Customer-Centric Branding Strategies

Marketing leaders are under more pressure than ever, and many are stuck playing defense. With budgets tightening and short-term wins taking priority, how can CMOs reclaim their seat at the table and drive real business impact?

In this episode of Best Story Wins, Michael Duda—partner at Bullish and former agency leader—shares how he’s blending creative and financial capital to back high-growth brands like Peloton, Warby Parker, and Harry’s. He explains why marketing should be treated as an investment, not a cost, and how content, brand, and business strategy can come together to build lasting value.

We also dive into:

• Why marketing lost power—and how to get it back.
• The ROI of early-stage storytelling and customer obsession.
• How B2B brands can move beyond sales-driven messaging.
• Why “safe” content often leads to invisible brands.
• Full-funnel strategies that withstand tough market conditions.