

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

Apr 28, 2023 • 34min
EP 28: John Sheldon, Smile Direct Club - 'Marketing Disruption Unleashed'
In this episode, Ben Kaplan interviews John Sheldon, CMO of Smile Direct Club, about the challenges of disrupting traditional orthodontics and evolving their brand positioning. Sheldon shares insights on educating customers about teledentistry, establishing credibility, and offering various treatment options. He also discusses the importance of CRM, matching messaging to the customer journey, and their shift towards becoming the "inevitable leader" in teeth straightening. As the company grows, they're focusing on technological benefits and expanding product offerings. Sheldon also touches on performance marketing, increasing unaided brand awareness, and their new Care Plus service model. Additionally, he offers recommendations for other CMOs and reflects on the marketing approaches of Apple, MasterCard, and Nike, emphasizing the importance of strong branding and customer focus in the future of marketing.

Apr 21, 2023 • 40min
EP 27: Amy Baker, Security Journey - 'Turning Wants into Growth'
Join us on TOP CMO, the go-to podcast for marketing enthusiasts and professionals seeking insider knowledge from global Chief Marketing Officers. This episode features Amy Baker, a marketing mastermind who's worked with major players like Proofpoint and Ericsson. Get ready to explore cutting-edge marketing techniques, industry trends, and the essential skills needed to thrive in today's fast-paced digital landscape. Boost your marketing prowess with TOP CMO's exclusive access to the brightest minds in the business. Subscribe and stay ahead of the curve!

Apr 14, 2023 • 39min
EP 26: Karl Van den Bergh, Gigamon - 'Thriving Amidst Chaos'
In this episode of TOP CMO, we're joined by Karl Van den Bergh, the Chief Marketing Officer of cybersecurity leader Gigamon. With a background in deep observability and an impressive tech portfolio, Karl shares his insights on managing a marketing mix during economic downturns and leveraging lessons from the pandemic. We discuss finding the right balance between short-term results and long-term thinking, seizing opportunities during downturns, and building strong relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders. Tune in to learn from Karl's experience as a CMO on how to stay focused on your objectives and adapt your marketing strategies to thrive in the present while laying a solid foundation for the future.

Apr 7, 2023 • 39min
EP 25: Arun Pattabhiraman, Sprinklr - 'From Hustle to Scale: Building a Marketing Team for Growth'
In this episode of the TOP CMO podcast, we dive into the world of marketing and leadership with Arun Pattabhiranman, a seasoned CMO with years of experience in the industry. Listen as he shares his insights on how to build a successful marketing team, the importance of data and AI in modern marketing, and the key skills needed for aspiring CMOs. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out in your career, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and advice to help you take your business to the next level. Don't miss out on this must-listen conversation with one of the top CMOs in the industry.https://www.tiktok.com/@topcmohttps://twitter.com/TOP_CMO_podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/topcmo/

Mar 31, 2023 • 37min
EP 24: Francesco Lagutaine, M&T Bank - 'Building Trust: Marketing Through Community Connections'
In this engaging episode, Francesco Lagutaine and Ben Kaplan delve into the essential aspects of successful marketing. They explore the importance of understanding and communicating your brand's core values while staying true to your marketing DNA. The conversation highlights the significance of building trust with your audience and the role of becoming an authentic part of the communities you aim to reach.Don't forget our socials: https://www.tiktok.com/@topcmohttps://twitter.com/TOP_CMO_podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/topcmo/

Mar 24, 2023 • 35min
EP 23: Kirsten Markson, Keap - 'Unlocking the Power of Data-Driven Storytelling'
Discover the art of data-driven storytelling in this captivating episode with Kirsten Markson, CMO of Keap. Dive into the world of B2B marketing as Kirsten shares valuable insights on leveraging data for authentic narratives, embracing creativity to stand out, and maximizing the impact of content through stackable content strategies. Learn how to transform your marketing approach and make it anything but boring by connecting with your audience and delivering compelling stories that resonate. Tune in and unlock the power of data-driven storytelling in B2B marketing!Don't forget our socials: https://www.tiktok.com/@topcmohttps://twitter.com/TOP_CMO_podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/topcmo/

Mar 17, 2023 • 30min
*BONUS* Best Of: 'Leadership' - Insights from TOP Chief Marketing Officers
Discover essential marketing leadership insights in this power-packed episode featuring top CMOs! Uncover the secrets of successful CMOs, learn how to prioritize like a pro, and explore the critical role of collaboration between marketing and design. If you're passionate about marketing, leadership, and driving business success, this episode is a must-listen! Don't miss out on these valuable lessons from industry leaders in marketing. Subscribe now and unlock the power of CMO insights for your career. Marketing, Leadership, CMO, Prioritization, Collaboration, Product Development.
Don't forget our socials:
https://www.tiktok.com/@topcmo
https://twitter.com/TOP_CMO_podcast
https://www.instagram.com/topcmo/

Mar 10, 2023 • 36min
EP 22: Raja Rajamannar, MASTERCARD - 'Mastering Marketing's Five Senses'
We have the privilege of chatting with Raja RajaMannar, the Chief Marketing Officer of Mastercard, one of the world's leading payment technology companies. As one of the Top 50 Most Influential CMOs in the world, Raja has been instrumental in creating some of Mastercard's most successful global marketing campaigns.In this episode, Raja shares his insights into the future of marketing and how the combination of left-brain technology and data enablement and right-brain emotional engagement is the key to success. He talks about his book 'Quantum Marketing: Mastering the New Marketing Mindset for Tomorrow's Consumers', which offers a fresh and insightful perspective on how marketers can use data and technology to create more personalized and engaging experiences for their customers.According to Raja, the power of quantum marketing lies in harnessing the technology tsunami, data deluge, and tectonic shifts in culture to create campaigns that reflect real-time conversations and tap into all 5 senses. The result? Experiences that go beyond just advertisements and truly resonate with customers.If you're a marketer looking to stay ahead of the game, then this episode is a must-listen. Subscribe to our podcast to learn more about the next golden age of marketing and how you can leverage the power of data and technology to create personalized campaigns that engage your customers on a whole new level.

Mar 3, 2023 • 31min
EP 21: Neil Dowling, Rightpoint - 'Challenger Marketing: How Scarcity Tactics Drive Results'
In this episode of TOP CMO, we are joined by Neil Dowling, CMO of Rightpoint, a digital consultancy and part of the GenPact family, a professional services firm with over 129,000 employees. Neil brings with him a wealth of experience, having worked in senior marketing positions at renowned companies such as Cognizant and Fujitsu. Neil is no stranger to tight budgets and understands the importance of balancing long term and short term goals while leveraging the power of storytelling. In this conversation, Neil shares his insights on how to develop a balanced vision that incorporates both short and long term thinking, the importance of communicating KPIs with your team, and how scarcity can be a powerful tool for innovation. Tune in to hear from one of the industry's most experienced leaders and gain valuable insights that can help your business succeed. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review to stay updated on the latest episodes. I'm your host Ben Kaplan, and this is TOP CMO.Don't forget our socials: https://www.tiktok.com/@topcmohttps://twitter.com/TOP_CMO_podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/topcmo/

Feb 25, 2023 • 35min
EP 20: Vince Venditti, American Residential Services - 'Embracing Experimentation and Failure'
Join Ben Kaplan as he sits down with Vince Venditti, CMO at American Residential Services, to discuss the unconventional approach to marketing success. According to Vince, perfectionism can actually hinder progress and growth in the industry. To be a truly innovative marketer, you have to be willing to take risks and embrace failure. But it's not just about experimentation, it's about challenging your assumptions, remaining curious, and fostering a culture of authenticity and vulnerability.In this episode, Vince shares his insights on how to become a successful CMO, highlighting the importance of trust and transparency in the role. He also discusses the power of mentorship and giving back, emphasizing that when everybody grows together, everybody wins.Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out, this episode will leave you inspired and motivated to unleash your inner CMO. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a rating or review if you enjoy today's discussion.https://www.tiktok.com/@topcmohttps://twitter.com/TOP_CMO_podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/topcmo/


