In this episode of FairPlay, Arun engages in an insightful conversation with Jorge Ruiz, Global Head of Marketing Science at TikTok, about the evolving landscape of digital marketing measurement. With over two decades of experience, Jorge shares his perspectives on how marketing science has transformed, addressing the challenges of attribution in today's digital ecosystem and TikTok's unique position at the intersection of brand and performance marketing. The discussion covers a range of topics, from the evolution of marketing science and its impact on business decisions to the role of AI in enhancing measurement and creative processes. Jorge offers a candid look at how TikTok navigates the complex world of marketing measurement while maintaining its focus on user experience and creative authenticity. The conversation also delves into the future of marketing science, exploring potential breakthroughs in synthetic data and causal inference. This episode provides valuable insights for marketers, analysts, and anyone interested in the future of digital advertising effectiveness.

In Part 2, Arun continues his engaging conversation with Gerry D'Angelo, exploring the future of marketing and advertising. The discussion delves into the potential impact of AI on the industry, drawing parallels with the programmatic advertising revolution. Gerry shares his insights on the evolving agency-client relationship, offering a candid perspective on the challenges faced by media agencies and suggesting ways to restore value. The episode also tackles the intricate balance between creativity and media planning in advertising campaigns and examines the effectiveness of audience targeting in CPG marketing. Throughout the conversation, Gerry emphasizes the importance of consumer-centric approaches and the need for responsible planning in the digital age.

In this episode of FairPlay, Arun engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Gerry D'Angelo, former Vice President of Global Media at Procter & Gamble and a prominent figure in the global advertising landscape. Gerry shares his wealth of experience, offering insights into the impact of data on marketing, the challenges within the digital advertising supply chain, and the evolving dynamics between marketers and big tech platforms. The discussion explores the complexities of modern marketing, touching on topics such as the pros and cons of data-driven strategies, transparency issues in programmatic advertising, and industry initiatives for brand safety and cross-media measurement. Gerry also provides valuable advice for both seasoned marketers and industry newcomers, emphasizing the importance of understanding timeless marketing principles while embracing new technologies. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive look at the current state of advertising and marketing, blending historical perspective with forward-thinking insights.

In this episode of FairPlay, Arun sits down with Tom Denford, CEO and co-founder of ID Comms, an award-winning consultancy specializing in media and advertising. Tom shares his insights from over 20 years in the marketing industry, helping top brands like Mars, EA, and LVMH optimize their media investments. The conversation dives deep into the challenges CMOs face in proving the value of their marketing spend, with media being one of the biggest line items. Tom advocates for treating media as a strategic investment rather than just a commodity to be optimized for the lowest cost. He discusses the need for closer alignment between brand marketing and performance marketing teams, with the CMO playing the crucial role of "gluing" these often-siloed functions. Tom also weighs in on the ethics of advertising, talent development within marketing organizations, and the potential impacts of AI on the industry. With his unique perspective from advising both brands and agencies, Tom provides thought-provoking insights into the complexities and opportunities in modern marketing and advertising. Whether you're a CMO, agency leader, or marketing professional, this episode offers valuable lessons for driving business growth through more strategic media investments.

FairPlay with Arun Kumar takes you behind the scenes of the data and technology revolution reshaping marketing. In this thought-provoking episode, Arun joins visionary Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mastercard and author of the bestseller "Quantum Marketing." Together, they embark on an exploration of the promises, perils, and potential of data in today's marketing landscape. With candor and insight, Raja challenges the industry's conventional wisdom, shedding light on the need for a new "open marketing" paradigm built on transparency, accountability, and putting the consumer first. As they delve into the intricate interplay between data, AI, and brand building, Raja offers a clarion call for marketers to embrace technologies like blockchain and Gen AI not just as tools, but as forces for sustainable competitive advantage. He shares inspiring examples from Mastercard's transformation, making a powerful case for why marketers must evolve into multi-dimensional leaders who harmonize analytics with creativity. Whether you're a CMO grappling with eroding CEO confidence, a regulator striving for responsible data governance, or simply someone passionate about ethical innovation, this boundary-pushing conversation will expand your perspectives. Join Arun and Raja as they cast a bold vision for reclaiming marketing's strategic influence and fostering trusted, value-driven relationships between brands and consumers in our data-deluged world.

In Part 2, Arun and Mitch tackle the data conundrum plaguing CMOs - some lament the lack of consumer purchase data access, while others are overwhelmed by the deluge of data sources, analytics tools, and platforms marketed by holding companies. Mitch shares unvarnished impressions from speaking with numerous CMOs, offering insights into effectively navigating these challenges. Moreover, the discussion explores blockchain's disruptive potential, as Mitch Duckler, author of "The Future-Ready Brand," reveals why CMOs are bullish on this technology to revolutionize data management, increase transparency, and rebuild consumer trust. He'll provide a glimpse into how innovative brands are already leveraging blockchain to drive innovation and forge stronger audience connections, making this a candid, thought-provoking exploration of marketing's future obstacles and opportunities from one of the industry's most respected voices.

In an era of unprecedented disruption, brands must adapt and evolve to stay relevant. On this episode of FairPlay, Arun is joined by pioneering brand architect, author, and TEDx speaker Mitch Duckler. With over three decades of experience revolutionizing customer engagement for iconic brands like ExxonMobil, Caterpillar, and Hyatt at marketing titans like Unilever and Coca-Cola, Mitch unveils visionary strategies from the world's most influential brands. His latest book, "The Future-Ready Brand," provides a roadmap for navigating the disruptions reshaping the brand world. Mitch delves into leveraging data and technology ethically to build genuine consumer connections, discusses the promises of marketing versus reality, the role of regulation, and how to create a sustainable, purpose-driven brand that resonates with today's conscious consumers. Join this illuminating conversation as Mitch shares invaluable insights into future-proofing your organization in an AI-driven world.

In the second half of their conversation, Doug Zarkin, the esteemed Chief Brand Officer of Good Feet Holdings, takes the spotlight once again. Doug dives deep into the impact of utilizing Customer Relationship Management (CRMs) for forging authentic connections with customers. His expert perspective sheds light on the strategic nuances of leveraging CRMs effectively in the fast-paced realm of marketing. Furthermore, Doug generously shares his proven approach to aligning target audience definitions with actionable media plans, drawing on his extensive experience as a marketing maverick. This segment offers listeners an insider's view into Doug's playbook, providing practical insights that can reshape your marketing strategies and enhance your ability to connect meaningfully with your audience. Don't miss this opportunity to gain firsthand wisdom from Doug Zarkin as he continues to unravel the keys to successful brand-building.

Join Arun in another exciting episode of FairPlay as he welcomes Doug Zarkin, an award-winning CMO and the author of "Moving Your Brand Out of the Friend Zone." Doug's illustrious career, from co-founding Grey Advertising's pioneering Youth, Entertainment, and Lifestyle Marketing Firm to his award-winning roles at Avon, Victoria's Secret PINK, and Pearle Vision, showcases his marketing prowess. As the Chief Brand Officer of Good Feet Holdings, Doug applies his Midas touch to elevate premium wellness brands. Arun and Doug delve into the secrets behind Doug's success, unraveling the nuances of modern brand-building. Don't miss this exclusive conversation that unveils the insights, challenges, and strategies that define Doug Zarkin's extraordinary journey in the marketing world.

In the second part of this episode, Arun and Michelle dive deeper into the topics of women in tech and the future of marketing agencies. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that women face in the tech industry and how they can overcome them with mentorship, networking, and leadership. They also explore the changing landscape of marketing agencies and how they can adapt to the evolving needs and expectations of their clients. Arun and Michelle debate whether CMOs and marketers are facing existential threats or not and what they are seeing on the ground. They share their perspectives on how to create value, deliver results, and stay relevant in the dynamic world of marketing. Join them for an insightful and inspiring conversation on FairPlay with Arun Kumar.

About Michelle McGuire Christian: Michelle is a Principal within Deloitte Consulting LLP and serves as the Chief Commercial Officer of ConvergeCONSUMER which is the Deloitte product business that leverages AI and ML to drive new growth from lead to loyalty. Responsible for the go to market strategy, deployment of assets in the marketplace and the overall growth of the US business. Deloitte assets and IP include the use of advanced data management, AI, ML and decision automation including proprietary IP of the Converge platform. Michelle sits in Deloitte Consulting’s Technology & Innovation group that is evolving the future of the professional services industry.In market, Michelle helps brand elevate the human experience of their customers through the use of data, AI and ML to optimize the spend and efficacy of advertising, marketing and commerce. Michelle has successfully launched brands like PlayStation Direct, managed marketing analytics for Disney Plus and driven effective social engagement for the Grammy’s.Transforming marketing into a data focused model that leverages the science of data and the artistry of creative to impact the market. Additionally, Michelle focuses on the impact of diversity, equity and inclusion on the brands she serves through thought leadership, team/project make up and transforming how Deloitte Digital looks at Unconscious Bias in advertising and marketing.Michelle has a Master’s Degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia.Michelle lives in Calabasas, CA with her husband, three children and dogs and enjoys hiking and gardening.

In this episode of FairPlay, Arun talks to Michelle McGuire Christian, a Principal at Deloitte Consulting and Chief Commercial Officer of ConvergeCONSUMER. Michelle is a consumer data analytics and artificial intelligence expert who helps brands grow by connecting with consumers through AI and machine learning. She shares how she leads the go-to-market strategy and business growth for ConvergeCONSUMER, a platform that leverages Deloitte’s data management, decision automation, and proprietary AI capabilities to enhance the customer experience. Listen to Michelle’s insights on how analytics and AI can transform the consumer journey and enable brands to optimize their marketing, supply chain, and consumer relationships. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation on the power of technology, data, and human-centered design with Arun and Michelle.


About Michelle McGuire Christian: Michelle is a Principal within Deloitte Consulting LLP and serves as the Chief Commercial Officer of ConvergeCONSUMER which is the Deloitte product business that leverages AI and ML to drive new growth from lead to loyalty. Responsible for the go to market strategy, deployment of assets in the marketplace and the overall growth of the US business. Deloitte assets and IP include the use of advanced data management, AI, ML and decision automation including proprietary IP of the Converge platform. Michelle sits in Deloitte Consulting’s Technology & Innovation group that is evolving the future of the professional services industry.In market, Michelle helps brand elevate the human experience of their customers through the use of data, AI and ML to optimize the spend and efficacy of advertising, marketing and commerce. Michelle has successfully launched brands like PlayStation Direct, managed marketing analytics for Disney Plus and driven effective social engagement for the Grammy’s.Transforming marketing into a data focused model that leverages the science of data and the artistry of creative to impact the market. Additionally, Michelle focuses on the impact of diversity, equity and inclusion on the brands she serves through thought leadership, team/project make up and transforming how Deloitte Digital looks at Unconscious Bias in advertising and marketing.Michelle has a Master’s Degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia.Michelle lives in Calabasas, CA with her husband, three children and dogs and enjoys hiking and gardening.

In part two of their discussion, Dr. Lee Schlenker dives into the nuanced dynamics of data in marketing. Offering profound insights, Lee addresses the pivotal question of how much data is truly sufficient for effective decision-making in the marketing realm. Drawing from his wealth of experience, he guides listeners through the delicate balance required to optimize data-driven strategies without succumbing to information overload. Additionally, Dr. Schlenker shares his perspectives on the ever-evolving landscape of regulations and legislation, providing a keen analysis of their impact on data marketing practices. As Arun and Lee navigate this intricate terrain, they shed light on the ethical considerations and strategic approaches that businesses must embrace to succeed in the face of evolving privacy laws.

In this episode of FairPlay, Arun delves into the world of data-driven decision-making with guest Dr. Lee Schlenker. As a distinguished Professor of Business Analytics and Digital Transformation, Dr. Schlenker brings a wealth of experience to the conversation, having held IBM's inaugural academic chair of e-business and later Oracle's Academic Chair of Emerging Technologies at the EM Lyon. Today, through the Business Analytics Institute, Dr. Schlenker provides training and coaching on data science and the managerial challenges of AI to a prestigious corporate clientele, including Axa, Microsoft, and Oracle. Join Arun and Dr. Lee Schlenker as they explore the promises, challenges, and intersections of data and technology in marketing, offering valuable insights to CEOs, CMOs, investors, regulators, and anyone intrigued by the evolving landscape of marketing. FairPlay with Arun Kumar is your go-to podcast for a captivating discussion on navigating the complexities of data and technology in the marketing world.

In this episode of FairPlay, Arun Kumar concludes his riveting conversation with Phillip Shoemaker, the Executive Director of Identity.com. Shoemaker reveals some of the secrets behind the success of the Apple App Store, where he worked closely with the legendary Steve Jobs. He gives us a glimpse into Jobs’ genius, charisma, and high expectations and challenges. Kumar also probes Shoemaker's views on Apple’s privacy policies and practices. They explore the complex trade-offs between privacy as a fundamental right and a competitive advantage. Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the pioneers of the app industry who is now leading the way for a more secure and decentralized digital identity.

This week on FairPlay, Arun Kumar is joined by Phillip Shoemaker, the Executive Director of Identity.com. Shoemaker has a wealth of experience in the mobile industry, having helped launch and grow the Apple App Store while working closely with Steve Jobs. He helped shape the policies and standards that govern millions of apps today. Shoemaker is also a visionary and innovator in the blockchain space. He advises and invests in several startups that are using blockchain technology to create a more secure, transparent and fair world. On this episode, Kumar and Shoemaker will discuss how Identity.com is revolutionizing the way we verify our identities online. The non-profit is developing an open source decentralized network to enable self-sovereign identity. This has the potential to eliminate many of the security and privacy risks associated with our digital lives. Tune in to hear Kumar’s timely conversation with this influential figure in the tech industry.

The conversation takes an insightful turn as Deborah shares her thoughts on the impact of AI on the CMO role. With her characteristic forward vision, she explores how CMOs can embrace AI's data-driven capabilities while retaining the human creative touch. Deborah explains how creative insights and audience insights can work in powerful tandem to drive innovation. She offers sage advice on leading marketing teams through the AI revolution while keeping the customer at the heart of every initiative. Tune in as Deborah and Arun examine the enormous potential of AI while emphasizing that human creativity and empathy remain marketing's irreplaceable sparks. Don't miss this probing discussion on the exciting future ahead for CMOs and the brands they represent.

Arun is thrilled to welcome marketing visionary Deborah Wahl to this week's episode of FairPlay. Deborah's illustrious career has seen her break barriers and drive growth as Chief Marketing Officer of General Motors. Her customer-focused leadership revitalized iconic brands and pioneered data-driven strategies that aligned marketing with overall business goals. Deborah's brilliance has been recognized through her induction into the Forbes CMO Hall of Fame, the CMO Club Hall of Fame, and now the Event Marketing Hall of Fame. Even in retirement from GM, she continues to drive success, currently serving on the board of Mediaocean. Tune in as Arun and Deborah dive deep into the secrets behind her innovative approach and pioneering spirit. This is one conversation with a marketing legend you won't want to miss!

In the conclusion of Arun’s conversation with Seth Matlins, the Managing Director of the Forbes CMO Network, Seth shares his perspective on creativity and storytelling in marketing. He believes the insurance industry is excelling at leveraging data-driven insights while still engaging audiences through compelling narratives. Seth remains optimistic about the future of innovative, tech-enabled storytelling. He sees potential for customization at scale, delivering personalized creative matched to data insights. But human creativity and emotion will remain essential – the heart that brings data to life. Tune in to hear Matlins' outlook on the interplay of data and creativity, along with his thoughts on how leading insurance brands blend storytelling with strategy. Discover insightful perspectives on marketing innovation from an industry leader, on this episode of FairPlay with Arun Kumar.

The premiere episode of FairPlay promises an inspiring discussion about ethical marketing and using platforms for good. Arun Kumar welcomes Seth Matlins, Managing Director of the influential Forbes CMO Network, to explore marketing, media and society. With decades of experience across brand strategy, agencies and social activism, Matlins brings a unique perspective. He now leads editorial and events for the Forbes community of top marketing leaders and rising stars. In this episode, listeners can expect Matlins to share his guiding principles on purpose-driven marketing, balancing profit and purpose, and how CMOs can improve society. Seth will draw from his extensive career to discuss conscientious marketing and using your voice for positive change. Tune in to the premiere of FairPlay for an episode that inspires marketers to make the world better.