

On Strategy Showcase
Fergus O’Carroll
Where marketers tell the stories behind the strategies that led to amazing campaigns.
Episodes
Mentioned books

10 snips
Apr 5, 2025 • 42min
The Entertainer's campaign focuses on our kids charming obsessions
Catherine Willoughby, Strategy Director at Adam and Eve DDB, shares her expertise in capturing the fleeting obsessions of children that fuel The Entertainer's latest marketing campaign. She discusses the importance of understanding kids' rapidly changing interests and how this insight shapes engaging advertising strategies. With humor, she reflects on a unique toy narrative that personifies childhood experiences, while also touching on the evolving toy retail landscape and the creative teamwork that drives innovation in marketing.

27 snips
Mar 30, 2025 • 1h 3min
Life After Agency Life Ep#2 (Marcus Collins, Suzanne Powers, Gareth Kay)
Marcus Collins, a marketing professor and author, Gareth Kay, a partner at The Intangibles, and Suzanne Powers, founder of Powers Creativity, discuss their transitions from agency life to new ventures. They share personal stories about navigating career changes and the creativity required to thrive outside traditional roles. The conversation touches on the importance of mentorship, the evolution of marketing strategies, and enhancing client-agency relationships. Insights on team dynamics and the emotional journey of collaboration also provide valuable lessons for professionals in the industry.

Mar 23, 2025 • 55min
On the Spot: Vrbo & Duluth Trading Co. Planners talking about brands they’ve never worked on
Johnny Corpuz, Head of Comms Strategy at BBDO NY, Vanessa Chin, SVP of Marketing at System One, and Michaela Hopkins, Head of Marketing at Tracksuit, engage in a lively discussion about Vrbo’s marketing strategies, focusing on its family-friendly messaging and brand differentiation from Airbnb. They humorously explore the balance of positive emotions in advertising, the importance of cultural icons, and the innovative constraints that drive creativity in branding. The conversation also touches on the art of emotional storytelling in advertising campaigns.

Mar 16, 2025 • 49min
The story behind Kellogg's brand refresh
Doubling down on its main distinctive brand asset (Cornelius), Kellogg's and Leo Burnett, London have reimagined the brand and are using ethnography to unlock morning-time rituals that are fueling the next phase of creative work. Thanks to Tracksuit (the affordable brand tracking solution) for sponsoring this episode.

13 snips
Mar 9, 2025 • 1h 7min
Live from Toronto: Rise of the Independents
Featuring Sean McDonald, a strategy leader at Rethink, Heather Segal, CSO at Zulu Alpha Kilo, Tom Kenny from Courage, and Jay Chaney of Broken Heart Love Affair, the discussion dives into the rise of independent agencies. They explore the power of storytelling in advertising, the unique culture within indie firms, and the strategic identity that drives innovation. Insights on fostering strong client relationships, the evolution of agency dynamics, and the future of advertising highlight the creative potential found in independence.

Mar 3, 2025 • 38min
This B2B campaign is a masterclass in proving the effectiveness of a message
A Titanium Winner at Cannes, we're joined by Ricardo Perez of JCDecaux and Daniela Bombonato of David, Madrid to talk about their famous B2C2B Marina Prieto campaign. Thanks to LinkedIn for sponsoring our B2B series. Get a $100 LinkedIn Ads credit at linkedIn.com/onstrategy. Terms and conditions apply.

Feb 22, 2025 • 37min
Humor is Duluth's superpower in building a billion dollar brand
Duluth Trading Company plays where Carhartt or Wrangler can't - humor. With products like "Buck Naked" boxers, "Funk no" underwear and "Ball-room" Jeans, it uses its fantastically irreverent voice and illustrated ad style to speak to its core proposition - seriously great products without the seriousness. A must listen episode. Thanks to Tracksuit for supporting our show.

Feb 17, 2025 • 25min
Uber. Extending the consumer brand into a B2B world
For Ep#3 in our B2B series, I'm joined by Michelle Lisowski, Senior Director for Global B2B and Partnership Marketing at Uber. We talk about taking Uber into B2B, the aspects of the brand that can extend and others that need to be augmented. This B2B Series brought to you by LinkedIn.

Feb 13, 2025 • 30min
Greg Hahn and Nicole Parlapiano with the story behind Tubi's new work
Greg Hahn, CCO of Mischief and Nicole Parlapiano, CMO of Tubi join me to talk about their latest work for the ad supported streaming service. The perfectly weird campaign suggests that if it's in you, it's in here.

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 6min
Planners guess how their favorite Super Bowl ads tested (it's hilarious)
What happens when three planners and an ad pre-tester get together to hear how their favorite spots rated? Needless to day, it's soul crushing and hilarious. Jaime McGill of DDB, Chicago, Andrew Tindall of System1 and Stephanie Ehui of TBWA/Chiat/Day, Los Angeles join me.


