On Brand with Nick Westergaard

This week on the 500th episode of the On Brand podcast, I talk to audio research veteran Tom Webster. He shared his state of the podcasting industry, audience research insights, and the various touchpoints in the podcast brand experience. He even told a story about Tom Jones! Don't miss this very special episode of Blossom. Er, I mean — a very special episode of On Brand. And, thank YOU for listening.About Tom WebsterTom Webster is a partner at Sounds Profitable, the leading voice of significance for the digital audio industry, devoted to growing the podcast sector through audio insights, education, and connections. As a 25-year audio research veteran, he is a trusted advisor to the biggest companies in audio and has dedicated his career to the advancement of podcasting for networks and individuals alike.Tom has been a co-author and driver behind some of audio’s most influential studies, including the Infinite Dial® series, Share of Ear®, and The Podcast Landscape. Additionally, he has led hundreds of audience research projects on six continents, for some of the most listened-to podcasts and syndicated radio shows in the world, from Howard Stern to All Things Considered. He's done a card trick for Paula Abdul, shared a martini with Tom Jones, and sold vinyl to Christopher Walken. With Tom’s partnership at its helm, Sounds Profitable is dedicated to setting the course for the future of the audio industry.From the ShowWhat audience research questions should you be asking? Is it the same audience or are they changing? Where are they today? Where does your show fit into their life? Why do they listen to your show? How you can learn more about your listeners. Here's a helpful article Tom wrote at Sounds Profitable on learning more about your listeners.Speaking of listeners ... Listener shoutout! I referenced On Brand listener Mark Gamis. Thanks for listening, Mark!What brand has made Tom smile recently? “I’m going to share a local favorite — Ministry of Supply.” Tom loves their wrinkle-free stage-ready clothes and the entire brand experience.Connect with Tom on LinkedIn and the Sounds Profitable 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

In this podcast, Kate Rush Sheehy discusses leading brands like CapitalOne and Southwest Airlines, sharing her insights on strategic directions. She also mentions recent campaigns that made her smile, such as Dunkin's 'DunKings' Super Bowl ad and GSD&M's work with CapitolOne featuring John Travolta.

Ben Harms is Chief Growth Officer at youth culture agency Archrival. Through his work with Adidas, Spotify, Red Bull, and YETI, he helps brands connect today's Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Ben HarmsBen Harms, Chief Growth Officer, at youth culture agency, Archrival. Ben speaks to how brands can connect with today's Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences through brand community building, inclusive of influencer/creator marketing. Ben has worked with brands like Adidas, Spotify, Red Bull, Reebok, Hollister, Tommy Hilfiger, Outdoor Voices, and YETI, to strategize and connect with their younger audiences.From the ShowCheck out Archrival's latest insights on generational brand building which Ben discussed during the show.What brand has made Ben smile recently? Ben shared two very on-brand smile-worthy brands — fashion brand Aimé Leon Dore and e.l.f. Cosmetics.Connect with Ben on the Archrival website or LinkedIn.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

Tina Lin is the Director of Product Marketing and Brand at Quicken. This week on the On Brand podcast she walked us through the process of revamping this iconic 40-year-old brand while preserving its history and legacy. Anyone thinking about a rebrand won't want to miss this episode!About Tina LinTina Lin has spent her career building, marketing, and operating B2C, B2B, and B2B2C products and services. With over 25 years of experience, she has built and launched new businesses across many industries, including sports, online gaming, small business finance, and Internet advertising. As Director of Product Marketing and Brand at Quicken, Tina led the revamp of the 40-year-old iconic Quicken brand, with a new logo, visual identity, and website, signaling its vision for the future. Tina started her career as an investment banker at Morgan Stanley and CS First Boston. She holds an MBA from Stanford Business School and a BS/BA from the Wharton School/College of Arts & Sciences of the University of PennsylvaniaFrom the ShowThis is Quicken at 40. Check out this article detailing the rebrand Tina shared with us during the show.What brand has made Tina smile recently? Tina shared two of my personal faves — Nike and Canva!Connect with Tina on the Quicken website or LinkedIn.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

Mia Blume is a creative leadership coach with experience at Pinterest, Square, and IDEO. In 2016, she started Design Dept. to help creative leaders transform how they work. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Mia BlumeMia Blume is San Francisco-based creative leadership coach. A former design leader at Pinterest, Square, and IDEO, Mia started Design Dept. in 2016 to help transform the way creative leaders work. Through individual coaching, workshops, and customized workplace learning and development, Design Dept.’s guided experiences foster creative leadership. Mia believes that when a designer’s authentic leadership style is unlocked, it impacts not only individuals and teams, but the products, services, and organizations that shape our world.From the ShowWhat brand has made Mia smile recently? “This might not be as recent as you were looking for but do remember the Loom Candle?” Mia shared how the video platform sent out candles for users to commemorate the meetings they no longer had to have.Connect with Mia on her website and LinkedIn.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

Miri Rodriguez literally wrote the book on brand storytelling. An award-winning, globally recognized storyteller and Senior Storyteller for Future of Work at Microsoft, Miri is a creative journalist, content strategist, renowned keynote speaker, and international thought leader helping brands tell their stories. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Miri RodriguezMiri Rodriguez, based in Pompano Beach, Florida, is an award-winning, globally recognized storyteller and Senior Storyteller for Future of Work at Microsoft. She is a creative journalist, content strategist, renowned keynote speaker, and international thought leader in brand storytelling, personal branding, and youth entrepreneurship. She has earned several awards in digital marketing and customer experience and is ranked as a top in-demand speaker at leading industry conferences globally. Her previous clients include Adobe, Discover, Walmart, and McKesson.Links from the ShowHere’s the updated, second edition of Miri's book Brand Storytelling: Put Customers at the Heart of Your Brand Story.A memorable quote from Miri: “Your first storytellers are your employees.” That's why we need to give them tools like Microsoft's done with their brand central station.Miri also shared how important Satya Nadella's book Hit Refresh has been in sharing the brand story. Fun fact: Nadella created a special edition for employees.What brand has made Miri smile recently? Disney! Miri shared — you guessed it — a story on how Disney once again delivered on the magical experiences that they promise.Connect with Miri on her website and on LinkedIn.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

Ben Guttmann is the author of the new book Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. Ben is on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect through clear and concise messages. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Ben GuttmannBen Guttmann is a marketing and communications expert and author of Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them. He’s an experienced marketing executive and educator on a mission to get leaders to more effectively connect by simplifying their message. Ben is former co-founder and managing partner at Digital Natives Group, an award-winning agency that worked with the NFL, I Love NY, Comcast NBCUniversal, Hachette Book Group, The Nature Conservancy, and other major clients. Currently, Ben teaches digital marketing at Baruch College in New York City and consults with a range of thought leaders, venture-backed startups, and other brands.Links from the ShowHere’s Ben’s new book Simply Put: Why Clear Messages Win — and How to Design Them.Connect with Ben on LinkedIn and check out his website BenGuttmann.com.What brand has made Jamie smile recently? Ben doesn’t drink coffee so he pointed us to Bellocq luxury tea. Treat yourself!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

Allen Adamson is the author of the new book Seeing the How: Achieving Market Advantage by Transforming the Stuff We Do, Not the Stuff We Buy. He’s the author of several other books on all things branding and the co-founder and managing partner of Metaforce. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Allen AdamsonAllen Adamson is a noted industry expert in all disciplines of branding. He has worked with a broad spectrum of consumer and corporate businesses in industries ranging from packaged goods and technology to health care and financial services, to hospitality and entertainment.Allen’s newest book is Seeing the How: Achieving Market Advantage by Transforming the Stuff We Do, Not the Stuff We Buy. His previous books, BrandSimple, BrandDigital, The Edge, and Shift Ahead, are used as textbooks in higher education business programs across the country. Allen is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Metaforce, an elite marketing collective of the industry's top talent.Links from the ShowAllen’s newest book is Seeing the How: Achieving Market Advantage by Transforming the Stuff We Do, Not the Stuff We Buy.Connect with Allen on the Metaforce website or AllenAdamson.com.Want to listen to more of Allen On Brand? Check out his first appearance on the show back in 2019.What brand has made Allen smile recently? Allen gave us a good reminder of IKEA — and very on-brand given our conversation!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

Lydia Michael is an entrepreneur, speaker, brand strategist, and author of “Brand Love." As I said during our conversation, Lydia spends a lot of time defining the undefinable — from brand love to multicultural marketing to personal branding.  We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.About Lydia MichaelLydia Michael is an entrepreneur, speaker, brand strategist, and author of “Brand Love." She works with companies and organizations to develop brands and marketing strategies. Lydia is the founder and owner of Blended Collective, a multicultural marketing and brand consultancy. Her experience includes working with brands like Deloitte and L’Oréal in Germany. Lydia’s work has been recognized with several diversity and marketing-centered awards. She leads workshops and webinars, and speaks to audiences about topics such as multicultural marketing, brand love, and personal branding.Links from the ShowWhat brand has made Lydia smile recently? Lydia shared Huda Beauty, a brand she referenced in her book Brand Love. “Huda does a great job of humanizing the brand.”Connect with Lydia on LinkedIn and visit lydiamichael.com and blendedcollective.com.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

This week we have a special holiday episode of the On Brand podcast with the “Naughty and Nice Brands of 2023.” This seasonally appropriate snapshot of brand behavior was developed by the smart folks at Brand Federation. The consultancy’s Chief Growth Officer Matt Williams joined me to discuss which brands have been naughty and nice this year.Enjoy This Episode Now Download Episode Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen on Spotify About Matt WilliamsMatt Williams is chief growth officer for Brand Federation, a brand strategy consultancy in Richmond, Va. Prior to joining Brand Federation in 2019, Williams was CEO of the Martin Agency, one of the world’s most recognized advertising agencies, where he managed strategy development for world-class brands like GEICO, OREO, UPS, Discover Financial, Walmart, and more. Williams also is Clinical Professor in the marketing department at the Mason School of Business at William & Mary. He teaches in the MBA program and is the developer and Faculty Director of the school’s Online Masters in Marketing. Naughty List for Brands 2023 WeWork — This coworking space used branding as a cover for a crappy business. Bud Light — This beer brand’s withdrawal of supporting Dylan Mulvaney is a complete fold on their conviction: a beverage "for every person, for every occasion." Zoom — This video conferencing service, synonymous with making 21st-century knowledge work from anywhere possible, called employees back to the office. Silicon Valley Bank — This banking brand’s collapse was rooted in miscommunication.  Nice List for Brands 2023 Garth Brooks — This country singer is exemplifying conviction with his new bar in Nashville with one simple rule. Airbnb — This short-term rental brand responded quickly to the wildfires in Maui. Mattel — This toy company released a movie based off an iconic doll brand, and made the brand even more iconic by empowering women. Delta Air Lines — An airline met some unintended brand turbulence but teaches an important lesson for brands — knowing when to admit mistakes.  Brands that Santa is Watching in 2024 Open AI — This emerging tech brand is de-mystifying and popularizing generative artificial intelligence, but recent drama with their board and CEO puts their future at stake. Apple — This technology company has always been known for its innovative hardware, but releases this year are a far cry away from what the brand has been known for. Beyond Inc. — This newly formed parent brand for home goods businesses has gone through it all – bankruptcy, acquisition, and a new brand architecture. Barnes & Noble — A national book retail chain unveiled a new brand plan that doesn’t appear to have any consistency. Want more naughty and nice? Check out Brand Federation’s YouTube video on the Naughty and Nice Brands of 2023. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices