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Mark Lester and David Lester are brothers who have turned a shared history of high-level brand strategy into a family legacy of innovation. David is the co-founder of OLIPOP, the prebiotic soda that has fundamentally changed the beverage landscape by blending gut-health science with the nostalgia of a classic cola. Mark, co-founder of the consultancy Squint, has spent his career at R/GA and We Are Pi shaping the strategic direction of global icons like Nike and Samsung. Together, they represent a unique bridge between the rigor of global brand building and the intuition required to launch a category-defining startup. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The hidden strategy of finding category value in plain sight How to break only one rule really hard to drive innovation Lessons from building a billion-dollar brand using global marketing rigor Why the discovery channel of the retail store still beats direct-to-consumer The unique dynamic of using brotherly advice to jump into the entrepreneurial unknown Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:24) Growing up in Northern England with entrepreneurial roots (04:28) The Nashville hike that launched a business partnership (06:59) Concepts for innovation and the "break one rule" mantra (12:29) The philosophy of Squint and finding hidden value (15:15) Managing the shift from family connection to business collaboration (18:02) Navigating the pivot from D2C back to retail discovery (24:48) Lessons in building brands for scale from the very beginning (28:11) Brands that make the Lester brothers smile About David Lester and Mark Lester David Lester is the co-founder of OLIPOP, the prebiotic soda brand that has achieved over half a billion dollars in sales by blending gut-health benefits with classic nostalgia. Before turning his focus to functional beverages, David spent a decade in global innovation and marketing at Diageo, working across three continents to master the discipline of consumer goods. Mark Lester is the co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Squint, a strategic brand consultancy that helps global icons like Nike and Netflix unlock hidden value. With a background at R/GA and We Are Pi, Mark brings twenty years of big-brand experience to the challenge of category disruption. What Brands Have Made David and Mark Smile Recently? The brothers recently shared a smile over the enduring power of brand nostalgia and personality. Mark is energized by the intelligent copywriting of David protein bars and the experience-led branding of Duolingo, while David finds joy in the community-built legacy of Atlanta's Octane Coffee and the timeless playfulness of Nintendo. Resources & Links Connect with David and Mark on LinkedIn. Learn more about Squint and OLIPOP. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The customer experience often feels like a series of accidental encounters, but Jeannie Walters argues it is actually the ultimate competitive lever. With over twenty years of experience helping brands like JPMorgan Chase and SAP, she moves beyond vague buzzwords to show how leaders can intentionally design every moment of the journey. Her new book reveals why experience is the only sustainable way to boost revenue and outpace the competition in a crowded market. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to move beyond vague buzzwords to intentionally design every moment of the customer journey The three-part framework for success that combines mindset with strategy and discipline Why the biggest myth in regulated industries is that you can’t innovate the experience How to identify micro-moments to proactively reduce customer anxiety and build trust The secret to balancing high-tech AI tools with a necessary sense of humanity Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:10) Moving beyond the fear of experience being everything (03:19) Why nice is not a strategy (05:33) Aligning the brand promise with the customer mission (09:19) Disrupting the status quo in regulated industries (15:20) Finding the micro-moments that matter (20:01) Designing for emotional highs and lows (23:39) Managing empathy as a finite resource (28:11) Where to connect with Jeannie About Jeannie Walters Jeannie Walters, CCXP, CSP, is a certified customer experience expert, CEO of Experience Investigators, and an international keynote speaker with over 20 years of impact across industries ranging from healthcare to hospitality. She has led transformative efforts for global brands like JPMorgan Chase and SAP and has reached over half a million learners through her LinkedIn Learning courses. Jeannie is the author of the book Experience Is Everything, where she reveals how leaders can boost performance and revenue by making customer experience their greatest competitive advantage. What Brand Has Made Jeannie Smile Recently? Costco recently caught Jeannie’s attention not just for their consistent warehouse experience, but for their proactive approach to the housing crisis in California. By building apartments directly on top of a new warehouse location, they are investing in the literal foundation of their community, creating a virtuous cycle of loyalty that extends far beyond the checkout line. Resources & Links Connect with Jeannie on LinkedIn and her website, Experience Investigators. Check out her new book, Experience Is Everything. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Personal branding often feels like a race to see who can shout the loudest, but Vanessa Errecarte is changing the script. The CEO of Marketing Simplified and author of the new book Valuable & Visible joins the show to discuss her framework for building influence without the “look at me” self-promotion. We dive into how leaders can move past the management myth of image-first branding to focus on a values-driven approach that prioritizes impact and clarifies your true professional value. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why almost everyone hates self-promotion and how to reframe branding as a service-first act of marketing courage. Why your personal brand is your ultimate insurance policy in a volatile, AI-driven market. How to clarify your unique value "line" so that AI and human recruiters categorize you as a premium asset. Why you need a simple personal website to protect your professional identity from the whims of social media algorithms. How to move from just giving information to providing unique interpretation that stops the scroll. Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro: The race to shout the loudest (01:31) Busting the biggest personal branding myths (02:27) It’s about the customer, not “me, me, me” (05:03) Bringing your whole self to work (09:00) Stepping out to say “I can help” (11:57) Cultural identity and professional value (15:54) Redefining significance in your career (24:53) Why keywords are becoming concepts (26:41) What brand has made Vanessa smile recently? About Vanessa Errecarte Vanessa Errecarte is an award-winning marketing consultant, an MBA educator, and the CEO of Marketing Simplified. She created and teaches one of the nation’s only for-credit MBA courses in personal branding at the UC Davis Graduate School of Management, where she has twice been named Teacher of the Year. For more than two decades, Vanessa has helped thousands of organizations and professionals clarify their value, stand out, and create meaningful impact. In her book, Valuable & Visible: Redefining Personal Branding by Putting Impact Over Image (out May 5, 2026), Vanessa reframes personal branding for professionals who want influence without the "cringe" of self-promotion. What Brand Has Made Vanessa Smile Recently? Vanessa highlighted Liquid Death for its ability to take the most boring product in the world—plain water—and give it its “own line” through bold, conceptual branding. She finds inspiration in how they use an aluminum can and a unique point of view to make a commodity feel exciting without needing a traditional mascot. Resources & Links Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn and her website, Marketing Simplified. Check out her new book, Valuable & Visible. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We often treat our attention like a machine to be controlled, focusing only on the metrics that drive immediate results. But we have an attentional health problem. We are starving our organizations of the relational connection they need to truly thrive. Today, the author of The Culture Code, Daniel Coyle, joins us to discuss his new book, Flourish. We are moving beyond the boardroom to explore how we can design environments of belonging, joy, and vitality by shifting our focus from narrow control to deep, human connection. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to balance narrow focus with relational attention to improve your attentional health Why embracing a certain level of friction and annoyance is the essential price of building real community The leadership play of framing horizons and guardrails rather than dictating specific answers How to move from a culture of coercion to one of curiosity by asking the simple question what is your story Why the most effective leaders act as designers who spotlight and celebrate organic growth Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:18) The Westergaard Code and guiding attention (03:53) Understanding the two systems of attention (06:49) Attentional health and the blueprint for flourishing (09:11) Creating connective energy and mattering (13:28) Why we are terrible at predicting social joy (18:54) Designing community through the longest lunch in Paris (23:13) Leadership as a design function and the power of small groups (25:31) Practicing patience and spotlighting what works (27:47) Brand that makes Daniel Coyle smile About Daniel Coyle Daniel Coyle is the New York Times bestselling author of The Culture Code, which was named Best Business Book of the Year by Bloomberg, BookPal, and Business Insider. He has served as an advisor to many high-performing organizations, including the Navy SEALs, Microsoft, Google, and the Cleveland Guardians. His extensive body of work includes The Talent Code, The Secret Race, The Little Book of Talent, and Hardball, which was adapted into a major motion picture. In his latest work, Flourish, Coyle draws from rigorous reporting and scientific research to offer a practical blueprint for cultivating a life of belonging, joy, and vitality. What Brand Has Made Daniel Smile Recently? Daniel Coyle recently found himself smiling at Martin Guitars. After acquiring his first one, he was struck by the brand's deep interweaving with the fabric of American music, noting how even the lyrics to the classic song “The Weight” were inspired by the brand's Nazareth, Pennsylvania, roots. For Coyle, the way people care for these instruments and their storied history makes being around the brand feel genuinely good. Resources & Links Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn. Check out his new book, Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We spend most of our lives working, yet so many of us have been taught that “ambition” has to come at the cost of our health and our weekends. On this episode of On Brand, I’m joined by Amy Leneker, a leadership consultant who has helped over 100,000 leaders move from soul-crushing burnout to what she calls “The Un-Stressing Method.” We’re diving into her upcoming book, Cheers to Monday, to discuss why finding joy is actually a high-performance business strategy and how leaders can finally break the cycle of exhaustion to connect more authentically with their teams and their brands. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why modern culture gets the definition of resilience unequivocally wrong and how overusing work ethic can become a leadership weakness How to navigate the Un-Stressing Method by seeing stress through the lens of importance and control before sorting it into actionable categories The specific reason celebration is a non-negotiable step for high-achieving leaders and why it is a leading driver of joy at work The results of a national workforce study revealing the startling gap between the number of executives who need joy to perform and those who actually feel it How to apply the ABCs of Joy—Awareness, Breath, and Connection—to build a buffer against future stress and improve team performance Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:23) Surviving burnout twice (02:13) Why culture gets resilience wrong (04:33) The Un-Stressing Method framework (05:55) Celebrating small wins (08:55) Confetti cannons and authentic appreciation (11:26) Joy as a smart business strategy (13:52) The ABCs of Joy: Awareness, Breath, Connection (17:38) Communicating stress to your team (19:52) Managing the Sunday night dread (22:30) Why "loving your job" is a myth (23:51) A brand that made her smile (25:20) Where to find Amy About Amy Leneker Amy Leneker is a leadership consultant and the author of Cheers to Monday. Having helped over 100,000 leaders and teams—including those at Fortune 100 companies—she specializes in science-backed roadmaps to break free from burnout. With over 25 years of leadership experience and a decade in the C-suite, Amy’s work is deeply informed by her own personal journey of surviving burnout twice. She has studied at Yale, the NeuroLeadership Institute, and Harvard Medical School to help others succeed without sacrificing their health or their weekends. What Brand Has Made Amy Smile Recently? Amy shared her love for Costco, a brand she actually worked for during her college years before the era of scanners. She highlighted how the company’s core values show up in everything they do, making it one of her favorite places to shop today. Resources & Links Connect with Amy on LinkedIn. Check out her website and new book, Cheers to Monday. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A creative vision is only as good as its execution. As the Vice President of Creative at Agency EA, Joanna Badamo leads the teams behind major experiential programs for brands like Samsung, Hilton, and Molson Coors. Joanna joins the show to discuss how to lead creative teams in fast-moving environments and the art of translating high-level brand strategy into physical experiences that actually work. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How software-based companies can create tactile connections with an audience separated by screens The essential building blocks for moving a digital-first brand into a physical environment Why small curated moments are often more impactful than grand spectacles How to leverage AI as a wheel greaser for creative teams rather than an end result The shift from monologue-centered branding to creating multidimensional ecosystems of interaction Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:36) Moving from sports marketing to the experiential side (03:24) Making intangible software brands feel real (05:17) The building blocks of a physical brand presence (08:12) Creating environments that transport and immerse (12:52) Measuring success and collecting strategic data (16:19) Finding creativity within real-world constraints (21:34) AI as an ally and facilitator for creative teams (25:11) A brand that made Joanna smile About Joanna Badamo Joanna Badamo is the Vice President of Creative at Agency EA, where she leads teams responsible for developing creative concepts and digital solutions for major experiential brand programs. With over a decade of experience spanning creative strategy and event account management, she brings a balanced approach to designing experiences for global brands including Samsung, Hilton, and Molson Coors. Her work focuses on the belief that the best brand moments thoughtfully balance high-level vision with functional, real-world execution. What Brand Has Made Joanna Smile Recently? Joanna highlighted the unhinged brilliance of Duolingo, noting how the brand’s "mind sorcery" and relatable TikTok presence create a deep sense of connection and obligation. She also pointed to a clever, cheeky Super Bowl activation by Aldi featuring Lewis Capaldi, which proved that an experience doesn’t need to be over-produced to be special and memorable. Resources & Links Connect with Joanna on LinkedIn. Check out the Agency EA 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We often hear that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but NéAndré Broussard knows that the cover is exactly where the story begins. After a career leading in the financial services industry, NéAndré founded Black Menswear and BMW Digital to do more than just change clothes—he’s changing the conversation around the African American male consumer. By moving from life insurance to life-changing narratives, he is building a brand rooted in community, economic growth, and the quiet power of a well-tailored story. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How the science of enclothed cognition can increase your cognitive ability and performance Why your brand story should always cast the consumer as the hero rather than the product The strategy of using traveling flash mobs to move digital communities into real-world connections How to navigate the "no, maybe not now" moments in high-level brand consulting Why long-term creator partnerships outperform one-off endorsements for authentic brand recognition Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:44) Elevating the Perception of Black Men (04:11) The Community-First Approach to Agency Work (05:55) The Science of Enclothed Cognition (10:30) The Suit as a Superhero Costume (13:57) Finding Brands Ready for Purposeful Storytelling (17:14) Case Study: Woodford Reserve and the Black Jockey History (22:52) Prioritizing Creator Value and Economic Growth About NéAndré Broussard NéAndré Broussard is the CEO of BMW Digital and the founder of Black Menswear, a cultural impact agency focused on shaping positive narratives for Black creators. By leveraging the power of “enclothed cognition,” NeAndre helps men find their tribe and walk with greater confidence through real-world “traveling flash mobs” and digital storytelling. A former financial services leader, he now hosts The Check-In With Black Menswear on the Revolt Network and consults for major brands like Woodford Reserve and Spectrum to create authentic community connections. What Brand Has Made NéAndré Smile Recently? NéAndré recently found inspiration in Spectrum for their commitment to a five-part series highlighting Black-owned businesses in Dallas. He was particularly impressed by the brand’s willingness to tell real, authentic stories of underrepresented groups during a time when many organizations are pulling back from representative campaigns. Resources & Links Connect with NéAndré on LinkedIn. Check out the Black Menswear 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Building a brand is about more than just what happens in the marketplace—it’s about what happens in the hallway. On this episode of On Brand, I’m joined by Josh Block, President of Block Imaging and author of People Matter @ Work, to explore why the health of your internal culture is the ultimate predictor of your brand’s external strength. Josh shares his journey of taking over a family business at 29 and the hard lessons he learned about how “responsible” decisions can fracture trust, and how he ultimately scaled a global organization by operationalizing the belief that people truly matter. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to identify the small well-intentioned decisions that quietly erode trust before performance slips The difference between unearthing authentic values and picking generic ones off a poster Why the shift from me leadership to we leadership requires the humility to democratize capabilities How to use the laughter test as a rapid diagnostic for the health and safety of your culture The internal work required to move from healthcare business to a mission-driven second chance at life Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:41) Why Culture is the Ultimate Predictor of Brand Strength (02:41) The Erosion of Trust in Well-Intentioned Decisions (04:22) Why Culture Collapses Quietly Long Before Performance (07:34) Moving Beyond Soft Skills to Cultural Systems (09:15) The Shift from Me Leadership to We Leadership (12:46) When Correct Decisions are Culturally Costly (14:52) How to Operationalize Values Without the Posters (16:53) Building Brand from the Inside Out Through Storytelling (22:17) The Laughter Test for Cultural Health (24:30) A Brand That Made the Guest Smile About Josh Block Josh Block is the President of Block Imaging and the author of People Matter @ Work. With nearly three decades of experience, Josh has navigated the complexities of scaling a global organization while maintaining a deep focus on the transformative power of workplace communities. After being handed the presidency of his family’s company at age 29, he learned firsthand how leadership pressure can fracture trust and spent the subsequent years refining a system of transparency and shared ownership. Today, he leads a team dedicated to providing a second chance at life through medical imaging services, proving that organizational growth and human connection are inextricably linked. What Brand Has Made Josh Smile Recently? Josh recently found himself smiling during his buying experience at a Tesla dealership. Comparing the typical dread of a car dealership to a visit to the dentist, he was impressed by the smooth user interface and the high level of service orientation throughout the process. The seamless connection and modern approach to the traditional car-buying journey left a lasting positive impression on him. Resources & Links Connect with Josh on LinkedIn. Check out his book, People Matter @ Work. Learn more about his family business, Block Imaging, where the ideas in the book were forged. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve all been told to just be yourself. But psychologist and author Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic—Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup and professor at UCL and Columbia—says that’s the worst advice you can take. In his new book, Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead), he reveals why our obsession with authenticity is holding us back—and what actually leads to success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why "just being yourself" is often the worst professional advice you can receive The coffee drinker model for balancing your raw personality with social expectations How to use emotional intelligence as a strategic filter for better leadership Why high-performing leaders often act more like method actors than authentic versions of themselves How to navigate the tension between human authenticity and AI-generated content Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:21) The Myth of Objective Authenticity (02:50) Leaders as Method Actors (04:01) Comparing Personal and Restaurant Brands (05:53) The Rigidity of "Telling It Like It Is" (07:06) Understanding Authenticity Traps (10:11) Emotional Intelligence vs. Authenticity (13:22) The Coffee Drinker Model Explained (15:35) Adaptability in the Workplace (18:14) Cultural Differences in Authenticity (22:27) Authenticity in the Age of AI (26:43) Why Benetton Made Him Smile About Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic is the Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup, a professor of business psychology at University College London and at Columbia University, a cofounder of Deeper Signals, and an associate at Harvard's Entrepreneurial Finance Lab. He is the author of several books, including Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders? (and How to Fix It), upon which his popular TEDx talk was based, and I, Human: AI, Automation, and the Quest to Reclaim What Makes Us Unique. What Brand Has Made Tomas Smile Recently? Tomas recently found inspiration in the history of the Italian fashion brand Benetton. He was fascinated by the brand's founder, Luciano Benetton, who pioneered fast fashion and used provocative, moral-driven advertising campaigns to address diversity and inclusion long before they were mainstream corporate pillars. Resources & Links Connect with Tomas on LinkedIn. Check out his book, Don't Be Yourself, the Manpower website, and his own Dr. Tomas 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. Listen & Support the ShowUntil next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Design is about more than just how something looks—it’s about how it works for the people using it. On this episode of On Brand, I’m joined by Lee Hoddy, Executive Creative Director at Conran Design Group, to discuss how experience-led design can solve complex brand problems. We’ll dive into how he leads multi-disciplinary teams to create meaningful work for global names like Sofitel and AstraZeneca, and why every great brand starts with a deep understanding of human needs, wants, and motivations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode - How to map emotional friction points to find the gold in a brand experience - Why the pursuit of human endeavor is the key to branding functional industries like pharma - The reason storytelling acts as a sticky DNA thread across physical and digital touchpoints - How to conduct a multidisciplinary orchestra by surfacing the ambition in every brief - Why original ideas are the only way to escape the sea of sameness in an AI-driven world Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:22) Getting to the heart of human motivations (02:43) Mapping emotional micro-moments (04:54) Humanizing corporate and functional brands (06:39) Using storytelling as a brand DNA thread (10:53) Leading multidisciplinary creative teams (14:35) Creating the Brief 2.0 (17:31) AI and the currency of original ideas (24:14) A brand that made him smile (27:41) Outro About Lee Hoddy Lee Hoddy is the Executive Creative Director at Conran Design Group, where he is responsible for maintaining creative standards and solving brand problems through experience-led design. With a career spanning decades, Lee has lived through major industry shifts, enabling him to lead diverse teams of designers, strategists, and experience experts like a conducted orchestra. He has spearheaded major rebranding programs for global names such as Sofitel, AstraZeneca, and Bicester Motion, always focusing on the deep understanding of human needs to create meaningful, strategically grounded work. What Brand Has Made Lee Smile Recently? Lee recently found joy in the "Venture Beyond" campaign by Hermes, noting its use of evocative illustrations and artisanal craft that respects the audience's intelligence. He also highlighted Apple’s "Critter Carol" for its charming, deeply human approach to technology, using puppets and physical craft rather than CGI to celebrate creativity. Resources & Links Check out the Conrad Design Group website. Connect with Lee on LinkedIn. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The strongest brands don’t shout—they earn trust over time. That’s how Nikki Little approaches her work. She’s the CMO and co-owner at Franco, a women-owned, Detroit-based integrated communications agency with more than 60 years of history. After a full-circle career that took her from early agency life to leading social and communications teams, Nikki now helps shape Franco’s future with a purpose-driven, human-first approach to brand building, storytelling, and leadership. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why modern brand builders must accept that total control is a myth and focus on reputation monitoring instead The difference between consistent storytelling and repetitive messaging across integrated channels How to apply Brené Brown’s Strong Ground principles to build a solid brand foundation Why employee alignment is the first step in closing the authenticity gap with your customers How to treat AI as an overzealous intern rather than a replacement for strategic relationships Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:34) Authenticity in the Age of Unpolished Content (03:37) Understanding Your Audience and the Brand Core (05:22) The Myth of Total Brand Control (07:25) Navigating Critics and the Crisis Plan (10:10) Storytelling as a Tool for Trust Building (12:45) Internal Culture and the Authenticity Gap (15:12) Leadership Examples: Brené Brown and Liz Plosser (19:51) Rumbling with AI in a Human Business (25:30) Brands That Make Us Smile (28:33) Where to Find Nikki Little About Nikki Little Nikki Little is the CMO and co-owner at Franco, a Detroit-based, women-owned integrated communications agency with a 60-year legacy. With a career spanning early agency life to leading complex social and communications teams, Nikki specializes in a purpose-driven, human-first approach to brand building and leadership. She is a recognized expert in navigating the intersection of PR, digital strategy, and authentic storytelling, helping brands find their "core" to build lasting trust in a critical and fast-moving digital environment. What Brand Has Made Nikki Smile Recently? Nikki shared two brands that recently stood out: Chevy, for their deeply authentic "Memory Lane" holiday commercial that mastered the art of non-cheesy storytelling, and Mabel’s Labels, for their proactive customer service that turned a lost shipment into a "customer for life" experience. Resources & Links Check out the ⁠Franco website⁠. Connect with Nikki Little on ⁠LinkedIn.⁠ 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is a major milestone—Episode 600. My journey behind the mic began in 2012, and since then, this conversation has evolved from simple marketing tactics into the deeper pillars of leadership, communication, and storytelling. To celebrate, I’m flipping the script. I’ve invited my longtime friend and fellow 2012 podcasting pioneer, Mike Gerholdt, to take over the host’s chair. We’re going behind the scenes on everything I’ve learned over 600 episodes—from the origin story and terrestrial radio to the move to full video—to talk about what it really takes to build a podcast brand that lasts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode - Why curiosity is the most important trait for a long-running podcast host - How to pivot your content from marketing tactics to leadership and storytelling - The evolution of media from terrestrial radio to short-form and full-length video - Why every modern brand needs an evangelist to foster two-way conversations - Strategic lessons learned from 13 years and 600 episodes in the podcasting trenches Episode Chapters (00:00) Flipping the Script for Episode 600 (01:29) Introducing Guest Host Mike Gerholdt (02:54) Why Every Brand Needs an Evangelist (05:55) The 2013 Podcasting Pioneers (08:27) The Evolution from The Work Talk Show to On Brand (09:38) Pioneering the Remote Work Conversation (12:45) Standing Out in a Saturated Market (15:33) From Radio Production to Personal Voice (17:21) Why Audio Conveys More Than Text (20:15) Curiosity: The Trait That Drives 600 Episodes (23:46) The Reality of Guest Pitches and PR Intermediaries (27:10) Avoiding the "Game of Dodgeball" with Multiple Guests (30:22) Why Real Conversations Don't Need Prep Calls (33:40) The Leap to Full Video and Short-Form Content (38:15) The "Human Element" in Modern Communication (42:30) Closing Thoughts on the Future of On Brand About Mike Gerholdt Mike Gerholt is the Senior Director of Salesforce Admin Evangelism at Salesforce. He leads a group of world-class Admin Evangelists who are helping Salesforce Admins realize their dreams by being technology leaders and advancing their careers. He’s also the host of the Salesforce Admins podcast and someone I’ve been in the podcasting trenches with since day one. What Brand Has Made Mike Smile Recently? Mike highlighted HelloFresh as the brand that made him smile recently. He noted that the meal delivery service stood out during the pandemic and continues to impress him with small touches of appreciation, clear care in delivery, and a non-intrusive approach that never feels like a "used car salesman" pitch. He described the experience as receiving a "little smile in every box." Resources & Links Check out the Salesforce Admins Podcast. Connect with Mike Gerholdt on LinkedIn and (for fun) Instagram 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I’m Nick Westergaard, and this is On Brand — helping you tell your story.” Storytelling is everything—especially for leaders and marketers navigating today's digital world. On this show, we go behind the scenes with the minds at Microsoft, Spotify, and the Mayo Clinic to see how they lead with purpose and build lasting trust. Featuring insights from global experts like Seth Godin, Nancy Duarte, and Alan Alda, we unpack the human element of brand building. We also ask every guest: “What’s a brand that’s made you smile recently?” If you’re ready to build a brand that stands out, join us each week on On Brand. Full episodes and resources: https://nickwestergaard.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Herd, founder of Manager Method and former Head of HR at McKinsey, explains why most managers aren't actually failing—they're just guessing. She breaks down her simple yet powerful three-step framework—pause, consider, and act—to help leaders move past the "speed of the inbox" and start leading with real intention. From handling employee mistakes with empathy to navigating the "octopus and wizard" traps of burnout, Ashley provides practical "real talk" for anyone responsible for the careers and lives of others. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The critical difference between day-to-day management and long-term leadership How to implement the three-step Manager Method of pause, consider, and act Why the “speed of the inbox” is causing manager burnout and how to slow down Practical ways to handle employee mistakes using the “Gigi” perspective How to use human-centric storytelling to build psychological safety on your team Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:51) Management vs Leadership (03:18) The Gap in Manager Training (06:01) The Manager Method Explained (06:39) Step One: The Power of the Pause (09:20) Step Two: Consider Your Response (11:09) Step Three: Acting with Intention (13:36) Avoiding Modern Workplace Burnout (19:16) Storytelling as a Leadership Tool (24:09) Brand That Made Her Smile (26:47) Where to Learn More About Ashley Herd Ashley Herd is the founder of Manager Method and a former Head of HR for McKinsey North America. A LinkedIn Top Voice and top 10 business podcast host, she has trained more than 250,000 managers across various industries. Her background as an employment lawyer for brands like KFC and Yum! Brands informs her practical, "real talk" approach to leadership. She is the author of The Manager Method, where she provides actionable frameworks for leading with confidence and supporting team growth without burnout. What Brand Has Made Ashley Smile Recently? Ashley recently smiled at Chiquita. She loves their banana stickers that claim they are "likely the best snack on earth." As a former marketing lawyer, she appreciated the humorous collaboration between the creative and legal teams to include the word "likely" rather than a definitive claim, showing a brand that doesn't take itself too seriously. Resources & Links Check out the Manager Method website and book. Connect with Ashley Herd on LinkedIn. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While every non-alcoholic brand is shouting Dry January, Recess is telling you to quit. Literally. Joining us is Ben Witte, CEO and co-founder of the #1 mocktail brand, to unpack a provocative new campaign that swaps all-or-nothing resolutions for something far more realistic: balance. From a bold manifesto to a full-page New York Times ad timed for “Quitter’s Day,” Ben explains why going against the seasonal grain isn’t risky—it’s exactly why Recess is winning. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why moderation—not elimination—is the real shift happening in drinking culture How going against category conventions can create sharper brand differentiation What most brands get wrong about Dry January and behavior change How narrative-driven branding builds permission to expand into new categories Why “do the unexpected” is more than a creative idea—it’s a leadership strategy Episode Chapters (00:00) Why Recess Is Telling People to Quit (01:00) The Myth of Sober Curious and the Rise of Moderation (04:30) Why Dry January Is Losing Relevance (06:45) Anti-Perfectionism as Brand Strategy (09:45) The Hidden Downsides of Rules and Streaks (13:00) Naming, Narrative, and Building Red Bull for Relaxation (18:00) Knowing When to Push Against Conventional Wisdom (25:00) Brands That Make Us Smile About Ben Witte Ben Witte is the CEO and co-founder of Recess, a leading functional beverage company built around the idea of calm, balance, and taking a break from modern stress. Coming from a Silicon Valley background rather than traditional CPG, Ben has consistently challenged category norms—shifting the conversation from sobriety to moderation and from ingredients to outcomes. Under his leadership, Recess has grown into a category-defining brand spanning mocktails, mood drinks, and relaxation-focused products sold nationwide. What Brand Has Made Ben Smile Recently? Ben points to a Thanksgiving campaign from Tito’s Handmade Vodka that flipped the familiar “Turkey Trot” on its head with the idea of a “Turkey Rot”—leaning into cultural truth with humor and self-awareness. The campaign stood out by inverting expectations, tapping into real behavior, and reminding us that the best brand moments often come from saying the quiet part out loud. Resources & Links Check out the Recess website and their Amazon store. Recess on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/recess Connect with Ben Witte on LinkedIn and X. 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices