Math & Magic: Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing with Bob Pittman

Blake Scholl, Founder and CEO of Boom Supersonic, is on a mission to revive commercial supersonic travel. He shares his innovative vision and the challenges he faces in making supersonic flights a reality. The conversation also dives into the evolution of children's television through Nickelodeon's groundbreaking strategies. Listeners will discover how Paris Hilton crafted her brand from media scrutiny and Ted Leonsis discusses the future of sports broadcasting. It's a thrilling ride through innovation across various sectors!

From the White House, to Edelman, Microsoft, Nissan and IBM, Jonathan Adashek has had a wide-ranging career. His experiences may span from politics, to the business side of PR, to tech, to automotive, but he has developed core beliefs about corporate culture, work ethic, marketing, and communications. Now as IBM’s Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Jonathan joins Bob to share incisive thoughts on what a brand is really made of, adept insight on the current landscape and future of AI, and inspiring advice for building a career. He also speaks fondly about his upbringing in Milwaukee, summers spent at camp, and how he’s passing those meaningful experiences down to his kids. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It can take decades to build breakthrough brands and noteworthy careers, and this bonus episode examines an essential building block to getting there – the college years. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon didn’t get the training you might expect for a leader in investment banking at his small liberal arts college. United Talent Agency CEO Jeremy Zimmer skipped college altogether, whereas Progressive Insurance CMO Remi Kent was confident about what she wanted to get out of her education. Advertising executive Tim Castree and Host of The Breakfast Club Charlamagne tha God both reflect on their experiences and consider the best options and opportunities for young people today, while Innovation Refunds co-founder and CEO Howard Makler discusses the importance of giving back to those who are still learning. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging discussion, Bobby Bones, the charismatic host of The Bobby Bones Show, shares his journey from a small town in Arkansas to becoming a key figure in country music. He emphasizes the power of tenacity in achieving success and the emotional intelligence needed for effective interviews. Bobby also sheds light on the evolution of country music and its connection with diverse audiences. His reflections on authenticity in media and the unique freedom of podcasting spark fascinating insights into his dynamic career.

In a captivating conversation, Ron Howard, an Academy Award-winning director known for iconic films like Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind, shares his journey from child actor to esteemed filmmaker. He discusses the delicate art of storytelling and balancing personal creativity with audience expectations. Howard reflects on his early experiences on The Andy Griffith Show, emphasizing teamwork and the power of collaboration. He also offers valuable advice for emerging talent in the entertainment industry, highlighting the importance of innovation and adaptability.

In this engaging discussion, Remi Kent, CMO at Progressive Insurance and former Global Chief Marketing Officer at 3M, shares her insights on fostering a human-centered corporate culture. She reflects on how the pandemic prompted a reevaluation of values in the workplace. Alongside leaders like Bill Koenigsberg and Norm de Greve, they discuss accountability in leadership and the need for open communication. The conversation also touches on purpose-driven strategies to engage employees and the importance of diversity and work-life balance in creating a thriving corporate environment.

Hugh Howey is an international best-selling author whose work has been published in 40 languages. But he’s not just a writer, he’s an entrepreneur in the purest sense. When Hugh self-published a short story, the world demanded more. Soon enough the income from that one story was enough to quit his job to begin work on what became the now-iconic Silo trilogy. Instead of going the traditional route with a publisher, Hugh stuck with his instinct to self-publish, disrupting an entire industry along the way. His conversation with Bob dives into the inspirations and the dollars behind his decision-making. Plus, he talks about turning Silo into the acclaimed AppleTV+ series, how he ended up in a performance of the Nutcracker, and the sailing trip he’s planning to take around the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fashion designer Norma Kamali has stayed relevant for generations by tapping into culture, creativity, and technology. In the early 60s, she got a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology but didn’t fit in with the style of the time. She abandoned design to work for an airline instead, giving her access to travel. During frequent trips to London, Norma discovered a fashion revolution that hadn’t hit the States yet. Soon she would be at the forefront of New York’s changing style. With her famous sweats collection, unforgettable sleeping bag coats, and iconic swimwear, she’s been credited with pioneering trends that still reverberate today. Unlike many designers, Norma never sold her brand, retaining control of both the creative and the business. Listen in to Norma’s conversation with Bob to tap into her wisdom– from the importance of disruption to sourcing creativity to innovative and forward-thinking uses of AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tarang Amin, Chairman and CEO of e.l.f. Beauty, shares his fascinating journey from a family-operated motel to leading a major cosmetics brand. He emphasizes the importance of risk-taking and innovation, highlighting how failures can fuel growth. Tarang discusses the significance of employee ownership and fostering teamwork, as well as the challenges of transitioning to a CEO role amid investor pressures. He advocates for transparency and diversity in leadership, revealing how these values drive creativity and success in the ever-evolving beauty industry.

Damian Maldonado, co-founder and CEO of American Financing, turned a $5,000 line of credit into a billion-dollar business through sheer determination. He shares his journey from selling candy door-to-door to mastering marketing strategies. Damian emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive company culture and hiring with intention. He discusses overcoming challenges in the mortgage industry and how self-education and innovative thinking can empower entrepreneurs. Plus, his passion for kite surfing and the vibrant culture of Puerto Rico add a personal touch to his inspiring story.