Good Company with Michael Kassan
Marketing, media, entertainment and tech are intersecting and transforming faster than ever. How are its power players influencing change and navigating trends across these industries? Join Michael Kassan, CEO of MediaLink, a UTA Company, in the company of the strongest leaders in the industry, who are building great companies from the ground up. It’s “all good.”
Episodes
Laura Jones: “There will always be a need, and in some ways, an increased importance of true human creativity.”
Getting into the consumer mindset is something that Laura Jones is familiar with. In this episode, we talk with the Instacart CMO on the company’s recent innovations around their data-driven holiday campaign and AI-powered search experience. Plus, Laura walks us through how shoppable ads enhance the customer experience and the strengths of co-marketing campaigns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/12/23•31m 27s
Daniel Gilbert: “You can have whatever culture you want, but you have to decide what you want that to look like.”
Starting a company at 26 can be intimidating, but Daniel Gilbert was up for the challenge. In this episode, we talk to the Brainlabs’ founder and CEO about what it takes to start your own business, the rise of “brandformance” and the art of authentically engaging in culture. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/12/23•19m 44s
Steve Chung: “Korean content has become almost its own genre that transcends borders, languages, and ethnic backgrounds.”
K-content has taken the world by storm and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. In this episode, we sit down with CJ ENM’s Chief Global Officer & CEO of America, Steve Chung, discussing the globalization of content and the impact of Netflix’s $2.5 billion investment into South Korean movies and television shows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/12/23•30m 45s
Patrick Harris: “It’s the time to start paying it forward and making sure we can be a lamp, a ladder, or a lifeboat to the talent in our industry.”
There isn’t anyone who knows the benefits of marketer-creator collaborations quite like Patrick Harris. In this episode, we talk with Snap’s President of Americas and Partnerships about bridging the gap between brands and creators. Plus, Patrick takes us through Snap’s most recent AI integration with more than 200 million users and 20 billion messages – the chatbot named My AI.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/12/23•22m 57s
Lucas Herscovici: “Whatever the consumer needs – for that pizza occasion, for that watching football occasion – we need to fulfill that for our consumers.”
Instant gratification is a concept that Lucas Herscovici is well acquainted with. And the demand for it in the beverage space is higher than ever. We talk to AB InBev’s Global Chief Direct to Consumer Officer on how he’s transforming the way beer enthusiasts buy their beloved brew, making it as easy to order online as pizza at supermarket prices. Plus, he shares how the storied brand is leveraging DTC products to disrupt the market, captivate audiences and create memorable brand experiences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/11/23•25m 13s
Eden Bridgeman Sklenar: “Our hurdle is the fact that we’re a 70-plus-year-old start-up.”
Revitalizing iconic legacy brands for the modern era isn’t a simple feat, but Eden Bridgeman Sklenar is up for the task. In this episode, we talk to the owner, chairwoman, and CEO of EBONY and JET to hear how she came to helm the storied publications and her plans for exploring media reinvention and inclusive marketing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/07/23•31m 8s
Jessica Cordova Kramer & Stephanie Wittels Wachs: “We call it the saddest meet-cute that ever existed.”
Finding each other through similar experiences with grief from the deaths of their brothers to overdose, Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs shared an immediate bond, a sense of hope, and a deep motivation to help “make life suck less” for others. From there, the idea of Lemonada Media was born. We sat down with the podcasting network’s CEO and Chief Creative Officer on their personal journeys and what goes into developing multiple top-performing shows.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/07/23•33m 30s
Suzy Deering: “I was at my best when I was challenged but not defeated. I could be transparent and vulnerable. That then led to empathy across the organization.”
According to Suzy Deering, we’re in a transformational leadership crisis. In this episode, we chat with the prolific CMO on what she’s learned about fostering trust at the helm of major brands like Ford, eBay and Verizon and why fear can paralyze change in organizations. We also break down the art and science of building and maintaining customer relationships in a recessionary environment and why marketers need to create a love language with chief technology and data officers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/04/23•35m 15s
Jessica Lessin: “I realized that readers were not being well-served by the present state of business coverage.”
Back in the days of Web2’s infancy, budding The Wall Street Journal reporter Jessica Lessin had a hunch about how a few Silicon Valley newcomers could turn the business landscape on its head – when others didn’t want to believe it. That instinct proved to be right and eventually inspired her to build the technology publication The Information, which nine and a half years in boasts a fiercely dedicated subscriber base. We sit down with the founder to talk about how she’s creating stories to serve the next 50 years, the state of reporting in an era of disinformation, and the female founder conundrum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
20/04/23•29m 20s
Richard Curtis: “When it comes to charity, we’ve tried to get everybody to ask themselves – what’s my particular superpower?”
Today in the UK, it’s Red Nose Day – the beloved annual fundraising campaign to end child poverty – and we’re all smiles to be joined by its legendary organizer, Richard Curtis, the co-founder and vice chair of Comic Relief. Many will know him for his screenwriting and directing credits on some of the most memorable comedies of our time, like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’ Diary and Love Actually. But Curtis’ superpower isn’t just generating laughs – it’s convening the most brilliant minds in entertainment and business around a movement. We talk to him about how he’s made the campaign so successful and the iconic red nose’s new look.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
17/03/23•29m 3s
Steven Majoros: “As marketers, you have to balance what people understand today, while moving them towards the potential for tomorrow.”
As the automobile industry increasingly works towards greater adoption of electric vehicles, Steven Majoros has an important piece of advice: consumers don’t want EVs to be science projects. We talk to the CMO of Chevrolet about how the storied brand is getting closer to a zero-emissions future and how it’s building on decades of consumer trust and brand love to offer a broad line-up of vehicles that resonate with Americans’ daily lives. We also touch on how the brand navigated the challenges of the supply chain crisis and the importance of nostalgia and emotion in marketing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/02/23•30m 42s
Howard Draft: “If you can change a behavior, you can drive a brand into the stratosphere.”
If there’s anyone who deeply understood the power of bringing together brand and performance marketing well before its time, it’s Howard Draft. We talk to the visionary entrepreneur about building DraftFCB (today known as the powerhouse global advertising agency FCB), lessons he’s learned from the highs and lows of running a company, and how he’s betting on democratizing access to experiences using the metaverse through his newest venture, Vysical. We also talk about the art of changing behavior and how that’s played out at companies like Peloton and HBO.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/02/23•33m 0s
Jen Wong: “We often get lumped in with social media, but we’re actually not social media. We define ourselves as a community of communities.”
At a time when technology is often in the headlines for the grip it has on consumers, Jen Wong offers a sign of hope: technology can, in fact, be additive, not addictive. We chat with the COO of Reddit about the rules of engagement in the platform’s communities and why brands should be paying more attention to context. She also fills us in on her favorite subreddits.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
01/02/23•25m 7s
Linda Ong and Sarah Unger: “There’re all kinds of indexes that marketers and organizations use to gauge their relevance with customers—and culture is the ultimate litmus test.”
Linda Ong and Sarah Unger are on a mission to help brands become “insiders” to subcultures and audiences—and according to them, it all starts with empathy and meeting people halfway. We chat with the co-founders of cultural insights and strategy venture CULTIQUE on everything from the elusive goal of understanding Gen Z to purpose “BS detectors” to where the metaverse can really shine when it comes to fandom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/10/22•39m 20s
Spencer Rascoff: “It's important to have a couple things that you believe to be true guide your investment thesis. It's even better if that differs from what other people believe.”
As the co-founder of Hotwire and Zillow and a prolific entrepreneur for companies like Pacaso, Recon Food, dot.LA, Supernova and 75 and Sunny, Spencer Rascoff clearly has a knack for following his instincts when it comes to making bets on big ideas. We talk to him about what it takes to find the white space that could kick-start a successful company. Plus, he fills us in on Queue—his latest project to tackle the problem of keeping up with streaming’s golden age—and why having a personal connection to a problem is so important for founders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/10/22•22m 20s
Tony Goncalves and Jina Krause-Vilmar: “Eighty-three percent of growth in our working population is going to be immigrants and their children. How are we setting them up for success?”
Ahead of the Upwardly Global Gala Equity in Action: Beyond Welcome on October 12th, we sit down with the organization’s CEO & President Jina Krause-Vilmar and Board Member Tony Goncalves to talk about their mission of eliminating employment barriers for immigrant and refugee professionals and advancing the inclusion of their skills in the U.S. economy. The two also share personal stories of their families’ journeys and talk about the importance of diversity of background and experience in the workplace.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/10/22•29m 38s
Mark Zagorski: “The battle cry is going to be, ‘pay attention.’”
According to Mark Zagorski, the death of the cookie is so 2021. Instead, marketers have a new digital advertising challenge to obsess over – the value of attention as the metric du jour. We chat with the DoubleVerify CEO about the importance of captivating consumers at a moment when time is at a premium and data is ubiquitous, the rise of the “math people,” and fostering trust and transparency in Adland. He also fills us in on DoubleVerify’s recent acquisition of OpenSlate and the ambition to give marketers a better solution for measuring and targeting in the fragmented world of social video and connected TV. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/05/22•24m 53s
Kristi Argyilan: “There is so much room for higher quality competition, and I think retail is driving right into that opening.”
The digital media landscape is ripe for disruption by diversification – and Kristi Argyilan is betting big on retail media networks to fill the void. We sit down with the Albertsons vice president of retail media to discuss why retailers sit in a unique position to understand their customers and provide high quality data; how the medium has evolved since the early days of in-store marketing; and how marketers and agencies are capitalizing on the benefits and working to understand the nascent space. She also touches on how retailers are managing the current challenge of delicately balancing inventory, pricing and promotion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/05/22•32m 33s
Rich Paul: “I have a master's in dealing with people from top to bottom.”
KLUTCH Sports Group Founder & CEO Rich Paul is on a rocket ship, growing a powerhouse sports agency with over $1 billion in negotiated contracts and star clients including the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and John Wall. We chat with the entrepreneur about the upbringing that’s shaping his current success and his partnership with UTA. Plus, he talks about driving the reversal of the NCAA’s so-called “Rich Paul Rule” and what he really looks for in talent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/05/22•43m 55s
Edward Norton and Kevin Krim: “We'll throw down the glove and have an academic data science debate with anybody who wants to try to pigeonhole search into a niche.”
If you think you know Edward Norton, think again. The Academy Award-nominated actor and filmmaker has a second act that’s captivating the business community – ad tech disrupter. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of EDO, as well as President & CEO Kevin Krim, to talk about how their company (which recently raised $80 million from Shamrock Capital) is changing the TV measurement game for brands with its powerful grasp of consumer search data and analytics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/05/22•48m 50s
Nicola Mendelsohn: “The metaverse is really about letting us feel that we're experiencing moments when we're not together and actually sharing a space together.”
A few months ago, Meta – née Facebook – surprised the world with a rebrand and a stated intention to play a major role in building the next version of the internet. In this episode, we sit down with VP Global Business Group Nicola Mendelsohn, who sheds light on the name change and shift in business strategy as she takes on a new global role within the company. Mendelsohn also gives her take on defining the elusive term “metaverse” and how marketers can begin to dip their toes in a medium that’s still in the making. We also discuss the ongoing privacy conundrum in advertising and how the company is hoping to build guardrails in the future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
03/05/22•29m 27s
Travis Montaque: “We believe that we've achieved our mission at Group Black, where we're no longer necessary.”
Travis Montaque is optimistic that one day, a dream scenario will unfold across the media, marketing and general business community: he calls it the “inclusion age,” a utopian time when DEI initiatives are so firmly and seamlessly integrated into daily life that they no longer become necessary. That’s the vision and ambition of Group Black, the media collective and accelerator focused on the advancement of Black-owned media properties, of which he’s co-founder and CEO. We sit down with him to discuss how he believes we can build a more inclusive corporate America. Plus, he talks to us about Holler, the messaging technology company he founded which focuses on conversational media; we also touch on mentorship and his path to entrepreneurship. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/01/22•25m 52s
Cristina Ferrare: “No matter what it is you do, you have to have a passion for it.”
Cristina Ferrare knows the secret to creating a booming career out of wearing many hats – from supermodel to The New York Timesbestselling author to TV host to entrepreneur. Her advice: if you have belief in something, you’ll flourish. She’s even named her new business venture accordingly. We chat with Cristina about FLOURISH Body, Mind, Soul, a company focused on the impact food has on the body and diseases that stem from unhealthy eating habits, which she founded inspired by both a lifetime love of cooking and a new perspective on food-as-medicine after overcoming cancer. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/01/22•36m 7s
Steven Wolfe Pereira: “It's very a false dichotomy that you cannot have something be both entertainment and education and deliver it through technology.”
When it comes to the future of education, Steven Wolfe Pereira fancies himself a prognosticator. It’s a title he’s earned rightfully, having set his sights on reforming ed-tech all the way back in 2016 when he formed Encantos, a direct-to-consumer creator platform that helps kids learn. In this episode, we sit down with the co-founder and CEO to discuss how he disrupted the fragmented world of kids’ apps by bringing video, audio, books and games together in one place; why entertainment had never been truly factored into ed-tech previously; and why getting learning right is so important for the future of the workforce. He also muses on his experiences growing up bilingual and putting connection with multicultural audiences at the center of business. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/01/22•21m 4s
Wendy Clark: “I like the water just where it gets right up to [the] nose, and I can breathe, but I've got to paddle like hell.”
Precarious conditions and a little bit of discomfort are par for the course for Wendy Clark – and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Her latest thrill: making the leap from senior marketer to CEO. In this episode, we talk to the global CEO of dentsu international and former Coca-Cola executive about the transition, including the massive challenge of leading an organization of 45,000 people and why “micro-knowing” is more effective than micromanaging. She also reflects on why the Great Resignation has really become “the Great Reckoning” for leaders and outlines how she’s building a more diverse workforce that considers a fully-lived life a high priority for better business. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/01/22•35m 12s
Artis Stevens: “What you can do is you can make a difference in one child's life. And part of that is just showing up.”
Artis Stevens has an important message for America: providing youth access to the positive adult relationships that they need to thrive shouldn’t be nearly as daunting as many assume it is – often, the act of being present for one kid can be enough. In this episode, we sit down with the President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters America to discuss the organization’s goals to make access to mentorship more equitable for young people of diverse backgrounds, as well as his experience as the organization’s first Black CEO and why that sets an important example for youth on what their opportunities can be. We also discuss the future of technology in mentorship and the massive opportunity for corporate America to get involved and benefit their own pipelines. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/09/21•27m 16s
Allison Statter: “People throw around the word authentic all the time, but there's a reason for it.”
To Allison Statter, authenticity isn’t a buzzword – it’s a lifestyle and a raison d’être for her business. We sit down with the co-founder and CEO of creative marketing and communications agency Blended Strategy Group to talk about how she went from spending 17 years in traditional talent management for stars like Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Lopez to building a business from scratch that would fill the wide gap between the modern needs of brands and talent. She also discusses her predictions for the future of influencer marketing, collaborating with best friend Kim Kardashian, and why women should take a chance on the burgeoning cannabis market. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/09/21•32m 22s
Laura Desmond: “Let’s think bigger to get back to that golden age.”
Laura Desmond has great expectations for the advertising industry and for its ability to return to an era of glory. It’s for good reason – as a former operator who ran Starcom MediaVest Group for years and eventually moved over to the investment side, she’s seen every perspective of the marketing industry, its opportunities and its challenges. We sit down with the operating partner of Providence Equity and founder and CEO of Eagle Vista Partners to chat on being both an intrapreneur and entrepreneur, why ads should never become scarce and why she’s bullish on the retail media space. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/09/21•27m 5s
Ryan Reynolds: “We find divisiveness to be really f***ing boring.”
Satan meets a perfect Match in 2020. The Peloton Wife drowns her sorrows with Aviation American Gin. Ryan Reynolds and his agency Maximum Effort have created some of the buzziest advertising over the past two years, capitalizing on what they like to call “fastvertising.” From selling low-cost premium wireless to blockbuster films, Reynolds and his agency have found a way to continuously create attention-grabbing campaigns and have become one of the creative agencies to watch. In this episode, Reynolds talks through the creative process, how difficult it is to deliver viral hit after hit, and how he deals with his most difficult client: himself. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/09/21•29m 6s
Reese Witherspoon: “If this is what is coming out of the pipeline in Hollywood, I gotta do something about it."
Reese Witherspoon is one of the most beloved and accomplished actors and producers, having earned an Academy Award, SAG, BAFTA, Emmy awards and numerous other nominations and accolades throughout her career. She was inspired to transform her role in Hollywood—at times, trading in scripts for business plans and advocacy. Since forming her media company Hello Sunshine, Reese has become one of the most prolific names in creative content, not only due to groundbreaking films like Wild and Gone Girl and high-end television shows such as Big Little Lies, The Morning Show and Little Fires Everywhere, but also because of the business’s values: inclusive stories that celebrate all women, both onscreen and behind the camera. In this episode, Reese shares how her love of reading books coupled with her passion for acting influenced the media empire she’s built, how she views the creative landscape today and how empowered women empower women. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/09/21•27m 16s
Roxy Young: “I don't think we think of ourselves as a social media company. We are a community of communities.”
Reddit caught lightning in a bottle earlier this year when it debuted a viral five-second Super Bowl ad – so much so that it won a Grand Prix at Cannes Lions last week. In this bonus episode, we sit down with Chief Marketing Officer Roxy Young to discuss the magic that went into making the spot in less than a week, how she’s been building a brand based on the power of passionate communities, and why the platform so uniquely serves as a crystal ball for trends and purchase behavior. Plus, she talks WallStreetBets and separating Reddit from many of the challenges technology platforms face in the public eye. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
28/06/21•29m 13s
Bob Pittman and Rich Bressler: “We’re find that people are actually […] giving up eye time for ear time.”
Consumers and advertisers alike are flocking to the world of audio in droves, and iHeartMedia’s own Bob Pittman and Rich Bressler have a front row seat to what’s behind the broad appeal of a medium that stands out for both its simplicity and its flexibility. We sit down with the duo to unpack audio’s multifaceted role as a companion to the masses, a unique source of information in a crisis, a bastion of diverse voices and potentially as an answer to the cookieless future. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/05/21•31m 47s
Jane Rosenthal: “Could we look at the city itself and could that be one giant multiplex?”
If there’s anyone with a plan to bring New York back, and to do it with fanfare, it’s Tribeca Enterprises Co-Founder and CEO Jane Rosenthal. In this episode, we talk to the Oscar and Emmy-nominated producer on how she’s reimagining the Tribeca Film Festival as it kicks off a global wave of re-openings for large-scale events. She also talks to us about storytelling through new mediums like gaming and VR, as well as the organization’s work with brands to put the spotlight on diverse artists and creators. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/05/21•21m 24s
Ynon Kreiz: “The opportunity for us is to capture value outside of the toy aisles.”
Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz is riding high coming off the best quarter in 25 years. Three years in to taking the top post at the storied toy company, he discusses transforming the organization through a focus on its instantly recognizable IP, encompassing beloved brands like American Girl, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price. Plus, he fills us in on Mattel’s film pursuits, like Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, starring Vin Diesel; and we get an update on Barbie, who just celebrated her 62nd birthday – and her huge influence on the company’s success as a symbol of social progress. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/05/21•27m 56s
Linda Yaccarino: “That human interaction by diverse groups of people is where innovation is born.”
NBCUniversal’s Chairman of Global Advertising and Partnerships, Linda Yaccarino, is betting big on the power of partnership – whether that’s colleagues coming together again in the workplace or competitors coming up with solutions to their industry’s thorniest issues. In this episode, we talk to her about the media company’s plans to do just that, like unveiling at its ONE21 event numerous partnerships across content and tech to help marketers build a new experience for viewers across its platform. Linda also fills us in on Olympics plans, Upfronts, and why trust is the hardest thing to build and the easiest thing to lose. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/05/21•41m 28s
Keith Cartwright: “Creativity has a role and actually is […] the most powerful force alive when used in the right way.”
Creative powerhouse Keith Cartwright launched an agency during one of the most challenging moments in history and isn’t looking back. We talk to him about the alluring draw of entrepreneurship and the lessons about process he’ll take with him into the future. Plus, he elaborates on the power of creativity in combating racial bias and helping brands understand how they can use business to shift, shape and mold what happens in society. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/05/21•19m 14s
Anna Malaika Tubbs: “I thought about motherhood being unrecognized, uncelebrated and said, ‘I'm gonna do something to change that.’”
Anna Malaika Tubbs is on a mission to change the narrative around the value of a woman’s role as a mother – and of caregivers at large. In this special Mother’s Day episode, we sit down with the writer to discuss her new book, The Three Mothers, which unveils the story of the women who raised three civil rights movement leaders – Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin. She also tells us about her nomadic childhood moving around the world and how it influenced a deep appreciation for human differences; and predicts the sociological impact of the past year on family life. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
07/05/21•27m 47s
Bill Koenigsberg: “My mantra was people before profit.”
For a “relationship person” like Horizon Media President, CEO & Founder Bill Koenigsberg, the pandemic’s drastic impact on the natural daily rhythms of business felt especially painful. But Koenigsberg did not let limitations prevent him from keeping the culture of his 2,700-person organization – and the familial style of his dealings with clients – intact. In this episode, he gets to the heart of why the concept of “business is personal” has never rung truer. Plus, he discusses adapting to an e-Commerce-centric world and gives his predictions on the future of the Upfronts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/03/21•30m 14s
Brian Stelter: “I think we're gonna come away from this period in American history with some people actually trusting media more.”
CNN anchor and “Reliable Sources” host Brian Stelter is feeling optimistic, despite four years fighting an uphill battle against disinformation in the news. We talk to the media critic and author of bestseller Hoax about how to uphold the integrity of the news in a post-Trump world and what’s to become of the symbiotic relationship between the press and the White House. Plus, he gets candid on the upsides and downsides of “news as the new sports” and shares his hopes for a long-term ripple effect of getting more people informed on the facts. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/12/20•26m 40s
Shelley Zalis: “Close the gap. Will it pinch? Will it hurt? Will it cost some money? Absolutely.”
The Female Quotient’s CEO, Shelley Zalis, has earned a reputation on the conference circuit as “Chief Troublemaker” – and she’s definitely not sorry about it. In this episode, we talk to the equality trailblazer about how she’s working to rewrite the rules to close the gender pay gap and what leadership traits are behind the undeniable success of female heads of state in battling COVID-19. Plus, she tells us how she’s recreating the communal magic of TFQ’s Equality Lounges in a socially distant world and offers some frank advice on DEI pipelining. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/12/20•24m 50s
Deirdre Findlay: “I can't think of a more empathetic job than the job of a marketer.”
Condé Nast’s new Global Chief Marketing Officer, Deirdre Findlay, spent only six weeks on the job before having to tear up the rulebook when the world shut down. In this episode, we sit down with her to hear how she laid out a strategy for the storied media brand to cater to the needs of its newly homebound readers and double down on audience insights and loyalty. We also discuss why the company’s portfolio publications like Vogue, GQ and others are riding the eCommerce wave beautifully; and the importance of sensitive messaging towards a global audience that’s experiencing widely varying levels of crisis at the same time. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/12/20•26m 15s
Rob Reilly: “I have a sense of duty to feel like we are helping companies stay in business and people feel good about their lives.”
McCann Worldgroup Global Creative Chairman Rob Reilly knows a thing or two about brand ideas that both stand the test of time and reinvent themselves for the cultural zeitgeist. His company did, after all, put the “Fearless Girl” in front of the New York Stock Exchange and help Mastercard evolve its “Priceless” campaign with a feature for transgender and nonbinary people to use their chosen name on cards. In this episode, Reilly dives into this work and reflects on the role of marketing in a time of a crisis. He also tells us what he really thinks about making lightning-in-a-bottle creative over Zoom and why he’s bullish on in person connection for the future of young talent. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/12/20•24m 34s
John Cywinski: “Those brands that have built up goodwill and trust are going to thrive in 2021.”
Applebee’s President John Cywinski likens the early days of the pandemic to the terror of an aborted mission: “We literally woke up in the middle of March having to Apollo 13 the whole thing.” In this episode, we talk to the casual dining executive – whose company enjoyed a significant bounce back in Q3 despite being in one of the hardest hit categories – about the long road back to business after dining rooms were shut in the spring. We also dive into the challenging marketing decisions the brand had to make this year and what went into the delightful comeback of its ads over the summer. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/12/20•24m 38s
Alan Patricof and Abby Miller Levy: “Now, we're looking in 80 years, where 50% of our population will be centenarians. So, you have to market to this group, because it's just getting bigger and bigger.”
Legendary investor Alan Patricof and wellness entrepreneur Abby Miller Levy have teamed up on a new venture, Primetime Partners, that’s focused on investments in products, services, technologies and experiences for a wildly underserved cohort: older adults. In this episode, we sit down with the duo to discuss why they’re betting big on a generation that controls 60% of our country’s net worth. Plus, hear how they’re working to change the narrative around aging, what they envision the older adult consumer to look like five to 10 years down the road, and how to service them. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
21/12/20•23m 44s
Bonus Episode: Jessica Yellin: “There's a hunger for information that’s told clearly, that sort of takes the fire hose of information that’s coming at you and tells you, ‘This one matters."
Recently dubbed “a calm voice in the political storm” by Town&Country, longtime political journalist Jessica Yellin is on a mission to banish disinformation with her Instagram-based news feed, #NewsNotNoise. In this episode, the former CNN Chief White House Correspondent discusses how she’s built and is catering to an audience that craves a different kind of news delivery – one that diverges from the way most media outlets speak by sorting fact from fiction and drama. Plus, we dive into what it really means to be authentic and to establish trust with people in an environment fraught with distractions. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/10/20•18m 45s
C-Inside Series: Holding Company Titans with IPG’s Michael Roth
This week on C-Inside: Holding Company Titans, we sit down with IPG Chairman and CEO Michael Roth. He fills us in on the holding company’s longstanding history of taking bold steps on diversity and inclusion efforts and his advice for making an impact that focuses on action over talk. Plus, we hear his prognosis for consolidation in the ad industry, why he’s betting on the company’s deal to acquire Acxiom as a major competitive advantage, and his take on the future of agencies in a post-COVID world. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
09/09/20•23m 7s
C-Inside Series: Holding Company Titans with WPP’s Mark Read
This week on C-Inside: Holding Company Titans, we talk to WPP CEO Mark Read, who’s hitting his two-year milestone at the helm of the world’s largest advertising holding company. Mark fills us in on how he’s evolved the organization to fit what modern marketers want, from creativity to technology to simplicity; and why companies need to demonstrate purpose first through action before they can talk about it in an ad campaign. He also muses on the future of work and why he’ll still be traveling when the pandemic ends. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
24/08/20•21m 44s
Ken Auletta: “If you begin by asking your toughest questions the first encounter you have with a person, you're gonna set up a wall.”
Prolific author and lauded New Yorker columnist Ken Auletta is known for his incredible ability to dig deeply into the stories of major public figures and media moguls. In this episode, we sit down with him to understand the magic behind his craft and share stories from some of his most fascinating interviews. We also get his prognosis on the ad and media businesses after writing Frenemies and discuss his upcoming book on Harvey Weinstein. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/08/20•28m 18s
Janet Fitzgerald and Eliza Cohen: “The planet needed us to sit down, think about some things, and prioritize our relationships, our hearts, our spirituality.”
In this episode, we sit down with Janet Fitzgerald, master instructor at SoulCycle beloved by Hollywood, and her confidante and fellow former instructor Eliza Cohen. They fill us in on turning their podcast, Witch & Famous, into a docuseries that takes them on a journey across the country meeting with healers, psychics and spiritual teachers. Plus, hear their thoughts on the future of fitness in the “new normal,” and why a focus on spirituality is so compelling during difficult times. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/08/20•20m 36s
Nancy Dubuc: “One of the most fascinating things about young people today […] is they have a very low bullshit meter […] You better be clear about your purpose, you better be clear about your intent and what your story is.
As CEO Nancy Dubuc tells it, digital media company Vice Media “has never been one to reflect culture, but one to make culture.” We sit down with her to discuss why the Vice brand is in such an influential position in the current moment, thanks to its core demographic – young people – and why honest, in-the-field journalism is more critical than ever. Plus, hear her take on issues like creating a transparent and inclusive culture in the workplace and the challenges of big tech. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/08/20•27m 14s
Senator Nikema Williams: “Vote for something, encourage other people to vote for something, and use your circle of influence. That is the most critical thing people can do right now.”
Senator Nikema Williams of the Georgia State Senate is embarking on the ride of her career, launching a Congressional campaign to replace the late John Lewis. We sit down with her shortly after her announcement – the same day of the 55th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act – to hear her plans to champion mail-in voting and end voter suppression, as well as her goals to uplift the marginalized in Washington. Plus, she reflects on growing up black in the South and succeeding, as well as how she hopes to pave the way for other black women to thrive. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/08/20•24m 16s
LL Cool J: “It's not about trying to relive yesteryear, it's about taking what we have […] and presenting it to the world in a really cool way so people can continue to enjoy it.”
Todd Smith, the legendary hip hop artist, producer, actor, author and entrepreneur more commonly known as “LL Cool J,” is on a mission to pay homage to classic hip hop while bringing it into the future. In this interview, he talks to us about how he’s doing so through his Rock the Bells venture, a platform for fans to read, shop, listen, and find exclusive audio curated specifically around the genre. We also hear why thinks success comes with an obligation to do good in your community, as well as his thoughts on eliminating systemic racism in the educational system. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/08/20•29m 19s
Lucas Herscovici: “Consumers are looking for health and wellness options, and CBD perfectly addresses this need. And we believe it's gonna be a big opportunity moving forward.”
As Chief Non-Alcohol Beverage Officer, Lucas Herscovici leads a fast-growing category within Anheuser-Busch InBev, the largest brewer in the world. In this interview, Lucas discusses what’s behind the uptick in health and wellness-focused drinks, AB InBev’s plans for cannabis, and how it’s building a sustainable business. Plus, he shares how beverage consumption has changed during the pandemic and discusses how the company’s famed Corona brand has fared. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
19/08/20•18m 52s
C-Inside Series: Holding Company Titans with Stagwell Group & MDC Partners’ Mark Penn
This week in our new series, C-Inside: Holding Company Titans, we sit down with Mark Penn, President & Managing Partner of The Stagwell Group and Chairman & CEO of MDC Partners. Mark, whose experience and innovation in polling spans back decades, talks about the latest Harris Poll findings and how brands are faring in the COVID moment; as well as what’s behind the rise in image of American corporations. Plus, he weighs in on the role that marketing will play in recovery after the crisis, what’s on the minds of voters and consumers ahead of the election, and why content standards will be more important than ever for social platforms. (Recorded on July 30) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
05/08/20•26m 24s
C-Inside Series: Holding Company Titans
Welcome to a new series, C-Inside, where we take you inside the C-suite spanning the marketing and media landscape one segment at a time. Volume one focuses on reimagining the modern agency holding company in the 2020s. The top few holding companies collectively move a massive percentage of the flow of ad dollars through the $530 billion global ad market; and new entrants, fast-moving tech and changing consumer habits are forcing them to innovate at every turn. Hear the stories of how their leaders are keeping the engines of advertising humming during rapid change.First up is Publicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun, who opens up about how its proprietary technology platform, Marcel, is changing the way 80,000 global employees work; the importance of building accountability into diversity & inclusion initiatives; and why CMOs must focus on personalization at scale. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
22/07/20•26m 38s
A Special Conversation: Taking Actions Today for a More Equitable Tomorrow
In this special bonus episode, hear an important conversation on what the marketing, media and entertainment industries must do to put in place the long-term strategies required for systemic change. We’ll sit down with two tireless and passionate advocates for racial advancement, equality and justice: Steve Stoute, the founder and CEO of Translation and UnitedMasters, and Rita Ferro, the President of Advertising Sales and Partnerships for the Walt Disney Company. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
23/06/20•31m 36s
Marc Pritchard: “We’ve used our voice in advertising as a way to be able to be a force for good on gender equality.”
Marc Pritchard helms marketing duties at the world’s largest advertiser, Procter & Gamble. In this episode, we’ll discuss how this powerful position has allowed P&G brands to change the narrative around topics that are important to its consumer base, such as gender quality (including how Always completely shifted the meaning of the phrase “Like a Girl.”) Plus, hear how P&G is preparing for a future with less interruptive advertising by experimenting with artificial intelligence for brands like Olay and diving into content partnerships with media and entertainment powerhouses like Katie Couric and Reese Witherspoon. Note: Interview recorded before March 2019. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/05/20•16m 41s
Rob English: “We bring that sensibility of coolness and culture and mass market appeal to things that actually matter.”
As Chief Creative Officer of Friends at Work, Rob English sits at the intersection of management, entertainment and social impact, and has run creative direction for the likes for Lady Gaga and John Mayer. In this episode, we’ll dive into how he merges purpose with culture. Hear about Rob’s work with John Legend and Adam Levine for the infamous Super Bowl spot, “Stinky Booty Duty,” and why it resonated with dads across America. Plus, we discuss how he helped drive cultural change around criminal justice reform with Legend’s FREEAMERICA initiative.Note: Interview recorded before March 2019. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/05/20•15m 18s
Carolyn Everson: “We feel a huge obligation to help bring connectivity to the billions that still don't have it.”
As a face of Facebook, the world’s largest social media platform’s VP of Global Marketing Solutions, Carolyn Everson, takes us inside her reality and what’s in her charge. Hear about how travel has changed the way she views what Facebook means to people in other parts of the world, and how it’s impacted her parenting. Plus, we discuss how Facebook handled the dramatic shift to mobile, the cultural change at the company post 2016 election, and the gravity of responsibility that comes with being a modern-day sounding board for everyone. We also tackle the merging of brand marketing and performance marketing in a world where direct-to-consumer rules.Note: Interview recorded before March 2019. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/05/20•22m 37s
Good Company with Michael Kassan – Live Now!
Marketing, media, entertainment and tech are transforming rapidly. Join MediaLink’s Michael Kassan in the company of leaders building great companies from the ground up. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/05/20•1m 46s
How Might COVID-19 Shape the Future of Business?
In this episode, we’ll sit down with business luminaries exploring what the future might hold as we navigate the “transitional normal” together. Hear S4 Capital Executive Chairman Sir Martin Sorrell discuss a V-shaped recovery, Snap Chief Business Officer Jeremi Gorman on technology’s role in relief, Unilever Chief HR Officer Leena Nair on employee well-being and the World Health Organization Ambassador for Global Strategy Ray Chambers on battling the virus as a community. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/05/20•38m 56s
Carla Hassan: “If you give your team something to believe in, they will stay, and they will want to fight with you.”
Carla Hassan, Citi’s Chief Brand Officer, knows a thing or two about strong leadership through difficult times. Hear why she decided to leave a comfortable, fulfilling job at Pepsi for the challenge of leading marketing at Toys “R” Us; and later, why Citi’s transparent stance around pay equity drew her to take the top brand role there. She also fills us in on the importance of being a decisive leader, managing with empathy, and building purpose and authenticity into your culture. Plus, she invites us into a deeply personal experience that’s given her valuable lessons for both life and work.Note: Interview recorded before March 2019. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/05/20•26m 42s
Dr. Ruth: “We’re living in difficult times right now, but we’re going to survive.”
At 91 years young, legendary sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer is having an epic year. In this episode, we dive in to some of the highlights, like getting personal about her incredible life experiences with the release of the documentary Ask Dr. Ruth on Hulu, as well as an animated short to accompany her book, Roller Coaster Grandma. Plus, hear what she thinks about the loneliness epidemic and her advice to millennials, as dispensed in her fourth edition of Sex For Dummies. We’ll also get her take on why she’s optimistic for 2020 and why her role as an educator has never been more important. Note: Interview recorded before March 2019. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/05/20•25m 50s
Alicia Hatch: “A sustainable business is not just a green business. A sustainable business is one that is symbiotic with the world around it.”
As Chief Marketing Officer of Deloitte Digital, Alicia Hatch is on a mission to reorient the CMO role as the central point of leadership for customer-focused businesses. Tune in to hear how she feels CMOs can best leverage their superpowers, particularly when it comes to purpose and the sustainability of companies, as well as collecting “emotional data sets” to better connect with people.Note: Interview recorded before March 2019. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
27/05/20•16m 47s