
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

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.

Feb 5, 2025 • 26min
Reimagining Creative Leadership: Inside PepsiCo's Creative Evolution with Chris Bellinger
Chris Bellinger, the first Chief Creative Officer of PepsiCo Foods, discusses his journey in reshaping creativity across various brands. He shares insights on balancing traditional marketing with modern platforms, including the excitement around Doritos' Super Bowl program. Chris emphasizes the shift from agency life to corporate, crafting a powerful internal team, and the critical role of data in creative processes. His leadership philosophy highlights the transformation from being a 'player' to a 'coach,' fostering innovation and collaboration in today's marketing landscape.

Feb 4, 2025 • 28min
Reinventing Marketing for the AI Era: Insights from Steven Wolfe Pereira, CEO of Alpha
Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Steven Wolfe Pereira, CEO of Alpha, recorded at CES in Las Vegas. Steven shares his perspective on why AI represents a foundational shift unlike anything before, discusses the critical role CMOs should play in leading AI initiatives, and explains why marketing leaders need to take action now to remain relevant in this rapidly evolving landscape.Here are the key talking points from the episode:Why AI represents a fundamental shift unlike previous technological advancesThe critical role of CMOs in leading AI initiativesThe evolution of marketing roles and functions in an AI-driven worldThe emergence of AI agents as brand ambassadorsThe importance of customer experience in AI strategyThe future of white-collar jobs in the age of AIThe need for new roles like "brand agent personality architects" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 29, 2025 • 25min
Leadership and Growth: Insights from Michael Kassan, Founder and CEO of 3C Ventures
Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Michael Kassan, Founder and CEO of 3C Ventures. They discuss the evolution of CES's C Space, the impact of AI on marketing, the changing agency landscape, and the evolving role of CMOs. Michael shares insights on content creation, commerce, and his vision for 3C Ventures' future.Here are the key talking points from the episode:Evolution of CES and creation of C SpaceImpact of AI on marketing and technologyAgency landscape and consolidation trendsRole of content in driving commerceEvolving CMO-CEO relationshipGrowth and Future of 3C Ventures Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 23, 2025 • 31min
The Power of Creative Constraints: Marketing Innovation with Alex Craddock, CMO of Citi
Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, we have a special guest: Alex Craddock, Chief Marketing and Content Officer at Citi. Join Jenny and Alex as they discuss his unique journey from sales to marketing leadership, the evolution of financial services marketing, and how creative constraints can drive innovation. Alex shares insights from his extensive experience at companies like BlackRock, Visa, and now Citi, highlighting the importance of unified marketing strategies and the power of disruption in financial services.Episode Highlights:Alex's journey from sales to marketing leadershipThe evolution of financial services marketingThe importance of unified marketing strategiesHow constraints drive creativity in marketingThe future of Citi's brand and marketing initiativesThe role of sponsorships and partnershipsLeadership philosophy and team development Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 20, 2025 • 22min
The Art of Brand Revitalization: Insights from George Felix, CMO of Chili's
Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. We have a special guest from Brandweek 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona: George Felix, CMO of Chili's. Join Jenny and George as they discuss his fascinating journey from IT to marketing, his experience revitalizing heritage brands, and how he's helping return Chili's to cultural relevance. Learn about the importance of simplification, value proposition, and connecting with customers in the challenging restaurant landscape.Episode Highlights:George's unique career journey from IT to marketingThe importance of brand heritage and simplificationChili's strategy for cultural relevanceValue proposition in the competitive landscapeLeadership philosophy and team buildingThe power of relationships in marketing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 16, 2025 • 37min
Delta Takes Over the Sphere: CMO Alicia Tillman on Innovation and Brand Evolution at CES
Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Jenny Rooney speaks with Alicia Tillman, CMO of Delta, during an extraordinary CES week in Las Vegas following Delta's spectacular centennial celebration at the Sphere. Join us as they discuss this groundbreaking activation, the company's vision for the future of travel, strategic brand partnerships, and how technology and human connection work together to enhance the customer experience. Learn about Delta's transformation into a lifestyle brand while maintaining its core focus on operational excellence and customer service.Here are the key talking points from the episode:Strategic brand partnerships announced at CESFuture vision for travel technology and experienceBalance of innovation and human connectionMarketing leadership insights and career evolutionThe importance of operational excellence in brand expansion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 23min
Marketing's Education Crisis: Mark Ritson on Why Most Marketers Are Getting It Wrong
Mark Ritson, a marketing education pioneer and founder of Mini MBA, discusses the critical flaws in contemporary marketing education. He highlights the disconnect between academic theories and real-world practice. Ritson critiques the complexity in marketing strategies, advocating for clarity and brand salience. He analyzes recent challenges faced by major brands like Nike and explores the transformative role of AI in marketing strategy. His insights emphasize the need for ongoing learning and adaptations in both B2B and B2C marketing approaches.

Dec 27, 2024 • 18min
Marketing Leadership and Brand Evolution: Insights from Mark Weinstein, CMO of Hilton
Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, we have a special guest recorded live at Brandweek 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona: Mark Weinstein, CMO of Hilton. Join Jenny and Mark as they discuss his journey to becoming CMO, the evolution of Hilton's loyalty program, and the successful "For the Stay" platform. Mark shares insights on combining brand and performance marketing, the power of authentic partnerships, and Hilton's unique role in fostering human connection through hospitality.Here are the key talking points from the episode:Mark's background and journey to becoming Hilton's CMOThe transformation of Hilton Honors loyalty programIntegration of brand marketing and loyalty functionsThe development and success of the "For the Stay" platformConsumer insights and competition in the hospitality sectorAuthentic celebrity partnerships, particularly with Paris HiltonThe importance of human connection in hospitality Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 19, 2024 • 22min
Building Your Board Career: Insights from Linda Boff and Tony Wells
Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny connects with Linda Boff, CEO of Said Differently, and Tony Wells, a former marketer at Verizon, for a compelling discussion about how CMOs can build successful board careers. This special episode comes to you live from Brandweek 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. Our guests share invaluable insights about the right time to pursue board positions, how to position yourself effectively, and what companies look for in CMO board members. They also discuss the delicate balance between full-time executive roles and board service, and why board work can be both challenging and rewarding.Episode Highlights The right timing and prerequisites for pursuing board positionsBuilding credibility through demonstrated results and boardroom experienceWhy companies seek CMOs for their boardsBalancing full-time executive roles with board serviceThe value and benefits of board serviceStrategic approaches to positioning yourself for board opportunities Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.