He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast

In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with Matt Mathison, entrepreneur, investor, and founder of MBL Partners. Matt shares insights from his new book, Leadership Orbit, a guide to redefining leadership and creating momentum through consistent micro habits. From building strong company cultures to mastering time management, Matt breaks down the key elements of successful leadership that go beyond titles and authority. Whether you’re a business owner, team leader, or someone looking to develop your personal brand, this episode is filled with practical takeaways and thought-provoking strategies. Matt Mathison is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and operator with nearly 25 years of experience spanning sectors like financial services, technology, real estate, and energy. As the co-founder of MBL Partners, Matt focuses on problem-solving and empowering leaders to thrive through innovative solutions. His dynamic career has included leadership roles at Fifth Partners, where he helped build, fix, and scale businesses globally. A former collegiate athlete, Matt brings grit and determination from his athletic background into the business world. He holds a finance degree from Brigham Young University.

In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo are joined by William Vanderbloemen, CEO of Vanderbloemen and author of Be the Unicorn. William shares his incredible journey from pastoral ministry to building a successful executive search firm for faith-based organizations. With humor and wisdom, he dives into how focusing on human-to-human (H2H) skills, creating niche marketing strategies, and embracing change have been the cornerstones of his success. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for leaders, marketers, and anyone striving to make an impact.

In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with Dr. Mechelle Roberthon, a dynamic leader in professional development and workplace culture. Dr. Roberthon shares her inspiring career journey, from discovering her passion for teaching adults to becoming a sought-after consultant in employee engagement and organizational growth. Together, they explore the critical connection between workplace culture and branding, highlighting how every employee interaction shapes your brand. This conversation is filled with practical advice for leaders looking to create a thriving workplace that attracts and retains top talent.

In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo are joined by Elissa O’Dell and Mia Pokriefka, the innovative minds behind Huxly, a creative tech agency redefining how brands engage with their audiences. Elissa and Mia share their journey into the world of AI-powered chat experiences and how they’ve moved beyond traditional chatbots to create personalized, story-driven interactions that resonate. Listeners will discover: How Huxley uses interactive storytelling to forge meaningful connections Why Instagram DMs are the next frontier for building customer relationships. The ethical considerations and mental health impacts of chat-driven interactions. How brands can embrace emerging technology to build trust  If you’re curious about the future of marketing and how technology can create authentic, human-like conversations, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo welcome Sarah Segal, founder of Segal Communications, for an engaging conversation about her transition from broadcast journalism to PR and what it takes to succeed in today’s evolving communications landscape. Sarah shares insights from her career, including the art of storytelling, the challenges of earned media, and how PR intersects with marketing in a rapidly changing world. Listeners will learn: The growing overlap between PR and marketing—and why it matters Tips for businesses to get the most out of PR and influencer marketing Why adaptability and authenticity are the keys to lasting success Whether you’re a business leader looking to amplify your message or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of modern communications, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories.

In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with direct mail expert Wilson Zehr, CEO of Zairmail, to explore why traditional marketing tactics like direct mail are resurging in today’s digital-first world. Wilson shares his expertise, explaining how direct mail cuts through the digital noise and remains a highly effective tool for building memorable, personal connections with customers. Listeners will gain insight into: How direct mail stands out in a crowded digital landscape Tactics for crafting memorable mail that avoids the trash pile The science of targeting the right audience with high precision Combining direct mail with digital touchpoints for a powerful, multi-channel approach Whether you’re curious about reviving old-school marketing methods or finding new ways to connect with your audience, this episode contains strategies to make traditional methods work for modern business. Wilson Zehr is an accomplished entrepreneur, academic, and thought leader in the fields of marketing, innovation, and business strategy. With over 25 years of experience in the technology and telecommunications industries, he has founded or participated in 6 large-scale technology startups, raising over$60 million in venture capital funding in his career.

In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo dive into a crucial topic for business leaders and marketers: adaptability. The discussion explores how companies can evolve and adapt their strategies without abandoning the core brand values that have driven their success. They break down when to stay the course and when to embrace change, using examples from their own experience working with clients who struggle with both stagnation and impulsive decision-making. If you’re a business leader or marketer wondering how to navigate change in today’s fast-moving environment, this episode is packed with insights to help you adapt and thrive.

In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, hosts Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with Dan Regard, CEO of iDiscovery Solutions (iDS), to explore the challenges of leading a global team in a hybrid work environment. Dan shares his insights on how IDS has leveraged technology to maintain reliable internal communication while building trust and culture across continents. The conversation delves into integrating branding with company culture, emphasizing how branding begins within the organization. Dan also discusses the role of AI in the legal and eDiscovery sectors, offering his take on the opportunities and risks presented by emerging technologies. With candid anecdotes and strategic advice, this episode provides valuable lessons for CEOs, marketing leaders, and anyone interested in how technology shapes modern business practices. Listeners will gain actionable insights into the importance of clear communication, internal branding, and the evolving role of AI in the professional world. Dan Regard is an electronic discovery and computer science consultant with 20 years of experience consulting legal and corporate entities. A programmer and an attorney by training, Mr. Regard has conducted system investigations, created data collections, and managed discovery on over 1,000 matters. He is responsible for developing and implementing case and matter strategies that leverage technology in litigation and investigations. Mr. Regard has national and international experience advising on issues such as electronic discovery, computer forensics, structured data, and information management. He is a frequent speaker, teacher, and publisher in electronic discovery matters.

In this episode of the He Said, She Said, Razor Branding podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo discuss the critical components of strategic brand planning, focusing on their Razor Branding™ process. They explore the four essential elements: Focus (understanding your audience), Promise (why people should care), Connection (the messaging), and Harmony (where to reach your audience). Jaci and Michael address the confusion between branding and marketing, highlighting the importance of creating an emotional connection with your audience. They emphasize that branding is about laying a long-term foundation for success, not just quick-fix marketing tactics. Authenticity is crucial, and businesses must be honest with themselves to build a strong and lasting brand. The episode is packed with practical insights for building a brand that resonates, stands out in a crowded market, and fosters loyalty. Please tune in to hear their expert advice and relatable experiences.

In this episode of the “He Said, She Said” Razor Branding™ Podcast, hosts Jaci and Michael Russo welcome Chris Hutchinson from Trebuchet Group. Chris dives deep into the importance of leadership in building effective teams, sharing insights from his experience as an Air Force officer and a “recovering mechanical engineer.” Discover how great leadership can be learned and why every team member plays a crucial leadership role. If you’re looking to elevate your team’s performance and foster a thriving work environment, this episode is a must-listen! Chris Hutchinson is the CEO of Trebuchet Group, a company he founded in 2002 to help organizations and executive leaders achieve remarkable results through building effective teams. With a background as an Air Force officer, Chris gained firsthand experience in how leadership impacts the success of teams and individuals. As a “recovering” mechanical engineer, he understands the importance of designing systems that serve the people using them, fostering success and collaboration. Chris is also the author of “Ripple: A Field Manual for Leadership that Works”, where he shares practical, field-tested strategies for improving leadership impact.