In today’s episode of the Soul & Science Podcast, we’re talking to Mark Pollard, brand strategist, CEO of Sweathead, host of the Sweathead Podcast and author of the book Strategy is Your Words. For the past 20 years, Mark has worked with global brands such as The Economist, Meta, and The Wall Street Journal to solve complex marketing challenges and build winning strategies. Throughout his career, he has blended non-traditional ideas, creativity, and analytical data that prove that sometimes it’s best to break the mold. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why leveraging low-budget content and experimental ideas can be a winning part of your social media approach
• Which types of nontraditional data and insights can better inform your strategy
• How a diverse career path and experience help build a better skill set to solve complex and novel marketing challenges

Brought to you by Mekanism. 

Is it time to update your company values? In today’s mini episode, we dive into why values matter and we’ll share the six new guiding principles at Mekanism. From embracing bold creativity to fostering teamwork and innovation, these values will help us redefine our company’s future.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

In this episode of the Soul & Science podcast, we are joined by Carrie Hutchison, the Director of Marketing and Brand at Re:wild. Re:wild is an environmental organization that recently partnered with Mekanism’s brand partner, Culturelle Probiotics to bring awareness to an untraditional cause- the endangerment of the human gut microbiome.

Carrie started her career in sustainability and marketing with National Geographic as their Director of Corporate Communications and has worked with universities such as Georgetown. Now, she campaigns for sustainability in brands and the planet around the world. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 

• The ways that industry could be interacting with the planet to ensure sustainability. 
• Why the protection of our endangered ecosystems- especially the ones within our own bodies- is crucial to a sustainable future for mankind. 
• What we can do on an individual level to promote sustainability in our own lives. 

Brought to you by Mekanism.

This week, we're revisiting our inspiring conversation with David Lester, Co-founder at Olipop. 

There’s an alchemy to relationships, including the ones between co-founders. David Lester, co-founder at good-for-you-soda company, OLIPOP, first heard about his future business partner, Ben Goodwin, while he was quitting his 10-year job at global beverage giant Diageo. His then boss thought they’d work well together. The first meeting between entrepreneurs was memorable as Ben showed up with a bag of home-made soda. The pair went on to run a kefir beverage startup, followed by OLIPOP. Packed with healthy prebiotics and a tenth the sugar of regular, OLIPOP brilliantly markets taste, health and nostalgia while drawing 50% of revenues through online channels, just a few of Lester’s marketing feats.  

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Soda psychology is grounded in our earliest memories.
• Three-quarters of the population is trying to make healthy adjustments. 
• When something seems stupid, that’s your cue to figure out a better way.
• That humility will take you from knowing nothing to expertise.
• Data science surrounds us, but your soul processes the insights

Brought to you by Mekanism.  

This week, we're revisiting our amazing conversation with Julia Perez, CMO at OWYN from May 2023.

Julia is a New York born, Miami-based marketing executive with a deep understanding of high-growth, healthier-for-you food and beverage startups. With more than 10 years of experience working for brands like Red Bull, Hain Celestial, RSP Nutrition, and CORE Water, it’s actually kind of her superpower. Her continued success in the health and wellness space led her to the role of Chief Marketing Officer at OWYN, which stands for Only What You Need, a plant-based nutrition company best known for its ready-to-drink protein shakes. OWYN is currently the #1 best selling plant protein shake in the US.  

In this episode you’ll learn: 

• How OWYN is cleaning up the sports nutrition industry with transparency, education, and empowering messaging
• Where Julia stands on the Ozempic trend and how OWYN fits in 
• Why you shouldn’t forget about the big picture when looking at segmented data
• The value of being an early adopter and in love with your industry

Brought to you by Mekanism.  

In this episode, we look into the Soul & Science of starting a movement. Small actions done consistently can have profound effects on our lives. The real challenge is doing those things every day. Something the majority of us seem to have no issues doing almost everyday is complaining. While complaining about this, that, and whatever comes to mind is easy, the negativity can block your focus, creativity, and productivity. 

This week, we’re talking with Will Bowen, who’s working on unlocking the secrets of positivity with his complaint-free movement. Will started his career as an advertising executive for Yellowpages, but even back then, he felt a passion for speaking and helping people discover a better way to live. In 2006, Will challenged 250 people to break the destructive habit of complaining by going 21 days in a row without speaking a single complaint. Now, almost 20 years later, he’s still traveling the country as a keynote speaker and working to change the lives and minds of thousands of professionals. His International best-selling book “A Complaint Free World” has sold nearly 4 million copies in 40 countries. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 

• The damage a complaining habit can do to your productivity and workflow 
• How to be more aware of your own complaints and negative thinking 
• What can happens when you step into a more positive mindset, and how to redefine your values with that in mind 

Brought to you by Mekanism. 

Why do some pitches soar while others flop? Today, we talk about the secrets of successful client pitches with the five laws of new business. From strategic selectivity to post-pitch follow-ups, here are some of our best strategies for winning over clients. 

Brought to you by Mekanism. 

It’s easy to get lost in the details of those everyday small inconveniences – what’s for dinner tonight, that looming deadline, whether or not your joke landed in that meeting earlier. It’s also just as easy to switch our brains to autopilot when they get overwhelmed and disappear into social media or TV. And what about that narrator in our heads? The constant critic. The complainer. It really doesn't serve us. 

But the simple practice of mindfulness might offer a solution. And our guest this week believes that everyone can be at least 10% happier if they work mindfulness into their daily life.

Dan Harris spent more than 20 years as a journalist for ABC where he was the co-anchor of Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America. He’s covered wars, natural disasters, and even spent 48 hours in solitary confinement to better understand the criminal justice system. Today, Dan is the best-selling author of the meditation book “10% Happier” and host of the podcast of the same name. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 

• Not only how but also why you should incorporate a meditation practice into your personal and professional life
• To apply the lessons Dan learned during his path towards mindfulness in your own life
• How to better manage your own thought habits in order to be happier and healthier

Brought to you by Mekanism.

What do you do with a great idea that your client didn't want? Toss it? Or keep it? In today’s mini episode, we tackle the dilemma of rejected concepts. Discover how to transform these creative casualties into proactive initiatives that not only promote your business but also make a positive impact on the world. 

Brought to you by Mekanism.

This week on the Soul & Science podcast, we take a look at the power of culture and consumption. Take the rise of social media marketing as an example of consumption as culture. Companies have piggybacked on viral sounds, trends, and cultural moments from TikTok and Instagram as a way to promote their products. On the flip side, a seemingly clever campaign can flop if it jumps on a trend too late or misses the point entirely. So, if culture ultimately drives everything that people do, how do brands keep pace? 

Today, we’re talking with Dr. Marcus Collins about the effects of culture on human behavior and the undeniable connection between marketing and culture. 

Riding the line between industry and academia, his award-winning book For The Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be was a best-seller and he currently serves as a marketing professor at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. In the past, he was the Head of Strategy at Wieden+Kennedy and has worked with brands like Apple, Nike, and even Beyoncé. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 

• How culture and marketing intertwine to create some of the most successful campaigns 
• What defines culture and how people choose to interact with it
• How brands can put themselves in the driver’s seat of cultural relevance

Brought to you by Mekanism.

What’s the true value of breaking free from conventional marketing mediums? In this week’s mini episode, we delve into some unconventional branding strategies that made impactful results. Oatly's 'Oatmilkers' initiative in Minor League Baseball, Stoked Dispensary's clever ads in neighboring stores, and Adidas' liquid billboard in Dubai showcase innovative approaches to circumvent restrictions and leave a lasting impression. Join us as we explore thinking outside the box in branding and advertising.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

At some point in their career, everyone has had to answer the dreaded interview question: “Where do you see yourself in the next five years?” You might have a well-scripted answer, but do you really know? 

This week on the Soul & Science podcast, we sit down with the founder and CEO of the Handel Life Coaching Group, Lauren Zander, to explore how we can rebrand the mind, body, and soul. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 

• The true power of auditing your life in an honest way
• How our minds, bodies, and souls are far more interconnected than we realize
• What kinds of practical consequences you can give yourself to make your dreams a reality

Brought to you by Mekanism.

In this episode of the Soul & Science Podcast, we explore balancing business results and creative innovation in global brand building with the Global Chief Marketing Officer, GM Direct Commerce at Fortune Brands Innovations, Mark-Hans Richer. With over 30 years of experience, Mark-Hans has built groundbreaking campaigns with companies such as Moen, Masterlock, Harley Davidson, and GMC. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why embracing a start-up mindset is so important to keep your brand fresh
• How to defend out-of-the-box ideas from pushback
• Why changing your strategy isn’t always the best course of action

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Ever wondered about the secrets behind a successful rebrand? Today, we'll unravel three essential rules for transforming your brand identity. From finding your why to executing a seamless rollout, we'll discuss what we can learn from iconic successes like Dunkin' and Airbnb, and how to avoid the pitfalls of missteps like Twitter's puzzling transformation to 'X'. 

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Modern-day flying has become more of a chore than an adventure. If you’ve read any headlines about the airline industry in recent years, it’s clear that many customers are apathetic about which carrier they fly with. Long delays and cancellations, poor customer service, and fluctuating pricing all leads to a sourness in the industry. 

So how can an airline fly themselves back to customers' good graces? 

This week, we aim to answer that question with Eric Edge, Managing Director of Advertising and Marketing at Alaska Airlines. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 

• How caring about your customer creates lifelong brand champions 
• How to pivot your marketing when the industry takes a turn for the worse 
• How gambling on new technologies can help put your brand ahead of the curve

Brought to you by Mekanism.

How crucial to your brand’s success is PR really? Today, we’re talking about the four main reasons you need to invest in your PR strategy. Amplified media coverage for faster brand recognition, improved website traffic and SEO, strategic crisis management, and solidified thought leadership; these aspects are vital for enhancing your brand’s visibility, credibility, and resilience. 

Brought to you by Mekanism.

What’s your favorite GIF? Today, we’re sitting down with the Editor-in-Chief at GIPHY, Tyler Menzel. With a passion for creativity, authenticity, and the power of fun, Tyler has been instrumental in driving GIPHY’s success in the world of digital content. 

He provides oversight and mentorship for all aspects of content on GIPHY, including partner content acquisition strategy, original content creation, search and trending algorithm refinement, and moderation guideline creation and enforcement. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 

• Creativity and authenticity are at the core of Giphy's approach to curating engaging content and fostering meaningful connections with users
• How they’ve used campaigns from minor league baseball promotions to digital marketing strategies to understand and trust the intelligence of the audience to drive impactful engagement
• Why you should commit to continuous learning. Tyler reminds us to stay open to experimentation, feedback, and growth in order to remain adaptable  in today's rapidly evolving landscape

Brought to you by Mekanism. 

We all know that AI has reshaped the landscape of marketing and advertising forever. But how familiar are you with generative vs. predictive AI? This week, we’re breaking it down. Predictive AI aids in informed decision-making, targeting audiences, optimizing ad placement, and forecasting campaign results. Generative AI accelerates creative work by assisting in content creation, copywriting, and generating images and videos for marketing materials. Tune in for a concise breakdown of AI's applications in advertising agencies.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Rise and grind or work yourself into the ground? In the past few years, a sole focus on constant productivity and hustle has spread throughout the world of marketing and business, and frankly, it’s burning people out. This culture of overworking is forcing some people to live on autopilot and burn out. Let’s be honest for a moment: Nothing good is ever created after 10 cups of coffee and only 3 hours of sleep. 

Today, I’m sitting down with the founder of Dream Recovery, Todd Anderson, to reshape the stigma around rest and recovery. Before starting Dream Recovery, Todd was an NFL fullback for the Rams when they were still in St. Louis, a sponsored athlete by TYR, and a health and wellness expert for brands like Vision – an AI health companion app – and Arena – an all-in-one at-home training platform.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why Rest and Recovery have become as important to professionals as it is to athletes
• How sports and wellness science can be applied to a luxury brand
• Why the rise and grind culture is dying out to one of strategic rest

Brought to you by Mekanism.

When you’re presented with a problem, how do you go about solving it? This week, we introduce three powerful laws that can transform the way you tackle challenges in life.

• Kidland's Law: If you can write the problem down clearly, then the matter is half solved.
• Gilbert's Law: The biggest problem with a job is that no one tells you what to do.
• Falkland's Law: If you don't have to make a decision, don't make a decision.

These three laws offer invaluable insights into problem-solving and decision-making. Apply them in your daily life to overcome challenges with clarity and efficiency.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

This week, in honor of Women’s History Month, we’re re-sharing an amazing conversation from last summer where we spoke with Jocelyn Johnson. Jocelyn is a proud Girl Scout alum and Lifetime Member and she joined Girl Scouts of the USA as CMO in 2021.

Jocelyn is a brilliant marketer and a champion for the future females of the world.

Before joining Girl Scouts of the USA, Jocelyn worked at General Electric, where her focus on data-centric marketing strategies helped grow revenue from $50 million to $20 billion.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of being able to make a quick decision when needed, coupled with an ability to pivot just as quickly
• The powerful filter that values provide to an organization when it comes to balancing data and instinct
• A great mantra to live by courtesy of Jocelyn’s mom and dad: Learn, Earn, Return

Brought to you by Mekanism.

What makes a brand partnership align or clash? In this episode, we talk about how collaborations between brands, whether similar or vastly different, can skyrocket brand visibility and reach. From the massive Barbie movie collaboration that turned everything pink to high-profile partnerships like GoPro and Red Bull's space jump and the unexpected yet trendsetting Balenciaga and Crocs duo, this episode explores the strategic brilliance and potential pitfalls of brand alliances.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

The marketing world is a constantly changing field. From the introduction of different mediums to the evolution of technology like AI, the only constant I can expect in my industry is change.

Today, I’m sitting down with my friend, colleague, and now my boss, Brett Marchand, CEO of Plus Company. Plus Company is a marketing and branding powerhouse, having integrated dozens of agencies, including Cossette, We Are Social, and Mekanism.

Before Brett Marchand was heading one of the world's largest media and marketing firms, Brett was a marketing native. He championed campaigns at P&G, Campbell Soup, and Molson Brewery, among many others.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• Why working for more household brands teaches future marketers the anatomy of a great campaign
• Why working on the inside of the ad agency is so much more than just making campaigns
• The historic role AI has played in marketing
• What the future holds for the advertising agency network model

Brought to you by Mekanism.

In this episode of the Soul & Science Podcast, the founder of JUV Consulting, Ziad Ahmed joins us to teach us how to truly connect with your Gen Z audience. You’re going to learn how to crack the code to speak to this dynamic and elusive audience. 

25-year-old Ziad has been making serious waves in the brand world as the Head of Next Gen at United Talent Agency or UTA. After founding JUV Consulting as a high school student, Ziad has been pushing the boundaries of content, community, and culture and also finding new intersections of the three with his Gen Z-focused conference ZCON.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 

• How to not just join cultural conversations, but to lead and shape them
• What it takes to future-proof your brand and foster communities that resonate with Gen Z values
• A few of Ziad's best strategies to help you rethink how you engage with Gen Z and refine the language you use to communicate with them

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Is company culture the secret sauce that sets thriving businesses apart? From the inception of Mekanism, culture has been paramount, shaping behaviors and interactions within and beyond the office walls. Explore the significance of values, from entrepreneurial spirit to collaborative mindset, driving success and innovation. Discover the pivotal role of leadership in upholding and evolving cultural norms, alongside the necessity of periodic value reassessment.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

When it comes to marketing wellness products, a lot of brands make a lot of big claims. But how do consumers figure out who to trust and what’s best for them? Today’s episode is all about demystifying the world of wellness marketing with the co-founder of Ned, a wellness brand that offers simple and effective natural remedies.

Adriaan Zimmerman, who co-founded Ned in 2018, is an entrepreneur and brand-builder. Prior to co-founding Ned, he was a founding partner of BroBible.com, a popular men’s lifestyle and entertainment brand that grew to over 15 million readers per month, and was acquired by Uproxx Media.
In today’s episode you’ll learn:

• Where education becomes marketing when it comes to teaching your customers about your product
• How the transformative power of nature, the beauty of simplicity, and the importance of human connection can make us feel alive
• The value of the creative potential that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Ever wondered if a $7M Super Bowl spot is worth the investment? Join me on a special mini-episode of the Soul & Science Podcast as I delve into the power of these ads. From celebrity cameos to humorous storytelling, discover why brands invest millions for just a few seconds of airtime. Plus, get a sneak peek into this year's trends and predictions for the big game. Let's dive in!

Brought to you by Mekanism.

All companies have a purpose. For most, it’s turning a profit and increasing overall value. However, today’s definition of value is changing. More and more customers are looking for brands that take social responsibility seriously and offer a mission beyond profits.

Today, I’m sitting down with a very special guest – my wife, Lindsay Harris – to talk about what it means to be a purpose-driven company. She is the Chief Purpose Officer at Tombras, an impact-driven creative agency that has created campaigns for FritoLay, ESPN, and Samsung, among many other iconic brands.

Before Tombras, Lindsay was the Editor at Campaign Magazine and a reporter for Ad Age and currently leads the relationship with the agency and the Tombras School of Advertising & PR at the University of Tennessee.

In today’s episode you’ll learn:

• What makes leading with purpose different from virtue signaling
• How the marketing landscape is changing to focus on more purpose-driven work
• A case study into how a simple purpose-driven campaign drew the attention of the NBA

Brought to you by Mekanism.

When it comes to marketing a luxury brand, the brand is queen and storytelling is king.

This week, I spoke with Carolyn Dawkins, CMO at David Yurman, where she leads marketing and content strategies with a focus on user experience, brand storytelling, and innovation. Before David Yurman, she spent time in leadership roles at Estée Lauder, L’Oréal and Google.

In today’s episode you’ll learn:

• Why storytelling and understanding a brand’s heritage is so valuable when it comes to marketing luxury
• Agility becomes a superpower during high-growth periods
• How curiosity helps keep the balance between leading with instinct and leading with data

Brought to you by Mekanism.

This week on the podcast, we’re talking about a sensitive subject, but after seeing Ido Aharoni speak at the Harvard Club recently, it felt like the right time to have a difficult conversation.

Ido is a 25-year veteran of Israel’s Foreign service. He is a public diplomacy specialist, founder of the Brand Israel Program and a well-known nation branding practitioner.

Today’s conversation is not a history lesson on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Instead, here’s what you’ll learn in today’s episode:

• How black and white thinking has led to a dramatic increase in anti-semitism around the world
• The simple marketing principles used on social media with ill intent that have helped spread misinformation and hate speech
• How information overload exhausts our brains and makes us more susceptible to that misinformation

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Authenticity can drastically transform your life. But what if it means stepping away from what you thought was your dream job?

Shelley Paxton is a thought leader, speaker, and author of the bestselling book Soulbattical. Formerly the CMO at Harley-Davidson, Shelley took a courageous leap to redefine success on her own terms, and has since emerged as a sought-after expert in culture transformation and personal development.

On today’s episode you’ll learn:

• How to live authentically and allow it to be a catalyst for both personal and professional transformation
• How to redefine success beyond societal norms
• What it means to be your own Chief Soul Officer
• The keys to living a “Hell Yes” life

Brought to you by Mekanism.

A few years ago, the Mekanism team worked with David Dancer and the brilliant Spike Jonze to help Medmen create the first ever cannabis commercial. Today on the show, I’m speaking with David, who is the Founder of D2 Marketing Strategies, and also an accomplished CEO and six-time CMO.

Since coming out in his first job, David has been committed to the fight for LGBTQ+ workplace equality. And he recently started a new bi-weekly podcast called Clout for Good, that showcases prominent LGBTQ+ identified executives who are out in the workplace.

On today’s episode you’ll learn:

• How the Medmen campaign helped David learn a valuable lesson about risk-taking and open-mindedness
• Being connected to the people around you is about much more than networking
• The important role that inclusivity plays in business growth and innovation

Brought to you by Mekanism.

A few weeks ago the Soul & Science podcast won three Signal Awards. And two of those awards were for this episode featuring Andy Pearson, the VP of Creative at the water brand Liquid Death that we first aired last year.

Shoestring marketing budgets are common at startups and create an environment of innovation. Andy jokes he was given a $0 initial ad budget to launch. He knew the name, along with the arresting skull-festooned cans, would have to do most of the talking. When the marketing money began to flow, Liquid Death bought Tony Hawk’s blood and his soul (and maybe yours) online. In this episode, Pearson, an ultra-marathoner and ad agency veteran, explains his process, where he takes a favorite playlist, and pen to paper to grasp an idea, which grow more on creativity than money.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• If your 6th grade teacher says advertising is evil, it must be good.
• To trust your own sensibilities to know the right answer.
• The more you do, the more confident you’ll feel.
• A brand is a character, the protagonist of your business.
• Everybody takes everything so seriously, the moment you don't, you stand out.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Today, I’m speaking with John Sullivan. He’s the Senior Vice President of Marketing at WHOOP, which is a wearable fitness tracker with a devoted fan base and an impressive list of celebrity ambassadors.

John is a proponent of brand durability and he has helped re-center WHOOP from a niche software utilized by sports organizations like the New York Yankees to a wildly popular personal performance coach that you wear on your wrist. He joined me LIVE at Advertising Week New York to talk about how to build a durable brand and today, we’re sharing that conversation with all of you, our podcast listeners.

On today’s episode you’ll learn:

• What two pillars constitute a “durable brand”
• How storytelling can help sell a product that you don’t always see
• How WHOOP is incorporating AI into their user experience

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Have you ever wondered if Chief Marketing Officers have what it takes to lead as CEOs? In this mini episode, we uncover four powerful reasons why CMOs might be the secret weapon for business growth and customer-centric leadership. Tune in to challenge the traditional executive hierarchy and discover new possibilities!

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Today on the show, I’m speaking with Douglas Martin, Chief Brand and Disruptive Growth Officer at General Mills.

As his title suggests, Doug is a disruptive marketer and brand growth champion with over 22 years of experience. In his role at General Mills, he’s worked on marketing initiatives for Cheerios and Yoplait, and his experience spans across household names in addition to General Mills, with roles at Gap and Walt Disney Studios.

On today’s episode you’ll learn:

• How a company that’s not only a household name, but 167 years old – can still disrupt their categories.
• What makes an idea not only great, but scalable as a $50 million business idea.
• The value of good old fashioned pen and paper when framing and solving big picture problems.
• There’s no company so big that it shouldn’t keep finding new opportunities for growth.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Today on the show, I’m talking with Andrew Myerson and Julie Anne Kelly, Co-founders of Haymakers for Hope.

In 2009, Andrew and Julie participated in the New York City Golden Gloves. They decided that competing against the city’s best boxers wasn’t enough, and decided to raise money for cancer research. This planted the seeds for Haymakers for Hope. Today, their non-profit gives everyday people the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete in their first sanctioned boxing event. The experience is impactful, challenging, and life-changing, and the march towards a cure will continue long after the last match of the night.

Julie is a cancer survivor herself and Andrew is an expert businessman, with an MBA from the Sloan School of Management at MIT and experience working for Goldman Sachs.Through Haymakers for Hope, Andrew & Julie are helping to connect communities, local businesses and boxing fans together against a common cause.

On today’s episode you’ll learn:

• Mental stamina is just as powerful as physical stamina, and this is true in the boxing ring and in the boardroom.
• Make the most of your complementary business styles when running a company in a partnership
• Marketing a non-profit is as complex, if not more so, than any for-profit enterprise

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Today on the show, I’m talking with Heidi Andersen, Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer at Nextdoor.

Heidi is a corporate athlete with two decades of Business Leadership. She is Nextdoor’s CMO and CRO, where she oversees the global revenue team, revenue streams, and marketing.

On today’s episode you’ll learn:

• Service is a powerful business style
• Do the right things for the right reasons
• Observe and then solve

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Today on the show, I’m talking with Ben Mand. He’s the CEO of Harmless Harvest, a pioneer in U.S. refrigerated premium coconut water and plant-based dairy products. And if you’ve had Harmless Harvest’s coconut water, you know it’s the best.

Since joining the company as CEO in 2018, Ben has expanded the brand beyond coconut water, more than doubled its business, and radically streamlined its supply chain.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• How Ben uses solution-based thinking to help his team run efficiently

• How to build up a brand as a multidimensional persona that meets people where they are

• The number one rule when it comes to impact marketing? You’ve got to have a great product

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Today on the show, I’m talking with Brittany Lo, Founder and CEO of Beia Beauty, a premium skincare brand that brings skincare and sexual wellness together in a new and luxurious way. Before founding Beia, Brittany’s NYC-based bridal beauty experience was featured in People Magazine, The New York Times, The Knot, BRIDES and more.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• There’s a huge value in surrounding yourself with a great support team of like minded individuals.
• Living authentically draws more of the people and opportunities that align with your values and goals.
• You can find power in surprising places. Case in point: naivety.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

This week, for our 50th episode, we’re doing something a little different. We're joined by the US Special Correspondent for BBC Studios Katty Kay to discuss power and the joy and fulfillment we can all find when we make an impact.

Katty is an award-winning journalist and the co-author of several New York Times bestselling books including The Confidence Code, and most recently, The Power Code.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• Women’s instincts have a special kind of power. Katty argues that women's inherent qualities, such as empathy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence, are assets that can revolutionize the way we approach leadership
• We should rethink power all together. The pandemic changed the way we think about work and flexibility, challenging the traditional definition of power.
• Stay optimistic. A more equitable distribution of power is possible and by fostering a mindset of optimism and possibility, we can create a future where power is a force for good.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

This week, I’m joined by Jocelyn Johnson. She’s a proud Girl Scout alum and Lifetime Member and she joined Girl Scouts of the USA as CMO in 2021.

Before joining Girl Scouts of the USA, Jocelyn worked at General Electric, where her focus on data-centric marketing strategies helped grow revenue from $50 million to $20 billion.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of being able to make a quick decision when needed, coupled with an ability to pivot just as quickly
• The powerful filter that values provide to an organization when it comes to balancing data and instinct
• A great mantra to live by courtesy of Jocelyn’s mom and dad: Learn, Earn, Return

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Creating a tech device specifically designed for older adults might seem like a tough sell. But having the right approach and a great spokesperson makes all the difference.

This week, I’m speaking with Dan Josebachvili. He’s the Founder and CEO of Silvertree, which makes a safety wearable for older adults. Dan was part of the founding team at Urban Escapes, an adventure-travel company which was eventually acquired by LivingSocial. After that, he spent a few years developing strategic partnerships for ad-tech giant, Epsilon, got a graduate degree, and worked with ZX Ventures, the venture capital arm of Anheuser-Busch, where he led the deal on the acquisition of Cutwater Spirits.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The key to marketing a tech device to an often tech-averse demographic
• The opportunities for growth within the Boomer Plus generation and how disruptive innovation makes it possible
• Don’t settle for what you have. The journey is never over and Dan has a great mantra to help us keep it in mind.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

If you live on the East Coast, you may have seen Oishii strawberries for sale at Whole Foods or a smaller specialty food retailer. If not, you’ve definitely seen them online. We did a taste test in the Mekanism office and they were amazing.

Today, I’m speaking with Lesia Dallimore, the VP of Brand Marketing at Oishii. A passionate storyteller with a diverse background and extensive expertise in the field of marketing luxury goods, including lululemon, Lunya, and Erewhon.

What is it that makes Oishii strawberries so special and how do you communicate that story thru marketing?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The most important aspect of marketing a luxury brand is the same regardless of the product– whether it’s a strawberry or a pair of expensive leggings– and it happens at the intersection of product and experience
• Storytelling and brand mission are key when it comes to reaching critical mass
• Never underestimate the power of a good partnership. If you want to get your brand on everyone’s minds, you need to create a symbiotic relationship with influencers and other brands.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Have you ever wondered how Grammy-winning singers get so good at what they do? Most of them have a great teacher helping them along the way. Today I’m speaking with Wendy Parr, acclaimed holistic artist coach and founder of The Parr Method. Wendy has spent more than 20 years helping artists develop their authentic voice with Grammy and Academy Award Winning results.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The importance of stepping outside your discipline
• Whether data should be a main influence in your creative process
• Some methods Wendy uses to help artists discover and cultivate their personal brand

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Beyond his role as the over-the-top showman and host of Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, George Shea is a seasoned marketing professional with three decades of experience. Together with his brother, Richard, he has elevated the Nathan's Famous hot dog-eating contest into a major brand promotion recognized around the world. Beyond Nathan's, George and company run Major League Eating and also Shea communications doing work in the commercial real estate industry. 

In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 

• What it takes to create and promote a niche sport like competitive eating
• Why having multiple irons in the fire helps fuel productivity and creativity
• Why controversy is so effective for generating earned media

Brought to you by Mekanism.

This week, we’re talking with Ross von Metzke, Director of Communications & Public Relations at It Gets Better.

It all started more than a decade ago in 2010, when more than 70,000 people took to social media to share their stories and provide hope and encouragement to young LGBTQ+ people.

Today, It Gets Better is a non-profit that reaches millions of young people all over the world through inspiring media programming, educational resources, and more.

Ross is a communications and PR specialist with over 12 years experience working in the non-profit and multimedia space. He co-created and ran ITMFA, which raised more than $1 million for Planned Parenthood, ACLU and the International Refugee Assistance Project. We’ll let you look up ITMFA to see what those letters stand for. And Ross has been published in Newsweek, The LA Times, The Advocate, Entertainment Weekly, and even Seventeen magazine.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How a non-profit like It Gets Better measures success, considering some of the recent anti-LGBTQ+ state measures and Pride month backlash
• That if allyship was meant to be easy, it wouldn't be so important. If you want to support the queer community, don’t bail at the first sign of controversy.
• About some of It Gets Better’s most successful campaigns, plus who they reached and why they worked
• Practical advice on how to reach the LGBTQ+ community in an authentic way

Brought to you by Mekanism.

You’ve probably seen Peace Out Skincare at Sephora, it’s hard to miss. And their most well-known product is their pimple patches. Today, I’m talking with Co-founder and CMO Junior Pence and Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Amanda Knapmann about the founding of the brand and their commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community.

Over the past 20 years, Junior has worked for or with inspiring companies and people across the fashion, eyewear, entertainment and music space.

Amanda has a passion for puzzles and people, and has worked with brands like COVERGIRL, Max Factor, and Skinfix.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How vision and process can complement each other to create a truly effective brand voice
• You’ll learn how and why you can build a strong community around your brand and leverage customer loyalty to reach new people
• And you’ll get a reminder to listen more. Not only just in business, but in all aspects of your life.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

In celebration of Pride month, we’re taking some time to focus on brands that both address and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.

Maybe the most inclusive dating app out there is OkCupid. Michael Kaye is the Director of Brand Marketing & Communications at OkCupid and now Archer, which you’ll learn about today, both under the Match Group umbrella. Michael leads communications, influencer marketing and social media. And since being there, he has secured more press for the brand than any other year since it launched in 2004, and got OkCupid data mentioned in a White House press briefing.

Michael is a true dating app success story. And in this episode, you’ll learn:

• When marketing to the LGBTQ+ community, there’s no room for a one-size-fits-all approach
• How effective storytelling is at the heart of OkCupid’s success
• Rather than shying away from taboo or controversial topics, lean in and show your customers that you’re the real deal

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Jenny Lewis is the Chief Marketing Officer and President at The Knot Worldwide, where she leads all Marketing, Insights, and Editorial initiatives for the company and its 19 global brands across 16 Countries. With expertise in scaling two-sided marketplaces and growing and advancing the visibility and impact of well-known brands, Jenny was the Head of US and Canada Marketing for Uber and UberEats prior to joining The Knot Worldwide. As one of Uber’s earliest marketing hires, she helped transform the start-up into an iconic household name, and was the driving force behind a number of product and brand-defining initiatives, including UberPOOL and the brand’s COVID-19 response campaign.

You’ve likely heard of The Knot as being a hugely popular website for wedding planning. But today you’ll see there’s much more to the brand than that.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How Jenny has harnessed the power of being a generalist in her marketing career
• Why it’s so important to engage in active conversation with your customer base in order to stay authentic and current in the space
• How they acknowledge FOMO’s meaner cousin FOMU – or Fear of Messing Up in their products, visual language, and brand voice

Brought to you by Mekanism.