Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast On Brand with Nick Westergaard
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ron Johnson on Steve Jobs & Building the Apple Store | 21 Sep 2026 | 00:34:38 | |
Before the first Apple Store opened, the experts said it would fail within a year. But Ron Johnson saw a different story. As the retail pioneer who worked directly alongside Steve Jobs to build the Apple Store from scratch, Ron transformed retail from a simple transaction into an immersive experience. He also pioneered Target's famous high design partnerships and founded Enjoy. In this episode, we take a look at what it really takes to build a physical space and leadership lessons learned directly from Steve Jobs. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Ron Johnson What Brand Has Made Ron Smile Recently? Resources & Links Listen & Support the ShowSign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Can You "Rewild" the Corporate Mind? | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:31:14 | |
What if the biggest threat to your organization isn't disruption from the outside, but the way you operate inside? Tom Dennis argues that many companies have become overcontrolled and disconnected from the things that make organizations resilient: trust, adaptability, and human connection. A former Royal Marines officer, he's the founder and CEO of Serenity and Leadership and author of Rewilding the Corporate Mind. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Thom Dennis What Brand Has Made Thom Smile Recently? Resources & Links Learn more about Serenity in Leadership. Check out his book, Rewilding the Corporate Mind.
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Great Technology Isn't Enough | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:30:21 | |
AI may be everywhere, but Brian Herr says the technology itself isn't the competitive advantage. The real moat, he argues, is data, distribution, and trust. As founder and CEO of Starting Blocks and managing partner at HHI Advisory Group, Brian helps startups, scale ups, and portfolio companies grow while also advising organizations on secure adoption. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Brian Herr What Brand Has Made Brian Smile Recently? Resources & Links Learn more about HHI Advisory Group and Starting Blocks. Listen & Support the Show
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Emergent Leadership Beats Overwhelm | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:33:22 | |
Leaders have more advice, tools, and resources than ever. So why are so many still overwhelmed? Don Gregori says we've been missing the bigger picture. He's the COO of First Factory and author of The Emergent Leader, a book about leadership, self-mastery, and building a strong brand. We're talking about what it takes to become a leader and build something that really lasts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Don Gregori Resources & Links
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Listen & Support the Show Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Woman Behind the Aflac Duck | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:31:43 | |
What can happen in 30 seconds? For Linda Kaplan Thaler, quite a lot. She’s the creative force behind some of the advertising world’s most unforgettable ideas, from the Aflac duck to “I don’t want to grow up, I’m a Toys R Us kid.” Now, in her new book, My Life in 30 Seconds, Linda looks at the small moments that can change a career or even a life. She’s here to talk about creativity, resilience, leadership, and why sometimes the smallest ideas can make the biggest impact. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Linda Kaplan Thaler What Brand Has Made Linda Smile Recently? Resources & Links Check out her book, My Life in 30 Seconds. Learn more on her website. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why AI Is a Mirror and Not a Tool | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:30:54 | |
Most conversations about AI focus on the technology. David Dean thinks we're looking in the wrong place. In his new book, An Inbox Between Us, AI and the Reality of Modern Work, he argues that AI is acting like a mirror, revealing the hidden workarounds, decision-making, and human judgment that have always kept organizations running. Today, we're talking about what leaders can learn from that reflection. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Bill Sherman What Brand Has Made David Smile Recently? Resources & Links
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Five Thought Leadership Avatars for Scaling Ideas | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:31:44 | |
What does it really take to turn expertise into influence? My guest this week has spent the last two decades answering that very question. Bill Sherman is the COO of Thought Leadership Leverage and co-author of the Thought Leadership Handbook. His journey into thought leadership began with a simple question from a Fortune 500 executive. How do I scale the ideas in my book? Since then, he's helped organizations and experts transform ideas into impact. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Bill Sherman What Brand Has Made Bill Smile Recently? Resources & Links Learn more on his website. Check out his book, The Thought Leadership Handbook. Listen & Support the Show
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The AI Brand Speed Trap | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:30:38 | |
What if AI isn't just changing marketing, but changing what a brand actually is? Melissa Jackson-Parsey has spent her career helping some of the world's most recognizable organizations reinvent themselves at the intersection of strategy, creativity, technology, and experience. As Global Chief Strategy Officer at RGA, She leads a worldwide team shaping brands for the intelligence age, from rebooting Android to launching the new sports streaming brand from ESPN, Fox, and Warner Brothers Discovery. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Melissa Jackson Parsey What Brand Has Made Melissa Smile Recently? Resources & Links Check out the R/GA website. Listen & Support the Show
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Uncommon Leadership in Times of Change | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:29:29 | |
What if the qualities we call “uncommon leadership” are actually the ones that should be ordinary? After leading at IBM, AT&T, Pitney Bowes, SuperValu, and Walmart through decades of transformation, Keith Wyche argues that the leaders who endure aren't simply the smartest or the most innovative—they're the ones who consistently lead with integrity, humility, and trust. His new book, Uncommon Leadership, is both a call to higher standards and a practical guide for leading people through change. What You'll Learn
Episode Chapters
About Keith Wyche Keith Wyche is a seasoned corporate executive and author who has led major operational transformations across global organizations, including IBM, AT&T, Pitney Bowes, Supervalu, and Walmart. With decades of executive leadership experience, he focuses on helping leaders navigate disruptive change, cultivate authentic trust, and build cultures grounded in character, humility, and human capital. His latest book, “Uncommon Leadership,” provides a practical guide for modern leaders striving to elevate organizational standards and leave a lasting legacy. What Brand Has Made Keith Smile Recently? Walmart recently made Keith smile by launching an upskilling initiative that retrains hourly associates for skilled trades such as electrical work, HVAC, and plumbing. By creating clear pathways for associates to transition into high-demand technical roles as automation evolves, the brand demonstrates how major employers can invest directly in human capital and long-term economic mobility. Resources & Links Listen and Support the Show
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Mortal Kombat Madness Over Mediocrity | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:31:44 | |
How do you go from producing Dirty Dancing to building the global Mortal Kombat franchise? Today’s guest, legendary producer Larry Kasanoff, has raised over a billion dollars by embracing what others call a little bit crazy. He has shaped the entertainment landscape by constantly fighting the current of mediocrity. Today, we are breaking down how to lead through massive industry shifts and build brands that stand the test of time. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Larry Kasanoff What Brand Has Made Larry Smile Recently? Resources & Links Learn more about Larry’s company, Threshold Entertainment Group. Check out his new book, A Touch of the Madness. Listen & Support the Show
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Positioning in Eight Words (or Fewer!) | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:31:45 | |
What makes you different? Do you have a concise and compelling answer to that question? When it comes to positioning, less is more. But too often, companies get wordy and convoluted, losing the plot in a sea of text. Emma and Adam Ketterer argue that true clarity comes from radical constraints. In their new book, Eight Words or Fewer, this marketing duo shares how to distill your difference into a single line that sticks: a micropitch. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters Resources & Links
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why Leaders Need to Rethink Resistance | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:29:55 | |
Your team isn’t trying to sabotage your new corporate strategy—their brains are just wired to fight it. In this episode, Salesforce change leader and neuroscience expert Travis D. Hahler shares insights from his new book, Rethink Resistance. Discover the biological reasons why 70 percent of corporate transformations fail, and how leaders can stop fighting human nature and start working with it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Travis Hahler What Brand Has Made Travis Smile Recently? Resources & Links You can also check out his website, The Neurological Nomad, as well. Listen & Support the Show
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Invisible Engine Behind Every Brand Decision | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:32:46 | |
We like to think our buying decisions are completely rational and deliberate. The truth is that most consumer behavior is driven by subconscious perception and invisible mindstates that leaders completely miss. When we design brand strategies for the logical mind, we miss the actual human experience. Our next guest spent years inside PepsiCo unlocking how consumers really think. Now he is helping brands blend behavioral science with artificial intelligence to fundamentally change how we communicate. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Will Leach Resources & Links
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On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Capturing Coachella Lightning in a Bottle | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:31:07 | |
When Addison Rae headlined Coachella this year and the crowd lost it to “Fame Is a Gun,” the cultural momentum felt instant. But the social infrastructure behind that track was built months in advance, one creator at a time, by Griffin Haddrill and his team at LV8. By moving past the standard 48-hour launch spike and focusing on an always-on creator strategy, they drove over 80 million views and a staggering 9% engagement rate. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Griffin Haddrill What Brand Has Made Griffin Smile Recently? Resources & Links
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On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Creating a Workplace System That Delivers Joy | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:32:53 | |
The perk trap is costing organizations thousands while leaving teams burned out. Yolanda Fraction, author of the book Joyful Workplaces, joins us to share how leaders can move past surface-level culture and design systems that deliver both joy and results. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Yolanda Fraction What Brand Has Made Yolanda Smile Recently? Resources & Links Listen & Support the Show
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Designing for Humans Instead of the Machine | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:28:20 | |
Branding is losing its personality. In the race for digital efficiency, the world has succumbed to “blanding”—clean, neutral, and entirely safe design built for algorithms instead of people. Mark Nichols, Creative Director and Co-Owner of WMH&I, joins the show to challenge this rise of system-friendly simplicity. He shares why the brands that truly matter must push against global scalability, embrace their unique quirks, and design for humans—even if that means not being for everyone. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Episode Chapters About Mark Nichols What Brand Has Made Mark Smile Recently? Resources & Links Learn more about WMH&I. Listen & Support the Show Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Science (and Secrets) of Building Super Teams | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:33:03 | |
What if the secret to a high-performing team isn’t found in a pep talk or a personality test but in the cold, hard data of behavioral science? Today we are joined by Dr. Ron Friedman, an award-winning psychologist and author of the new book Superteams. We dive into the science-backed strategies that transform a group of individuals into a cohesive powerhouse, challenging the myths of traditional management along the way. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Episode Chapters About Ron Friedman What Brand Has Made Ron Smile Recently? Resources & Links
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On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Story Behind Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day | 25 May 2026 | 00:33:42 | |
Building a brand that lasts requires a bundle of promises, an uncompromising dedication to craft, and a healthy dose of grit. Monica Nassif, the force behind Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, didn’t just disrupt a tired $30 billion category—she bottled a legacy. From raising capital to fueling creative muscle, she knows exactly what it takes to turn an authentic story into a market-shifting powerhouse. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Episode Chapters About Monica Nassif What Brand Has Made Monica Smile Recently? Resources & Links Listen & Support the Show
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Kindness as a Competitive Edge | 18 May 2026 | 00:32:57 | |
How does a brand move from being a commodity to being a community? Scott Woodward joins the show to discuss why kindness is no longer a "soft" marketing line but a high-leverage strategic advantage that drives everything from customer acquisition to 76% higher employee engagement. What You’ll Learn in This Episode - The secret history of Ray-Ban's cultural dominance through product integration - Why 61% of consumers refuse to buy from brands they consider unkind - Lessons from the genesis of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation - The data behind how internal kindness boosts team creativity by 60% - How to transition from managing legacy icons to building an impact-driven consultancy Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:37) The Core Story of Heritage Icons (03:19) The Secret History of Ray-Ban and Product Placement (08:23) Evolution of Brand Partnerships and Integration (11:24) Pivoting from Corporate Powerhouses to Entrepreneurship (14:27) Connecting the Dots Between Kindness and Strategy (18:26) Why Kindness is a High-Leverage Strategic Advantage (23:22) Kindness as a Core Strength for Leaders (27:10) Brand Smile: Burberry’s Digital Heritage About Scott Woodward Scott Woodward is an award-winning brand architect and the founder of SEW Branded. His career began in the in-house marketing trenches of global powerhouses, including Ray-Ban, Calvin Klein, and The Coca-Cola Company, where he helped shape some of the world’s most recognizable identities. A pioneer in the “kindness space,” Scott has collaborated with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and One Direction to launch massive social impact campaigns that challenge bullying and promote empowerment. In addition to his consultancy work, he serves as an advisor to startups and is an adjunct faculty member at the Parsons School of Design, where he teaches the next generation about the intersection of strategic design, humanized marketing, and brand management. What Brand Has Made Scott Smile Recently? Scott is smiling at the heritage brand Burberry for their recent campaign featuring actor Tom Blythe. He appreciates how they are celebrating their iconic trench coat through a 360-degree digital approach that feels savvy in the modern fashion landscape. Scott notes that while the NFL’s recent work with Tim Ellis and Dhar Mann shows that kindness makes teams unstoppable, Burberry’s ability to modernize a classic British icon is what has caught his eye lately. Resources & Links
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On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Inter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Intuitive Intelligence Advantage in an AI World | 11 May 2026 | 00:30:32 | |
Personal branding isn't about the perfect headshot or a polished LinkedIn bio anymore. In an AI-saturated world, the leaders who stand out are the ones brave enough to lead with intuition rather than just data. Elizabeth Rosenberg is helping the C-suite find their unfiltered voice and reclaim their spiritual health before they hit a wall. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Elizabeth Rosenberg What Brand Has Made Elizabeth Smile Recently? Resources & Links
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On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Values Gap: What Do You Really Stand For? | 04 May 2026 | 00:31:23 | |
We all claim to have values, but do we actually know how to use them when the stakes are high? Paul Ingram, the Kravis Professor of Business at Columbia Business School and author of What Do You Really Stand For?, joins us to dismantle the “corporate poster” approach to values. He shares a research-backed framework for identifying your true North Star and, more importantly, how to turn those abstract ideals into a practical tool for better leadership and more authentic brand storytelling. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Episode Chapters About Paul Ingram What Brand Has Made Paul Smile Recently? Resources & Links
Listen & Support the Show
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Myth of the Rational Customer | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:29:07 | |
Most of us believe we make rational choices, but our brains are actually wired to say no before we ever get to the logic. Paul Larche, a Hall of Fame broadcaster and author of The Divided Brain, spent four decades in media before turning to neuroscience to find out why customers actually buy. He joins the show to break down the Old Brain versus New Brain metaphor and explain how leaders can stop accidentally triggering the wrong response in their brand storytelling. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Paul Larche What Brand Has Made Paul Smile Recently? Resources & Links
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On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The OLIPOP Strategy for Category Disruption | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:34:57 | |
Mark Lester and David Lester are brothers who have turned a shared history of high-level brand strategy into a family legacy of innovation. David is the co-founder of OLIPOP, the prebiotic soda that has fundamentally changed the beverage landscape by blending gut-health science with the nostalgia of a classic cola. Mark, co-founder of the consultancy Squint, has spent his career at R/GA and We Are Pi shaping the strategic direction of global icons like Nike and Samsung. Together, they represent a unique bridge between the rigor of global brand building and the intuition required to launch a category-defining startup. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About David Lester and Mark Lester Resources & Links Listen & Support the Show
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why Your CX Dashboard Needs a Piece of Humanity | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:32:00 | |
The customer experience often feels like a series of accidental encounters, but Jeannie Walters argues it is actually the ultimate competitive lever. With over twenty years of experience helping brands like JPMorgan Chase and SAP, she moves beyond vague buzzwords to show how leaders can intentionally design every moment of the journey. Her new book reveals why experience is the only sustainable way to boost revenue and outpace the competition in a crowded market. What You’ll Learn in This Episode About Jeannie Walters What Brand Has Made Jeannie Smile Recently? Resources & Links
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Listen & Support the Show Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Cringe-Free Guide to Personal Branding | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:32:42 | |
Personal branding often feels like a race to see who can shout the loudest, but Vanessa Errecarte is changing the script. The CEO of Marketing Simplified and author of the new book Valuable & Visible joins the show to discuss her framework for building influence without the “look at me” self-promotion. We dive into how leaders can move past the management myth of image-first branding to focus on a values-driven approach that prioritizes impact and clarifies your true professional value. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Vanessa Errecarte What Brand Has Made Vanessa Smile Recently? Resources & Links
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On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| We Have an Attentional Health Problem | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:33:25 | |
We often treat our attention like a machine to be controlled, focusing only on the metrics that drive immediate results. But we have an attentional health problem. We are starving our organizations of the relational connection they need to truly thrive. Today, the author of The Culture Code, Daniel Coyle, joins us to discuss his new book, Flourish. We are moving beyond the boardroom to explore how we can design environments of belonging, joy, and vitality by shifting our focus from narrow control to deep, human connection. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to balance narrow focus with relational attention to improve your attentional health Why embracing a certain level of friction and annoyance is the essential price of building real community The leadership play of framing horizons and guardrails rather than dictating specific answers How to move from a culture of coercion to one of curiosity by asking the simple question what is your story Why the most effective leaders act as designers who spotlight and celebrate organic growth Episode Chapters About Daniel Coyle What Brand Has Made Daniel Smile Recently? Resources & Links
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On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Leadership Joy Gap | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:29:03 | |
We spend most of our lives working, yet so many of us have been taught that “ambition” has to come at the cost of our health and our weekends. On this episode of On Brand, I’m joined by Amy Leneker, a leadership consultant who has helped over 100,000 leaders move from soul-crushing burnout to what she calls “The Un-Stressing Method.” We’re diving into her upcoming book, Cheers to Monday, to discuss why finding joy is actually a high-performance business strategy and how leaders can finally break the cycle of exhaustion to connect more authentically with their teams and their brands. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why modern culture gets the definition of resilience unequivocally wrong and how overusing work ethic can become a leadership weakness How to navigate the Un-Stressing Method by seeing stress through the lens of importance and control before sorting it into actionable categories The specific reason celebration is a non-negotiable step for high-achieving leaders and why it is a leading driver of joy at work The results of a national workforce study revealing the startling gap between the number of executives who need joy to perform and those who actually feel it How to apply the ABCs of Joy—Awareness, Breath, and Connection—to build a buffer against future stress and improve team performance Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:23) Surviving burnout twice (02:13) Why culture gets resilience wrong (04:33) The Un-Stressing Method framework (05:55) Celebrating small wins (08:55) Confetti cannons and authentic appreciation (11:26) Joy as a smart business strategy (13:52) The ABCs of Joy: Awareness, Breath, Connection (17:38) Communicating stress to your team (19:52) Managing the Sunday night dread (22:30) Why "loving your job" is a myth (23:51) A brand that made her smile (25:20) Where to find Amy About Amy Leneker Amy Leneker is a leadership consultant and the author of Cheers to Monday. Having helped over 100,000 leaders and teams—including those at Fortune 100 companies—she specializes in science-backed roadmaps to break free from burnout. With over 25 years of leadership experience and a decade in the C-suite, Amy’s work is deeply informed by her own personal journey of surviving burnout twice. She has studied at Yale, the NeuroLeadership Institute, and Harvard Medical School to help others succeed without sacrificing their health or their weekends. What Brand Has Made Amy Smile Recently? Amy shared her love for Costco, a brand she actually worked for during her college years before the era of scanners. She highlighted how the company’s core values show up in everything they do, making it one of her favorite places to shop today. Resources & Links
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On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Making Intangible Brands Tangible | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:31:29 | |
A creative vision is only as good as its execution. As the Vice President of Creative at Agency EA, Joanna Badamo leads the teams behind major experiential programs for brands like Samsung, Hilton, and Molson Coors. Joanna joins the show to discuss how to lead creative teams in fast-moving environments and the art of translating high-level brand strategy into physical experiences that actually work. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How software-based companies can create tactile connections with an audience separated by screens The essential building blocks for moving a digital-first brand into a physical environment Why small curated moments are often more impactful than grand spectacles How to leverage AI as a wheel greaser for creative teams rather than an end result The shift from monologue-centered branding to creating multidimensional ecosystems of interaction Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:36) Moving from sports marketing to the experiential side (03:24) Making intangible software brands feel real (05:17) The building blocks of a physical brand presence (08:12) Creating environments that transport and immerse (12:52) Measuring success and collecting strategic data (16:19) Finding creativity within real-world constraints (21:34) AI as an ally and facilitator for creative teams (25:11) A brand that made Joanna smile About Joanna Badamo Joanna Badamo is the Vice President of Creative at Agency EA, where she leads teams responsible for developing creative concepts and digital solutions for major experiential brand programs. With over a decade of experience spanning creative strategy and event account management, she brings a balanced approach to designing experiences for global brands including Samsung, Hilton, and Molson Coors. Her work focuses on the belief that the best brand moments thoughtfully balance high-level vision with functional, real-world execution. What Brand Has Made Joanna Smile Recently? Joanna highlighted the unhinged brilliance of Duolingo, noting how the brand’s "mind sorcery" and relatable TikTok presence create a deep sense of connection and obligation. She also pointed to a clever, cheeky Super Bowl activation by Aldi featuring Lewis Capaldi, which proved that an experience doesn’t need to be over-produced to be special and memorable. Resources & Links Listen & Support the Show
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Changing Narratives for Cultural Impact | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:34:05 | |
We often hear that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but NéAndré Broussard knows that the cover is exactly where the story begins. After a career leading in the financial services industry, NéAndré founded Black Menswear and BMW Digital to do more than just change clothes—he’s changing the conversation around the African American male consumer. By moving from life insurance to life-changing narratives, he is building a brand rooted in community, economic growth, and the quiet power of a well-tailored story. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About NéAndré Broussard What Brand Has Made NéAndré Smile Recently? Resources & Links
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On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| When People Matter at Work the Brand Follows | 02 Mar 2026 | 00:29:33 | |
Building a brand is about more than just what happens in the marketplace—it’s about what happens in the hallway. On this episode of On Brand, I’m joined by Josh Block, President of Block Imaging and author of People Matter @ Work, to explore why the health of your internal culture is the ultimate predictor of your brand’s external strength. Josh shares his journey of taking over a family business at 29 and the hard lessons he learned about how “responsible” decisions can fracture trust, and how he ultimately scaled a global organization by operationalizing the belief that people truly matter. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Josh Block What Brand Has Made Josh Smile Recently? Resources & Links
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| Being Yourself Is Bad Advice | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:33:46 | |
We’ve all been told to just be yourself. But psychologist and author Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic—Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup and professor at UCL and Columbia—says that’s the worst advice you can take. In his new book, Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead), he reveals why our obsession with authenticity is holding us back—and what actually leads to success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic What Brand Has Made Tomas Smile Recently? Resources & Links
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Listen & Support the ShowUntil next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Designing with Emotional Friction | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:31:29 | |
Design is about more than just how something looks—it’s about how it works for the people using it. On this episode of On Brand, I’m joined by Lee Hoddy, Executive Creative Director at Conran Design Group, to discuss how experience-led design can solve complex brand problems. We’ll dive into how he leads multi-disciplinary teams to create meaningful work for global names like Sofitel and AstraZeneca, and why every great brand starts with a deep understanding of human needs, wants, and motivations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Episode Chapters About Lee Hoddy What Brand Has Made Lee Smile Recently? Resources & Links Connect with Lee on LinkedIn. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart.
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Myth of Brand Control | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:32:48 | |
The strongest brands don’t shout—they earn trust over time. That’s how Nikki Little approaches her work. She’s the CMO and co-owner at Franco, a women-owned, Detroit-based integrated communications agency with more than 60 years of history. After a full-circle career that took her from early agency life to leading social and communications teams, Nikki now helps shape Franco’s future with a purpose-driven, human-first approach to brand building, storytelling, and leadership. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Nikki Little What Brand Has Made Nikki Smile Recently? Resources & Links
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| Episode 600: Flipping the Script | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:52:07 | |
Today is a major milestone—Episode 600. My journey behind the mic began in 2012, and since then, this conversation has evolved from simple marketing tactics into the deeper pillars of leadership, communication, and storytelling. To celebrate, I’m flipping the script. I’ve invited my longtime friend and fellow 2012 podcasting pioneer, Mike Gerholdt, to take over the host’s chair. We’re going behind the scenes on everything I’ve learned over 600 episodes—from the origin story and terrestrial radio to the move to full video—to talk about what it really takes to build a podcast brand that lasts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Episode Chapters About Mike Gerholdt What Brand Has Made Mike Smile Recently? Resources & Links
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| Welcome to On Brand with Nick Westergaard | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:03:01 | |
“I’m Nick Westergaard, and this is On Brand — helping you tell your story.” Storytelling is everything—especially for leaders and marketers navigating today's digital world. On this show, we go behind the scenes with the minds at Microsoft, Spotify, and the Mayo Clinic to see how they lead with purpose and build lasting trust. Featuring insights from global experts like Seth Godin, Nancy Duarte, and Alan Alda, we unpack the human element of brand building. We also ask every guest: “What’s a brand that’s made you smile recently?” If you’re ready to build a brand that stands out, join us each week on On Brand. Full episodes and resources: https://nickwestergaard.com/podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Manager Method for Human Leadership | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:31:21 | |
Ashley Herd, founder of Manager Method and former Head of HR at McKinsey, explains why most managers aren't actually failing—they're just guessing. She breaks down her simple yet powerful three-step framework—pause, consider, and act—to help leaders move past the "speed of the inbox" and start leading with real intention. From handling employee mistakes with empathy to navigating the "octopus and wizard" traps of burnout, Ashley provides practical "real talk" for anyone responsible for the careers and lives of others. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Ashley Herd What Brand Has Made Ashley Smile Recently? Resources & Links Listen & Support the Show
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why Recess Is Quitting Dry January | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:30:18 | |
While every non-alcoholic brand is shouting Dry January, Recess is telling you to quit. Literally. Joining us is Ben Witte, CEO and co-founder of the #1 mocktail brand, to unpack a provocative new campaign that swaps all-or-nothing resolutions for something far more realistic: balance. From a bold manifesto to a full-page New York Times ad timed for “Quitter’s Day,” Ben explains why going against the seasonal grain isn’t risky—it’s exactly why Recess is winning. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Episode Chapters About Ben Witte What Brand Has Made Ben Smile Recently? Resources & Links
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| Startup Storytelling Through Your Customer’s Eyes | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:30:21 | |
Storytelling is easy to talk about—and hard to do well. On this episode of On Brand, I’m joined by John Elbing, Chief Storybuilder Officer at Standpoint, to unpack how his Storybuilding approach helps startups and brands clarify their value, sharpen their pitch, and actually connect—with a framework so effective it’s now a #1 international bestselling book. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why most brands jump to storytelling tactics before they understand the story they should be telling How recognition, perception, and projection shape whether people connect with your brand Why customer standpoint matters more than founder backstory How structure can unlock creativity instead of killing it A simple way leaders can improve their story starting this week Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:15) Why storytelling became a buzzword (02:50) Storytelling vs storybuilding (04:00) Coaching startups to find focus and alignment (07:30) Why the customer—not the founder—is the hero (08:05) Recognition, perception, and projection explained (16:00) Aspirations, problems, and emotional contrast (21:30) One practical fix leaders can make today (24:00) A brand that made John smile About John Elbing John Elbing is the Chief Storybuilder Officer at Standpoint and a leading authority on Business Storytelling for startups and growth-focused organizations. With a background spanning computer science, finance, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship, John has coached more than 150 startups and companies, helping them clarify their value, sharpen their positioning, and win with purpose. He is the creator of Storybuilding, a practical, canvas-based methodology that turns strategy into compelling customer-centered narratives, and the author of Storybuilding, a #1 international bestselling book. John also teaches entrepreneurship and digital transformation and works with incubators, accelerators, and social-impact initiatives worldwide—proving that when story is built right, it drives both growth and good. What Brand Has Made John Smile Recently? John shared the story of Felco, a Swiss company known worldwide for its professional-grade garden shears. What began as a durable tool brand for field workers uncovered a passionate fan base of everyday gardeners—some so devoted they’d tattoo the logo. By recognizing different customer aspirations and building distinct story worlds around them, Felco expanded into new audiences, including children, proving that even the most practical products can build emotional connection when the story is built from the user’s standpoint. Resources & Links
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| Narrative-First Leadership in the Age of AI | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:33:49 | |
What if the story your brand tells could drive growth like nothing else? Park Howell—The World’s Most Industrious Storyteller, Emmy-winning ad veteran, and author of Brand Bewitchery—shows how narrative-first leaders succeed in the age of AI. As host of the Business of Story podcast and creator of the StoryCycle Genie™, he’s helping brands craft powerful stories in minutes, not months. What You'll Learn
(00:00) Intro (01:28) Story as the oldest technology (03:53) The StoryCycle system and brand growth (05:44) From months to minutes with AI-powered narrative strategy (10:35) Accuracy and authenticity in AI storytelling (13:25) How storytellers are changing—even if stories aren’t (17:11) Building a personal and brand story library (24:48) Brands that made Park smile (and grimace) Park Howell is known as The World’s Most Industrious Storyteller. An Emmy Award–winning, 40+ year advertising veteran, Park has helped purpose-driven brands grow by as much as 600 percent by putting story at the center of business strategy. He is the author of Brand Bewitchery, co-author of The Narrative Gym for Business, and host of the Business of Story podcast. Park is also the creator of the StoryCycle Genie, an AI-powered tool that helps leaders craft a powerful brand narrative in minutes, not months. He works internationally with executives who want to lead—and grow—through story. Park shared a great experience with Navy Federal Credit Union, praising their clear sense of purpose and people-first culture, summed up in their tagline: “Our members are the mission.” In contrast, a less-than-inspiring flight with United Airlines—complete with a dangling exit sign and spotty Wi-Fi—served as a reminder that brand storytelling always shows up in the experience, whether you like it or not. Resources & Links
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| Marketing’s Most Human Moment Is Now | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:34:18 | |
What if the future of marketing is a lot more human than we think? Today’s guest, Mark Schaefer, has been shaping that future for decades — and he was actually on this show ten years ago. So this is part reunion, part masterclass. Mark’s a futurist, bestselling author, Rutgers faculty member, and Drucker-trained strategist whose ideas guide brands from Adidas to the U.S. Air Force. His ten books and his top-ranked show The Marketing Companion have become industry staples. He’s also a longtime friend who somehow manages to push your thinking and make you laugh at the same time. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Episode Chapters (00:00) Reunion and why this moment matters (02:00) Why this is the most amazing — and unsettling — time in marketing (04:20) Scaling humanity with AI and the MarkBot experiment (07:30) The most human company wins (and what that really means) (10:40) When AI goes too far and brands lose trust (12:30) Harley-Davidson, friction, and knowing your customer deeply (17:00) Curiosity as a career strategy in an AI world (27:00) The brand that made Mark smile About Mark Schaefer What Brand Has Made Mark Smile Recently? Resources & Links Check out his website, BusinessesGrow. Listen & Support the Show Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Naughty and Nice Brands of 2025 | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:33:44 | |
It’s that time of year again: Brand Federation’s Naughty & Nice list is out, and Matt Williams is here to break it down. Matt is President of Brand Federation and former CEO of The Martin Agency, where he led campaigns for GEICO, OREO, UPS, and Walmart. He’s also a visiting professor at William & Mary, sharing decades of brand strategy know-how. On this episode, Matt reveals which brands earned “Nice,” which landed on “Naughty,” and what leaders can learn from both. What You'll Learn
Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:52) Matt returns to the show (01:21) Why American Eagle’s “Great Jeans” campaign backfired (03:52) Cracker Barrel’s tone-deaf rebrand misstep (06:48) Target’s DEI reversal and the cost of misunderstanding your customer (09:20) Southwest walks away from its differentiators (11:52) Meta’s AI avatars go sideways (12:44) Delta earns a place on the Nice list (13:55) Starbucks returns to the core (16:55) How Astronomer turned crisis into comedy (21:15) Duolingo kills the owl (and nails it) (24:40) Navigating edgy vs. effective brand moves (24:51) Apple lands on the watch list (27:40) The brand that made Matt smile (29:17) Where to learn more about Brand Federation (30:08) Closing Matt Williams is the President of Brand Federation, a brand and marketing consultancy that helps organizations like Harvard, MIT, and Mercy Corps transform their brand strategy for growth and impact. Before that, he spent 26 years at The Martin Agency, rising through strategic planning roles to become CEO. During his tenure, he led strategy and campaigns for GEICO, OREO, UPS, Discover Financial, Benjamin Moore, and Walmart, while guiding the agency to national creative and effectiveness recognition. Matt also teaches as a Visiting Clinical Professor at William & Mary, where he brings decades of brand strategy expertise to future marketers. Matt lights up when talking about Duolingo, specifically the irreverent, persistent, slightly unhinged owl. The way Duolingo leans hard into its mascot’s attitude — using humor, edge, and cultural relevance — reflects a brand that truly understands both itself and its audience. The owl’s personality, storytelling, and strategic mischief never fail to make Matt smile.
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| AI-Powered Business Strategy at Lightning Speed | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:29:37 | |
What if you could test your business strategy in days instead of months? That’s what Kate O’Keeffe, CEO and Co‑Founder of Heatseeker, makes possible. From building the first AI‑powered platform for market experimentation to helping companies validate strategy, positioning, and buyer demand at lightning speed, Kate’s career is all about turning bold ideas into measurable results. Former BCG Partner and Silicon Valley innovator, she’s here to show how AI is rewriting the rules of testing ideas — fast, smart, and with real data. What You'll Learn
Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:38) Why AI is changing brand strategy (01:41) Heatseeker explained and the problem with traditional surveys (05:17) Common mistakes in testing and the role of AI (10:23) Balancing speed with rigor in experiments (14:12) Creating a culture of experimentation without chaos (19:42) The future of AI-driven market experimentation (23:53) A brand that made Kate smile recently and how to connect Kate O’Keeffe is the CEO and Co-Founder of Heatseeker, the first AI-powered platform for market experimentation that helps companies validate strategy, positioning, and buyer demand in days instead of months. She spent a decade in Silicon Valley founding CHILL, Cisco’s global co-innovation lab, and launching high-impact ventures for Fortune 100 companies at startup speed. A former Partner at BCG, Kate has advised executives and boards on innovation, growth, and digital transformation, delivering hundreds of millions in business value. She also serves on the board of Birchal and as a non-executive director for Naked Ambition and CircleOf, Inc. What Brand Has Made Kate Smile? L’Oreal impressed Kate with its recent work in the refill movement, turning sustainability into a movement people want to join. She loved how the brand tapped into the human need to feel like part of something bigger and clever messaging that invites consumers to “be a recycler” rather than simply recycle. Links & Resources
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| Measuring the Impact of Brand Activism | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:31:35 | |
Impact isn’t a vibe — it’s measurable. This week I’m joined by Neil Callanan, LooseGrip founder and creator of the GRASP Impact Framework, to unpack how storytelling can stand up to scrutiny and move both culture and the bottom line. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:18) Opening remarks (00:30) Welcome and first impressions of GRASP (01:05) Explaining the GRASP Impact Framework (02:55) Legos and dashboards metaphor for data (06:15) Storytelling plus analytics for brand impact (10:02) Halo effect and connecting activism to outcomes (24:52) Brand that made Neil smile recently (27:03) Where to find Neil and learn more Neil Callanan is the founder of LooseGrip and creator of the GRASP Impact Framework, a system that helps mission-driven brands translate storytelling into measurable business outcomes. With over 15 years of experience aligning activism and analytics for brands like Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s, Neil specializes in helping companies prove that purpose-driven marketing can drive sales, culture, and social impact simultaneously. He combines data, narrative, and strategy to help leaders measure and defend their impact at every level. What Brand Has Made Neil Smile Recently? Neil shared that Rivian has impressed him with its attention to detail and customer experience. From a Halloween mode in their electric trucks to playful Easter eggs in their app, Rivian creates joyful and memorable experiences for drivers and families. Neil appreciates how their intentional brand efforts foster engagement, loyalty, and advocacy, even if the company is still ironing out the challenges of being a new brand. Resources & Links
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| Finding the Right Agency Partner | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:32:28 | |
The secret to great creative work isn’t just the idea — it’s knowing how to get there. Toby Wilkinson, co-founder of Ask Us For Ideas, has spent the last decade helping brands navigate the messy world of agencies, briefs, and creative partnerships to make the process smoother, smarter, and more successful. What You'll Learn
Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:30) Welcome Toby Wilkinson (01:10) The story behind Ask Us For Ideas (04:18) Defining the perfect agency fit (08:40) The agency selection process step by step (12:07) Red flags in agency relationships (17:25) Navigating a shifting agency landscape (21:17) Favorite success stories and brands that inspire Toby Wilkinson is the co-founder of Ask Us For Ideas (AUFI), a company dedicated to helping brands find the right creative partners. Over the last decade, he has connected more than 2,000 brands — from startups to global companies — with agencies across branding, marketing, digital, social, and more. He is passionate about creating productive, long-term partnerships between brands and agencies and shares his insights through AUFI’s website, podcast, and Substack. What Brand Has Made Toby Smile Recently? Toby has been enjoying the meal kit delivery company Mindful Chef. He appreciates the quality of the ingredients, the variety of meals, and the shared cooking experience it brings him and his wife, making it a meaningful part of his daily routine. Resources & Links Support the Show
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| The Wedding Crashers Guide to Branding | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:33:28 | |
What does the producer of Wedding Crashers, Serendipity, and Van Wilder know about building brands? Turns out—a lot. This week on On Brand, Andrew Panay shares how Hollywood storytelling principles shape not just hit movies but also unforgettable brand stories for companies like T-Mobile, Microsoft, and Anheuser-Busch. What You'll Learn
Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:30) From Hollywood to branding (02:00) The disconnect between filmmakers and brands (03:30) What Wedding Crashers teaches us about 30-second storytelling (05:00) Capturing attention in seconds, not minutes (08:00) Creativity, evolution, and staying uncomfortable (10:40) Originality vs imitation in marketing (20:30) Balancing elegant risk with commercial success (25:00) The brand that made Andrew smile (27:30) Where to learn more about Panay Films Andrew Panay is the founder and CEO of Panay Films and a veteran Hollywood producer whose movies—including Wedding Crashers, Serendipity, and Van Wilder—have grossed more than $800 million worldwide. Beyond film and television, Panay brings his storytelling craft to branded content and advertising for companies such as T-Mobile, Microsoft, and Anheuser-Busch. His signature approach blends cinematic storytelling with strategic brand thinking, creating work that moves audiences—and the business forward. What Brand Has Made Andrew Smile Recently? Andrew pointed to Nike for a recent campaign during the World Series. The spot used a clever mashup of sound, attitude, and nostalgia—culminating with Ken Griffey Jr.’s signature backward cap and mischievous grin. For Andrew, it was the perfect example of creative “juj”—that mix of confidence, playfulness, and truth that makes great storytelling irresistible. Links and Resources
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| The Hard Way to Real ROI | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:36:26 | |
What does it take to build one of the world’s top-rated social media management platforms—without a single dollar of outside funding? This week on On Brand, Emeric Ernoult, founder and CEO of Agorapulse, shares how he bootstrapped the company to over $20 million in revenue, pioneered ROI-tracking tools for social, and carved out a powerful niche in a crowded market. We talk scaling smart, making social media actually measurable, and where attribution is headed next. What You'll Learn
Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:45) Bootstrapping Agorapulse the Hard Way (03:40) The Realities of Going Without Funding (07:20) Reinventing Through Growth and Churn (08:50) From Social Media to Interest Media (10:20) Why Attribution Is Broken (17:50) Three Ways to Track ROI That Actually Work (23:20) How Brands Can Win at Interest Media (29:00) The Brand That Made Emeric Smile About Emeric Ernoult Emeric Ernoult is the founder and CEO of Agorapulse, one of the world’s top-rated social media management platforms. Bootstrapped from the ground up, Agorapulse has grown to more than $20 million in annual revenue—without taking a single dollar of outside funding. A pioneer in ROI-tracking for social media, Emeric has built his career around helping brands not just manage their social presence, but measure its real business impact. He’s a frequent speaker and writer on marketing measurement, leadership, and scaling companies the sustainable way. What Brand Has Made Emeric Smile Recently? Emeric shared that Alex Hormozi—the entrepreneur and content creator—made him smile recently. After attending Hormozi’s workshop in Las Vegas, Emeric was struck by his unfiltered mix of humor and humility. Hormozi’s perspective—that we’re all small in the grand scheme of things, so we might as well do good and enjoy the work—resonated deeply, especially after Emeric’s trip to the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park reminded him of life’s scale and simplicity. Resources & Links
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| Building Trust That Scales | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:32:10 | |
How do the most visible leaders stay trusted and relevant in a noisy world? Danielle Sabrina has spent her career helping them do exactly that. As founder of Society22 PR, one of Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing firms, Danielle has guided CEOs, athletes, and celebrities in building credibility that scales. Named Female Entrepreneur of the Year and one of CIO’s Top 20 Female Entrepreneurs to Follow, she joins me to unpack how smart brands turn trust into momentum. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:44) Credibility as the New Currency (03:25) Why Founder Stories Matter (05:03) PR Beyond Press Releases (07:57) Balancing Authenticity and Strategy (09:36) Finding the Right Story to Tell (17:16) Turning Vulnerability into Strength (21:25) Scaling with Integrity (27:06) Brand That Made Danielle Smile About Danielle Sabrina Danielle Sabrina is an award-winning publicist and the founder of Society22 PR, one of Inc. 5000’s fastest-growing companies and ranked among the Top 10 National PR Firms. With more than 25 years of experience, she’s helped CEOs, athletes, and celebrities build credibility that drives growth. Named Female Entrepreneur of the Year and one of CIO’s Top 20 Female Entrepreneurs to Follow, Danielle’s insights on trust, storytelling, and media strategy have made her a leading voice in how brands earn attention and stay relevant. What Brand Has Made Danielle Smile Recently? Danielle shared that Skims has been making her smile lately — especially their creative brand collaborations with partners like The North Face. She admires how the brand’s constant stream of collabs keeps them culturally relevant and seemingly everywhere, even if she’d love to see them slow down just enough for us all to appreciate each one. Resources & Links
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| The Hidden Science of Brand Associations | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:30:44 | |
How do brands really live in our minds? According to Ulli Applebaum, it’s all about associations — the complex web of meanings and emotions that define how people see your brand. This week on On Brand, the international strategy veteran and author of The Science of Brand Associations shares how we can use science, not guesswork, to build brands that stick. What You'll Learn
Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:20) Why no one has written about brand associations—until now (03:40) The brain science behind how brands live in memory (06:20) Brand associations as your brand’s operating system (08:00) How associations drive purchase and brand preference (10:20) Managing negative brand associations (14:50) What small brands can do to stand out (23:50) The brand that’s made Ulli smile recently Ulli Appelbaum is an internationally recognized brand strategist, consultant, and author with more than 25 years of experience shaping business-building strategies for some of the world’s top brands. Before launching his consultancy First The Trousers Then The Shoes, he held senior strategy roles at agencies including BBDO Germany, Leo Burnett Chicago, Fallon Worldwide, and SapientNitro. Ulli’s work has earned seven Effies and an ARF Ogilvy Award for Excellence in Research. His latest book, The Science of Brand Associations: Win Minds, Win Markets, is a first-of-its-kind guide to understanding and building the mental networks that make brands thrive. What Brand Has Made Ulli Smile Recently? Ulli chose KitKat — a brand he’s admired for decades for its clever, humorous advertising and the enduring “Have a Break” positioning. He recalls a classic British TV spot where a photographer takes a break with a KitKat just as the panda he’s waiting to capture starts ice-skating behind him. It’s a moment that’s stuck in his mind for 25 years — proof, he says, of how powerful brand associations can be. Resources & Links
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| World-Building Brands in an AI Era | 13 Oct 2025 | 00:30:47 | |
Geoff Cook’s career took off the night he met MoMA’s CMO—and helped create the iconic MoMA QNS brand. Since then, he’s shaped brands from MILK and NeueHouse to Times Talks, JFK Terminal 4, and the Prince Estate. Partner at Base, mentor at TechStars, and global culture expert, Geoff shares how bold branding can leave a lasting cultural impact. What You'll Learn in This Episode - How a single encounter can launch a career and define a creative trajectory - Why human connection is at the heart of every successful brand experience - The concept of “world-building” in branding and how it fosters community - How to balance AI as a tool without losing creative originality - Key considerations for branding early-stage companies and preserving cash Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:33) Geoff Cook’s career breakthrough at MoMA (02:10) Early lessons from DKNY and international branding (04:07) Culture-driven branding from Milk to global institutions (07:40) Translating cultural expertise to JFK Terminal 4 (10:09) World-building brands to foster human connection (12:19) AI in creative work: opportunities and guardrails (20:12) Mentoring early-stage companies and branding pitfalls (26:27) Brands that make Geoff smile About Geoff Cook Geoff Cook's career catapulted on the night he met MoMA’s CMO at a Base party in Manhattan, where he discussed developing the institution’s new branding for its temporary museum in Queens. The project, MoMA QNS, was the first in a string of iconic brands he has helped to create, including MILK, NeueHouse, JFK Terminal 4, Iconiq, The New York Times' Times Talks & Food Festival, the Prince Estate, and countless others. Geoff approaches branding with a sharp understanding of business strategy and a finger on the pulse of global culture (he speaks four languages and savors local flavor everywhere he travels). As a partner at Base, Geoff asks companies big questions and helps answer them with unexpected, visionary solutions. The result is very often a profound cultural impact. Geoff also puts his branding acumen to use as a mentor at renowned tech accelerator, TechStars, and serves as a board member at Sentral. What Brand Has Made Geoff Smile Recently? Geoff is impressed by On, a Swiss-based athletic brand. He admires how On builds a cohesive, coherent world through product design, store experiences, and creative campaigns that surprise and delight. The combination of Swiss precision and playful, culturally relevant marketing makes On a standout in his eyes. Resources & Links
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| Taylor's Version, Bonus Track! Showgirl Spotlight | 09 Oct 2025 | 00:40:23 | |
In this special bonus episode of On Brand: Taylor’s Version, now that The Life of a Showgirl is out in the world, we’re asking: what does this new era tell us about Taylor Swift? To explore, I’m joined by Joanna Weiss, editor of Harvard Magazine, journalist, and co-author of Taylor Swift: Album by Album, a deep dive into every era. Together, we’ll unpack how Showgirl fits into Taylor’s evolution and what this chapter reveals about her storytelling, strategy, and brand. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Episode Chapters
About Joanna Weiss Joanna Weiss is the editor of Harvard Magazine, a contributing writer for Politico Magazine, and a former columnist for The Boston Globe. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, Slate, The Economist, and many other outlets. After chronicling her own Eras Tour experience for Boston’s NPR affiliate WBUR, Joanna dove deeper into the Swiftiverse as co-author of Taylor Swift: Album by Album (Quarto Books), which explores each of Taylor’s eras in detail. In addition to her journalism career, Joanna fronts a rock band she formed with five fellow moms — a story captured in her Boston Magazine feature “For Those Moms About to Rock,” now optioned for film by 20th Century Studios. What Taylor Era Has Made Joanna Smile Recently? When asked which Taylor song or era makes her smile, Joanna picked “Love Story.” Despite everything that has come since, she still returns to that song for its sheer emotional clarity — a bedroom-written, 20-minute burst of teenage storytelling that still captures the universal thrill of hope, love, and happily-ever-after energy that defines so much of Taylor’s work. Resources & Links
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On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||