Advertise on podcast: Insider Interviews: Media and Marketing Pros

It’s a fast but mighty 20 minute bonus episode of Insider Interviews! Took my “she-cam” on another* spontaneous journey through the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2026) to speak with six different women, of six different tech and media areas. They provided first-hand insights on #AI, content, and advertising. These industry leaders span audio, advertising and age tech, sports, streaming, and out of home, so there’s really something for everyone! Quick coverage bites include: Vobble at CES • A snippet about ‘Vobble,’ an interactive audio device that lets kids build stories; MY sound didn’t do it justice, but your kid might love it IRL (and you might love it as a bedtime story aid!) • A walk through the innovations for better health and aging in place via the Age Tech Collaborative from AARP, thanks to their VP of Startup Programming, Amelia Hay. A la this being an episode with all women in tech and media, as Amelia said of the Collaborative: “We have over 200 startups in the collaborative, and probably 40% are women founders… I think we’re really pushing that envelope and putting our stake in the ground in technology.” (PS: did I mention I’d love that sleep-helper AND the hearing-helping eyeglasses from EssilorLuxotica on display there?!) BrightLine Interactive Ads • I got a lesson in the history of ad innovations and how to apply “Changemaker” thinking, from Brightline (and SustainChain) founder, and now author, Jacqueline Corbelli, who I call “the doyenne of interactive advertising!” A simple summary of “changemaker” playbook is what Jacquie has done her entire career: “Think about what you want and go further…” • A chat with the dual founder of Sports Studio, Inc. and Rasenberger Media, Cathy Rasenberger , illuminated how her freshman streaming platform is scoring distribution wins, perhaps because it’s appropriately named “Free Live Sports“?! FreeLive Sports Cheers to them for “aggregating more free sports content than any other platform… We’re democratizing sports for all the fans.” • Stacy Minero, newly named CMO of Outfront Media, and Erin Harris, Head of Fluency Sales for SiriusXM, explain changes in their now UNtraditional mediums and how they each are leveraging AI to power creative and efficient DOOH advertising and audio content, respectively. Erin noted that, “We still see the strongest performance with human voice, but we’re extremely excited about AI in terms of helping us find little levers to pull, to make things more personal.”  And as Stacy added: “There’s a huge opportunity for AI to unlock productivity, especially in the area of post-production… to do some of the grunt work so that people can focus on the fun work.” AI meets Outfront Media We say, “YES!” Don’t miss out on learning from each of these powerhouse women and their compelling companies. *And don’t miss my last full episode — also captured at CES — with executives in audio, video and brand marketing! Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews Substack: Moss Hysteria Please follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal!  THANK YOU for listening!

If you work in media, marketing, or advertising, you know this tension: Screens dominate. Measurement has lagged. And it’s harder to answer questions like “Where does attention really happen?” and “What actually moves people…and how do I prove it?” This episode offers some answers, from three executives I spoke with at CES 2026. Though we talk about the newest cool tools (it IS the largest consumer tech show), these conversations explore how media works when it follows consumers from the couch to the car, in stores, in culture, and across audio—and how measurement is finally catching up to meaning. Learn what’s working now and what’s coming next, according to: Jim Riley, President of Stingray U.S., explains how audio, ambient TV, karaoke, and in-car experiences are converging—and how their effort to connect these environments creates value for brands, platforms, and consumers alike.  From FAST channels to automotive dashboards, Jim shares how following people across screens (and beyond them) is reshaping media strategy. (And don’t miss an archival image of Jim making music “back in the day” himself!) Kimberly Hairston-Hicks, CMO of Sanofi’s Gold Bond, brings a powerful brand perspective rooted in authenticity and cultural relevance. She talks candidly (and I sing) about letting go of control, redefining success beyond impressions, and building partnerships based on shared values—showing how human connection and business results don’t have to be at odds. Hint: They paired perfectly with celebrity Chelsea Handler over shared values and love of the product! Chelsea Handler Skiing with Gold Bond! (And learn why Kimberly wears a “cape,” and owes a debt of gratitude to women who help women!) Jennifer Louie Oon, SVP of Sales at DAX US, closes the loop with a look at audio advertising today—and why its moment is now…especially when brands can reach markets or audiences other platforms  or apps often miss. She explains how DAX is solving for that, along with measurement tools that can finally demonstrate audio’s impact in real time and the power of advertisers still having presence in screen-free moments. (And find out why old school Legos really grabbed her during the world’s largest tech show!)  Get some practical thought starters on audio advertising, brand authenticity, media measurement, and human-centered marketing—without the jargon or hype…and with a little bit of singing and laughs! Key Moments & Time Codes 00:00–01:22 — Why this episode connects audio, TV, brand marketing, and ad tech 03:29–04:43 — Why karaoke is becoming a serious media business Jim Riley explains how Stingray turned a universal behavior—singing in the car—into a gamified, social, and monetizable experience across TVs and automotive dashboards. 05:40–06:20 — From couch to car to checkout Jim outlines Stingray’s vision for linking TV, in-car audio, and retail media—following consumers across environments and tying media exposure to real-world action. 08:02–08:37 — When advertising doesn’t belong everywhere A candid discussion on why karaoke stays ad-free, how premium experiences are monetized differently, and what “everybody wins” actually looks like in practice. 12:44–13:20 — “Let it go” as a marketing strategy Kimberly Hairston-Hicks shares why perfection is the enemy of progress—and how letting go of control creates stronger brands and better outcomes. 18:19–20:29 — Authenticity beats star power Kimberly breaks down the Gold Bond–Chelsea Handler partnership, revealing why shared values—not celebrity size—drive cultural relevance and real KPIs. 21:01–22:11 — When impressions aren’t the point anymore A reframing of success: why cultural moments, memory, and longevity matter just as much as raw reach—and how brands should measure that. 26:07–27:25 — Beauty, confidence, and showing up fully A powerful, personal exchange on how products—and leadership—can change how people feel about themselves, from the boardroom to daily life. 35:07–36:05 — Audio measurement finally catches up Jennifer Louie Oon explains how DAX is using brand-lift measurement to prove what audio has always delivered—and why this changes how brands plan media. 37:18–38:06 — Why audio’s moment is now Screen-free moments, smarter targeting, and better measurement come together—making the case for audio as a core, not supplemental, channel in 2026 planning. Connect with: Jim Riley Kimberly Hairston-Hicks Jen Oon Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews Substack: Moss Hysteria Please follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal!  THANK YOU for listening!

Privacy is one of those topics everyone knows they should understand better—right up until it becomes urgent. Headline: it’s urgent. That’s exactly why I wanted Richy Glassberg, CoFounder / CEO of SafeGuard Privacy, on the show: to tackle what may be the most complex challenge marketers face: privacy compliance at scale. Sample Page: SafeGuard Privacy Playbook Richy brings big credibility to the conversation. You’ll hear the stories of a career that included helping launch CNN.com and its digital business, co-founding the IAB, and building an advertising infrastructure still used across the industry. He likes to build things. And we’re the better for it. Because he’s THE person to help explain why privacy laws aren’t just legal issues—they’re structural ones. And why, if you work in marketing, advertising, media, or tech, these laws apply to you whether you realize it or not. “These laws don’t care what kind of digital advertising you do. They ask one question: ‘do you have data on a consumer, and what are you doing with it?’” Richy breaks down what regulators are actually asking, why enforcement is picking up, and why brands are now responsible not only for themselves, but for their entire partner ecosystem. “Privacy doesn’t have to slow growth. If you standardize it, make it auditable, and prove it once, it becomes a competitive advantage.” What I appreciate most about Richy’s approach is that it’s practical, and empathetic. He understands the values and the limitations of AI. He knows human attorneys need to be involved. He has made sure that SafeGuard is nimble and building systems that make compliance auditable, efficient, and—yes—actually helpful to growth, even when the rules keep changing.  We also talk about: Why inboxes listed on privacy policies are now enforcement targets How standardization saved digital advertising once before…and why it’s key to compliance now Where AI fits into privacy workflows (and where it shouldn’t) Why proving compliance matters more than promising it If privacy still feels abstract or overwhelming, this conversation will give you clarity—and probably a healthy nudge to check a few things you’ve been meaning to look at.  Speaking of healthy, I’m so honored to have Richy on for 23 million additional reasons: he is also a founding force behind BreastCancer.org, (did we mention they are matching donations through December?) It’s now one of the most recognizable, trusted, peer-reviewed health information sites in the world. Richy put his powers to use, from grabbing the URL to creating the revenue streams that are the foundation for its viability and ability to serve more than 20 million women globally, and counting. Richy Glassberg works in a world defined by discretion and safeguards, yet remains an open book—grounded in purpose, devoted to his wife and best friend Katy, loyal to his Jack Russells, disciplined through 30 years of training in Shorin-Ryu Karate, and committed to making privacy compliance clearer, calmer, and more human. Key Moments: 00:00 – Why privacy compliance has become a business risk CMOs can’t ignore 4:10 – How data privacy laws impact all forms of digital advertising 8:55 – How Richy’s sneakers explain privacy really well 12:40 – Why brands are now responsible for vendors…and their vendors’ vendors 17:05 – What enforcement really looks like (and why it’s accelerating) 22:30 – How standardization turns compliance into a competitive advantage 26:15 – Using AI to assist privacy teams without replacing legal judgment 30:45 – From building CNN.com to how a pixel protected Ted Turner’s business 34:50 – The origins of BreastCancer.org and why it’s the work Richy’s most proud of 39:10 – Putting digital to good while keeping the open internet viable 41:55 – What’s next at SafeGuard Privacy Connect with Richy Glassberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richy-glassberg-49a915 Visit SafeGuard Privacy for more resources: http://www.safeguardprivacy.com Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews Please follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal!  THANK YOU for listening!

Peter Jones, who heads up Revenue at Premion, returns to Insider Interviews (see Ep 38) to educate us on the shifts in local TV advertising in a streaming-first world — and how small businesses can compete with national brands, with greater access to sports inventory, and why measurement actually matters! Learn what “context” really means for advertisers (spoiler: consumers don’t experience media in silos), how the collapse of some Regional Sports Networks has created opportunities for local advertisers, and why “smart curation” is more than an industry buzzword. But it’s not just the small business that needs to adapt: it’s agencies and brands, too. Peter breaks down what full-funnel capabilities now available to SMBs—from maxing out brand awareness across Premion’s 210 DMAs, to measurable sales transactions, tapping 1st and 3rd party data.  And, as we gear up for playoff sports, he reminds us how technology has leveled the playing field and that local advertisers can get in the game, too! So, sports puns are pervasive in Episode 44 since part of our conversation is about Premion’s new(ish) programmatic options to enable more inventory for all in live sports. Talk about a “game changer…!” Understand how local car dealerships and furniture stores can now leverage the same targeting, data, and attribution tools that Fortune 500 companies use, all while reaching their specific communities with precision. But for everyone, it’s key to understand the importance of creative in driving outcomes, and omnichannel strategies (because yes, we’re all scrolling during halftime), and why advertisers need to embrace data-driven decisions over personal platform preferences. “The first thing to realize is that big tech has leveled the playing field for local advertisers…“ Whether you’re a media buyer, agency leader, or local business owner trying to navigate the CTV landscape, this conversation delivers practical guidance on inventory, data, and measurement—the three pillars every advertiser should evaluate when choosing a CTV partner. Bottom line? The local advertising opportunity in streaming TV has never been bigger—but only for those willing to adapt, measure outcomes over impressions, and follow consumers wherever they are. Key Highlights [01:15] CTV’s double-digit growth, challenges and opportunities for advertisers [02:14] What Premion does – Nine years of helping local advertisers navigate CTV [03:33] Leveling the playing field – Educating SMBs on using the same tools as national brands [05:25] Challenges and Strategies for Outcomes in Omnichannel Advertising [08:26] Tools and tactics – First-party data, pixels, attribution, and what SMBs need to track [10:48] The role of creative – Sequential messaging, AI tools, and “message to market match” [12:52] How Premion’s programmatic access to sports inventory is opening doors for local advertisers [15:39] Smart Curation Explained and Full Funnel Options in 200+ markets [20:22] The dynamic nature of live sports – Why planning can be tricky but opportunity is massive [21:45] What to look for in a CTV partner – Hint: Inventory, data, measurement (plus the TAG seal of approval!) [23:41] Emerging Trends and AI in Advertising Connect with Peter Jones and Premion Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts            LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal! 

Neil Vogel, CEO of People Inc., has done something remarkable in an industry that’s been writing its own eulogy for years. He’s made legacy media look relevant and publishing thrive. As the head of America’s largest magazine publisher—home to People, Travel & Leisure, Better Homes & Gardens and more—he’s navigated one of the most turbulent periods in magazine, let alone media, history with a perspective that’s refreshingly unsentimental and, frankly, bullish on publishing. The Mindset That Matters What becomes clear quickly is that Neil operates from a different premise than a lot of industry vets. Neil Vogel, CEO, People Inc. He doesn’t see change as something to fear or fight. Instead, he sees it as the operating environment: “We’re going to happen to things. Things are not going to happen to us.” It’s a subtle shift, but it changes everything about how you approach strategy. He also refuses to accept the tired narrative that media is dying. “Media is a fantastic business,” he told me. “People are on media more now than ever before, and there’s more money being spent against media in various ways.” The problem isn’t media; it’s when companies cling to old business models instead of adapting the execution while keeping the core mission intact. The Search Reality Check One of the sharpest insights from our conversation centered on the collapse of search dominance. When Dotdash was independent, 70 percent of traffic came from search. That was their “mall.” But the mall blew up. Search traffic dropped to 30 percent of total traffic over time. The expected outcome? Disaster. What actually happened, thanks to Neil’s approach? Total traffic grew. They built. They diversified into direct traffic, email, social platforms, Apple News, and owned properties like recipe lockers. A key lesson: “We’re not entitled to search traffic, just like we’re not entitled to Facebook traffic. You have to earn it.” The People Magazine Blueprint The restructuring of People, Inc. offers a masterclass in letting go of control. Before, one print editor-in-chief made every decision across every platform. But these days he wondered how a print editor could understand everything and all platforms, like TikTok. They couldn’t. So they decentralized. Execs like Charlotte Triggs now set the brand direction—the ethos that drives all teams—and then fully independent editorial teams handle the magazine, website, Apple News, the app, and yes, Instagram and TikTok. There’s no forced repurposing. Each platform team creates natively for their audience. The result: People grew from six or seven million daily visitors to ten million, with explosive growth on social. The Data-Driven Philosophy Neil’s Wall Street background shaped how People Inc. approaches analytics, but he’s careful not to let math override instinct, noting: “If you don’t make stuff people love, it doesn’t matter what your math says.” The real insight is this: strategic ad placement and clean design mean you can generate more revenue with fewer intrusions on the audience. Better experience. Better margins. That’s the math he wants to do.  The Bigger Picture What makes this conversation valuable is that Neil isn’t selling a complicated theory. He’s demonstrating a mindset: stay forward-looking, embrace change, remain unsentimental, and never stop making things people genuinely want.  Key Moments and Highlights 00:38 From Dotdash to acquiring Meredith: becoming America’s largest publisher 01:25 Why media remains a fantastic business despite industry pessimism 04:15 The search shift: 70% dependence became 30%, yet total traffic grew 06:29 Restructuring People magazine with independent platform teams and no forced repurposing 09:41 Data and creative working together: how math serves, not dictates, content decisions Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal! 

What’s the potential and current impact of AI for the creative industries? I spoke with Joaquin Cuenca, co-founder and CEO of Freepik, about their suite of AI tools and their role in enhancing human creativity. And, Alexia Adana, Creative Director at Edelman, who elaborates on how she combines AI with human creativity for clients and her own artistic endeavors. Enjoy, and please share this episode – out just in time for #InternationalPodcastDay! Joaquin emphasizes that AI should be seen as a supportive tool to elevate creative processes, rather than a replacement for human creators. He argues, ‘We are the sum of our experiences. And that makes us unique.’ He explains the benefits of Freepik’s tools for reducing the time needed to execute creative ideas… but stresses the irreplicability of humans based on our individuality, even as AI continues to advance. Basically, AI is a tool for creators, not a replacement, because AI cannot replicate unique human experiences. Following this, Alexia highlights the significance of human artistry and personal storytelling in using AI tools to generate immersive and engaging experiences. She points out  “in the world of copyright with AI you have to show human authorship. So if you’re creating a story or a film that’s a hundred percent generated by AI, you can’t copyright or trademark that. So, I’m documenting my whole process – showing where it’s from my vision, it’s from my sketches.” The conversation concludes with the vision of a synergistic future where AI tools enhance creative processes without devaluing the human touch. Key Moments: 02:11 The Role of AI in Creativity 03:19 Human Uniqueness vs. AI 04:47 FreePik’s AI Tools and Their Impact 08:56 Copyright and Legalities in AI 14:31 Future of Jobs…and Creativity in the AI Era 15:38 Voiceover Job Reclaimed from AI 16:21 Regionalizing Ads with AI 17:16 Alexia Adana journey from Footlocker to Edelman 20:51 Microsoft sAI Project at Edelman 27:08 BloomChild: An Artist’s AI Journey 30:16 The Future of Human-Generated Art Links: Freepik Alexia Adana Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar to help me tip my producer, Jim Mullen!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal! 

How can mentoring lead to a whole new career? How do dinner conversations and AI come together to drive entrepreneurship? How are some people changing the world as they change gears? Talk about REINVENTION! Well, I did. Meet two more honorees of the Folio: awards named to the Hall of Fame, in this “two-fer” episode on Doug Olson and David Adler, both of whom have gone from being presidents of publishing companies to reinventing themselves…and parts of the industry. First up: Doug Olson. Doug went from a career in the tech side to the publishing side, ultimately running Meredith Magazines (think: “Time,” “People,” “Better Homes & Gardens”…) to NOW hangin’ with the digital natives doing bling-meets-social media, as Co-CEO of “Bomb Party,” with its TikTok-famous jewelry reveals! Bet you didn’t see THAT coming. Creating Partnerships He discusses the evolution of Meredith, its major acquisitions, the partnership he headed with Walmart, and how Meredith navigated its own transition — adding digital to print media. “Reveals” on TikTok Doug also describes his transition to #BombParty, a thriving and unique jewelry company that uses social media to engage customers.    Then there’s David Adler. I cannot even keep track of all the ways David has reinvented himself: from launching a magazine on DC society back in the 70s, which he sold 10 years later for a handy profit — and is now turning those archival images into songs and content! I kid you not. But wait, there’s more. He helmed big PR shops, but is perhaps best know for founding one of the best magazines on events, called “BizBash.” And now? SO MUCH — from recently launching an online events mag, “GatheringPoint.news” to yet another startup. gatheringoint.news He highlights how he is an unabashed #AI acolyte and explains how it has revolutionized his latest ventures, supporting creative storytelling and increased efficiency. But David is also stopping to smell “The Roses”, making the most of his author father’s legacy by helping enable that current box office hit! from “The Roses” Like roses themselves, these guests exemplify the concept of ‘perennials,’ described by David as individuals who continuously evolve and remain curious, regardless of generational labels. Their stories illustrate the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and embracing new technologies in media or just for mental well-being! KEY MOMENTS: 00:00 Meet Doug Olson and David Adler 02:44 Doug Olson: From Tech to Media Mogul to… 05:36 The Better Homes & Gardens / Walmart Omnichannel Strategy 08:03 The Future of Print Publications 11:20 Golfing or Jewelry? Doug Olson’s New Venture: Bomb Party 14:56 David Adler: A Perennial Journey Through Media 19:55 Adler on AI and Innovation 24:09 Washington Insider, A Big Screen Legacy and MORE Current Projects Please add a “like” or share this episode to encourage MORE “reinventionists!” And see you at the Folio: Hall of Fame 10/6. Here’s Doug’s info: LinkedIn Bomb Party Here’s David’s info: LinkedIn Managing Director- Living Room Labs (start-up) Founder- BizBash www.bizbash.com Author- Harnessingserendipity.com Partner- AdlerEntertainmentTrust.com Owner- Dossierhistoricalphotos.com Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar to help me tip my producer, Jim Mullen!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal! 

A spontaneous chat at Podcast Movement 2025 turned into 15 minutes of pure gold when Peter Ferioli explained how podcasts can now be interactive, with Pantheon joining forces with Spooler Media to lead the way. And to be wow’d at a conference that regularly features the best and the brightest in podcasting, this really stood out. Peter explains Pantheon’s effort at launching music-oriented podcasts, netting maybe 10 listeners on day. He and his other partners were not inclined to quit their day jobs. But then when Spotify entered podcasting, suddenly everyone searching for artists was discovering their content alongside the music. Pantheon Podcasts And Pantheon went on to becoming one of the world’s biggest music podcast networks with 150 shows featuring top-tier bands like Metallica.  The real turning point — and where things get exciting?  Peter’s now pioneering interactive podcasting with Spooler, a platform created by former Apple Podcasts and Megaphone executives. This isn’t just another tech upgrade; it’s completely reimagining what audio content can be…and do. But thanks to a combo of  new tech enablements from large language models anticipating conclusions to voice recognition and more, the team has raised the bar on what’s possible. Try out the beta version of what the team has dubbed a “Podcast Puzzle” and try a brain game!    Walks and Talks They’re enabling everything from choose-your-own-adventure stories that adapt to your location in real-time, to walks through decades of San Francisco with The Grateful Dead, and even talks with Benjamin Franklin using his complete writings. As I proudly punned to Peter, it’s “electrifying!” Peter’s Take: Compared to how Video has evolved, Audio has stayed the same… Til now. “You have audiobooks, podcasts, music and radio. They’re all passive forms of audio… So in this world that we’re trying to build out these interactive podcasts… You can ask a voice assistant for the weather. With an interactive podcast can create a story about the weather, even bring in real location data and create a personal narrative around it for you.” Key Moments: [03:00] Early podcasting reality check: 10 listeners after a year of detailed work [04:30] Breaking the “sacred” podcast feed rules with multi-genre content [04:46] How Spotify’s entry transformed music podcast discovery [07:35] Interactive podcasting revolution with Spooler FM explained [13:36] Mind-blowing AI conversations with Benjamin Franklin [14:28] Real-world application: Grateful Dead puzzle experience in San Francisco Don’t miss the app Peter mentions: try Links interactive puzzle at podcastpuzzle.com. And speaking of keeping your mind sharp for puzzles, thanks to More Labs for sponsoring, with 25% off their Morning Recovery, Liquid Focus and Dream Well “tonics” at morelabs.com with code INSIDER. Here’s a handy link: 25% Off More Labs https://www.morelabs.com/discount/INSIDER Stay sharp! Use “Insider” at morelabs.com for 25% off! Resources: Peter Ferioli – LinkedIn Pantheon on Spotify Hit Replay the game Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews Enjoyed this free episode? My Tip Jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal Kind comments, reviews and shares are equally welcome.

What do glassblowing, fintech, and plastic-free diapers have in common? One brilliant disruptor: Jim McKelvey. I had the privilege of interviewing Jim McKelvey, the award-winning, Amazon-beating polymath who co-founded Square (now Block) with Jack Dorsey. But calling him just a fintech entrepreneur or a computer scientist would be like calling Leonardo da Vinci just a painter. This man defies categorization in the most fascinating way possible. “I’m a guy that’s had no focus for 30 years,” Jim told me with characteristic humility. “I am a transport category pilot. I’m a professional glass artist with industrial designs in MoMA and the Smithsonian. I’m a computer scientist. I was on the Federal Reserve and used to vote on interest rates. That was fun. I built the hardware for Square, which we now call Block. I’ve started a bunch of other companies…Ugh. Look, basically, what I do is I build tools.” His “lack of focus” has actually been his superpower, creating a truly unique lens on innovation, branding, and problem-solving that most specialists simply can’t achieve. From Frustration to Billion-Dollar Solutions Our conversation revealed how Jim transforms everyday frustrations into industry-changing innovations. The Square story began with something as mundane as being unable to accept American Express at his glass studio. That simple pain point sparked a billion-dollar disruption that fundamentally changed mobile payments forever.  Jim shared his methodology for spotting opportunities hiding in plain sight and building products that resonate deeply with audiences. More importantly, he explained how he predicts business disasters before they happen – and his track record is impressive! Hint: his accurate predictions about Southwest Airlines and other major corporate meltdowns, made it into his book “The Innovation Stack” years before its current challenges. Then he shares how and why brand associations can make or break a company (hello, Bud Light disaster. Listen for how that motivated his current project, PwrScore.ai.) The Art of Taking Calculated Risks What struck me most about Jim was his fearless approach to high-risk, high-impact projects. “I work on projects that are right now, sort of long shots because I’m in a position where I can take a long shot,” he explained. “I’ve made way, way more money than I ever expected. My wife and I have taken the giving pledge, so we’re gonna give all the money away, but in the meantime, I can take crazy risks.” That’s not just talk – Jim and his wife have literally committed to giving away their entire fortune for the betterment of the world. It’s a level of commitment to pro-social behavior that’s both inspiring and rare in today’s business landscape. Two Game-Changing Projects You Need to Know About Jim pulled back the curtain on his current ventures, and they’re both fascinating for completely different reasons. First is PwrScore, a that tool that measures and assesses brand resonance and compatibility using AI to minimize research bias and enhance brand capabilities through better data. The kicker? He’s giving it away for free. Yes, really. This isn’t some limited trial – it’s a genuinely useful tool that most companies would charge thousands for, and Jim is just handing it out because he believes it can help businesses make better decisions. PwrScore.ai The second project might sound unusual, but it could change the world: plastic-free diapers. “Diapers last for a thousand years and they become these horrible microplastics that are bad for the world, and I just thought it could be possible to do it without plastic. So I’ve been working on it for five years with a team. We’re this close to a breakthrough…” Think about it – billions of diapers end up in landfills every year, taking centuries to decompose and creating environmental havoc. If Jim cracks this code, the sustainability impact could be massive. (Hint #2: Catch my previous episode with the founder of Sustainable Brands for more.) The Renaissance Entrepreneur What makes Jim truly special isn’t just his business acumen – it’s his genuine curiosity about everything. He flies “small, crappy airplanes” for fun, creates glass art displayed in world-renowned museums, and casually mentions voting on Federal Reserve interest rates like it’s a weekend hobby. This broad range of experiences gives him perspectives that pure business specialists simply can’t match. When he talks about innovation, he’s not just drawing from MBA case studies – he’s pulling from art, aviation, monetary policy, and manufacturing. Why This Conversation Matters Whether you’re in media, marketing, or building the next big thing, Jim’s approach to problem-solving offers a masterclass in thinking differently. He doesn’t just spot trends – he creates them by identifying problems everyone else has accepted as unsolvable. His insights on brand compatibility, disaster prediction, and sustainable innovation are particularly relevant right now. Plus, his commitment to giving away his wealth while still actively building and creating is a refreshing take on success and legacy. This episode is packed with inspiring stories, clever insights, and tactical wisdom that will help you rethink what’s possible in your own work. Jim McKelvey proves that true innovation comes from embracing diverse interests, taking calculated risks, and always asking “what if we could do this better?” A Series of Legends This interview is one of several featuring winners of the Eddie & Ozzie Award who are being inducted into the Folio: Legends Hall of Fame this October. What’s the common thread among these industry legends? Each has reinvented themselves or their company in remarkable ways.Be sure to watch for upcoming episodes with Neil Vogel, David Adler, and other Hall of Fame inductees. You won’t want to miss this any of these legends! For all their brief profile award interviews, visit the award site. Key Moments: 00:00 Jim McKelvey’s Eerily Accurate Business Predictions 02:15 Hall of Famer but a Career with No Focus — On Purpose 03:02 The Plastic-Free Diaper Project 03:36 Giving Away his Fortune 05:55 Giving Away his Power (Score).ai Tool 08:05 What Makes for Dangerous Brand Associations 11:17 Writing the Book on Innovation 14:17 Why McKelvey Only Solves Unsolved Problems 15:12 Trading News Consumption for Data Capture 16:30 Humble Pie, Hobbies and Heroes CONNECT AND SHARE: Check out PwrScore.AI to test your brand’s affinities. Learn about Invisibly: https://www.invisibly.com/learn/ Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews Enjoyed this free episode? Make like Jim and give your money away! 😉 My Tip Jar: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal Kind comments, reviews and shares are equally welcome.

Thanks to The Podcast Academy, Ti King and I got to attend #PopCon with the intention of evangelizing podcasting (and the Academy, of course! See links for joining, below.) After I got used to the costumed attendees of PopCon, and fan-girled a few anime voice talents and celebrities on site, I got down to business and led a panel of podcasting experts on how to create, market, and monetize a podcast. Guests include Brittany Bigelow of Bigelow Creative, Dawn-Michelle Lewis of Salutations Media, filmmaker and podcast host Vergie Rodriguez, and James Starace of Focus 360/Creator Square.  We covered strategies for podcast concept development, the value of niche topics and micro-influencers, technical execution, and effective marketing strategies. The panel also explained their monetization techniques, from securing brand partnerships to leveraging subscriber models. The whole PopCon event was eye-opening, by the way, with more people lined up to meet the faces behind their favorite voices than the known faces playing TV characters! Ti, who graciously captured the video of the panel, Vergie and I also won Best Podcast awards from the organization! Ti King, E.B. Moss – Podcast Award Winners Next year, we’re looking forward to a day dedicated to #podcasting, but for now, take advantage of the wisdom captured by this panel of pros on Making, Marketing, and Monetizing Podcasts! 01:12 Meet the Panelists 02:31 Debating the Definition of a Podcast 04:02 Starting Your Own Podcast 07:46 Technical Tips for Podcasting 12:49 Marketing Your Podcast 16:54 Monetizing Your Podcast 21:15 Navigating the Podcast Advertising Options 22:02 Challenges with Brand Associations and Advertisers 23:36 More Monetization Strategies for Podcasts 24:40 Understanding Podcast Ad Placements and Effectiveness 25:32 The Value of Micro Podcasts and Audience Engagement for Brands 29:19  Subscription Models and Additional Revenue Streams 30:43 Leveraging Press and Visibility for Podcast Growth 34:22 Branding and Consistency in Podcast Production 38:18 Practical Tips for Podcast Launch and Growth 40:42 Best Practices Wrap up Links/Connections: Follow, Connect & Share the Love The Podcast Academy Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar to help me tip my producer, Jim Mullen!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal!       

The first time I heard voices I thought I was losing my mind. AI-generated voices, that is. Because I couldn’t believe how “real” they sounded. Listen to the intro to this episode and tell me what YOU think. Then find the little samples of producer Jim Mullen’s voice later in this episode! I’m still wrapping my head around all that is possible — and all that has changed in the world of content creation and media production. That’s exactly why I knew I had to bring together two of the most credentialed producers I know to talk about what’s really happening behind the scenes with AI in our industry. The Real vs. The AI – A Producer’s Perspective Jim Mullen (Mullen Media) and Yossi Kimberg are the real deal – we’re talking Seinfeld, Food Network, Super Bowl halftime shows, and decades of work on Lorne Michaels shows. These guys aren’t just talking theory; they’re actually using these tools in production right now. AI-Generated Yossi Kimberg AI-Generated Jim Mullen What Really Struck Me Yossi’s journey into AI started by making masterful still images with Leonardo, as in Leonardo.AI. As he put it: “The idea that text generates an image was beyond imagination. I was just amazed by it.” But then he progressed to motion, face-swapping himself into different editing scenarios (find those in this episode, too!), and even bringing children’s artwork to life. But learn what happened next that was “a bridge too far” for one particular client. Now, while Yossi’s moved on to scripted motion videos all AI-generated, Jim’s been experimenting with ElevenLabs for voiceovers, though he hit a hilarious snag on a project about a lack of libraries: “I couldn’t get the bot to say ‘desert’. It kept saying, New York City has book desserts.” Not so funny to me, because once it learns contextual pronunciations, my gigs doing voiceover will dry up like a desert. (Note: I found out just today while producing this episode that I literally lost a job to an AI-generated voice. True story.) The Uncomfortable Truth Both producers agree we’re not just approaching a tipping point – we’re already there. Yossi believes that within 2-3 years, even the very role of managing AI might become obsolete. The technology is learning to be funny, dramatic, and emotional without human instruction. Jim pointed out something that made my stomach drop: if you can create an entire commercial with AI actors and voices (which is already happening), you eliminate hair and makeup artists, grips, gaffers, location scouts – entire production crews become unnecessary.  As such, we talked about the fear factor. You know how I feel about voiceovers. Though AI helped me immensely in honing these show notes. But it’s not just job displacement we’re facing; it’s questioning our creative thumbprint and what makes us uniquely human in this process. Plus… Copyright and Ownership Minefield We touched on some fascinating legal territory that’s still being sorted out. Yossi mentioned reading legal briefs about using copyrighted images in AI training, and the emerging trend of celebrity estates licensing deceased stars’ likenesses for AI projects – Steve McQueen’s estate is apparently leasing his character for AI-generated content. The whole landscape of intellectual property, name-image-likeness rights, and even the ability to deny you said something (“I didn’t say that, it was AI”) creates a complicated web that we’re all navigating in real time. (I recommend taking a listen to the brilliant Robert Tercek who allays some of those legal fears in this Insider Interviews episode from last year: https://bit.ly/Insider21-Shapiro-Tercek .) The Human Pushback But here’s what gives me hope: Yossi shared how his client loved his AI-enhanced children’s artwork until clients pushed back, saying it wasn’t authentic to what the kids actually created. They pulled back some of the AI elements. It reminded us of the vinyl comeback – sometimes we crave imperfection and authenticity. He thinks we’ll find our middle ground once this trend becomes trite. Practical Advice For anyone starting out, Jim recommends experimenting with the free trials but warns against buying credits with “one-trick ponies” – platforms that only do one gimmicky thing. Yossi suggests testing the same prompt across different platforms since each has unique strengths. The tools they’re using: ElevenLabs (voice), Runway, Kling, Higgsfield, Leonardo.ai (images), and the premium Veo3 — for dialogue-driven video at $250/month. I was simply wow’d by the basics of NotebookLM that I used in my intro. But I hope you’ll still call ME for doing the real deal as a human. The Big Question As we face this rapid evolution, seems many will become “AI wranglers” rather than traditional producers. The question isn’t whether this technology will change everything – it’s how we adapt while maintaining the humanity that makes content actually connect with people. I have a feeling we’ll need to revisit this conversation in six months because everything will be dramatically different again.  The real producers Key Moments & Time Codes: [01:36] – AI voices fool me twice – shame on me — on client websites [05:13] – Yossi’s journey from Leonardo still images to motion graphics [08:34] – Scholastic project: bringing children’s artwork to life [11:12] – Jim’s Eleven Labs experiments and the “desserts” problem [13:58] – Discussion of celebrity estate licensing for AI (Steve McQueen example) [18:57] – Who gets replaced first: voice actors, then editors [25:01] – Too much of a good thing: Client pushback on AI-enhanced artwork [28:17] – Tool recommendations and experimentation advice Follow, Connect & Share the Love Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar to help me tip my producer, Jim Mullen!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal!   Share  Share

In 10 quick but memorable minutes I’m sharing my observations and experiences with marketing strategies I had close encounters with over the recent Memorial Day weekend. From an innovative Fresh Direct pop-up, to a Rosé Soirée in the Hamptons with missed promotional opportunities, these are my thoughts on some effective …and ineffective … marketing tactics. And I borrow from one of the 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing, by brilliant marketing strategist, Jack Trout. First, learn how my friend Joanne (who happens to be Jack Trout’s daughter) and I popped into a pop-up for Fresh Direct. We were in pursuit of coffee but got a surprise stimulating conversation with the interim CMO, instead: Jackson Jeyanayagam. He explained their strategy was to build awareness for their new delivery service and display the quality of their products “IRL.”  Fresh Direct PopUp store Learn which of the 22 immutable laws Jackson was aiming to apply; and the overlap with he, that law and AB InBev! Then, we had a blast sampling 20 kinds of rose’, but can we remember which one we preferred — to buy again? Blame the drinking, sure, but I think it was more the missed marketing opportunities at the Soiree.  (TWO really stood out, though, which you can read about in my new Substack Newsletter, “Moss Hysteria”!)  Then, I popped over the next day — back in NYC — to check out Cognitiv AI’s pop-up at Grand Central, promoting mental health and positive news. It was a blooming success. Learn why.  Overall, great experiences that showed how valuable experiential marketing can be! Key Moments: 00:32 Fresh Direct Pop-Up 03:17 The Importance of Branding and Communication 04:27 Applying Lessons from Ries & Trout’s “The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing” 05:54 Event Marketing: The Rosé Soirée 09:31 Memorable Marketing: Cognitive AI Pop-Up 10:17 Get More in my NEW Newsletter, “Moss Hysteria” on Substack Please Follow, Connect & Share the Love of Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews Blusky: https://bsky.app/profile/mossappeal.bsky.social If you enjoyed this episode, please share with another smart business leader, give me five stars… and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify or on @YouTube.  Or a tip in my jar to help me tip my producer, Jim Mullen!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal! 

It’s two exclusive conversations in one episode! During the recent #possible2025 conference in Miami* I conducted two short insider interviews that were long on advertising industry insights. Peter Jones, VP of Revenue at Premion, explained why local advertising is booming, the importance of data-driven strategies, and how omnichannel measurement is revolutionizing campaign attribution Then, Sheila Marmon, Founder and CEO of Mirror Digital discussed the $6.8 trillion buying power of diverse audiences, digital innovation for inclusive marketing, and why brand are best served by connecting with multicultural consumers. Take a listen (or, watch/listen via YouTube ) and you’ll understand a couple of powerful market forces reshaping advertising today: the renaissance of local advertising and the still key need for  inclusive audience reach. With local advertising projected to reach $33 billion this year (growing at 16% year-over-year), Peter shares how Premion — an industry-leading CTV/OTT ad platform with directly-sourced inventory from 125+ premium publishers — helps advertisers make data-driven decisions that prioritize “outcomes over impressions.” Learn also how local and regional advertisers can leverage the same sophisticated targeting and measurement capabilities previously available only to national brands. Did you know they are “TAG Platinum” certified? That, combined with their company approach to business, means all their inventory is brand safe. Peter also teased a pretty impressive case study of a restaurant chain is measuring direct sales impact from their advertising campaigns right off transactions.   In the second segment, Sheila introduces us to the company she runs, “Mirror Digital,” which has pioneered connecting brands with diverse audiences across digital platforms for over 13 years. She breaks down the misconception that multicultural audiences are “niche,” (um, 43% of the pop is NOT niche!), and their combined $6.8 trillion in buying power – larger than the GDP of any European or Latin American country — should be pretty enticing to ANY brand advertiser! Oh, and remember, that other little “niche,” WOMEN, drive 80% of household purchasing decisions. It might be why Mirror Digital has worked with major brands like General Motors, Verizon, and Amazon. (I did a great interview back in 2021 with Cadillac CMO Melissa Grady Dias and we talked a little more about their approach to inclusivity, which is DEFINITELY still important, despite our political climate.)  Here are some of the key moments: [00:00:29] Peter Jones introduces Premion’s focus on local markets and helping regional agencies with scaled buying power [00:01:19] Why local advertising is having its moment and impressive projections for 2025 [00:03:05] The three key factors advertisers need today: inventory, data, and measurement [00:09:28] Jones’ mantra of “outcomes over impressions” in advertising strategy [00:11:07] How a restaurant chain measures direct sales transactions from Premion advertising [00:14:52] Sheila Marmon on Mirror Digital’s mission of connecting brands with inclusive audiences [00:15:22] Why diverse audiences aren’t “niche” (and their $6T (yes, a “T”) in  buying power) Follow, Connect & Share the Love Connect with Peter Jones: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonespeter/  and visit Premion: https://premion.com/ Learn about Mirror Digital and Sheila Marmon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-marmon-0398074/ Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews Blusky: https://bsky.app/profile/mossappeal.bsky.social *Read my Special Report about Possible: bit.ly/Moss-Whats-Possible If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar to help me tip my producer, Jim Mullen!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal!   Share

In a never-more-important throwback episode from 2021, hear again from KoAnn Skrzyniarz – who for years has been making a strong case for building Sustainable Brands in global conversations with some of the world’s biggest advertisers. Learn why there’s STILL a business — and social — value to purpose, perhaps even more so as environmental gains and progress towards sustainability are being undone with ‘drill, baby, drill’ threats and short-sighted profit-driven agendas. In time for Earth Month, or any time, KoAnn (frequently known by just her first name) shares not just the “whys”, but some “hows”: how sustainability has moved the needle for leading brands and how to be resilient in a “VUCA” world. A what? Listen; she’ll explain, and we also discuss: The impetus for creating Sustainable Brands   What kind of changes has she seen in the brand and media marketplace in terms of embracing brand purpose “Twenty years ago it was not recognized that companies that understood how to innovate for environmental and social benefit were going to be the companies that survived and thrived in the 21st century.” Is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) a good description? (Hint: KoAnn explains why it’s more a “business opportunity” and why the ANA [Association of National Advertisers] uses he notion of ‘good growth’. ) How companies should integrate their brand marketers and strategists, the product and service positioning teams AND the sustainability/procurement/diversity teams Is our current focus on brand purpose just another trend? How does it compare to the green rush of the 2007 timeframe or rallying around Hurricane Katrina? Have companies evolved in their mission-driven work? The data supportive of sales driven by environmental and social value propositions; What kinds of brand transformation are happening — and at which companies? How have companies like Clorox and P&G navigated the road to sustainability? And what is a Brand Transformation Roadmap? How Sustainable Brands itself pivoted during the pandemic to salvage — and even grow — their world-class conferences in a VUCA world! (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity!)  Additional Links: SB Brand Transformation RoadmapSM. Sustainable Brands global conferences  (Coming up Oct ’25 in San Diego!) Webinar on the ROI of Sustainability (May ’25) Find SB on Insta: @SustainableBrands  Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews Blusky: https://bsky.app/profile/mossappeal.bsky.social If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar to help me tip my producer, Jim Mullen!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal!   Share  

What happens when leadership loses its way — and work loses its soul, let alone its staff? In S2 Ep37 the impressive Rishad Tobaccowala, futurist, author, and former Chief Strategy / Growth Officer (now Senior Advisor) of Publicis Groupe joins me on Insider Interviews to offer a refreshingly human take on the future of work. And yes, we have a musical interlude…. The author of “Restoring the Soul of Business” and his latest,  “Rethinking Work,” explains what it really takes to stay relevant in marketing — and business in general. As Rishad says, “Change Sucks. But irrelevance is worse!” First, I found out that we are both quadruple espresso fans, so if you wonder where Rishad gets his energy…. THEN I discovered we both had a thing about MATH that changed our respective trajectories*. But, after comparing our coffee rituals we go full steam into how companies need to evolve old leadership styles —from “bossing” to inspiring. Rishad shares why corporate models are in urgent need of a reset, and how flexibility, curiosity, and a human-centered approach must replace outdated hierarchies. Think “fractional workers” and project-based teams meets AI. Rishad urges organizations to stop clinging to legacy systems and start designing for the future. But, as this is primarily a show about media, marketing and advertising, (he is, after all, being inducted in the Advertising Hall of Fame) he also explores how storytelling goes hand in hand with tech and remains a marketing essential — not despite the data age, but because of it. Discover the “5 Cs” of embracing the future in Marketing. Interestingly, as former Chairman of Razorfish, his imprint may have been made on Anthony Yell, who – per Epi 30 – clearly agrees in Collaboration and merging Creativity with tech and storytelling! Of course, we talk brand purpose — and that theme actually runs through it all, with Rishad explaining how generosity is not just as a personal value, but a business advantage. He shares how this belief drives the Tobaccowala Foundation’s work in improving access to education and healthcare in India — and why doing good can, and should, be good business. This episode is a frank but, yes, inspiring look at how to rethink work, reimagine leadership, and build companies that serve people — not just profit. *(FYI: Hear how math impacted the journey of Cadillac CMO Melissa Grady, too!) Key Moments:  01:03 Rishad Tobaccowala’s Background and Award-Worthy Achievements! 02:57 The Essence of Rishad’s Books – “Restoring the Soul of Business” and “Rethinking Work”   03:28 Combining Story and Data in Business 06:21 The Continuing Impact of Pandemic WFH Mentality and the Impact of AI on Work Lifestyles 07:11 Rethinking Work Now and Near Term Future Trends 11:02 Strategies for Embracing Change (Yes it “Sucks” But so Does Irrelevance!) 13:04 Building a Future-Ready Workforce 22:02 Personal Development Thru Continuous Learning 23:46 Mentorship and Leadership Advice Through Musical Metaphors (AKA: E.B. has to Sing Again) 25:37 The Crisis in Modern Leadership 26:07 Boss vs. Leader: Key Differences 32:06 Generosity as a Strategy 37:39 The Tobaccowala Foundation’s Mission 39:45 The Future of Marketing and Creativity (Hint: Does Not Fit in the Containers of the Past!)  46:03 Book Summary and Can’t Miss Resources Oh, and you might WIN! …Add a “like” and a comment on Apple, Spotify or YouTube for this episode, and I’ll randomly (okay, those who LOVE the show might have an advantage!) will be entered to win a copy of Rishad’s book which I’ll announce on or before 4/30/25. BUT to make SURE you get your own, and to learn more about Rishad, visit:  https://rethinking-work.io/whats-inside-2  Follow, Connect & Share the Love Connect with Rishad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishadtobaccowala/ Learn about Rishad/Purchase Rethinking Work: https://rethinking-work.io/ Connect with E.B. Moss and Insider Interviews: With Media & Marketing Experts LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mossappeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insiderinterviews Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InsiderInterviewsPodcast/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@insiderinterviews Blusky: https://bsky.app/profile/mossappeal.bsky.social If you enjoyed this episode, follow Insider Interviews, share with another smart business leader, and leave a comment on @Apple or @Spotify… or a tip in my jar to help me tip my producer, Jim Mullen!: https://buymeacoffee.com/mossappeal!