

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

Sep 6, 2024 • 36min
What’s the Secret to a Successful Rebrand and Building Trust? - Pam Morrisroe, Breakthrough T1D
In this episode of Top CMO, Jackson Carpenter sits down with Pam Morrisroe, CMO of Breakthrough T1D, to dive into the power of data-led rebranding, building trust in non-profit marketing, and the importance of agency experience in shaping a successful marketing career. Pam shares key insights from her 30+ years in top marketing roles, offering strategies on name testing, leveraging partnerships, and using user-generated content to boost engagement. Tune in to explore the lessons every CMO should know and how to drive mission-led campaigns with data-driven precision.

Sep 4, 2024 • 35min
What’s the secret to competing with industry giants on a limited budget? - Chad Waetzig, Crunch Fitness
Join us on this episode of TOP CMO as Ben Kaplan sits down with Chad Waetzig, the CMO of Crunch Fitness, to explore how Crunch has grown from 125 to over 465 locations worldwide. Chad shares his insights into franchise marketing, the importance of localizing campaigns, and why listening to franchisees is key to success. Discover how Crunch’s unique "high-value, low-price" model, coupled with creative storytelling, helps the brand compete with industry giants. Plus, learn how the pandemic reshaped fitness trends and how Crunch is adapting with hybrid workout solutions.

Aug 30, 2024 • 41min
Why are today’s CMOs more than just marketing experts? - Zarina Stanford, Bazaarvoice
In this episode of TOP CMO, Jackson Carpenter sits down with Zarina Stanford, the CMO of Bazaarvoice, a leader in user-generated content and customer feedback solutions. With over 25 years of marketing leadership experience across companies like IBM, SAP, and Rackspace, Zarina shares insights on the evolving role of the CMO, the power of user-generated content, and how brands can leverage consumer feedback for product development. Tune in to discover how CMOs are shifting from marketing experts to pivotal business leaders in today's digital landscape.

Aug 28, 2024 • 34min
The Game-Changer in Multicultural Marketing Strategies - Adam Salgado, Heritage Grocers Group
In this episode of TOP CMO, Ben Kaplan interviews Adam Salgado, CMO of Heritage Grocers Group. Adam shares how the company connects with Hispanic and Latino communities through culturally authentic marketing and strong community ties. He discusses the importance of understanding diverse audiences, the impact of the pandemic on grocery shopping, and innovative promotions like the Lotteria sweepstakes. This episode is a must-listen for marketers looking to enhance their multicultural strategies.

Aug 23, 2024 • 44min
From Employee #14 to CMO - Alison Lindland, Movable Ink
In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of Alison Lindland, the CMO of Movable Ink. Alison shares how she joined the company as its 14th employee and helped transform it into a unicorn business. From navigating the challenges of a startup to leading innovative marketing strategies, Alison discusses her approach to scaling customer success and her philosophy on leadership. Discover how Movable Ink leverages AI-powered content to drive personalized marketing experiences, including collaborations with big brands like Spotify and Dunkin' Donuts. Whether you're interested in startup growth, the evolution of MarTech, or leadership insights, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for marketers at all levels. Tune in to hear Alison’s thoughts on building a strong culture, the role of CMOs as change agents, and the strategic decisions that have defined her career.

Aug 16, 2024 • 31min
EP 87: Pierre Dadd, Virtua - 'From Brands to Blockchains'
For this episode of TOP CMO, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Pierre Dadd, former CMO of Virtua (formerly Terra Virtua), a pioneering metaverse and digital collectibles platform. The episode explores the evolution of marketing in Web3, with a focus on the role of community engagement, the metaverse, and NFTs. Pierre shares insights from his experiences at major brands like LEGO and Disney, discussing how those lessons influence his approach to building immersive experiences in the metaverse. The conversation covers challenges in educating new audiences, adapting traditional marketing strategies, and navigating the fast-paced world of Web3 innovation.

Aug 9, 2024 • 46min
EP 86: Linda Bethea, Danone - 'From Insight to Impact'
In this episode, Linda Bethea, the CMO of Danone North America, shares her journey and insights into leading marketing strategies for a diverse portfolio of food and beverage brands. From her experiences at Diageo with iconic brands like Captain Morgan to her current role at Danone, Linda discusses the importance of consumer insights, the challenges of differentiating products in crowded markets, and the evolving role of influencers in marketing. She also touches on the impact of health trends, like the rise of GLP-1 drugs, and how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape. Whether you're a marketer or just curious about the food and beverage industry, this episode offers valuable lessons on building brand relevance and driving growth.

Aug 2, 2024 • 33min
EP 85: Shannon Duffy, Asana - 'AI, Events, and Authenticity'
In this episode of TOP CMO, host Jackson Carpenter sits down with Shannon Duffy, CMO of Asana, to explore the intersection of AI and marketing. With a rich background at Salesforce and Facebook, Shannon shares how Asana uses AI to boost productivity and creativity.Discover the secrets behind effective account-based marketing, aligning sales and marketing, and the power of data-driven storytelling. Shannon offers practical advice on event marketing, customer engagement, and the importance of authenticity in a marketer’s career.Don’t miss this insightful conversation packed with actionable tips from one of the industry's top leaders.

Jul 26, 2024 • 40min
EP 84: Michelle Taite, Intuit Mailchimp - 'Revolutionizing Retention'
Join us on this episode of TOP CMO as guest host Jackson Carpenter dives deep into the world of email marketing with Michelle Taite, the Chief Marketing Officer of Intuit Mailchimp. With over 25 years of experience in marketing, design, and brand management, Michelle shares her insights on how AI is revolutionizing the marketing landscape. From her journey at Unilever to leading Intuit Mailchimp, Michelle discusses the importance of customer obsession, the power of email for retention, and how Intuit Mailchimp is leveraging AI to provide personalized marketing solutions. Tune in to learn about the latest trends in marketing, the challenges of marketing to marketers, and the innovative strategies Mailchimp uses to stay ahead of the curve.Key Takeaways: The role of AI in enhancing marketing efficiency and creativity. The significance of email marketing for customer retention. Insights into Michelle's approach to growing Intuit Mailchimp as a lifestyle brand. The balance between brand marketing and data-driven strategies.

Jul 19, 2024 • 37min
EP 83: Larisa Summers, Convene - 'A Premium Approach'
In this episode of "TOP CMO," Ben Kaplan sits down with Larisa Summers, the former CMO of Convene, to explore the ever-evolving world of coworking and flexible office spaces. They tackle the challenge of distinguishing Convene from industry giants like WeWork by focusing on delivering a premium, hospitality-infused experience. Larisa shares her insights on the increasing demand for hybrid events and the shift towards high-quality, immersive in-person experiences post-pandemic. They also discuss the importance of fostering a customer-centric culture and leveraging data-driven storytelling to enhance client relationships. This episode offers a deep dive into effective marketing strategies in a rapidly changing work environment.