The WARC Podcast

Join Dan Salkey, Co-Founder of Small World and co-author of the Entertain or Die report, along with Michaela Kron-Hags, Global Marketing Campaign Director at Duolingo. They explore how brands like Duolingo redefine engagement through entertainment. Discover why entertainment value impacts brand growth, with surprises from unexpected brands. Learn about innovative strategies using characters and humor to connect with audiences, and the importance of measuring engagement beyond traditional methods. Get inspired by their insights on brand narrative and creative marketing!

Ian Whittaker, co-founder of Liberty Sky Advisors with over 20 years in financial analysis, shares insights on earnings season trends. He discusses how consumer behavior shifts are reshaping retail strategies, with giants like Walmart adapting to economic pressures. The conversation highlights the impact of misinformation on brand strategies, notably Coca-Cola's response to social activism. Whittaker also explores how major digital platforms are rethinking their advertising approaches in the face of uncertainty, emphasizing the crucial balance between automation and maintaining brand integrity.

Kiri Masters, an insightful commentator and author in the retail media space, dives into the transformative world of retail media. She discusses how advertising is shifting beyond e-commerce and into social media and connected TV. Kiri highlights the power of first-party data for personalizing off-site ads while tackling third-party cookie challenges. Listeners will learn about the innovative strategies employed by retail giants and the complexities brands face in executing effective retail media campaigns.

Join Traci Alford, Global CEO at Effie Worldwide, and Shaun Dix, Global Service Line Leader at Ipsos, as they delve into the fascinating rise of 'nouveau nihilism' among consumers facing economic uncertainty. They discuss the importance of honesty and empathy in marketing, spotlight innovative campaigns like Deutsche Telekom's online safety initiative, and stress the need for brands to maintain long-term identity while adapting to shifting consumer sentiments. Their insights provide valuable strategies for connecting with today's wary shoppers.

Which work made the podium in this year's regional WARC Awards? WARC's John Bizzell and Anna Hamill dig into the highlights. See all the winners across regions on our awards page.

Omar Oakes, founder of OOmph and seasoned media journalist, joins Jamie Credland, CEO of World Media Group and advocate for trusted journalism. They dive into the strained relationship between advertising and news media, revealing the decline in ad spend on hard news and its implications. The rise of creator journalists is also discussed, along with the challenges they pose to journalistic integrity. They explore new strategies for publishers to enhance revenue and foster better relationships with advertisers, emphasizing collaboration and education.

Kate Price and Marisa Mulvihill from Prophet share their insights on integrating brand and performance marketing for growth. They discuss the importance of collaboration, likening marketing strategies to a cohesive sports team. The duo underscores how CMOs can act as coaches, balancing short-term and long-term goals. They advocate for embracing failure as a learning opportunity and stress the need for clear communication within teams to achieve effective results. Their conversation is packed with practical strategies for enhancing marketing effectiveness.

As tariffs, and fear of recession, roil the global economy, Koen Pauwels, distinguished professor of marketing at Northeastern University in Boston, discusses paths forward for brands and consumers with WARC US Commissioning Editor Cathy Taylor.

WARC’s Jenny Chan speaks with two top marketers Dhiren Amin (Income Insurance) and Jiunn Shih (Zespri Kiwifruit) to unpack the new Pace Principle report — and explore how these brands are putting twin-pace thinking into practice.WARC Members can read the Pace Principle here⁠.If you're yet to subscribe, don't worry - you can also ⁠get a sample report here⁠. 

Catherine Driscoll, a Commissioning Editor at WARC, delves into the impact of economic uncertainty on advertising strategies. She shares insights on how brands can adapt creatively even when budgets are shrinking, citing successful campaigns that thrived during downturns. Driscoll highlights innovative approaches like the Honest Eggs Company's unique methods and the power of social media video content. Furthermore, she discusses maintaining brand visibility through owned media and transparency, using real-life case studies to illustrate resilience in challenging times.