In this episode, host Gordon welcomes an old friend, colleague, and former boss — Jo Royce, whose remarkable career spans Glue, Sapient, Google, Unilever, and Kimberly-Clark.
Together, they explore the evolution and implosion of the creative and marketing industries in an era of AI disruption, automation, and shifting business models.
They dive deep into the changing landscape of advertising and marketing, why the industry struggles to attract diverse new talent, the impact of AI on creativity and employment, leadership, learning, and staying “connected to the do” and inding purpose and humanity in fast-changing systems
Along the way, Jo shares candid stories from her path — from building agencies to mentoring through WACL and Brixton Finishing School — and offers hope and honesty for anyone navigating change.
Tune in to get refreshing insights!
In this episode, Dave Cobban sits down with Stephanie Jacoby, Global SVP of Vodka at Diageo, to explore her remarkable 18-year journey in brand marketing — from her early career in tech to leading some of the world’s most iconic spirits, including Johnnie Walker and Smirnoff.
Stephanie shares how her background in psychology shaped her approach to building brands with purpose, authenticity, and human connection. She opens up about the mentors who shaped her leadership, the bold campaigns that moved audiences — like Keep Walking — and her belief that brands have the power to change the world.
We can also hear how curiosity and courage define great marketers, why inclusivity and “positive drinking” are core to Smirnoff’s DNA, the rise of mindful drinking and low/no-alcohol innovation and how AI is transforming creativity, storytelling, and consumer connection.
Tune in for a conversation full of insight, optimism, and a reminder to always keep walking.
*German episode*
In this episode, Gordon Euchler welcomes Sonja Messerschmidt, Head of Marketing and Communications at ÖRAG Rechtsschutzversicherung, for a chat about the evolution of marketing — from classic communication to a discipline centered around solutions and customer empowerment.
Sonja shares insights from her career path, which began in advertising and led her through many years at Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf before taking on her current leadership role at ÖRAG. Together, she and Gordon explore how marketing can help customers not just buy, but solve and why this mindset is transforming the role of brands today.
The topics include why Sonja believes in a “driver’s license for AI” to guide responsible use inside companies, the importance of trust and curiosity in leadership and career growth and why today’s strongest brands don’t just communicate — they deliver real solutions.
Tune in to find out how solution-oriented marketing keeps business and people moving forward.
In this episode, Gordon Euchler sits down with Akshay Sardesai, Vice President of Marketing at Reckitt, to explore how curiosity, adaptability, and humility fuel long-term success in a fast-changing business world. Akshay shares his journey from starting out at Procter & Gamble in India to leading Reckitt’s Enfamil brand in the United States — reflecting on the lessons from each chapter and the people who helped shape his path.
The conversation dives into, the art of unlearning old habits to stay agile in new markets, how to balance global brand consistency with local relevance, the role of family and personal choices in an international career. Moreover what iconic brands like Heinz, Apple, and Dettol teach us about reinvention and why AI and technology are set to transform the very core of marketing.
Tune in for a conversation about reinvention, resilience, and the future of marketing in the age of AI.
In this episode of Excitement Talk, Gordon Euchler sits down with Nicola Villa, Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth at Mastercard, to explore the intersections of technology, public policy, and economic transformation across three decades of innovation.
From his beginnings in industrial economics to his early days at Cisco’s European call center, Nicola shares an extraordinary career journey that took him from pioneering B2B e-commerce to global smart city initiatives, and now to AI-driven public sector solutions at Mastercard. Nicola shares why trust, not tech, is the real driver of innovation, how a tiny Finnish city near the Arctic Circle became a global reference point for innovation, the critical role of language and cultural translation between sectors, why copy-pasting Silicon Valley doesn’t work—and what to do instead. Moreover the four pillars Nicola believes every successful public-private partnership needs: leadership, governance, competencies, and technology.
Tune in to find out how to create real societal change at scale and get insights about the future of global innovation.
In this episode, Moritz Wehr sits down with Catherine Niebuhr, CMO NIVEA for Germany & Switzerland at Beiersdorf.Catherine shares her unique career journey — a rare example in today's marketing world of someone who has spent 23 years with a single company. She opens up about what’s kept her energized at Beiersdorf for over two decades: constant opportunities for growth, a flexible and inclusive work culture, and a deep personal connection to both the brand and the people she works with.
Together, Moritz and Catherine explore the dynamics of job-sharing in executive roles, lessons from working under strong female leadership and the evolution of NIVEA and marketing in a fast-changing digital-first world. Moreover how traditional brands can stay relevant amid rising influencer and personality-led beauty brands and why culture, flexibility, and purpose-driven branding matter more than ever.
Tune in for insights about making career choices with heart, adapting to change, and building a sustainable, meaningful path in leadership.
In this episode, Gordon Euchler sits down with Rene Federico, an experienced brand leader whose career spans two powerhouse names in retail—Nike and Converse—and now, Head of Marketing US at Primark.
Rene shares her journey from the shop floor of Nike Town Boston to shaping the basketball brand at Nike, and now leading brand building in a fast-growing US market at Primark.
The conversation explores, what it really means to connect brands with consumers, how to build brand equity from the ground up, why strong retail fundamentals create space for bold storytelling, the power of leadership, optimism, and staying obsessed with the customer and how creators are rewriting the rules of branding today.
Tune in if you want to know more about how passion and practicality come together in great marketing.
In this episode, Gordon Euchler sits down with Patrick Krul, former Global Head of Marketing Technology at Danone, to explore the intersection of marketing, technology, and capability-building.
From his key roles at Unilever, DPG Media, and Danone, Patrick shares a career shaped by curiosity, a deep passion for consumer-centric marketing, and a strong belief in the power of data consciousness. He discusses what it really means to build scalable marketing capabilities, the challenges of leading transformation across 40 markets, and how connecting marketing and sales technology can elevate impact.
Moreover why capability, not just technology, is the key to modern marketing success, a behind-the-scenes look at transforming Danone’s global martech stack and the importance of cross-functional collaboration—from IT to legal to HR. Patrick also reflects on the people who shaped his career, the value of curiosity, and why being data conscious is the future of impactful marketing.
Listen in to learn how data, tech, and people come together to drive meaningful growth.
In this episode, Sandra sits down with Pete Markey—renowned marketing leader and former Chief Marketing Officer at Boots—for a deep dive into what truly excites him about the industry, and the lessons he's picked up along his hjourney.
Pete shares the origin of his love for marketing, from childhood inspiration watching Star Wars to building bold, award-winning campaigns like More Than Freeman. He reflects on the emotional power of storytelling in brand-building, how to create truly customer-centric experiences, and why authenticity is non-negotiable in today’s landscape.
We also hear his thoughts on what financial services get wrong and how to fix it, Leading through inspiration, not control, why AI is now his personal assistant and how it’s reshaping marketing and the importance of getting out of your team’s way.
Tune in now to hear why Pete believes there's never been a more exciting time to be in the industry.
In this episode, Gordon sits down with Jan Francis, Head of Marketing Procurement at Visa Europe, to explore the power of partnerships, navigating change, and finding opportunity in complexity.
Jan takes us through his unconventional career path—from hotels and forestry to IT, law, and ultimately leading procurement for marketing across 26 countries at one of the world’s most trusted brands. He shares honest reflections on overcoming dyslexia, learning through leaps, and building psychologically safe teams that dare to grow.
The conversation explores why marketing procurement is about more than just contracts, what it takes to form true supplier partnerships, not just transactions, the role of AI in accelerating creative campaigns, how Visa is preparing for a new generation of customers and platforms and why risk, when handled right, can be the best driver of innovation.
Tune in to hear why Jan says: “What’s the worst that can happen? I learn something.”
In this episode Sandra hosts Melda Hamarat, Global Head of Digital Commerce Strategy at Unilever.
Melda shares her unconventional journey from industrial engineering to leading global digital commerce strategy. She discusses how curiosity, consumer psychology, and fearless pivots shaped her career and how digital commerce exploded during COVID and continues to evolve with AI, retail media, and rapid innovation.
The conversation explores the rise (and fall) of rapid grocery delivery, why consumer insight drives everything, How AI is reshaping content, media, and measurement and the power of leaders who take risks on people.
Tune in to know what makes ice cream such an exciting and delicious category to work in and more.
In this episode, Gordon welcomes Krinio Christaras, Head of Consumer Experience for the MENA region at Mondelēz International, for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation on marketing, transformation, and the human side of innovation.
From her early career in Australian media agencies to leading consumer experience across a complex and diverse region, Krinio shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path—including a bold decision to leave without a plan and how that leap led to her most transformative professional chapter in the UAE.
They discuss how curiosity and a passion for human behavior fueled her career, the Oreo dunking ritual and how consumer behavior becomes brand storytelling.
Also why empathy and cultural nuance are the superpowers of regional marketing and the role of AI in shaping utility-driven brand experiences. Krinio offers a grounded, insightful perspective on how brands can stop shouting and start truly connecting.
Listen in to hear why the future belongs to brands that blend innovation with empathy—and how you can design, not just react to, what’s next.
In this episode, Gordon sits down with David Beer, Director of EMEA Sales at MasterCard, to explore the future of subscription management, financial transparency, and the power of purpose-led innovation in fintech.
From his roots in New Zealand and a career that spans engineering, startups, The Guardian, NatWest, and now MasterCard, David shares a refreshingly human perspective on how technology can make financial services more intuitive, inclusive, and aligned with people’s values.
They discuss the rise of subscriptions and how banks can help manage them better and MasterCard’s evolving role beyond payments.
Moreover David’s lessons from launching products across the world, why purpose isn’t just PR — it has to be in a company’s DNA and the future of hyper-personalized financial experiences.
Listen in for an interesting point of view of fintech and purpose-driven business.
In this episode, Gordon sits down with Alexandra (Allie) Sparr, Global Head of Branded Marketing at Envoyage, joining from the other side of the world, Allie shares her global marketing journey, from early days in New Orleans tourism to spearheading a brand that's redefining the B2B travel space.
The conversation explores the entrepreneurial roots of Flight Centre—and how that spirit still drives Envoyage today, building a globally distributed marketing team—and why it’s a superpower, not a compromise and why brand storytelling, cultural nuance, and travel excitement are at the core of what makes great marketing.
Allie also reflects on the people and principles that have shaped her leadership style—and how her intentional path into marketing came down to one surprising decision at university.
Tune in for insights on brand building of a dynamic travel brand.
In this episode of Excitement Talks, Sandra Peat is joined by Matt Darbon, Head of Digital Marketing at Waitrose & Partners, to unpack a remarkable career journey—from stacking shelves at 16 to leading digital transformation at one of the UK’s most beloved supermarkets.
Matt shares candid insights of how he "fell into" digital marketing during a dog walk, what he learned from working at brands like Dixons and Virgin Media and the role customer experience plays in shaping strategy at Waitrose.
The conversation also explores why AI and emerging technologies aren’t replacing fundamentals—they’re enhancing them and the emotional power of great marketing, and how fun, trust, and ambition still drive growth.
Listen in for a conversation on the real excitement behind digital marketing today.
In this episode of Excitement Talk, Gordon sits down with Dorotheé Gardon, Global Marketing Strategy & Integrated Media Director at IKEA, to explore what it really means to lead one of the world's most loved brands in today’s evolving media landscape.
From her early days at Google, Microsoft, and Meta, to shaping brand experiences at Precis Digital and now IKEA, Dorothée brings a deep perspective on navigating brand love, creative pressure and marketing transformation.
They discuss how IKEA unites data precision with playful, purposeful storytelling, the shift from omnichannel to "omni-experience" marketing and why marketing should feel like an extension of service, not an interruption.
Moreover what AI means for the future of brand interaction and personalization and the importance of leadership, collaboration and building shared purpose in global teams.
Tune in to get insights on how to build consistency across markets while staying locally relevant.
In this episode, Gordon is joined by Amélie Manac’h, a seasoned marketing leader who's worked with some of the most iconic French and global brands and recently new Head of Brand Content and Strategy at Nestlé.
The talk explores the art of combining research, creativity, and cultural relevance, why boldness matters — and how a fake baby in a bubble led to one of the most talked-about infant nutrition campaigns in Spain.
Furthermore what brought Amélie into marketing and what excites her most about the future of marketing, from the shifting media landscape to the rise of AI.
Tune in if you want to know more about consumer-centric marketing, brand innovation and the bravery it takes to break through the noise.
In this episode, Sandra sits down with Anna Hale, Chief Marketing Officer at Karo Healthcare, to explore her "excitement journey" through the world of brand building, transformation and purposeful marketing.
From early beginnings at Reckitt to a 15-year career with GSK, Anna shares the pivotal moments that shaped her marketing philosophy—balancing emotional resonance with functional efficacy. Now at Karo Healthcare, Anna discusses how the company is redefining modern brand-building in consumer health, from digitally-led strategies to AI-enhanced content creation. She talks about competing with scale by being smarter—not louder—and how Karo is helping people take ownership of their health in areas like women’s intimate care and eczema treatment.
The conversation explores how to build performance through people, the emotional power of “low involvement” brands, why purpose in consumer health is not optional—it's inherent and of course the evolving role of AI in marketing, from insight to execution.
Tune in and get excited about the future of healthcare marketing and much more.
In this post-holiday return episode of Excitement Talk, Gordon is joined by Adam Ross, Senior Director of Creative Strategy at Coca-Cola.
Adam’s journey from agency life in London to leading creative strategy for one of the most iconic global brands is filled with insightful stories, bold career moves (including a spontaneous relocation to Australia) and a deeply human take on creativity and leadership.
The episode explores the steep learning curve of joining a brand like Coca-Cola, creative work that goes beyond ads — from crime prevention campaigns to TV show concepts, what it's really like working in-house on brand strategy.
Moreover the value of staying an “outsider” inside big organizations and why not knowing can be your greatest superpower.
Tune in for a reminder that behind every great campaign is a person bringing their full, curious self to the table.
In this episode, Gordon sits down with Richard Le Moult, CMO of Latin America at Pernod Ricard, for a conversation about the realities of modern marketing leadership. From his early days at Danone, Kraft and Philip Morris to now leading marketing across one of the most dynamic regions in the world, Richard shares what it really means to be a marketer today—and why he finds the complexity exhilarating.
The conversation explores Richard’s international journey—from France to Mexico to Brazil and why LATAM is a region full of big opportunities. Furthermore why managing conflicting expectations isn’t a problem, but the job. He also reflects on not being afraid to embrace the messiness of it all why he sees himself as a midfield player, connecting defense and attack — a perfect analogy for the CMO role today.Ending on the future of marketing: hyper-personalization, scalable big ideas and redefining experience.
Tune in to get insights on how big brands navigate complex markets.