Sweathead, A Strategy Podcast

Omar Al-Omran, the public face of Thmanyah and co-host of Alfajr Podcast, dives into the evolving media landscape in Saudi Arabia. He discusses the ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, highlighting economic diversification and profound cultural changes, especially regarding women's rights. Omar shares insights on the Middle Beast festival, which celebrates a changing social dynamic, and explores the impact of sleep on mental health amid shifting marriage norms. He emphasizes the importance of travel for cultural exchange, advocating for understanding rather than imposing perspectives.

Felipe Tomaz, an Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Oxford, discusses his extensive research analyzing 1,000 campaigns to prove that not all reach in advertising is equal. He emphasizes the crucial differences between brand distinction and differentiation. Tom Roach from Jellyfish UK joins in to explore the evolving landscape of marketing strategies and the pitfalls of traditional reach metrics. They highlight the importance of audience engagement and the need for a cohesive media strategy to drive campaign effectiveness.

Ipsita Das often reaches millions of people every month. While she was studying media and psychology at he New School, her Instagram account started to pop. Now, she works with tens of people every week. She tries to help them with the thoughts in their minds that are holding them back. In this episode, we discuss the five issues Ipsita hears about more. Ipsita will be teaching at our 2024 Sweathead Do-Together. Find tickets at http://www.sweathead.com. Links: Ipsita: https://www.instagram.com/helloipsita/ Mark: http://www.instagram.com/markpollard

Steve Walls, CSO of Moon Rabbit, shares his extensive background in strategy from agencies like TBWA and Ogilvy. He delves into the common pitfalls agencies encounter during client pitches, stressing the need for clear communication and genuine connections. Walls emphasizes the power of storytelling and tailored presentations, revealing how personalized approaches can resonate with clients. He also discusses the psychological aspects influencing pitches and offers strategies for making impactful, memorable presentations that go beyond generic proposals.

Mike Jacobson has worked in strategy for years. But he's been a magician for decades. Not long ago, he appeared on America's Got Talent. That's how good he is. In this episode, Mike breaks down the business of magic as well as how what he's learned from being a magician and strategist has helped both of his crafts, something he'll be teaching at our upcoming strategy conference The Sweathead Do-Together. Links: Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobsonmike/ Mark: http://www.instagram.com/markpollard The Sweathead Do-Together: https://sweathead.com/the-sweathead-do-together-2024/

Joe Burns, Strategy Lead at Quality Meets Creative in Brooklyn, shares his insights on the evolving role of strategy in the modern creative landscape. He explores the concept of strategic territories, discussing their potential to ignite creativity when used effectively. The conversation delves into balancing style and substance, the importance of communication in strategy, and how to foster collaboration between strategists and creatives. Joe also critiques bureaucratic structures, advocating for a flexible, collaborative approach to strategy that encourages innovation.

Lucien Etori, Chief Strategy Officer at McCann New York, examines the often-misunderstood concept of 'culture' in advertising, shaped by his experiences and passion for music subcultures. He challenges conventional views on cultural representation, especially regarding Black culture and hip-hop, urging strategists to adopt a beginner's mindset. The conversation also touches on the vibrant rhythms of Latin music and emphasizes the need for authenticity in brand storytelling and workplace inclusivity to foster genuine connections.

Jenny Chang, an independent cultural strategist and founder of Constellation Theory, dives into her transformative journey from agency life to building her own brand. She shares fascinating insights on cultural narratives in pop culture, particularly TikTok's influence on Gen Z. The conversation also explores the evolution of romantic comedies, the authenticity in reality TV dating shows, and the strategic intricacies behind TV reboots. Jenny emphasizes the balance between personal identity and professional presence, all while celebrating creative freedom in her work.

Kevin Chesters, Chief Strategy Officer and author of The Creative Nudge, shares his insights on navigating life with autism. He discusses the emotional clarity gained from his late diagnosis and the importance of empathy within families. Chesters emphasizes the need for simplicity in communication strategies, advocating for clarity in an information-heavy industry. He also critiques traditional recruitment methods, urging for inclusivity that embraces neurodiversity, while reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey and the personal insights gained through leadership.

James Hurman, the former world's top planner and director of the innovation studio Previously Unavailable, shares his insights from 18 months spent in the creative department. He discusses the toxic elements of marketing that can hinder collaboration between strategists and creatives. The conversation shifts to the importance of brand tracking, including innovative methodologies for gathering actionable data. James emphasizes the transformative power of creative collaboration and the significance of measuring brand metrics for effective marketing.