BRANDED

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Sarah Crockett, CMO of DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse), to discuss the art of reviving a retail giant. With eight months in the role, Sarah shares her strategy for repositioning DSW, tapping into consumer insights, and creating an emotional connection with customers across generations. She explores the challenge of bringing back the brand's "heat", navigating multi-channel retail, and adapting to cultural shifts. Plus, she reveals why physical stores remain her #1 marketing channel, the power of storytelling in marketing, and the biggest myth about retail's future. - What does your shoe choice say about you? - How do brands stay relevant in a fast-changing world? - Why does Sarah hate big campaign reveals? If you care about brand strategy, consumer psychology, or marketing innovation, this episode is a must-listen.

What makes Jack in the Box one of the most crave-worthy fast-food brands? In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Ryan Ostrom, Chief Customer Officer at Jack in the Box, to uncover the bold marketing strategies, digital innovations, and brand positioning that keep them ahead of the competition.Ryan reveals how Jack in the Box stays relevant in a rapidly changing industry—leveraging celebrity collaborations with icons like Snoop Dogg, expanding into new markets, and mastering the art of digital loyalty. He also shares insights into the "Craved Strategy," a framework that drives everything from menu innovation to social media engagement.Whether you're a marketing enthusiast, a fast-food fan, or just curious about how brands build cult-like followings, this episode serves up valuable lessons on staying competitive, connecting with customers, and making a lasting impact.

In this episode, Ben Kaplan sits down with Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, to explore the fascinating intersections of behavioral science, marketing, and human psychology. Rory shares his insights on how small, seemingly insignificant changes can drive massive consumer behavior shifts and why reframing is essential in marketing strategy. The conversation touches on Jaguar’s rebranding, the role of humor in advertising, and the unexpected power of irrationality in decision-making. Rory also discusses the importance of seeking out opportunity costs, the value of curiosity in creativity, and how brands can differentiate themselves by leveraging unconventional thinking. Packed with humor, real-world examples, and sharp observations, this episode is a masterclass in creative problem-solving and the surprising power of ideas that defy logic.

Introducing BRANDED! In this announcement, we reveal the exciting merger of TOP CEO and TOP CMO into one powerhouse podcast. Get a sneak peek into the bold stories and big ideas driving the world’s most iconic brands. Featuring names like Rory Sutherland, Liquid Death, and the former CMO of Nike, this is your front-row seat to the minds shaping the future of branding. Perfect for anyone curious about how brands break through and stay legendary.

In this episode of TOP CMO, Ben Kaplan sits down with Karen Budell, CMO of Totango, to explore the challenges and opportunities of navigating a high-speed merger with competitor Catalyst. Karen shares her journey from journalist to marketing leader, offering insights on aligning teams, crafting compelling brand narratives, and integrating diverse marketing strategies. Discover how Karen’s background in storytelling and content marketing informs her approach to customer success and growth, and learn why she champions non-traditional career paths. Whether you're a marketing enthusiast or a business leader, this episode is packed with actionable advice on building stronger teams, driving customer retention, and leveraging thought leadership.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Courtney Weis, Managing Director of Brand Marketing at FP Movement, Free People's activewear brand. Courtney shares her journey from talent management to leading a brand that celebrates diverse forms of movement. Discover how FP Movement thrived during the pandemic, leveraging influencer partnerships, community engagement, and a strong brand identity to achieve remarkable growth. In this episode, we dive into: How FP Movement built a community-first approach during the pandemic. The balance between influencer creativity and brand alignment. Key traits every marketer needs for success. Courtney's career advice for aspiring marketers. Get ready to be inspired by Courtney's vision, adaptability, and passion for creating authentic connections with customers. Perfect for marketers, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone looking to build a brand that stands out.

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Dustin Godsey, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the Milwaukee Bucks, to discuss how a basketball team transforms into a global content and entertainment powerhouse. Dustin shares insights into building fan engagement across local and international audiences, launching innovative content initiatives like the Bucks' podcast network, and leveraging superstar players like Giannis Antetokounmpo as influencers. Discover how the Bucks combine data-driven strategies, cultural relevance, and creative storytelling to super-serve their local market while expanding their reach to a worldwide fanbase. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes stories of turning championship wins into marketing milestones and how the Bucks stay resilient beyond their "championship window."

In this episode, we dive into the audacious and hilarious world of Liquid Death with Greg Fass, the brand's VP of Marketing. Discover how this water company defied industry norms with a bold, comedy-first approach, turning a healthy beverage into a cultural phenomenon. Greg shares insights on Liquid Death’s viral marketing strategy, unexpected collaborations, and the power of earned media to "win the internet" on a budget. From corpse paint to casket coolers, Liquid Death isn’t just selling water—it’s redefining what a brand can be. With host Ben Kaplan.

In this episode of Top CMO, Ben Kaplan sits down with Melody Lee, the Chief Marketing Officer of Mercedes-Benz USA, to explore how one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands is staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Melody shares insights on balancing the brand’s storied heritage with cutting-edge innovation, from embracing electrification and autonomous driving to reaching new, diverse audiences in the U.S. market. Drawing from her impressive career—spanning roles at Cadillac, Shiseido, and Herman Miller—Melody reveals how she’s navigating the challenges of redefining luxury, building brand relevance, and leveraging multicultural marketing to shape the future of Mercedes-Benz. Plus, she opens up about her biggest lessons as a marketing leader, the best advice she’s ever received, and the one headline that changed her perspective on messaging forever. Whether you’re a marketer, a car enthusiast, or someone curious about how global brands adapt to a changing world, this episode is packed with valuable insights and candid reflections. Don’t miss it.

In this episode, Amy Halford, CMO of Thrive Pet Healthcare, shares how she’s redefining pet healthcare marketing by blending trust, innovation, and customer-centric strategies. From building emotional connections with pet owners to leveraging digital transformation, Amy reveals the unique challenges of marketing services over products, lessons from her time at Best Buy and General Mills, and how Thrive is shaping the future of veterinary care. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a trusted brand in the healthcare industry, this is the episode for you.