Uncensored CMO

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.

Jess Butcher, tech entrepreneur and co-founder of AR company Blippar, dives into the pressing issue of social media addiction and its impact on our wellbeing. She discusses the struggles female founders face in securing funding and offers insights from her experiences at Blippar. Jess highlights how AI is reshaping our brains and behavior, urging brands to take responsibility for the attention economy. Her initiative, ScrollAware, aims to promote healthier digital habits, introducing innovative tools like phone sleeping bags to help people reclaim their time.

Craig Brommers, CMO of American Eagle, shares insights into the controversial Sydney Sweeney campaign. He discusses the decision to partner with her, citing her broad appeal and initial positive reception. Brommers reveals how unexpected backlash escalated due to a pun misunderstanding and reflects on the power of social media misinterpretations. Despite challenges, the campaign attracted a record one million new customers. He emphasizes the importance of data-driven decisions and creativity in navigating marketing crises.

After an illustrious 37-year career in advertising, legend David Droga is stepping down as CEO of Accenture Song and retiring. Under his leadership, Song grew 8% to $20 billion in FY25, up from $19 billion the previous year. A fitting closing act for one of the industry’s most creative leaders.In this second conversation with David, we reflect on his career, the lessons he’s learned, and what he would do if he were starting from scratch. From creativity’s place at the heart of business to the power of simple ideas, David shares the philosophies, failures, and insights that have defined his journey.Timestamps00:00:00 - Start00:02:45 - Lessons from being CEO of Accenture Song00:06:01 - Why creativity needs to be at the forefront of businesses00:11:01 - How technology can enable creativity, rather than kill it00:18:42 - What is David Droga most proud of leaving as his legacy00:27:40 - What what David Droga do if he were starting from scratch00:29:59 - What are the traits of David Droga’s favourite clients00:34:59 - What trends are overrated and underrated according to David Droga00:40:52 - David Droga ideas that never saw the light of day00:43:58 - The business that almost came before Droga500:46:49 - The size of the idea is 50x more important than the budget00:48:10 - Droga’s best campaign on a small budget00:56:31 - Power of building on a campaign platform01:02:06 - The power of simple ideas01:07:48 - The most "Aussie" thing Droga has ever done

Richard Shotton, a behavioural science expert and author, dives into the psychology behind iconic brands. He reveals why the 119.5-second Guinness pour boosts credibility and how 4-star reviews appear more trustworthy than perfect scores. The discussion includes why Liquid Death thrives by breaking conventions and the allure of Aperol Spritz through distinctiveness. Shotton also highlights how humor and jingles enhance brand recall, alongside the secret sauce behind KFC’s dominance and the impactful use of concrete expressions by Apple.

Dame Carolyn McCall, CEO of ITV and President of The Marketing Society, dives into the fascinating world of TV advertising, celebrating its 70-year legacy. She shares why TV remains a robust advertising medium, especially for Gen Z. Carolyn discusses the emotional weight of impactful ads, like drink-driving campaigns, and the humorous Cadbury Gorilla. She also highlights innovative approaches like ITVX and the role of SMEs in modern advertising. Tune in for insights on how advertising shapes culture and the evolving future of TV!

Join John Amaechi, an organizational psychologist, author, and former NBA player, as he breaks down the keys to extraordinary leadership. He discusses the importance of self-awareness and vulnerability while debunking intimidation as a leadership tactic. Amaechi highlights finding your personal value proposition and empowering others as essential traits of great leaders. He also shares insights on the evolving expectations of leadership across generations and the need for a continuous learning mindset. Tune in for transformative ideas!

Join Jane Wakely, Global CMO of PepsiCo and former Mars executive, along with Neil Barrie, founder of 21st Century Brands and author, as they dive into what sets a world-class CMO apart. They discuss the crucial partnership between CMOs and CFOs, emphasizing the role of creativity in marketing—highlighting campaigns like the giant Cheetos thumb. They also share insights on brand management, the significance of adjusting established brands, and the importance of celebrating women in sports, showcasing innovative strategies that drive growth for billion-dollar brands.

In this engaging discussion, Mark Ritson, a renowned marketing professor and consultant, shares his candid insights on the implications of AI in marketing and education. He critiques a controversial ad featuring Sydney Sweeney, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection in marketing. Ritson stresses that pricing and strategic branding are vital for profitability, while encouraging marketers to rethink their approach in an AI-driven world. Expect a no-nonsense take on creativity rules and the role of strategy before tactics.