Learnings from Leaders: the P&G Alumni Podcast

“Stay humble, stay grateful. Your position or work isn’t what matters most. For me, it's my family and the opportunity to impact others and give back.” Marissa Solis is the National Football League’s SVP of Global Brand & Consumer Marketing. Prior to joining the NFL, Marissa led marketing for Frito Lay North America and was at PepsiCo for almost two decades.  She won several preeminent marketing awards for her work on Cheetos, Doritos and Tostitos brands and in 2021, was recognized by Adweek as one of the Most Powerful Women in Sports for elevating the football watching occasion with the NFL and Frito Lay partnership. Marissa joined PepsiCo after a stint in public sector and political consulting at Deloitte and began her career in brand management at Procter & Gamble Latin America where she led marketing for brands like Ariel, Downy, and Pampers in Central America and the Caribbean. She is a graduate of Georgetown University with a B.S. in International Economics & the University of Texas at Austin, with an M.A. in Public Policy and serves on the Board of Directors for the North Texas Chapter of the Make a Wish Foundation and on the Board for The Melville Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of minority children in Dallas. Marisa has also found time to become a third degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do while raising her daughter, Gaby, together with her husband, Juan, in Texas. You’ll enjoy hearing this candid conversation about being grateful for all we have,  embracing our unique perspectives, and not being afraid to speak up when in the public eye.

"I needed to work on something that had social impact — a game changer for schools to hear from parents in a different way." Christine Fisher is the Co-Founder and COO for Possip - an education technology start-up that helps schools better hear from parents. Christine spent 13 years at P&G working in Finance on some of the company’s biggest brands—including Tide, Charmin, and Bounty. But equally notable — Christine has been finding ways to be more actively involved in her community - during her time at, and beyond P&G. Christine first campaigned in 2017 for the Cincinnati Board of Education, and later in 2018  as a Candidate for the Ohio State Legislature - running for Ohio’s 27th House District. Christine is active in the education community as a Board member for Cincinnati Preschool Promise, the Beech Acres Parenting Center Board, and Cincinnati Public Schools Audit Committee. She attended a STEM-focused public school in Montreal, Canada, and earned her BA in Computer Engineering from Queen’s University. In 2020, the Cincinnati Business Courier named Christine one of the city’s “40 Under 40” in recognition of her contributions to both the business and education sectors, and she was recently recognized as a 2021 P&G Alumni Leader Under 40.

“In Africa there's a billion people about to get on the Internet. What kinds of opportunities will they create? How will they solve problems?” Nitin Gajria is Google’s Managing Director for Sub-Saharan Africa- where he works to make the internet more helpful for Africa - leveraging  technology as an enabler for amazing things. Google recently announced a $1B investment over the next 5 years in Africa. Having been at Google for 7 years, Nitin previously led YouTube’s business in India & South-East Asia, and led Google in Vietnam, Cambodia & Laos. Prior to Google ,Nitin served as a regional marketing director for Mead Johnson Nutrition for Asia Pacific, and of course, got his start at Procter & Gamble - rising thru the ranks of brand management over 11 years across countries and categories- working on brands like Safeguard, Tide, Ariel, Vicks, Olay, SK-II, Pantene, Herbal Essences, Head & Shoulders, Wella, and more. Nitin is keenly interested in tech start-ups and is an angel investor himself - providing smart capital to startups in Southeast Asia.  A husband and a father, Nitin hails from Mumbai, and has lived and worked in Sydney, Singapore and now Johannesburg. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about alway seeking what we have in common, amidst all difference and diversity we see in this world

“Start canceling out those lanes that aren't feeding you well - that aren't giving you ROI - that are holding you back.” Matthew McConaughey is an Academy Award–winning actor and producer, and the author of the NY Times bestselling book GREENLIGHTS, among many other things — but Matthew is NOT a P&G Alumni. So what’s the deal? Alongside our partners at P&G, we’re thrilled to share a sneak peak of P&G’s “More Than Soap” podcast - available exclusively each week to P&G Employees at GetMoreThanSoap.com. On “More Than Soap,” P&G shares weekly conversations with Inspiring guests, unique perspectives, and unconventional ideas. As one of the world's most compelling public figures - Matthew McConaughey needs no introduction. Beyond his entertainment work, he’s an active philanthropist with his Just Keep Livin’ Foundation, a professor at the University of Texas in his hometown of Austin, a brand ambassador for Lincoln Motor Company, an owner of the Major League Soccer club Austin FC, and co-creator and creative director of his favorite bourbon on the planet, Wild Turkey Longbranch. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation on achieving a greater ROI on life - by catching more greenlights—and realizing that the yellows and reds eventually turn green too. “More Than Soap” is P&G’s official internal podcast - available  to all 100,000 P&G employees worldwide, and hosted by Dorion Positano, P&G’s Director of New Business and Content Innovation. Interested in learning more about P&G’s “More Than Soap” podcast, or P&G Studios, can reach out directly to Dorion on LinkedIn. GetMoreThanSoap.com

“With innovation failure happens more often than not. Take lessons from those experiences - the connections you can draw into something more interesting.” Claire Elvers is Wayfair’s Head of Global Brand Management & Insights - where she is building long-term brand equity across the globe - with consumers, partners, and employees. With 20+ years of experience in advertising, CPG, retail, e-commerce, and health & fitness industries, Claire has held senior innovation and marketing roles at Amazon, Starbucks, and Clorox. And of course, Claire got her start at P&G Beauty - working on delivery and innovation roles for the global relaunch of Pantene. Claire studied English and Economics at Northwestern University and got her MBA from the University of Michigan. You’ll enjoy this candid, empathetic conversation about bringing together your personal and professional aspirations.

“Get uncomfortable. Don't feel like you can’t keep creating new value in an environment of curiosity.” Suzy Deering is Ford’s global Chief Marketing Officer - leading Ford’s North America marketing and driving strategy across the company’s global business units – to constantly enhance and release the huge customer and company value across Ford’s iconic brands. Suzy was previously global CMO of eBay, where she helped revive the company’s brand and drive sharply higher revenue. She also served as CEO of Moxie, a technology-led marketing agency, and spent many years in senior media and brand roles at Verizon and Home Depot. And she actually got her start at the Walt Disney Company, and studied Advertising at the University of Georgia. Suzy’s been recognized as an AdAge “40 Under 40” and as one of Business Insider’s “Top 50 Most Innovative CMOs.” While Suzy may not be a P&G Alumni - she is a purpose driven leader. Suzy also happens to be a longtime friend of fellow P&G Alumni leader (and past podcast guest) Kirk Perry, now CEO of IRI Worldwide, who joins for the first of many “deep dives” - where past guests invite non-Alumni leaders to a candid conversation on their leadership journeys. Which purpose driven leaders do YOU know and want to hear? Let us know at pgalumpod@gmail.com, and who knows, maybe you’ll hear them on our podcast soon!

As 2021 comes to a close, we put together a not-so-quick compilation of our favorite moments from all of the great conversations we had over the past year. So sit back with a beverage of choice, enjoy, and PLEASE DO share our podcast with a friend (and leave us a review) — it makes a big difference! Got a guest idea or want to ask a question? Email us! pgalumpod@gmail.com We can’t wait for you to hear what’s next in the new year! Heard someone you liked? Be sure to go back and check out their full episode. Featuring the voices of our amazing guests... Najoh Tita-Reid: Logitech Head of Marketing Reinvention Kirk Perry: Google's former President of Brand Solutions Zena Arnold: Kimberly Clark’s Chief Marketing & Digital Office Tarang Amin: e.l.f. Beauty CEO & Chairman Tiana Conley: Kellogg’s VP of Global Cereal Mohan Mohan: P&G former international leader (Europe, Middle East, Africa) Jim Lafferty, Fine Hygienic Holding, CEO Emily Chang: McCann Worldgroup China, CEO Shelly McNamara: P&G’s Chief Equality & Inclusion Officer Gurcharan Das: P&G’s former head of India, Author & Scholar Michelle Crossan: Samsung Electronics’ SVP of Strategy, Innovation & Transformation Jorge Mesquita: Johnson & Johnson’s former Executive Vice President Charlotte Otto: P&G’s former Global External Relations Officer Dian Alyan: GiveLight Foundation Founder & CEO A.G. Lafley: P&G’s former Chairman & CEO Mark Tatum: NBA Deputy Commissioner & Chief Operating Officer Noel Geoffroy: Sanofi President, North America Consumer Healthcare Brian McNamara: GSK Consumer Healthcare CEO Amanda Clark: Papa John’s Chief Development Officer Karan Bajaj: Whitehat Jr. Founder & CEO Sylvie Moreau: Coty’s former President of Professional Beauty Jim Stengel: P&G former Global Marketing Officer Remi Kent: 3M’s SVP & Chief Marketing Officer Tom Kuhn: PGA Tour, VP of Marketing Teri List: former CFO, the Gap, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Kraft Foods Jay Sethi: Diageo Beer Company CMO & SVP of Diageo Convenience North America Lisa Gevelber: Google’s Chief Marketing Officer for the Americas Jim Taylor: Arby’s President Silvia Dávila: Danone - President of Latin America Kevin Clayton: Cleveland Cavaliers, VP of Diversity, Inclusion & Community Engagement Julio Nemeth: P&G’s Chief Product Supply Officer Kristi Zuhlke: Founder & xCEO, KnowledgeHound Gordon Brunner: P&G’s Former Chief Technology Officer Matt Story: Visa’s VP of Global Marketing Partnerships & Advocacy Yolanda Talamo: Heineken Chief People Officer Brian Niccol: Chipotle Mexican Grill, CEO & Chairman Jorge Uribe: former P&G Latin America leader Keila Lazardi: Revlon Chief Scientific Officer Craig Bahner: Sara Lee Frozen Bakery CEO Tiyale Hayes: BET SVP of Brand Strategy & Marketing Jamal Muashsher: Valvoline President of Global Products Joe Arcuri: American Greetings CEO Peg Wyant: P&G’s first female Brand Manager, Grandin Properties Founder & CEO Stefan K. James: Nationwide Insurance AVP of Marketing Bob Gilbreath: Hearty CEO & Co-founder Alicia Enciso: Nestlé USA’s Chief Marketing Officer George Felix: Tinder’s Chief Marketing Officer Mark Mercurio: Gorilla Glue President & CEO Luis Silberwasserat: Univision - President, TV Networks

“It's not just one Latino or one Hispanic group, it's much more nuanced. It's less about the language and more about who we are and what our role is in this country.”  Luis Silberwasser is Univision’s President of the Television Networks Group, where he oversees the company's TV networks, as well as its entertainment, news and sports divisions along with its ops and tech teams. Luis is a seasoned, award-winning TV executive with 25+ years’ experience building TV networks and creating entertainment content focusing on International, U.S. Hispanic and Latin American markets. Prior to joining Univision, Luis served as Telemundo Networks’ President where he modernized the brand and transformed the company’s content strategy. Earlier in his career, Luis served as Discovery Networks EVP and Chief Content Officer, having risen through the company’s senior ranks. And of course, Luis got his start in brand management at P&G in Beauty Care. Luis studied industrial engineering at Georgia Tech, and received his MBA from Harvard Business School. Luis is a proud dual citizen of the United States and Columbia, passionate about Futbol, History, and Latin music, and lives in Miami with his wife and four children. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about creating content that resonates across cultures and generations. 

“Don’t measure success by traversing processes and challenges - but if you win once it gets in the hands of consumers.” Mark Mercurio is President and CEO of The Gorilla Glue company, a leading, family-owned producer of consumer-branded Glues, Tapes, and Personal Care products based in Cincinnati, Ohio - and often ranked as one of the best places to work in the city. Before becoming CEO in 2019, Mark served as the company’s CMO and President of their International Business. Prior to Gorilla Glue, Mark spent ten years at P&G in marketing roles across Fabric Care, Surface Care, trade marketing, and Pet Care. Mark started his career with Accenture as an IT management consultant. Mark studied Civil Engineering at the University of Cincinnati and received his MBA from the University of Virginia. Mark also serves as a Vice-Chair on the Board of Trustees at the Children’s Home of Cincinnati. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about managing transition to a family-owned business, and the importance of integrating fun at work as a competitive advantage - especially in today’s marketplace.

“Don’t get caught chasing what you think you have to chase. Figure out what you want to go do - and you’ll ultimately be happier and more successful” George Felix is Tinder’s Chief Marketing Officer - where he leads the global brand vision, strategy, and operations for the highest grossing non-gaming app in the world. Previously, George spent 6 years at Yum! Brands in roles of rising seniority - most recently as CMO of Pizza Hut U.S. - where he led a new brand positioning and advertising campaign that delivered three consecutive quarters of sales growth including. George was also KFC’s marketing director for global and brand communications. During his time at Yum, George was named AdAge’s Marketer of the Year, KFC’s “ Return of Colonel Sanders'' campaign was named AdAge’s Campaign of the Year, and KFC was listed as a “Top 10 Brand.” George spent 6 years at P&G, rising through the ranks of brand management working on Old Spice and Mobile Marketing - leading campaigns that won 10 Cannes Lions, 2 Effies, and even an Emmy (for Best Commercial). George studied at the University of Notre Dame and received his MBA from UNC Chapel Hill. He currently lives in Dallas with his wife and 2 children. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about listening to your gut instinct vs what society (or even your parents) want you to do - pivoting when you realize something isn’t working, and always adapting and learning.