things and play around. I made my first ad by going through a garbage can to learn how to write a script and sending a bunch of Budweiser scripts to my boss. The art of finding an idea on the edge of possible, and the value of going over your skis when on the cusp of greatness - having a stomach for it. I've told a lie to keep things moving on every great campaign I was part of. I learned the best lesson in leadership when we lost our biggest account (Accenture). I put Danny Meyer's mentality into practice, and we took that moment to put the business and clients second and play for each other. Culture carried us. Culture is built by the stories we tell and the behaviors we highlight.
This week we released AI from the punishment cupboard in which we've been keeping it in order to win the approval of author, marketing super-brain and AI believer Paul Dervan. As the Head of Brand Marketing at Miro, Paul has been busy bolstering his reputation as one of the industry's smartiest pant-wearers when it comes to marketing effectiveness. Miro is just the latest stop in a marketing career you could only possibly describe as both distinguished and glittering (glittinguished?) and has seen Paul tackle the marketing challenges on behalf of everyone from O2 to Telefonica to the National Lottery in Ireland (scooping, along the way, the title of Ireland's Marketer of the Year in 2022.) He's also the author of Run With The Foxes, a superb book about marketing, mistakes and making much better decisions. This episode is very proudly dedicated to Peter Field. Peter has had a huge influence on Paul's career both as a mentor and advisor. ///// Follow Patrick on LinkedIn. Timestamps: 03:45 - First Job and Proper Job 05:10 - Early Career in Marketing 07:34 - Career Path and Focus 09:30 - Paul's Sweet Spot in Marketing 11:00 - Writing the Book: Run with Foxes 13:27 - Learning from Mistakes 15:51 - Mistakes and AI in Marketing 18:08 - Decision-Making Process 20:40 - Classical vs. Modern Marketing 22:22 - AI's Impact on Marketing 25:06 - Practical Applications of AI 30:05 - Advanced Uses of AI 33:08 - Synthetic Research 34:28 - Skepticism vs. Cynicism 36:42 - Curiosity and Experimentation 39:27 - Admitting Mistakes 43:27 - Listener Questions: Embedding Chapter One Paul's Book Recommendations are: Ogilvy on Advertising – David Ogilvy The Anatomy of Humbug – Paul Feldwick Decoded: The Science Behind Why We Buy – Phil Barden /////
In this episode Charlie Hills interviews Kate Wheaton, the Head of Strategy for Ogilvy One. Through her long career, Kate has worked on some of the UK's most effective and loved loyalty programmes for brands such as Sainsbury's, Tesco, Boots, Vodafone, British Airways, Waterstones and Pets at Home. She enjoys the combination of strategic rigour and creativity that modern loyalty demands to be successful.Today we will be learning about her favourite book and loyalty programmes, highlights and key learnings from the programmes she has worked on and all about the new loyalty white paper from Ogilvy One “Loyalty in the Age of the Emotional Consumer”.Hosted by Charlie Hills Show Notes :Kate WheatonOgilvy OneOglivy - Ideas - Loyalty -Age- Emotional ConsumerEuropean Loyalty WhitepaperMando-ConnectThe Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact
How can a company use today's digital world to their advantage? Luckily for Jeff and Kelly, they have just the expert to ask: Abbey Karel from Bounteous! In their chat with Abbey, they talk digital strategies, automation, AI and more. Plus, just how long until the tucked in sweater goes out of fashion? Listen to find out! About Abbey: As VP of Growth at Bounteous, Abbey Karel helps Consumer Brands drive digital transformation and create meaningful customer experiences that maximize growth and ROI. By aligning business goals with digital innovation, she enables brands to unlock new opportunities through strategic partnerships and co-innovation while optimizing spend. With a background in global client leadership, digital strategy, and in-store innovation, Abbey has worked with some of the world's most recognized brands to elevate customer engagement and drive measurable business impact. Prior to Bounteous, she led high-impact client relationships at Ogilvy, earning recognition as a Top-25 Global Client Leader, and played a key role in pioneering native apps and in-store digital experiences for Kohl's and JCPenney. Abbey is also a frequent speaker and thought leader, sharing insights on digital transformation, customer experience, and data-driven growth at industry events.
Shownotes:2018, was a defining year for me career wise, it was also the year when I was able to live up to my aspiration to contribute a percentage of my time pro-bono to the third sector. I had the opportunity to align and engage with PRADAN, a leading Indian charity working in the livelihoods space. This opened the door for some wonderful collaborations and strategic work with the organisation in the last 6 years. The person who enabled this partnership was Sudhir Sahni – our paths had intersected briefly in the past.A veteran of the Indian Advertising Industry, Sudhir made a deliberate shift to the non-profit sector after three decades, in the quest for work that aligned with his beliefs. At PRADAN Sudhir leverages his experience to foster partnerships and amplify PRADANs impact amongst external stakeholders.In the 130th episode of The Elephant in the Room podcast, Sudhir talks about his transformative journey from the corporate to the social sector; the intrinsic motivations that guided the move; his desire for a collaborative approach to work focusing on individual potential; challenges faced by the development sector; the evolving funding landscape; equity and inclusion in the third sector; a community centred approach to delivering projects; women in leadership; ….etc.We also spoke about the impact of Transformers an interview series featuring leaders and best practice from the third sector and Samagam, a multi-stakeholder platform conceptualised and hosted by PRADAN to facilitate dialogues and collaboration amongst the third sector, private sector and governments. It is great to call a fellow champion and ally for women in the workplace, a friend.To hear more about Sudhir's transition to the third sector head to the podcast
In this episode, Diana Springer, Group Head of Brand & Marketing at Standard Bank, talks about preserving trust while infusing fresh creativity into Africa's largest financial institution. With a heritage spanning 162 years and 15M+ customers, Standard Bank has every reason to play it safe—yet Diana reveals how her team fosters innovation, internal advocacy, and an emotive brand narrative in a typically functional category.From her agency background (Ogilvy, Saatchi) to the challenges of marketing a global, matrixed financial services group, Diana shares tactics for balancing brand consistency with the need for breakthrough creativity. Whether you're a marketer in a highly regulated industry or just want to hear what it's like taking a heritage brand forward, this conversation will both give you insight and inspiration.Watch the video version of this podcast on Youtube ▶️: https://youtu.be/FqizjfWSSUs
Let's find the good in experiencing stress so that you don't shortchange yourself out of its ability to instill inner confidence in your capabilities. We are focused on experiences such as birthing a baby, building a business, or navigating a everchanging workplace. Just because someone else fell apart in any of those situations, it does not mean that you will too. It's unique to you, yet worth uncovering, because when you get to the other side of a stressful situation, if you embody at least one learning or lesson, then you will have increased your capacity to handle more stressful situations. This comes in handy, as life often hands us stress at a pretty hot and heavy pace. In this article, we'll interweave the four noble truths along with personal stories that showcase the value of embracing stress rather than running away from it. There have been so many occasions when I was told not to put so much pressure on myself, and it was out of those circumstances, where I didn't let their thinking impact mine, that I can now tell my greatest stories of defiance and delivery. A memorable such moment was during my first semester of law school. My mom told me this: 'Watch out, Melissa, and try not to experience too much stress.' She was giving me a fair warning based on her own sensitivities to stress. My mom has manic depression. A person with manic depression can be sent into an episode or spell by stress. While that guidance came from her experiences, it also came along with her tender concern for my mental health. My mental health, on the other hand, has proven sturdy, in great part because I've had ample opportunities to practice the art of experiencing stress. Law school wasn't a moment of redemption, but it was the time I realized my limit. I'm glad I didn't listen to my mom, because then I wouldn't have discovered my kryptonite. We need to know our kryptonite and how to overcome it. Somehow, it was that combination of overwhelming debt and basing my self-worth on school grades that almost broke me. I got through that time mentally unscathed, thankfully, but intuitively, I knew it was close. There's a benefit to knowing how far you can go. That experience gave me the courage to finally pursue my dream career in advertising. Taking a pay cut didn't seem so bad when the alternative was six-figure debt and no income. The trick is to always stay beneath that line. My self-publishing experience with Fertile Imagination pushed me to that limit. I had gotten my edited copy of my manuscript extremely late, and to compensate for that delay, I sat in my chair for twelve hours straight. The pressure I put on myself to finish the book was enormous. Around the twelfth hour, I felt a crack in my neck, which turned into a year of pain, physical therapy, and an MRI. Ever gotten an MRI? I've been through a lot, but somehow my anxiety was insane during that MRI, and my relationship with God has never been closer. It was like a church service in that cylinder. Yet, this was another opportunity to practice coexisting with stress. I don't regret that experience, and I know I learned from it. The other side of that stressful moment was completing my book and focusing on my physical health, a goal I'd been writing about for decades. Yet, somehow, I had to crash physically to finally pursue it. In these two cases, I needed to experience these greater stresses to build the confidence and conviction necessary to believe I could endure the kind of stress it takes to go after what I've always wanted. What if the same is true for you? What if, rather than avoid stress, you walked right into it with a different perspective? What if you need that vote of confidence—knowing you can handle a ton of stress—to get the kind of laser focus necessary to finally jump into your greatest personal or professional adventure? What if you need to have something to say: 'Well, if I did that and didn't die, then I might as well go for this'? I want to share a new way to think about stress because it's the reality of being human. As a meditation practitioner, I thought I'd enlist the help of the four noble truths to help us see the profundity in otherwise stressful experiences. My meditation offerings are secular, yet I do think ancient wisdom has its place in stress management. It gives me comfort to know that my experiencing stress is not novel; it's normal and expected. So, let's turn to commonly held beliefs that we can anchor this conversation in—the four noble truths Understanding the Four Noble Truths The Four Noble Truths are fundamental to Buddhism and describe the nature of reality and the path to liberation. They are: 1. Dukkha: This is often translated as "suffering," but more accurately encompasses unsatisfactoriness, frustration, and the inherent impermanence of all things. 2. Samudaya: The origin or cause of dukkha, which is identified as craving, attachment, and aversion. 3. Nirodha: The cessation of dukkha, which is achieved through the elimination of craving and attachment. 4. Magga: The path leading to the cessation of dukkha, known as the Noble Eightfold Path, which encompasses right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. 1 The Inescapability of Stress in Modern Life You don't need to be a Buddhist to believe that being human means experiencing suffering. Just look around corporate America—you can see and feel it everywhere. According to Ohsa.gov, 83% of US workers suffer from work-related stress. You can be stressed about having, keeping, leaving, or getting a job. The sound of a ping can spike your cortisol levels. It doesn't take much to suffer these days. We experience a constant, low-grade level of stress or anxiety, and our baseline sensitivity to stress is very low. This comparison comes from the constant barrage of information we consume daily, which contributes to "sympathy stress," as well as the fact that many of us are openly struggling. This is why it's necessary to find a way to coexist with stress; it's inescapable. A Yoga Analogy for Managing Pain In my pre-natal yoga class with my firstborn, the teacher had us sit on our bent toes. Her rationale was to have us experience physical pain and, instead of running away, breathe through the stretch. Was this comparable to birthing any of my kids? Heck no! It was a way to introduce the idea of feeling pain and remaining still within that feeling. The teacher's approach was to increase our tolerance for the inevitable pain of childbirth. The pain of childbirth is inescapable. This toe stretch gave me a chance to imagine being with inescapable pain in a situation where I could escape. It's this intentional decision not to escape an escapable pain that builds confidence. You have the chance to escape discomfort, yet you wrangle your fears and push forward anyway. There's immense power in those moments. This is where your practice comes in, and how meditation can help you coexist in an empowered state amidst life's struggles. You can pause and breathe through life's emotional ups and downs instead of panicking and stopping the train. The Second Noble Truth: Understanding Craving, Attachment, and Aversion The second noble truth is Samudaya. It's the craving, attachment, or aversion to the feeling of stress. It's always a practice for me. As a business owner, it's easy to crave a consistent income or feel attached to maintaining a certain reputation. Aversions are real for us, too, such as my aversion to tech issues. Yet, my perpetual thoughts about these situations have gotten in my way. These situations are tough enough. By experiencing this second noble truth, I'm not doing myself any favors. This is why equanimity helps; it helps us focus on what's needed in the moment. I'll share an example in a bit. But first, let's turn this to you. The Fear of Obsolescence in the Age of AI Let's talk about craving for career permanence. Whether you are an entrepreneur or employee, this idea translates. The fear of becoming obsolete (FOBO) is rising among workers as AI advancements accelerate. A Gallup poll found that 22% of U.S. workers are concerned about their jobs becoming obsolete due to technology, and that figure is up from 2022. Imagine how freelance copywriters or coaches feel these days. Some feel like they are being promptly put out of business. The threat is real; however, thinking about the threat is stealing the time necessary to uplevel your skills or take actions to support your business. You are adding a layer of unnecessary suffering, draining your finite energy. AI is here, and so are you. How can you coexist with AI? This reminds me of those required college courses I didn't like. They were inescapable and boring. However, it was me who made them feel brutal when I procrastinated reading those ancient texts. Fast forward to today, and I can say that I had the same thoughts while completing some requirements for my meditation certification program. Finding Peace in Meditation (and a Bird's Nest) One week, I experienced a silent meditation in a house with three young boys and my husband. This was the kick-off to my meditation practitioner training. At the time, walking meditations were part of the daily experience, and I hated them. I'd pace in my yard, which was really boring. It reminded me of psych wards with outdoor spaces where I visited my mom. Sometimes she was in, and other times she was out. I felt a deep aversion to this mode of meditating. Yet, I had to do it a lot, so I opted to stare into the leaves of my trees instead of watching my pacing feet. You know what I realized? I saw a nest in the tree! This got me thinking about how I was a mama bird in a nest with my young. Noticing what was real—my breath and the nest—helped me. I smiled. Navigating the AI Revolution: A Path to Coexistence (The Third and Fourth Noble Truths) Stress is real, but suffering is optional. You can shift your thinking from whether you hate or love AI to saying to yourself, "AI is here. How can I co-exist with AI? Is there a right way for me to navigate AI? Might there be a right way to understand AI that can help me?" Once in the present, focused on the facts, you will experience the third noble truth, which is Nirodha. The path to this truth is called "magga," which is also the fourth noble truth and comprises several factors: right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. The eightfold path offers us an ideal way to coexist with stress. I haven't fully embodied it yet, but I feel as if each encounter with stress has given me a chance to practice it. Lessons from a Car Accident: Embracing the "Rights" Years ago, I experienced my first car accident. I was sitting in a parking lot in my new Honda minivan, waiting for my mom. A parked car, coming out of its spot, backed into my car. My minivan was perhaps months old, and this was my first accident. The other driver came out, shouting about how unnecessary the accident was. His wife quickly calmed him down, and then we exchanged information. I felt overwhelmed and wasn't thinking about Nirodha. I turned to my mom and said, "This shouldn't have happened! How can I get into an accident when I wasn't even moving?" She said, "Melissa, these things happen in life." Months later, I was in another accident in a parking lot, but I was moving this time. This second time felt different because I adopted my mom's wisdom. It was more manageable, and if we analyze it through the "rights," I'd say I had the right understanding. What if stressful situations are necessary to achieve all those "rights?" What if you're short-changing yourself by not increasing your stress management skills? I'd argue that this is true. I'm not suggesting you complicate your life, especially if it's already incredibly stressful. Instead, I'm urging you not to miss a life-giving moment where the gift is practicing the eightfold path. Once you see these as practices, you can teach your kids how to use stress for their benefit. A Son's BJJ Tournament: Wrestling with Life's Challenges This past weekend, one of my sons competed in a BJJ tournament. My eleven-year-old is not required to compete at that level. He could have competed at his local school. Yet, this isn't realistic to how we must compete in life for a job, medal, or resources. So, I encouraged him to compete, even though his first match was against someone who had previously won eleven times. Would you have done the same? Why would any mom allow that? Here's why: you will face outsized stresses in life, and these moments have allowed me to wrestle with the "rights." I got my greatest learnings and confidence from those hard bits of life. I don't win them all, but I've gained more "rights" along the way. Why would I cheat my son of that? So, he competed. I wanted him to take one lesson to the next match. For example, he was advised to stand up and not go straight for the legs in the second round. Did he do it? He tried, but it took the third round. That last round was unexpected. He was winded, tearful, red, and already out of his Gi. Was he going to do the fourth match? That third round, he gave it his all. There were hundreds of people looking at my kid. This is where my life experiences helped us both. Recognizing that my son had had enough, I could relate to so many moments as a kid when I had had enough, and yet life doesn't always give you a choice to walk away. I knew that because I experienced that. I pushed my son to return to the mat that fourth time because this was the right action, and I know that these moments are additive to the stories we tell ourselves about what we are capable of. It shapes how my kid will think about his ability to handle humiliation, boos, competing, and training. It gives him a sense for what it takes to compete with people who have won. His capacity to handle stress was increased in that moment. Imagine facing someone who has won 11 times during your first tournament, then having to enter round after round, loss after loss? This translates to failing in school, in business, and in relationships. My son was practicing the "right concentration" four times more on the mat than off on a typical Saturday. He was wrestling with the "right thoughts" even more than that. These encounters can be fruitful. They contribute to a rich life that can make you invaluable in the life of someone else.
Send us a textWant access to the book? go to PlatformGrowthBooks.comMastering the Art of Selling: Understanding & Appealing to Four Types of BuyersIn this enlightening episode, we dive into the wisdom of David Ogilvy and explore his timeless lessons on understanding and appealing to four distinct buyer types. We start by revisiting Ogilvy's iconic Rolls Royce ad campaign and how it succeeded by addressing the needs of spontaneous, methodical, social proof, and deadline-driven buyers. Learn why a one-size-fits-all marketing approach often results in failure and discover the importance of segmentation in crafting compelling messages tailored to each buyer type. By the end of this episode, you'll gain practical insights on enhancing your marketing strategies to resonate with every customer segment, turning your 'meh' offers into 'must-haves'. Plus, get hands-on with an exercise designed to help you brainstorm and develop targeted messages for each buyer type, ensuring your sales efforts are both efficient and effective.00:00 Introduction: The Four Types of Buyers00:04 The Success of Ogilvy's Rolls Royce Campaign01:31 Why Understanding Buyer Types Matters01:54 Common Marketing Pitfalls03:00 The Power of Segmentation03:36 Deep Dive: The Four Buyer Types05:53 Practical Exercises to Apply Buyer Knowledge07:03 Crafting Targeted Marketing Messages08:24 Conclusion: Key TakeawaysImplement the Blogging System that 40x My Online Business! Click here to get the training video
In this episode, Diana Springer, Group Head of Brand & Marketing at Standard Bank, talks about preserving trust while infusing fresh creativity into Africa's largest financial institution. With a heritage spanning 162 years and 15M+ customers, Standard Bank has every reason to play it safe—yet Diana reveals how her team fosters innovation, internal advocacy, and an emotive brand narrative in a typically functional category.From her agency background (Ogilvy, Saatchi) to the challenges of marketing a global, matrixed financial services group, Diana shares tactics for balancing brand consistency with the need for breakthrough creativity. Whether you're a marketer in a highly regulated industry or just want to hear what it's like taking a heritage brand forward, this conversation will both give you insight and inspiration.Watch the video version of this podcast on Youtube ▶️: https://youtu.be/0KLNVlFIxsQ
Introducing Mountain to Molehill: A Mindfulness and Meditation Newsletter Mental Health Melissa Llarena Why Stressed Professionals Quit Meditation (And How Not To) Meditating is a good alternative to that third glass of wine at night – and might even serve as a replacement for psych meds for the most restless, stressed-out marketers, sales professionals, and ad executives dealing with the unpredictability of their virtual lives, workplace, home life, and everything else that gets logged in your head as stressful mountains to climb when in reality you're looking at a molehill you can simply hop over. Q: Why did I write this article encouraging you to return to meditation instead of relying on quicker fixes for stress? A: I know firsthand how psych meds play out. I've been an unwitting observer of a personal longitudinal study as the daughter of a mom who has been on them since 1982. My thinking is simple: if you can avoid them, do. I don't say this as a psychiatrist – I say it as a witness who has watched decades of science experiments performed on my single parent, from my toddler years through today, when the impact of this four-decade-long chemical warfare is irreversible. This deeply personal experience is why I'm committed to my mental health, and why I believe adopting and keeping a meditation practice is a powerful approach to life's realities. A consistent practice will increase your capacity to bear any weight you may be carrying – something we all need, don't you agree? Now, I know it's hard to adopt a practice from scratch, so I decided to focus on those of you who once meditated and might secretly wish to return. Let's start with the top reasons for this kind of "quiet" quitting. Notice the pun? I'll try to keep you chuckling throughout this read. But first, let's look at some serious stats... According to the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, approximately 60% of people who start a meditation practice discontinue within the first year. The primary reasons include: 1. Perceived lack of time 2. Difficulty maintaining consistent practice 3. Feeling they're "not doing it right" 4. Not seeing immediate results Let's explore doable workarounds for these four reasons, considering our modern omnichannel lives. Interestingly, this study aligns perfectly with a recent LinkedIn survey I conducted, asking mid-career professionals what they wanted me to cover. Time emerged as the top concern, so let's start there. Perceived Lack of Time Let's talk about time – or the common excuse of not having enough of it. Let's dispel the idea that you're too busy to drop in and pay attention to your breath for five minutes a day. Where can you steal these five minutes? Let's start with the low-hanging fruit. According to the Harvard Business Review, professionals spend an average of 28% of their workweek managing email. That's about 3.1 hours per day reading, writing, and responding to emails, with an estimated 25% of those being unnecessary or unproductive. Take my librarian email saga, for example. I received a ridiculously long email about a book renewal that could have been summarized in three sentences. Instead, this well-meaning librarian wrote paragraphs explaining a simple process. I thought to myself: she could have meditated in the time it took to write this novel of an email. Seriously, couldn't you shave five minutes from your 3.1 hours of daily email writing for a relaxing breathing session? I have full confidence you can steal some time from email writing to meditate. It can be that simple – or perhaps meditation can become your pre-meeting ritual? My pandemic meditation journey was ritualistic. I needed a tool to reliably catch my breath and return to my three sons as the calmest version of myself; the stakes were staring me in the face. I'd drag my son's bean bag out to my wrap-around balcony – my "lanai" in honor of the Golden Girls – and sit under the sun. The benefits were two-fold: it gave me something to do during lockdowns, and I returned refreshed enough to homeschool three sons. Ultimately, I returned to my teaching post with greater patience, not totally "unsnappable," but feeling more able to relax. Pro Tip: You can always find time when a boss drops a last-minute request. Somehow, you'll complete other assignments, shorten your timeframe, stay up later, or wake up earlier. Imagine treating meditation as vitally as that urgent work assignment. This is just your way into starting a practice – not necessarily how you'll have to make it stick – which brings me to the second reason for quitting. Difficulty Maintaining Consistent Practice Willpower is overrated. There, I said it. If I had unlimited willpower, I wouldn't have half a bottle of wine in my fridge or pair my glass with partially dry Manchego cheese at six p.m. when I nestle in my corner of the sofa before my sons fight me to the death to take over the TV. This is why I endeavor to do as much as possible before 9 am every single day – it's not because I want to challenge myself but because I don't trust myself as the day gets later. There's science to back this up, which is why I apply simple heuristics to maintain a consistent meditation practice. My decision-making process is brutally simple: · Question: Do I plan to eat today? · Answer: Yes. · Action: Then I guess I'll go to the gym, walk 10K steps, and meditate before starting my workday. Don't think you need to do these things before meditating or before 9 am like me. Instead, use my question to spark your own chain of daily habits. Yours can be as simple as: · Question: Do I plan to breathe today? · Answer: Yes. · Action: Then I'll take 5 minutes to pay attention to some of those breaths. This decision tree below is for those of us who've been trained to overthink... just follow the nodes. I've found that thinking is often what gets in our way. Arnold Schwarzenegger shared the same sentiment about his workouts in his Netflix documentary: he said he could think after his workouts. Same goes for meditating. Think later. See Substack. https://open.substack.com/pub/melissallarena/p/why-stressed-professionals-quit-meditation?r=fetqt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true My meditation practice looks different every day. Sometimes I'll light a candle, drop on my carpeted floor with earbuds, and hum along to a guru telling me: "I am not my body. I am not my mind." Let's call this my "scruffy, get it done" meditation. Other times I've meditated with my eyes open during a commute. I believe in habit stacking – pairing one existing habit with a new one. Not Seeing Immediate Results On Halloween 2023, I self-published my book "Fertile Imagination." My goal was to become an Amazon bestseller. While my three boys were putting on Halloween costumes, I was copy/pasting/pitching/praying. My ranking wasn't moving despite my efforts. I had two choices: toss my laptop out the window and curse Bezos, or maintain unwavering belief in the process. I kept going. When I woke up at 5 am, I was number one in two categories. Sure, I was just a good night's rest away from seeing my goal come true – but writing the book had taken two years, securing early readers required 35 outbound emails a day for months, and Amazon needed 24 hours to update their stats. A LOT went into it behind the scenes. This experience mirrors the practice of meditation. It requires consistent effort, even when you don't see immediate results. You must trust that the benefits will manifest over time, just as I trusted my book would eventually rise in the ranks. It's about cultivating a deep-seated belief in the power of the practice, even when your mind whispers doubts. Feeling They're "Not Doing It Right" The internet paints a picture of meditation that's a bit... idealized. You know the image: serene folks, Lululemon-clad, perched on fancy meditation pillows, humming along to some ethereal YouTube guru. That's not exactly my reality. This morning, I was planning to meditate, but my phone battery died. So, I grabbed my timer and dropped onto the carpet, aiming for those 25 minutes of blissful silence. But let's just say, my meditation practice looked a little different. If I'd meditated any longer, my husband might have gotten out the masking tape to document a crime scene. Let me explain. If you could have seen me, I was definitely not dressed for a yoga retreat – just my usual work attire: brown boots, ripped jeans, and a cashmere sweater. Picture it: a perfectly respectable professional, now sprawled on their living room floor, looking like a crime scene victim. Pause for a second to see how Canva's image-generating AI "Dream Lab" doesn't care about doing things "right." Let's learn from it. The first try is so wacky and wrong. See Substack for images. https://open.substack.com/pub/melissallarena/p/why-stressed-professionals-quit-meditation?r=fetqt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true The image below is closer to my original description, but it's still not "quite right" – like many AI-generated images. So give yourself some grace and aim for "good enough right now" rather than "perfect." See Substack for images. https://open.substack.com/pub/melissallarena/p/why-stressed-professionals-quit-meditation?r=fetqt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Side note: if you had a second to take that pause, then you have time to meditate. ;) No side-eye from me – just pointing this out. Here's the truth: There's no right way to meditate. You can meditate in a closet, on a Trader Joe's line, or in a nursery room. Simply be present. Here's the easiest way to begin your meditation practice: Wear your work clothes. Perfect. Find a comfortable spot: A bed, sofa, or even a random rug. Even better. Set a timer for 10 minutes. Focus on your breath. Your thoughts will arise — that's normal. Gently guide your attention back to your breath. Give yourself a mental high-five when you return to breathing. Commit to finding your own meditation style. Meditation has two-fold benefits when it comes to managing stress. Harvard Health Publishing confirms that meditation activates your body's relaxation response, which helps you navigate stressful situations with a sense of calm. Additionally, a JAMA Internal Medicine meta-analysis found that mindfulness meditation significantly reduces perceived stress. So, whether you have to climb a mountain, you'll feel more capable of doing so. Or perhaps you can quickly shift your perception of a mountain and see it for what it really is: a surmountable molehill. You'll want to adapt or bring back your meditation practice if you wish to see more molehills than mountains and feel resourced if it's a real mountain you must climb up or down to get to the other side. So, are you ready to give it a try? Conclusion Meditation is a practice, not a magical solution to stop thinking altogether. Be patient with yourself, and remember that even a few minutes of mindful presence can make a difference. A brief pause can give you space to reconsider a knee-jerk reaction or simply feel more capable of a tough conversation. I hope this article has provided helpful insights and encouragement. If you're struggling to establish, maintain, or restart a consistent meditation practice, please reach out via email melissa .llarena [at] gmail.com or leave a comment on the platform of your liking Substack, Medium or LinkedIn. I can offer support as a mindfulness and meditation practitioner dedicated to finding solutions that can increase your ability to navigate life's challenges and opportunities. Remember, your mental and emotional well-being is as vital as your physical health. They are interconnected, as I've observed in my research and personal experience. A healthy mind in an unhealthy body will likely experience discomfort, and an unhealthy mind can manifest in physical symptoms. Prioritize this empowering form of self-care and explore the many benefits of meditation. Your family and those you work with will appreciate it. My Story – Melissa Llarena I'm a meditation practitioner and #1 Amazon bestselling author who has spent years peering into the minds of marketers and executives, both as one of them and as their trusted guide. My articles in ForbesWomen have reached over 4 million readers, but what really lights me up is the deep work I do with people who, like me, have spent years shape-shifting to succeed. My own journey through the corporate world – 10 years at powerhouses like Ogilvy (working on IBM) and P&G (yes, even Charmin!) – taught me firsthand about wearing different hats across 14+ business functions. For the past 13 years, I've had the privilege of coaching over 200 marketing and advertising executives worldwide, having raw, honest conversations about what it really costs us to morph ourselves every single day. When I'm hosting the Mom Founder Imagination Hub podcast, I get to dive deep with remarkable leaders like Beth Comstock and GaryVee, exploring how to tap into our most overlooked superpower: imagination. My psychology degree from NYU, Dartmouth MBA, and Transformational Coaching certification gave me the foundation, but it was the pandemic that showed me – and my clients – that we needed something more. In 2021, when ambition felt impossible and imagination seemed out of reach, I realized we were all exhausted from trying to power through. That's when I took a leap – pausing my coaching practice to write a book filled with soul-searching questions, while earning my meditation certification from the Jack Kornfield organization. Now, I blend all these pieces – my corporate insider experience, thousands of honest conversations, and meditation wisdom – into workshops, sessions, and immersions that truly connect. Using imaginative meditation, mindfulness practices that even the most restless executives love, and revealing journaling exercises, I help people find their way back to themselves. Because here's what I know: when we stop losing ourselves every time life or business throws us a curveball, we can finally use our energy for what really matters – creating the impact we're meant to make.
Branding aficionados, prepare to be enlightened as we welcome Kim Derrick Rozdeba, a branding expert with over three decades of experience in branding, communications, and marketing. Kim takes us on a journey through his career, from time at global powerhouses like Ogilvy to ventures in writing and thought leadership. Together, we unravel the five Cs of branding, a unique framework Kim crafted to decode and influence brand perception. Discover how a brand's essence resonates through emotions, and mastering the art of making customers feel valued and connected.Ever wondered how a brand can thrive even before a product hits the shelves? Look no further than the case of Liquid Death, a brand that ingeniously harnessed the power of social media and viral trends to carve its identity. We dissect how emotional resonance and that elusive element of "coolness" can captivate consumers, drawing parallels with traditional giants like Apple. Through tales of emotional brand loyalty, we unveil how memorable experiences, like those offered by the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, forge unbreakable bonds with customers, driving long-term allegiance and advocacy.Innovation is the heartbeat of enduring brands, and we highlight the strategies of trailblazing entrepreneurs and iconic companies. While social media remains a crucial tool, the episode underscores the importance of substance over superficial metrics, urging brands to align their strategies with genuine business goals. From the interplay of personal and corporate branding showcased by figures like Oprah Winfrey and Elon Musk to the strategic insights Kim offers, our conversation is a goldmine for anyone looking to enhance their branding expertise. Prepare to walk away with actionable advice and inspiration that will help your brand shine brighter in the competitive landscape.Check out Kim's blog and books on branding.Send us a Text Message, give feedback on the episode, suggest a guest or topicVisit the Remarkable Marketing Podcast website to see all our episodes.Visit the Remarkable Marketing Podcast on YouTube Remarkable Marketing Podcast Highlights on InstagramEric Eden on LinkedIn
Have you ever told yourself "I'm not creative enough" to solve a business challenge? In this episode, Melissa guides female leaders and mom founders through a powerful meditation practice designed to break free from limiting beliefs about creativity. Through a combination of mindfulness techniques and guided reflection, you'll: Learn how to identify and challenge creativity-limiting beliefs Experience a body scan meditation for releasing tension Practice reframing negative thoughts about your creative abilities Discover how to access your natural problem-solving capabilities Transform your relationship with creativity and innovation The episode includes a practical meditation exercise you can use whenever you face a business challenge requiring creative solutions. Melissa shares personal stories, including her experience in business school and conversations with her son about creativity, to illustrate how we can expand our definition of what it means to be creative. Connect with Melissa: melissa.llarena [at] gmail.com About your host Melissa Llarena of the Mom Founder Imagination Hub podcast I'm a meditation practitioner and #1 Amazon bestselling author who has spent years peering into the minds of marketers and executives, both as one of them and as their trusted guide. My articles in ForbesWomen have reached over 4 million readers, but what really lights me up is the deep work I do with people who, like me, have spent years shape-shifting to succeed. My own journey through the corporate world – 10 years at powerhouses like Ogilvy (working on IBM) and P&G (yes, even Charmin!) – taught me firsthand about wearing different hats across 14+ business functions. For the past 13 years, I've had the privilege of coaching over 200 marketing and advertising executives worldwide, having raw, honest conversations about what it really costs us to morph ourselves every single day. When I'm hosting the Mom Founder Imagination Hub podcast, I get to dive deep with remarkable leaders like Beth Comstock and GaryVee, exploring how to tap into our most overlooked superpower: imagination. My psychology degree from NYU, Dartmouth MBA, and Transformational Coaching certification gave me the foundation, but it was the pandemic that showed me – and my clients – that we needed something more. In 2021, when ambition felt impossible and imagination seemed out of reach, I realized we were all exhausted from trying to power through. That's when I took a leap – pausing my coaching practice to write a book filled with soul-searching questions, while earning my meditation certification from the Jack Kornfield organization. Now, I blend all these pieces – my corporate insider experience, thousands of honest conversations, and meditation wisdom – into workshops, sessions, and immersions that truly connect. Using imaginative meditation, mindfulness practices that even the most restless executives love, and revealing journaling exercises, I help people find their way back to themselves. Because here's what I know: when we stop losing ourselves every time life or business throws us a curveball, we can finally use our energy for what really matters – creating the impact we're meant to make. TRANSCRIPT Hello there. This is Melissa, your host behind the mom founder imagination hub podcast. This unedited episode is really geared towards any mom or female leader who has a business challenge that they must overcome with greater creativity. Someone who is seeking to find the inner innovator that. Maybe she once had once felt, but has been struggling to bring back to the forefront. My intention is for you to feel empowered. My intention is for you to feel creative enough to solve whatever you're facing. Business challenge you wish to solve this very week. Now you may not know this, but over the last 13 years, I have coached female leaders who have shared their deepest, darkest, innermost secrets, such as why they actually leave different organizations or bosses or teams, or the things that they wish they could have done. Done. Had they been given the ability to speak up or the ability to step up, you name it, I've heard it. And with these ideas in mind, I wanted to just bring forth this one limiting belief that I heard consistently in my line of work, career coaching, female leaders, primarily in the advertising and marketing function. And it was this, this idea that I'm not creative, or I don't see myself as a creative person. The idea that whatever it is to be a creative is something that is impossible to achieve, to be, if I wasn't originally hired. on literally the creative team, oftentimes from an agency perspective. And so I want to help guide you through a meditation, also a little bit of a journaling exercise so that you can reestablish your relationship with this idea that you are creative, you get to be creative, and it is through your creativity that you can actually solve some problems. So let's go into this idea of thinking that you're really good at something. For me, I remember being in business school. It could have been maybe like the first week where I was in a group of, I think it was like four of us and we had an opportunity to review one another's resumes and I remember at this time. time before I became a career coach before I was, you know, also designated by the career development office at Tuck business school as a career coach of sorts. I knew that I was really good. Good at helping people promote their skills, their relationships, their abilities, their desires. And so I really stepped up. I remember being on a picnic table in Hanover. It was a sunny summer day, which is pretty unusual because it starts snowing. I think like the end of September in New Hampshire, but it was a beautiful sunny day and we were looking at one another's resumes and I just felt really good. I spoke. up. I had very strong opinions pertaining to ways that my peers should articulate their wins, their experiences. And to kind of quote Sheryl Sandberg, I was like totally leaning in to that experience. So that was something that I was clearly. Good at, and I felt like I could speak up then of course, for you, like there has to be maybe even in recent memory where there's something that you're really fricking good at. And you may have had your own inner source of confidence to speak up, raise your hand, share your area of expertise. And it is in that spirit with that. Energy that I would love, love, love during this episode to remind you that you get to feel that way about your creativity and your sense of innovativeness. And you get to feel as much as a contributor to a creative challenge as anyone else on your team or in your surroundings. So I'll give you a chance to kind of, you know, really think through that moment when you felt super, super confident, and I will give you an opportunity to do so in a very mindful way, but I just want to caveat this. Right now, I am going to overtly ask you to become aware of a situation where you felt so confident. And as much as I would like to be almost like Jiminy Cricket in your back pocket and remind you how you do have these moments, in regular life, this is challenging. And oftentimes, We forget. And so I would invite you even from like a career perspective. This is just like a pro tip here, but even from a career perspective, as tactically as your resume, make sure that you have at least one of a story or a moment that you just love to freaking tell related to something that you believe you're really good at and why might that be important because God knows You are nervous during a job interview. So I would encourage you, or even like a pitch, if you own a business. So I would encourage you to have that quote unquote Easter egg, at least one of them on your resume. So now let's just take a moment to reflect. So take an opportunity to sit comfortably. You might be on the floor. You might be on a chair. You might even lie down. I encourage you to just take a chance to breathe in and breathe out and just be present to think of one of those moments when you were doing something because you knew that you were really, really good at it. I'll give you a moment to think this through and keep breathing in. Now, if you're new to meditating or considering this idea of taking a mindful pause and just focusing on the breath, that was just a minute. Now there's no competition. We're not going for some sort of endurance here, but I just want to share with you the short period of time that it took for you to reflect mindfully. about one of those moments when you did something that you felt you were good at. And I say that because you can always return to a good memory throughout the day as you encounter moments that are a little harder to wrap your mind around. Okay. So hold that moment in your pocket. Not so much like Jiminy Cricket, but please do hold that moment in your pocket because That moment symbolizes that there are so many things that you just don't bring to the top of your mind that serve as reminders of the skills and qualities that you bring to the table. And sometimes it's just hard to constantly recall those upon command. But as I showed you right now, you were able to do so just by returning. To your breath now as it relates to something that you may not feel as much confidence in these thoughts are Really? What what we call fear based or fear driven beliefs and The insight here is that they're not always true just because you think it Just because you repeat it, just because other people think it and repeat it about you, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's true all the time in every instance. Now, constructive criticism is a wonderful thing. People say it's a gift, but I gotta be honest, I rather other things. But net net, the point I want to make here is that, You can actually take a fear based or fear driven belief. and reframe it or change it in a way that pulls you towards a desired goal. And therein lies the practice of mindfulness in the simple awareness, almost like you're a Third person looking at a scene where you're giving yourself a little distance between the belief, the thought or emotion. And you're also opening up the opportunity for you to respond, instead of just knee jerk react, right? And so let's play with this idea. Let's imagine that in third grade, you had some sort of drawing that in your mind, you thought was some amazing Picasso, but in your teacher's mind, she just thought it was just not cool. I don't even have a bad thing. I want to say about a third graders drawing, but let's just imagine she didn't put it up on the hallways. So didn't get like the, the attention that you would have hoped. In her opinion, your art was not so wonderful. In your opinion, in that moment, you thought it was really beautiful. And isn't it interesting? Because it is you who carries that thought. in your mind for a long time thereafter that moment. And so, because you have your teacher's criticism or you have your own thoughts about how creative that drawing was, that would have informed your idea of what it was to be creative. That would have informed your thinking around whether you were creative. And this could be something that has happened decades ago, but it's something that maybe you've heard. on repeat in your mind from that single instance, right? And so I want to just offer you the opportunity. If you have a creative challenge upfront that you want to solve this week, I just want to invite you to give yourself the best fricking chance you could possibly give yourself and not count yourself out. Just because some third grade teacher said, Your artwork sucked. When it comes to creativity, I want to share with you this story. I was having lunch or some meal with one of my kids and my son was like, Creative? I'm not creative. When I think of creativity, I just think of paint brushes. And so I had that conversation with him and I said, Wait a minute. You are so inquisitive, your questions are creative, like being curious and asking questions and piecing together different words, ending that statement with a question mark and having different responses and reaction to what you say is a freaking creative thing. And I say freaking because we don't use those words in my house. Point of the matter is this. It was a reframe, right? So maybe, maybe it's true. Maybe my son is not creative from a arts and craft perspective. But if you look at creativity and you open up your ability to interpret what it could mean, what it could look like, sound like, et cetera, therein lies the ability to reframe a consistent, persistent thought that you just imagined to be completely factual in every instance. So again, this is so normal, especially when it's a thought where you have been criticized, or it's like a warning, you know, like, don't go down hallway because you'll slip on a banana peel. I don't know. I made that up, right? And then you just think that all your life, there's always a banana peel down that hallway. Like these are just things that are open and available opportunities for you to question, open up in your mind's eye and reconsider if it is not serving you for the task at hand. And so that's why I wanted to just kind of open up this thought experiment, right? So here we go. Let's just imagine you were told you're not creative in the past. Let's just imagine really deep dive that this is something that's been persistent, like you've heard it from everyone around you, that you are not creative, you're not innovative, but here you are this week, maybe you have your own business and you need to solve a challenge creatively, because thinking linearly has not worked in the past. I think I have like a, I don't even know, maybe like 572 examples of that. I'll give you an example. So let's just imagine you want to open up your lead flow. And what does that mean? That means that you want more people on the phone with you so that you can have these sales conversations. Linear thinking might be, okay, I'm going to start with, you know, ad spend. Whereas creative thinking might be, wait a minute, who else might have this audience? How can I collaborate with them such that they win, we win. Right. And so again, It's really about almost like placing doubt in something that you feel is a no longer working for you because you have to solve this challenge as a business owner, or be something that you want to kind of like disentangle. So that you can actually find out what the truth is of your reality. Like, are you creative? But maybe the situation has not been right for your flavor of creativity. Okay. So let's not get too far here because I see myself re imagining the whole episode, but I want to be sure that I take you to the meditation. So here we go. I want you to really think through. today about how you could increase your awareness of your beliefs around being creative, innovative, a problem solver, so that you can mindfully see them for what they are, which is malleable, In the moment. So again, a strongly held belief that you may have had is one that might not hold truth in every scenario. It might no longer be serving you in today's episode, right? So for me, this idea of math, math is something that, you know, I could say, Oh, I've sucked that math. Do I have proof? I don't. Absolutely. But might I also have proof that tells me a different story? And the answer to that is yes. Isn't that interesting? The only way for me to have, you know excelled in a mathematical school. Or mathematical pursuit, for example, back to business school on the topic of capital markets. The only way I was able to actually knock it out of the ballpark, this exam that I recall kind of acing and feeling really confident and good about was because I was able to just almost for for that set of hours just totally mute the fact that one time I wasn't so good at math and this time I was able to be that person who always rises to a challenge, right? And so again, it's about just placing a little bit of doubt in this strongly held belief, because there might be a situation or a moment where that belief is just totally, totally false. Now you can't bullshit yourself, like, I mean, I guess you could try, but I'm pretty sure you'll figure it out soon enough. But what you can do is at least get an inch or two closer to To a belief that takes you where you want to go. So let's go now and do a little bit of a meditation. And this meditation is going to be different than just, you know, sitting down with our thoughts and focusing on our breath, because what I have noticed is that. A lot of people assume that meditating means we have no thoughts. We're emptying everything that's in our mind and we're doing a bit of a mental cleanse. While that might be true because we have a ton going on in our minds, it's also an opportunity to just simply be that witness To the thoughts that are already in our head, but we might just not notice because we've got a lot of things going on. So that's what this is going to be. So I will guide you through a set of questions. We will go through one thought that you might have or believe is true pertaining to whether you're creative or innovative, and then we'll see where you come out on the other end. You ready for it? Okie dokie. So let's do this. Close your eyes, assuming you're not driving, and I want you to just find a comfortable way to either be sitting, standing, or lying down. This is the interesting bit. If your belief is that you need to sit for meditation, or that there's even a right way to meditate, I'm literally going to show you that that is just a belief that might be right for you, but it doesn't always have to be the case. All right. So just find a way for you to be comfortable and we'll do a little bit of a body scan. So imagine from the top of your head, a sense of calmness pouring down your scalp. And you're just breathing naturally. Now imagine your breath clearing out any tension you may feel from your forehead down to your cheeks. Make sure your left cheek feels relaxed and your right cheek. Continue allowing your breath pass through your neck and feel the ease. as best you can. Continue along your upper back, the breath going down, just adding ease wherever it passes. Down to your mid back, then to your lower, breathe out. Notice your arms, breathe through your left arm, breathe in, breathe through your right arm. Again, Releasing any, any tension as thoughts will find their way in and out. Just know that is totally. normal. Just breathe in, then sink into your seat further and sink deeper. I'm going to give you a couple of minutes as you're relaxed as possible with this ease to answer this one question. What thoughts pop up when you think about yourself as a creative being or innovative thinker? Consider One of those thoughts, perhaps the one thought that feels the most defining or the one thought that might have been secretly holding you back through the years, have that one thought pertaining to creativity or innovation. And whether you're capable of being creative or innovative in light of a challenge, hold that one thought, keep that one thought in mind. Now, silently to yourself, I invite you to ask yourself a set of questions all pertaining to that one thought, that one limiting belief pertaining to whether you are creative or innovative. The first question said in two ways, is it really true? Might it be real, but not really, really true. Thank you. as it relates to that one limiting belief pertaining to creativity. I want to ask you, what is it like to live with this belief? What has it been like to live with this belief? In light of this limiting belief, I want to invite you to just notice how it feels in your body. Notice how your body and heart might be suffering with this belief inside might help to think of an instance of when this belief got in your way from a relaxed position. And then ask yourself silently, what does the vulnerable place inside of you need right now in relation to how you feel? this belief feels, how it's held you back. And now as we're closing this mindfulness practice, who would you be without this belief? Who would you be without this thought? Who would you be this week without this belief or thought? Would you be that person who assembles the team to solve the creative challenge? Would you be able to solve this creative challenge On your own, would you be the perfect person, maybe even the only person who can solve this challenge because you're creative in just the right way. As we close this meditation, I just want to invite you to, to really soften your original belief. Whatever that limiting belief was, place a little doubt in it or swap it completely for one that That you can hold. So again, it's not about BSing yourself, but maybe it's less declarative, less fact sounding, less debilitating. Maybe it's just about opening up who you get to be, like your identity and who you are. I am someone who's possible creativity. I am a problem solver. I can figure this out. And just giving yourself some space so that you can play with an open heart so that when you approach the challenge this week, there's no need to run away. Instead, you're able to explore with what actually is available to you. You're able to. Try your hand at something you may have never thought you could do, but maybe you realize that you're really freaking good at. And so I invite you, if you have a piece of paper or journal, not that you needed to at this very moment, but if you do just scribble some ideas. scribble some ideas of how you intend to approach this week's business challenge more creatively. I know you can do it. And when it comes to mindfulness and when it comes to meditating, there's so many ways to approach it. And I really think that There's so many tools that do not require anyone other than yourself. And there's also so many different ways of using the tool of meditation and mindfulness. And this has been one that I have seen work really well when it comes to coaching clients in terms of their limiting beliefs. It's this idea that. By being that third party awareness level of these thoughts and beliefs that we have passing through our minds, it gives us an opportunity to start poking holes in some of these thoughts and beliefs that are no longer serving us or holding us back or have us feeling like we're totally stuck. And so this week I invite you to be more. intentional about whether or not everything that passes through your head is a fact and completely the law in terms of who you are. And I invite you to be mindful and more open to the fact that Your beliefs, your thoughts really influence your behaviors. So if you could imagine playing this out, if you get to a place where you believe that there are instances where you have been creative and you look at this week's challenge with that fresh perspective and hope, then you're actually able to, and willing to, and will behave in a different, a new way. Versus retreating, right? And not even raising your hand to solve that creative challenge because you're just not creative. So I hope this was helpful to you. I hope this serves you. I hope that it gives you an opportunity to just think about mindfulness and using the tool of meditation in a new way. It is not just about sitting down, feeling zen, and, you know, having all the negative Thoughts of the day wash out of your head. It can absolutely give you that extra sense of reality and a greater, more sophisticated level of presence so that you can be very intentional about how you use the thoughts, beliefs, and ideas that have crossed your mind or people tell you. Because again, A thought, a belief is not necessarily some sort of hard and steadfast fact. It can actually be malleable for the moment. Have a wonderful day. If you got value out of this, I would absolutely love to hear from you. To hear from you right now. I'm super excited about email because I am on a social media break. I think I've been on one for weeks now. So go ahead and email me and put my email in the show notes. It's melissa. larinaatgmail. com. And let me know if you got value out of this conversation. I would love to hear from you. And if there's a, challenge or situation where you could use the presence or the ease or the thoughtfulness that introducing meditation in your life can provide, let me know. I'm happy to work with you as well. Thank you so much.
Discover the journey of George Abraham on Cyrus Says , a global changemaker who turned blindness into a catalyst for empowerment and inclusion. Blind since , George revolutionized opportunities for the visually impaired by introducing cricket for the blind in India and founding the World Blind Cricket Council, organizing the historic inaugural Blind Cricket World Cup. As the founder of Project Eyeway, George leads the charge in reshaping societal perceptions of blindness through advocacy, knowledge-sharing, and inclusion. His groundbreaking TV series Nazar Ya Nazariya and the podcast Eyeway Conversations amplify untold stories of visually impaired individuals thriving against all odds. His previous experience was in Advertising at Ogilvy & Mather. He studied at studied Mathematics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi UniversitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When was the last time you actually looked forward to your commute? If you're facing a back-to-work mandate, chances are 'never' just crossed your mind. But what if your daily journey to the office could become more than dead time – what if it could become your secret weapon for better leadership? Today, we're turning the dreaded commute into an opportunity for mindful leadership, and I'll guide you through a meditation practice you can do with your eyes wide open, whether you're on a train, bus, or stuck in traffic. In this episode, we explore how leaders can transform their mandatory commute into a powerful mindfulness practice. Learn a practical, eyes-open meditation technique specifically designed for busy professionals navigating the return to office. You'll discover how to: Use your commute time as a leadership preparation tool Practice mindfulness safely while in transit Set powerful intentions for your workday Manage stress before walking into the office Transform a daily obligation into a meaningful practice Perfect for leaders and professionals dealing with back-to-work mandates, this meditation offers a fresh perspective on the daily commute. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or completely new to the practice, you'll find practical techniques to make your journey work for you, not against you. If this meditation resonated with you and you'd like to bring something similar to your team or company, I'd love to hear from you. I'm excited to be offering meditation and mindfulness solutions for stress and burnout, both remotely and in-person. Email me [melissa.llarena [at] gmail.com] to share what your company needs – whether it's regular guided sessions, workshops, or custom solutions for your unique challenges. Let's work together to create more mindful, resilient workplaces. About your host Melissa Llarena of the Mom Founder Imagination Hub podcast I'm a meditation practitioner and #1 Amazon bestselling author who has spent years peering into the minds of marketers and executives, both as one of them and as their trusted guide. My articles in ForbesWomen have reached over 4 million readers, but what really lights me up is the deep work I do with people who, like me, have spent years shape-shifting to succeed. My own journey through the corporate world – 10 years at powerhouses like Ogilvy (working on IBM) and P&G (yes, even Charmin!) – taught me firsthand about wearing different hats across 14+ business functions. For the past 13 years, I've had the privilege of coaching over 200 marketing and advertising executives worldwide, having raw, honest conversations about what it really costs us to morph ourselves every single day. When I'm hosting the Mom Founder Imagination Hub podcast, I get to dive deep with remarkable leaders like Beth Comstock and GaryVee, exploring how to tap into our most overlooked superpower: imagination. My psychology degree from NYU, Dartmouth MBA, and Transformational Coaching certification gave me the foundation, but it was the pandemic that showed me – and my clients – that we needed something more. In 2021, when ambition felt impossible and imagination seemed out of reach, I realized we were all exhausted from trying to power through. That's when I took a leap – pausing my coaching practice to write a book filled with soul-searching questions, while earning my meditation certification from the Jack Kornfield organization. Now, I blend all these pieces – my corporate insider experience, thousands of honest conversations, and meditation wisdom – into workshops, sessions, and immersions that truly connect. Using imaginative meditation, mindfulness practices that even the most restless executives love, and revealing journaling exercises, I help people find their way back to themselves. Because here's what I know: when we stop losing ourselves every time life or business throws us a curveball, we can finally use our energy for what really matters – creating the impact we're meant to make. TRANSCRIPT: Welcome to the era of returning to work on-site. In this moment, I invite you to be gentle with yourself as you navigate this significant change. Your feelings about this transition - whether excitement, reluctance, or a mix of both - are all valid. I want to give you an opportunity to breathe while entering your next tunnel... or at a bare minimum, not to take it out on your team once you get out. Brace for this change in how you move, work, and problem-solve the logistics of no longer being at home. Pre-plan how you intend to use this time in between spaces. Give yourself a chance to reimagine the purpose of your daily commute. Feel the weight of your body where you sit or stand. Notice the points of contact with your seat or the floor. This awareness can be your anchor throughout your journey. While living in Sydney, I would ride a double-decker over the Harbour Bridge, and it was then that I decided to use my travel time to be my me time... the me time that I didn't always have. I gave myself a 30-day meditation challenge that sparked this need to get in my meditating whenever I could, and that's when necessity became the mother of my mindful invention. This was when I started meditating with my eyes open. If you've never thought about sitting still, focusing on your breath, and keeping your eyes with a slight open gaze, then consider this. Whilst thinking about you, should you be closing your eyes on a mode of transit in a big city? Heck, no! Is it wise to close your eyes while driving? Clearly not. However, closing your eyes is not the only way to bring a more mindful approach to your daily commute. There are other ways to use this time for yourself, for your pursuits, for your mental health. I want to invite you to meditate with me as you head to or from work. I want to invite you to change your perspective, especially these early days of embarking on a daily commute. Begin with an intention for the workday.... the reality is that as a species we tend to react. React to workplace BS. React to changes in our patterns. React to neighboring commuters. React based on our environment. It is here and now that I invite you to bring intentionality to today. Think about your intention for today.... Do you intend to be a better listener than you were yesterday... asking follow-up questions to gain a deeper understanding of situations? Do you intend to give people the benefit of the doubt.... be more cognizant that everyone has their own struggles? Do you intend to bring more certainty into a room or team setting... so that employees feel more secure in their jobs despite what the news might be featuring? Do you intend to bring compassion to yourself and others as everyone adjusts to this change? Do you intend to notice moments of connection with others, even in passing? Take the deepest breath you can.... In/out [Pause 2 seconds] In/out [Pause 2 seconds] In/out [Pause 2 seconds] Often we take the pace of the environments in which we find ourselves.... if you are in an urban center.... you'll quicken your walking speed or talking speed.... if you are in a more laid-back setting you may catch yourself adjusting.... As you breathe in and out... simply notice that you can adjust your pace to suit your needs.... your bus or train may be going at 30 mph, 80 mph, or at a standstill... it's of no consequence to you nor to your breath... just take it in and let it out. Now there is no right nor wrong way of meditating... it's a practice.... it's not about forgetting.... it's about returning.... so you are going and you get to return and in that shift you are performing your own little act of rebellion. Your mind wants to go here, there, everywhere, and you gently return to your breath... your breath is your home. Keep breathing in and out... Notice what thoughts capture your attention and just return to the breath... It's not so impressive to meditate in a silent room on a meditation pillow by yourself.... it's more impressive to meditate in a loud space on a hard bench or whilst standing in a space that requires more of you to choose your breath. Take a moment to visualize your day ahead. Perhaps there's a challenging conversation or an important meeting waiting for you. With each breath, imagine yourself moving through these moments with clarity and presence. When you arrive at work, try taking three conscious breaths before entering each meeting – a micro-practice to center yourself in the present moment. Commuting is the ultimate practice... in my opinion.... It's not easy to find a comfortable way of being at times It's not easy to demand quiet It's not easy to breathe sometimes It can be said that the same is true in like to respond in a world that is persistently seeking a reaction As you stay put, remind yourself that you get to be intentional with how you use this time. Remind yourself of the pace of your breath. Use this time to plan your response. Give yourself a chance to live out your brand of leadership in a way that encourages your team to do the same. As you get ready to complete this meditation, remember that this commute isn't just taking you to work - it's taking you to people who count on your presence and leadership. Each breath can help you show up as the leader you aspire to be. I invite you to begin to move your toes and fingers at your pace. Truly give yourself an opportunity to use this time to mindfully approach the people and business challenges that will arise, and know that you can always return to your breath as a reliable reminder to whatever intention you set out for yourself today. And on your journey home, let each breath help you process and release the day's events, creating space between your work life and your home life. Sending you composure today... If this meditation resonated with you and you'd like to bring something similar to your team or company, I'd love to hear from you. I'm excited to be offering meditation and mindfulness solutions for stress and burnout, both remotely and in-person. Email me [melissa.llarena [at] gmail.com to share what your company needs – whether it's regular guided sessions, workshops, or custom solutions for your unique challenges. Let's work together to create more mindful, resilient workplaces.
Welcome to Part 1 of our special Christmas Eve episode of Truth, Lies & Work! This isn't your typical holiday episode — we're taking a break from the usual work chatter to bring you something special. Today, we're releasing the full, unedited interview with the one and only Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy & Mather and the founder of the Behavioral Science Unit at Ogilvy. Rory's previous episode with us (Episode 83) was one of our most popular, and we're beyond excited to bring you Part 1 of this extended conversation. This interview dives deep into Rory's vast expertise in behavioral science, marketing, and leadership. Rory has been a thought leader in advertising for decades, and his insights on human behavior, creativity, and business strategy are nothing short of enlightening. In today's episode, we talk about: The Future of Work: Insights into the evolving landscape and the need for businesses to adapt and thrive. Rory's Journey: From Ogilvy's Vice Chairman to launching a Behavioral Science Unit within one of the world's largest agencies. Behavioral Science: How understanding human behavior drives success in advertising and leadership. Innovation & Creativity: The role of unconventional ideas in transforming businesses. Personal Reflections: Rory's unique take on work-life balance, career growth, and the power of good storytelling. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Rory's Books: Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense Connect with Rory Sutherland: LinkedIn Twitter Ogilvy Don't Miss Part 2!! Make sure to catch Part 2 of this interview, available exclusively on our YouTube channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3_hIyk9KjxJQ1lZWhiaqDw General Support with Mental Health and Well-being If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, or are currently struggling with your mental health, the following resources may be useful. Mind website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/ If you are feeling in distress or despair, including feelings of suicide, please do consider calling the Samaritans for free on 116 123 (UK) or email jo@samaritans.org (Rest of World) Connect with Al and Leanne Join the Conversation on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/truthlieswork/ Connect with Al on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisalelliott/ Connect with Leanne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetleanne Email: Hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a Call with Al & Leanne: https://savvycal.com/meetleanne/chat