On Brand with Nick Westergaard

Brett Townsend is the Senior Vice President of Strategy at insights and analytics firm Quester. His work has helped brands such as Pepsi, Doritos, Ruffles, Walmart, Frigidaire, and Lowe’s innovate through better consumer insights. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Brett TownsendBrett Townsend is SVP of Strategy at Quester and has had a successful career of generating sizable revenue on both the corporate and agency sides of consumer insights. Brett has worked in domestic and global branding and innovation for major brands like Pepsi, Doritos, Ruffles, Walmart, Frigidaire, and Lowe’s. His work has led to successful innovations, brand extensions, product improvements, and marketing campaigns worth tens of billions of dollars globally. He has led insights teams at PepsiCo, Electrolux, and Lowe’s and he has worked across all major industries like FMCG, retail, food & beverage, durable goods, restaurants, and clothing. Along Quester President Tim Hoskins, Brett is co-author of the new book "Insights on the Brink: Revitalizing the Market Research and Analytics Industry."From the ShowWhat brand has made Brett smile recently? Brett smiled on the recent success of Modelo Especial and their use of the “fighter” story to overtake Bud Light as the best-selling beer in America.Connect with Brett on LinkedIn and the Quester website.As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Ian Kaye, Chief Design Officer at SYLVAIN, has shaped iconic brands like the WNBA and notable book covers. He dives into the strategic importance of brand identity, discussing how effective design influences consumer behavior. Kaye shares insights on the evolution of branding in the WNBA, emphasizing player feedback and authenticity. He also highlights the challenge of aligning author vision with market appeal in book branding, advocating for genuine design over trends. Dive into this engaging conversation about creativity and meaningful connections in branding.

Sali Christeson is the Founder and CEO of Argent. Sali had a vision to arm women with a wardrobe that delivers style, functionality, and self-expression as they take their seats at the table. Since its inception, Argent's mission has been centered around forwarding women's progress, both through its product collections and brand initiatives. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Sali ChristesonSali Christeson is the Founder and CEO of Argent, a venture-backed women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress.A business major with an MBA from the University of South Carolina, Sali spent a decade in the Bay Area's finance and technology space, where she struggled to find work clothes that were bold, practical, and professional. For too long, workwear for women had been stagnant, constricting, and lacking key functional elements as simple as pockets. After reading hard statistics that women in the workplace are judged on appearance, which results in a tangible impact on their income over time, Sali founded Argent with a vision to arm women with a wardrobe that delivers style, functionality, and self-expression as they take their seats at the table.Argent’s community counts leaders and disruptors like Dr. Jill Biden, Hillary Clinton, Kamala Harris, Meghan Markle, Gloria Steinem, and Amy Poehler as members, and is backed by industry leaders, including Founders Fund, Fuel Capital, Katrina Lake, and Brooklyn Decker.To date, Argent has partnered with Supermajority and Michelle Obama’s organization, When We All Vote, to advocate for women’s voting power. In addition, Argent created the first jeans designed for the office with denim brand AGOLDE, launched its first wholesale relationship with Nordstrom, and opened three NYC storefronts since the pandemic. The stores are built specifically for working women to help support them with their professional wardrobe overhauls as they navigate shifting dress codes/hybrid schedules.From the ShowWhat brand has made Sali smile recently? Like many, Sali is excited about all of the energy and excitement around Kamala Harris's presidential campaign. She also shared some smiles she had with her kids around the Super Smalls brand.Connect with Sali on LinkedIn and Instagram and listen to Argent's Work Friends podcast. And, of course, the Argent website.As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Acton is the Chief Customer Officer at BILL. Until recently she had been the Chief Marketing Officer. However, this is more than just a one-word title shift. It's a shift in the focus of BILL's branding, marketing, and sales efforts. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Sarah ActonSarah Acton, the Chief Customer Officer at BILL, brings more than 25 years of experience in marketing and brand-building work in both consumer and business markets. Prior to BILL, she led both marketing and sales at Athos, a wearables company in the athletic performance space. Sarah was also responsible for global brand oversight during pivotal periods of growth at LinkedIn and consumer marketing leadership at Yahoo! An entrepreneur at heart, Sarah was the owner of a small retail business where she had first-hand experience with the rewards and challenges of running a business. Sarah holds an MBA from Northwestern University – Kellogg School of Management and a B.S. in Marketing from Tulane University.From the ShowWhat brand has made Sarah smile recently? “It's like trying to pick your favorite kid!” Sarah laughed before sharing a recent customer visit from Glamnetic that made her smile.Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn and read her article on the BILL website about her new title and focus.As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Abraham is a Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group and co-author of the upcoming book Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI. With stories from Starbucks, Lululemon, and Spotify, Mark shared how businesses today use AI to enhance their personalization and customer strategy. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Mark AbrahamMark Abraham is a Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group and the founder of the firm’s Personalization business, which he has built into a global team of more than 1,000 agile marketers, data scientists, engineers, and martech experts. Mark’s teams have accelerated the personalization efforts of over 100 iconic brands (e.g., Starbucks, Home Depot, and Google) and built some of BCG’s largest ventures and AI platforms, including Fabriq for personalization. Mark now leads BCG’s North American Marketing, Sales & Pricing practice. He's also co-authored the upcoming book Personalized: Customer Strategy in the Age of AI.From the ShowWhat brand has made Mark smile recently? Each year, Mark goes to Europe to visit family. While there, he visits the same little store to buy his shirts. despite a year passing, they call him by name, remember his size, and share recommendations. As Mark notes, these are the personalization basics that should ground everything.Connect with Mark on LinkedIn and check out the website for his new book Personalized. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Stutz is the President of Global Diversity Partners and co-author of the book Daily Practices of Inclusive Leaders. Based on his 25+ years as a leader at Amazon and Microsoft, his work helps leaders connect with their employees and build inclusive and equitable environments. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Jonathan StutzJonathan Stutz, M.A. (he/him/his) is the President of Global Diversity Partners whose mission is to help leaders and their employees build inclusive and equity environments so employees feel they belong. He has 25+ years of experience as a leader in two of the world's largest companies, Amazon and Microsoft. Jonathan earned his M.A. from City University of Seattle in Organizational Leadership and B.A. in Political Science from the University of Washington. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Bellevue, WA non-profit, Youth Eastside Services, and has served as a Human Services Commissioner for the cities of Bellevue and Kirkland, Washington. He and his wife, Stacie, have been married for 42 years and have two adult children, and a cherished English Creme Golden Retriever, Simon.From the ShowWhat brand has made Jonathan smile recently? Jonathan shared the simple yet consistent smiles that Amazon delivers to his family almost daily.Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn and check out his book and business websites.As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Barry LaBov, a two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, is a celebrated author, podcast guest, and brand strategist. As Founder and CEO of LABOV Marketing, Communications, and Training, he helps clients discover and celebrate their brand differentiation. His upcoming book, The Power of Differentiation, will be distributed globally by Simon and Schuster. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Barry LaBovBarry LaBov is a two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, a nationally recognized, respected author, podcast guest, and brand strategist. He is the Founder and CEO of LABOV Marketing, Communications, and Training — a full-service agency specializing in helping clients discover and celebrate their brand differentiation. LABOV’s clients include national and international brands in automotive, recreational products, premium spirits, motorcycles, PE firms, and more. He has an upcoming book entitled, The Power of Differentiation, Win Hearts, Minds and Market Share that will be distributed by Simon and Schuster globally. Barry’s goal is to inspire over one million people with its message.From the ShowWhat brand has made Barry smile recently? Barry told the story of how his local tree company Fort Wayne Trees differentiates themselves and has a bit of fun along the way.Connect with Barry on LinkedIn and his business and personal websites. You can also purchase and review his new book, The Power of Differentiation, on Amazon.As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ron Johnson has built his career breaking down the silos that exist between branding and HR. As Co-Founder and Managing Director of Blueprint Creative, he helps teams connect, tell better stories, and build stronger brands. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Ron JohnsonRon Johnson is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Blueprint Creative, the world's first 'Bhranding,' communications and design agency. Johnson is also the creator of The Branding Equation (Branding + HR = Bhranding), a business framework designed to help companies tear down the silos between their branding and HR teams and replace those silos with powerful organizational synergies. A guest contributor to FastCompany.com, Johnson recently published his first book Tighten Your Shoelaces: How The World's Leading Companies Defend and Grow Their Brands During a Crisis.From the ShowWhat brand has made Ron smile recently? Ron shared a smile-worthy story of when his local coffee shop, Cafe 195, decided to change up his usual latte order. The result? A surprise, delight, and a lot of smiles!Connect with Ron on LinkedIn and his website — and check out his book Tighten Your Shoelaces.As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sandy Greenberg is co-founder of Terri & Sandy, an award-winning independent creative agency. She has led the development of iconic work for brands such as The Walt Disney Company, Freshpet, Nutella, and BJ’s Wholesale Club. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.Enjoy This Episode Now Download Episode Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify About Sandy GreenbergAfter rising through the ranks at DMB&B, JWT, and FCB, Sandy Greenberg founded Terri & Sandy in 2010 with her long-term creative partner, Terri Meyer, with diversity and independence in its DNA. Named Ad Age’s Best Small Agency in North America and ranked the EFFIE’S #1 Most Effective Independent Agency in the US, Terri & Sandy services an impressive client roster that includes iconic brands such as The Walt Disney Company, Freshpet, Nutella, and BJ’s Wholesale Club. Sandy has been the creative firepower behind some of the most notable campaigns for brands like Oreo, Peeps, Planters, Disney, and Gerber, and her work has permeated popular culture — generating feature stories across Conan, CNN, The View, and more, and winning numerous industry awards including EFFIES, Clio’s, and Webby’s.From the ShowWhat brand has made Sandy smile recently? “I'm going to share a brand I didn't expect to make me smile — Special K,” Sandy said, noting their recent cereal box featuring pregnant cookbook author Molly Baz.Connect with Terry on LinkedIn and the Terri and Sandy website.As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carl Daikeler is the CEO and co-founder of The Beachbody Company, now known as BODi. For 26 years, he's led this trailblazing company through multiple brand expansions while helping people achieve their health and fitness goals. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Carl DaikelerCarl Daikeler is a visionary entrepreneur, and the CEO and co-founder of The Beachbody Company, leading innovator in the fitness and nutrition space. With a career spanning over four decades, Daikeler has been a trailblazer, pioneering unconventional and highly effective methods to help individuals reach their health and fitness goals. Daikeler co-founded Beachbody in 1998, now known as BODi, which has expanded into a powerhouse of fitness and nutrition tools under his leadership over the last 26 years. The brand is celebrated for its iconic programs such as P90X, Insanity, and 21 Day Fix, and its profound impact on millions worldwide. Over the years, Daikeler has overseen the development of continued innovation resulting in massive growth, including the creation of Shakeology, the world’s first superfood nutrition shake that has sold over a billion servings. He also hosts "The BODi Experience" podcast, is a successful Broadway theater producer winning three Tony awards, and a tech investor.From the ShowWhat brand has made Carl smile recently? Building on my broken ankle story, Carl shared a smile that may help me on my own health and fitness journey. When his daughter had a similar injury, Carl researched and found WAFF’s ankle-strengthening products — a product used by LeBron James himself on the sidelines!To learn more, you can try out BODi’s collection of health and fitness programs for free at bodipreviews.com. You can also connect with Carl by texting LAVA to 816504369.As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices