

BRANDED
Ben Kaplan and TOP Thought Leader
Explore the latest business and brand headlines with insight from the world’s leading experts in marketing, advertising, economics, and finance.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 21, 2023 • 37min
EP 37: Linda Lee, Campbell Soup Company - 'Legacy Reimagined'
Dive into the latest episode of the TOP CMO podcast where we delve into the exciting world of brand revitalization and modern marketing with Linda Lee, CMO of Campbells. From deciphering consumer behavior, the critical role of data, to the intersection of tradition and innovation, this episode offers you an insight into the fascinating dynamics of reenergizing established brands. How do you reimagine an iconic brand for a modern audience? How does a marketing leader navigate the shift in consumer preferences while preserving brand authenticity? Tune in to this insightful discussion that promises to stimulate your understanding of contemporary marketing strategy. Let's discover together!

Jul 14, 2023 • 36min
EP 36: Heidi Arkinstall, G-P - 'Breaking Barriers'
In this not-to-be-missed episode of TOP CMO, we sit down with Heidi Arkinstall, CMO of Globalization Partners who shares some intriguing perspectives on what truly makes a successful Chief Marketing Officer.Does a marketer need to be a business expert first? How far should one push beyond their comfort zone? These are just a few questions that Ben and Heidi tackle, shedding light on the untapped corners of the marketing landscape.Brand power - we all talk about it, but how often do we fully exploit its potential? Heidi has some insightful points on this subject that could make you rethink your strategy.She also touches on an unexpected topic – the role of new-age social platforms like TikTok in the B2B realm. It's a discussion you might not have anticipated but one that could significantly shape the future of your marketing approach.

Jul 7, 2023 • 38min
EP 35: Brooke Cunningham, inRiver - 'Partnerships, Authenticity, Innovation'
In this episode of TOP CMO, we sit down with Brooke Cunningham, the trailblazing CMO at inRiver. Brooke shares her valuable insights into the world of Product Information Management (PIM), its impact on sustainability, and its role in large-scale e-commerce. We dive deep into the power of partner marketing and the creative ways it can overcome resource constraints, especially in periods of economic uncertainty.Moreover, Brooke emphasizes the importance of being an authentic leader, nurturing trust, and fostering high-performing teams in an environment of rapid change. We also touch upon the importance of rapid response thought leadership and keeping content fresh and relevant. Join us for this riveting conversation as Brooke unravels her journey in the marketing realm, offering a treasure trove of wisdom and actionable strategies. Whether you're a marketing newbie or a seasoned professional, this episode promises to arm you with the knowledge to navigate the dynamic landscape of marketing. Tune in now!

Jun 30, 2023 • 41min
EP 34: Katherine Calvert, PagerDuty - 'Adapting, Innovating, Transforming'
In this thought-provoking episode of TOP CMO, we delve into an enlightening conversation with Katherine Calvert, the Chief Marketing Officer at PagerDuty. Katherine shares her unique approach to the first 90 days in a new role, likening it to moving into a new house. She discusses the transformative power of AI and automation, highlighting how it can enhance team productivity and streamline operations. Katherine also underscores the importance of alignment between marketing and sales teams, particularly in challenging economic times. Tune in to explore these insights and more, as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology and marketing. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to harness innovation to drive growth and create impactful change.

Jun 16, 2023 • 45min
EP 33: Linda Boff, General Electric (GE) - 'The Soul of a Company'
In this inspiring episode, we are joined by Linda Boff, the Chief Marketing Officer of General Electric. With a firm belief that a good CMO brings the soul of a company to life, Linda discusses the pivotal role marketing plays in not just driving numbers, but in humanizing the brand and telling its story. We explore Linda's perspective on strategic shifts and change management, emphasizing the importance of embracing these as opportunities for reinvention and growth, rather than obstacles to be conquered.Tune in for an enlightening conversation that serves as a reminder of the human element in marketing, the power of change, and the importance of synergy in leadership.

Jun 9, 2023 • 39min
EP 32: Kristi Melani, Telesign - 'Leadership Unleashed'
In this insightful episode, we join Kristi Melani, CMO of TeleSign, as she discusses her journey of scaling a lean marketing team into a vibrant unit of 60 members. Melani shares her strategy of establishing clear roles, recruiting function leaders, and developing 'charters' for better team collaboration and role clarity.Host Ben Kaplan and Melani discuss the importance of clear responsibilities, accountability, and understanding the 'why' behind tasks. They delve into the challenge of balancing role clarity with initiative, and the necessity of strong inter-departmental relationships.Melani reveals her dual-track approach to building a robust marketing function and raising expectations. She emphasizes transparency, empathy, and customer alignment as key to successful strategies. She also discusses her future goals for TeleSign, focusing on global awareness, refining strategies through ABM and industry thought leadership, and enhancing the sales process.Don't miss this episode for valuable insights into successful team building and effective marketing strategies.

May 26, 2023 • 40min
*BONUS* Best Of: 'Shaping The Next Generation of Leaders' | Insights from TOP Chief Marketing Officers
In this episode, join Ben Kaplan as he discusses the future of marketing with leading industry professionals - Margaret Jobling from Natwest Group, David Siegel of Meetup, Julia Goldin from LEGO, John Sheldon of Smile Direct Club, Lou Barber from DHL, and Alyson Griffin of State Farm amongst many others. They explore evolving marketing strategies, the balance of data and creativity, and the role of innovation in today's competitive landscape. A must-listen for anyone eager to understand the changing face of marketing.

May 19, 2023 • 34min
EP 31: JG Chirapurath, SAP - 'Fearless Marketing Leadership'
Welcome to our latest podcast episode featuring JG Chirapurath, CMO of SAP. We explore JG's philosophy of understanding customer experiences for effective marketing and his belief in creating an accessible and supportive team environment. The emphasis is on bridging the gap with customers, fostering a strong internal team culture, and hiring leaders based on skills, fit, and teachability. Join us as JG encourages us to be fearless, to develop talent, keep things simple, and to be generous with our time - maybe even over a ham sandwich with a colleague. This episode is a must for those rethinking their approach to marketing, leadership, and team collaboration.

May 10, 2023 • 33min
EP 30: Isabelle Guis, Commvault - 'Empathy, Alignment, and Adaptability'
In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the world of marketing with Isabelle Guis, an accomplished CMO and marketing thought leader. Discover the importance of strategic alignment and collaboration within marketing teams and the impact it has on ROI. Isabelle shares her unique perspective on embracing diversity, the blurring lines between B2B and B2C marketing, and the role of empathy in understanding and serving customers. Learn how trust and adaptability are essential for marketing success, and be inspired by Isabelle's insights on fostering a customer-centric approach that empowers businesses and individuals to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Brought to you by TOP Thought Leader.

May 5, 2023 • 39min
EP 29: Margaret Jobling, Natwest - 'Embracing Marketing Agility'
In this insightful episode, we chat with marketing expert Margaret Jobling, CMO of NatWest Group, who shares her invaluable experiences from the world of marketing and business. We discuss consumer understanding, data-driven decision making, seamless customer journeys, and the evolving technical and commercial acumen needed in today's competitive marketing landscape. Margaret offers practical tips on staying agile and adaptable in the face of uncertainty, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in marketing, business strategy, and staying ahead of the game in a constantly changing environment. Tune in to learn from Margaret's wealth of knowledge and apply these lessons to your own marketing and business journey.


