
That's What I Call Marketing
Conor Byrne hosts That's What I Call Marketing meeting some of the most incredible marketing minds in our industry, CMO's, founders and marketing leaders from across the globe, this podcast tackles the big issues facing marketers today, as well as providing inspiration by hearing the incredible stories marketing leaders share of their journey to the top. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jun 10, 2025 • 26min
The Singles Ep7: Marketing Hot Takes ELF acquires Rhode & Mark Read Departs & Cannes & An Offer
Dan & Jasper are back with Tracksuit data t delve into the latest news in marketing. We kick off with ELF Beauty's acquisition of Hailey Bieber's Rhode, examining the impressive growth and brand health of Rhode. We explore the larger trend of big brands acquiring successful new entrants in competitive categories, with examples like Pepsi and Poppi, as well as Unilever and Wild. The conversation also covers Mark Read’s departure from WPP and its implications for the holding company landscape. Discover the strategic moves, brand developments, and market trends making waves in the industry today. Plus, get a sneak peek into Tracksuit's presence and exciting content at the upcoming Cannes event.02:39 ELF Beauty and Rhode Acquisition03:58 Growth and Success of Rhode05:54 Brand Health and Commercial Outcomes06:42 Comparing Acquisitions in the Beauty Industry12:52 Efficiency and Product Range Strategies14:08 Mark Read's Departure from WPP19:50 Cannes & An Offer You Can't MissWhere to find Tracksuit at Cannes:16/6: Brand X-Factor 3:15pm, Palais Rotonde17/6 The New Brand Playbook 2:45pm, Adweek House17/6 Born This (Brand-Building) Way 4:45pm, Palais Forum18/6 Adweek Creative 100 5:30pm, Adweek House19/6 Friends of Tracksuit Happy Hour 5:00pm, Morrisons Irish Pub.www.gotracksuit.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 3, 2025 • 45min
S4 Ep13 Entertain or Die: Unlocking the Secrets of Entertaining Brands
Join us for a deep dive into the 'Entertain or Die' report with Leanne Tomasevic, Head of Insight at Tracksuit, and Dan Salkey, Co-founder and Strategy Partner at Small World. Discover the most entertaining brands in the world, what makes them so engaging, and whether their entertainment value drives significant business results (spoiler alert: 29 out of the top 30 brands showing revenue growth, and two-thirds experiencing double-digit growth!)Explore the critical importance of capturing audience attention in a media-fragmented world where consumers have more control than ever over what they engage with. Understand why being entertaining is no longer optional for brands and get insights into the elevated competition created by media titans like Netflix, Mr. Beast, and Fortnite. Discover how brands, regardless of size or category, can drive business outcomes through entertainment by leveraging core metrics and personalised strategies.Leanne and Dan delve into the nuances of what makes content entertaining, extending beyond humor to include elements such as relevance, emotional connection, and brand character. Learn how building a compelling brand lore and engaging storytelling can make your brand stand out, with examples like Rescue Remedy's collaboration with Gen Z comedians for authentic, relatable content.Get inspired by case studies of brands like Duolingo and Liquid Death that have successfully adapted their marketing strategies to meet the evolving demands of today's audiences. Learn about the significance of 'fandom mapping' and how brands can uncover deep, human insights to inform their entertainment strategies, much like McDonald's has done with its fan truths and wide-reaching collaborations.For marketers working in more traditional or 'boring' categories, discover how breaking category orthodoxy and injecting an element of entertainment into their strategies can yield significant results. Whether you're working with limited budgets or trying to convince a skeptical C-suite, this discussion offers practical advice on conducting brand audits, proposing experimental strategies, and leveraging underutilised channels for maximum impact.Understand the critical importance of measuring the effectiveness of entertaining content, and how, by using Tracksuit, you can track emotional responses, purchase intent, and traditional metrics like market share to ensure that your entertainment efforts are driving meaningful business outcomes. With promising statistics linking entertainment to higher lifetime customer value and increased sales, this conversation provides a compelling case for why brands need to be entertaining in today's competitive marketplace.Don't miss out on this valuable conversation packed with actionable insights, real-world examples, and practical steps to make your brand more entertaining and impactful. Read the full 'Entertain or Die' report here & sign up for Tracksuit Insights Here 03:22 The Origin of 'Entertain or Die' Report04:25 The Importance of Entertainment for Brands07:15 Challenges in the Attention Economy11:19 Building Brand Lore and Engaging Content14:50 Leveraging Community and Writer's Rooms23:50 The Role of Humor in Entertainment25:27 Fandom Mapping for Brands26:46 Entertainment in Unexpected Categories28:33 Breaking Cultural Orthodoxy37:57 Implementing Entertainment Strategies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 28, 2025 • 38min
The Singles Ep6: Marketing Hot Takes Streaming, Soda & Social with data from Tracksuit
In this episode, Conor, Dan, and Jasper dive into the latest trends in the streaming industry, discussing how platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus are evolving towards profitability and profitability metrics. They also explore the impact of legacy brands like Sprite and Dr. Pepper reigniting historic campaigns to connect with newer generations. Additionally, the team talks about the importance of integrating connected TV into advertising strategies and how modern brands can stay culturally relevant. Finally, the conversation touches on the expansion of marketing APIs to platforms like Threads and the ongoing evolution of AI in advertising. Join us for an insightful discussion powered by tracksuit data!02:21 The Streaming Wars: Profitability and Market Saturation04:17 Demographics and Streaming Preferences06:06 Advertising in the Streaming Era07:25 The Rise of Connected TV12:39 Personal Preferences in Streaming Services14:26 Sprite's Nostalgic Marketing Strategy25:20 Threads: The New Social Media Contender30:34 The Role of AI in MarketingAdweek Article Referenced: https://www.adweek.com/convergent-tv/netflix-ads-ai-puts-brands-in-shows/Check out gotracksuit.comDan Fleming & Jasper Skinner are on LinkedIn - connect & meet Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 20, 2025 • 46min
S4 Ep12: The Young Lions
What happens when you give teams of young marketers just two days to tackle a cause-led brief? This episode pulls back the curtain on Ireland’s 2025 Young Lions winners and their razor-sharp responses to the Spinal Injuries Ireland brief.You willHear how teams went from blank page to game-changing idea in 48 hours—then how they’re honing that discipline for a 24-hour sprint in Cannes.Hear about the winning ideas, from a crowdsourced AI route planner built on Google Maps, to a double-page “wheelchair ruler” print tool, discover how smart simplicity and genuine insight spark real behaviour change.Hear their views on our industry today, the industry they are shaping and get their unfiltered takes on AI’s role in creativity, the shifting media landscape and why “autopilot” thinking is the real obstacle.👍 Like, ★ rate and share with a fellow marketer hungry for a challenge.The Cannes Sessions are brought to you by Freedman International.Thanks to IAPI and my guests on this episode:Gabriella Pricop & Eimear ByrneKatie Bradley & Damien BigginsFiona Peppard & Deirbhile BrennanJoy Nelson & Caitlín Roarty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 13, 2025 • 33min
The Singles Ep5: Deliveroo, Sunscreen & Lego are the hot topics this week
In this episode of The Singles we focus on DoorDash's acquisition of Deliveroo, the marketing strategies of La Roche-Posay's sunscreen, and Lego's innovative activation at the Miami Grand Prix. The discussion delves into the competitive delivery market, analysing how DoorDash's acquisition of Deliveroo positions it within the UK market and the broader implications of this move. For the sunscreen segment, they examine La Roche-Posay’s campaigns to counter sun safety misinformation on platforms like TikTok and their partnerships with events like the US Open. The episode also highlights the intersection of nostalgia and modern branding with Lego's life-size, drivable Formula One cars at the Miami Grand Prix, enhancing brand engagement across various demographics. Additionally, the importance of customer-centric marketing, brand building, and utilizing Tracksuit's data-driven insights is emphasized, showcasing how brands can thrive in today’s competitive landscape.02:21 Deliveroo and DoorDash Acquisition06:31 Consumer Loyalty in Delivery Apps13:56 Sunscreen Marketing Insights23:20 Lego at the Miami Grand Prix26:21 F1's Brand Collaborations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 5, 2025 • 57min
S4 Ep11: Hacking The Human Mind with Richard Shotton
Richard Shotton delves deep into the world of behavioural science, exploring how human psychology profoundly influences marketing strategies. Richard shares his journey from being a media planner to discovering the power of behavioural science through Malcolm Gladwell's The Tipping Point.Richard recounts the pivotal moment when he was working on an NHS brief to encourage blood donations. Reading The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell inspired him to apply behavioural science theories to real-world problems, leading to a successful campaign that dramatically increased blood donations.He explains how applying the findings of 1960s behavioural studies to modern marketing challenges opened up a whole new world for him, shaping his career focus. Richard provides a compelling case study of Avis’s famous "We Try Harder" campaign, demonstrating how admitting a flaw can make a brand more appealing. He links this to the pratfall effect, where admitting a minor flaw can make people perceive you as more genuine and trustworthy.Richard talks about the limitations of traditional marketing research methods like surveys and focus groups. He stresses the importance of experimentation and real-world testing to get more accurate insights into consumer behaviour. He introduces the concept of "Mandic Testing," a method of applying A/B testing to surveys to get more accurate insights. This helps in isolating the variables that truly influence consumer behaviour.This episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples, making it a must-watch for marketers looking to understand the science behind consumer behaviour. PreOrder Hacking The Human Mind Here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hacking-Human-Mind-behavioral-science/dp/1804091324Check out Richard's other books and consultancy here https://www.richardshotton.com/02:56 Early Career and Frustrations03:23 The Blood Donation Brief04:54 Discovering Behavioural Science05:53 The Role of Randomness in Career Paths08:37 Generational Differences and Social Proof11:42 The Power of Admitting Flaws15:54 The Importance of Distinctiveness in Advertising23:27 Challenges in Marketing Research29:04 Testing Social Proof in Marketing29:28 Applying AB Testing to Surveys30:07 Case Study: Car Pricing Perception32:40 The Rule of 100 in Discounts36:24 The Impact of Discounting on Perceived Quality39:55 Reframing Low-Cost Brands41:06 The Power of Language in Marketing45:36 Anchoring and Price Relativity51:44 Fairness in Pricing Strategies Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 30, 2025 • 37min
The Singles Ep4: Hot Topics in Marketing, Vrbo Vs AirBnB, Liquid Death, Wrexham & Mo's Moment
The Singles: Hot Topics in Marketing, Vrbo Vs AirBnB, Liquid Death, Wrexham & Mo's MomentDive into the latest marketing campaigns and strategies from challenger brands making waves in their industries. They start by discussing VRBO's bold billboard campaign against Airbnb and analyze the data behind both companies' performances in the accommodation services category. The conversation also highlights historic brand rivalries, like Burger King vs. McDonald's, to understand how competition can create consumer drama and excitement.Next, they shift focus to Liquid Death, the irreverent water brand known for its quirky and humorous advertising. The discussion covers their strategic sponsorships, top-of-funnel awareness, and the importance of emotional consumer connections. The hosts also touch upon the recent documentary-style success of Wrexham AFC under the leadership of Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.Closing the episode, they explore a genius product placement by Google Pixel during the Liverpool FC Premier League win celebration, emphasising the significance of creative and impactful marketing tactics. Tune in for a comprehensive analysis of these fascinating marketing stories and to discover what makes challenger brands stand out in today's competitive market.02:43 Airbnb vs VRBO: A Marketing Rivalry06:24 Brand Rivalries and Marketing Tactics15:35 Liquid Death: Disrupting the Water Category23:46 Wrexham AFC's Football Fairytale29:10 Google Pixel & That Mo Moment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 22, 2025 • 44min
S4 ep10: Why 90% Of Marketing Decisions Are Reversible with Ran Avrahamy, CMO AppsFlyer
What happens when you give a marketer full creative freedom, a food truck, and no permit? You get a marketing lesson you’ll never forget.In this episode of That’s What I Call Marketing, I’m joined by Ran Avrahamy, Chief Marketing Officer at AppsFlyer, who shares the wild journey of building a global brand—from a 13-person startup to a team of over 100 marketers across 20+ countries.We talk about:Why there’s no playbook for marketing success—and why that’s a good thingThe power of creative risk-taking (including his near-arrest in San Francisco)How to build culture that scales without turning boringThe constant tension between global brand consistency and local market relevanceHis simple but powerful decision-making lens: “Is it reversible?”And how his team is actually using AI—beyond the buzzwordsRan also opens up about the real challenges of leadership, keeping fun in the process, and why marketers need to embrace chaos, not fear it.If you're navigating brand-building, scaling teams, or just trying to figure out what the hell to do next—this episode is full of useful, human, honest insight.🔗 Follow, rate, review and share with the marketers in your life.📬 Want to work with That’s What I Call Marketing? Sponsorship enquiries: LinkedIn @ConorByrne#MarketingPodcast #AppsFlyer #B2BMarketing #MarketingLeadership #AIInMarketing #BrandBuilding #CMO Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 16, 2025 • 29min
The Singles Ep3: Hot Topics in Marketing: Insights on Tesla, Puma & Bonds with Tracksuit
nd sales. We go on to discuss Tesla's customer funnel issues and consider the broader implications of celebrity leadership on brand perception. Moving forward, we examine Puma's largest global campaign and its attempts to connect with its audience amidst stiff market competition. Lastly, we discuss Bonds, the iconic Australian brand, and its strategy to break into the U.S. market with a new campaign featuring Robert Irwin. The episode is filled with insights into how data-driven analysis can reveal the underlying truths behind these brand stories.02:11 The Elon Effect on Tesla03:53 Challenges in Tesla's Brand Perception05:49 Celebrity Leadership and Brand Impact11:16 Puma's Go Wild Campaign17:28 Bonds' Expansion into the US MarketDon’t forget to visit gotracksuit.com to check out their amazing always on brand tracking dashboard. Jasper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasperskinner/Dan:https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-fleming-a15854118/Conor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conorbyrne/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 8, 2025 • 48min
S4 Ep 9: Rory Gallery : A Special Sort Of Brand Strategy
In this episode, Rory delves into his extensive career in marketing, sharing his journey from the west coast of Ireland to New Zealand. He discusses his exciting role in various creative campaigns, notably his work on the famous Guinness ads during his time at Abbott Mead Vickers in London. Rory provides insightful reflections on the importance of creative integrity and the balance between long-term brand strategy and effective execution. He elaborates on the challenges faced during the creation and implementation of the Guinness 'Made of More' campaign. Rory shares how strategic principles and innovative thinking helped rejuvenate the brand, despite the initial execution hurdles and client dynamics involved. Drawing parallels, he also explains his recent work on the DB Export campaign in New Zealand, highlighting how they creatively addressed the common issue of accidentally freezing beer, making use of a humorous and engaging 'Cold Callback Service' involving Vanilla Ice. Furthermore, Rory contrasts the prevailing trends in beer advertising, criticizing the overly serious tone that has dominated the industry. He advocates for injecting humor back into advertising, emphasizing its role in making work more engaging and memorable. The conversation also covers the internal dynamics at Special Group, the agency Rory is part of, including their approach to integrating effectiveness into their work and the creation of platforms that can evolve and improve over time. Finally, Rory discusses the implications and opportunities presented by AI in the advertising sector. He touches on how AI is being utilized to enhance strategic input and streamline processes, while also acknowledging the challenges it poses, particularly for the development of junior talent and the impact on traditional production models. Rory wraps up the episode with a candid discussion on the future of advertising, the importance of maintaining a balance between creativity and effectiveness, and how to leverage new technologies to drive innovation without losing the essence of great storytelling.00:28 Rory's Career Journey00:42 Guinness Made Of More Campaign Insights01:31 Creative Challenges and Solutions03:37 The Energy of Guinness Ads04:12 The Sapeurs Campaign06:47 Client and Agency Dynamics07:27 Navigating the Creative Process08:31 The Glass and the Clay Philosophy10:00 Transition to Head of Strategy12:35 Moving to New Zealand15:43 Special Group's Success18:29 Uber Eats Campaign22:13 DB Export Campaign25:40 Humor in Beer Advertising30:50 Effectiveness in Advertising34:43 The Role of AI in Advertising35:14 Challenges and Opportunities with AI41:26 Conclusion and Farewell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.