Campaign Chemistry

When it comes to the world of outdoor apparel, the marketing landscape can often feel like a "sea of sameness" — with endless shots of conquering mountain peaks and intense, solitary struggles against the elements. But for Columbia Sportswear, the outdoors isn't just about survival; it's about enduring conditions that'll warm your heart to great experiences while keeping bodies warm (or cool) in the process.In this episode, Matt Sutton, SVP and Global Head of Marketing at Columbia Sportswear, joins us to dissect the legacy brand's massive relaunch, its first in over ten years. We dive into the company's rich history, rooted in resilience and founded by a family escaping Nazi Germany, and how that grit translates into their modern day movements. Matt explains the strategic pivot to inject humor and irreverence back into their campaigns to cut through the noise, the challenges of maintaining brand identity in a changing climate, and how they are gearing up for the 2026 Winter Olympics with the US curling team.Get cozy and have a listen. campaignlive.com Music - Take you Out by Lucid Tides, courtesy of Triple Scoop.  What we know about advertising, you should know about advertising. Start your 1-month FREE trial to Campaign US.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the curtain closes on 2025, the marketing and advertising landscape looks fundamentally different from what it did 12 months ago. It was a year where “impossible” comebacks became reality — led by the butter-soaked resurgence of Red Lobster — and where the “creative agency of record” model was tested by bold new partnerships such as JCPenney and Mischief.In this special year-end wrap-up, the Campaign US editorial team dives deep into the stories that moved the needle. From the legal battles over AI in Hollywood to the investigative ripples caused by the Cannes awards fallout, we examine the moments that sparked debate in the C-suite and the Slack channels alike. We also take a hard look at the evolving creator economy, the shifting value of industry awards and the resilience of the workforce amidst a year of significant layoffs. The sound bite"2026 is going to be a busy year."The articlesThe Social Skinny: Disney, Universal become first Hollywood giants to file AIFrom a popular CEO to viral seafood boils: The story behind Red Lobster’s biz comebackIn the post-bankruptcy chapter of its story, JCPenney names Mischief as its new creative agencyHavas and World Vision’s Lessons of Shame under scrutiny after Cannes Lions winOmnicom completes acquisition of IPG, creating world’s largest ad holding company‘Tracking Bad Bunny’ team hopes Grand Prix win inspires people to find Puerto RicoREVEALED: The most-awarded brands, campaigns and agencies across the worldZulu Alpha Kilo’s new promo, even hardened criminals draw the line at fake case studiesAnomaly’s parody-style ‘Greatest Hits’ ad to woo intern applicants is a bangerInside the creator economy's late payment crisisIn new Sweethearts campaign, till death do us part no longer holds weightCampaign US unveils new editorial team under leadership of Luz CoronaThe takeawaysAI's impact on the entertainment industry is significant.Red Lobster's comeback highlights the power of marketing on the bottom line.JCPenney's partnership with Mischief signifies a new direction in bold partnerships.Controversies surrounding awards are reshaping industry standards.Creators are increasingly taking control of their narratives.The importance of ethical practices in advertising is growing.Self-deprecating humor in ads resonates with audiences.2026 promises to be another transformative year for the industry. campaignlive.com Music - Take you Out by Lucid Tides, courtesy of Triple Scoop.  What we know about advertising, you should know about advertising. Start your 1-month FREE trial to Campaign US.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Home. It’s a simple word, but it holds a lot: safety, stability, a foundation for the future. Habitat for Humanity has spent nearly 50 years building homes and communities across the globe, impacting millions of lives. Despite its history and extensive reach, the organization is focused on ensuring its message remains clear, accessible, and inspiring to new audiences. This effort is critical as Habitat for Humanity sets an ambitious goal: to help 50 million more people in the next three years.This week, we talk with Amy Dunham, chief communications officer at Habitat for Humanity International, about the major brand refresh designed to combat misconceptions and broaden the understanding of their global mission. Dunham shares why "participation is a superpower," how the org uses emotional storytelling to convey the true meaning of home, and the unique challenges and deep rewards of leading communications for a nonprofit facing complex issues like the global housing crisis. The sound bite"Housing insecurity can happen in a flash."The takeawaysHabitat for Humanity has been around for almost 50 years, helping 65 million people.The organization works in over 60 countries, focusing on various housing-related issues.The brand refresh aims to clarify misconceptions about Habitat's work, particularly that it gives away homes.Emotional storytelling is crucial in connecting with audiences about the importance of home.The nonprofit sector faces unique challenges, including funding and measuring social impact.The organization is focused on helping 50 million people over the next three years. campaignlive.com Music - Take you Out by Lucid Tides, courtesy of Triple Scoop.  What we know about advertising, you should know about advertising. Start your 1-month FREE trial to Campaign US.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pinterest’s VP of global creative explains why trend fatigue is real, the mainstream is fading and what brands need to understand about how people are discovering — and reshaping — culture today.The era of one-size-fits-all trends is over. What’s replacing it is more personal, more emotional and far less interested in mass appeal. As Xanthe Wells, Pinterest’s VP of global creative, explains, today’s audiences aren’t chasing what’s popular — they’re curating what actually resonates.In this episode of Campaign Chemistry, Wells joins us to discuss Pinterest Predicts 2026, the platform’s annual report forecasting what’s coming next based on insights from more than 600 million monthly users. We explore why nonconformity, emotional comfort and grounded optimism are shaping the next wave of culture — and what trends such as Glitchy Glam, Cabbage Crush and Laced Up reveal about how people are using inspiration as a form of self-preservation rather than self-promotion.The conversation also digs into what this shift means for advertisers. With trends moving faster but lasting longer, Wells shares how brands can use predictive insights not to chase hype, but to show up earlier and more authentically — meeting audiences with intention instead of manufactured FOMO. campaignlive.com Music - Take you Out by Lucid Tides, courtesy of Triple Scoop.  What we know about advertising, you should know about advertising. Start your 1-month FREE trial to Campaign US.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For years, the advertising industry has been obsessed with "purpose." It was the golden ticket for brands looking to connect with a younger, more conscious generation. But somewhere along the way, the message got muddied by empty promises and shiny PR campaigns that lacked real-world substance. According to Amy Williams, the founder and CEO of Good Loop, that version of purpose-led marketing is officially dead. In this episode of Campaign Chemistry, Amy joins us to chart the path forward. She shares her journey from a disillusioned ad creative to the founder of a B Corp that has raised millions for charity by reimagining the value exchange between brands and consumers. We dive into Good Loop’s groundbreaking partnership with IAS to tackle the industry’s carbon footprint, the reality of "greenwashing," and why she believes LinkedIn has become the most underrated tool for business growth. The sound bite"Purpose-led marketing is dead." campaignlive.com Music - Take you Out by Lucid Tides, courtesy of Triple Scoop.  What we know about advertising, you should know about advertising. Start your 1-month FREE trial to Campaign US.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For years, the retail playbook was simple: Cut the price, drive the sale. But in the age of AI, the playbook is changing every day.And while Black Friday and Cyber Monday (BFCM) are still the biggest shopping days of the year, the strategies driving them are shifting beneath retailers' feet as brands try to keep up with the rapidly evolving consumer habits fueled by technological advancements.In this episode, we sit down with Jamie Domenici, CMO of Klaviyo, a marketing platform for e-commerce businesses, to dive into the evolving consumer psyche, explaining how customers are moving beyond just chasing discounts. She details the immediate, massive impact of agentic AI on consumer habits, forcing brands to be quicker, smarter and more adaptable than ever before. Domenici outlines how businesses must shift their focus from single-transaction sales to building deep, lasting customer relationships through personalization tactics and make an effort to gain a deep understanding of what truly drives purchase decisions in the new era of retail.The key takeawaysAI is transforming the shopping experience, making it more personalized and efficient.Consumers are spending earlier this holiday season, indicating a shift in shopping habits.Based on consumer behavior, brands are moving away from deep discounts and focusing on building customer loyalty.Brands must capture every interaction with customers to enhance their shopping experience.The pandemic significantly accelerated the shift toward digital shopping and consumer engagement.Creative marketing and brand identity remain crucial in a world increasingly driven by AI.Consumers are spending more time on product views, demonstrating a focus on purchase consideration before the final transaction.The future of retail will be shaped by how well brands adapt to AI and consumer expectations. campaignlive.com Music - Take you Out by Lucid Tides, courtesy of Triple Scoop.  What we know about advertising, you should know about advertising. Start your 1-month FREE trial to Campaign US.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, we revisit our conversation with Asha Shivaji, the CEO of SeeMe Index, a platform that uses AI to score brands’ purposes, ads and products on identity and inclusivity. SeeMe Index’s COO and cofounder, Jason Klein, recently spoke at Haymarket’s AI Deciphered panel on AI, ethics and marketing. Shivaji shares her journey from digital marketing to founding a company focused on inclusive marketing. She discusses the importance of measuring inclusivity in brands, the role of AI in uncovering insights and the evolving conversations around diversity in the beauty industry, an observation she noted during her time working in the beauty space. Shivaji reflects on the lessons learned throughout her entrepreneurial journey, all the way from taking the leap to what she wished she knew when she first began her career.  campaignlive.com Music - Take you Out by Lucid Tides, courtesy of Triple Scoop.  What we know about advertising, you should know about advertising. Start your 1-month FREE trial to Campaign US.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Few things unite the world like sport. Global sporting events like the Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup and Olympic & Paralympic Games represent high-stakes marketing battlegrounds where brands not only compete for relevance, trust and eyeballs, but for ways to drive tangible business impact. In today’s complex operating environment, a modern approach is required that puts communications at the center to drive positive storytelling that excites and unites stakeholders while also protecting reputation.J.J. Carter is President and CEO of FleishmanHillard and a trusted advisor to brands in their biggest moments and on the largest global stages. J.J. will join us to discuss what communications at the core of sports sponsorships means and the evolving role that comms is playing in helping brands multiply ROI for their global investments and moments under the brightest lights.  campaignlive.com Music - Take you Out by Lucid Tides, courtesy of Triple Scoop.  What we know about advertising, you should know about advertising. Start your 1-month FREE trial to Campaign US.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Is the agency world in trouble?Despite the current landscape of layoffs, restructuring and acquisitions, agencies are still consistently producing a stunning 20% return on equity. It’s a number that explains why private equity firms are continuing to invest in agencies, but also fueling a tension between making money and making bold moves.On this episode of Campaign Chemistry, Brian Wieser, CEO and principal of Madison and Wall, and Olivia Morley, founder of Fusion Front Media, join to discuss the current state of agency business affairs and what the industry can expect in 2026. The group debates the future of independent agencies in the age of PE funding, dissect the right way to invest in AI and talent and challenge the idea that creativity is more than a means to an end. campaignlive.com Music - Take you Out by Lucid Tides, courtesy of Triple Scoop.  What we know about advertising, you should know about advertising. Start your 1-month FREE trial to Campaign US.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Josh Earnest knows a thing or two about navigating turbulence.Earnest spent years behind the podium at The White House, shaping the national conversation as former President Obama's press secretary. Today, he is EVP of communications and advertising at United Airlines and has played a critical role in reshaping the airline's communication strategies to engage with customers effectively. Earnest shares how his political background has shaped his approach to crisis management, particularly during the pandemic, the importance of differentiation in advertising and the need for a customer-centric approach in the airline industry, especially in times of crisis such as the current government shutdown. campaignlive.com Music - Take you Out by Lucid Tides, courtesy of Triple Scoop.  What we know about advertising, you should know about advertising. Start your 1-month FREE trial to Campaign US.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.