Uncensored CMO

Emma Harris, marketing and sales leader and founder of Glow London, shares her transformative journey after surviving a cardiac arrest. She discusses the importance of aligning brand and culture, having a strong team, and navigating crises. Emma emphasizes the need to 'slow down' to enhance performance and well-being, arguing that rest and reflection can lead to increased clarity and creativity. She also highlights the power of community and accountability in achieving personal and professional goals, aiming for a more meaningful approach to leadership.

In this engaging discussion, marketing expert Mark Ritson shares his top moments of 2025. He critiques Tesla's fighter brand strategy while advising Elon Musk to reconsider his promotional approach. Ritson explores Amazon's effective use of familiar holiday ads and the backlash of Cracker Barrel's rebranding efforts. He also tackles buzzwords like hyper-personalization and deepfake ads, revealing their pitfalls. The conversation culminates with a keen insight into rising consumer resistance amidst 'maximiniflation.'

Andrew Warden, CMO of Semrush and a digital visibility expert, dives into how AI is revolutionizing search and SEO. He debunks the myth that SEO is dead, emphasizing the need for marketers to adapt their strategies across platforms like YouTube and Reddit. Warden reveals surprising insights from the AI Visibility Index and discusses the changing role of creators in this new landscape. He stresses the importance of speed and experimentation, urging CMOs to embrace 'fail fast' to stay relevant in the fast-evolving world of AI.

Jo Shoesmith, Chief Creative Officer at Amazon, shares her insights on creating emotionally resonant advertising for a global giant. She discusses the transition from agency life to brand leadership and why Amazon still invests in traditional media. Jo reveals the secret to crafting timeless ads that engage audiences for years and the significance of right-brained storytelling. Additionally, she explores surprising insights about Gen Z and how Amazon balances creativity with agility, even in the age of AI.

Zaria Parvez, a creative social strategist, played a pivotal role in Duolingo's viral social media success. She discusses her transition to DoorDash and the creative freedom she enjoyed at Duolingo, including risky campaigns like Duo's staged death. Zaria shares insights on planning for virality, spotting trends, and how supportive leadership fuels creativity. She also emphasizes the importance of building personal brands and leveraging AI in social media, while highlighting the value of boredom for sparking creativity.

Esi Eggleston Bracey, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Unilever, shares her remarkable journey from biomedical engineering to leading global beauty brands. She emphasizes the importance of merging creativity with data-driven marketing, highlighting how emotions drive consumer purchases. Esi introduces Unilever's SASSY framework for building brand desirability and discusses innovative campaigns like Dove’s Change the Compliment and Vaseline Verified. She also delves into the role of AI in marketing and how to nurture future billion-euro brands.

Nick Tran, CMO and President of First Round, leads the Diageo joint venture for Ciroc and Lobos 1707. He discusses brand reinvention versus continuation and the importance of cultural relevance. Tran emphasizes product innovation, the declining drinking trends, and the evolving role of social media. He highlights the necessity of creating genuine connections rather than relying solely on celebrity endorsements. Additionally, he shares insights on building a personal brand and navigating the complexities of modern marketing in an AI-driven landscape.

Nils Leonard, Co-founder and Creative Director of Uncommon, shares his bold insights on creativity in advertising. He discusses Uncommon's groundbreaking out-of-home campaigns, including British Airways' evocative 'Reflections' and the emotional storytelling behind B&Q’s approach. Nils contrasts the creative energies of the UK and US, urging a shift from cynicism to belief and experimentation. He challenges creators to find inspiration in pain points and reimagine traditional formats, emphasizing action over apathy to revive authentic creativity.

Gary Vaynerchuk, entrepreneur and CEO of VaynerMedia, shares his insights on marketing in a rapidly evolving world. He emphasizes the power of generosity as a growth strategy and underscores that the customer is always right. Discussions include the undervaluation of podcasts, LinkedIn's role in B2B marketing, and the potential of SMS for community engagement. Gary critiques traditional media like TV while praising social platforms, especially TikTok, for their organic reach. He warns about the trust issues surrounding AI and deepfakes in the future.

Will Guidara, author of 'Unreasonable Hospitality' and former co-owner of the world-renowned Eleven Madison Park, shares insights on blending hospitality with branding. He emphasizes the power of small gestures and the importance of emotional experiences over mere facts. Discussing concepts like intelligent naivety and the 95/5 rule, he illustrates how businesses can transition pain points into memorable moments. Will also reflects on how a mindset focused on hospitality can drive innovation and create extraordinary customer experiences.