BRANDED

In this episode of Branded, hosted by Ben Kaplan, we sit down with Camilla Matias, COO of Brex, to unpack the bold decisions, hard-earned lessons, and unconventional thinking behind one of FinTech’s most remarkable scale-ups.Camilla joined Brex when it was a scrappy startup solving one problem: helping fellow founders get access to corporate credit. Today, Brex is a global financial platform used by both startups and Fortune 500 giants.We explore:How Brex went from “do everything” chaos to ruthless focusWhy scaling down was key to scaling upThe power of building your own infrastructure—and your own brandHow a Brazilian mindset shaped Brex’s adaptability and cultureWhat most leaders get wrong about growth, AI, and simplificationWhether you're a founder, operator, marketer, or just obsessed with how great companies grow—this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

In this powerful episode of BRANDED, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Maryam Banikarim—former Global CMO at Hyatt Hotels, co-founder of NYC Next, and the visionary behind The Longest Table. Maryam shares her inspiring journey, navigating a non-linear career path defined by pivots, purpose, and resilience, ultimately becoming a passionate advocate for community-building in New York City.Discover how Maryam leveraged purpose-driven leadership, brand storytelling, and authentic relationships to drive tangible impact. She emphasizes the importance of brands genuinely understanding and committing to their values, particularly during times of crisis, and provides valuable insights for marketers and leaders eager to foster meaningful community, loyalty, and brand strength.Whether you're managing career transitions, seeking to fortify your brand, or striving to build enduring communities, this conversation offers indispensable advice from one of today's most influential leaders.

Trust isn’t just a marketing buzzword—it’s the foundation of every successful brand. But how do you measure it? How do you build it? And how can businesses turn trust into a real competitive advantage?In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Dana Bodine, VP of Marketing at Trustpilot, to explore how brands can leverage customer reviews as more than just testimonials—they’re a powerful intelligence tool that shapes reputation, drives conversions, and builds long-term credibility.Ben and Dana dive into: Why trust scores matter more than you think—and how just a 0.1% increase can boost conversion rates by 8x The psychology of reviews—why customers actually trust a 4.8-star rating more than a perfect 5.0 The real impact of responding to customer feedback (even negative reviews can become your biggest asset!) How Trustpilot is shaping brand perception in industries like finance, insurance, and e-commerce The fine line between using reviews for marketing and ensuring authenticityIf you’re in marketing, branding, or business growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Because in today’s world, trust isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have.

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Michael Costello, CEO of GNC, to unpack how a 90-year-old health and wellness brand is adapting to today’s fast-changing market.With supplements available everywhere—from Amazon to your local grocery store—why would anyone still choose to shop at GNC? Michael shares how GNC is redefining its consumer experience, using data, personalization, and trust to set itself apart from the competition. He breaks down GNC’s Five C’s strategy, talks about what really matters to today’s customers, and explains how the brand is evolving without losing what made it successful in the first place.Key topics include: Why in-store experiences still matter in an online-first world How GNC is using data and loyalty programs to better serve customers The biggest shifts in health and wellness trends right now The challenges of leading a legacy brand in a crowded marketWhether you’re into fitness, business, or just curious about how brands stay relevant, this conversation offers a fascinating inside look at the future of GNC—and what other companies can learn from it.

Host Ben Kaplan sits down with Kathryn Bricken, the powerhouse behind Doughlicious, to uncover how she took her passion for baking from school events to Whole Foods shelves across the U.S. Kathryn shares the highs and lows of scaling a global brand, disrupting the frozen snack industry, and making bold moves in a competitive market.But that’s not all—this episode also features insights from Liquid Death and Campbell’s, as we explore what it takes to build a brand that stands out. From shaking up the beverage world to reinventing legacy food giants, Ben Kaplan leads the conversation on innovation, strategy, and the art of brand disruption.

Mark Bertolini, CEO of Oscar Health and former head of Aetna, discusses his remarkable turnaround of a struggling healthcare company. He reveals how he uncovered $1.4 billion in hidden opportunities and reshaped the business model to focus on customer experience. Mark reflects on the risks of bypassing industry experts and the transformative power of AI in cost management. He also emphasizes the importance of transparency and trust in public markets, sharing insights on effective leadership driven by curiosity and courage.

Healthcare marketing is evolving fast—legacy brands are fighting to stay relevant, disruptors are reshaping the industry, and consumers are more skeptical than ever. In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan explores what it takes to stand out, build trust, and drive engagement in this competitive space.We hear from Katelyn Watson, CMO of Talkspace, on how the company pivoted its brand and made virtual mental health care more accessible. Robert Krane, co-founder of Talkiatry, shares how he tackled one of the biggest challenges in psychiatry—access to care. And Pam Morrisroe of Breakthrough T1D discusses the nonprofit approach to building credibility and deepening audience trust.From brand refreshes to social impact marketing, partnerships, and storytelling, this episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating the healthcare industry. Whether you're in marketing, healthcare, or brand strategy, this conversation delivers valuable lessons on standing out and making an impact.

What does it take to build a $160B brand in a world driven by data and trust? In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Alice Cherry from S&P Global to reveal the branding strategies that transformed a legacy name into a financial intelligence powerhouse.Discover how a bold rebrand, a high-stakes merger, and a relentless focus on essential intelligence helped S&P Global stand out in a crowded market. Alice shares the challenges of uniting diverse teams under one mission, the power of familiarity over awareness, and why even B2B brands need emotional connections to grow.Whether you're crafting your own brand strategy or just fascinated by how global giants stay relevant, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Chuck E. Cheese isn’t just a childhood memory—it’s a brand that faced bankruptcy, a pandemic, and a struggling reputation. But instead of fading into nostalgia, it pulled off one of the boldest brand transformations in entertainment history.In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with David McKillips, President & CEO of CEC Entertainment, to unpack the $350 million reinvention of Chuck E. Cheese. From wiping out $700M in debt to revamping every location in the U.S., McKillips shares how the company evolved to stay relevant for a new generation.How did they pivot from crisis to comeback? Why did they ditch the animatronics? And what’s next for Chuck E. Cheese as a global entertainment brand?Find out in this deep dive with Ben Kaplan on Branded!

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Katherine Bond Debicki, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Digital Officer of KFC Canada, to explore how one of the world’s most iconic brands stays relevant in a rapidly changing food landscape.Katherine breaks down the three major waves of disruption that have shaped the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry—from the invention of the drive-thru to the rise of digital ordering and now, the shift toward experience-driven marketing. She shares how KFC leverages its legendary brand assets, like the 11 herbs and spices, the Colonel, and the bucket, while modernising the customer experience to engage new generations of consumers.We also dive into the power of consumer insights, discussing how KFC stays ahead of the competition by focusing on what matters to customers today—from viral food trends to cultural relevance, like their recent Taylor Swift campaign.Finally, we explore what QSR brands can learn from other industries, how earned media and strategic data are shaping marketing, and why the future of fast food isn’t just about value—it’s about offering a moment of escape, excitement, and personalisation.And stay tuned—later in the episode, we explore the world of customisable, sugar-free indulgence with Dana Paris, Chief Commercial Officer of Jordan’s Skinny Mixes, a brand redefining how we enjoy our favourite drinks.