

BRANDED
Ben Kaplan and TOP Thought Leader
BRANDED is the podcast where bold ideas meet brilliant minds. From the unconventional marketing of Liquid Death to the visionary leadership of Nike’s former CMO, we uncover the stories behind the world’s most iconic brands. Hosted by top industry leaders, BRANDED takes you behind the scenes to explore the strategies, risks, and creative sparks that make brands stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer, a business enthusiast, or just curious about the magic behind the labels, BRANDED delivers insights and inspiration in every episode.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 16, 2023 • 45min
EP 33: Linda Boff, General Electric (GE) - 'The Soul of a Company'
In this inspiring episode, we are joined by Linda Boff, the Chief Marketing Officer of General Electric. With a firm belief that a good CMO brings the soul of a company to life, Linda discusses the pivotal role marketing plays in not just driving numbers, but in humanizing the brand and telling its story. We explore Linda's perspective on strategic shifts and change management, emphasizing the importance of embracing these as opportunities for reinvention and growth, rather than obstacles to be conquered.Tune in for an enlightening conversation that serves as a reminder of the human element in marketing, the power of change, and the importance of synergy in leadership.

Jun 9, 2023 • 39min
EP 32: Kristi Melani, Telesign - 'Leadership Unleashed'
In this insightful episode, we join Kristi Melani, CMO of TeleSign, as she discusses her journey of scaling a lean marketing team into a vibrant unit of 60 members. Melani shares her strategy of establishing clear roles, recruiting function leaders, and developing 'charters' for better team collaboration and role clarity.Host Ben Kaplan and Melani discuss the importance of clear responsibilities, accountability, and understanding the 'why' behind tasks. They delve into the challenge of balancing role clarity with initiative, and the necessity of strong inter-departmental relationships.Melani reveals her dual-track approach to building a robust marketing function and raising expectations. She emphasizes transparency, empathy, and customer alignment as key to successful strategies. She also discusses her future goals for TeleSign, focusing on global awareness, refining strategies through ABM and industry thought leadership, and enhancing the sales process.Don't miss this episode for valuable insights into successful team building and effective marketing strategies.

May 26, 2023 • 40min
*BONUS* Best Of: 'Shaping The Next Generation of Leaders' | Insights from TOP Chief Marketing Officers
In this episode, join Ben Kaplan as he discusses the future of marketing with leading industry professionals - Margaret Jobling from Natwest Group, David Siegel of Meetup, Julia Goldin from LEGO, John Sheldon of Smile Direct Club, Lou Barber from DHL, and Alyson Griffin of State Farm amongst many others. They explore evolving marketing strategies, the balance of data and creativity, and the role of innovation in today's competitive landscape. A must-listen for anyone eager to understand the changing face of marketing.

May 19, 2023 • 34min
EP 31: JG Chirapurath, SAP - 'Fearless Marketing Leadership'
Welcome to our latest podcast episode featuring JG Chirapurath, CMO of SAP. We explore JG's philosophy of understanding customer experiences for effective marketing and his belief in creating an accessible and supportive team environment. The emphasis is on bridging the gap with customers, fostering a strong internal team culture, and hiring leaders based on skills, fit, and teachability. Join us as JG encourages us to be fearless, to develop talent, keep things simple, and to be generous with our time - maybe even over a ham sandwich with a colleague. This episode is a must for those rethinking their approach to marketing, leadership, and team collaboration.

May 10, 2023 • 33min
EP 30: Isabelle Guis, Commvault - 'Empathy, Alignment, and Adaptability'
In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the world of marketing with Isabelle Guis, an accomplished CMO and marketing thought leader. Discover the importance of strategic alignment and collaboration within marketing teams and the impact it has on ROI. Isabelle shares her unique perspective on embracing diversity, the blurring lines between B2B and B2C marketing, and the role of empathy in understanding and serving customers. Learn how trust and adaptability are essential for marketing success, and be inspired by Isabelle's insights on fostering a customer-centric approach that empowers businesses and individuals to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Brought to you by TOP Thought Leader.

May 5, 2023 • 39min
EP 29: Margaret Jobling, Natwest - 'Embracing Marketing Agility'
In this insightful episode, we chat with marketing expert Margaret Jobling, CMO of NatWest Group, who shares her invaluable experiences from the world of marketing and business. We discuss consumer understanding, data-driven decision making, seamless customer journeys, and the evolving technical and commercial acumen needed in today's competitive marketing landscape. Margaret offers practical tips on staying agile and adaptable in the face of uncertainty, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in marketing, business strategy, and staying ahead of the game in a constantly changing environment. Tune in to learn from Margaret's wealth of knowledge and apply these lessons to your own marketing and business journey.

Apr 28, 2023 • 34min
EP 28: John Sheldon, Smile Direct Club - 'Marketing Disruption Unleashed'
In this episode, Ben Kaplan interviews John Sheldon, CMO of Smile Direct Club, about the challenges of disrupting traditional orthodontics and evolving their brand positioning. Sheldon shares insights on educating customers about teledentistry, establishing credibility, and offering various treatment options. He also discusses the importance of CRM, matching messaging to the customer journey, and their shift towards becoming the "inevitable leader" in teeth straightening. As the company grows, they're focusing on technological benefits and expanding product offerings. Sheldon also touches on performance marketing, increasing unaided brand awareness, and their new Care Plus service model. Additionally, he offers recommendations for other CMOs and reflects on the marketing approaches of Apple, MasterCard, and Nike, emphasizing the importance of strong branding and customer focus in the future of marketing.

Apr 21, 2023 • 40min
EP 27: Amy Baker, Security Journey - 'Turning Wants into Growth'
Join us on TOP CMO, the go-to podcast for marketing enthusiasts and professionals seeking insider knowledge from global Chief Marketing Officers. This episode features Amy Baker, a marketing mastermind who's worked with major players like Proofpoint and Ericsson. Get ready to explore cutting-edge marketing techniques, industry trends, and the essential skills needed to thrive in today's fast-paced digital landscape. Boost your marketing prowess with TOP CMO's exclusive access to the brightest minds in the business. Subscribe and stay ahead of the curve!

Apr 14, 2023 • 39min
EP 26: Karl Van den Bergh, Gigamon - 'Thriving Amidst Chaos'
In this episode of TOP CMO, we're joined by Karl Van den Bergh, the Chief Marketing Officer of cybersecurity leader Gigamon. With a background in deep observability and an impressive tech portfolio, Karl shares his insights on managing a marketing mix during economic downturns and leveraging lessons from the pandemic. We discuss finding the right balance between short-term results and long-term thinking, seizing opportunities during downturns, and building strong relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders. Tune in to learn from Karl's experience as a CMO on how to stay focused on your objectives and adapt your marketing strategies to thrive in the present while laying a solid foundation for the future.

Apr 7, 2023 • 39min
EP 25: Arun Pattabhiraman, Sprinklr - 'From Hustle to Scale: Building a Marketing Team for Growth'
In this episode of the TOP CMO podcast, we dive into the world of marketing and leadership with Arun Pattabhiranman, a seasoned CMO with years of experience in the industry. Listen as he shares his insights on how to build a successful marketing team, the importance of data and AI in modern marketing, and the key skills needed for aspiring CMOs. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out in your career, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and advice to help you take your business to the next level. Don't miss out on this must-listen conversation with one of the top CMOs in the industry.https://www.tiktok.com/@topcmohttps://twitter.com/TOP_CMO_podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/topcmo/