Hosted by Jeff Solomon (USA) and Steven Baumgaertner (Europe)
11 episodes
1 week ago
Branded WOR(L)DS – A Transatlantic Dialogue is a monthly podcast hosted by Jeff Solomon (USA) and Steven Baumgaertner (Europe). Together, they explore the evolving landscape of branding, culture, and sustainability on both sides of the Atlantic.
It’s a unique conversation between continents, combining sharp insight, industry know-how, and personal dialogue to uncover how brands are navigating global challenges.
Why the Name "Branded WOR(L)DS"?
The title is a deliberate play on words:
• "Branded Worlds" represents the global universe of branding, design, and communication.
• "Branded Words" (with the parenthetical L) underlines the role of language, story, and meaning in branding.
This duality reflects the core of the podcast: where products meet purpose, and messages shape markets.
All content for BRANDED WOR(L)DS is the property of Hosted by Jeff Solomon (USA) and Steven Baumgaertner (Europe) and is served directly from their servers
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Branded WOR(L)DS – A Transatlantic Dialogue is a monthly podcast hosted by Jeff Solomon (USA) and Steven Baumgaertner (Europe). Together, they explore the evolving landscape of branding, culture, and sustainability on both sides of the Atlantic.
It’s a unique conversation between continents, combining sharp insight, industry know-how, and personal dialogue to uncover how brands are navigating global challenges.
Why the Name "Branded WOR(L)DS"?
The title is a deliberate play on words:
• "Branded Worlds" represents the global universe of branding, design, and communication.
• "Branded Words" (with the parenthetical L) underlines the role of language, story, and meaning in branding.
This duality reflects the core of the podcast: where products meet purpose, and messages shape markets.
From Minnesota to markets around the world, John Bruellman has led Showdown Displays with one clear belief: people come before profits. In this episode, Steven and Jeff talk with the CEO and visionary leader about how to scale culture across continents, balance innovation with empathy, and turn purpose into real-world impact. From social initiatives in Guatemala to building a global community of makers, this conversation is a masterclass in leading with integrity — and standing tall for what truly matters.
From mentoring young professionals to redefining sustainability as opportunity – Kjell Harbom has shaped the promotional products industry for decades. In this episode, Steven and Jeff talk with the Swedish thought leader about why relationships matter more than clicks, how nature influences leadership, and what it means to create genuine value beyond profit.
From a small idea in Port Washington to a thriving nonprofit enterprise – Spectrum Designs shows how commerce can become a catalyst for inclusion. In this episode, Steven and Jeff talk with co-founder and CEO Patrick Bardsley about building meaningful jobs for people on the autism spectrum, turning purpose into lasting impact, and why authentic storytelling through products can redefine success across industries.
From leaving Germany at 18 to becoming a LinkedIn Thought Leader – How intercultural experiences shape professional storytelling
At just 18, Skylar Steudter left Germany to start a new life in the United States. Today, he is a LinkedIn specialist and storyteller who bridges cultures and continents. In this episode, Steven and Jeff explore how moving between Germany and the U.S. shaped Skylar’s voice, why authenticity looks different across cultures, and what professionals on both sides of the Atlantic can learn from each other.
In an industry where efficiency often overshadows empathy, Goldstar takes a different path – one where simplicity is a strategy, and people are at the heart of every decision.
In this episode of Branded Wor(l)ds, we sit down with Heather Smartt, Global Head of Goldstar, to discuss how the brand has built global reach without losing its human touch.
From transparent pricing to meaningful sustainability initiatives, Heather shares how Goldstar blends clarity, connection, and care to create lasting impact – proving that in branding, being felt is just as important as being seen.
In a world where global networks often prioritize scale over substance, IPPAG offers a different approach: a cooperative model built on long-term trust, transparency, and shared values.
In this episode of Branded Wor(l)ds, we speak with Florence Mosnier and Andre Noordwijk from IPPAG, a global alliance of promotional product companies that redefines what it means to work across borders – and to do so with intention.
Together, we explore how a cooperative structure can foster real innovation, empower local businesses, and drive authentic sustainability in the branded merchandise industry.
Today’s episode is one of those “damn, we did that” stories.
We’re joined by Jason Lucash who didn’t just enter the promo world — he and his team rewrote the rules.
From startup to PPAI 100 in less than a year, RUPT is flipping the script on what this industry can be — bold, fast, sustainable, and unapologetically cool.
Jason Lucash is here, and he's not just making noise — he and his team is shaping the future of branded merch.
Let’s dive into the dialogue.
In this episode of BRANDED WOR(L)DS – A Transatlantic Dialogue, we sit down with two industry leaders: Rob Watson (Vantage Apparel, USA) and John Lynch (Lynka, Poland).
Together, they share the story of a transatlantic partnership built not just on business, but on trust, shared values, and bold leadership. From navigating cultural differences to launching humanitarian initiatives like Corporate Aid for Ukraine, this conversation reveals what it takes to create global impact—one stitch at a time.
Tune in to hear how purpose, people, and partnership shape the future of branded apparel.
What does it take to lead in a transforming industry?
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Georgina Lack, award-winning consultant and lecturer at the University of Bath, and Michael Freter, founder of the global GXN Network and former CEO of PSI. Together, they unveil the GXN Executive Development Programme—a bold initiative designed to empower future leaders through executive education, value-based sales, and international collaboration.
We explore:
Why “unlearning” is a critical leadership skill
What mindsets and capabilities tomorrow’s leaders need
How global networks can drive meaningful transformation
A powerful conversation at the intersection of learning, leadership, and the future of our industry.
Joel Strömberg is Partner and Deputy CEO of the Swedish corporate fashion brand Berkeley. While usually leading operations from Gothenburg, he’s currently on a business trip in New York – right in the heart of one of the world’s most influential fashion and branding capitals. In this episode of Branded Wor(l)ds, we explore the global transformation of corporate fashion, the cultural dynamics behind branded apparel, and why what we wear at work says more about our brand than ever before.
Recorded in the Belgian woods at La Hulpe during the first International Leadership Summit, this premiere episode of Branded Wor(l)ds – A Transatlantic Dialogue sets the stage for a new kind of conversation. Hosts Steven Baumgärtner (Cybergroup, Germany) and Jeff Solomon (FreePromoTips, USA) sit down with Drew Holmgreen, President & CEO of PPAI, to discuss how purpose, innovation, and sustainability are redefining brand leadership worldwide.
Together, they explore the future of global brand communication, the role of cultural authenticity, and why collaboration across the Atlantic will shape the industry’s next chapter.
Branded WOR(L)DS – A Transatlantic Dialogue is a monthly podcast hosted by Jeff Solomon (USA) and Steven Baumgaertner (Europe). Together, they explore the evolving landscape of branding, culture, and sustainability on both sides of the Atlantic.
It’s a unique conversation between continents, combining sharp insight, industry know-how, and personal dialogue to uncover how brands are navigating global challenges.
Why the Name "Branded WOR(L)DS"?
The title is a deliberate play on words:
• "Branded Worlds" represents the global universe of branding, design, and communication.
• "Branded Words" (with the parenthetical L) underlines the role of language, story, and meaning in branding.
This duality reflects the core of the podcast: where products meet purpose, and messages shape markets.
