The WARC Podcast

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.

Andrea Diquez, Global CEO of GUT, and Martin Beverley, CSO of Ace of Hearts, share insider knowledge on winning the Creative Effectiveness Lions. They discuss the jury's decision-making process, revealing what truly impresses jurors. Humor’s impact in advertising takes center stage, with examples like Specsavers featuring Rick Astley. The duo also highlights iconic brands like Apple and Dove, showcasing their innovative strategies. Listeners get key tips for crafting compelling entries that resonate and stand out in a competitive field.

Sean Summers, Chief Marketing Officer of Mercado Libre, shares insights on the company's rapid growth and innovative strategies that led to multiple awards, including the integration of Brene Brown's ideas into marketing. Anastasia Leng, CEO of CreativeX, discusses the effectiveness of influencer marketing and the evolving creator economy. Both guests dive into the transformative power of emotional engagement in branding and the necessity for companies to embrace bravery and adaptability in their marketing approaches, all while maintaining clarity in communication.