
Marketing Vanguard
The word “vanguard,” is defined as “a group of people leading the way in new development or ideas.” Marketing Vanguard: the podcast, spotlights the people who are driving the industry forward. It will feature valuable, must-listen nuggets of marketing-leadership wisdom, humility, stories, strategic insights, and growth opportunities in an era of ever more complex industry pressures and realities. Together we’ll dive into what's driving the decision-makers of today to move the needle of some of the world’s most exciting brands in incremental or monumental ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Apr 11, 2025 • 32min
Beauty Marketing Mastery: Katie Gohman's Vision for Olaplex
Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Katie Gohman, CMO of Olaplex. They discuss Katie's transition from Marc Jacobs to Olaplex, her approach to resetting the brand, and the new chapter for Olaplex focused on foundational hair health. Katie shares insights on navigating brand challenges, the differences between fashion and beauty marketing, and how brands can effectively balance social media narrative and brand storytelling.Here are the key talking points from the episode:Katie's Transition from Fashion to Beauty MarketingNavigating Brand Challenges Through Fundamental Marketing PrinciplesThe Hair Health Repositioning and Visual Identity RefreshBalancing Social Media Narratives with Proactive Brand MessagingWorking with a Publicly Traded Company with Marketing-Minded LeadershipBuilding and Aligning Marketing Teams for SuccessTargeting Multi-Generational Consumers in Premium HaircareConnecting Haircare with the Broader Wellness MovementMeasuring Success Through Business Metrics and Cultural ImpactUnlocking the Creator Economy with AwinDid you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approachUnlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 4, 2025 • 26min
Footwear, Fashion, and the Future: Conversations with Journeys CMO Stacy Doren
Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Stacy Doren, CMO of Journeys. They discuss Stacy's transition from 24 years at Levi's to her first CMO role, Journeys' evolution as a mall-based footwear retailer, and how Gen Z is bringing malls back into cultural relevance. Stacy shares insights on differentiating in a competitive landscape, expanding consumer segmentation beyond their traditional alternative/skate audience, and prioritizing brand building after years of performance-focused marketing.Here are the key talking points from the episode:The Evolution of Journeys from Alternative/Skate Focus to Broader Teen AppealHow Gen Z is Making Malls Relevant AgainJourneys' Competitive Differentiation in Footwear RetailTransitioning from Levi's to a First-Time CMO RoleBuilding a Foundation for Brand Growth After Years of Performance MarketingStore Refresh and New Merchandising ApproachInnovative TikTok and Content StrategiesMaking Tough Decisions Like Eliminating the CatalogEarly Business Results from New Strategic DirectionLeadership Adaptation During Business TransformationUnlocking the Creator Economy with AwinDid you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approach.Unlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 24, 2025 • 32min
From Zero Marketing Classes to $50B, Tech CMO Carrie Palin's Unconventional Path at Cisco
Join host Jenny Rooney as she sits down with Carrie Palin, CMO of Cisco, for an illuminating discussion on the evolution of B2B tech marketing and authentic leadership. From transforming Cisco's digital presence to leveraging AI for enhanced customer experiences, Palin shares how she's redefining what it means to be a tech CMO. The conversation takes an inspiring turn as she candidly discusses navigating executive leadership while being present as a parent, offering valuable insights for professionals seeking to balance career ambitions with personal priorities. Whether you're a marketing leader looking to drive innovation or an aspiring executive seeking to chart your path, this episode delivers actionable wisdom for modern business leadership.What You'll Learn:How to modernize a legacy tech brand by transforming customer experience and digital touchpointsThe strategic approach to using AI to enhance human connections, not replace themWhy B2B tech marketing is leading some of the most innovative customer experiences todayThe framework for executing customer-first digital transformation at an enterprise scaleHow to reshape brand perception through strategic creative partnerships and fresh perspectivesHow to scale AI globally while maintaining a personal touch in customer interactions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 14, 2025 • 34min
Marketing Strategy Alignment: Insights from Siddharth Taparia, CMO of JLL
Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Siddharth Taparia, Chief Marketing Officer at JLL. Join Jenny and Siddharth as they discuss his journey from technology to marketing leadership, the evolution of B2B marketing, and how commercial real estate marketing is adapting to economic shifts. Siddharth shares insights on aligning marketing strategy with business objectives, embracing AI, and why B2B marketing offers unique opportunities for measurable impact and innovation.Here are the key talking points from the episode:Siddharth's journey from technology to marketing leadershipThe evolution of B2B marketing into a data-driven disciplineHow commercial real estate adapts to macroeconomic shiftsThe transformative impact of AI on marketing practicesThe importance of aligning marketing with business strategyThe future of B2B marketing innovation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 10, 2025 • 27min
Fueling Brand Connection: Insights from Adrienne Ingoldt, CMO of Pilot
Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Jenny Rooney speaks with Adrienne Ingoldt, CMO of Pilot, about transforming a 65-year-old travel center business into a customer-centric brand. Adrienne shares her philosophy on authentic brand building, discusses Pilot's evolution from B2B to consumer marketing, and explains why emotional connection matters more than ever in today's marketing landscape.Here are the key talking points from the episode:Building a marketing organization from scratch at a 65-year-old companyTransforming travel centers from commodity to destinationThe importance of authentic brand building in today's landscapeBalancing B2B expertise with consumer marketingCreating meaningful experiences for all types of driversThe role of partnerships in brand buildingThe future of travel center innovation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 28, 2025 • 21min
Leadership in Destination Marketing: Insights from Kate Wik, CMO of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority
Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Kate Wik, CMO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Recorded during CES in Las Vegas, they discuss the evolution of Las Vegas as a global destination, the impact of major events like Formula One and CES, and how the city's DNA of hospitality shapes its marketing approach. Kate shares insights on destination marketing, leadership philosophy, and the future of Las Vegas as a sports and entertainment capital.Here are the key talking points from the episode:Evolution of Las Vegas from gaming to global entertainment destinationImpact of major events like CES, Formula One, and Super BowlThe role of innovation and technology in destination marketingLeadership philosophy and the importance of hospitalityFuture developments and opportunities for marketersSocial media strategy and global brand buildingThe significance of live experiences in modern marketing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 24, 2025 • 31min
Reinventing Media and Food Commerce: Insights from Erika Ayers Badan, CEO of Food52
Erika Ayers Badan, CEO of Food52 and former leader at Barstool Sports, shares her unconventional journey from law to marketing. She dives into the transformation of Food52, focusing on the evolution of content commerce. Erika discusses the importance of brand strategy and community engagement while navigating the challenges of scaling a media company. Her insights on the future of food media and the role of storytelling in brand connections paint a vivid picture of the industry’s next chapter.

Feb 14, 2025 • 23min
Marketing Through Evolution: Insights from Natalie Bastian, Global CMO of Teads
Natalie Bastian, Global CMO of Teads, shares her journey from traditional TV to digital marketing at CES. She highlights how her experiences at Lifetime, Roku, and Tubi shaped her approach to advertising technology. Natalie emphasizes the importance of adaptability and following one's passion in career development. The conversation includes insights on the evolution of CTV and omnichannel advertising, along with leadership lessons and strategic planning for future advertising capabilities. Networking and industry involvement are also key themes.

Feb 11, 2025 • 39min
Leadership Through Turbulence: Insights from Maggie Schmerin, Chief Advertising Officer at United Airlines
Maggie Schmerin, Chief Advertising Officer at United Airlines, discusses the airline's transformation in marketing strategy after the pandemic. She delves into the complexities of regional advertising and the impact of social media during crises. The conversation highlights United's innovative approaches to enhancing customer experiences, from personalized communication to unique travel initiatives for high-profile events. Maggie shares insights on teamwork and adaptability, emphasizing the airline's commitment to transparency and effective messaging in today's fast-changing industry.

Feb 6, 2025 • 26min
GoDaddy's Super Bowl Return: How Fara Howard is Reimagining Small Business Success
In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, Jenny Rooney speaks with Fara Howard, CMO of GoDaddy, about the company's return to the Super Bowl after an eight-year hiatus. Fara shares insights on GoDaddy's evolution beyond domains, their AI-powered product Airo, and their innovative partnership with actor Walton Goggins, demonstrating how they're helping small businesses thrive in the digital age.Episode Highlights:GoDaddy's evolution from domains to comprehensive digital solutionsThe impact of AI through GoDaddy Airo on small businessesBehind-the-scenes look at Super Bowl advertising strategyPartnership with Walton Goggins and authentic storytellingThe role of AI in modern marketing operationsBuilding sustained campaigns beyond major media momentsMeasuring success in the digital age Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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