In this episode, I sit down with Megan Duong, the CEO and co-founder of Plot, an AI-powered social video listening tool backed by Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six. With a background in brand marketing at Apple and years leading her own agency, Megan brings a rare mix of creative intuition and data fluency to the table. We dive into how short-form video is changing the way we understand consumer behavior, why traditional social listening is no longer enough, and how brands can use these new insights to drive strategy.
Key Takeaways:
// How Megan’s experience at Apple shaped her approach to tech, culture, and storytelling
// Why traditional social listening tools fall short in a video-first world
// The difference between “monitoring” and true insight—and what to do with that data
// Surprising social behaviors that brands often miss entirely
// What authenticity really means in 2025 (and how Gen Z defines it)
// How Megan is building Plot with intention, from team culture to product vision
// The vanity metrics social teams should stop chasing—and what to focus on instead
Connect with Megan: LinkedIn
Learn more about Plot: LinkedIn
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Lauren joins Ally and I for the latest episode of our POSSIBLE event series. Lauren dives into her extensive career in sales, technology and media across some of the world’s leading platforms - and what ultimately brought her to Chase Media Solutions. We discuss the importance of hyper-personalization and what marketers should be leveraging in their strategies to stand out in a crowded retail media and commerce space.
Key Takeaways:
// Building hyper-personalized strategies through the use of data adds immense value to the consumer.
// Retail media networks are partnering to help drive innovation and solutions for marketers through tailoring ways that brands work with them.
// In a study that Chase Media Solutions conducted with EMARKETER, 60% of consumers are shopping with a new brand when an offer is given to help create intent and repeatability. It’s a way to invite new consumers in and reward their loyalty.
// Look for the possibilities instead of sitting on the problem. Holding yourself accountable to a positive outlook and attitude will set you apart in a crowded job market.
Follow Chase Media Solutions on LinkedIn
Resources: EMarketer | ADWEEK
Connect with Lauren: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with Ally: LinkedIn | Instagram
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Ally and I dive into a never-before-discussed topic for Marketing Happy Hour - Partner Marketing. Ally discusses how her career led her to lead the first Partner Marketing function at TIDAL and how industries are recognizing Partner Marketing as a vital piece of the marketing ecosystem. We discuss the nuances between Partner Marketing and Brand Partnerships, how Partner Marketing can serve as an integral piece of the customer journey and the latest trends in the space.
Key Takeaways:
// Partner marketing is the creation and execution of a broad marketing strategy where two or more brands work together to promote each other’s products, services, or brands. It can include co-branded campaigns, affiliate programs, distribution partnerships, or shared content.
// Think of partners as an extension of your brand and your team. Treat them as key brainstorming and thought partners to enhance your campaign strategies.
// Innovative cross-industry collaborations and differentiating your partner marketing channel mix to reach niche audiences are the leading trends in 2025.
Connect with Ally: LinkedIn / Instagram
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Ally and I continue our POSSIBLE 2025 conference series by sitting down with Jessica Serrano, Chief Marketing Officer of Dig Inn. Jessica shares the unique challenges that come with localized marketing, strategies for building a strong loyalty program and tips for aspiring CMOs. Dig Inn is a fast casual, scratch food restaurant concept with locations from New York, NY to Washington D.C.
Key Takeaways:
// Use social media channels to tell behind-the-curtain stories and share unique experiences alongside your brand.
// Local marketing requires research of the target community – observe the community through intensive good neighbor tactics. The community will dictate how the brand will show up and where.
// Brand loyalty programs should deepen the relationship you have with your consumers, not just providing periodic discounts. Take your loyalty programming from transactional to relationship-driven.
// Once you deepen the relationship with the consumer, you can provide other ways to reward them for their loyalty like early access programming, surprise and delight moments and more.
// New ideas and innovation can come from listening directly to your consumers' wants and needs.
Connect with Jessica: LinkedIn
Follow along with Dig Inn: Website / Instagram
Connect with Ally: LinkedIn / Instagram
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The POSSIBLE 2025 conference series continues with Stephanie Lawrence-Shartrand from Nextdoor. With over 20 years of experience in digital media, strategy, and customer success, Stephanie is a passionate leader and advocate for the power of online communities and social networks. Stephanie joins Ally and I to share her strategies for building strong, lasting professional relationships, including how she’s created her own personal Board of Advisors.
Key Takeaways:
// Build your own personal Board of Advisors. Made up of your best friends, past coworkers and mentors – these are the people you gut check career moves with, ask for help navigating difficult situations and help elevate your skill set.
// Relationships require persistence and thriving in the uncomfortable. If you only reach out when you want something, people remember that. People will remember how you made them feel.
// Don’t undersell the value of in person connection and conversation opportunities – whether it be a 5 minute check-in or 30 minute coffee chat.
// Professional confidence comes from believing in yourself and channeling your insecurities into opportunities for growth.
Connect with Stephanie: LinkedIn
Follow along with Nextdoor: Website / Instagram
Connect with Ally: LinkedIn / Instagram
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I sat down with co-host Ally Golden and Michael Vito Valentino, Editor in Chief at NowThis for Episode 2 of the POSSIBLE 2025 conference series. Gen Z is redefining what “entertainment” means in the 21st century. We discuss the serialized content approach Michael and his team are taking at NowThis and how it’s paving the way for brand loyalty with Gen-Z females. Additionally, we explore the evolving role of brand integrations in a crowded landscape and how brands can authentically embed themselves into cultural conversations.
Key Takeaways:
// Niche is the new mainstream. There’s heavy competition in the attention economy and your brand can stand out by identifying niches. Once you have fans, community and trust - you can convert short-term audiences to long-term fans.
// Short-form, repeatable formats with full story arcs is what Gen-Z is craving out of their content. Audiences want consistency and to know what to expect.
// Gen-Z doesn’t hate advertisements. They hate crappy advertisements. Content needs to be as authentic and real as possible by speaking their language and giving them what they want.
// Manufacturing virality is difficult to promise as a part of any campaign. Virality comes from taste, knowing what your audience wants and a consistent approach to authenticity. Learn more about NowThis: Instagram | TikTok
Connect with Michael: LinkedIn | InstagramConnect with Ally: LinkedIn | Instagram
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I’m joined by my friend and fellow marketer Ally Golden for Episode 1 of our POSSIBLE 2025 conference series. The POSSIBLE conference brings together key decision-makers and rising marketers through 3 days of learning and networking. Ally and I were lucky to attend several interactive sessions and masterclass conversations that fostered meaningful connections among industry leaders and innovators. In this first episode of the series, we discuss our experience at POSSIBLE 2025, along with our three strategies to watch moving into the second half of this year.
Key Takeaways:
// Serial content is the new brand loyalty. Consumers crave consistency. Brands should be thinking like creators or showrunners.
// Creators are the new media channels. “In today’s marketing landscape, creator partnerships aren’t an add-on—they’re the channel. Especially when they’re authentic fans of the product.”
// AI influencers are on the rise - but humans still matter, for now. It’s likely we’ll have trouble identifying the difference within the next 18 months.
// Unlock the many to many model with creative. “Creativity is the superpower that cuts through. Creativity makes the conversion happen.”
// Get behind the content that works and get out of the content that doesn’t. Focusing on differentiating through awareness, engagement and demand to help create desire at scale.
Connect with Ally: LinkedIn | Instagram
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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What makes a great campaign truly effective? And how do you scale brand success globally without losing authenticity? In this episode, I sit down with Nataly Kelly, Chief Marketing Officer at Zappi, to unpack the new rules of marketing in a world powered by connected insights, AI, and always-on consumer data. Nataly shares highlights from Zappi’s State of Creative Effectiveness report, the inside story behind her upcoming book Brand Global, Adapt Local, and how marketers can thrive by leaning into curiosity, clarity, and continuous feedback. We also touch on the emotional side of career pivots and why finding the right next step is more about mission than job titles.
Key Takeaways:
// Connected insights aren’t just a buzzword — they’re a system for improving creative, product, and brand performance with real-time consumer input.
// AI is not replacing marketers—it’s enhancing our ability to make smarter, faster, insight-driven decisions.
// If you’re out of work, you’re not alone — Nataly shares a powerful framework for finding clarity in the in-between.
The State of Creative Effectiveness Report: HERE
Learn more about Zappi: Website | NewsletterConnect with Nataly: LinkedIn | Brand Global, Adapt Local (Book) | Find Meaningful Work (Guide)
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Bonus: If you’ve ever dreamed of turning a personal story into a product — this episode is for you. I’m joined by Kristan Kelly, CEO and founder of Shade Rayz Sunscreen: a mission-driven brand born from her journey as a breast cancer survivor and Latina entrepreneur. In this mentorship-focused conversation, Kristan shares the real story of building her company from the ground up, how she tapped into her local community for early support, the marketing strategies that have worked, and the mindset shifts that help first-time founders succeed.
Key Takeaways:
// How to turn a personal journey into a product and brand with purpose
// The early decisions that shaped Shade Rayz Sunscreen’s success
// How Kristan approached building brand identity and messaging (luxury + water safety + everyday use)
// The power of leveraging your school and local community for support and connections
// Tips for how to make the ask when building your network
// Encouragement for women and young entrepreneurs breaking into wellness and consumer products
Learn more about Shade Rayz: Website | Instagram
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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How do you create content for an audience you're not part of—but still connect on a deep, emotional level? That’s the magic Holley Long brings to the table. As a Social Media Specialist for The Bump (part of The Knot Worldwide), Holley leads with curiosity, storytelling, and strategy. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to market life’s biggest milestones—from weddings to new parenthood—while building trust and brand loyalty beyond the moment. She also shares what’s working across Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest right now, how to stay relevant without chasing every trend, and the relationship between social and search.
Key Takeaways:
// A behind-the-scenes look at The Bump’s content strategy and how they balance emotion, utility, and trend
// Holley’s approach to stepping into new audiences with empathy and research (especially when she’s not the target demo)
// Why evergreen content still matters—and how to pair it with timely trends
// What’s performing best across Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest in 2025
// How social strategy can complement search behavior and drive traffic beyond the algorithm
Connect with Holley: LinkedIn
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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Creating great content isn’t about waiting for inspiration — it’s about building a system that works. In this episode, I’m joined by my friends and fellow marketers Ally Golden and Rob Skinner to unpack their biggest takeaways from the Digital Summit, including a content framework by Melanie Deziel. We explore how Focus + Format can transform your content strategy and offer real-world examples of how to turn strategy into scroll-stopping storytelling.
Key Takeaways:
// Great content doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built through a clear system.
// The Focus + Format framework helps you consistently generate content ideas by pairing what you want to say with how you’ll say it.
// Emotional storytelling and humor significantly boost engagement — even in B2B marketing.
// "Heartstrings loosen purse strings" — tapping into emotional storytelling can increase brand engagement by 40%.
Connect with Ally: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with Rob: LinkedIn | Tik Tok
Download the Content Planning System from Melanie Deziel: Download Now
Attend Digital Summit Near You: Conference Website
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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In this episode, I dive into the real evolution of the creator economy with Lauren Giovannetti, Creator Marketing Manager at Stan and expert on monetization strategy. Lauren has spent years helping creators turn their audiences into sustainable businesses—and guiding brands on how to partner with them in more strategic, scalable ways. We break down creator storefronts, email list power, and what brands are getting right (and wrong) in today’s landscape.
Key Takeaways:
// Why forward-thinking brands see creators as full-scale businesses, not influencers
// What signals to look for when vetting creators for partnerships
// How creators with strong email lists offer unique value to brands
// One simple way creators can become more valuable brand partners
Connect with Lauren: LinkedIn
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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Is your podcast pulling its weight in your overall marketing strategy? In this episode, I sit down with podcast growth strategist Kylee Chandler, who’s helped industry giants like Amy Porterfield and Cathy Heller scale their shows into million-download machines. We talk about how to position your podcast as a key part of your brand's marketing ecosystem, the power of quizzes for list-building, and the often-overlooked episode strategies that turn passive listeners into super fans.
Key Takeaways:
// Why treating your podcast like a business asset (not just a passion project) is the key to long-term growth.
// The one thing every podcaster should be doing to consistently grow their audience.
// How to position your podcast at the top of your funnel—and use it to drive real conversions.
// Simple titling and description tips that can boost your discoverability.
// Why quizzes are a wildly effective tool for growing your email list—and how podcasters can use them.
// Kylee’s advice for corporate marketers who want to go out on their own.
Connect with Kylee: LinkedIn
Listen to Kylee's Podcast: My Episode Here!
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What does it really mean to be customer-obsessed in today’s ever-evolving brand landscape? In this episode, I sit down with Paige McCloud, Manager of Brand Strategy at Victoria’s Secret, to unpack how she builds consumer-first marketing strategies that blend data, creativity, and real-world experiences. From navigating experiential marketing to tracking emerging trends like AI and creator-led campaigns, Paige shares how she’s shaping the future of retail storytelling—while offering practical advice for marketers looking to evolve their careers and deepen their connection with their audience.
Key Takeaways:
// What it really means to be customer-obsessed—and how to build that mindset into your brand’s DNA
// The evolving role of experiential and in-person activations in retail marketing
// Skills marketers need to execute memorable IRL brand experiences
// Common traps brands fall into when trying (and failing) to be consumer-first
// Strategies to stay inspired and avoid burnout as a brand leader in a fast-paced industry
Connect with Paige: LinkedIn
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In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Kamara Turner, Communications Manager at Walgreens, to explore what it takes to build a PR strategy that actually moves the needle. With experience across top-tier brands like PepsiCo, Ulta Beauty, and Coca-Cola, Kamara shares how her agency and in-house roles have shaped her approach to storytelling, retail strategy, and media impact. We dive into what makes a successful retail campaign, how she approaches product launches, and the emerging trends every brand should be watching. Whether you're leading comms for a Fortune 500 or a growing brand, Kamara offers tactical insight and strategic clarity to elevate your next campaign.
Key Takeaways:
// How to craft retail communications strategies that actually drive customer engagement and sales
// The storytelling elements that matter most in merchandising and product launches
// Inside a recent Walgreens campaign: lessons in execution, media strategy, and results
// Emerging trends in retail communications and how to adapt to a rapidly changing PR landscape
// Skills every communicator needs to thrive in today’s fast-moving retail world
Connect with Kamara: LinkedIn
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What makes a media partnership actually work? In this episode, Carly Baker, Media Partnerships Lead at HubSpot Media Network, pulls back the curtain on what makes branded content succeed. With experience spanning talent management, business development, and audience growth across podcasts and YouTube, Carly shares what brands often get wrong when working with creators and how to think beyond vanity metrics. She offers a fresh perspective on how earned media can drive real growth, the underrated power of organic partnerships, and how to build content strategies that resonate in a noisy market.
Key Takeaways:
// How to measure what actually matters in podcast and content partnerships.
// Why putting a human face to your brand is essential for audience connection and content performance.
// The biggest mistakes brands make when working with creators—and how to avoid them from the start.
// How to align partnership goals with outcomes that match your brand's stage and strategy.
// Why video matters in podcasting today, and how to use platforms like YouTube for visibility and discovery.
// How to build better relationships with media partners by treating them like people—not just placement opportunities.
Resources from HubSpot:
The State of Marketing in 2025
The Power of Partnerships + Innovation
Connect with Carly: LinkedIn
Learn More About HubSpot: Website
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In this solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the unexpected journey that’s brought me to where I am today—from pitching myself into my first full-time role, taking big risks in new cities, and leading teams at a young age, to launching a business and growing a podcast that changed everything. I’m sharing the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way: why nothing is permanent, how to pitch yourself (even when you’re scared), the value of taking risks early, and how to constantly reassess what you actually want. If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or just in need of some honest perspective on what it means to build a fulfilling, self-made career—this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways:
// Why taking risks early in your career can pay off in unexpected ways
// The power of pitching yourself—and how to do it with confidence
// What it really means to grow your skills outside of a traditional career path
// How to build lasting relationships without expecting instant returns
// Why self-awareness and reflection should be part of your career strategy
// How side projects (like a podcast!) can turn into major career opportunities
// How to own your story—even when it’s still being written
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In this episode, I sit down with Lucas Kraft, co-founder of Wonderbelly, the fastest-growing OTC digestive brand of 2024—known for its bold branding and clean, effective products. Lucas shares how his deeply personal recovery journey from an eating disorder led to the creation of a brand that’s rewriting the rules of wellness. We talk about what it really takes to build an authentic identity, how to craft a voice that stands out in a saturated market, and what marketers and founders need to know about branding with purpose in a regulated space.
Key Takeaways:
// The origin story behind Wonderbelly—and how personal healing can spark powerful innovation
// Why your brand voice is your first (and most important) impression
// The key elements of crafting a bold and authentic identity that connects with today’s consumer
// How to create content that educates and entertains in a regulated industry
// Why standing for something real gives your brand staying power
// How to balance storytelling with compliance and still be creative
// Lucas’ advice for launching a disruptive brand in 2025 and beyond
Connect with Lucas: LinkedIn
Learn more about Wonderbelly: Website | LinkedIn
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BONUS Episode – Influencer marketing is more than just pretty photos and promo codes—it’s a business strategy. In this episode, I’m joined by Theresa Gaarde, Head of Sales & Partnerships for Popular Pays by Lightricks, a platform that helps brands scale and streamline creator collaborations. Theresa shares the biggest wins (and missteps) she’s seen brands make in the creator economy—from avoiding vanity metrics to building smarter partnerships that go beyond the sponsored post. Whether you’re a marketer looking to grow your brand, or a founder hoping to dip into influencer marketing for the first time, this episode is packed with tactical advice you can use right now.
This episode is in partnership with Popular Pays by Lightricks.
Key Takeaways:
// The difference between an influencer campaign that drives ROI vs. one that falls flat
// Common mistakes brands make when working with creators (and how to avoid them)
// Creative ways to collaborate with influencers beyond sponsored posts
// Tips for streamlining creator partnerships using a platform like Popular Pays
// How SafeCollab helps mitigate the biggest risks in the influencer marketing process
Connect with Theresa: LinkedIn
Learn more about Popular Pays: Website | LinkedIn
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In this episode, I’m joined by Kelly Gordon, a recruiter at Creative People, to talk all things networking, personal branding, and how to stand out in today’s job market—all without sounding like everyone else in their DMs. Whether you're actively job hunting or just starting to think about your next move, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you build better connections, communicate your value, and attract opportunities long before you need them. Kelly also shares what’s working *right now* for candidates landing interviews and how to use platforms like LinkedIn more intentionally.
→ Want more? We’re hosting a live webinar on April 23rd at 1pm EST on A Recruiter's Guide to Standing Out in a Crowded Job Market—from elevator pitches to personal positioning. Sign up for the interest list here: https://bit.ly/webinar-april-2025
Key Takeaways:
// What to send recruiters in your initial outreach (title, scope, salary, portfolio, and more)
// How to move beyond the “I’d love to pick your brain” message and create genuine value
// Why managing your expectations with online networking is key to avoiding burnout
// Creative ways to build relationships with recruiters before you need a job
// Quick-fire tips for resumes and LinkedIn profiles to make yourself more discoverable
// How to build your personal brand so the right opportunities come to you
Connect with Kelly: LinkedIn | Instagram
Learn more about Creative People: Website | Instagram
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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