Karen McFarlane is the founder and CMO of Kaye Media, a fractional marketing firm for startups to enterprises. With over 25 years of experience, Karen is renowned for her transformative purpose-driven brand strategies and has been recognized for her leadership and deep commitment to equity and belonging. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Karen McFarlane Karen McFarlane, the founder of Kaye Media, is a seasoned marketing executive with over 25 years of experience. Her expertise in shaping compelling brand narratives and strategies has guided businesses toward transformative growth and market clarity. Karen's role extends beyond her company, as evidenced by her impactful tenure as President of the New York chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA), where she earned eight Chapter Excellence Awards and now champions equity as the Chair of DEI Innovation. Additionally, Karen serves on the Board of the Hudson Valley Credit Union, New York's fifth-largest credit union. Her influence is also felt nationally as the President-Elect and DEI Co-Chair for the AMA’s Professional Chapters Council and through her work with Momentum and Value for People of Color, where she champions equitable opportunities for young people of color. Recognized as a thought leader, Karen frequently speaks on inclusive marketing and conflict resolution, and her contributions to the field have earned her recognition as one of the most notable figures in marketing and PR by Crain’s Business. Karen's commitment to advancing racial and gender equity in Corporate America is evident through her passion project, Colossal Work, underscoring her dedication to driving meaningful and sustainable change. Links from the Show Karen was recently President of the New York chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA). She also is the incoming chair of AMA’s Professional Chapters Council. Keep an eye on Karen's passion project Colossal Work (coming in January). What brand has made Karen smile recently? Karen was our first fractional CMO guest and she was also the first guest to smile over her own brand. “I didn't want it to be about me. I wanted it to reflect me,” Karen shared of the new work done for her new brand Colossal Work coming in January. Connect with Karen on LinkedIn.   As We Wrap … 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

Robert Felder is the founder of Bearbottom Clothing, a one-for-one clothing manufacturer. Felder is an expert in DTC, growth, social entrepreneurship, and, of course, brand building. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Robert Felder Robert Felder founded Bearbottom Clothing in 2012, launching it in 2014, after visiting Bangladesh as a high school student. Felder saw firsthand the need for quality jobs and basic necessities like clothing within the community. Felder returned home with the mission to make an impact on the people of Bangladesh, and Bearbottom Clothing was born. As one of the largest apparel manufacturers in the world, Felder could provide jobs while donating back to the community through the one-for-one business model. Since then, Bearbottom has expanded not only its clothing line but also its impact on the people and communities they work with. Felder is an expert in DTC/E-commerce supply chain, product development, fulfillment/warehousing, social entrepreneurship, bootstrapped business growth, international partnerships, and team-building. Bearbottom has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and Reader's Digest. Links from the Show What brand has made Robert smile recently? “We're gonna be making some graphic tees in 2024 so I've been shopping a lot of brands,” Robert shared. “One I love is a company called Takeout Order.” Connect with Robert on LinkedIn and learn more on the Bearbottom Clothing website.   As We Wrap … 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

Jackie Bebenroth is a positioning expert and founder of the agency Muse. She and her team help transformative leaders with positioning through their unique Productive Distancing approach. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Jackie Bebenroth Jackie Bebenroth is an award-winning positioning expert and agency founder who draws from two decades of experience as a brand strategist and entrepreneur to help visionary leaders achieve transformation inside their businesses and beyond. Jackie has shaped some of the nation’s leading brands. Using her own Productive Distancing techniques for brand strategy, she helps businesses evolve and define their true purpose – the WHY – so they can march forward with unwavering clarity and confidence. At her agency, Muse, she leads a team of strategists and creatives who are dialed into the needs of clients in nutrition and wellness segments, where behavior and lifestyle changes are prerequisites to success. She’s picked up a few accolades along the way, most notably a SXSW Interactive finalist award and Content Marketing Institute’s Content Marketing Leader of the Year. Links from the Show Jackie's agency Muse has positioned over 80 brands! A question we need to be asking ourselves more: How is your brand showing up in the world? What brand has made Jackie smile recently? “I'm gonna bring up a brand that you shouldn't search for at work,” Jackie began. “Shinesty has such a unique brand voice. Someone should give the copywriter a high five.” Connect with Jackie on her website, her agency website, and LinkedIn.   As We Wrap … 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

Pam Sherman is an actor, writer, leadership consultant, and recovering lawyer. Her work helps leaders, law firms, and Fortune 500 brands with the tasks of finding and sharing their unique stories. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Pam Sherman Pam Sherman is an actor, writer, leadership consultant, and recovering lawyer who was profiled in People Magazine about her transition from lawyer to actor. Today, she speaks, facilitates, and coaches leaders all over the world about how to ignite their audiences with who they are and their stories, and to find their EDGE: Explore, Dream, Grow, & Excite®. She works with Fortune 500 companies, law firms, and advertising agencies, and is a highly rated global resource for the leadership organizations, EO, Vistage, YPO, and Tiger 21. Her nationally syndicated column, The Suburban Outlaw was published in the USA Today Network for 15 years. Sherman also starred in Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End breaking box-office records around the United States. Links from the Show Pam shared a great definition of a story: “A narrative that feels real to the teller and the listener.” Pam also shared some story wisdom from George Saunders. What brand has made Pam smile recently? Pam shared that whenever she's traveling and is close, she stops at a Nordstrom when she can. Connect with Pam on her website.   As We Wrap … 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

Melanie Deziel is an award-winning branded content creator and author of the books The Content Fuel Framework and Prove It. She also is the Co-Founder of The Creator Kitchen mastermind group. We discussed all of this and more — with cooking metaphors aplenty — this week on the On Brand podcast. About Melanie Deziel Melanie Deziel is a keynote speaker and award-winning branded content creator who is passionate about helping individuals, teams, and organizations unlock their creative potential and organize their creative efforts. She is the Co-Founder of The Creator Kitchen mastermind for creatives, and the author of both The Content Fuel Framework: How to Generate Unlimited Story Ideas and Prove It: Exactly How Modern Marketers Earn Trust. Links from the Show Check out The Creator Kitchen mastermind. And here are links to Melanie's two books we discussed — The Content Fuel Framework and Prove It. Looking for more smarts from Melanie? Check out her previous appearances on the On Brand podcast back in 2016 and 2020. What brand has made Melanie smile recently? “You can tell me whether or not this counts ...” Melanie began before sharing the regular smiles she gets from the Australian children's show Bluey. She's not alone. Connect with Melanie on her website.   As We Wrap … 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

Aaron Templer is the author of the book Leading a Social World and the owner of the marketing firm, Three Over Four. He brings a unique background in the arts to his work, which is focused on the convergence of strategy, leadership, and social media. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Aaron Templer Having studied music, English lit, and earned an MBA, Aaron Templer is an unapologetic, eclectic marketing leader, and at-times agitator. With more than 25 years of experience, Aaron is a marketing firm owner, professional instructor for the American Marketing Association, occasional speaker and professor, and hobby percussionist. His firm, speaking engagements, teachings, and writings are at the intersection of strategy, creativity, brand, influence, and leadership. Some call him the Gora Dhol Wallah. Aaron recently authored Leading in a Social World, a six-time award-winning book for business leaders and marketers that sets out a different approach to marketing in online social circles that builds the kind of connections brands and marketers desire. Links from the Show Check out Aaron's book Leading in a Social World. Aaron's marketing firm — Three Over Four. What brand has made Aaron smile recently? Aaron shared a story of meeting the author Bruce Cameron known as “The Dog Author.” Talk about smiles! Connect with Aaron on his website, AaronTempler.com.   As We Wrap … 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

Chris Kocek is the founder and CEO of Gallant Branding and the author of the new book Any Insights Yet? His work helps brands looking to make a difference in the world make sense of all of the data and insights at their fingertips. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Chris Kocek Chris Kocek is the founder and CEO of Gallant Branding, a creative branding firm in Austin, Texas focused on building brands for a better world. Over the past 10 years, Gallant has helped dozens of companies with brand overhauls, new product launches, and data-driven campaigns, resulting in triple-digit growth and national recognition. In his new book, Any Insights Yet? Connect the Dots. Create New Categories. Transform Your Business, Chris Kocek demystifies the insight-building process in a way that can help any business leader or marketing practitioner get to higher ground. Packed with real-world examples from leading brands and award-winning campaigns, Any Insights Yet? provides a dynamic step-by-step process for connecting the dots between data, observations, and human truths, resulting in powerful insights that can breathe new life into your brand and give your business a long-term competitive advantage. Links from the Show Here's a link to Chris's new book Any Insights Yet? Connect the Dots. Create New Categories. Transform Your Business. Chris's creative branding firm Gallant Branding. Chris talked about his team's work for the brand Snap Kitchen. What brand has made Chris smile recently? Chris pointed us to Slutty Vegan out of Atlanta as a brand with personality — something too many brands today lack. Connect with Chris on his website and connect with him on LinkedIn. As We Wrap … 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

Mark Miller is co-author of the book Legacy in the Making, founder of The Legacy Lab, and Chief Strategy Officer at Team One, a leading luxury agency. As all of this would suggest, Mark is an expert in both legacy building for brands and luxury branding. We discussed both this week on the On Brand podcast. About Mark Miller Mark Miller is the co-author of Legacy in the Making: Building a Long-Term Brand to Stand Out in a Short-Term World (McGraw-Hill Education). He is the founder of The Legacy Lab, a thought leadership and consulting practice that explores how brands can build modern legacies. He is also the Chief Strategy Officer at Team One, Publicis Groupe’s global luxury and premium brand agency. Mark is a sought-after presenter, keynote speaker, and panelist on global luxury and premium brands, leadership and culture, legacy-making, and his recent book. Links from the Show Mark’s big and small legacy brand examples — Wimbledon and their retractable roof) and Me & the Bees Lemonade. Is Patagonia actually a luxury brand? We discussed this on the show but here's an interesting piece from The Cut exploring this question further. Fun Fact: I chatted with Mark's Legacy in the Making co-author Lucas Conley a few years back. Listen to his interview for more on building your brand legacy. What brand has made Mark smile recently? Being a music fan, Mark shared the story of a brand he loved — Nashville's Bluebird Cafe. Connect with Mark on X and LinkedIn. You can also check out his Fast Company-produced docuseries. As We Wrap … 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

Matt Abrahams is a leading expert in the field of communication and a lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, where he also hosts the popular, award-winning podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart. A sought-after keynote speaker and consultant, his new book is Think Faster, Talk Smarter. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Matt Abrahams Matt Abrahams is a leading expert in the field of communication. As a Lecturer in Organizational Behavior at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, he teaches popular classes in strategic communication and effective virtual presenting and has received the school’s Alumni Teaching Award. Matt also teaches public speaking and co-teaches Improvisationally Speaking in the Stanford Continuing Studies Program. When he isn’t teaching, Matt is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and communications consultant and coach. He has helped numerous presenters prepare for high-stakes talks, including IPO road shows, Nobel Prize award presentations, and appearances at TED and the World Economic Forum. His online talks garner millions of views and he hosts the popular, award-winning podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart, The Podcast. His book Speaking Up without Freaking Out: 50 Techniques for Confident and Compelling Presenting has helped a wide audience manage speaking anxiety and present more confidently and authentically. To relax and rejuvenate, Matt enjoys hiking with his wife, talking and watching sports with his kids, hanging out with his friends, and being continually humbled at the karate dojo. Links from the Show Here's a link to Matt's new book Think Faster, Talk Smarter: How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot. Matt has several episodes of his Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast on anxiety and public speaking. Here's one we discussed. We also discussed why improv is important in business. Matt closes his podcast with the question, “Who's a communicator you admire and why?” I asked Matt who pointed us to Britney Packnett Cunningham’s work on confidence. What brand has made Matt smile recently? Matt loves Superhuman — a tool that helps him be more efficient with email. Since I turned Matt's question on him, he did the same thing to me — asking me for a brand that's made me smile recently. I went with Criquet Shirts. I love their shirts and the brand's presence on Instagram. Connect with Matt on his website MattAbrahams.com and LinkedIn and check out the Think Fast, Talk Smart podcast. As We Wrap … 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

Jamie Turner is a lot of things — leading author, professor, consultant, and TV news contributor. However, at the end of the day, Jamie says he’s a helper first and foremost. His work helps brands like Coca-Cola and Mercedes-Benz as well as leaders at organizations of all sizes. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Jamie Turner Jamie Turner is an internationally recognized author, professor, consultant, and TV news contributor who has helped The Coca-Cola Company, Holiday Inn, Mercedes-Benz, and other global brands tackle complex business problems. He has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, HuffPost, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Inc., and other prominent publications. He's also a regular guest on CNN, where he delivers segments on marketing, customer experience, and leadership. Jamie is the co-author of four essential business books, the latest of which is An Audience of One published by McGraw-Hill. Links from the Show The new book! Here's Jamie’s most recent book, An Audience of One. Check out Jamie’s work at JamieTurner.live and UnspokenRules.live. Connect with Jamie on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube. What brand has made Jamie smile recently? Jamie shared two recent smiles — Progressive Insurance and some fun stories from the founder of Bumble. As We Wrap … 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

Ana Andjelic is Chief Brand Officer of ESPIRIT Holdings Limited and the author of the book The Business of Aspiration. Specializing in building brand-driven modern businesses, Ana is one of Forbes’s The World’s Most Influential CMOs. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Ana Andjelic Ana Andjelic is a brand executive, author of “The Business of Aspiration” and one of Forbes’s The World’s Most Influential CMOs. Ana specializes in building brand-driven modern businesses. Most recently, she led the rebrand of Banana Republic and is now the Chief Brand Officer at ESPRIT. Ana earned her doctorate in sociology and is a widely read columnist, speaker, and advisor. Links from the Show ESPIRIT's new line targeted at Gen X and Gen Z (what Ana called “two for one”). Here's a collection of classic ESPIRIT ads from the '80s like Ana and I were discussing during the show. Check out Ana's book The Business of Aspiration. What brand has made Ana smile recently? Art collective MSCHF, specifically their recent colab with Victoria Beckham. Connect with Ana on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. You can also sign up for her Substack. As We Wrap … 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

Paulo Ribeiro is the founder of Two Things, a transformative agency for active lifestyle brands. With clients like The North Face, Timberland, and more, Paulo's expertise in brand advertising and global brand strategy has shaped industry leaders like Nike and Electronic Arts. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Paulo Ribiero Paulo Ribeiro is the founder of Two Things, a brand transformation agency that focuses on the active lifestyle category. Two Things serves clients such as The North Face, Timberland, Visit Sun Valley, Mad Hippie, Converse, and Arc'teryx. Paulo began his career in brand advertising first in NYC and then in SF at Hal Riney+Partners, the first creatively led agency, during the dot com boom. At Wieden + Kennedy, he was head of global brand strategy for Nike and Electronic Arts through the era of digital transformation. He led the evolution of innovation agency Redscout to better serve Silicon Valley, working with Reid Hoffman on LinkedIn's positioning and expanding Gatorade's portfolio from beverages to food and digital products. Paulo was the Managing Director of one of the first Venture Studios-West SF, which was founded by Jack Dorsey to accelerate the growth of many of the world's most disruptive startups. His portfolio included Venmo, Jawbone, Twitter, Braintree, Square, Tumblr, and many others. More recently he led the creation of the Wieden + Kennedy Lodge the innovation agency, within the W+K Network, working with Nike's secretive Innovation Kitchen, Samsung, and Verizon as clients. The fruits of that labor contributed significantly to W+K earning Global Agency of the Year two years in a row. Paulo’s work has been discussed in the New York Times, Fast Company, The Wall Street Journal, Ad Age, Adweek, Techcrunch, Monocle, The Guardian, Communication Arts, LA Times, Business Insider, and many other publications. Episode Highlights What is a lifestyle brand? Paulo and his team define it as, “any brand that encourages an active lifestyle” including both athletics and travel. What are the Two Things? The name of Paulo's agency comes from “the art of combining two unrelated things in an interesting way” to stand out in the crowded, distracted world we find ourselves in. The role of tension. Paulo and I spent a lot of our conversation talking about tension. Tension between the advertising industry and the Silicon Valley innovation mindset. Tension between scale and experimentation. This tension can play an important role in standing out today. What brand has made Paulo smile recently? First, Paulo threw it back to the EA and Nike collaboration, Dot Swoosh, that he referenced earlier. He then shared the amazing activation the Barbie team did with Ken and the Dream House. “Actions speak louder than words.” To learn more, check out the agency's website at TwoThings.co. As We Wrap … 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

Anthony Butler is a “can-do” digital marketing and brand growth expert. That motto of the military unit he led in Iraq and he brings that mindset to his work helping businesses address the obstacles they face in building and growing their brands. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Anthony Butler Anthony Butler is the founder of the digital marketing agency Can-Do Ideas and the author of Primal Storytelling, Marketing for Humans. He is a highly regarded expert in brand storytelling and digital marketing. Anthony served as both enlisted and as an officer in the US Army. He also graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and the US Army Ranger School. He is a combat veteran and commanded an infantry company in Iraq during the invasion of Baghdad. He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu blackbelt and currently resides in Montana with his wife and two sons. Episode Highlights From the military to marketing. Anthony shared his compelling life story — from his background in the armed forces to the can-do mindset he developed there and now uses in his work to help businesses grow. “It taught me to be regimented with my time.” What brand has made Anthony smile recently? On a recent trip to South Dakota to visit family, Anthony was struck by the power of the Harley Davidson brand over time. “Any time someone will tattoo a brand on their body is big.” To learn more, connect with Anthony on LinkedIn and check out the Primal Storytelling website. As We Wrap … 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

Thaler Pekar is a pioneer in the field of organizational storytelling. Her work helps leaders, employees, and customers connect around shared stories. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Thaler Pekar Thaler Pekar is a communication pioneer, lauded as one of the world’s leading experts on institutional storytelling. For 18 years, she and her team at Thaler Pekar & Partners have advised visionary leaders worldwide on gaining confidence, insight, and influence. Episode Highlights How institutional storytelling works. “It helps to have an equitable leader,” Thaler began, describing how the stories leaders share can connect all levels in an organization. Small stories can exemplify the brand. Thaler shared a story from her work with retail giant Kiehl's. “They're really committed to the idea of hospitality,” she notes. “Finding stories is about learning more about what customers want.” “People don't listen because they themselves don't feel heard.” I had to pause the interview and write this one down! Thaler notes that people are complex and can miss this critical first step — listening. What brand has made Thaler smile recently? “Barbenheimer!” Thaler and I discussed how this marketing phenomenon was a true story of a “high tide raising all ships.” To learn more, check out the Thaler Pekar & Partners website. As We Wrap … 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

Jay Norman is the Global Head of Music Marketing at Spotify. His work at Spotify and his background as co-founder of the content shop Verse + Hook has focused on helping brands create and connect through culturally impactful work. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Jay Norman Jay Norman is a creative leader, marketer, and co-founder with a 15-year + commitment to designing campaigns merging culture and human emotional experiences. Currently serving as the Global Head of Music Marketing at Spotify, Justin has worked with several international brands, organizations, and artists, creating genre-bending, culturally impactful work. Within his agency career, he has led campaigns and content for brands such as Johnson and Johnson (Listerine, Tylenol, Zyrtec), Stellantis (Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Maserati), Unilever (Country Crock, Bertolli, Popsicle, I Can't Believe It's Not Butter) JBL, Harman Kardon, McDonald's, and more. The award-winning content shop he co-founded, Verse + Hook, has crafted work on brands like Pepsi and Kingsford and had an integral role in the composition of campaigns and media featuring artists and musicians in advertising for brands like Jeep, Bacardi, Paypal, NFL, and ESPN. Episode Highlights Artists and brands can be strange bedfellows. “Usually it takes the form of an endorsement.” However, as Jay notes, it can often be something much bigger. The problem? “Brands usually come in asking an artist to be in this thing all about me. In reality, it all comes down to story — what about you makes you interesting?” “Our algorithm is one of the best pieces of machine learning,” says Jay. He went on to share the powerful brand touchpoint of Spotify's year-end Wrapped project. What brand has made Darren smile recently? “Barbie,” Jay noted with enthusiasm. “I'm loving that, usually, a brand over-saturating the market backfires. But Barbie reminds us that nostalgia is a powerful tool.” To learn more, connect with Jay on LinkedIn. As We Wrap … 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

Stacey Zimmerman serves as Managing Director at Big Spaceship, where she focuses on deepening client relationships, growing the agency at large, and leading the Account Management discipline. Her passion lies in helping client partners work collaboratively with their agency partners, underscoring how collaboration leads to the most impactful work. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Stacey Zimmerman Stacey Zimmerman serves as Managing Director at Big Spaceship, where she focuses on deepening client relationships, growing the agency at large, and leading the Account Management discipline. Her passion lies in helping client partners work collaboratively with their agency partners, underscoring how collaboration leads to the most impactful work. Nurturing diverse teams, Stacey helps provide education and opportunities to aspiring talent by teaching advertising at both East and West Coast universities for the past decade, serving as executive sponsor for one of Big Spaceship’s employee resource groups (ERGs), and serving as a MAIP mentor. In her five years at Big Spaceship, Stacey has grown the agency’s relationship with Starbucks from a project to AOR, expanding into the loyalty and partnerships space while also helping mount a multi-chaptered brand campaign. Recently, she helped launch Fast Twitch, a new energy drink from PepsiCo, with a holistic campaign and on-the-ground Super Bowl activation. Her experience also includes digital product work; for example, Stacey helped SiriusXM develop a brand new website that made for an entirely revamped experience both for customers and internal marketing teams. Current and past clients include Google, Hasbro, MasterClass, and NFL, among other brands. Prior to Big Spaceship, Stacey worked at a variety of agencies within the Publicis Groupe network on integrated campaigns for brands including P&G, J&J, Veuve Clicquot, Sally Hansen, Visa, and Google. Stacey has also developed an expertise in the tech space, developing sites, apps, and digital campaigns for clients such as Mercedes-Benz and COTY. Episode Highlights Building successful partnerships with clients. “It's a constant conversation,” Stacey notes. “You also have to set up imperfection — that we might change our mind along the way and that's okay.” “I sometimes forget that you don't work here,” Stacey loves hearing this from clients. Again, this is indicative of the close partnerships she believes in building rather than account management. We need a better label ... Stacey notes that though she's a big believer in the account management discipline, it's a limiting label. She promises to keep us posted on what she and the team comes up with! What brand has made Stacey smile recently? Stacey began with a big shoutout to all of the amazing Barbie work before sharing the story of Orange and an AI-generated women's soccer ad. To learn more, check out the Big Spaceship website and connect with her on LinkedIn. As We Wrap … 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

Ariadna Navarro is the Chief Growth Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at VSA Partners where she and her team help clients of all shapes and sizes—from blue chips to B2B to startups. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Ariadna Navarro Ariadna Navarro is the Chief Growth Officer and Chief Strategy Officer at VSA Partners, an agency that designs for a better experience. VSA Partners works with a wide range of businesses, from blue chip companies like IBM, AT&T, and Google; to B2B brands like Cargill, Curia, and Ever.AG; to startup disruptors like Black Telehealth and Robinhood. Ariadna helps clients identify and unlock growth potential by connecting business strategy to brand and experience strategy to relentlessly and cohesively deploy a company’s ambition. Episode Highlights Fluff vs. business asset. Ari began our conversation by sharing that VSA takes a different view of brand. “We see brand as a business asset. Some think it's just advertising—brand as fluff.” “Technology has enabled brands not to think a lot,” Ari added. “Because you can A/B test everything.” However, she cautions, we need to remember the consumer and not get carried away. “Less not more.” P to P to E. Ari also shared the VSA approach to defining a brand's goals. “We think of it in terms of P to P to E—Promise to Performance to Experience.” What brand has made Ariadna smile recently? Ari shared an engaging new IKEA campaign factoring in your “travel time” to the store. To learn more, check out the VSA Partners website. As We Wrap … 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

Abbey McGrew is the founder and creative director of Wayfarer Design Studio, where she helps thoughtful e-commerce founders to bring their brands to life through visual identity, packaging, and web design. We discussed all of this and more this week on the show. About Abbey McGrew Abbey McGrew is the founder and creative director of Wayfarer Design Studio. Known for her heart-led approach to design, Abbey helps thoughtful e-commerce founders to bring their brands to life through visual identity, packaging, and web design. She believes that great branding is more than skin deep and always finds a way to weave deeper meaning into every last detail of her work. Episode Highlights What's in a name? “The name Wayfarer carries personal significance for both me and my clients,” Abbey shared. “To me, it symbolizes a passion for exploring the world with my husband, which inspired me to establish the company in 2016. To my clients, it speaks to the experience of embarking on a journey without clear direction, as is often the case when starting a business.” Connecting design to brand story. “Through our design work, we aim to help our clients find clarity and envision their future, serving as guides on their entrepreneurial journey,” says Abbey. What brand has made Abbey smile recently? Having recently returned to the U.S., Abbey has been buying a lot of American products. One that stood out recently was Billie Razors. She tells the story behind the smile during the show. To learn more, check out the Wayfarer Design Studio website and connect on Instagram. As We Wrap … 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

Chantal Cornelius has spent the last two decades helping hundreds of coaches, consultants, and speakers grow their businesses and achieve their goals by making strong emotional connections with their clients. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Chantal Cornelius Since founding Appletree Marketing in 2000, Chantal Cornelius has spent the last two decades helping hundreds of coaches, consultants, and speakers grow their businesses and achieve their goals by making strong emotional connections with their clients. Chantal knows that the key to standing out from competitors is to build strong, long-lasting relationships. Her mission is to help business owners realize that the path to success doesn’t involve churning out endless social content. In her writing and speaking, Chantal introduces business owners to the different Stand Out Strategies that they can use to make the best emotional connection with their clients. She explains how to utilize them, in order to stand out from their competitors, by incorporating more emotion and empathy into their work. Episode Highlights Threads? What do we do?!? This is a question marketers have been asking with the latest shiny new thing. “Think strategy before tactics,” Chantal cautions. Where do we start? “Listen to your clients.” Again, with so many distractions today, it can be hard to remember this simple yet effective advice that Chantal doubled down on. How can marketers build an emotional connection? “My research over the past few years has yielded five emotional strategies driving brands.” They are: Certainty Connection Contribution Growth Significance What brand has made Chantal smile recently? “I love Škoda, the car manufacturer,” Chantal shared. She loves the brand both for its funky colors and the amazing services she receives from Sam at her dealership! To learn more, go to ChantalCornelius.com and connect with her on LinkedIn. As We Wrap … 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

Dan Zavorotny is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Nutrisense, a metabolic health company that helps anyone discover and reach their health potential. This standout brand in the health and wearable spaces helps people own their health. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Dan Zavorotny Dan Zavorotny is the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Nutrisense, a metabolic health company that helps anyone discover and reach their health potential. Under Dan’s leadership, Nutrisense has become one of the fastest-growing startups in America. He has led the company through rapid growth, building a team of 170 employees in just over three years, and raising 32 million. Prior to co-founding Nutrisense, Dan worked as a Healthcare Management Consultant at KPMG where he advised Fortune 500 clients and three of the top five hospitals in the US. Dan is passionate about travel, having visited over 100 countries before the age of 30. Episode Highlights “One-third of the United States is pre-diabetic,” Dan shared this staggering fact as we began our conversation. “Our goal is to inspire people to take ownership of their health,” Dan said of Nutrisense. Why glucose? “Glucose is a good proxy for a lot of things,” including blood, stress, and more. A wearable brand. Nutrisense monitors stand out in a way that evokes those first white iPod earbuds. “Our own customers become our brand ambassadors. They serve as conversation starters.” What brand has made Dan smile recently? Dan shared his love of a Brazilian brand called iFood. “It’s like a combination of Uber they deliver anything—food, pharmaceuticals, something from your friend’s house.” To learn more, connect with Dan on LinkedIn and check out Nutrisense.io. As We Wrap … 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