Episodes
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Routine processes can stifle innovation and allow competitors to pull ahead. How can companies stay agile to deliver fresh, impactful work?
In this episode, we explore design operations with Tamara Austring, Senior Design Producer at Zapier's Brand Studio. As a leader in the design space, Tamara explores how adaptable, people-centered processes are the key to keeping creative teams nimble, efficient, and ready to innovate at every turn. She shares the high-stakes strategies behind continuous evaluation, the power of retrospectives, and why celebrating both wins and failures is essential for creative growth.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why static workflows are the enemy of innovation, and how to evolve them to stay competitive.The balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and maintaining the human intuition that makes your brand unforgettable.How creating a culture of trust, transparency, and challenge fuels creative teams to outperform—and what it means for the future of marketing. -
When your customers don’t speak tech, how do you help them choose wisely—and trust you along the way?
In this episode, we welcome Chris Ollier, Senior Director of Demand Generation at Bonterra, to tackle the challenges of brand and digital strategy in the nonprofit sector.
With a wealth of experience ranging from Fortune 100 companies like Verizon and the NFL to independent projects, Chris shares his journey through diverse roles in creative design and tech startups. He discusses Bonterra's mission to drive social good through innovative software solutions for nonprofits and explores the complexities of maintaining brand authenticity amidst corporate transitions.
We also cover:The significant impact of brand consistency on performance metrics like market share and brand valuation.How valuable AI is in enhancing creative processes and the necessity for expert guidance and validation.Bonterra's approach to brand building, focusing on straightforward design, genuine customer connections, and alignment with social good initiatives. -
Episodes manquant?
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In this episode we host Stephanie Paturzo Swingle, B2B Marketing leader at Instacart.
We uncover how she’s using innovative strategies—like AI-powered smart carts and dynamic co-marketing campaigns—to transform Instacart’s partnerships with CPG and retail brands, all in the name of (and informed by) the ambitious company vision of powering every grocery transaction. We discuss the power of brand, the role of content marketing in brand-building, and what it’s like to have a multi-sided brand and marketplace like Instacart. And, we take a look into how Stephanie strikes the balance between creativity and practicality.
Join us as we discuss:
How Instacart nurtures a healthy and inspiring creative environment where no idea is too outlandish. What it takes to appeal to emotion in a B2B marketing capacity. The crucial role storytelling plays in driving consumer engagement and boosting sales.And much more. -
Great companies don’t just sell products—they leverage their brand to create connections that resonate.
In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Kira Klaas, VP of Corporate Marketing at Later, to share her expert insights on how to make those connections truly count. Kira walks us through her strategic approach to aligning content with audience interests, the pivotal role a full-time copywriter plays in creating cohesive messaging, and how embracing diverse perspectives can help leaders overcome personal biases.
Join us as we discuss:
How to align your content with audience interests—authentic connections beat fleeting trends every time! Kira’s concept of Brand Market FitHow to create seamless customer experiences at every touchpoint through design.If you want to dive deeper:
Subscribe to Kira's Substack, On Brand for ongoing expert advice on building a compelling brand narrative.Explore her course, Brand for Growth-Stage Leaders, to learn how to elevate your brand strategy as your company scales. -
“Sales enablement is the bridge between marketing and closing deals."
For this episode of Best Story Wins, we’re joined by Travis Keith, VP of Strategic Client Content at JP Morgan, to explore the essential balance between sales and marketing integration. Travis shares a fresh perspective on uniting sales and marketing through authentic, help-first strategies.
Tune in to hear Travis’ insights on the evolving role of social media in shaping purchasing decisions and how aligning sales and marketing can foster a more cohesive approach, driving meaningful business results.
We also breakdown:
The importance of integrating marketing and sales to ensure teams have the right messaging and assets, bridging historical gaps.How regular leadership meetings align campaigns and foster teamwork, driving scalable content programs.Strategies for rethinking workflows and improving resource management to enhance efficiency for large sales teams. -
The world of content is constantly changing, and only the best marketers can adapt to these evolving trends.
In today’s episode, we’re joined by Alan Roll, Head of Brand Creative at Airtable. Alan’s journey from crafting narratives to leading innovation at Airtable is nothing short of inspiring. In a fast-paced market, he drives brand strategy through experiential content while leading a small but fiercely creative team. Alan reveals how Airtable has evolved in customer perception, gained a competitive edge in collaboration and operations, and shares real-world examples of its impact—along with how customer feedback continually shapes their messaging.We also discuss:How a lean, multifunctional team structure can drive collaboration and deliver impactful content The AI benefits for productivity and accuracy, but the value of human creativity is irreplaceableHow shifting to a holistic brand approach can create a cohesive brand experience -
The differentiation of the brand and the owning of the brand comes by making sure everything is aligned.
In this episode, we are joined by Radu Ranga, Senior Director, Brand Creative at C1. He discusses how his creative journey—from agency life to his pivotal role in branding for UFC and C1—has shaped his approach to branding and marketing. Radu shares insights on how to align visual identity with core messaging, the importance of understanding the emotional and rational sides of brand decisions, and the risks that paid off in his career.
Listeners will learn:
How to align brand messaging across product, marketing, and sales teamsEffective risk-taking in creative projects and how to mitigate failurePractical tips for bridging the gap between design and strategy in branding -
Is your brand talking at people, or with them?
In this episode, we dive deep into the mind of Christopher “Toph” Clarke, Executive Creative Director at Intuit, the brand behind TurboTax. From his journey in creative leadership to teaching the next generation of advertising talent at ONE School, Toph shares insights into how brands can stay relevant by connecting with real people.
We will explore how personal stories, cultural immersion, and the power of authenticity can transform a business—and a career.
Listeners will learn:
How brands can go beyond traditional advertising by embedding themselves in local communities.Why teaching not only empowers others but also sharpens your own skills as a leader and creative professional.The impact of leveraging personal narratives in creating emotional connections with audiences. -
What does being rich mean to you? Is it just hitting a number?
In this episode we are joined by Gretchen Leslie, President at I Will Teach You To Be Rich, as she shares how she and her team are empowering people to become rich, whatever that means to each individual. Gretchen talks about her hands-on approach to brand storytelling, the challenges of SEO in a volatile market, and the evolution from meticulous content creation to streamlined success.
We also discuss:
How overcoming apathy by promoting confidence and joy instead of guilt and shame can lead to more successful brands.The importance of finding a balance between financial management and personal fulfillment to become truly rich.How developing brand and style guides enhances efficiency in content production. -
Branding isn’t about your appearance to your audience — it’s about the experience you cultivate for your audience.
This week, we’re joined by Dorian Stewart, Director of Demand Generation at Federato, to discuss his philosophy on fusing empathy for the end user with smart data to create impactful content that not only communicates, but resonates.
We also discuss:How to balance maintaining a unified brand with the constant need for speed and experimentation.Emerging trends in influencer marketing and in-person experiences in the B2B space.Why focusing on customer stories and solutions is often more effective than discussing product features. -
Great innovations come from great teams working together, doing more than they could individually.
And, to achieve this, companies first need to understand the problem they are trying to solve.
In this episode, we are joined by Joe Lazer, the fractional Head of Marketing at A.Team, a company revolutionizing how organizations build teams by leveraging AI. Joe shares insights into the tools developed at A.Team (Team Formation AI), the importance of brand storytelling in B2B marketing, and the emerging trend of internal evangelists as key drivers of brand and performance.
Listeners will learn:
The critical role of brand storytelling in building meaningful connections with audiences, even in the face of increasing AI-driven content production.Why cultivating strong internal voices within a company can deliver outsized impacts on both brand recognition and sales.The future of B2B marketing, with a shift toward more personalized, creator-led engagement strategies.Check out Joe’s book The Storytelling Edge: How to Transform Your Business, Stop Screaming into the Void, and Make People Love You, his newsletter on LinkedIn, and make sure to follow him for more B2B content. -
Healthcare has always been perceived as a very unauthentic sector in terms of brand and product. What are folks doing out there to change the landscape?
In this episode we are joined by Ryan Romero, Creative Director, Marketing & Product Design at Hoag Health System where he is trying to radically change how users interact with healthcare providers through innovative digital health products, to save lives and improve care. Ryan shares insightful stories about elevating Hoag's brand through authentic storytelling, innovative maternity campaigns, and the development of groundbreaking applications.
We also discuss:
Building design teams and a culture of innovation in a hospital setting with no prior design philosophy.Strategies to attract a younger audience through compelling narratives and creative marketing.Ryan’s philosophy on clear, usefulness and elegance, balancing emotive and factual elementsThe move towards creating a unified design system for Hoag, integrating motion and building meaningful user experiences. -
How does a cybersecurity startup blend retrofuturistic vibes with innovative anti-ransomware strategies to stand out in a crowded market?
Our guest today, Aaron Zide, Creative Director at Halcyon holds the answer to this question.
In this episode, Aaron shares invaluable insights on the challenges and opportunities of maintaining a distinctive brand identity while remaining agile and creative. He explores how Halcyon projects a retrofuturistic and serene vibe and discusses the innovative marketing strategies that have helped the brand cut through the noise and retain customers' attention in the long run.
We also discuss:
How to manage a global team while maintaining a unified brand tone and message.The need for open-minded adaptation and embracing new marketing channels.How to stay true to the brand’s unique identity while incorporating feedback and societal changes. -
Clarity is the cornerstone of brand success.
Understanding what your brand is to the core, and what it offers, enables you to craft a clear narrative and effectively market it.
In this episode, we are joined by Josie Jeffries, Sr. Director, Creative and Content at Webflow. Josie is a seasoned professional with an impressive career at leading teams in tech brands like X (formerly Twitter) and Slack, where she excelled in building brand awareness. She shares her insights on the importance of clarity and communication in marketing challenger brands and reveals strategies for managing change and persuading customers to switch to new platforms amidst fierce competition.
We also discuss:How to appeal to both the emotional and technical needs of stakeholders.The importance of balancing ambitious brand campaigns with conversion-oriented content.Strategies for prioritizing creative decisions based on their return on investment. -
AI has been here for a long time — longer before the ChatGPT boom. And now that we’ve all seen it, it’s not going anywhere.
In this episode, we are joined by Celene Osiecka, Senior Director of Conversation Design and Conversational AI at [24]7.ai, as she shares how her team focuses on enhancing customer experience, reducing risk, and navigating the challenges of the tech industry through a systemic use of conversational AI.
We also discuss:
The delicate balance between data-driven approaches and the subjective, artistic aspects of conversation design.How AI is transforming quality assurance, helping companies streamline training and reduce costs.The roles and collaboration involved in designing effective AI-driven conversations. -
As brands grow, communication channels tend to expand parallelly. What is the secret behind successful comapnies that can keep up and leverage with this growth?
To delve deeper into this question, we are joined by Gwen Lafage, VP of Marketing, Global Brand and Content at Sinch, who shares the intricate balance between a long-term vision and agile marketing, paving the way for continuous and successful brand growth. Gwen also explains how Sinch is revolutionizing brand experiences and efficiency while underscoring the often-overlooked potential of rich communication messaging
We also discuss:
The importance of maintaining consistency in brand messaging while allowing autonomy.Gwen’s insights into 6 C’s philosophyThe significance of integrating AI innovations and maintaining strong, consistent brand messaging. -
How can embracing digital trends and authentic human connections redefine your marketing strategy in an AI-driven world?
This week we sit down with Alec Hanson, Chief Marketing Officer at loanDepot, as he takes us through the intricacies of mortgage marketing amidst fluctuating interest rates. Drawing on his extensive industry experience, Alec discusses effective strategies tailored for navigating high-rate environments and the importance of authenticity and storytelling in brand development. Staying on top of AI and innovative technologies to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market is key to success. Whether you're new to mortgage marketing or a seasoned professional, Alec's practical advice and forward-thinking perspectives offer valuable guidance for driving success in this dynamic industry.
Join us as we discuss:The importance of utilizing diverse digital channels such as Instagram, TikTok, and Google to effectively reach and engage with modern consumers.The critical need for marketers to adopt new technologies like AI and move away from outdated methods to remain competitive.The significance of building genuine human connections and maintaining transparent branding to foster trust and loyalty among consumers. -
The future of design isn’t just about function; it’s about fun.
In this episode, we are joined by Soren Iverson, Product Designer at Iterate and creator of the innovative app Stompers. Known for his satirical product interfaces that captivate social media, Soren shares his journey of infusing humor into his work to escape the rigidity of deliverables in the design industry. He discusses the ups and downs of running his business, mastering sales and marketing, and maintaining a work-life balance while also touching on his creative process, emphasizing the importance of unique niches and technological advancements in design.
We also discuss:
The commodification of design due to advancements in technology and AIThe challenges of setting client expectations and managing team dynamics.Why finding unique positioning or specialization in the design industry is key to succeed. -
‘A brand is a living, breathing thing. A stale brand is a dead brand’
In this episode, we are joined by Bob Galmarini, Senior Director of Brand Design at Databricks, as he shares his journey leading a multidisciplinary team of one of the fastest-growing organizations in the tech space, and discusses how his team navigates the challenges of simplifying complex messaging for a technical audience. Bob also addresses the importance of telling brand stories that resonate with the buyers, no matter the complexity of the product or service, and emphasizes the areas where B2B brands can still learn from B2C.
We also discuss:
Why integrating quantitative data with emotional storytelling is key—staying data-informed rather than data-drivenHow AI tools are being utilized to enhance creative workflows, focusing on efficiency, templatizing, and automation.The necessity of finding a balance between top-of-funnel and bottom-of-funnel (BOFU) content to enhance brand awareness and engagement. -
Only 5% of the market is ready to buy, so how do you ensure your brand is at the top of people's minds when they purchase?
In this episode, we are joined by Ian Elliott, the CMO of MAAP, a cutting-edge cycling apparel brand that's redefining the sport with a blend of performance and aesthetics. He delves deep into MAAP's unique approach to community building, the fine balance between brand campaigns and conversion marketing, and the nuances of maintaining authenticity while scaling in a competitive market.
We also discuss:The importance of building strong emotional connections through brand storytelling.The structure and strategy of MAAP's marketing team to achieve significant business impact.The slightly irreverent and no-nonsense spirit that differentiates MAAP in the market. - Montre plus
