Sweathead, A Strategy Podcast
Mark Pollard
How do you get good at strategy? Whether you’re into brand strategy, advertising strategy, digital strategy, social media strategy, or you just love doing strategy but you get frustrated at how people use the word, Sweathead will help you delve into the practices and minds of some of the world’s most wonderful strategists. We're in our sixth year and have surpassed 1,500,000 listens! Hit SUBSCRIBE, tell your friends, and leave a kind rating. Real-time action is @markpollard and @sweathead.
You can find strategy classes and "Strategy Is Your Words" here: http://www.sweathead.com.
You can find strategy classes and "Strategy Is Your Words" here: http://www.sweathead.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 49min
Neurodivergence As A Chief Strategy Officer - Kevin Chesters, CSO, Author of The Creative Nudge
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.
14 snips
Sep 24, 2024 • 47min
What Creatives Want From Strategists (And Brand Tracking 101) - James Hurman, once the world’s number 1 planner
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.
Sep 16, 2024 • 36min
How To Deal With Feeling Stuck In An Advertising Career - Iuren Ramiro
Iuren Ramiro, Strategy Director at Agência WE and member of prestigious councils, shares his insightful journey through career stagnation in advertising. He discusses common feelings of being overlooked and the anxiety of comparing oneself to others. Iuren offers ten practical steps to regain momentum, including self-assessment, seeking honest feedback, and reducing comparisons. He emphasizes the importance of celebrating small victories and pursuing new experiences. Dive into actionable strategies while navigating the complexities of career progression!
4 snips
Sep 11, 2024 • 45min
Persuasion - How To Sell Your Ideas - Maytê Carvalho, CSO
Maytê Carvalho is a strategist and persuasion researcher with a rich background, including winning Brazil’s The Apprentice and a master's from Berkeley. She shares insights on her journey from academic study to practical application, emphasizing the importance of tailoring persuasion to cultural contexts. Maytê discusses the balance of emotion and logic in pitches, explores the consultification of agencies, and reflects on the creative differences between Brazil and the US. Her book on persuasion delivers accessible frameworks for anyone looking to sell their ideas effectively.
Sep 4, 2024 • 1h 9min
What Thousands Of Strategists Whisper - Georgetown, DC - Walk & Talk
Come for a walk around Washington DC as I discuss the ten things strategists whisper to me and debrief you on 14 events in 5 countries for 700 people over the past two weeks.
Find our classes here: http://www.sweathead.com
Find me here: http://www.instagram.com/markpollard
Aug 13, 2024 • 30min
Leaving New York, Impostor Syndrome, Teaching Strategists - Walk and Talk, NYC
Join me on a walk from Times Square to the Flatiron District as we discuss some big life changes, my masterclasses in Asia, impostor syndrome, and teaching strategists.Find me @ http://www.instagram.com/markpollard
Aug 5, 2024 • 45min
Are Fractional CMOs Tiny - Or Do They Just Do A Fraction Of CMO Work In A Fraction Of The Time? - Fractional CMO, John Lyons
John Lyons, a fractional CMO and marketing strategist with expertise in B2B and cybersecurity, sets the record straight about his role, likening it to a timeshare. He discusses why many agencies struggle with marketing, delving into issues like arrogance and low margins. John shares insights on creating memorable content, using distinctive assets like a signature hat, and his approach to niching down for success. He also opens up about his mental health journey, highlighting the importance of therapy and lifestyle changes.
Jul 30, 2024 • 34min
The Present Of Strategy - WARC's Lena Roland
Lena Roland, Content Director at WARC, shares insights on the evolving landscape of marketing strategy. She discusses the growing importance of sustainability, the effectiveness of digital-native brands, and the ongoing relevance of brand identity. Lena emphasizes returning to marketing fundamentals and explores the barriers to creativity within organizations. With a focus on AI's role in strategy and a push for brave client decisions, she highlights the industry's optimism and invites strategists to contribute to WARC's Future of Strategy survey.
Jun 23, 2024 • 39min
Reflections About A Week At The Cannes Lions Festival Of Creativity
Join me by the river Vitava in Prague for a beer and a chat about the 2024 Cannes Lions Festival.
May 29, 2024 • 48min
Simple Ways To Fix Your Strategy Work - Sit and Talk
- The power of paper
- Summarize stingily
- Digging into problems
- Fixing presentations
Find out about my masterclasses:
http://www.sweathead.com
Download the ebook "How To Do Strategy"
http://www.sweathead.com
Find me on Instagram:
http://www.instagram.com/markpollard
