The WARC Podcast

Ana Andejelic, former chief of brand for Espirit, and Suzanne Powers, founder of Powers Creativity, dive into Nike's journey in performance marketing. They explore the intricate balance between brand building and direct-to-consumer strategies, highlighting failures and successes. The conversation touches on the importance of retail feedback and cohesive marketing strategies for brand consistency. They also discuss Nike's evolving messaging, contrasting its inclusive past with a more selective branding approach, revealing deeper cultural influences at play.

WARC’s David Tiltman, Alex Brownsell and Celeste Huang talk about three key points from the latest Global Ad Trends report on in-game advertising. Discussing gaming ad-spend, the complexity of the gaming ecosystem and what needs to be done for brands to devote a higher share of budget to in-game advertising. Stay up-to-date with the latest marketing and advertising news with our free daily newsletter.

Cheryl Calverley, founder of The Den, and Harriet Kingaby, co-chair of the Conscious Advertising Network, dive deep into the world of Generation Alpha. They discuss the unique characteristics of this generation and the urgent responsibilities marketers face in their advertising practices. The guests highlight the impact of targeted ads on mental health and the need for ethical engagement strategies. They propose measures for brands to create genuine connections with Gen Alpha while emphasizing the importance of protecting children's rights in the digital landscape.

The discussion features insights on the judging process behind the Creative Effectiveness Lions at the Cannes Festival. Key themes include ambition, bravery, and the importance of cultural resonance in campaigns. Standout examples from McDonald's and a delivery app showcase global impact through simplicity and boldness. The conversation highlights successful low-budget campaigns tied to events like the World Cup. Additionally, the power of adaptable strategies in branding is emphasized, with innovative approaches transforming consumer engagement.

Lydia Amoah, a consumer insights contributor, Cass Naylor from Outvertising advocating for diversity, and Ndu Uchea from Word On The Curb discussing cultural media issues dive deep into the impact of diverse audiences on consumer behavior. They highlight the significant spending power of minority groups and the commercial risks brands face by ignoring these markets. The conversation also tackles the need for authenticity in LGBTQIA+ branding and the dangers of 'rainbow washing,' urging brands to genuinely engage with diverse communities for real change.

WARC Asia's managing director Rica Facundo and India editor Biprorshee Das talk about three key takeaways from the latest India Spotlight getting festive marketing right. Discussing the pre-festival build up phase, the commercialisation of the festive season and inclusivity in your festive marketing. Stay up-to-date with the latest marketing and advertising news with our free daily newsletter.

Alejandro Fieccone leads brand strategy for Dove Men+Care at Unilever, while Gary J. Nix is the chief strategist behind Brandarchist. They dive into the crisis of masculinity and how advertising can reshape perceptions. Topics include the need for brands to break away from outdated masculine stereotypes and the importance of inclusivity in marketing. They also discuss the impact of social media on young boys' views of masculinity and the challenge brands face in maintaining authenticity in their messaging.

Deborah Honig, the Chief Customer Officer at Samsung UK, discusses building Samsung’s ecosystem brand by focusing on customer engagement and emotional connections rather than just product features. She explores how AI can enhance everyday experiences and emphasizes the importance of diversity in tech and marketing. Honig highlights the challenges of the consumer electronics market and innovative solutions like SmartThings Energy. Additionally, she talks about the significance of a diverse influencer strategy and the growing importance of women's sports in marketing.

Andrew Lipsman and Marlowe Nickell discuss the importance of in-store advertising, exploring its impact on brand engagement and the concept of mental and physical availability. They delve into the effectiveness of in-store advertising through customization benefits, contextual relevance, and the evolving landscape of in-store marketing strategies. The conversation also touches on the role of retail media networks in upfront TV negotiations and the recommended strategies for brands to leverage this emerging market.

In this episode of CMO Conversations, WARC's Anna Hamill talks to LVMH's Global Brand Officer, Mathilde Delhoume, about the luxury company's role in the 2024 Paris Olympics, blending brand heritage with modernity, the power of building long-term brands, and much more.Stay up-to-date with the latest marketing and advertising news with our free daily newsletter.