

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

Mar 29, 2024 • 37min
EP 63: Emily Ketchen, Lenovo- 'Customer-First Strategy Shift'
In this TOP CMO episode, host Ben Kaplan dives into the marketing transformation journey at Lenovo with CMO Emily Ketchen. Emily, with her experience at tech giants like Dell and HP, discusses shifting Lenovo's marketing from product-centric to customer-centric and digital-first. She covers the challenges and strategies of this transformation, emphasizing the importance of customer insights and the integration of generative AI in marketing. This episode provides valuable perspectives for those interested in marketing innovations and the practical aspects of leading change in a tech-focused environment. Tune in for actionable insights into modernizing marketing practices in the tech industry.

Mar 22, 2024 • 34min
EP 62: Khalid El Khatib, Stack Overflow- 'Tech Leadership Transformed'
In this episode of TOP CMO, host Ben Kaplan engages with Khalid El-Khatib, former CMO of Stack Overflow, to unravel the evolving role of a CMO in today’s tech-driven and rapidly changing business landscape. El-Khatib shares deep insights into how marketing leaders must extend their partnerships beyond traditional boundaries, embracing collaboration with finance, HR, and other departments to drive company growth and navigate through challenges such as the pandemic and economic shifts. With over five years at Stack Overflow, El-Khatib discusses the company’s transformation and the impact of generative AI on marketing strategies and product development. This episode offers a rare look into the strategic mind of a CMO at the forefront of technology and marketing, emphasizing innovation, strategic alignment, and the critical importance of adaptability in leadership. Tune in to explore how El-Khatib’s journey at Stack Overflow reflects broader trends affecting CMOs and businesses today.

Mar 15, 2024 • 40min
EP 61: Michelle Peterson, Kendra Scott- 'Crafting Connections'
In this episode of TOP CMO, Ben Kaplan engages with Michelle Peterson, CMO of Kendra Scott, discussing the brand's commitment to connection, purpose, and innovation in the jewelry industry. Discover how Kendra Scott thrives beyond transactions, emphasizing philanthropy and community engagement, and how Michelle's leadership is steering the brand towards sustainable marketing strategies. Learn about the challenges of balancing founder vision with brand evolution and the role of social media in driving brand awareness. Dive into a conversation that melds strategic marketing with genuine brand storytelling, offering insights into creating a lasting impact in the consumer's heart and mind.

Mar 8, 2024 • 34min
EP 60: Fara Howard, GoDaddy- 'Beyond Domains'
In this episode of TOP CMO, we dive into the marketing strategies behind GoDaddy's transformation from a domain-selling giant to an all-encompassing digital platform for small businesses. Our guest, Fara Howard, the Chief Marketing Officer at GoDaddy, shares insider perspectives on integrating AI to revolutionize product offerings and customer engagement. Discover GoDaddy's journey from traditional advertising to leveraging cutting-edge digital channels like TikTok and YouTube for broader, more effective customer reach. Learn how GoDaddy's focus on AI-generated solutions, such as the innovative Arrow product, is setting new benchmarks for business efficiency online. This episode is a treasure trove for marketing enthusiasts eager to understand the blend of creativity, technology, and strategic planning that powers today's top brands.

Mar 1, 2024 • 27min
EP 59: Amanda Cole, Bloomreach - 'Marketing's AI Evolution'
In this episode of TOP CMO, we dive into the future of marketing in an AI-driven world with Amanda Cole, CMO at Bloomreach. With over 15 years in SaaS marketing, Amanda discusses the challenges and strategies of integrating real-time and historical data to enhance customer experiences. She highlights the importance of understanding customer intent and the role of AI in personalizing e-commerce. This conversation explores the evolving landscape of digital marketing, the impact of generational AI, and the balance between innovation and practical marketing solutions. Join us for an insightful discussion on leading marketing efforts in an era where AI reshapes how we connect with consumers.

Feb 23, 2024 • 42min
EP 58: Jay Livingston, Shake Shack - 'Marketing Meets Menu'
In this episode of "TOP CMO", host Ben Kaplan sits down with Jay Livingston, the Chief Marketing Officer of Shake Shack. Livingston shares perspectives on integrating marketing with product development, his journey across different industries, and the art of storytelling in marketing. The conversation delves into Shake Shack's innovative strategies, like their approach to menu item rollouts, including the famed hot chicken sandwich and unique collaborations. Livingston's diverse background, from banking to his time at Bark, adds layers of depth to the discussion, offering a multifaceted view of marketing in the fast-casual dining sector. Tune in to explore how Shake Shack weaves marketing into the fabric of product development and how Livingston's unique approach to storytelling and authenticity drives the brand's success.

Feb 16, 2024 • 39min
EP 57: Mandy Dhaliwal, Nutanix - 'Chaos in the Cloud'
Join us in this episode of TOP CMO as we delve into the dynamic world of tech marketing with Mandy Dhaliwal, the Chief Marketing Officer of Nutanix, a leading cloud computing software and services provider. Mandy shares her unique perspective on managing marketing chaos, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and crafting messages that resonate deeply with the audience. She discusses the challenges and strategies of maintaining a challenger brand mindset in a rapidly evolving industry and how to effectively position a large, established company in the market. Tune in to learn from Mandy's experience in navigating the complex landscape of tech marketing and her approach to maximizing influence within the C-suite.

Jan 19, 2024 • 34min
EP 56: Jessica Gilmartin, Calendly- 'Redefining Team Dynamics'
In this episode of TOP CMO, join host Ben Kaplan as he engages in a riveting conversation with Jessica Gilmartin, the Chief Marketing Officer of Calendly. Dive into the world of strategic marketing as they explore how breaking down silos, fostering a culture of teamwork, and setting high standards are pivotal in the ever-changing marketing landscape. Jessica shares her invaluable experiences from working with leading companies like Asana, Google, and Dell, offering a unique perspective on harnessing the power of AI and technology to reshape marketing strategies. Whether you're a marketing professional, a business leader, or someone fascinated by the dynamic world of digital marketing, this episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions. Tune in to TOP CMO for an episode that not only enlightens but also empowers marketers to adapt and thrive in an era of constant technological evolution.#calendly #marketing #cmo #topcmo #topthoughtleader

Jan 12, 2024 • 28min
EP 55: Bruno Trimouille, Litera - 'Breaking Boundaries'
In this insightful episode of "Top CMO," host Ben Kaplan sits down with Bruno Trimouille, the Chief Marketing Officer of Litera, a software company catering to the legal industry. With over 25 years of experience in software, Bruno shares his journey of transforming marketing strategies in a traditionally conservative field. He discusses the pivotal role of event marketing in the legal sector, the innovative use of digital campaigns, and the importance of leveraging technology, including the potential of AI, to revolutionize the legal industry's approach to marketing. This episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of marketing in a niche industry, providing valuable lessons in adopting a transformation-focused mindset and the power of strategic marketing in driving industry change. Join us as we explore how Bruno Trimouille is reshaping the way legal tech companies think about and execute their marketing strategies.

Jan 5, 2024 • 38min
EP 54: Alice Milligan, Morgan Stanley - 'Trading Traditions for Trends'
In this episode of TOP CMO, host Ben Kaplan engages in a compelling conversation with Alice Milligan, the Chief Marketing Officer at Morgan Stanley. Alice shares her journey in transforming the brand image of this renowned financial services giant, emphasizing democratization and accessibility. The episode delves into Morgan Stanley's strategic shift to connect with a broader audience, including younger investors and diverse groups. Alice discusses the challenges and successes of rebranding an iconic firm, and the importance of integrating new media and innovative marketing techniques. The episode provides valuable insights for marketing professionals and business leaders looking to adapt and thrive in today's rapidly changing market landscape. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in marketing strategy, brand transformation, and leadership in the financial services industry.