Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Fabio Ruffet, Vice President of Creative Brand and Content at Mars Wrigley. Fabio reveals how he transitioned from brand marketing at Bristol Myers Squibb to leading groundbreaking campaigns like Dove’s “Real Beauty” at Ogilvy, before returning to the brand side with Bacardi and now Mars Wrigley. He breaks down how his team balances long-term brand planning with fast, culturally responsive activations, and how working with agency partners like BBDO and adam&eveDDB helps bring iconic brands like Twix, Snickers, and M&M’s to life. Fabio shares how you can connect with him and what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-paced marketing landscape.Connect with Fabio: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabioruffet/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

In this episode, Peter Bray, founder and ECD of Bray & Co, discusses how his agency prioritizes inspiration to fuel creativity. He explains the shift from traditional "magic box" solutions to collaborative, ongoing partnerships with clients, where the goal is to inspire and challenge brands to think differently and create lasting impact. Peter explains the agency's philosophy of inspiring not just the client, but the entire company. Connect with Peter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteralexbray/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all 

In this episode, Marcelo Kertesz, CMO of Manscaped, shares his journey from product design school to leading one of the most disruptive brands in men's grooming. He reveals how, during COVID, he took the initiative to propose a complete rebrand for Manscaped, which ultimately helped reshape the brand’s identity. Marcelo delves into the balance between creativity and strategy, the importance of team collaboration, and how Manscaped continues to push boundaries in branding and marketing.Connect with Marcelo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelo-kertesz-9a1b4a/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all 

In this powerful episode, we go Behind the Work of The Missing Issue, a groundbreaking collaboration between Havas New York, Us Weekly, and The Harris Project. Executive Producer Josh Kornrich and Harris Project Founder Stephanie Marquesano join us to share how this campaign reframes the way media reports on celebrity overdoses by spotlighting co-occurring disorders and the intersection of mental health challenges and substance use issues. See and purchase The Missing Issue here: https://magazineshop.us/products/us-weekly-exclusive-the-missing-issue and follow the Harris Project’s mission at https://theharrisproject.org/.

In this episode, we talk with Graham North, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at nice&frank, an independent agency built on radical honesty and transparency. Graham shares his journey from journalism and startups to advertising, detailing how his Brand Camp initiative at Goodby Silverstein & Partners laid the foundation for his agency’s bold, no-BS approach. In this conversation, we cover: The freedom and challenges of running an independent agencyThe importance of balancing confidence with humilityWhy honest conversations lead to braver, better creative work  Connect with Graham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamnorth1/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all 

In this episode, Pedro Lerma, CEO and Founder of LERMA, shares his path into advertising - from creating a bold Ad Age mock-up to landing a role at The Richards Group and eventually launching his own independent agency. With clients like Avocados from Mexico, The Home Depot, and Salvation Army, Lerma has built a purpose-driven agency that blends creativity with impact. Whether you're breaking into advertising or aiming to lead, Pedro’s insights on leadership, risk-taking, and agency culture are invaluable.Connect with Pedro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pedro-lerma-964142/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all 

Nadja Bellan-White, Group CEO of M+C Saatchi North America, shares why bravery is the biggest trait separating great CMOs from the rest. From transforming global brands like Unilever and Coca-Cola to restructuring an entire country’s reputation, Nadja reveals how companies can reclaim cultural power and adapt to today’s business challenges. She also breaks down what makes M+C Saatchi the agency of choice for brands that want to shake things up. Reach out to isabella.pierangelo@mcsaatchi.com to connect.Connect with Nadja: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadja-bellan-white-she-her-ella-b281b84/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

Stevie Archer, Chief Creative Officer of M+C Saatchi North America, dives into the secret to creating work that gets people talking. She shares how to turn brands into cultural powerhouses, her strategy for breakthrough creative, and why Nike, Iceland, and other top brands dominate culture. Plus, her one question that unlocks creative blockages instantly. Reach out to isabella.pierangelo@mcsaatchi.com to connect.Connect with Stevie:https://www.linkedin.com/in/steviearcher/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all

Alexandra Osorio, Regional MD of Influencer Engagement and Culture at M+C Saatchi Group, breaks down how brands can harness culture and influencer marketing to build deep consumer connections. She shares insights on authenticity vs. trends, what brands keep getting wrong, and how influencer strategy is evolving in 2025. If you want to stay ahead in culture, this episode is a must-listen. Reach out to isabella.pierangelo@mcsaatchi.com to connect.Connect with Alexandra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandraosorio/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all 

In this episode, we sit down with Justin Hooper, SVP and Head of Creative at Wpromote, to explore the intersection of creativity and performance marketing. Justin shares his unique career journey - from working at creative agencies to leading the charge in performance marketing. He breaks down the marketing funnel, explains how brands can successfully blend creativity with data-driven strategies, and shares invaluable advice for those looking to break into the industry. Connect with Justin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmhooper/ Follow Breaking and Entering on LinkedIn for Daily Ad News: https://www.linkedin.com/company/breaking-entering-podcast/posts/?feedView=all