The WARC Podcast

Brian Morrissey, founder of The Rebooting and media commentator, dives into significant changes in the media landscape. He discusses the disruptive impact of AI and the challenges facing traditional media amidst the rise of tech giants. Morrissey emphasizes the importance of innovative revenue models for publishers and the role of branding in a crowded digital space. The conversation also highlights sports media's evolution, focusing on women's sports and athlete branding, illustrating the need for publishers to adapt in this tech-dominated era.

Mark Ritson, an internationally recognized marketing expert and consultant, tackles listener questions with insight and humor. He dissects Byron Sharp’s take on pricing, pointing out the critical role of customer-centric strategies. The discussion also covers AI’s transformative potential amidst agency challenges and recent brand mega-deals like Prada’s acquisition of Versace. Ritson champions authentic purpose-driven branding while teasing the pitfalls of flashy initiatives for profit. It's a lively blend of marketing wisdom and witty banter!

Join Faris Yakob, an independent strategist and author, Tom Morton, founder of Narratory Capital, and Suzanne Powers, creator of All And, as they explore the shift towards indie strategy practices. They discuss their motivations for leaving traditional agencies, how they're reshaping business models, and the creative collaborations that drive unique brand offerings. The trio emphasizes the need for innovation in marketing strategies, tackling challenges in transitioning roles, and the power of community in enhancing creativity.

Kory Marchisotto, the Chief Marketing Officer at e.l.f. Beauty, opens up about the brand's impressive 24 quarters of continuous sales growth. She discusses the critical role marketing plays in this success, emphasizing community engagement and inclusivity. Marchisotto highlights innovative strategies, such as leveraging social media for product feedback and partnering with cultural events. She also dives into the importance of collaboration between CMOs and CFOs to drive marketing investments, showcasing how authentic diversity fuels brand identity and loyalty.

Andrew Lipsman, founder and chief analyst of Media, Ads and Commerce, and Colin Lewis, director of Retail Media Works, discuss the creative challenges facing retail media. They highlight the industry's explosive growth, projected to surpass $176 billion by 2025. The pair address the need for retail media to shift from traditional marketing strategies to innovative creativity. They explore evolving partnerships, data-driven insights, and the integration of advertising across platforms, urging marketers to embrace fresh technologies to enhance brand engagement.

Join Mim Haysom, EGM of Brand & Marketing at Suncorp Group, as she shares insights from her leadership at one of Australia’s oldest insurance brands. Discover how Suncorp is reshaping its strategy to enhance community resilience through tools like Haven for disaster preparedness. Mim highlights the crucial alignment of company purpose with customer needs to foster collaboration and long-term brand engagement. She discusses the balance between immediate marketing tactics and building a sustainable, resilient brand, especially during crises.

Esi Eggleston Bracey, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at Unilever, shares insights on the company’s marketing refresh and its innovative influencer strategies. Brand consultant Eugene Healey delves into the rise of B2B creators and the cultural role brands play. Katrina Sturton-Dodd, Editor at Contagious, discusses standout campaigns from Cannes, like the impactful initiatives by Indian Railways and AXA. Together, they explore the shift towards human-centric marketing and the importance of cultural engagement in today’s branding landscape.

Laura Jones, CMO of Instacart, shares insights into the company's remarkable growth from a startup to a major player in grocery orders. She discusses the shift from performance-driven marketing to a balanced brand-building approach, adapting to post-pandemic consumer behavior. Listeners learn about Instacart's strategic debut at the Super Bowl, integrating nostalgia with effective audience engagement. Jones emphasizes the importance of holistic marketing metrics and fostering a collaborative culture within her teams to drive continued success.

Pats McDonald, Global Chief Strategy Officer at Dentsu Creative and jury president at Cannes Lions, teams up with Yusef Chuku, Executive Strategy Director at New Gods and a jury member, to dish on winning creative strategies. They explore the significance of diverse jury perspectives and share how standout campaigns like Cheetos and Dove tap into cultural insights. Learn the importance of clarity in crafting award-winning strategies and get inspired by remarkable campaigns from AXA and Spotify's collaboration with the UN.

Tati Lindenberg, Chief Brand Officer for Dirt Is Good and marketing leader at Unilever, shares insights on global brand localization and effective partnerships. She discusses balancing creativity with measurable outcomes, highlighting campaigns like Wonder Wash. Tati also emphasizes the importance of integrating short-term gains with long-term brand strategies and details the brand's evolution over two decades. Innovative collaborations with Arsenal FC are explored, showcasing campaigns that tackle emotional connections and social issues in sports.