What do you do when your only proof of work is a haiku—and it actually lands you a job? Jon Manning reflects on his path from actor to award-winning copywriter, the highs and lows of freelance life, and his return to agency work with Brandish. We talk about staying curious, surrendering control (acquiescing—look it up), and what it means to “flex” in this industry. Whether you’re a writer, creative, or just figuring it out as you go, this episode’s got something for you.
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What do you do when your only proof of work is a haiku—and it actually lands you a job? Jon Manning reflects on his path from actor to award-winning copywriter, the highs and lows of freelance life, and his return to agency work with Brandish. We talk about staying curious, surrendering control (acquiescing—look it up), and what it means to “flex” in this industry. Whether you’re a writer, creative, or just figuring it out as you go, this episode’s got something for you.
What do you do when your only proof of work is a haiku—and it actually lands you a job? Jon Manning reflects on his path from actor to award-winning copywriter, the highs and lows of freelance life, and his return to agency work with Brandish. We talk about staying curious, surrendering control (acquiescing—look it up), and what it means to “flex” in this industry. Whether you’re a writer, creative, or just figuring it out as you go, this episode’s got something for you.
What does it take to build a brand that stands for something—and stands the test of time? Kendall Barber, co-founder of Poppy Barley, joins the podcast to share her journey from a marketing career to launching and scaling one of Canada’s most beloved footwear brands. We dive into Poppy Barley's early days, from the spark of an idea on a trip to Bali to a bold six-month ultimatum that set the business in motion. Kendall opens up about the highs (hitting that first million!) and the hard choice...
How do you balance the business side of advertising with the desire to make a real difference in the world? In this episode, we dive into it with Ryan Kelly, Vice President of Communications and Community Partnerships at the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Ryan shares his journey from creative director in top Edmonton agencies to his current role in the non-profit world, where his work directly impacts cancer research and patient support. We discuss the challenges of aligning personal values with ...
On this special "State of the Industry" episode of In The Business of Something, we dive into the forces shaping the marketing industry for 2025. We are joined by four incredible voices offering diverse perspectives and insights: Heather Thompson, Vice President of Strategy, Research, and Engagement at the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, discusses the economic slowdown's impact on businesses and consumers.Rob Jennings - Founder & CEO of FKA, discusses how economic pressures reshape client s...
On this episode of In The Business Of Something, we dive into the world of video production with Colleen Nuc and Amy McBain, the dynamic duo that fuels Hoopla, scrappy production studio making waves here in Edmonton. We get right into how Colleen started Hoopla looking for more creative opportunity, and eventually brought on Amy. The two of them have carved out a niche in the industry thanks to their creativity, passion, and knack for storytelling. From navigating early career challeng...
On this episode of In the Business of Something, we're talking all things banking with co-host Danna Stephens, Associate Director of Marketing at ATB Financial and her colleagues Eldon Kymson and Jenn Manning, Associate Creative Directors at ATB. Eldon and Jenn share their unconventional career journeys from science and musical theatre to advertising. They discuss their roles in shaping ATB's creative evolution, including how their unique backgrounds help them see creativity opportunity with...
On this episode of In The Business of Something, we talk with the Best in Show award winners from the 45th Annual ACE Awards. This work was recognized by the esteemed judging panel as a stand-out project, worthy of the global stage. Justin Archer and Dennis Lenarduzzi, from Berlin Communications, join ACE President Carla McNeil, to take us behind the scenes of how Confetti Fridays came to life and eventually ended up winning the most prestigious award of the night. Confetti Fridays w...
On this episode of In The Business of Something, our guest is Breanne Kraus, Director of Communications & Marketing at Alberta Cancer Foundation. We sit down with Breanne to learn about the world of cause marketing through the lens of a non-profit organization leading cancer research and patient support in our province. It's a complex role full of variety that takes you from intimate stories of cancer patients, to breakthrough discoveries, funding announcements, and major gift...
On this episode of In The Business of Something, we're joined by not one but TWO wonderful people, Jeff Caron and Sophie Maisonneuve from Sonder Creative. This dynamic duo leads a small but mighty design studio here in Edmonton that specializes in branding, web design, and development. This episode is hosted by ACE Podcast Chair Josh Radostits and ACE Past President Pablo Herrra Cruz. Josh and Pablo sit down with Jeff and Sophie, friends of ACE, to learn about the journey o...
On this episode of In The Business of Something, our guest is Chris Henderson, Partner and Chief Strategist at Y Station. This episode is hosted by ACE Vice President Adam Rozenhart and ACE Past President Pablo Herrra Cruz. Adam and Pablo sit down with Chris to learn about how the world of market research intersects with our industry, including how proper engagement and consultation unlock critical insights that go above and beyond our typical assumptions. It's a job that takes you fro...
On this episode of In The Business of Something, our guest is Teresa Sturgess, Marketing Instructor at NAIT (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology). We sit down with Teresa, and ACE President Karla McNeil, to learn about Teresa's journey from working for some of the top agencies and reputable brands in Canada to becoming a local advertising legend with her Promotional Campaign Planning course at NAIT. Teresa talks about what inspired her to make the move from industry to teaching, h...
On this episode of In The Business of Something, our guest is Lynda Vang, Communications Specialist at Amii (Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute). We sit down with Lynda, and ACE Communications Chair Kian Javier, to learn all about the world of communications and storyelling at Western Canada's only AI Institute. And no, ChatGPT did not write this episode description - this is 100% human-certified content. Lynda talks about the importance of storytelling in helping people along the ...
On this episode of In The Business of Something, our guest is Janelle Janis, Executive Director of Event & Business Development at Explore Edmonton. We sit down with Janelle, and ACE Awards Co-Chair Michele Fowler, to learn all about the world of Explore Edmonton's Sport & Culture team. Janelle and Michele are part of bringing some of the largest sports and culture events like the Heritage Classic, FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, and JUNO Music Awards to our city. We learn about Janelle'...
Welcome back for another season of In The Business of Something! The podcast that demystifies the world of advertising and highlights the amazing people in the industry. We're excited to kick off the season with Nicola Pringle, an award-winning, locally revered Art Director from ZGM Modern Marketing Partners. Over the course of her career, Nicola has shaped countless brands and marketing campaigns through her incredible artistry and powerful ideas. In this episode, Nicola chats ...
Welcome to In The Business of Something, the podcast where we demystify the world of advertising and highlight the unique stories of the people in our industry. In today’s episode, we get into the business of Toni Benning who is wrapping up her degree at the University of Alberta. We spoke with Toni about: What it’s been like as a student in the last few yearsHer plans after graduationHow the job search is goingNavigating the pressures of graduating and beginning a careerWhat are her career a...
Welcome to In The Business of Something, the podcast where we demystify the world of advertising and highlight the unique stories of the people in our industry. In today’s episode, we get into the business of Jeff Cheung who is an award-winning creative. Jeff’s resume includes Ogilvy, Juniper Park, TBWA Vancouver, BBDO and most recently lg2 as Creative Director. He also was one of the judges for the upcoming ACE Awards! We talk with Jeff about: His first couple of years at l...
Welcome to In The Business of Something, the podcast where we demystify the world of advertising and highlight the unique stories of the people in our industry. In today’s episode, we get into the business of Puneeta McBryan who is the Executive Director at Edmonton Downtown. We talk with Puneeta about: What exactly is a Business Improvement Area (BIA) and how does it intersect with marketing?Place brands and why Edmonton Downtown needed oneThe process of branding a place Non-straightfor...
In The Business Of: Cory Sellar Welcome back for episode #5 of In The Business Of Something! ITBOS is a podcast brought to you by ACE to help introduce more people in Edmonton and beyond to the mysterious world of advertising. In this episode, Josh and Moh have the pleasure of talking to Cory Sellar who works at Edmonton Unlimited as a Marketing & Communications Specialist. Cory talks about how his current role is his dream role because it combines his passion for storytelling, vi...
Welcome back for episode #4 of In The Business Of Something! ITBOS is a podcast brought to you by ACE to help introduce more people in Edmonton and beyond to the mysterious world of advertising. For this episode, ACE President Pablo is subbing in for Moh who was out sick. Josh and Pablo have the pleasure of talking to Mark Watson for an all FKA episode. Mark tells us about his role as a digital designer and what exactly goes into designing things on screens like websites, animated video...
Welcome back for episode #3 of In The Business Of Something! ITBOS is a podcast brought to you by ACE to help introduce more people in Edmonton and beyond to the dynamic world of advertising and all its career paths. In this episode, Josh and Moh have the pleasure of meeting Katie Fitzgerald. Katie tells us about her dynamic role at Jobber, one of Edmonton’s proudest tech startups. We also get to hear about Katie’s winding path to where she is now and what she attributes her success so ...
What do you do when your only proof of work is a haiku—and it actually lands you a job? Jon Manning reflects on his path from actor to award-winning copywriter, the highs and lows of freelance life, and his return to agency work with Brandish. We talk about staying curious, surrendering control (acquiescing—look it up), and what it means to “flex” in this industry. Whether you’re a writer, creative, or just figuring it out as you go, this episode’s got something for you.
