In this episode, we explore the unconventional path of Jeremy Jones, who transformed his passion for punk rock, skateboarding, and counter-culture creativity into a thriving advertising and marketing career. Jeremy shares how making band flyers and touring with musicians became his informal MBA in marketing, teaching him branding, promotion, and creative problem-solving long before he understood what advertising actually was.
Discover how Jeremy's creative partnership—formed through both bandmate chemistry and advertising collaboration—propelled him through agency ranks, culminating in representing Team USA at Cannes Young Lions. His journey spans radio promotion, boutique agencies, and eventually a global role at J. Walter Thompson before making the pivotal leap to building MailChimp's acclaimed in-house creative team, Wink.
Jeremy reveals the philosophy behind MailChimp's distinctive "expert absurdist" brand voice and shares insights from memorable campaigns like "Email Is Dead" and "The Customer." He emphasizes the importance of bringing organization and belief to creative teams, understanding client businesses deeply, and marketing to marketers in ways that inspire rather than bore.
The conversation offers invaluable guidance for creatives at every stage: students should lead with passion over perfection, early-career professionals must raise their hands for opportunities, and new leaders need to stay connected to the work while investing in relationships outside their industry. Jeremy's advice on "fishing in other rivers" and maintaining hobbies for creative rejuvenation provides a refreshing perspective on sustainable creative leadership.
Whether you're an aspiring creative, agency professional, or in-house marketing leader, this episode delivers authentic wisdom from someone who built his career on curiosity, relentless work ethic, and never forgetting the scrappy, DIY spirit that started it all.
In this episode, we sit down with Emma Donelan, Marketing and Communications Director at Data.org, to explore how data and artificial intelligence are being harnessed to address some of the world's most pressing social challenges. Emma shares the powerful work Data.org is doing through global innovation challenges and capacity-building initiatives that bridge technology and humanitarian impact.
Discover how Data.org partners with philanthropic organizations and corporate entities to scale transformative data and AI solutions across five global hubs, including India and Africa. Emma highlights their focus on critical intersections between climate and health, along with innovative approaches to interdisciplinary training and workforce development that are creating new opportunities in underserved communities.
The conversation features compelling success stories, including an AI-powered platform in Mumbai revolutionizing access to sexual and reproductive health information. Emma emphasizes the crucial importance of localism in technology deployment, ensuring solutions are culturally relevant and community-driven rather than imposed from outside.
Emma also shares her fascinating personal journey from studying art history to venture capital and ultimately to leading communications for social impact technology. She reveals how her great-aunt's influence sparked her enduring passion for creativity and meaningful work, demonstrating that unconventional paths can lead to profound impact.
Whether you're interested in AI for social good, international development, or building a purpose-driven career, this episode offers valuable insights into how technology can be deployed ethically and effectively to create positive global change while generating economic opportunity.
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Join us for a fascinating conversation with David Boyle, Director at Audience Strategies, a data company that builds capabilities that merge traditional audience research with AI-powered analysis. David shares how his love for mathematics' predictability became the foundation for a diverse career spanning AI, data analytics, strategy consulting, philanthropy, politics, and even the music industry.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into David's strategic framework, including his innovative "now, next, and never" audience segmentation approach that drives effective strategy development. He emphasizes the critical importance of deep audience insights in shaping business decisions and shares practical wisdom on focusing skills development, building meaningful professional relationships, and understanding the inherent limitations of data-driven decision making.
Throughout the conversation, David underscores a key career principle that has guided his success: the transformative power of working alongside talented people. His perspective offers a refreshing take on how analytical skills can be applied creatively across industries while maintaining intellectual honesty about what data can and cannot tell us.
Whether you're interested in data science, strategic consulting, or simply curious about building a non-linear career path, this episode provides compelling insights from someone who has successfully brought mathematical rigor to wildly diverse professional challenges.
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In this engaging episode, we follow Andrew McKechnie's remarkable career trajectory from his early days as a marketing student at Auckland University of Technology to becoming a strategic marketing leader driving innovation in climate technology. Andrew's journey showcases the power of adaptability and continuous learning in building a truly global marketing career.
Discover how Andrew's foundation as a copywriter evolved through strategic roles across diverse markets, from Singapore's dynamic advertising scene to the competitive U.S. market. He shares insights from his tenure at tech giants like Apple, where he played a pivotal role in launching the company's first major environmental campaign, and Verizon, where he successfully built and led an innovative in-house marketing team.
The conversation explores Andrew's core philosophy of consistency, adaptability, and relentless skill development—principles that have enabled him to thrive across different cultures, industries, and marketing challenges. He reveals how these values have guided his career decisions and continued success.
Currently leading branding and storytelling efforts at AIRCO, a cutting-edge company converting CO2 into synthetic fuels, Andrew demonstrates how marketing expertise can drive innovation adoption in emerging industries. His perspective offers valuable insights into positioning breakthrough technologies and building compelling narratives around climate solutions.
Whether you're starting your marketing career, considering international opportunities, or looking to apply your skills to emerging industries, this episode provides inspiration and practical wisdom from a marketer who has successfully navigated global markets and technological transformation.
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In this fascinating episode, we explore the intersection of historical wisdom and modern business leadership with John Lewis Gaddis, Professor at Yale University and renowned author whose book, "On Grand Strategy," has unexpectedly captivated the business management community. Gaddis reveals how centuries-old strategic principles remain profoundly relevant for today's executives and entrepreneurs.
Discover Gaddis's elegant definition of strategic thinking as "the art of getting from where you are to where you want to go," emphasizing the crucial balance between ambitious aspirations and realistic capabilities. Through compelling historical examples—from Napoleon's catastrophic overreach to Lincoln's masterful long-term vision—he illustrates common strategic pitfalls that continue to plague leaders across industries.
The conversation delves into Gaddis's passionate advocacy for broad liberal education, particularly the study of history, as essential training for developing the common sense and adaptability that effective leadership demands. He argues that understanding historical patterns provides invaluable context for navigating today's complex business challenges.
Gaddis also offers sobering warnings about the dangers of overreliance on technology and the corrosive effects of social media on strategic thinking. His perspective challenges leaders to think beyond digital solutions and consider the enduring human elements of successful strategy.
Whether you're a CEO, entrepreneur, or aspiring leader, this episode offers timeless insights for developing strategic thinking skills that transcend technological trends and industry shifts.
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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Joel Grabenstein, VP of Sales, Brand, Product Marketing at Yakima Products, as he shares his dynamic career evolution from tourism and hospitality education to becoming a respected marketing leader in the outdoor industry. Joel's story demonstrates how unconventional educational backgrounds can become powerful assets when combined with strategic thinking and genuine passion.
In this episode, Joel takes us through his early hustle in the outdoor industry, from attending trade shows to landing his breakthrough role at Yakima. He details his impressive career progression within the company, climbing from trade show coordinator to brand director through strategic internal mobility and consistent value delivery.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into Joel's philosophy on the critical importance of teamwork and emotional connection in building successful business relationships. He shares practical advice on essential skills for modern marketers, particularly emphasizing financial literacy.
Whether you're starting your marketing career, considering a career pivot, or looking to advance within your current organization, this episode offers authentic wisdom from someone who has built lasting success through relationship-building and strategic skill development.
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In this thought-provoking episode, we dive deep with Alistair Croll, an entrepreneur, author, and conference innovator who has spent decades helping organizations make better data-driven decisions and understand the hidden systems that shape business and society. He authored the bestselling "Lean Analytics" and has helped launch seven major industry conferences including O'Reilly's Strata and the FWD50 digital government summit. His latest work, "Just Evil Enough," explores subversive marketing strategies for challenger brands, drawing from his extensive research into how underdogs disrupt established systems and change the status quo.
In this episode, he shares his unique journey from inventing games in boarding school to revolutionizing how we think about business success. Alistair challenges conventional wisdom by advocating for "solving for interesting" rather than chasing fame or wealth—a philosophy that has shaped his remarkable career.
The conversation explores Alistair's groundbreaking marketing theories, including medium-first marketing, where the communication channel becomes as important as the message itself. He also breaks down his innovative "long funnel" approach that extends beyond traditional marketing stages to include attention, interest, desire, action, and fluency—providing a more comprehensive view of customer engagement.
Throughout the episode, Alistair emphasizes the critical importance of system awareness and subversive thinking in modern marketing, offering fresh perspectives that challenge industry norms. Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or simply someone seeking a more interesting approach to professional growth, this episode delivers unconventional wisdom for navigating today's complex business landscape.
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Join us for an insightful conversation with Amber Armstrong, CMO at Salesforce, as she shares her dynamic career evolution from sales professional to top-tier marketing leader. Amber details her pivotal transition to IBM following her MBA, where she spent 14 transformative years mastering diverse roles and building the foundation for her executive success.
In this episode, Amber offers valuable perspective on the modern marketing landscape. She advocates for starting careers at large corporations to develop deep, transferable skills and emphasizes the critical importance of versatility in today's CMO roles.
Listeners will gain practical insights into Amber's proven interview preparation methodology and her leadership philosophy centered on clear communication and unwavering accountability. She also addresses the evolving impact of artificial intelligence on job functions and shares her commitment to continuous learning and leveraging international experiences for career advancement.
Whether you're transitioning between functions, aspiring to executive roles, or navigating the changing marketing landscape, this episode delivers actionable strategies from a leader who has successfully scaled the corporate ladder while adapting to industry transformation.
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In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, renowned data visualization expert and Founder, Speaker, Author at storytelling with data. She traces her fascinating career path from banking to becoming Google's go-to specialist for their People Analytics team. Cole reveals how she transformed her passion for clear communication into a revolutionary approach to data presentation that has influenced professionals worldwide.
Discover how Cole developed her groundbreaking course on data visualization at Google, emphasizing the critical importance of designing graphs with your audience in mind. She shares insights into the power of storytelling in data communication—a philosophy that became the foundation for her bestselling book "Storytelling with Data" and its practical companion volume.
The conversation explores Cole's unexpected venture into children's literature with "Daphne Draws Data," demonstrating how data visualization principles can be made accessible and engaging for young minds. Cole also discusses her strategic approach to career development, highlighting how intentional time management, laser focus, and thoughtful planning have been instrumental in her professional success.
Whether you're struggling to make your data compelling, looking to improve your presentation skills, or seeking inspiration for strategic career planning, this episode offers invaluable lessons from one of the field's most respected voices.
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In this inspiring conversation with Rich Karlgaard, Futurist & Editor-at-Large at Forbes Magazine and author of "Late Bloomers," he candidly shares his transformative journey from academic struggles in junior high and high school to eventual triumph at Stanford University. Rich's story challenges society's obsession with early achievement and offers hope for those who feel they're falling behind life's expected timeline.
This episode explores the immense pressure young people face to achieve early success and reveals how this mindset can be psychologically damaging. Rich advocates for a different approach—one that celebrates curiosity, builds resilience, and prioritizes authentic self-discovery over rushed milestones.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating career transitions and adapting to technological change through Rich's emphasis on continuous learning, intelligent questioning, and maintaining intellectual curiosity throughout life. His perspective offers a refreshing counter-narrative to our fast-paced, achievement-focused culture.
Whether you're a late bloomer yourself, supporting someone on their unique journey, or simply questioning society's rigid timelines for success, this episode provides both comfort and practical strategies for thriving at your own pace. Rich's story proves that sometimes the most meaningful achievements come to those who take the scenic route.
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In this insightful episode, Beth Wood, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Principal Financial Group charts her unconventional path from finance to marketing excellence across iconic brands like Frito-Lay and Johnson & Johnson. She reveals how strategic networking and deep customer understanding became her foundation for success, even propelling her into entrepreneurship.
Beth shares her unique perspective on emotional marketing, particularly in the financial services sector, where she explains how creating feelings of security and control drives customer connection beyond traditional product features. Her approach demonstrates how brands can transform rational services into emotional relationships.
She offers invaluable guidance for professionals at all career stages: early-career marketers will benefit from her advice on gathering diverse experiences and identifying their unique "superpowers," while seasoned leaders will appreciate her emphasis on vulnerability, team collaboration, and celebrating shared wins.
Whether you're just starting your marketing journey or leading teams through transformation, this episode delivers practical wisdom for creating authentic connections with customers and colleagues alike.
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In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Moksha Fitzgibbons, President at Complex, the leading digital media brand for Gen Z and millennials who are passionate about music, style, art and culture.
Moksha shares valuable insights into how youth culture and emerging technologies have revolutionized media consumption, and why hard work, strategic networking, and relentless intellectual curiosity became his formula for success. He candidly discusses his early challenges—from a grueling year-long job search to cobbling together freelance work—before landing his breakthrough opportunity at Complex Magazine.
The conversation explores Complex's fascinating evolution into a multimedia powerhouse, including its strategic pivot to digital video, e-commerce ventures, and innovative event experiences. Moksha also shares his ambitious vision for the brand's global expansion and diversification in an ever-changing media landscape.
Whether you're starting your career or navigating industry disruption, this episode offers honest perspective on perseverance, adaptation, and staying true to your professional passion.
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Join us as we explore the entrepreneurial evolution of Jason Deelstra, whose marketing prowess began with selling Rice Krispies treats as a child and blossomed into an impressive career shaping recognizable brands.
In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Jason Deelstra, SVP, Marketing & Experience at Sunrun, the #1 clean energy provider for solar as a subscription. Jason shares his strategic path through business school, where hands-on projects with Nike and the Utah Jazz laid the foundation for his marketing philosophy.
This episode offers valuable insights into Jason's vision for authentic brand storytelling, including his ambitious work at Sunrun, where he's redefining solar energy as a lifestyle choice that resonates deeply with customers. Whether you're a marketing professional or business enthusiast, Jason's journey demonstrates how creativity and strategic thinking can elevate brands to new heights.
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Dive into the remarkable career journey of Cristy Hatter, a marketing maverick who has transformed brands and built impressive business success across multiple industries.
In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Cristy Hatter, VP of Brand at Lectric eBikes, the fastest-growing electric bike company in the nation. From her roots in music and design to becoming a powerhouse marketing strategist, Cristy shares insights from her 12-year experience at Red Raider Outfitter, her pivotal roles at Texas Tech University's marketing department, and her groundbreaking work with major brands like Solo Stove and Lectric eBikes Company.
Discover how Cristy helped scale Solo Stove from $100 million to $400 million through innovative customer loyalty and viral marketing strategies. Learn about her approach to value-based branding and the critical importance of attention to detail in achieving remarkable business growth. This episode offers a fascinating look at how creative problem-solving and adaptability can drive career success across diverse marketing landscapes.
For more marketing resources, check out nativedigital.com.
Marketing isn't just about tactics—it's about listening deeply and creating meaningful connections across diverse industries.
In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Jen Rapp, CMO at Superside, the world's leading AI-powered creative service. Jen shares her career journey--highlighting her 10-year journey at Patagonia, running product PR to managing global communications. She eventually transitions from her brand-oriented role at Patagonia to a performance-driven role at DoorDash and then to Klaviyo, a B2B SaaS company. In this episode, you will hear Jen share the importance of passion and gaining industry knowledge, sharing how she talked her way into roles and learned from mentors.
Key takeaways? Immerse yourself in your industry, build authentic relationships, and embrace cross-functional partnerships. Success lies in curiosity, adaptability, and the courage to talk your way into opportunities.
For more marketing resources, check out nativedigital.com.
Career development isn't just about degrees—it's about pursuing passions.
In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Jon Shanahan, VP, Marketing at TRX, a company providing world-class equipment, training & education to empower movement for every body. Our guest reveals his early obsession with buying laptops and hard drives, leading to a 15-inch MacBook Pro purchase for college. The transition to Mac OS from Windows changed his brain chemistry and sparked a deep interest in design philosophy. Discovering innovators like Steve Jobs and Jony Ive led him down a rabbit hole of learning about design and marketing. This epiphany moment in college led him to pursue a career in graphic design and marketing.
Key takeaways? Value mentorship, prioritize hands-on experience, and commit to continuous self-education. Success lies in sales acumen, collaborative problem-solving, and data-driven content creation.
For more marketing resources, check out nativedigital.com
Marketing isn't just about campaigns—it's about transforming varied experiences into powerful brand stories.
In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Marcelo Kertesz, CMO at MANSCAPED. Our guest reveals how diverse experiences shape innovative brand leadership. Growing up, he was inspired by his father's political campaign and Disney World's branding. After working in Brazil, he moved to Sao Paulo for a prestigious advertising school and interned with his father's campaign team. He then led six presidential campaigns in five countries, winning six out of seven elections. Tired from the intense political work, he moved to the US, enrolled in product design school, and eventually joined MANSCAPED. Marcelo emphasized the importance of strategic thinking, over-delivering, and adapting to new opportunities in his career.
Key takeaways? Embrace unexpected paths, think strategically, and consistently over-deliver. Success lies in adaptability, seizing opportunities, and applying cross-industry insights.
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Entrepreneurship isn't just about products—it's about transforming skepticism into opportunity while empowering others.
In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Wyatt Ewing, Founder and CEO at Ice Barrel, a company specializing in cold therapy training tools. He shares his journey from selling high-end art to founding Ice Barrel, highlighting the challenges of launching Ice Barrel, including market education and overcoming initial skepticism. He discusses the company's growth strategies, such as SEO, influencer marketing, and sustainability initiatives like recycling 500,000 pounds of plastic. In this episode, He also stresses the value of leadership, honesty, and empowering his team, noting that his best career investment has been in personal development and self-advocacy.
Key takeaways? Master emotional intelligence, prioritize market education, and invest in personal growth. Success lies in resilience, sustainable practices, and authentic leadership.
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Marketing isn't just about campaigns—it's about solving problems and creating transformative brand moments.
In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Aron North, CMO & Strategic Advisor at Mint Mobile. He shares his journey of transitioning from a pre-med to a business degree because he loved marketing, eventually leading him to work for Taco Bell and Mint Mobile. He emphasizes the importance of not chasing money early in one's career, instead focusing on building skills and over-investing in one's job. Aaron highlights key experiences, such as launching the Doritos Locos Taco at Taco Bell and helping Mint Mobile grow to a billion-dollar brand before its acquisition by T-Mobile.
Key takeaways? Invest in skills over salary, embrace entrepreneurial experiences, and approach challenges hands-on. Success lies in curiosity, adaptability, and over-delivering in every role.
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Marketing isn't just about metrics—it's about the balance between creativity and analytics to create meaningful connections.
In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Kris Heineman, Director of Marketing at Pelican.
Pelican is the global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance protective cases, used by professionals in the most demanding markets including fire safety, law enforcement, defense / military, aerospace, life sciences, industrial, entertainment, and in numerous outdoor markets. Our guest discusses his marketing philosophy, emphasizing the balance between creativity and analytics. He stresses the value of internships, for fostering initiative and learning, and that leadership is about solving problems creatively and influencing others.
Key takeaways? Prioritize quality, embrace continuous learning, and develop problem-solving leadership. Success lies in understanding consumer preferences, leveraging digital platforms strategically, and investing in early career development.
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