Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast BRAVE COMMERCE

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Rochelle Wainer, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Global Insights and Analytics at Kids2, about how consumer insights are evolving as technology changes how people research, shop, and make decisions.

Rochelle shares how Kids2 combines research, behavioral data, and emerging technology to better understand parents and translate those insights into action across product development, marketing, and retail. She also discusses the importance of studying the shopper journey across digital and physical retail and what brands can learn now as Gen Z becomes a larger part of the parent population.

Key takeaways:

• Consumer research needs to reflect how people actually make decisions, from digital behaviors and social signals to real-world shopping experiences.
• AI and new sources of consumer data can help brands identify patterns and anticipate needs, but human interpretation remains critical to turning those signals into action.
• As Gen Z becomes a larger share of parents, brands need to understand how their expectations around authenticity, digital experiences, and value differ from those of previous generations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Grace Kao, Chief Marketing Officer at Snap Inc., about how changing consumer behaviors are reshaping the way brands build relationships and drive growth.

Grace shares why marketing is shifting from one-way messaging toward more community-driven, two-way engagement, and what brands can learn from the rise of chat and conversational commerce. She also discusses the role of creativity as AI and other technologies evolve, how brands can show up authentically in more personal spaces, and the challenge of balancing innovation with the growing pressure to prove ROI.

Key takeaways:

• The future of brand engagement is increasingly two-way, requiring marketers to contribute value rather than simply broadcast messages.
• AI may change how marketers create and engage, but strong ideas and human creativity remain fundamental.
• Marketers need to balance measurable performance with experimentation across emerging consumer behaviors and technologies.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Neela Montgomery, Board Director at Ahold Delhaize and Logitech and former CEO of Crate & Barrel, about what major shifts in consumer behavior mean for brands and retailers. Drawing on a career spent at the intersection of consumers, retailers, and brands, Neela shares her perspective on some of the most meaningful shifts in consumer behavior today and what they could mean for commerce.

From the rapid adoption of GLP-1s to growing attention around women’s health and menopause, Neela examines how changing needs and behaviors are showing up across the consumer landscape. She explores the ripple effects these shifts could have across categories, how they may reshape what consumers expect from brands and retailers, and where new opportunities could emerge as a result.

Key takeaways:

• Brands need to look beyond the immediate impact of a consumer trend to understand how it could influence behaviors and demand across categories.
• Product development and messaging should evolve alongside changing consumer priorities, rather than relying on assumptions about what shoppers value.
• Retailers have an opportunity to better understand consumers through different stages of their lives and create more relevant experiences around their changing needs.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Rob Master, Chief Marketing Officer at Edgewell Personal Care, about what stays constant as AI rapidly transforms the way marketers work.

Drawing on his experience leading brands and teaching the next generation of marketers, this conversation explores how leaders can navigate rapid change without losing sight of the fundamentals. Rob also shares how Edgewell approaches growth across iconic and emerging brands and reflects on an early career bet at Dove that helped shape his willingness to challenge convention and take big swings.

Key takeaways:

• Keep people at the center: AI can enhance every stage of the marketing process, but strong ideas still begin with deeply understanding the people you’re trying to reach.
• Stay curious as technology evolves: As knowledge becomes more accessible, curiosity, emotional intelligence, and a willingness to keep learning become even more critical for marketers.
• Lean into adaptability: In a rapidly changing market, strong leaders are willing to revisit decisions and change course when new information or context calls for it.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Nick Tran, President and CMO of First Round, a joint venture between Diageo and Main Street Advisors. The conversation centers around Nick’s perspective that the brands that stay relevant don't simply react to culture. They help create it.

Nick shares why brands should look beyond traditional marketing playbooks, how shifting consumer behaviors are changing the ways brands connect with people, and why AI's greatest opportunity isn't just improving efficiency, but helping marketers do things that weren't possible before.

Key takeaways:

• Building cultural relevance starts with rethinking where and how your brand shows up.
• Brands that use AI as a growth tool, not just a productivity tool, will be better positioned for what's next.
• Why an abundance mindset can be a competitive advantage for leaders navigating change.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Mindy Shaltry, VP of Omnichannel Marketing & Activation, Mondelēz U.S., and Wes Saraceni, VP of Consumer Experience U.S. at Mondelēz International, about why today's shopper journey demands closer alignment between marketing and sales.

Mindy and Wes share how their partnership is helping break down organizational silos, reshape the traditional funnel, and build more connected consumer experiences across every stage of the path to purchase. They also discuss what large organizations can learn from smaller brands, why the "missing middle" of the consumer journey deserves more attention, and how stepping into unfamiliar roles has shaped their leadership.

Key takeaways:

• The consumer doesn't distinguish between marketing and sales, so organizations can't afford to either.
• Growth comes from connecting every stage of the consumer journey, not just optimizing the top or bottom of the funnel.
• Stepping into unfamiliar roles and challenging established ways of working makes leaders stronger.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter are joined by Mike Westgate, Sector Lead, Retail, Global Business Solutions at TikTok, and Ben Sylvan, Senior Vice President, Connected Media Team at Keurig Dr Pepper. Bringing together both a platform and an advertiser, they offer a behind-the-scenes look at how their partnership turned Dr Pepper's viral Romeo jingle into one of the brand's biggest marketing moments.

Mike and Ben discuss how the campaign came together, from identifying an organic creator moment to making the decision to feature it during the College Football National Championship. They also explore how brands can build organizations that move at the speed of culture, collaborate more effectively with platform partners, and measure both the immediate and long-term impact of their marketing investments.

Key takeaways

• Successful cultural moments happen when brands, platforms, and creators work together—not in silos.
• Community participation is one of the strongest signals of consumer demand and can help shape marketing decisions.
• Measuring incrementality alongside long-term brand growth provides a more complete picture of campaign performance.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Branden Goodman, Head of Media & Marketing Capabilities, Beauty & Wellbeing US at Unilever, about how brands must adapt as algorithm-driven discovery reshapes consumer attention.

Branden explains why Unilever has embraced a social-first approach, what the shift from follower-based discovery to interest-driven discovery means for marketers, and how content creation is evolving from a campaign mindset to a continuous system of testing, learning, and optimization. He also shares how Unilever is building a modern content supply chain, where automation can accelerate execution, and why measurement must balance long-term business outcomes with real-time signals.

Key takeaways

• Consumer discovery is shifting away from social connections (who users follow) and toward algorithmic recommendations (what platforms predict is relevant).
• Winning brands are building content engines designed for continuous experimentation, not one-time campaigns.
• Real-time signals can improve performance, but long-term business outcomes should remain the ultimate measure of success.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Felicia Zhang, Head of Marketing at Bar Keeper's Friend, to discuss what it takes to modernize an iconic brand while maintaining the trust that made it successful in the first place. Drawing on experience across global brands including Nike, Oreo, and Nestlé, Felicia shares lessons from her transition to a smaller, more agile organization, where speed, experimentation, and continuous improvement are critical to success.

The conversation explores why brands perform best when they're willing to launch, learn, and iterate rather than waiting for perfect conditions. Felicia also shares how her approach to leadership has evolved over time, including the importance of empowering teams to take action, embracing uncertainty, and finding optimism through periods of change.

Key Takeaways

• Launching a strong V1 and improving through iteration often drives more progress than waiting for a perfect launch.
• The most effective teams combine strategic thinking with a willingness to roll up their sleeves and execute.
• Leadership becomes more effective when leaders focus less on controlling outcomes and more on empowering people and solving problems.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Stefan Kovačević, Global Retail Media and Digital Shelf Lead at Nestlé, about how AI is changing the way consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase products. As AI becomes a more active participant in the path to purchase, Stefan explores what this shift means for brands and why marketers need to rethink how they build trust and differentiation.

Stefan introduces the concepts of "human equity" and "machine equity," arguing that future brand success will depend on winning trust from both people and AI. He discusses the growing role of operational excellence and why emotional connections may become even more valuable as purchasing becomes increasingly automated.

Key takeaways

• The future of brand equity will depend on winning with both consumers and AI-driven recommendation systems.
• Operational excellence is no longer just a supply chain concern; it increasingly influences brand perception and performance.
• As more routine purchases become automated, emotional connections may become a key differentiator for brands.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Bob Liodice, Chief Executive Officer, Association of National Advertisers (ANA), to discuss the forces reshaping modern marketing. From media transparency and measurement to AI adoption and talent development, Bob shares his perspective on the challenges marketers must navigate today and the opportunities that will define the industry's future.

Bob reflects on the industry's progress toward greater transparency, the role collaboration plays in solving complex challenges, and why he believes AI can help marketers make smarter, more informed decisions. He also shares his thoughts on navigating uncertainty, developing future talent, and what marketing leaders should prioritize as the industry continues to evolve.

Key takeaways:

• Media transparency and measurement remain critical challenges for marketers seeking greater accountability.
• AI can help uncover inefficiencies and improve decision-making, but organizations must be prepared to adapt.
• Solving the industry's biggest challenges will require collaboration across brands, agencies, platforms, and partners.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Jim Lecinski, the marketer behind the “Zero Moment of Truth” framework during his time at Google and now Clinical Professor of Marketing at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, about how AI is reshaping consumer discovery. From search and social to retail media networks and AI assistants, Jim explains why brands must rethink how they influence decision-making before the point of purchase.

The conversation also explores how AI is influencing both consumers and marketers, and what CMOs should prioritize as discovery becomes increasingly fragmented across platforms and channels.

Key takeaways:

• The “Zero Moment of Truth” is expanding across AI, social, retail media, influencers, and search-driven discovery.
• Brands should start with understanding consumer questions and behaviors before determining where to invest media dollars.
• AI is reshaping both consumer decision-making and how marketing organizations structure teams, strategies, and customer insights.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Nicolle Pangis, VP of UCAN Advertising at Netflix, about building an advertising business inside one of the world’s most influential media companies.

Nicolle shares why the future of streaming advertising will depend on stronger data collaboration, interoperable measurement, and AI-powered infrastructure. She also discusses the evolution of connected TV measurement, the growing role of clean rooms and data integrations, and how Netflix is thinking about turning audience engagement and fandom into measurable business outcomes for advertisers.

Key takeaways:

• Advertisers can no longer rely on siloed measurement systems if they want a clear view of performance across streaming and retail ecosystems.
• AI-driven advertising depends on connected, interoperable data, not just automation.
• Premium audience engagement only becomes valuable when platforms can connect it to measurable outcomes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Risa Cretella, Executive Vice President, Meals & Beverages at The Campbell's Company, about what it takes to evolve iconic brands while staying competitive in fast-moving, highly commoditized categories. Risa shares how she brings an entrepreneurial mindset into a large organization, focusing on smart risk-taking, faster decision-making, and empowering teams to act with conviction, even without perfect data.

She also discusses how Campbell’s is approaching innovation differently, starting with real consumer behavior and moving quickly when there’s clear evidence of demand. The conversation explores why brands lose relevance over time, how private-label gains ground, and what it takes to build and maintain a true “right to win”, while aligning brand-building efforts with commercial outcomes to drive real growth.

Key takeaways:

• Speed is a competitive advantage, but only if teams are empowered to act before perfect validation.
• Private label growth is often a symptom of brand stagnation, not just pricing pressure.
• The strongest innovations don’t create new behavior; they formalize what consumers are already doing.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Britt West, Chief Commercial Officer at Gallo, about what’s really behind wine’s recent decline—and what it will take to turn the category around.

Britt challenges common narratives around health trends and instead points to a more fundamental issue: wine has failed to recruit the next generation of consumers. He breaks down how decades of premiumization created growth in the short term, but left a gap in long-term demand.

He also shares the playbook for rebuilding the category—from making wine more approachable and affordable to rethinking formats, cultural relevance, and how brands show up in everyday moments.

Key takeaways:

• Wine’s biggest challenge isn’t moderation. It’s a lack of new consumer recruitment.
• Approachability matters: complexity and “insider knowledge” are barriers to entry.
• New formats and price accessibility can unlock trial and repeat customers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Helen Kurtz, Chief Marketing Officer at The Wine Group, about how one of the largest wine companies is navigating a category defined by intense competition and shifting consumer behavior.

Helen shares how her team is accelerating speed to market, bringing new products to shelf in months, not years, while moving earlier on emerging trends. She also discusses the realities of innovating across product, packaging, and format, and what it takes to succeed within a complex system of distributors, retailers, and internal stakeholders.

Key takeaways:

• Speed to market is critical—brands must move quickly and be willing to act before trends fully mature.
• Low loyalty shifts the focus from retention to consistently winning the moment of purchase.
• Growth comes from identifying emerging trends early and entering them before the category gets crowded.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Lara Vandenberg, CEO and Founder of Assemble, which connects brands with senior freelance marketing talent on demand. Lara shares why traditional marketing organizational structures are breaking down, and how leading CMOs are rethinking how work actually gets done.

They explore the shift from fixed roles to flexible capabilities, the impact of overhiring and budget pressure, and why the biggest issue facing marketing teams today isn’t talent, it’s systems. Lara also unpacks the rise of new roles like marketing COOs and process improvement analysts, and what it takes to connect fragmented workflows, teams, and technologies to drive performance.

Key takeaways

• Flexible talent models are replacing traditional hiring and agency structures.
• Systems—not talent—are the biggest constraint on marketing performance.
• Winning teams align how work gets done with how consumers actually discover and shop.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Jennifer Berry, VP of Our LEGO Agency, Commerce & Digital at The LEGO Group. Jennifer shares how LEGO is rethinking its operating model—bringing creativity, commerce, and retail together under one in-house agency to deliver more connected, audience-first experiences.

They explore why consumers don’t see channels the way organizations do, how LEGO is designing seamless ecosystems across DTC, retail partners, and physical experiences, and what it takes to balance long-term brand building with real-time cultural relevance. From immersive retail to evolving PDPs and the role of AI in freeing teams to focus on higher-impact creative work, the conversation shows how leading brands are operating in a world where brand and transaction moments are no longer separate.

Key takeaways

• Most organizations are still structured around channels, but consumers aren’t. That gap is where performance is lost.
• Growth comes from orchestrating brand, media, and retail into a single performance ecosystem.
• The immediate role of AI isn’t to replace creativity—it’s to streamline processes so more time can be spent on creative and high-impact work.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Amy Luke Busker, Chief Commercial Officer at Mizkan America, about what it takes to drive growth in today’s increasingly complex commerce landscape.

Amy shares how expanding the commercial function beyond sales and marketing is reshaping how organizations operate, and why growth requires alignment across teams. She discusses silos, shared KPIs, and how teams move from fragmented ways of working to a more unified approach. She also explores how leaders can navigate rapid change—from shifting consumer behavior to more algorithm-driven discovery—while bringing entire organizations along for the journey.

Key takeaways

• Commercial growth is a team sport; success comes from aligning sales, marketing, R&D, and supply chain, not operating in silos.
• Shared KPIs matter, but impact comes from changing how teams work, not just how performance is measured.
• Breaking silos starts with shared priorities, structured planning, and bringing the full organization along.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Zena Arnold, Chief Marketing Officer at Sephora U.S., about how one of the world’s most influential beauty retailers stays at the center of culture in an industry that moves at lightning speed.

Zena shares how Sephora discerns which trends represent fleeting moments versus real behavioral shifts, why beauty discovery has become continuous in the age of creators and social feeds, and how the company balances digital personalization with high-impact in-person experiences like SEPHORiA. She also discusses how Sephora approaches AI—from powering skin scans and product discovery to enabling more relevant personalization—while remaining thoughtful about how new technology enhances, rather than dilutes, the client experience.

Key takeaways

• Not every trend deserves a brand response; successful marketers build systems to filter signal from noise.
• Beauty discovery is now continuous, requiring brands to show up consistently across creators, culture, and community.
• The strongest brand partnerships come from clear identity and products that fill a true consumer white space.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Dipesh Patel, Senior Director, Digital Transformation & Ecommerce, Global OTC at Teva Pharmaceuticals, to discuss what it takes to drive transformation in a category where trust, accuracy, and regulation shape the pace of change. Dipesh shares how his background in mathematics and early experience in retail influence his approach to problem-solving, ambiguity, and digital transformation.

They also explore Dipesh’s move from Unilever to Teva, including the difference between operating in a mature consumer goods environment versus building capabilities in OTC. The conversation also dives into AI’s role in content creation, why speed alone isn’t enough in healthcare, and how brands can use stronger systems and guardrails to scale content while maintaining control.

Key takeaways

• AI can scale content production, but strong guardrails and human oversight remain essential.
• In healthcare and OTC, brands must balance digital speed with trust and regulatory rigor.
• Building digital capabilities from scratch requires a different mindset than optimizing mature systems.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Brian Gelb, Senior Vice President of Wine and Concierge at Total Wine & More, to unpack how a retailer is gaining share while the broader alcohol market faces headwinds. Brian shares how his military background shaped an “intent-based leadership” approach that pushes decision-making down, builds ownership, and requires teams to arrive with a recommendation, not just an issue.

They also discuss what often breaks down between suppliers and retail partners, why bringing real customer insights to the table changes the quality of joint business planning conversations, and how Total Wine stays focused on service, selection, and sharp pricing, while expanding into non-alcoholic, THC-infused, and emerging functional beverage segments.

Key takeaways

• Intent-based leadership drives accountability by empowering teams to own decisions and defend their reasoning.
• Retailer–supplier alignment improves when both sides start with customer insights and shared strategy.
• Share growth in a challenging market comes from disciplined focus on experience, assortment, and price.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Toby Espinosa, VP of Ads at DoorDash. Toby shares how DoorDash built one of the fastest-growing retail media networks, and why the next phase of growth depends on making performance comparable across platforms, partners, and budgets.

They unpack the tension between local trade dollars and national media budgets, how CPG organizations split ownership between sales and marketing, and what it takes to unlock both. Toby also explores how AI can accelerate integrations, lower the cost of connecting data, and raise the bar for targeting and outcomes across commerce media.

Key takeaways

• National media budgets scale when incrementality is clear and performance is standardized.
• The biggest growth unlock comes from aligning trade and media dollars around shared outcomes.
• Consistent, comparable reporting builds trust and drives long-term investment.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Michael Reda, Vice President of Omnichannel Marketing at The Marzetti Company, about driving growth in categories like refrigerated dressings and frozen bread. He shares how Marzetti approaches discovery in a digitally influenced world and how the brand reinforces storytelling with retail media and partnerships like Instacart to support basket building.

They also discuss Marzetti’s post-2020 eCommerce acceleration, including the foundational work behind scaling digital commerce, from improving content and search to strengthening ratings, reviews, and agency partnerships. Michael reflects on innovation, founder stories, and the career move he considers his bravest: stepping off the traditional brand path to build a digital role early on.

Key Takeaways

• Not being a “host food” requires a different approach to discovery and relevance
• Digitally influenced sales require proactive storytelling before the store
• Retail media and brand partnerships can drive basket-building impact
• E-commerce growth begins with strong content, search, and ratings fundamentals

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Kate Hamill, VP of North America Enterprise Sales at Pinterest, to unpack how the platform is evolving from an inspiration engine into a more measurable driver of commerce outcomes. Kate shares how Pinterest is compressing the funnel between discovery and conversion, and how brands can think differently about visual-first experiences across the shopping journey.

The conversation also dives into why social search is capturing more search budgets, how Pinterest’s AI powers proactive discovery, and why modern measurement approaches—including MMM, MTA, and incrementality—matter more than last-click attribution as consumers shop across weeks and devices. From CPG to emerging non-endemic categories, Kate explains how brands can reach consumers earlier in the journey and better understand their impact on growth.

Key Takeaways

• Social search plays a critical role in demand creation, not just demand capture
• Visual search helps brands engage consumers before preferences are fully formed
• Incrementality and triangulated measurement are essential to understanding impact
• AI-powered discovery experiences support both inspiration and performance

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, hosts Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter unpack M&A from the inside, drawing upon their experience navigating acquisitions firsthand.

Rachel announces MikMak’s acquisition by SPINS, sharing how it came together, why it was the right partner at the right moment, and her priorities for the first 90 - 180 days, from change management and customer communication to accelerating product innovation. She also reflects on the human side of the acquisition and what it means to support teams through uncertainty and transition.

They also share standout clips from the BRAVE COMMERCE community—featuring Stuart Heflin (Quest Nutrition), Dan O’Leary (Hostess), and Esi Seng (Tate’s Bake Shop)—highlighting what makes acquisitions successful from a brand operator’s perspective—protecting what works, honoring culture, and maintaining a challenger mindset during change.

Key Takeaways

• Why integration and change management, not the deal itself, define acquisition success
• How to evaluate the right partner for customers, employees, and investors
• What founders and leaders can do now if M&A is a long-term goal
• How to preserve culture and momentum while continuing to deliver for customers

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, hosts Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with John Ferris, President, Consumer at Bausch + Lomb, to discuss how modern consumer behavior is rewriting the rules for legacy brands. John shares how his team is tackling a core challenge in eye health: consumers value vision deeply, but often don’t take action until something is wrong, creating a massive opportunity for education-led growth.

John also breaks down what it means to market in a world where discovery is increasingly shaped by social platforms and AI tools. He explains how Bausch + Lomb is partnering with eye care professionals who show up as credible “influencers,” and why improving the quality and structure of brand content matters more than ever as chatbots become a go-to source. The episode closes with a look at how the pharmacy channel is evolving, and how “hidden” in-store friction can quietly shift demand online in an instant.

Key Takeaways

• Education is a growth lever when consumers delay action until a problem appears
• Credibility still wins—but only if you make it easy to understand and easy to trust
• Optimize content for the new discovery layer (AI + social), not just traditional search
• Reduce friction everywhere, because shoppers will reroute the moment it gets inconvenient

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, hosts Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Marco Brucato, Head of eCommerce Europe - DTC Transformation at Beko Europe.

Marco shares how he’s scaled digital commerce across diverse European markets by applying a “freedom within a frame” mindset, centralizing strategy, governance, and KPIs while empowering local teams to adapt for cultural nuance and shopper expectations.

He breaks down what it takes to make transformation stick inside large organizations, from securing leadership buy-in to making the cost of inaction tangible. Marco also explains why selling the problem matters more than selling the solution, how a test-small-scale-fast approach helps prove value, and why omnichannel should be a core operating principle — not a buzzword.

Key takeaways

• Scale with structure: Centralize principles and governance while enabling local execution
• Create urgency: Make the cost of inaction clear to unlock leadership buy-in
• Prove value fast: Test ideas in small ways, then scale what works

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, hosts Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Laura Briggs, Head of eCommerce Excellence at Philips.

Laura shares how her team drives category growth across Philips' consumer goods portfolio (Sonicare, Avent, Grooming & Beauty) by establishing a universal focus and analyzing the core drivers of consumer growth as a key framework. She emphasizes that eCommerce is a team sport, explaining how her team aligns cross-functional partners around core KPIs, prioritizing the Digital Shelf as the essential foundation.

She shares the challenge of achieving scale and consistency globally, focusing on designing solutions for different personas, from super users to executives. Finally, Laura offers her "blue sky" vision for a commercial operating model, which would involve eliminating the divide between sales and marketing to achieve unified growth.

Key Takeaways

• Use Category Growth as the single, non-negotiable objective to align diverse global teams and business units
• Prioritize maximizing the Digital Shelf (content, availability, and visibility) as the essential foundation for effective eCommerce investment
• Treat eCommerce as a "team sport" by fostering empathy to ensure critical adoption and consistency across all functions
• The ideal commercial model eliminates the divide between Sales and Marketing to create unified growth leadership

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, hosts Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Matt Blevins, Chief Marketing Officer at Heaven Hill Brands.

Matt shares why long-term brand building remains essential in the spirits category and how disciplined measurement guides smarter decision-making. He explains how digital discovery, from YouTube mixology to Reddit communities, shapes in-store behavior, and why premiumization, moderation, and innovation are the real forces reshaping today’s beverage alcohol landscape.

Additionally, he also breaks down how Heaven Hill decides when to modernize a brand, why nuance is missing from industry headlines, and what it takes to stay grounded in consumer truth while the marketing world chases real-time optimization.

Key takeaways

• Long-term brand building and strategic patience remain essential in spirits
• Digital discovery now heavily shapes in-store purchase decisions
• Premiumization, moderation, and innovation continue to drive category trends
• Brand modernization works best when rooted in product truth and distinctiveness

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, hosts Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Matt Taylor, Vice President of Digital at Scotts Miracle-Gro.

Matt shares how generative search is reshaping the Lawn and Garden category, raising expectations for content, partnerships, and digital experiences. He explains why Scotts brought digital and retail media together under one leader and how his team built a machine-learning model that uses weather, POS, macroeconomic signals, and media data to guide in-season investment.

He also breaks down what it takes to align brand, sales, and media teams and why patience and iteration are essential when building data science capabilities.

Key takeaways

• Generative search is raising the bar for content, consumer experience, and measurement
• Consolidating digital and retail media enables full-funnel planning and faster decisions
• Machine-learning models help teams optimize weekly investments with real-time data
• Data science requires buy-in, experimentation, and time to improve

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, recorded live at Groceryshop, Sarah Hofstetter sits down with Louise Cotterill, Global Senior Director of Insights and Intelligence at Kellanova, for a wide-ranging conversation on how to turn complex data into business results and build cross-functional trust along the way.

Louise shares how her team built a proprietary clean room solution to drive more precise audience targeting, tailor creative to shifting shopper behavior, and ultimately deliver a 36 percent sales lift for Special K in the UK. She also explains how marketers can move from one-size-fits-all campaigns to dynamic, behavior-based segmentation, even without first-party data.

Beyond the tech, Louise emphasizes the importance of soft skills. From speaking the language of the CFO to running test-and-learn pilots that bring skeptical teams along gradually, she shows how marketers can lead with both credibility and curiosity. In a standout personal moment, she reveals the bravest thing she’s ever done: spending a summer living with nomadic eagle hunters in Mongolia.

Key takeaways:

• Insights only matter if they drive action. Clean rooms enable smarter targeting and measurement, but results come from applying those insights across creative and media strategy.
• Buy-in is built through transparency. Louise outlines how gradual testing, third-party validation, and a shared focus on sales help teams embrace new tools with confidence.
• Transformation is both technical and cultural. Success depends on aligning stakeholders, evolving incentives, and creating a safe space to test, learn, and adapt.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, recorded live at Groceryshop, Sarah Hofstetter sits down with Neil Reynolds, Global Chief Customer & Digital Commerce Officer at Mars Wrigley. With experience leading across both developed and emerging markets, Neil shares what it takes to modernize digital commerce and retail partnerships at global scale.

He breaks down how Mars Wrigley is investing in omnichannel foundations, aligning teams across functions, and collaborating more strategically with retailers around the world. From building fit-for-purpose capabilities to navigating internal complexity, Neil offers a practical lens on what transformation really looks like beyond the buzzwords.

This conversation also explores why customer teams need to think like growth marketers, and how brave leadership means knowing when to slow down, simplify, and start with the basics.

Key takeaways:

• Transformation is a capability, not a campaign. Real change happens through cross-functional alignment, local investment, and relentless customer focus.
• Retail collaboration must evolve. Neil shares how Mars Wrigley is rethinking retailer partnerships to drive shared outcomes and smarter execution.
• The basics still matter. Even in a digital-first world, strong data, clear roles, and a unified customer strategy remain the foundation for growth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, recorded live at Groceryshop 2025, Sarah Hofstetter and guest co-host Andrea Steele sit down with Benoit Vatere, Chief Media Officer at Liquid Death, for a candid and energizing conversation about what it really takes to build modern commerce partnerships that move the needle.

From launching a viral college-themed campaign with Amazon to pushing the boundaries of brand collaboration, Benoit shares how Liquid Death ties breakthrough creativity directly to retail outcomes. He discusses the importance of treating retailers as strategic partners, why the media industry needs to stop overcomplicating retail media, and how to stay focused on what truly drives awareness and conversion.

As a first-time CPG executive with an entrepreneurial background, Benoit brings an unfiltered perspective on navigating legacy dynamics with fresh thinking. He also reflects on the bold decision that brought him from France to the U.S. to chase the American dream.

Key takeaways:

• Creativity must convert. Benoit shares how Liquid Death aligns bold ideas with retailer objectives and transaction points to maximize both impact and measurability.
• Retailers are partners, not gatekeepers. Success comes from building together, listening well, and treating retail media as a shared opportunity rather than a cost center.
• Bravery is a mindset. From career moves to creative risks, Benoit’s story is a masterclass in taking chances, building momentum, and staying relentlessly focused on outcomes.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, hosts Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Andrea Steele, Area Vice President (AVP) eCommerce & Customer Marketing at Kraft Heinz.

Andrea shares her framework for embedding digital and eCommerce capabilities across large organizations, and how true transformation starts upstream, in brand strategy, product development, and core business processes.

She breaks down five steps to make digital change stick, from aligning on strategy to measuring success and celebrating wins. Andrea also discusses balancing change management with team wellbeing, fostering collaboration across functions, and driving long-term transformation while keeping pace with an industry and audiences that move at lightning speed.

Key takeaways

• Lead with strategy: Tie every digital effort to a clear business goal before investing in tools.
• Embed early: Bake eCommerce into brand planning and product development to make change stick.
• Align cross-functionally: Involve legal, finance, and supply teams early to remove bottlenecks and speed up execution.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Megan Frank, SVP of Marketing and R&D at Mizkan, the 221-year-old, family-owned food company behind iconic brands like RAGÚ, Bertolli, Nakano, and the newly acquired Zing Zang.

With a portfolio of legacy brands that have stood the test of time, Megan shares how she keeps them relevant to today’s consumer while staying true to their roots. She discusses the importance of preserving core brand assets, creating a culture of empowerment, and leveraging frameworks like OGSM to connect long-term vision to short-term action.

Megan also explains how her team drives speed and agility within a family-owned structure, how retail partnerships are managed through data-backed joint business planning, and why consolidating media and shopper marketing under one team has unlocked more seamless consumer journeys.

Key takeaways:

• Legacy brands can move fast. Clear vision and accountability empower teams to act with speed across functions.
• Relevance requires evolution. Megan shares how timeless assets and modern activations work together to engage new consumers.
• Data drives accountability. A custom measurement model helps Mizkan shift retailer conversations toward results-based planning.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Noah Knoblauch, Head of eCommerce and Retail Media at Suave Brands Company. With a background at Procter & Gamble and deep experience in private equity environments, Noah shares what it takes to rebuild iconic brands like Suave and ChapStick for modern commerce.

Noah explains how he started from scratch following the brand’s spin-off from Unilever and Haleon, focusing first on profitability and operational foundations before investing in content or storytelling. From strategic bundling to keyword-level retail media planning, Noah gives a transparent look at what actually drives results in the private equity-backed world of consumer goods.

He also shares how he thinks about team structure, omnichannel planning, and the future of social commerce for mass brands looking to stay relevant in emerging platforms.

Key takeaways:

• Profitability is the foundation. Noah prioritized assortment, packaging, and pricing to unlock growth before touching brand content.
• Retail media drives more than clicks. Strategic investments helped drive in-store velocity and strengthen retailer partnerships.
• Private equity changes everything. Noah outlines what marketers should know before joining a private equity-backed business and how to thrive in the model.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Lander Otegui, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Innovation at Proximo Spirits. With a portfolio that includes legendary brands like Jose Cuervo and Bushmills, Lander shares how Proximo balances centuries of heritage with bold decisions that shape the future of spirits.

He explains how private ownership enables long-term innovation, why tequila has uniquely expanded across price points and use cases, and how the brand manages storytelling on the digital shelf in an era of AI and misinformation. From pioneering new tequila subcategories to building a distillery in the heart of Manhattan, Lander reveals what it takes to stay relevant in a category rooted in tradition.

Key takeaways:

• Heritage drives relevance when paired with innovation. Proximo’s legacy brands succeed by staying true to their origins while evolving for modern consumers.
• Private ownership creates room for bolder moves. Without quarterly pressure, Proximo invests with a 200-year vision in mind.
• Digital discovery is powerful but complex. Tequila shoppers are navigating fragmented information across platforms, making clarity and truth essential for brand growth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Wendell Venerable, Vice President of eCommerce at Congo Brands. With experience at Nestlé, Reckitt, and Red Bull, Wendell shares how he has built a career by staying focused on the fundamentals, regardless of shifting trends in the commerce landscape.

Wendell explains why executional excellence still drives the most meaningful results, how to build influence across functions regardless of org structure, and what future leaders need to prioritize to stay relevant in a constantly evolving industry. He also weighs in on generative engine optimization (GEO), agentic shopping, and why not every new buzzword deserves a strategy.

Key takeaways:

• Execution over buzzwords: Wendell shares why staying grounded in fundamentals is more impactful than chasing trends like GEO or agentic shopping.
• Ownership over org charts: The effectiveness of an eCommerce team depends less on structure and more on clear strategy, alignment, and influence across the business.
• Curiosity and consistency win: A career grounded in learning, humility, and cross-functional leadership is what has enabled Wendell to succeed across companies of every size and stage.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Caroline Goodner, Founder and CEO of OrganiCare, the company behind FemiClear. With deep experience launching and scaling health-focused consumer brands, Caroline shares how she has built a business that addresses overlooked but highly common women’s health issues.

From vaginal health to product regulation, Caroline opens up about the unique challenges and rewards of creating solutions in a category that has long been underserved. She shares how OrganiCare earns shelf space, engages on social, and educates consumers about choices they didn’t know they had. Caroline also reflects on the personal decision that reshaped her approach to leadership and balance.

• Innovation through Education: Caroline explains how OrganiCare leverages digital platforms like TikTok to inform consumers and drive awareness in a regulated, often misunderstood category.
• Retail and Consumer Alignment: By offering science-backed, natural products that solve real problems, OrganiCare has been able to scale quickly in brick-and-mortar retail.
• Bravery in Business and Life: Caroline shares the bold personal choice to step back from a prior venture to focus on family, and how that shaped her leadership journey going forward.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this compelling episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Amber English, President, Digital & Online of the Americas at The Estée Lauder Companies. From launching on Amazon to leading organizational transformation, Amber shares the inside story of how one of the world’s most iconic beauty companies is navigating the future of commerce.

With transparency and conviction, Amber unpacks how Estée Lauder is adapting to shifting consumer behaviors, optimizing for agility, and balancing heritage with innovation. She also gets personal, revealing the brave decision that shaped her career path in a surprising way.

Key Takeaways:

1. Commerce Meets Consumer Intent: Estée Lauder’s move to Amazon wasn’t just a distribution shift—it was a strategic response to consumer demand. Amber explains how the company protects brand equity while embracing the reality that Amazon is both a retail and media platform.
2. Organizing for Agility at Scale: To keep pace with modern commerce, Estée Lauder is reengineering how teams work, empowering faster decisions, embracing real-time data, and aligning KPIs across channels to reflect the interconnected consumer journey.
3. Career Bravery Beyond the Resume: Amber’s decision not to return to college, despite the prestige-driven culture of corporate America, became one of her bravest—and most transformative—moves. Her story challenges traditional definitions of leadership and success.

👉 Tune in for a masterclass in digital transformation, brand stewardship, and modern leadership from one of beauty’s boldest change-makers.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter are joined by John Alvarado, U.S. Chief Brand Officer at Suntory Global Spirits. As more companies replace traditional CMO roles with Chief Brand Officers, John explains why brand-building—not just marketing—is central to growth, especially in a category steeped in heritage and ritual.

From transforming Jim Beam’s go-to-market strategy to embracing Gen Z’s flavor-first preferences, John shares how Suntory is putting the consumer at the center of everything—from digital upskilling to cultural collabs. Plus, a personal story about bravery that’s both touching and cinematic.

Key Takeaways:

Why Brand Still Wins

In an age of economic uncertainty, Suntory is doubling down on brand equity rather than discounting. John shares how this conviction is fueling consumer love and long-term loyalty.

Upskilling with Purpose

From media to marketing, Suntory’s teams are evolving into digital generalists. John reveals how a “fail forward” culture and clear alignment have made upskilling more than a box-checking exercise.

Flavors, Funnels, and the Future of Spirits

With Gen Z entering the category, Suntory is leaning into bold flavors, limited-time offerings, and full-funnel marketing. Learn how launches like Jim Beam Pineapple reflect a new generation’s preferences and pace.

👉 Tune in to learn how one of the world’s most iconic spirits portfolios is embracing modern marketing while honoring what made its brands iconic in the first place.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you scale a high-growth brand after acquisition without losing the culture that made it special?

On this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Stuart Heflin, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Quest Nutrition at Simply Good Foods, about how Quest has tripled in size since joining Simply Good Foods while staying true to its mission and scrappy DNA.

Stuart explains how the "flip the macros" product strategy guides every innovation, why democratizing ideas across all levels fuels their culture, and how Quest navigates an increasingly competitive high protein, low sugar market. He also details the company's omnichannel approach, integrating retail media, packaging design, and digital influence to win across physical and digital shelves.

Key takeaways:

• Protect culture at all costs. Flat structures and open forums keep teams engaged and inventive.
• Use strategy as a filter. If a product cannot flip the macros to high protein, high fiber, low sugar, low net carbs, it does not launch.
• Treat omnicommerce as a lifestyle, not a channel. Digital is part of the consumer’s daily reality, requiring seamless full funnel execution.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you infuse startup agility into a $3B global commerce engine?

On this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter sit down with Andrew Lederman, VP of Global Digital Commerce at Mondelez, for a wide-ranging conversation on building at scale while moving with speed. From founding a startup acquired by Alibaba to transforming digital commerce at AB InBev and now Mondelez, Andrew shares how his entrepreneurial DNA shapes his leadership at one of the world's largest CPG companies.

He opens up about balancing local autonomy with global vision, the value of taking big swings instead of "safe bunts," and navigating the signal vs. noise of today's crowded tech landscape. With deep candor and clarity, Andrew explains how consumer obsession—not competitor fixation—drives long-term growth, and why brave leadership often means placing smart bets on the future.

Plus, hear his answer to our signature closing question—and why he says being a father tops his list of courageous moves.

Key Takeaways:

• Lead with Empathy, Act with Clarity: To drive transformation in large organizations, meet teams where they are and align them with a shared vision of the future.
• 
  
• Prioritize Consumer Needs Over Competitive Noise: Long-term growth comes from solving real consumer problems—not chasing what others are doing.
• 
  
• Make Strategic Bets with Confidence: Balancing short-term impact with long-term vision requires bold decision-making and operational excellence.
• 
  

Whether you're scaling digital commerce or trying to future-proof your brand, this episode offers a grounded, strategic, and motivating listen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Jenna Steele, Vice President of E-commerce and Digital at Riboli Wines. Jenna shares how she is leading transformation in a category rooted in tradition, from building a tech-forward e-commerce function to using digital shelf insights to engage a new generation of wine drinkers.

She discusses how consumer confusion, generational preferences, and emerging wellness trends are reshaping the Alcohol landscape, and why she believes wine is poised for a major comeback. Jenna also outlines the tech stack powering her team, the role of retail media in attracting new customers, and how strong partnerships fuel innovation in a highly regulated category.

Key takeaways:

• Wine’s comeback depends on reducing consumer friction and repositioning it as approachable and wellness-aligned
• Tech stacks that integrate AI, digital shelf analytics, and compliant path-to-purchase tools are essential to modernizing Alcohol e-commerce
• Family-owned businesses can drive agile innovation by staying laser-focused on the consumer instead of Wall Street

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Chitra Ebenezer, Chief Marketing Officer at Velcro Companies. Chitra shares how the VELCRO® Brand inspires creativity across a wide range of consumer and industrial use cases, and how she balances B2B and B2C marketing strategies to drive growth.

She highlights the role of campaigns like “ORIGINAL THINKING®” and “EASY. DOES IT.” in shaping brand perception, and the importance of influencer programs and user-generated content to showcase versatility and build engagement. Chitra also reflects on how Velcro Companies maintains its position as the original hook-and-loop fastener in a competitive market.

Key takeaways

• Educating consumers on VELCRO® Brand’s infinite use cases requires a balance of awareness, inspiration, and community-driven content
• B2B and B2C marketing strategies can complement each other to strengthen brand relevance globally
• Influencer and creator partnerships are critical to inspiring new use cases and driving sales

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Bianca Bolouri, Vice President of Global eCommerce at Wella Company. Bianca shares how her experience at L’Oréal and her work at Wella have shaped her approach to leading teams, building culture, and driving growth in a rapidly changing beauty and professional care landscape.

She discusses how a mix of global beauty expertise and startup energy enables Wella to balance speed and discipline across its consumer and professional businesses. Bianca also shares her perspective on the evolving role of DTC, the emergence of pro-grade products for home use, and how global trends in beauty are shaping consumer expectations in other categories.

• L’Oréal’s culture creates leaders who thrive under high expectations, adaptability, and ownership
• DTC is not dead, but serves a different role today as a brand-building and loyalty engine
• Global beauty trends, like pro-grade at-home care and compressed innovation cycles, are redefining consumer expectations across categories

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Rick LaBerge, Chief Commercial Officer of HARIBO of America. Rick shares how HARIBO has grown household penetration in the U.S. from 10 to 28 percent in the last decade while staying focused on its founding values of quality, trust, and childlike happiness.

He discusses the unique challenges and advantages of working for a century-old, family-run company with deep roots in care, as well as the importance of manufacturing locally and understanding the American shopper. Rick also highlights how HARIBO is translating the joyful, colorful in-store candy experience to digital commerce, and what it takes to build lasting retailer relationships.

Key takeaways

• Long-term thinking drives growth. HARIBO’s U.S. success stems from investing in local manufacturing, understanding seasonal rituals, and making product decisions with generational goals in mind
• Brand values create differentiation. Staying focused on joy, quality, and trust has helped HARIBO outperform competitors in a crowded candy category
• Digital experience matters. Translating HARIBO’s visual, sensory brand into eCommerce environments has been key to driving conversion online

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Andrea Zahumensky, President of North America Baby and Child Care Transformation and Canada at Kimberly-Clark. Andrea shares how the company’s long-standing commitment to solving consumer problems through science and innovation continues to guide its growth.

She discusses how leading with care, both internally and externally, becomes more powerful when backed by results, and how challenger brands have helped sharpen Kimberly-Clark’s go-to-market strategies. Andrea also reflects on the importance of authenticity in leadership and the culture shifts required to move with speed at scale.

Key takeaways

• Performance enables care. Delivering results creates the resources to reinvest in solving real consumer problems
• 
  
• Challenger brands can expose blind spots. Kimberly-Clark’s response in diapers reshaped its innovation strategy
• 
  
• Authenticity builds trust. Leading with emotion has become Andrea’s superpower as an executive

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of BRAVE COMMERCE, Rachel Tipograph and Sarah Hofstetter speak with Arthur Sylvestre, VP of Digital Commerce at Danone North America. Arthur shares how the company’s mission and strategic renewal have positioned it for outsized growth, especially in a category as complex as perishables.

He reflects on Danone’s culture of digital enthusiasm, its collective approach to retail media, and the mindset needed to build long-term, sustainable growth. Arthur also outlines how digital teams can elevate their impact by influencing both online and offline sales and keeping organizations focused on what drives meaningful results.

Key takeaways

• Perishables can succeed in digital. Danone’s double-digit eCommerce growth shows the opportunity is real
• Retail media should be approached as a collective effort across sales, media, and brand teams
• The most effective teams stay focused on the fundamentals, not the noise

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.