Embracing Marketing Mistakes

What happens when a passionate footballer teams up with a beloved restaurant chain? Find out as we welcome our newest team member, Caitlin Wharmby, to discuss the sizzling Nando's and Bukayo Saka sauce campaign. We explore how Saka’s genuine affection for Nando's turned into a mouth-watering collaboration, placing him in the spotlight as the "head chef" in their latest marketing video, "Yes, Chef." We break down what makes this campaign a standout success, from Saka’s personal connection to the brand to the eye-catching artwork that has everyone talking. Caitlin and Chris review the campaign's video, appreciating its engaging content and visual creativity. By blending the appeal of a popular footballer with a favourite restaurant, Nando's managed to create an authentic and relatable promotion that resonates with fans and food lovers alike. Tune in to understand the dynamics of celebrity partnerships and what makes them click in the world of marketing! Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

AI in PR and Politics: Lessons from PR Futurist Stuart BruceEver wondered how AI is revolutionising the PR industry? PR expert Stuart Bruce joins us to celebrate the first anniversary of "Embracing Marketing Mistakes" and share how AI has become an indispensable tool for PR agencies over the past year. From improving productivity to enhancing communication strategies, Stuart provides a deep dive into the practical applications of AI in the business world. We also analyse the upcoming general election, examining the communication tactics of various political parties and drawing parallels to corporate affairs.Lawyers, take note—AI is not here to replace you but to make your life easier. Our discussion transitions to the legal industry, highlighting the transformative impact of AI tools such as Microsoft's Copilot. We cover cost-effectiveness, pricing strategies for early adopters, and the unique benefits of features like Copilot Studio and custom GPTs. The conversation expands to explore the ethical considerations of AI integration and the importance of building trust in these technologies, offering valuable insights for any industry considering AI implementation.From the high-stakes world of politics and social media to the ethics of AI, this episode covers it all. We delve into the implications of deepfake technology, showcasing real-world examples and discussing how businesses can update their crisis communication strategies to combat these new threats. Reflecting on Stuart's experience with Alan Johnson's deputy leadership campaign, we explore how early adoption of platforms like Twitter set the stage for modern political communication. Finally, we emphasise the importance of a client-centric approach in business. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Get ready for a masterclass in disruptive marketing with our special guest, Ken Robertson, the former Head of Mischief at Paddy Power and current CEO of the Tenth Man. We uncover how Ken's strategies transformed Paddy Power into an entertainment powerhouse, from their mischievous "black ops" division to their stunts that grabbed global attention, including one campaign that attracted scrutiny from the UN. Ken shares behind-the-scenes tales of how Paddy Power's irreverent approach helped them stand out in a crowded market.Ever wondered how a pair of underpants could disrupt brands like McDonald's and Adidas? In our conversation, Ken reveals the genius behind Paddy Power's viral ambush marketing campaign during a European football tournament. By partnering with Danish striker Nicholas Bendtner, they turned a cheeky goal celebration into a global sensation. This move not only garnered massive attention but also forced UEFA to tighten its rules on guerrilla marketing. We also explore how Paddy Power cleverly infiltrated major events, like cheekily sponsoring an event in London, France, during the 2012 London Olympics. From political betting ventures to the autonomy that fuelled creative freedom, Ken provides rich insights into the brand's playbook. We even touch on how other brands like BrewDog and Ryanair have successfully adopted similar disruptive tactics. This episode is a treasure trove of lessons for anyone looking to revolutionise their marketing game with a fearless and innovative approach. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Can your business survive a crisis? Learn the secrets from Ann Wright, the founder of Roughhouse Media, who shares her wealth of experience from her days as a BBC journalist uncovering major crises. Discover how to prepare effectively for potential disasters and the vital role media training plays in ensuring your team is ready for anything. Ann’s gripping anecdotes from her investigative reporting days make this episode both educational and engaging.We'll walk you through the steps of creating a solid crisis strategy for your organisation, using a real-world example from a museum. Find out how to identify key risks, assemble an effective crisis team, and respond promptly to various scenarios. With case studies like the Onclusive Media data breach and a hotel fire incident, we'll show you the importance of timely and transparent communication, especially in the age of social media.In our discussion, we also dive into the realm of crisis communication for charities, with insights from Adila Worley of Charity Comms. Ann emphasises the importance of genuine care, actionable steps, and keeping perspective during a crisis, sharing stories of successful crisis management from companies like Alton Towers and lessons from high-profile missteps. This episode is packed with practical advice and real-world examples to help you navigate through any storm with confidence.Follow Ann:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annwright01X: @roughhouse01 Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Ever wondered why some marketing campaigns flop while others skyrocket? Uncover the secrets of transforming your marketing mishaps and f*ck ups into monumental successes with the Embracing Marketing Mistakes Podcast. Join me, Chris Norton, and my co-owner, Will Ockenden, as we guide you through the labyrinth of marketing screw-ups, sharing our 25 years of industry insight and expertise. Promising to boost your ROI and skyrocket your revenue, we reveal how even the most costly mistakes can become powerful learning experiences that can help you grow and win.Every week, we feature invaluable wisdom from industry-leading marketers and share real-life examples of marketing missteps so you can avoid those pitfalls. Whether you're a CMO or Head of Marketing for a high-revenue company, this podcast is packed with actionable strategies to help refine your marketing playbook and ensure your campaigns deliver unprecedented success. Subscribe to "Embracing Marketing Mistakes" and turn every marketing failure into your own stepping stone toward record-breaking achievements. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Ever wondered how the rise of audiobooks impacts the traditional publishing landscape? Join us as we chat with Richard Noble, Head of European Public Relations at Audible, to uncover the secrets behind Audible's explosive growth and its harmonious relationship with print books. We'll explore how Audible's extensive in-house productions and partnerships with iconic IPs like Marvel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer are reshaping the audiobook market. Discover the shifting demographics of audiobook listeners, particularly the younger audience that's driving the industry's digital revolution.Get ready for an insider's view of the intricacies of PR and marketing in the audio entertainment world. Richard shares his personal career highlights, recounting a wildly unexpected buffalo rampage during a Samsung ad shoot in Sydney—a story that shows the unpredictable nature of PR. We'll also touch on the evolving strategies Audible employs to promote its content and the importance of strong inter-departmental communication to manage potential crises effectively.Curious about how the pandemic has transformed PR relationships and media strategies? Richard offers his insights into building and maintaining authentic connections in a remote work environment. Learn about the value of agency partnerships, the significance of staying culturally connected, and the innovative ideas that young generations bring to the table. This episode promises a rich blend of professional insights, personal anecdotes, and forward-looking perspectives on the future of audio entertainment and public relations.Follow Richard Noble on LinkedIn.  Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Unlock the secrets to a dynamic social media strategy that keeps you ahead of the curve. This week, in a slightly different sounding pod we're handing over the playbook from a recent webinar that we held with more than 300 marketing professionals. Prepare to sharpen your skills in real-time strategy adaptation, steer clear of the creativity trap, and align every post with your brand's long-term vision.Dive deep into the world of marketing insights with us, where setting SMART objectives isn't just smart—it's essential. We'll reveal how to transform raw data into golden nuggets of actionable strategy, ensuring that your content not only lands with a splash but also ripples through your audience's world. From social listening tools to audience behaviour analysis, you'll learn how to position your content just where it needs to be for maximum impact.Finally, balance is everything in content strategy and community engagement, and we've got the formula. Discover the right mix of original and shared content, and learn how to turn your social media followers into a thriving community. We even take a page from C4 Energy's book to show you how to leverage platforms like TikTok and Threads. Plus, we wrap up with strategic measurement insights and tools that promise to elevate your social media game to championship levels. Join us and equip yourself with the expertise to navigate the bustling social media landscape like a proper professional. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Rev up your engines and tune your ears—Sarah, our account exec with the midas touch for marketing campaigns, joins us to dissect Ford's high-octane partnership with 'Euphoria's star, Sydney Sweeney. Buckle up as we speed through the 'Build Ford Proud' campaign, where Sweeney's genuine passion for car mechanics shifts stereotypes into reverse and drives home the message of female empowerment in the auto industry. With less than 3% of mechanics being women, this collaboration isn't just a brand boost; it's a rallying cry for change, and Sarah's got the inside track on how Ford's strategy is igniting a conversation as powerful as their engines.Lights, camera, traction! The campaign video has the polish of a blockbuster, but it's the story under the hood that captures our hearts. Sarah highlights the authenticity that fuels this campaign, from Sydney Sweeney's personal connection with car mechanics to the purpose-driven mission that steers it. Ford's not just selling cars; they're championing a future where the roar of American muscle isn't just for the boys. Join us for a turbocharged discussion on marketing with a purpose, advocacy through authenticity, and how bold visuals are matched with even bolder intentions. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube

Join communication strategist Rich Mulholland as he shares how to captivate an audience with storytelling techniques, challenges the misconception of flashy visuals in presentations, and provides strategies for engaging virtual audiences. Learn from his professional evolution and personal adventures, and gain valuable insights on delivering powerful speeches that leave a lasting impact.

Ever wonder how a brand can elegantly dance around the issue of product knock-offs while reinforcing its market dominance? Sinead Morrissey from Prohibition joins us to reveal how Olaplex's 'Ola Dupe' campaign did just that—turning the tide of imitation into a wave of authentic brand love. Sinead, who rose through the ranks from intern to senior account manager, shares her first-hand experience of this marketing masterstroke. Together, we unwrap how Olaplex sent fake duplicates to influencers, setting the stage for a grand reveal that showcased the unmatched value of their patented haircare formula. This innovative approach not only combated counterfeit culture but also amplified Olaplex's prestige in the beauty industry.We're have a candid conversation about the art of keeping things straightforward yet profoundly impactful in creative campaigns. Sinead captivates us with a story of a slight PR blunder, reminding us that we're all human—even the pros. Don't miss this episode of Campaign Crunch, where we explore the brilliance behind Olaplex's fight against fakes and celebrate the delightful mishaps that keep the world of PR spinning. Is your strategy still right for 2026? Book a free 15-min discovery call to get tailored insights to boost your brand’s growth. 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our Newsletter✒️Don't miss a hilarious mistake or free event by 👉 subscribing to our newsletter here. 👈 Follow Chris Norton:X, TikTok, LinkedInFollow Will Ockenden:LinkedInFollow The Show: TikTok, YouTube