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What if some of the advice we've been given about leadership is actually making us worse at leading? After nearly four decades running sales organizations and billion-dollar operations, Larry Coval believes we've become too focused on authenticity, self-awareness, and how leaders feel, and not focused enough on competence, accountability, and helping other people succeed. His new book, Misled, takes aim at some of the most familiar ideas in modern leadership and asks a provocative question: What do people actually need from their leaders?   What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy the multi-billion-dollar leadership development industry is seeing declining employee sentiment despite increased spending on emotional intelligence and soft skills training.How focusing excessively on authenticity and vulnerability without operational competence can backfire for managers and their teams.The hidden pitfalls of hiring strictly for cultural fit and sameness rather than seeking out productive differentiation.Practical ways to shift from acting as an emotional prop for your team to becoming an active upskiller who invests directly in their success.Why traditional corporate meeting culture drains time and energy, and how red-teaming your calendar can give teams their productivity back.Episode Chapters(00:00) Intro(00:54) Welcome Larry Coval(01:33) The Flaws of Emotional Leadership(03:01) What Employees Actually Need(05:00) Fixing Broken Hiring Practices(07:53) Preparing Individual Contributors for Management(13:09) Unpacking Servant Leadership(17:38) Building Competency-Based Leadership Programs(21:12) Eliminating Meeting Culture(24:43) Brand Smile and OutroAbout Larry CovalLarry Coval is an executive leader, coach, and author who has spent nearly four decades running sales organizations and billion-dollar operations. Drawing on his extensive corporate experience, his new book, Misled: Why Almost Everything We Learned About Leadership Is Wrong and How to Fix It, challenges conventional wisdom in leadership development by shifting the focus from emotional states back to skill, competence, and accountability. What Brand Has Made Larry Smile Recently?Larry highlighted Honolulu Pickleball, a small family-owned business that has captured major industry awards against multi-million-dollar competitors through rapid innovation, cutting-edge paddle technology, and exceptional customer care. Resources & LinksConnect with Larry on LinkedIn.Check out his book Misled and his website.Listen & Support the ShowWatch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart.Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show.Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode.Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips.On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The brands we build are shaped by the cultures we build around them. But what happens when the culture tells you that parts of who you are don't quite belong? Arturo Nunez has worked inside some of the world's most influential brands, from Nike and Apple to the NBA and New Bank, and his new book, The Culture Compass, explores what it really takes to lead without leaving yourself behind. We talk about code switching, belonging, ambition and why identity may be one of the most overlooked sources of strategic insight   What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeDiscovering the unwritten rules of corporate culture before trying to rewrite themNavigating code switching without erasing your individual identityRedefining professional norms beyond cultural familiarityThe hidden obsession with detail behind iconic brand ecosystemsEpisode Chapters(00:00) Introduction and guest background(02:08) Learning the unwritten rules of corporate culture(03:08) Code switching versus erasing yourself(06:03) Who gets to define professional norms(13:31) Inside the inspiration culture at Nike(15:18) The siloed obsession and detail at Apple(21:14) Using cultural differences as a strategic advantage(26:33) Outro and book detailsAbout Arturo NunezArturo Nunez is a seasoned marketing executive and author of The Culture Compass. He has held senior leadership roles at some of the world's most influential organizations, including Nike, Apple, Pepsi, and the NBA. Throughout his career, he has focused on connecting global brands with diverse consumer cultures and empowering professionals to lead authentically. What Brand Has Made Arturo Smile Recently?Bad Bunny made Arturo smile recently through his unapologetically authentic global tours and cultural impact, proving that staying true to your roots creates unmatched brand resonance. Resources & LinksConnect with Arturo on LinkedIn and Instagram.Check out his book The Culture Compass and his website.Listen & Support the ShowWatch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart.Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show.Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode.Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips.On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when a brand that once mattered stops mattering? Joey Shamah has spent more than two decades answering that question, from co-founding e.l.f. Cosmetics to building AS Beauty Group through the acquisition and reinvention of brands like Laura Geller, Bliss, CoverFX, and Julep. This week, we're talking about what makes consumers genuinely connect with a brand, how to scale without losing the plot, and what it takes to make a legacy brand relevant again.   What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow confidence directly shapes employee retention and business growthThe crucial difference between authentic confidence and egoWhy two thirds of employees would take a pay cut for supportive leadershipThe three step framework elite athletes use to overcome mistakes fastSimple questions to interrupt self doubt and regain clarityEpisode Chapters(00:00) Intro(00:49) Building From Scratch vs Revitalizing Brands(03:19) Rebranding Without Losing Core Customers(05:17) Cultivating Genuine Consumer Connections(07:11) Disrupting Conventions at e.l.f.(09:16) Balancing Profitability and Brand Growth(11:15) Lessons Learned Across the Entrepreneurial Journey(18:12) Surmounting Misconceptions in Leadership(19:29) Standing Out in a Crowded Market(22:35) Customer Feedback as a Strategic Advantage(25:23) A Brand That Made Him SmileAbout Joey ShamahJoey Shamah is an entrepreneur and executive with over two decades of experience building, acquiring, and revitalizing iconic consumer brands. He co-founded e.l.f. Cosmetics, helping scale the business from a grassroots direct-to-consumer model into a global beauty powerhouse. Today, Joey serves as a principal at AS Beauty Group, where he oversees the acquisition and transformation of heritage beauty brands including Laura Geller, Bliss, CoverFX, and Julep. He is also the CEO of Fit for Life, managing health and wellness accessories under major licensed brands. What Brand Has Made Joey Smile Recently?Joey highlighted Peloton as a brand that makes him smile. As an early adopter who purchased one of the first fifty bikes off Kickstarter, he uses the bike and tread to start his mornings, appreciating both the product experience and the strong community the brand has built around it. Resources & LinksConnect with Joey on LinkedIn.Learn more at the AS Beauty website.Listen & Support the ShowWatch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart.Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show.Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode.Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips.On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens to an organization when people stop believing in themselves? Dr. Cindra Kampoff is a confidence researcher and performance psychology expert who has worked with Minnesota Vikings players and Olympic athletes. Her new best-selling book, The Confidence Habit, explores the surprising connection between confidence, performance, leadership, and even employee retention. On this episode of On Brand, we're gonna talk about why confidence is more than just a personal trait. It may be one of the most important forces shaping how we show up   What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow confidence directly shapes employee retention and business growthThe crucial difference between authentic confidence and egoWhy two thirds of employees would take a pay cut for supportive leadershipThe three step framework elite athletes use to overcome mistakes fastSimple questions to interrupt self doubt and regain clarityEpisode Chapters(00:00) Intro(01:29) Why confidence is an organizational issue(03:11) What a confidence crisis looks like at work(04:30) What employees want from supportive leaders(07:54) The learn burn return framework(10:18) Accelerators and killers of organizational confidence(11:12) Lessons in letting go from elite athletes(17:16) How to train confidence as a habit(19:04) Authentic confidence versus arrogance(21:37) Reframing automatic negative thoughts(26:18) A brand that made Dr. Cindra Kampoff smile(27:53) Where to connect with Dr. Cindra KampoffAbout Cindra KampoffDr. Cindra Kampoff is a recognized confidence researcher, performance psychology expert, and author of The Confidence Habit. She has coached High-performance leaders, Olympic athletes, and players for the Minnesota Vikings, helping them build resilience and mental strength. Through her research and work at the Mentally Strong Institute, Dr. Kampoff provides actionable tools to help individuals and teams transform self-doubt into authentic self-belief. What Brand Has Made Cindra Smile Recently?Cindra smiled recently because of Good Morning America. Following an appearance to discuss her book, she praised the brand for its incredible care, seamless preparation, and welcoming environment during a major career milestone. Resources & LinksConnect with Cindra on LinkedIn.Learn more at Cindra’s website and her new book, The Confidence Habit.Listen & Support the ShowWatch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart.Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show.Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode.Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips.On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens to your voice when everyone has AI helping them find the right words? Gina London, an Emmy-winning former CNN correspondent and author of Amplify You, has coached tens of thousands of professionals around the world on communicating with greater intention. Her message is simple: great communication isn't about becoming louder or becoming someone else. It's about making who you are on the inside come through more powerfully on the outside. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to align your internal values with external behaviors for meaningful impactWhy practicing communication techniques creates a new, authentic baselineHow to use AI tools for writing without losing your distinct personal voiceWays to adapt tone and energy to build trust across different audiencesThe key to balancing professional competence with approachable warmthEpisode Chapters(00:00) Intro(00:51) Amplifying Who You Are(03:26) The Misconception of Natural Talent(05:41) Closing the Perception Gap(10:14) Exercising Communication Muscles(14:11) Lessons on Dialect and Enunciation(19:13) Redefining True Authenticity(23:43) Protecting Your Voice in the AI Era(26:33) Brand That Made Gina SmileAbout Gina LondonGina London is an Emmy Award-winning former CNN correspondent and author of Amplify You. She has coached tens of thousands of executives and professionals worldwide on intentional communication, media strategy, and leadership presence. Drawing on her extensive background in broadcast journalism and international executive coaching, she helps leaders align their internal values with their external behaviors to build authentic connections and drive impact. What Brand Has Made Gina Smile Recently?Haribo gummy candies recently brought a smile to Gina's face. While she does not personally enjoy the taste or texture, picking up a bag serves as a warm reminder of her daughter, who recently moved away to college and loves the whimsical shapes. Resources & LinksConnect with Gina on LinkedIn.Learn more at Gina’s website.Check out his book, Amplify You.Listen & Support the ShowWatch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart.Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show.Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode.Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips.On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Before the first Apple Store opened, the experts said it would fail within a year. But Ron Johnson saw a different story. As the retail pioneer who worked directly alongside Steve Jobs to build the Apple Store from scratch, Ron transformed retail from a simple transaction into an immersive experience. He also pioneered Target's famous high design partnerships and founded Enjoy. In this episode, we take a look at what it really takes to build a physical space and leadership lessons learned directly from Steve Jobs. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Apple delayed its retail launch six months to redesign around the digital hub How Steve Jobs applied Pixar storytelling principles to physical store design Why total trust and customer experience matter more than online transaction speed What direct-to-consumer brands get wrong when attempting physical retail expansion Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:08) Challenging the Dot-Com Retail Consensus (05:07) Co-Creating Space in a Secret Warehouse (09:31) Designing for Ease of Use and Tactile Discovery (12:07) The Digital Hub Rewind (17:23) Focus and Execution Lessons from Steve Jobs (21:50) The Reality of Modern Omnichannel Retail (28:39) A Brand That Made Ron Johnson Smile About Ron Johnson Ron Johnson is a retail pioneer best known for co-creating the Apple Store alongside Steve Jobs, where he served as Senior Vice President of Retail Operations. Throughout his career, he has transformed customer experiences across major brands, pioneering Target’s famous high-design partnerships, leading JCPenney, and founding Enjoy. His upcoming book, Shop Different, details the leadership, design, and innovation principles behind some of the world’s most iconic physical spaces. What Brand Has Made Ron Smile Recently? Ron Johnson highlighted Sixt, the European car rental company, for its energetic branding, bright orange store design, and clever marketing that consistently features a subtle, engaging wink. Resources & Links Connect with Ron on LinkedIn. Learn more at Ron’s website. Check out his book, Shop Different. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Listen & Support the ShowSign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the biggest threat to your organization isn't disruption from the outside, but the way you operate inside? Tom Dennis argues that many companies have become overcontrolled and disconnected from the things that make organizations resilient: trust, adaptability, and human connection. A former Royal Marines officer, he's the founder and CEO of Serenity and Leadership and author of Rewilding the Corporate Mind. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why relying on rigid control creates hidden organizational fragility How Nelson’s naval strategies offer a modern template for leadership trust What self-awareness reveals about your unconscious management habits Why psychological safety drastically reduces costly operational mistakes How setting up the right environment allows you to step back and let go Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:17) Rewilding as a Business Metaphor (03:33) Military Strategy and Delegated Initiative (07:52) The Power of Leadership Self-Awareness (10:46) Overcoming the Urge to Micromanage (13:27) Cultivating Psychological Safety (19:34) Navigating Cultural Resistance at the Top (24:40) A Brand That Made Him Smile About Thom Dennis Thom Dennis is a former Royal Marines officer and the founder and CEO of Serenity in Leadership. With over 30 years of experience helping executives rethink how they lead, Thom is the author of Rewilding the Corporate Mind. He specializes in helping organizations move away from rigid command-and-control structures toward cultures built on adaptability, psychological safety, and trust. What Brand Has Made Thom Smile Recently? Thom smiled thinking about Cadbury’s classic gorilla drum-solo commercial set to Phil Collins. While he laments how corporate acquisitions changed the company’s original Quaker-led approach to caring for people, the pure joy of that iconic campaign still stands out. Resources & Links Connect with Thom on LinkedIn. Learn more about Serenity in Leadership. Check out his book, Rewilding the Corporate Mind. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI may be everywhere, but Brian Herr says the technology itself isn't the competitive advantage. The real moat, he argues, is data, distribution, and trust. As founder and CEO of Starting Blocks and managing partner at HHI Advisory Group, Brian helps startups, scale ups, and portfolio companies grow while also advising organizations on secure adoption. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How data distribution and trust serve as true competitive moats in the AI era Why software wrappers fail without core business fundamentals and strategy How transparent, auditable AI processes protect brand credibility and trust How agile small teams leverage AI augmentation to outperform larger competitors How shared AI knowledge networks accelerate cross-functional team velocity Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:55) Defining the AI Moat (03:11) SAAS-pocalypse and Business Fundamentals (05:53) Building Trust in Technology (09:30) Responsible AI in Practice (12:28) Balancing Speed and Trust (17:23) Effective AI Startup Strategies (21:45) What We Overestimate in AI (24:18) Brand That Made Brian Smile About Brian Herr Brian Herr is the founder and CEO of Starting Blocks and managing partner at HHI Advisory Group. With extensive experience as an operator, executive, advisor, investor, and scout, Brian guides startups, scale-ups, and portfolio companies through growth and secure technology adoption. What Brand Has Made Brian Smile Recently? Filmlink, a Detroit-based company, made Brian smile recently by solving distribution and visibility challenges for the independent film industry. Their scrappy, enthusiastic approach to building a brand that connects independent filmmakers with audiences creates authentic support and excitement. Resources & Links Connect with Brian on LinkedIn. Learn more about ⁠HHI Advisory Group⁠ and ⁠Starting Blocks⁠. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leaders have more advice, tools, and resources than ever. So why are so many still overwhelmed? Don Gregori says we've been missing the bigger picture. He's the COO of First Factory and author of The Emergent Leader, a book about leadership, self-mastery, and building a strong brand. We're talking about what it takes to become a leader and build something that really lasts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How building yourself and building a brand are the exact same project Why empathy needs to be treated as a hard skill for managers What separates "emergent" leadership from static management models How to avoid getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of new tech tools Why AI should serve the individual rather than replace human judgement Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:46) Building Yourself vs Building a Brand (04:30) Empathy as a Core Management Skill (06:08) Defining the Emergent Leader (09:34) Navigating Modern Information Overload (12:32) Managing Stress and Fear in Leadership (18:33) The Theater and Business Connection (22:34) Managing AI and the Human Element (28:44) A Brand That Made Don Smile About Don Gregori Don Gregori is the Chief Operating Officer of First Factory, a nearshore software development firm, and the author of The Emergent Leader. With a background spanning technology, strategy, and the performing arts, he focuses on self-mastery, organizational culture, and navigating rapid industry change through empathetic leadership. What Brand Has Made Don Smile Recently? During a recent trip to Maine, Don was brought a smile by Gelato Fiasco—a local favorite in Brunswick—and Middle East Coast, a regional brand making exceptional tahini-forward hummus. Resources & Links Connect with Don on LinkedIn. Check out his book, The Emergent Leader. Learn more on his website. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Listen & Support the Show Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What can happen in 30 seconds? For Linda Kaplan Thaler, quite a lot. She’s the creative force behind some of the advertising world’s most unforgettable ideas, from the Aflac duck to “I don’t want to grow up, I’m a Toys R Us kid.” Now, in her new book, My Life in 30 Seconds, Linda looks at the small moments that can change a career or even a life. She’s here to talk about creativity, resilience, leadership, and why sometimes the smallest ideas can make the biggest impact. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How distilling complex messages into 30-second constraints drives massive brand awareness Why adopting an improv “yes, and” mindset unlocks breakthrough team creativity How taking bold, fearless pitches to conservative clients can rescue dying brands Why replacing standard networking with “nice working” yields long-term career returns How human creativity retains its edge in an era of rapid AI adoption Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:49) Welcome Linda Kaplan Thaler (02:42) The Power of 30-Second Distillation (03:43) Pitching Herbal Essences and Bold Ideas (06:46) Writing the Iconic Toys R Us Jingle (10:55) Applying Improv Rules to Business Creativity (11:51) Creating the Aflac Duck (16:23) Building Agency Culture Through Kindness (18:13) Human Creativity in the Age of AI (23:12) The Difference Between Networking and Nice Working (24:28) A Brand That Made Linda Smile About Linda Kaplan Thaler Linda Kaplan Thaler is a legendary advertising executive, author, and speaker responsible for some of the most iconic pop-culture campaigns in history, including the Aflac duck and the Toys R Us jingle. As the co-founder of the Kaplan Thaler Group, she helped build one of the fastest-growing agencies in the United States, scaling it from scratch to over a billion dollars in billings. A master of message distillation and creative leadership, her latest book, My Life in 30 Seconds, explores how micro-moments and rapid insights shape extraordinary careers. What Brand Has Made Linda Smile Recently? Recently, Linda has been smiling at Progressive Insurance for their long-running campaign warning homeowners not to turn into their parents. She loves the humor and stand-up performance driving the spots, pointing out that even when an ad makes you laugh before you remember the exact name, the sheer joy and entertainment value make it stand out in a low-interest category. Resources & Links Connect with Linda on LinkedIn. Check out her book, My Life in 30 Seconds. Learn more on her website. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most conversations about AI focus on the technology. David Dean thinks we're looking in the wrong place. In his new book, An Inbox Between Us, AI and the Reality of Modern Work, he argues that AI is acting like a mirror, revealing the hidden workarounds, decision-making, and human judgment that have always kept organizations running. Today, we're talking about what leaders can learn from that reflection. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why AI functions as an organizational mirror that exposes hidden workarounds and human judgment How the majority of workers operate as AI survivalists rather than power users The hidden cost of the retry tax when over-relying on automated outputs Why human intuition and lived consequence remain irreplaceable in critical decision-making How to avoid industrializing existing workplace dysfunction with new technology Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:36) AI as an Organizational Mirror (05:11) Navigating the Productivity Maxing Trait (09:01) The AI Survivalist and Adoption Realities (11:19) Understanding the Hidden Retry Tax (13:21) How Organizations Rely on Workarounds (17:20) Tech Problems versus Behavioral Problems (19:56) Why Human Judgment Outlasts Automation (23:40) Authenticity as the Ultimate Leadership Skill (25:19) A Brand That Made Him Smile About Bill Sherman David Dean is an author, productivity solution designer, and change management practitioner focused on the intersection of human behavior and emerging technology. In his book, An Inbox Between Us: AI and the Reality of Modern Work, he examines how enterprise technology impacts ground-level teams across HR, finance, and operations. Drawing on years of experience analyzing workplace workflows, David helps organizational leaders navigate digital transformation by focusing on human judgment, authentic leadership, and practical operational discovery. What Brand Has Made David Smile Recently? A brand that made David smile recently is Marvel. After taking his son to see the newest Spider-Man movie, he appreciated how the brand continues to craft engaging experiences that bring families together and build lasting memories. Resources & Links Connect with David on LinkedIn.Learn more on his website. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it really take to turn expertise into influence? My guest this week has spent the last two decades answering that very question. Bill Sherman is the COO of Thought Leadership Leverage and co-author of the Thought Leadership Handbook. His journey into thought leadership began with a simple question from a Fortune 500 executive. How do I scale the ideas in my book? Since then, he's helped organizations and experts transform ideas into impact. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why practice matters more than how in thought leadership The five distinct avatars of thought leadership How the growth-minded CEO opens new doors Why silence in a noisy world is never neutral How to simplify complex concepts so they stay memorable Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:35) The Five Thought Leadership Avatars (05:13) Breaking Down the Avatars from CEO to Legacy (08:25) Matching Strategy to Your Personal Brand (14:03) Why Ideas Can't Speak for Themselves (17:49) Creating a Platform Identity for Your Work (23:43) Why Silence is Never Neutral in Turbulent Times (29:32) A Brand That Made Bill Smile About Bill Sherman Bill Sherman is the COO of Thought Leadership Leverage and co-author of the Thought Leadership Handbook. Over the last two decades, he has helped organizations, Fortune 500 executives, and independent experts scale their ideas, transform insights into strategy, and build sustainable impact. He also co-hosts the Thought Leadership Podcast, where he explores the mechanics of turning deep expertise into widespread influence. What Brand Has Made Bill Smile Recently? Bill recently smiled at Pirate Ship, an online shipping service that simplifies sending author copies of his book right from his front door. He loves their delightful, pirate-themed user interface and how effortlessly the service eliminates the hassle of traditional post office runs. Resources & Links Connect with Bill on LinkedIn. Learn more on his website. Check out his book, The Thought Leadership Handbook. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if AI isn't just changing marketing, but changing what a brand actually is? Melissa Jackson-Parsey has spent her career helping some of the world's most recognizable organizations reinvent themselves at the intersection of strategy, creativity, technology, and experience. As Global Chief Strategy Officer at RGA, She leads a worldwide team shaping brands for the intelligence age, from rebooting Android to launching the new sports streaming brand from ESPN, Fox, and Warner Brothers Discovery. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why building brands for AI agents requires context over cleverness How to shift marketing focus from single campaigns to generating intelligent systems The critical difference between bottom line efficiency and top line growth in the AI age Why modern talent needs to evolve from T-shaped to M-shaped expertise How the craft of human taste prevents brand slop Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:45) What Endless Tech Evolution Hasn’t Changed About Brand Building (02:06) Encoding Brands for Machines, Agents, and Markdown Files (06:05) How AI is Changing What a Brand Actually Is (08:36) Moving from Making Campaigns to Making Intelligent Systems (12:08) Human Value, Critical Thinking, and the Role of Taste (16:33) The Biggest Strategic AI Mistake Brands Make Today (20:12) Cultivating M-Shaped Talent and the Future of Skillsets (24:41) A Brand That Made MJP Smile About Melissa Jackson Parsey Melissa Jackson Parsey is the Global Chief Strategy Officer at R/GA, having worked at the forefront of brand, innovation, and experience design across three continents. She leads a global team of strategists, designers, coders, and writers, accountable for shaping brands and experiences that add value to people and businesses. In the past year, they’ve rebooted the world's largest operating system brand, Android, and created the much-anticipated live sports streaming brand from ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Over the course of her career, she’s led brand transformation initiatives for a broad array of organizations, including Microsoft, Under Armour, Google, IBM, the UN, and for Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson’s portfolio. What Brand Has Made Melissa Smile Recently? Melissa shared her appreciation for the brand identity work created for the Amazon rainforest. The team mapped the literal curvature of the Amazon River to craft a custom typeface and visual identity system, blending deep environmental context with exquisite design craft. Resources & Links Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn. Check out the R/GA website. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if the qualities we call “uncommon leadership” are actually the ones that should be ordinary? After leading at IBM, AT&T, Pitney Bowes, SuperValu, and Walmart through decades of transformation, Keith Wyche argues that the leaders who endure aren't simply the smartest or the most innovative—they're the ones who consistently lead with integrity, humility, and trust. His new book, Uncommon Leadership, is both a call to higher standards and a practical guide for leading people through change. What You'll Learn The four Rs required to guide teams through rapid industry transformation Why trust equals character times competency times consistency How to distinguish real character from captivating charisma in executive selection The simple question frontline associates need to be asked during store visits How managing imbalance replaces the impossible myth of work balance Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:10) Leading Through Decades of Corporate Transformation (01:52) The Four Rs of Navigating Organizational Change (03:04) The Steep Decline of Trust in Modern Leadership (04:49) The Simple Formula for Building Real Trust (06:05) Why True Leadership Demands Character Over Charisma (11:10) Moving Beyond Results to Value Human Capital (12:38) How Vulnerability and Listening Transform Team Culture (18:17) Simplifying What Matters Most in Strategic Communication (20:27) Managing Imbalance to Protect Energy and Prevent Burnout (22:25) Planting Trees and Building a Lasting Leadership Legacy About Keith Wyche Keith Wyche is a seasoned corporate executive and author who has led major operational transformations across global organizations, including IBM, AT&T, Pitney Bowes, Supervalu, and Walmart. With decades of executive leadership experience, he focuses on helping leaders navigate disruptive change, cultivate authentic trust, and build cultures grounded in character, humility, and human capital. His latest book, “Uncommon Leadership,” provides a practical guide for modern leaders striving to elevate organizational standards and leave a lasting legacy. What Brand Has Made Keith Smile Recently? Walmart recently made Keith smile by launching an upskilling initiative that retrains hourly associates for skilled trades such as electrical work, HVAC, and plumbing. By creating clear pathways for associates to transition into high-demand technical roles as automation evolves, the brand demonstrates how major employers can invest directly in human capital and long-term economic mobility. Resources & Links Connect with Keith on LinkedIn, Instagram, Substack, and his website. Listen and Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you go from producing Dirty Dancing to building the global Mortal Kombat franchise? Today’s guest, legendary producer Larry Kasanoff, has raised over a billion dollars by embracing what others call a little bit crazy. He has shaped the entertainment landscape by constantly fighting the current of mediocrity. Today, we are breaking down how to lead through massive industry shifts and build brands that stand the test of time. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to identify the core essence of a brand so you can stretch it across different media successfully Why fostering a state of play is essential for leading creative teams and sparking innovation The importance of asking anyone anything to advance your projects and overcome creative barriers How to balance emerging technologies like AI with the enduring human elements of storytelling Why embracing a touch of the madness helps you fight the pull of mediocrity in your work Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:08) Finding the Essence of Enduring Global Brands (04:41) Protecting the Brand and Knowing When to Say No (06:24) Embracing a Touch of the Madness in Leadership (08:13) The Create Ask Play Framework (10:20) The Origins of a Touch of the Madness (14:08) Balancing New Technologies with Timeless Storytelling (16:49) Leading Like a Visionary and the Value of Play (26:51) The Brand That Made Our Guest Smile About Larry Kasanoff Larry Kasanoff is a legendary producer who has raised over a billion dollars and shaped the entertainment landscape. He is known for building enduring global franchises across movies, video games, theme parks, and music, including the massive Mortal Kombat brand. Beginning his career as head of production at Vestron, he greenlit the Academy Award-winning film Platoon and has since led major tech shifts in the industry. Larry is the author of A Touch of the Madness, where he shares his philosophy on fighting mediocrity and taking bold creative risks. What Brand Has Made Larry Smile Recently? Larry recently smiled thinking about Sennelier, a historic French brand of pastels. As someone who enjoys drawing, he visited their store in Paris and was captivated by the brand’s enduring story. Now, whenever he sees his Sennelier pastels on his work table, it brings a smile to his face. Resources & Links Connect with Larry on LinkedIn and his website. Learn more about Larry’s company, Threshold Entertainment Group. Check out his new book, A Touch of the Madness. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.