
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 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.

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.