How do you scale a beloved burger brand without losing the heart that made it special?
In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Chris Dull, President and CEO of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Chris opens up about the balancing act of fast growth and genuine hospitality—sharing how Freddy’s has expanded into 37 states, reimagined its digital experience, and stayed laser-focused on franchisee success.
From caramelized steakburgers to post-pandemic innovation, this conversation dives into the power of brand consistency, listening to your guests, and creating “one-of-a-kind moments” in everyday life.
If you’re in branding, franchising, or just trying to grow something the right way—don’t miss this one.
How does a global giant like IKEA stay affordable, sustainable, and deeply personal—all at once?
In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Belen Frau, a senior global leader at IKEA who’s helped shape the brand from the inside out. With over 20 years at the company, Belen shares how IKEA's democratic design philosophy drives everything from flat-packs to climate impact.
From launching secondhand platforms to redefining what it means to be “for the many,” this is a masterclass in brand purpose, strategy, and resilience.
What does it take to make a 150-year-old bank feel like a startup?
In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan talks with Shruti Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer for Business Banking at US Bank, about reinventing customer experience in one of the most regulated industries on the planet.
From AI-powered tools to embedded financial products, Shruti shares how US Bank is transforming the way it serves small businesses—while still staying grounded in trust, compliance, and community. It’s a conversation about balancing innovation with responsibility, and how big banks can stay nimble in a FinTech-first world.
What do you ask a man who’s helped shape the future of both education and technology?
In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with John Hennessy—former President of Stanford University and current Chairman of Alphabet (yes, the Google one)—for a rare conversation about leadership, innovation, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.
From founding tech companies to guiding the next generation of Silicon Valley leaders, Hennessy shares what separates good ideas from great ones, why humility beats hype, and how to stay grounded when you're building for the stratosphere.
This isn’t just a conversation about tech. It’s about legacy.
In this episode of Branded, hosted by Ben Kaplan, we sit down with Camilla Matias, COO of Brex, to unpack the bold decisions, hard-earned lessons, and unconventional thinking behind one of FinTech’s most remarkable scale-ups.
Camilla joined Brex when it was a scrappy startup solving one problem: helping fellow founders get access to corporate credit. Today, Brex is a global financial platform used by both startups and Fortune 500 giants.
We explore:
Whether you're a founder, operator, marketer, or just obsessed with how great companies grow—this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.
In this powerful episode of BRANDED, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Maryam Banikarim—former Global CMO at Hyatt Hotels, co-founder of NYC Next, and the visionary behind The Longest Table.
Maryam shares her inspiring journey, navigating a non-linear career path defined by pivots, purpose, and resilience, ultimately becoming a passionate advocate for community-building in New York City.
Discover how Maryam leveraged purpose-driven leadership, brand storytelling, and authentic relationships to drive tangible impact.
She emphasizes the importance of brands genuinely understanding and committing to their values, particularly during times of crisis, and provides valuable insights for marketers and leaders eager to foster meaningful community, loyalty, and brand strength.
Whether you're managing career transitions, seeking to fortify your brand, or striving to build enduring communities, this conversation offers indispensable advice from one of today's most influential leaders.
Trust isn’t just a marketing buzzword—it’s the foundation of every successful brand. But how do you measure it? How do you build it? And how can businesses turn trust into a real competitive advantage?
In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Dana Bodine, VP of Marketing at Trustpilot, to explore how brands can leverage customer reviews as more than just testimonials—they’re a powerful intelligence tool that shapes reputation, drives conversions, and builds long-term credibility.Ben and Dana dive into:
If you’re in marketing, branding, or business growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Because in today’s world, trust isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have.
In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Michael Costello, CEO of GNC, to unpack how a 90-year-old health and wellness brand is adapting to today’s fast-changing market.
With supplements available everywhere—from Amazon to your local grocery store—why would anyone still choose to shop at GNC? Michael shares how GNC is redefining its consumer experience, using data, personalization, and trust to set itself apart from the competition. He breaks down GNC’s Five C’s strategy, talks about what really matters to today’s customers, and explains how the brand is evolving without losing what made it successful in the first place.
Key topics include:
Whether you’re into fitness, business, or just curious about how brands stay relevant, this conversation offers a fascinating inside look at the future of GNC—and what other companies can learn from it.
Host Ben Kaplan sits down with Kathryn Bricken, the powerhouse behind Doughlicious, to uncover how she took her passion for baking from school events to Whole Foods shelves across the U.S. Kathryn shares the highs and lows of scaling a global brand, disrupting the frozen snack industry, and making bold moves in a competitive market.
But that’s not all—this episode also features insights from Liquid Death and Campbell’s, as we explore what it takes to build a brand that stands out. From shaking up the beverage world to reinventing legacy food giants, Ben Kaplan leads the conversation on innovation, strategy, and the art of brand disruption.
Ben Kaplan sits down with Mark Bertolini, CEO of Oscar Health and former head of Aetna, to break down one of the biggest healthcare turnarounds in recent history.
Oscar Health was bleeding cash, fully dependent on the Affordable Care Act, and struggling to turn a profit. Within just 10 weeks, Mark uncovered $1.4 billion in hidden opportunities, restructured the business, and set it on a path to profitability for the first time ever.
In this episode, Mark reveals:
This is a must-listen for anyone in business, tech, or leadership, as Mark and Ben break down what it really takes to transform an industry built to resist change.
Healthcare marketing is evolving fast—legacy brands are fighting to stay relevant, disruptors are reshaping the industry, and consumers are more skeptical than ever. In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan explores what it takes to stand out, build trust, and drive engagement in this competitive space.
We hear from Katelyn Watson, CMO of Talkspace, on how the company pivoted its brand and made virtual mental health care more accessible. Robert Krane, co-founder of Talkiatry, shares how he tackled one of the biggest challenges in psychiatry—access to care. And Pam Morrisroe of Breakthrough T1D discusses the nonprofit approach to building credibility and deepening audience trust.
From brand refreshes to social impact marketing, partnerships, and storytelling, this episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating the healthcare industry. Whether you're in marketing, healthcare, or brand strategy, this conversation delivers valuable lessons on standing out and making an impact.
What does it take to build a $160B brand in a world driven by data and trust? In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Alice Cherry from S&P Global to reveal the branding strategies that transformed a legacy name into a financial intelligence powerhouse.
Discover how a bold rebrand, a high-stakes merger, and a relentless focus on essential intelligence helped S&P Global stand out in a crowded market. Alice shares the challenges of uniting diverse teams under one mission, the power of familiarity over awareness, and why even B2B brands need emotional connections to grow.
Whether you're crafting your own brand strategy or just fascinated by how global giants stay relevant, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.
Chuck E. Cheese isn’t just a childhood memory—it’s a brand that faced bankruptcy, a pandemic, and a struggling reputation. But instead of fading into nostalgia, it pulled off one of the boldest brand transformations in entertainment history.
In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with David McKillips, President & CEO of CEC Entertainment, to unpack the $350 million reinvention of Chuck E. Cheese. From wiping out $700M in debt to revamping every location in the U.S., McKillips shares how the company evolved to stay relevant for a new generation.
How did they pivot from crisis to comeback? Why did they ditch the animatronics? And what’s next for Chuck E. Cheese as a global entertainment brand?
Find out in this deep dive with Ben Kaplan on Branded!
In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Katherine Bond Debicki, Chief Marketing, Digital, and Technology Officer for KFC Canada, to explore how one of the world’s most iconic brands stays relevant in a rapidly changing food landscape.
Katherine breaks down the three major waves of disruption that have shaped the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry—from the invention of the drive-thru to the rise of digital ordering and now, the shift toward experience-driven marketing. She shares how KFC leverages its legendary brand assets, like the 11 herbs and spices, the Colonel, and the bucket, while modernising the customer experience to engage new generations of consumers.
We also dive into the power of consumer insights, discussing how KFC stays ahead of the competition by focusing on what matters to customers today—from viral food trends to cultural relevance, like their recent Taylor Swift campaign.
Finally, we explore what QSR brands can learn from other industries, how earned media and strategic data are shaping marketing, and why the future of fast food isn’t just about value—it’s about offering a moment of escape, excitement, and personalisation.
And stay tuned—later in the episode, we explore the world of customisable, sugar-free indulgence with Skinny Mixes, a brand redefining how we enjoy our favourite drinks.
In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Sarah Crockett, CMO of DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse), to discuss the art of reviving a retail giant.
With eight months in the role, Sarah shares her strategy for repositioning DSW, tapping into consumer insights, and creating an emotional connection with customers across generations.
She explores the challenge of bringing back the brand's "heat", navigating multi-channel retail, and adapting to cultural shifts. Plus, she reveals why physical stores remain her #1 marketing channel, the power of storytelling in marketing, and the biggest myth about retail's future.
- What does your shoe choice say about you?
- How do brands stay relevant in a fast-changing world?
- Why does Sarah hate big campaign reveals?
If you care about brand strategy, consumer psychology, or marketing innovation, this episode is a must-listen.
What makes Jack in the Box one of the most crave-worthy fast-food brands? In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Ryan Ostrom, Chief Customer Officer at Jack in the Box, to uncover the bold marketing strategies, digital innovations, and brand positioning that keep them ahead of the competition.
Ryan reveals how Jack in the Box stays relevant in a rapidly changing industry—leveraging celebrity collaborations with icons like Snoop Dogg, expanding into new markets, and mastering the art of digital loyalty. He also shares insights into the "Crave Strategy," a framework that drives everything from menu innovation to social media engagement.
Whether you're a marketing enthusiast, a fast-food fan, or just curious about how brands build cult-like followings, this episode serves up valuable lessons on staying competitive, connecting with customers, and making a lasting impact.
In this episode, Ben Kaplan sits down with Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, to explore the fascinating intersections of behavioral science, marketing, and human psychology.
Rory shares his insights on how small, seemingly insignificant changes can drive massive consumer behavior shifts and why reframing is essential in marketing strategy. The conversation touches on Jaguar’s rebranding, the role of humor in advertising, and the unexpected power of irrationality in decision-making.
Rory also discusses the importance of seeking out opportunity costs, the value of curiosity in creativity, and how brands can differentiate themselves by leveraging unconventional thinking.
Packed with humor, real-world examples, and sharp observations, this episode is a masterclass in creative problem-solving and the surprising power of ideas that defy logic.
Introducing BRANDED! In this announcement, we reveal the exciting merger of TOP CEO and TOP CMO into one powerhouse podcast. Get a sneak peek into the bold stories and big ideas driving the world’s most iconic brands. Featuring names like Rory Sutherland, Liquid Death, and the former CMO of Nike, this is your front-row seat to the minds shaping the future of branding. Perfect for anyone curious about how brands break through and stay legendary.
In this episode of TOP CMO, Ben Kaplan sits down with Karen Budell, CMO of Totango, to explore the challenges and opportunities of navigating a high-speed merger with competitor Catalyst. Karen shares her journey from journalist to marketing leader, offering insights on aligning teams, crafting compelling brand narratives, and integrating diverse marketing strategies. Discover how Karen’s background in storytelling and content marketing informs her approach to customer success and growth, and learn why she champions non-traditional career paths. Whether you're a marketing enthusiast or a business leader, this episode is packed with actionable advice on building stronger teams, driving customer retention, and leveraging thought leadership.
Join us for an insightful conversation with Courtney Weis, Managing Director of Brand Marketing at FP Movement, Free People's activewear brand. Courtney shares her journey from talent management to leading a brand that celebrates diverse forms of movement. Discover how FP Movement thrived during the pandemic, leveraging influencer partnerships, community engagement, and a strong brand identity to achieve remarkable growth.
In this episode, we dive into:
Get ready to be inspired by Courtney's vision, adaptability, and passion for creating authentic connections with customers. Perfect for marketers, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone looking to build a brand that stands out.
