Advertise on podcast: How The F**k Did You Get That Job?

Liz Simon took an unexpected route to her current role as Chief Operating Officer of premium coworking company Industrious. Early on, she had her sights set on changing the world through politics and policy. The self-proclaimed "super nerdy" teen was obsessed with civil rights and dreamed of directing impact through the law. She charged ahead to Cornell then the University of Michigan Law School, with a stint working on the Obama campaign sprinkled in between. But the "soul-crushingly slow" pace of bureaucracy left her questioning the ability to drive change from within. A pivot to the world of startups proved fateful when a happenstance referral dropped her into an associate general counsel role at the then-40-person coding bootcamp General Assembly. As Simon describes it, she proceeded to "work herself out of a job" by building a lean legal team to address regulatory snarls, then found herself migrating into broader executive leadership. After rising to CEO during a period of company growth and acquisition, she took the pandemic period to reflect on aligning impact and passion. The future of work called, landing her in operations oversight at Industrious during a post-COVID rebuilding phase. Now feeling the culture is "in one of the strongest places" after rallying during contraction, the self-proclaimed non-online person offers simple advice: "most of the stuff is just not that important." Perhaps that wisdom comes from the only other pursuit she says brings her equal meaning – being a mom. As Industrious continues to bounce back under Simon's steady leadership, she’ll surely rely on that clarity of priority.

Imagine stepping into the world of marketing with a sociology degree in your back pocket, ready to decipher the hieroglyphs of consumer behavior like some sort of modern-day Indiana Jones, minus the whip and the fear of snakes. This is the story of Jenny Zirinsky, Global SVP, Marketing, Communications, & Media Transformation at Colgate-Palmolive, whose career trajectory makes the Golden Record’s journey through space seem like a leisurely stroll through the park. For those who missed the memo, Jenny is not your run-of-the-mill marketer. No, she embarked on her odyssey at Boston University, armed with nothing but a passion for sociology. Fast forward through the years, and you find her steering the ship at Colgate-Palmolive’s marketing department. How did she get there? Well, buckle up, because this is where it gets interesting. Her journey kicks off in the agency world. Here, Jenny worked at OMD International and Resolution Media, honing her skills in the art of digital media strategy. Think of her as the captain of the Starship Enterprise, if the Enterprise was tasked with selling shampoo and toothpaste instead of exploring strange new worlds. Then came the leap to the brand side, a move akin to switching from tea to coffee — shocking to the system but ultimately invigorating. From Estée Lauder to Coty, Jenny didn't just walk through doors; she kicked them down with the finesse of a ballet dancer wearing steel-toed boots. Along the way, she learned the importance of work-life balance. But what sets Jenny apart is not just her career trajectory; it's her unwavering belief in seizing opportunities and diving headfirst into the unknown. She approaches challenges with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store, if the kid was a marketing genius and the candy store was the global marketplace. One of her crowning achievements? A Spider-Man campaign that made navigating Peter Parker's New York as thrilling as swinging through the city on a web. It was creative, it was innovative, and it probably made every competitor wish they had thought of it first. So, as Jenny Zirinsky continues her voyage through the world of marketing, let her story be a beacon for all those navigating the dark waters of their careers. It's a reminder that with a bit of humor, a dash of courage, and a sociology degree (apparently), the sky's not the limit — it's just the beginning.

Liz Crisafi took an unexpected route through the worlds of broadcasting, marketing, and advertising before she landed in hospitality as the Global Vice President of Integrated Marketing at InterContinental Hotels Group. But her passion for storytelling and people has been a constant driving force. After initially pursuing broadcast journalism in college and losing her Southern accent along the way, Liz realized the competitive field wasn’t for her. So when a friend suggested she try marketing, mentioning the better pay and hours, she decided to pivot. As she says with a laugh, “Compared to broadcast, anything probably looked better at that point!” Her first marketing gig may not have been glamorous, selling agricultural chemicals. But Liz embraced the challenge to “make herbicides and pesticides interesting” with an ad campaign set in an OR trying to revive a giant dying potato. As Liz says, “It doesn't have to be boring, even if it’s some random chem company or a B2B market.” Over the years, Liz learned to love marketing and honed her skills on iconic brands like Kodak. But it was the field of hospitality marketing that ultimately captured her heart when she joined IHG. As she puts it, “It’s hospitality. I love travel. It was a great role for me and it’s a great company. It checked all the boxes.” Now as IHG’s Global VP of Integrated Marketing, she leads marketing efforts for the company’s 19 brands and 6000 destinations worldwide. But she’s quick to note, “Our best product is our people that walk in and out of those hotel doors every day.” Of course, marketing such a diverse portfolio of hotel brands poses unique challenges. As Liz explains, “You have to be relevant in the moment and make sure you’re co-creating experiences, not just relying on past data.” From road warriors staying at a Holiday Inn Express to couples celebrating at a glamorous InterContinental, IHG aims to deliver personalized and meaningful stays. And while Liz loves the creativity of marketing, she’s learned over the years not to take things too seriously either. “Take your work seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously,” she advises. “We’re not curing cancer here, we’re marketing.”

When Molly Swagler was 20 years old, she had one dream – to become a broadcast journalist. But when she met with the news director, he rejected her outright. “You look and sound too young,” he said. Molly was bummed, but took it as a challenge. She didn’t let that stop her from getting what she wanted. Instead, she got creative. Rather than giving up on her goal, Molly devised an unconventional plan to change the news director’s mind. She went home and drafted an eccentric letter stating, “I have taken up smoking and stopped sleeping...and am now looking a lot older.” Her tongue-in-cheek letter was meant to catch the director’s attention and showcase her wit and determination. Along with the letter, she included compelling story ideas every day thereafter that could enliven their newscasts. She even sent gifts like a case of his favorite soda. The news director surely wondered when this spirited young woman would take no for an answer. But eventually Molly wore him down. Thanks to her bold antics – and her sharp journalistic skills – he saw fit to give her a shot. She landed her dream job as an on-air reporter. Molly’s tale illustrates why marketing executives seeking to launch their careers shouldn’t fear coloring outside the lines. When trying to grab the attention of potential employers, creativity and persistence matter just as much as qualifications. Rather than blending in with stacks of generic applicants, make yourself memorable. Show the hiring manager why you deserve the position – and why nobody wants it more than you. Be bold and a tad audacious in order to stand out from the crowd. Just ensure your methods align with company values. Defy norms without being inappropriate or unethical. And back up your unconventional approach with ample proof that you can excel in the role. Molly’s route won’t be right for everyone. But her willingness to manufacture her own opportunity rather than waiting for one is admirable Marketers should feel empowered to take the road less traveled on their way to securing that dream job. When faced with initial rejection, come back stronger and find an innovative way to reverse the decision-maker’s stance. Reframe setbacks as a chance showcase your passion. So take a page from Molly’s playbook. Pull out your proverbial typewriter and craft an eye-catching letter of your own. Start brainstorming what creative tactic could lead hiring managers to exclaim, “You’re hired!” And if you know of other marketers with an intriguing career origin story, please forward this episode and article their way. We would love to learn how more determined souls turned a “no” into a game-changing yes – and transform those stories into future inspiration for go-getters everywhere.

When it comes to great marketing, community colleges don’t often come to mind. Yet these schools excel at outreach. How? By grasping basics other marketers forget. ‍ So, we grabbed a room at the Museum of Ice Cream and sat down with Juliet Hidalgo, the Director Communications and Marketing for the Los Angeles Community College District. Here’s what she had to say. __ HTFDYGTJ is presented by OpenFortune

Remember playing with Barbies for hours of fun? If you’re a parent now, you probably hard passed on buying your kid the doll you enjoyed years ago. “Lame,” “not with it,” and “gives girls wrong ideas” are feelings about the 60-year-old toy. And, if you saw the Barbie movie last year, you know exactly what we’re talking about. But let’s dial back the clock a bit to break down what marketers can learn from Matt Repicky’s transformation at Barbie years before the movie was even an idea. Matt faced those blah views about Barbie when he rejoined as the toy’s marketing leader in 2014. Moms especially saw Barbie as dusting off odd messages about how girls should look and what they should want. They didn’t want their daughters anywhere near her, and Matt had his work cut out for himself. Something big needed to change to update Barbie’s image but keep her specialness. Matt took on restarting the brand’s purpose and meaning to both girls and parents. His winning rallying cry was “Inspiring the limitless potential in every girl.” That motivation focused everything going forward. Matt leaned on 3 main mindset shifts for injecting new life into tired brands, which we covered in today's episode.

Marketers these days are constantly spinning their wheels with ad platforms and algorithms that seem impossible to tame. But what if I told you true marketing magic stems from understanding human emotions?‍ In this episode of “How The F**k Did You Get That Job”, we sat down with Erin Levzow, CMO of the dazzling Museum of Ice Cream and 25 year veteran driving digital marketing strategy for iconic brands. When she says she markets joy, she isn't kidding. But as Erin's journey from community theater kid to heading up teams at the likes of Wingstop and Del Taco shows, keeping your pulse on customer cravings takes some grit too.‍ From leveraging in-real-life moments to hype social chatter, to choosing optimism and imagination in the face of trauma, Erin gives us the inside scoop on infusing marketing with more heart and memory-making. Our inner child felt seen. ‍

Picture this: you're scrolling through the Miami Dolphins' social feeds. You expect to see the usual suspects - the star quarterback, the lightning-fast wide receiver. But wait, what's this? A long snapper getting the spotlight? That's right. In a bold move that might seem like a social media sin, the Dolphins focus on the team rather than the stars. It's all about the collective, not the individual. Why? Because according to VP of Brand Marketing Michael Shaw, the team ethos is king. This isn't your run-of-the-mill strategy. The Dolphins' approach challenges the norm. In a world where individual branding often takes center stage, they're flipping the script. They're highlighting every player, from the one making the game-winning catch to the one who, well, snapped the ball perfectly. It's like giving every actor in the movie, including the guy who delivered the pizza in scene three, their moment in the Oscars acceptance speech. Why should you care? Because this strategy is more than just nice – it's smart. For starters, it builds a stronger team culture. Everyone feels valued, from the star player to the one in the trenches. This isn't just feel-good stuff; it translates to on-field performance and fan engagement. Fans love to root for a team that feels like a family. And from a marketing standpoint, this approach creates a diverse content stream that appeals to a wider audience. ___ HTFDYGTJ is presented by OpenFortune

In this episode of "How The F**k Did You Get That Job?" hosted by David Jaffin, Amanda Rassi, a seasoned marketing professional, shares her career insights, tracing her path from Procter & Gamble to Michaels. Amanda delves into the challenges and triumphs of driving change at a massive corporation like Kroger, highlighting the significance of a dynamic data science team and building a unique brand marketing strategy. The conversation shifts to her role at Michaels, a creative retail giant, exploring the nuances of modernizing the in-store experience and expanding into growth initiatives. Engaging in light-hearted moments, including a fortune cookie revelation and a rapid-fire Q&A, Amanda imparts valuable wisdom on loyalty programs, the evolving retail landscape, and the essence of staying agile in marketing. Tune in to unravel Amanda Rassi's journey, offering a compelling narrative on the transformative power of marketing and the art of navigating change in the industry. Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro 01:49 College decision 03:48 First job out of college 06:02 Example of a first project where you were stumped but figured it out 08:29 Marketing strategy when it comes to laundry business 10:17 What does switching between brands at P&G look like to you 13:11 How did you see P&G change over your 14 years there 14:32 When did you know it was the right time to move on to a new job 17:10 What was expectation versus reality taking that gig 18:42 How did your time at P&G help you understand consumer to consumer strategy at Kroger 20:20 How do you convey messages to such a large team in a way that they understand and believe 22:46 How do you make groceries cool 24:11 How do you explain what a Kroger employee should stand for 26:30 What made Michael's the right call for you 28:36 How do you define change and evolution at Michael's 30:41 How did you go about modernizing stores 32:05 How do you go about rewarding customers for having brand affinity 34:11 How do you manage the pros and cons of online buying and brick and mortar stores and how do market them differently 35:55 How much crossover do you have with learning from other CMOs who might have a similar audience 37:41 What advice would you give to a 21 year old woman who wants to get involved in marketing 39:36 OpenFortune sponsorship 41:20 Quick question round 43:59 Outro

In this episode of the podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with Delu Jackson, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive VP at ADT. Delu shares insights and stories from his remarkable career journey, spanning iconic brands like Nissan, McDonald's, and Kellogg's, before landing at ADT. He highlights the power of networking, reinvention in marketing, the profound impact of ADT in ensuring safety and peace of mind, and how personal goals drive his professional life. Delu also discusses the importance of being a better father and husband and the role of mentorship in his life. The episode concludes with a quick question round, offering a glimpse into Delu's personal preferences and philosophies. Episode Highlights 0:00 Intro  1:57 College decision process 3:25 What is a brand you saw as a kid that stood out to you  4:31 Landing first job out of college  8:06 What was the big career pivot for you  9:25 Moving to Japan with Nissan 11:20 Major difference between living in Japan versus the U.S. 14:09 What made you want to leave Tokyo  15:24 Expectation versus reality when transitioning to the food industry  17:36 How did you get to know your customers  18:40 What is one of the coolest campaigns you’ve run 20:52 Tell me about the ADT patches on the little league kids  21:56 Do you have a story to share of ADT saving somebody  23:07 How did you land your job at ADT 24:53 If you were to give your 21 old self advice, what would you say to him  25:27 What do you look for in hires 26:11 What is something you learned over time that you want to share with new parents  27:53 OpenFortune sponsorship  28:49 Quick question round  30:03 Outro 

In this enlightening episode, our host dives deep into the journey of Vera Koch, the SVP of Marketing at Happy Head, a company dedicated to combating hair loss. Vera discusses her academic and professional endeavors leading her to entrepreneurship. She passionately shares how Happy Head is transforming lives by restoring confidence in individuals experiencing hair loss. The conversation touches upon the company's growth, its DTC strategy, and the influence of mentorship in her career. Vera emphasizes the importance of building networks, particularly for women in leadership roles, and advises younger professionals to seek out mentorship opportunities early in their careers. Vera also shares the joys and challenges of motherhood, its influence on her life decisions, and the importance of her family in her life journey. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and those seeking to balance career and personal growth. Episode Highlights: 0:00 Intro  1:41 How did storytelling play a role for you growing up  2:49 What was it like landing your first job after university  04:27 What made L’Oreal the right place for you  5:00 What were your expectations versus reality in the role 6:24 What drew you to Henkel  7:40 How do all of the departments work hand in hand  9:08 What are some of your favorite campaigns you worked on at Henkel  10:02 What was it like moving to the states  14:34 What is something your partner taught you that you’ve brought into everything you do  15:50 Why did you leave Henkel  17:15 What about Happy Head and the founder’s vision made it the right move for you  19:21 What about the founder story really impacted you  21:42 What is a customer story that made you realize you’re doing the work you were meant to do  23:03 What does the customer journey look like  23:41 What is something coming up that you’re excited about  24:28 What is something you’re grateful for in your personal life  25:13 What is something you’ve brought in from motherhood that has taught you a lot about life  25:53 What advice would you give to your 21 year old self 27:31 OpenFortune sponsorship  28:53 Quick question round  30:11 Outro 

In this episode of "How The F**k Did You Get That Job?" hosted by David Jaffin, the guest is the marketing expert, Nick Karrat. Nick opens up about his early career beginnings and the significance of the brand's halo effect on a resume, particularly referencing his pivotal years at AT&T. The conversation segues into the riveting backstory of Tommy John, emphasizing the genuine humility of its founders, Tom and Aaron, and the brand's strategic vision for the future, especially in the omnichannel space. Through a mix of insightful discussions and light-hearted segments, such as a fortune cookie banter and a rapid-fire Q&A, listeners will glean invaluable insights into branding, marketing, and the intricacies of crafting a successful career. Dive into this episode to unravel Nick's journey, which stands as a testament to the power of branding and the essence of staying authentic in one's career trajectory. 0:00 Intro  03:20 How did you get your first job at AT&T 5:04 What was your dream job as a kid 05:39 How did Whitney Houston change your career  06:47 Was there one moment when you realized “I’m really good at this” 09:18 When did you know it was the right time to leave AT&T 11:08 Can you talk about the importance of working for a smaller company at a young age  12:19 How has your wife played a role in your career  13:10 What are some lessons you took from fatherhood into the workplace  14:22 What was the first startup you joined  16:19 What was the biggest thing you took away form working at a startup  17:48 What are some coping mechanisms you would use to keep pedaling and keep thins thing going  19:17 What were you looking for next  21:18 Journey with Plated  23:41 What are some of the best exercises to get to know the consumer  26:45 What characteristics do you look for in founders when you’re going to work for them  28:50 How do you go about getting a longer leash and sharing your visions  30:50 What about the founders vision of Tommy John got you fired up  33:53 What was step one when you came in  35:53 What marketing plays have you ran that delivered for you  38:26 What are you most excited about coming up with Tommy John 39:46 What advice would you give your 26 year old self  40:51 OpenFortune sponsorship  42:04 Quick question round  43:55 Outro