Richard Shear is Founding Partner and Chief Creative Officer of Invōk Brands and a founding faculty member of SVA’s Master’s in Branding program. With a five-decade design career and a passion for visual history, he explores how global consumer culture shapes today’s brands in his new book A History of Brands. This week on On Brand, he joins me to discuss the evolution of retail, the enduring impact of packaging, and why the future of branding begins with the past. About Richard Shear Richard is a founding faculty member of the Master's in Branding program at New York’s School of Visual Arts and a Founding Partner and Chief Creative Officer of Invōk Brands. His 50-year design career has been influenced by a fascination with visual history, driven by a curiosity for the culture of consumer brands, and guided by rich experience in brand identity and package design. Richard’s SVA course focuses on the origins, evolution, and current status of retail brands, building awareness of the rich legacy and growth of global consumer culture and its intrinsic connection to the evolution of visual history. What brand has made Richard smile recently? “That’s easy,” Richard shared. “Barbie.” Specifically, Richard points to their newly released Barbie with Type 1 Diabetes. Connect with Richard on LinkedIn as well as the Invōk Brands and Branding at SVA websites. And check out Richard’s new book A History of Brands wherever you like to shop. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corin Mills is the Brand Marketing & E-Commerce Director at MOO, where he leads data-driven strategies that connect standout design with authentic brand experiences. With global experience at Google, Tesco, Currys, and more, Corin brings a sharp, cross-industry perspective to brand transformation. This week on the On Brand podcast, he joins me to talk about balancing data and emotion, leading meaningful change, and what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-moving e-commerce space. About Corin Mills Corin Mills is the Brand Marketing & E-Commerce Director at MOO, specializing in data-driven marketing strategies that revitalize brand experiences and foster meaningful organizational change. With over 15 years of extensive brand management experience driving business transformation across multiple sectors and international markets, his passion for impactful branding drives MOO’s success in bridging the gap between quality design and human connection. As former Head of Brand and Comms at Currys, his transformative approach centers on genuine collaboration and inclusive leadership at all levels of business. With previous success at major brands including EE, Tesco, Currys, Google, Orange, and AXA, Corin brings a unique cross-industry perspective to discussions about e-commerce strategy and optimization. What brand has made Corin smile recently? Corin pointed us to the recent GoDaddy campaign with Walton Goggins (and his goggles). Connect with Corin on LinkedIn and the MOO website. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Hamilton is an associate professor of marketing at Emory University and co-author of The Growth Dilemma. As co-host of The Intuitive Customer podcast, he brings behavioral science to life through real-world brand strategy. This week on On Brand, Ryan joins me to explore why customer decisions aren’t as rational as we think, how brands can grow without losing their soul, and what he’s learned working with companies like Walmart and Visa. About Ryan Hamilton Ryan Hamilton is an associate professor of marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. He has consulted on branding with Walmart, FedEx, Home Depot, Caterpillar, ConAgra, Cigna, Visa, and Ipsos, among others, and has been a keynote speaker. He cohosts a podcast, called The Intuitive Customer, which applies the insights of behavioral science to customer experience. He has produced lecture series on both marketing and human decision making for The Great Courses. He's also the co-author of the book, The Growth Dilemma. What brand has made Ryan smile recently? Ryan shared a smile he got via a birthday gift from his wife. The gift? A planer from Bridge City Tools. “I love a  brand that can take something workaday and turn it into a thing of beauty.” Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn and his Emory University faculty page. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Aaker is Vice Chairman of Prophet and Professor Emeritus at the Berkeley Haas School of Business. Often called the “Father of Modern Branding,” David has authored 18 books and over 120 articles, shaping how marketers understand everything from brand equity to purpose-driven strategy. This week on On Brand, David returned to the show to discuss the updated edition of Aaker on Branding, what’s changed (and what hasn’t) in the world of brand strategy, and why purpose, storytelling, and owning a subcategory are more critical than ever. David Aaker is the Vice Chairman of Prophet and Professor Emeritus at the BerkeleyHaas School of Business. He is the winner of five career awards, including the NYAMA Marketing Hall of Fame. He has published over 120 articles and 18 books that have sold well over 1 million copies and been translated into 18 languages. They include Managing Brand Equity, Building Strong Brands, Aaker on Branding, Creating Signature Stories, Owning Game-Changing Subcategories, and The Future of Purpose-Driven Branding. Called the Father of Modern Branding by Phil Kotler, he was named one of the top five most important marketing/business gurus in 2007 and won awards for the best article in the California Management Review and the Journal of Marketing (twice). His work has received 160,000 citations. What brand has made David smile recently? David shared a smile from his company Prophet's new campaign for UBS, "Banking is our craft." Connect with David on LinkedIn, where he publishes regularly, and check out the revised edition of Aaker on Branding. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regina Dowdell is a Content Solutions Consultant at LinkedIn, where she helps organizations craft creative, effective content strategies that drive business impact. With over 15 years of experience spanning nonprofits, tech, and startups, Regina brings a digital-first, entrepreneurial mindset to every brand she supports. This week on On Brand, Regina joined me to talk about personal branding, thought leadership, and what it takes to stand out on LinkedIn today. About Regina Dowdell Regina is a digital-minded, marketing creative with an entrepreneurial spirit focused on helping individuals and companies change the world. Through effective communication, thought leadership, and a strong digital presence, Regina has supported forward-thinking organizations across all industries, from non-profits to technology to start-ups, in spreading their messages and scaling for over 15 years. As a Content Solutions Consultant at LinkedIn, Regina helps organizations craft impactful content strategies that are creative, effective, and help them reach their business objectives. An avid traveler and self-proclaimed Super Mom, Regina is based in New York City. Connect with Regina on (wait for it) LinkedIn! Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole Johnston is a former global marketing leader turned transformational coach, with a career spanning Procter & Gamble, Hershey, and Newell Brands. Today, she helps women overcome career challenges as founder of innatePOWER™ and author of Taboo Topics: Things Women Should Talk About, But Don’t. This week on On Brand, Nicole joined me to talk leadership, authenticity, and the power of brave conversations. About Nicole Johnston Nicole is a passionate Executive and Leadership Coach. She previously held senior Sales & Marketing roles at Procter & Gamble, Hershey Foods, and Kimberly-Clark, leading billion-dollar businesses to success. Nicole excels in capturing whitespace opportunities. Her true joy lies in providing positive support to her teams, leading with kindness, inspiring others, and making a transformative impact. Driven to make a difference, Nicole transitioned from corporate to coaching, founding innatePOWER™ to support women in overcoming obstacles and achieving their potential. innatePOWER™ is built on compassionate leadership and a genuine desire to make the world a better place, one person at a time. Nicole is a certified Executive, Leadership, and Organizational Development coach from the ICF-accredited Symbiosis Coaching. What brand has made Nicole smile recently? As a dedicated Hawkeye and Caitlin Clark fan, Nicole smiled as the Indiana Fever launched the Fever Network. Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn and check out the Innate Power Coaching website and her book, Taboo Topics. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heather O’Shea is Chief Research Officer at Alter Agents, where she helps brands like Netflix, Walmart, and Spotify solve tough business challenges through smart research. With nearly 20 years of experience across agencies, platforms, and publishers, she’s a leader in advertising insights and analytics. This week on On Brand, Heather joined me to talk curiosity, empathy, and what today’s smartest brands are getting right. More About Heather Heather O’Shea is a passionate insights leader with over 18 years of experience, including a focus on advertising research, digital analytics, and media landscape. She has held leadership positions at media agencies, publishers, tech platforms, and research companies. She is currently the Chief Research Officer of boutique market research consultancy Alter Agents, where she oversees the research functions within the company, partnering with brands such as Netflix, Walmart, Gatorade, and Spotify to address tough business challenges. She received her M.B.A. in marketing from Baruch College at the City University of New York. She has served as a mentor for Women in Research (WIRe) and has served on the board of the Advertising Research Foundation’s Women in Analytics program. What brand has made Heather smile recently? She shared a series of text-based smiles she got from a recent trip to Costco that her husband and son took. Connect with Heather on LinkedIn and learn more on the Alter Agents website. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Kaufman is Senior Director of Global Marketing for MR, VR, and Metaverse at Meta’s Reality Labs, where he leads efforts for Meta Quest, Horizon Worlds, and Oculus Studios. His path includes stops at Google, Halo Neuroscience, and the U.S. Digital Service under President Obama. On this week’s On Brand, Dave joined me to talk immersive tech, branding in virtual worlds, and what’s next for the metaverse. More on Dave ... Dave Kaufman is Senior Director, Global Marketing of MR, VR, and Metaverse at Meta within the Reality Labs division. He leads global marketing efforts for Meta Quest, Horizon Worlds, and Oculus Studios. Before joining Meta, Dave headed up marketing at Halo Neuroscience, led brand strategy at the United States Digital Service (founded by President Barack Obama), and worked in product marketing at Google. He’s earned recognition from Ad Age’s 40 Under 40 list and honors at Cannes Lions, Clio, and The One Show. A graduate from Cornell University, Dave is now based in San Francisco. What brand has made Dave smile recently? Dave shared the recent, surprising smile the MLB brought to his face. Connect with Dave on LinkedIn and check out the article he wrote there, How to Work in Marketing (and not be full of ). You can also learn more about his work at Meta Reality Labs. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Kingsley is the author of Universal Principles of Branding and the forthcoming Brands in the Age of AI. A Grammy-nominated designer turned brand strategist, he’s led work for Citi, Equinox, and Blue Note Records. Mark joined me on this week’s On Brand to talk about branding’s future—and how AI is changing the game. Mark Kingsley began his career designing album packages for legends like John Coltrane, Pat Metheny, and Quincy Jones—work that earned him a Grammy nomination in 2001 for Blue Note Records—before transitioning into corporate branding, where he led major initiatives at Landor and Collins for clients such as Citi, Ogilvy, and Equinox. Through his studio, Malcontent, he serves a diverse mix of clients from indie filmmakers to Pulitzer Prize winners. Mark teaches in the SVA Masters in Branding program, previously held the Melbert B. Cary Professorship at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and is currently Head of Brand for the fashion label Oumlil. His book Universal Principles of Branding became a bestseller in 2023, and his next, Brands in the Age of AI, is due out in December. What brand has made Mark smile recently? Mark shared decades-old smiles from the record label ECM, a company whose recordings provide a classic example of creating space through design and sound. Connect with Mark on LinkedIn and the Malcontent website. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cynthia Kane is the author of the new book The Pause Principle: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations. A leading voice in intentional communication, Cynthia has helped over 70,000 people become less reactive and more kind, honest, and helpful in how they speak to themselves and others. Through her bestselling books, DailyOM course, and the Kane Intentional Communication Training Program, she’s transforming the way we talk—and listen. Cynthia joined me to share how we can all communicate with more intention on this week’s On Brand podcast. Cynthia Kane helps people enhance their lives and relationships by teaching them how to become less reactive in difficult conversations and speak to themselves, others, and their environment in a kind, honest, and helpful way. She has taught over 70,000 people how to change the way they communicate through her books, including her latest, The Pause Principle: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations, Bestselling DailyOM Course, and the Kane Intentional Communication Training Program. She is a certified meditation and mindfulness instructor, certified breathing coach, and the founder of the Kane Intentional Communication Institute, LLC. What brand has made Cynthia smile recently? Cynthia shared how the colors of Pratima Skincare’s products make her smile frequently. Connect with Cynthia on LinkedIn and her website. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anson Sowby is CEO and co-founder of Battery, a global creative company that mixes Hollywood storytelling with brand strategy and Silicon Valley speed. With offices around the world and clients like the Anaheim Ducks, Land O’Lakes, and Warner Bros Games, Battery has been named Ad Age Agency of the Year three times. Anson joined me to share how they built this bold, modern agency on this week’s On Brand podcast. Anson Sowby is the CEO and co-founder of Battery, a global creative company who developed a unique working model that’s part Hollywood storytelling mixed with classic brand principles done the Silicon Valley way. The company has been celebrated as a three-time Ad Age Agency of the Year with offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto and Shanghai, and works with forward-thinking clients like the Anaheim Ducks, Land O’Lakes, Royal Bank of Canada, and Warner Bros Games. What brand has made Anson smile recently? Anson shared a fun smile from the brand Trust & Will, which is in the business of ... well, exactly what you'd think! Listen to learn where Anson's unexpected smile came from. Connect with Anson on LinkedIn and learn more on the Battery website. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Cardetti is Chief Strategy Officer at BarkleyOKRP, where he’s spent the past decade shaping strategy into a creative force behind brand revivals for Planet Fitness, Motel 6, AMC Theatres, and more. Known for his journalistic curiosity and idea-first mindset, Chris and his team lead deep consumer research, upstream consulting, and thought leadership—earning top industry honors along the way. We dug into his approach this week on the On Brand podcast. About Chris Cardetti Chris Cardetti is the Chief Strategy Officer at BarkleyOKRP, where he’s spent the past decade building the strategy, intelligence, and communications planning disciplines to be the art and science behind the agency’s model for building whole brands. His recent experience includes a series of brand and business revitalization efforts for Planet Fitness, Motel 6, AMC Theatres, Smoothie King, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Over the course of his career, Chris has zeroed in on a recipe for strategy that mixes journalistic insights with a “no handoffs” idea-centric mentality. This has helped lead to Effies, Lions, Reggies, Shorty’s, and Clio’s awards. His strategy team is also responsible for upstream consulting, in-depth qualitative and quantitative research, and BarkleyOKRP's thought leadership practice, designed to understand the modern consumer deeper than anyone else. What brand has made Chris smile recently? He gave us two! The first came from Phillips' great customer service after he dropped his Sonicare toothbrush! The second came from BarkleyOKRP’s client — the Kansas City Chiefs. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn and learn more on the Barkley website. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kathy Klotz-Guest is Founder of Keeping It Human—a consultancy helping teams at Google, Amazon, and Wells Fargo ditch rigid thinking and spark bold breakthroughs with humor and improv. With 20 years in global tech and 25 years on comedy stages, Kathy brings laughs and innovation to business. We explored it all this week on the On Brand podcast. About Kathy Klotz-Guest Kathy Klotz-Guest, MA, MBA, is Founder of Keeping it Human (keepingithuman.com). She combines 20 years marketing and innovation leadership in Global Tech with 25 years of storytelling on improv and comedy stages. When companies and leaders at places including Google, Amazon, or Wells Fargo want to bust rigid thinking, fear, perceived limits and experience bold creative breakthroughs while laughing, they call Kathy. A top selling Amazon author ("Stop Boring Me") and comedian, Kathy is a professional speaker and expert in improv and humor in business and life. And you can still catch her on comedy stages. From the Show What brand has made Kathy smile recently? Kathy pointed us to the engaging and humorous social media accounts from Lake Michigan, Lake Superior, and the other Great Lakes. “They had these lake roast battles that were great!” She also shouted out Liquid Death's "Kegs for Pregs" ad, which reinforced the brand's “Hell yeah, this is who we are persona.” Connect with Kathy on LinkedIn and check out the Keeping it Human website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Salkey is Founder & Strategy Partner at Small World—a creative consultancy redefining industry norms with entertainment-first marketing. By curating bespoke teams from 200+ top talents in entertainment, art, and tech, Small World delivers unforgettable brand experiences. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Dan Salkey Dan Salkey, ex-Adidas, is the Founder and Strategy Partner of Small World, an innovative creative consultancy that’s redefining the industry standard. Dan specializes in entertainment-first marketing and the creative tactics necessary to build an entertainment-first brand. At its core, Small World is pioneering a new creative model. By assembling bespoke teams from a curated roster of 200+ top-tier unstandard talent across entertainment, art, and technology, the company creates marketing experiences that feel as intrinsic and memorable as the products themselves. From the Show What brand has made Dan smile recently? Dan tweaked my question by providing a household brand (Oatley “an enlightened zagger” and their new campaign), a startup brand (another oat-themed company, Oat Cult!), and a personal brand (the artist Jon Bellion) that have made him smile. Connect with Dan on LinkedIn and check out the Small World website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dana Hork, Founder & CEO of Beers With Friends, joins me to share how her agile creative agency helps challenger brands solve big problems in just five days. A brand leader, entrepreneur, and storyteller, Dana has held roles at Wonder, Walmart, Jet.com, PepsiCo, and JPMorgan—and has been featured in TIME, Forbes, and Ad Age. We discussed all of this and more this week on the show. About Dana Hork Dana Hork is the Founder & CEO of Beers With Friends, an agile creative agency that helps challenger brands solve high-stakes problems in just five days. A brand leader, entrepreneur, and storyteller, Dana partners with CMOs and marketing leaders to deliver impactful brand solutions quickly and without the bureaucracy of traditional agencies. She has held leadership roles at Wonder, Walmart, Jet.com, PepsiCo, and JPMorgan. Dana holds an MBA from Harvard, an MPA from Columbia, and a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. A frequent speaker and podcast guest, she has been featured in TIME, Forbes, and Ad Age. From the Show What brand has made Dana smile recently? Dana shared a recent brand collaboration that made her smile. Connect with Dana on LinkedIn and check out the Beers With Friends website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jill Cress, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at H&R Block, is a visionary marketer with 30+ years of experience in financial services, media, and tech. She’s led brand transformations at PayPal, National Geographic, and MasterCard and now focuses on modernizing H&R Block, enhancing customer experience, and driving growth. Recognized as one of the world’s top CMOs, Jill excels at connecting brands with consumers in meaningful ways. About Jill Cress Jill Cress is an innovative marketer and strategist who pushes boundaries as the Chief Marketing and Experience Officer for H&R Block. She leads a dynamic team invested in transforming customer experience, modernizing and infusing its brand into highly relevant channels, and amplifying strategic marketing and communications efforts to deliver growth. For more than 30 years, Cress has honed her skills as a strategic and passionate consumer, B2B marketer, and experience strategist with deep expertise in financial services, media and technology. She has held leadership roles across marketing, general management, product and enterprise strategy at leading Fortune 500 Companies. Prior to H&R Block, Cress served as vice president of brand marketing for PayPal, where she also had responsibility for all Venmo marketing. She was also the chief marketing and communications officer at National Geographic Partners and served for more than 20 years at MasterCard Worldwide. There, she held executive leadership roles in strategy and marketing and served as country general manager for the United Kingdom and Ireland. Cress serves on the boards of the Ad Council and the Wealth Enhancement Group, an independent wealth management firm overseeing more than $96 billion in client assets. She has been recognized for numerous accolades, including Adweek’s inaugural Marketing Vanguard list, New York Women in Communications’ Matrix Award Honoree, Business Insider’s 25 Most Innovative CMOs, Forbes’ World’s 50 Most Influential CMOs, the CMO Next List, and the Entrepreneurial CMO 50. Cress holds a bachelor’s degree from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She is a self-described “explorer at heart” who loves experiencing new places and brands that connect with consumers in exciting ways. A resident of New York, Cress enjoys spending free time exploring the city and travelling the world with her husband, Todd, and daughter Beatrix. From the Show What brand has made Jill smile recently? Jill shared a recent “morning after the Oscars” smile from McDonald's, when the fast food brand shared what winners like Kieran Culkin might order after their big night. Connect with Jill on LinkedIn and check out the H&R Block website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.  Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Peterson, Co-Founder of Lifemind, is a marketing pioneer with over 30 years of experience shaping the digital landscape. Author of Red & Blue Customers, Chris has built and sold two innovative agencies, earning recognition from The Wall Street Journal and working with both Fortune 500 brands and fast-growth startups. In this episode of On Brand, we discuss his insights on the evolving digital landscape and how brands can better connect with customers in an increasingly divided world. About Chris Peterson Chris Peterson is the Co-Founder of Lifemind, an AI-agent platform designed for national, local, and regional marketers. With over 30 years as a marketing pioneer and entrepreneur, Chris has founded two digital marketing agencies, working with fast-growing startups and Fortune 500 companies. In the 1990s, he launched one of the first digital direct marketing agencies, earning recognition from The Wall Street Journal. Publicis Groupe later acquired the agency. Chris later established an early content marketing agency before the term became mainstream, which was then acquired by Rain, a direct-to-consumer advertising agency. He's also the author of the book Red & Blue Customers. From the Show What brand has made Chris smile recently? Chris shared the smiles that he gets from his beloved New Balance sneakers, which he's delighted to see are back in style! Connect with Chris on LinkedIn and check out the Lifemind website, including the special offer for listeners at lifemind.ai/onbrand. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Grates is a visionary entrepreneur and expert in strategic relationship marketing, building multiple seven-figure businesses, including top insurance agencies and a real estate portfolio. He helps entrepreneurs grow through his Infinite Referral Advantage® system and is the bestselling author of Essential F-words for Teens and the upcoming Referrals Done Right. A podcast host and sought-after speaker, his upcoming TEDx talk, Silence That Voice, explores overcoming self-doubt for entrepreneurial success. About Scott Grates Scott Grates is a visionary entrepreneur and expert in strategic relationship marketing, having built multiple 7-figure businesses, including nationally recognized insurance agencies and a thriving real estate portfolio. A firm believer in the power of personal connections over digital noise, Scott helps entrepreneurs grow through his innovative Infinite Referral Advantage® system. He is the bestselling author of Essential F-words for Teens and the upcoming Referrals Done Right, as well as a podcast host and sought-after speaker. His upcoming TEDx talk, Silence That Voice, will explore overcoming self-doubt to achieve entrepreneurial success. From the Show What brand has made Scott smile recently? Scott echoed the smile of another recent guest, Scott Monty, by sharing a handwritten smile he received from Delta Airlines. Connect with Scott on LinkedIn and his website ScottGrates.com. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole Powell is a certified brand strategist and neuromarketer who blends science-backed insights with creative storytelling. As the founder of HALCON Marketing Solutions, she brings over 16 years of experience from Disney, ESPN, and Fox Networks. Born in Manila and raised in the Bronx, her multicultural background shapes her innovative approach to marketing and leadership. Now based in St. Louis, Nicole helps brands stand out by merging data-driven strategy with human psychology. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Nicole Powell Nicole Powell is the founder of HALCON Marketing Solutions and a certified brand strategist with 16 years of experience at Disney, ESPN, and Fox Networks. Born in Manila and raised in the Bronx, this St. Louis entrepreneur balances running her agency with raising two toddlers while empowering businesses to thrive through her unique blend of instinct and creative flair. Nicole Powell is a certified brand strategist and neuromarketer who brings a unique blend of science-backed insights and creative storytelling to the marketing industry. As the founder of HALCON Marketing Solutions, she leverages over 16 years of experience working with media giants like Disney, ESPN, and Fox Networks. Born in Manila and raised in the Bronx, Nicole's multicultural background has shaped her innovative approach to marketing and leadership. Now based in St. Louis, she successfully balances running her agency while raising two toddlers, embodying the modern entrepreneur who combines professional excellence with personal fulfillment. From the Show What brand has made Nicole smile recently? Nicole told a story of a recent trip to a Lego experience with her two sons in Washington D.C. She also reminded us that the brand's continued focus on play is a big part of why it's stood the test of time. Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn and Instagram and check out the HALCON Marketing Solutions website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on On Brand, we’re shaking things up with a very special guest—DJ Waldow! Longtime listeners may remember that DJ and I co-hosted The Work Talk Show, a podcast all about how work gets done today. Tune in as we reminisce, share some laughs, and make a special announcement about the show. Subscribe to the Work Talk Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you like to listen. About DJ Waldow DJ Waldow is a freelance writer specializing in all things words. He's a father of 4 (including twins), husband to one, and an alum of the University of Michigan. DJ is a self-proclaimed giphy master and #HashtagAddict. For 100 (or so) episodes, he was my co-host on my very first podcast The Work Talk Show! From the Show What brand has made DJ smile recently? DJ pointed us to client experience platform Boulevard—a consistent and human source of smiles for DJ in the digitally disconnected world we find ourselves in. Connect with DJ on LinkedIn and, of course, find the Work Talk Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you like to listen. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices