On Brand with Nick Westergaard

In this special bonus episode of On Brand: Taylor’s Version, now that The Life of a Showgirl is out in the world, we’re asking: what does this new era tell us about Taylor Swift? To explore, I’m joined by Joanna Weiss, editor of Harvard Magazine, journalist, and co-author of Taylor Swift: Album by Album, a deep dive into every era. Together, we’ll unpack how Showgirl fits into Taylor’s evolution and what this chapter reveals about her storytelling, strategy, and brand. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Life of a Showgirl fits into Taylor Swift’s evolution as an artist and storyteller Why some fans are divided on this album — and what that says about the expectations Taylor sets with each new era How Taylor balances real-life inspiration with fiction and character-driven songwriting What her creative process and relentless work ethic reveal about brand storytelling and reinvention Why Taylor’s storytelling genius is as much about community and connection as it is about the music Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:47) Welcome Joanna Weiss (04:24) How the book Taylor Swift: Album by Album came together (07:02) Early takes on Life of a Showgirl (11:04) What makes an “era” — and how Showgirl fits in (19:18) What Taylor’s saying with this album (25:23) Her creative process and work ethic (30:37) Money, power, and independence (33:20) The Taylor song that makes Joanna smile About Joanna Weiss Joanna Weiss is the editor of Harvard Magazine, a contributing writer for Politico Magazine, and a former columnist for The Boston Globe. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, Slate, The Economist, and many other outlets. After chronicling her own Eras Tour experience for Boston’s NPR affiliate WBUR, Joanna dove deeper into the Swiftiverse as co-author of Taylor Swift: Album by Album (Quarto Books), which explores each of Taylor’s eras in detail. In addition to her journalism career, Joanna fronts a rock band she formed with five fellow moms — a story captured in her Boston Magazine feature “For Those Moms About to Rock,” now optioned for film by 20th Century Studios. What Taylor Era Has Made Joanna Smile Recently? When asked which Taylor song or era makes her smile, Joanna picked “Love Story.” Despite everything that has come since, she still returns to that song for its sheer emotional clarity — a bedroom-written, 20-minute burst of teenage storytelling that still captures the universal thrill of hope, love, and happily-ever-after energy that defines so much of Taylor’s work. Resources & Links Connect with Joanna on LinkedIn and her website Check out her new book, Taylor Swift: Album by Album Listen and Support Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes a brand unforgettable instead of overlooked? Tom Miner knows. As Head of Global Social Media at Crocs, he helped drive one of today’s biggest brand turnarounds. Now author of Social First Brands, Tom shares how embracing productive tension, making personality your secret weapon, and riding trends that matter can turn comments into real community. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Crocs’ turnaround shows the power of leaning into brand polarity How to know if brand tension is productive instead of problematic What it really means to be a “social first” brand—and why fearlessness is key Why unhinged marketing works for some brands and flops for others The difference between comments, engagement, and true community Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:35) Welcome to Tom Miner (01:22) Crocs as a brand turnaround case study (04:41) Embracing polarity and productive tension (09:08) What it means to be a social first brand (13:21) Fearlessness and comfort levels in social strategy (15:32) Unhinged marketing and authentic brand personality (18:18) Comments versus true community (22:43) Liquid Death as a social first example (25:10) The brand that made Tom smile (27:10) Where to learn more About Tom Miner Tom Miner is a social media strategist and the author of Social First Brands. As the former Head of Global Social Media at Crocs, Tom helped lead one of the most remarkable brand turnarounds in recent years, taking the shoe from internet punchline to cultural icon. Based in Denver, Tom now consults with organizations worldwide—from household consumer names to international B2B enterprises—helping brands move beyond chasing trends to creating genuine, lasting connections with their audiences. What Brand Has Made Tom Smile Recently? Recently, Tom found himself impressed by PopSockets. Long known for their stick-on phone grips, the brand has reinvented itself with MagSafe-compatible products and a renewed sense of fun on social media. A standout moment was a TikTok reaction video where the founder surprised a customer who lost her phone in the ocean. The mix of humor, generosity, and leadership buy-in reminded Tom why surprise-and-delight marketing still matters. Resources & Links Connect with Tom on LinkedIn. Learn more about Tom Miner. Check out Social First Brands on Amazon. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of On Brand: Taylor’s Version, we’re joined by Ann Handley — Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Chief Content Officer of MarketingProfs, and one of IBM’s ‘7 people shaping modern marketing.’ Ann brings not just her marketer’s eye but also her mom’s heart to the Swiftiverse. We’ll explore how Taylor’s storytelling fuels parasocial relationships, why The Eras Tour transformed casual fans into rabid ones, and what smart marketers can learn from the savviest hitmaker of our time. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Taylor Swift’s storytelling makes the personal feel universal—and what marketers can borrow from that. Why parasocial relationships don’t have to be clinical, and how Taylor transforms them into community. The genius of anticipation, reveals, and Easter eggs in building long-term fan trust. What the Eras Tour can teach marketers about creating inclusive, unforgettable experiences. How Ann Handley’s own fandom grew from casual listener to full-on Swiftie devotion. Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:20) Swiftie Story Prompts and the Tortured Poets Era (03:14) Standing Up as a Swiftie (05:40) Taylor as Writer, Storyteller, and Cultural Icon (08:07) Making the Personal Universal (11:00) Marketing Lessons from Taylor Swift (19:25) The Eras Tour as Community Experience (29:41) The Taylor Songs and Albums That Make Ann Smile About Ann Handley Ann Handley is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, digital marketing pioneer, and Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs. Named by IBM as one of seven people shaping modern marketing, Ann is a trusted voice on content, storytelling, and building authentic connections with audiences. She is the author of Everybody Writes, now in its second edition, and a frequent keynote speaker at marketing and business events worldwide. Through her popular newsletter, Total Annarchy, and her leadership at MarketingProfs’ B2B Forum, she continues to inspire marketers to approach their work with clarity, creativity, and heart. What Taylor Era Has Made Ann Smile Recently? Ann lights up when she talks about Taylor Swift’s most recent projects—The Tortured Poets Department and Midnights. She especially loves “Fortnight,” with its Post Malone collaboration and typewriter aesthetics (a nod to her own collection of typewriters), and “Mastermind” from Midnights, which she admires for its playful storytelling. For Ann, these albums are on constant repeat, blending artistry, narrative, and joy in ways that fuel both her fandom and her creative spirit. Links & Resources Connect with Ann on LinkedIn Check out her website and newsletter Speaking of connecting with community, don’t miss the MarketingProfs B2B Forum Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few business thinkers have shaped customer experience and marketing as profoundly as Jay Baer. A 7th-generation entrepreneur, best-selling author, and creator of six multi-million-dollar companies, he’s helped more than 700 brands, from Nike to the United Nations, grow and connect with customers in ways that matter. Now, he’s challenging everything marketers think they know about “owned” digital land, AI, and the future of content strategy. What You'll Learn Why the old rule of “never build on rented land” may be past its prime How AI is shifting marketers from search optimization to answer optimization Why breadth of authority matters more than backlinks in today’s landscape How to atomize your awareness across platforms and nodes of trust What AI can and can’t replace when it comes to creativity and customer experience Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:47) Welcoming Jay Baer back to On Brand (02:26) A dramatic reading of “Never build your house on rented land” (05:17) The declining importance of websites in an AI world (06:00) From search optimization to answer optimization (08:38) Atomizing awareness and saying yes to more opportunities (14:13) What AI can’t do—and why bold ideas matter more than ever (17:36) Customer experience, hyper-personalization, and efficiency gains (22:19) What to do with the capacity AI creates (23:29) Personal branding, tequila, and why authenticity wins (27:19) The AI dating app that made Jay smile (29:57) Where to find Jay online About Jay Baer Jay Baer is a business growth and customer experience strategist, author, and advisor who has helped more than 700 brands, including Nike, Oracle, IBM, and the United Nations. A seventh-generation entrepreneur, he has built six multimillion-dollar companies and written seven best-selling business books, earning recognition as a Professional Speakers Hall of Fame inductee and a Global Guru in marketing and customer experience. Beyond the stage and boardroom, Baer is also the world’s second most-popular tequila educator, blending sharp business insight with an engaging style that makes him one of the most sought-after voices in modern marketing. What Brand Has Made Jay Smile Recently Jay pointed to Valor, an AI-driven dating app that runs simulated dates between AI versions of potential matches before introducing people in real life. While he’s not on the app himself—he just celebrated his 33rd wedding anniversary—Jay says the concept makes him smile because it cleverly uses AI to cut through the awkwardness and false starts of early dating. Resources & Links Connect with Jay on LinkedIn. Check out his website JayBaer.com. And, of course, check out his work as the second-most popular tequila educator on Instagram. Listen and Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of On Brand Taylor's Version, we're joined by Stephanie Burt, poet, critic, and professor of English at Harvard University. Stephanie made headlines when she created and taught one of the very first college courses on Taylor Swift at Harvard, Taylor Swift and her world. We discuss what it means to study Taylor seriously at Harvard, why her storytelling resonates so widely, and what we can all learn from her profound cultural impact. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Taylor Swift’s approach to storytelling parallels the way we relate to literature and life, making her English-teacher-like to her fans The narrative techniques and structural choices that make her songwriting resonate across diverse audiences How she revisits, rewrites, and evolves previous stories in her music to deepen character and theme The role of collaboration, marketing, and audience awareness in building a fan community that scales from niche to mainstream How joy, friendship, and shared experiences are expressed in her music, and why songs like 22 continue to resonate Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:12) Taylor Swift as an English Teacher: Literary Language and Fan Connection (05:30) Building Fan Communities and Shared Experiences (10:22) Storytelling Techniques: Point of View, Character, and Rewriting Songs (18:10) Revisiting and Evolving Previous Stories: Love Story and Forever & Always (25:12) Adult Love, Partnership, and Feminist Storytelling (32:01) Niche Fan Communities, Mainstream Appeal, and Marketing Savvy (38:22) Collaboration and Craft: Working with Musicians and Audiences (40:01) Guest’s Favorite Taylor Song: 22 and Closing Thoughts About Stephanie Burt Stephanie Burt is the Donald P. and Katherine B. Loker Professor of English at Harvard University. She specializes in 20th- and 21st-century poetry, science fiction, and the intersections of literature with other arts. Her work has appeared in The New York Times Book Review, The London Review of Books, Slate, and The Times Literary Supplement. Burt is the author of several acclaimed books of poetry and literary criticism, and her upcoming book, Taylor’s Version: The Poetic and Musical Genius of Taylor Swift, explores the artistry and cultural impact of Taylor Swift. At Harvard, she teaches courses including “Taylor Swift and Her World,” which has drawn widespread attention for its innovative exploration of music, poetry, and popular culture. She currently serves as co-editor of poetry for The Nation and is a recipient of a Guggenheim Fellowship. Resources & Links Check out Stephanie's new book Taylor's Version: https://www.amazon.com/Taylors-Version-Poetic-Musical-Genius/dp/154160623X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0 Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-brand-podcast-about-branding/id1113563080?mt=2 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2Hq9fjctcpm3YKlJFuXmRk YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/onbrandpodcast Amazon/Audible → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7f4fb055-1584-4037-a637-305c9b82ac3c/on-brand-with-nick-westergaard?refMarker=dm_wcp_af_r&ref=dmm_acq_mrn_d_ds_rh_z_-c_c_539036640611_g_127821134784 Google Play → https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I6xnjeogoyostq7pyu3xh3kqi4a Stitcher → https://www.stitcher.com/show/on-brand-with-nick-westergaard TuneIn → https://tunein.com/radio/On-Brand-p967623/ iHeart → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-on-brand-with-nick-westerg-90019102/ Rate and review on Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-brand-podcast-about-branding/id1113563080?mt=2 Rate and review on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2Hq9fjctcpm3YKlJFuXmRk Share this episode — email a friend or colleague → mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20podcast%20episode&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20like%20this%20podcast Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter → https://www.nickwestergaard.com/email/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do Hot Wheels, Disney, Burton, and WWE have in common? They’ve all had Mark Michaylira driving their brand forward. With two decades of creative leadership behind some of the world’s most beloved names, Mark knows how to make work that’s not just bold and joyful but rooted in culture—and powerful enough to move business. What You’ll Learn in This Episode - How to build authentic brands by starting with humanity and understanding your audience - Why taking creative risks—and even failing—can move brands forward - What it means to create joy and edge in storytelling across very different industries - How Friends Everywhere is rethinking the agency model with cultural insiders and seasoned creators - The role of AI as a creative tool and why transparency matters in its use Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:35) Starting with humanity in brand building (03:15) Lessons from Cracker Barrel and Gap missteps (05:55) Leading creative teams through swings and misses (09:30) Creating joy and edge across brands like Hot Wheels, Disney, Burton, and WWE (12:18) The Friends Everywhere model of cultural insiders and seasoned creators (16:38) The role of AI as a creative tool, not a replacement (22:12) Advice for emerging creatives (24:31) The brand that’s made Mark smile About Mark Michaylira Mark Michaylira is Creative Director at Friends Everywhere, where he also leads agency growth for the independent partner to visionary teams building beloved brands. He previously led Global Brand Creative for Mattel’s vehicle portfolio, including Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and Disney Pixar Cars, overseeing disruptive, culture-driven campaigns for some of the world’s biggest toy brands. Earlier in his career, he built creative for Burton Snowboards, Disney, WWE, DreamWorks, Warner Bros., and Levi’s. With more than two decades of experience across creative direction, brand strategy, experience design, and integrated campaigns, Michaylira has shaped work that blends bold ideas with business impact. He is based in Long Beach, California. What Brand Has Made Mark Smile Recently? Mark shared Bug Assault, a quirky brand that sells salt-powered fly blasters. What made him smile wasn’t just the product—it was how the brand solved a real problem with humor, storytelling, and an unexpected creative twist. Their branding struck the right balance of playful and educational, proving that even pest control can be memorable when approached with imagination. Resources & Links Connect with Mark on LinkedIn → Friends Everywhere website → Bug Assault website → Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of On Brand: Taylor’s Version, we’re joined by Emily Campion — Henry B. Tippie Fellow and Associate Professor at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business. Emily’s research explores how organizations hire and develop talent. But today, she’s here to talk about something decidedly more human: Taylor Swift’s relentless work ethic, authentic leadership, grit in the face of setbacks, and her ability to balance it all with self-care. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Taylor Swift is the ultimate case study in relentless work ethic and focus How authenticity fuels leadership and builds trust with fans — and employees What Taylor’s grit teaches us about resilience, reinvention, and leading through setbacks The role of self-care in sustaining high performance over the long haul Why leaders need to balance hustle with humanity Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (02:15) “Taylor Inc.” and the ultimate one-person company (04:40) Emily Campion on studying work ethic and leadership through Taylor Swift (08:30) Taylor’s relentless productivity and lessons for business leaders (14:05) Authenticity as strategy vs. sincerity (19:20) Grit, comebacks, and leading through setbacks (25:45) Boundaries, rituals, and Taylor’s approach to self-care (32:10) Leadership lessons leaders can apply today (38:15) Emily’s Taylor smile: Stay Stay Stay on ukulele About Emily Campion Emily Campion is a Henry B. Tippie Fellow and Associate Professor at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business. Her research focuses on staffing procedures, the use of machine learning and natural language processing to improve these systems, and ways to mitigate employment discrimination. Her work has been published in leading academic journals, and she currently serves on the editorial boards of Journal of Applied Psychology and Personnel Psychology, where she recently co-edited a special issue on machine learning in selection. What Taylor Era Has Made Emily Smile Recently? For Emily, the Taylor song that’s made her smile recently is “Stay Stay Stay” from Red (Taylor’s Version). She first loved it while learning the ukulele, and even though she jokes she won’t be a famous ukuleleist, the song’s plucky energy and Taylor’s laugh at the end never fail to make her beam. Resources & Links Connect with Emily on LinkedIn. Check out Emily’s University of Iowa faculty page. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few platforms have changed culture as quickly—or as globally—as TikTok. Khartoon Weiss, VP and GM of North America and Global Business Solutions, is at the center of it, helping brands and businesses connect with audiences in ways that are creative, authentic, and impactful. From scaling Spotify to leading top agencies, she’s built a career on turning bold ideas into cultural movements—and now she’s shaping the future of TikTok. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How TikTok has broken the traditional brand storytelling arc Why authenticity and “real production” outperform polish on the platform How content, commerce, and search converge on TikTok Why short form content can still drive loyalty and long-term brand love What brands like Chipotle, McDonald’s, and Gap are doing right on TikTok Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:38) Why TikTok has changed brand building (02:12) Stewarding TikTok’s brand and helping other brands grow (03:34) Unlearning traditional storytelling on TikTok (06:01) Authenticity over polish with examples from Chipotle and McDonald’s (10:20) Content, commerce, and the rise of search on TikTok (14:04) Can short form content build brand loyalty (21:08) Brand safety, trust, and TikTok’s uncertain future (24:48) Lessons from scaling brands at Spotify, agencies, and TikTok (27:09) The that made Khartoon smile recently About Khartoon Weiss Khartoon Weiss is the VP and GM of North America and Global Business Solutions at TikTok. She previously led global revenue at Spotify, served as Chief Marketing Officer and Managing Director at MDC Partners and Mediacom North America, and was a VP at iHeartMedia. She began her career at BBDO, Ogilvy, and Grey Worldwide. Weiss has been recognized by Campaign’s “40 Over 40,” AdAge’s “40 Under 40,” and AdWeek’s “Top 50.” She completed executive education at The Wharton School and lives in New York City with her husband and two rescued cats. What Brand Has Made Khartoon Smile Recently? Khartoon pointed to Gap as the brand making her smile lately. She praised the retailer for collaborating authentically with creators, staying true to its roots, and showing up on TikTok in ways that feel natural and culturally relevant. For her, Gap’s bravery and creativity prove that when brands lean into community and culture authentically, audiences instantly recognize it—even without the logo. Resources & Links Connect with Khartoon on LinkedIn. Learn more about TikTok for Business. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our first episode of On Brand: Taylor’s Version, we’re joined by Sinéad O’Sullivan — aerospace engineer turned business strategist, former head of Strategy at Harvard Business School, professor, and co-founder of a global investment fund. She’s advised everyone from NASA to prime ministers … and she also happens to be in the top 0.01% of Taylor Swift fans worldwide. Her new book, Good Ideas and Power Moves: Business Lessons from Taylor Swift, hits shelves this week — and she’s here to share why Taylor isn’t just a pop star, but one of the sharpest strategists of our time. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why “doing strategy” is more than PowerPoints and wish lists How Taylor Swift creates interlinked universes across her albums What it means to be anti-fragile and thrive in chaotic environments How storytelling can be leveraged as a business strategy Why Taylor Swift is her own product and outperforms traditional companies Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:00) Getting Started with Taylor’s Version (01:35) Reputation Era Story Prompt and Misunderstandings (03:40) Doing Strategy the Taylor Way (08:10) Building Worlds Not Products (12:30) Lessons for Brands and Community (17:50) Fearless Era Story Prompt and Courage (24:20) Anti-Fragile Moves and Thriving in Chaos (28:10) Timing, Reverse Acquisitions, and Big Picture Strategy (38:30) Where to Connect with Sinéad About Sinéad O’Sullivan Sinéad O’Sullivan is an aerospace engineer turned business strategist, former head of strategy at Harvard Business School, professor, writer, and co-founder of a global investment fund. She has advised organizations from NASA to prime ministers and is the author of Good Ideas and Power Moves: Business Lessons from Taylor Swift. O’Sullivan has a BA in engineering, an MSc in finance, and a PhD in strategy. What Brand Has Made Sinéad Smile Recently? Sinéad shared that she’s been smiling at the creative universe built around Barbie. From specialty cars to Airbnbs, the way Barbie has expanded into a full cultural ecosystem reminded her of the worlds Taylor Swift builds with her albums—demonstrating creativity, collaboration, and clever brand storytelling. Resources & Links Connect with Sinéad on LinkedIn. Sinéad’s website. Sinéad’s Substack. Sinéad’s new book, Good Ideas and Power Moves: Ten Lessons for Success from Taylor Swift. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes an idea—or a person—truly remarkable? Guy Kawasaki has spent decades evangelizing some of the world’s most influential brands—from Apple to Canva—and helping ideas spread in ways that stick. In his new book, Wiser Guy, he shares the lessons, stories, and wisdom he’s gathered along the way, showing how to think remarkable, lead with purpose, and make an impact that lasts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode - Why Wiser Guy isn’t a memoir and what it is instead - The surprising truth behind Guy’s decision to publish this book with a traditional house - How evangelism has evolved from Apple’s Macintosh launch to Canva today - Why democratizing technology matters—and where AI fits into that story - The timeless wisdom Guy believes we shouldn’t wait too long to share Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:36) Welcoming Guy Kawasaki back to On Brand (03:08) Why Wiser Guy is not a memoir (05:08) From self-publishing advocate to Wiley author (10:45) Stories and lessons that rose to the top (15:12) Evangelism past and present (20:03) Is AI truly democratizing technology (27:02) A brand that’s made Guy smile recently (32:21) Where to learn more and closing gratitude About Guy Kawasaki Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva and the creator of Guy Kawasaki's Remarkable People podcast. He is an executive fellow of the Haas School of Business (UC Berkeley), and an adjunct professor of the University of New South Wales. He was the chief evangelist of Apple and a trustee of the Wikimedia Foundation. He has written Wise Guy, The Art of the Start 2.0, The Art of Social Media, Enchantment, and eleven other books. Kawasaki has a BA from Stanford University, an MBA from UCLA, and an honorary doctorate from Babson College. What Brand Has Made Guy Smile Recently? Guy shared that Liquid Death has been making him smile. Beyond simply selling water in a can, the brand has built a bold, countercultural identity around “killing thirst.” Guy admires how they’ve created something fun and meaningful while inspiring him to craft his own marketing mantra, “kill mediocrity.” Resources & Links Connect with Guy on LinkedIn. Guy Kawasaki’s website. Wiser Guy on Amazon. Remarkable People podcast. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-brand-podcast-about-branding/id1113563080?mt=2 Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2Hq9fjctcpm3YKlJFuXmRk YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/onbrandpodcast Amazon/Audible → https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7f4fb055-1584-4037-a637-305c9b82ac3c/on-brand-with-nick-westergaard?refMarker=dm_wcp_af_r&ref=dmm_acq_mrn_d_ds_rh_z_-c_c_539036640611_g_127821134784 Google Play → https://play.google.com/music/listen#/ps/I6xnjeogoyostq7pyu3xh3kqi4a Stitcher → https://www.stitcher.com/show/on-brand-with-nick-westergaard TuneIn → https://tunein.com/radio/On-Brand-p967623/ iHeart → https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-on-brand-with-nick-westerg-90019102/ Rate and review on Apple Podcasts → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/on-brand-podcast-about-branding/id1113563080?mt=2 Rate and review on Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/2Hq9fjctcpm3YKlJFuXmRk Share this episode — email a friend or colleague → mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20podcast%20episode&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20like%20this%20podcast Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter → https://www.nickwestergaard.com/email/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Brand: Taylor’s Version is a 4-episode mini-series exploring Taylor Swift’s brand brilliance — from storytelling and community to cultural hitmaking and reinvention. Guests include bestselling authors, top CMOs, and academic experts who break down what businesses and leaders can learn from the world’s ultimate hitmaker. New bonus episodes drop every Thursday through October 2nd, leading up to the release of The Life of a Showgirl. 👉 Follow On Brand so you don’t miss an episode of this special series: Apple Podcasts Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes a brand experience unforgettable? Laura Parkinson, Global Head of Brand Experience at LinkedIn, has created standout experiences at Apple, Google, and now LinkedIn. She leads the team behind the company’s most influential moments—online and in person—and knows how to turn bold ideas into connections that inspire and stick. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why the most iconic brands focus on making people feel something, not just showing up consistently How LinkedIn uses experiences as a marketing channel to launch products and connect with audiences What it takes to scale brand experience inside a large organization while keeping it authentic Why in-person and digital experiences need to work together for a seamless brand presence How cultural moments and team culture fuel creative, “magical” brand experiences Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:31) Laura’s path into brand experience from SXSW to Apple and Google (02:00) Lessons from Apple on intuitive, human-centered experiences (04:20) Making digital brands tangible through real-life experiences (05:26) The role of brand experience at LinkedIn (07:10) Scaling brand experience across a large organization (10:23) Measuring success in brand experiences (13:12) Designing consistent yet localized global experiences (17:05) How AI is reshaping brand experiences (21:18) Building teams that deliver magical experiences (23:18) A brand that’s made Laura smile recently (25:16) Where to connect with Laura About Laura Parkinson Laura Parkinson is the Global Head of Brand Experience at LinkedIn. She specializes in brand marketing events and experiences for global organizations across consumer products, retail, entertainment, technology, and SaaS. Laura brings bold visions to life through strategic thinking and deep operational expertise, having created and managed internal and external programs from concept to completion. She is passionate about building and supporting teams that imagine and deliver magical brand experiences that drive both market and mind share. What Brand Has Made Laura Smile Recently? The brand that’s made Laura smile recently is Build-A-Bear. Beyond its surging stock price, she admires how the company creates magical in-store experiences that resonate with everyone—from kids to adults. With plans to expand dozens of new locations, Build-A-Bear shows the power and value of real-life, experiential branding. Resources & Links Connect with Laura on (surprise!) LinkedIn. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the women who helped build Microsoft finally get their story told? In her new book, The Women of Microsoft, Miri Rodriguez—Senior Storyteller at Microsoft, CEO of Empressa.ai, and award-winning author—spotlights the pioneers who shaped both the company and the future of tech. Along the way, she shares powerful insights on storytelling, leadership, and how empathy and purpose can transform the way we work. What You'll Learn in This Episode How the new book, The Women of Microsoft, came together in honor of Microsoft’s 50th anniversary Stories of resilience, leadership, and innovation from women who shaped Microsoft over five decades Why telling both the highs and lows of women’s experiences in tech matters Practical lessons for women navigating promotions, resilience, and confidence in today’s workplace How empathy, compassion, and inclusion can shape the future of work—especially in the era of AI Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:09) How the book began (02:43) The mission behind The Women of Microsoft (04:33) Surprising and moving stories (06:35) Women’s impact on Microsoft’s innovations (09:10) Balancing celebration and hard truths (12:11) Lessons for women navigating tech today (19:14) The code of confidence and future generations (20:42) AI, Empressa.ai, and the future of work (26:35) A brand that made Miri smile Miri Rodriguez is the CEO of Empressa.ai, a groundbreaking AI company reshaping the future of work for women, and serves as Senior Storyteller at Microsoft, where she crafts narratives that resonate globally. An award-winning author of Brand Storytelling—translated into four languages—Miri is also a sought-after speaker and consultant known for her empathetic, purpose-driven approach. Beyond her professional work, she champions social advocacy by training leaders of social enterprises in Africa, mentoring students and professionals in the U.S., and sharing mindfulness and happiness through her platform Be Mindful Be Happy. Her global travels with her husband fuel both her storytelling and her belief in the power of human experience and technology to transform lives. What Brand Has Made Miri Smile Recently? Miri shared how the shoe brand Mephisto recently made her smile. While traveling in Spain, she rediscovered the brand her father had once introduced to her as a teenager. A local store gave her an unexpectedly personal, “white glove” experience—handwritten receipts, phone calls to the manufacturer, and even custom colors. For Miri, it was a powerful reminder that personal treatment and genuine customer care still win, even in a world dominated by mass retail. Links Connect with Miri on LinkedIn, Instagram, and her website. Check out her new book, The Women of Microsoft: Empowering Stories from the Minds that Coded the World. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How did Google become one of the most powerful forces in advertising—and what happens when that power crosses the line? Ari Paparo, ad tech veteran, Marketecture founder, and author of Yield: How Google Bought, Built, and Bullied Its Way to Advertising Dominance, takes us inside the deals, innovations, and strong-arm tactics that reshaped the industry. From behind-the-scenes stories of the “Rocket Docket” antitrust trial to the coming AI disruption of search, Ari shares candid insights on market dominance, branding, and the future of digital advertising. How Google bought, built, and bullied its way to dominance in the ad tech industry — and why multiple governments have called its behavior monopolistic What happened inside the Virginia “Rocket Docket” antitrust trial that inspired Ari’s book Yield, including behind-the-scenes stories from the courtroom How Google’s market power has steamrolled smaller ad tech companies and shaped the open web — and what might change if regulators break it up Why AI and large language models could disrupt Google’s search dominance for the first time in decades, reshaping SEO, SEM, and marketing strategy The branding lesson Ari took from clothing retailer Buck Mason — and why a perfectly on-the-nose brand experience can leave a lasting impression Ari Paparo began his career in digital advertising during the early days of the internet and went on to shape how online ads work today. He has led product teams at AppNexus and Bazaarvoice, helped create industry standards including the VAST video specification and Nielsen’s Digital Ad Ratings, and founded the media company Marketecture to make sense of the complex ad tech world. A sought-after speaker and host of the Marketecture podcast, Ari is also the author of Yield: How Google Bought, Built, and Bullied Its Way to Advertising Dominance, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the rise of one of the most powerful forces in technology. Ari pointed to Buck Mason—a clothing store he stumbled into with his wife in New York. Despite describing himself as “not a big clothes person” who usually dresses like a slob, he was struck by how perfectly the brand nailed its vibe: black T-shirts, a classic car parked in the middle of the store, art books casually scattered yet deliberately placed, and even a liquor bar to loosen wallets. Founded less than a decade ago in Venice Beach, Buck Mason impressed Ari as a masterclass in creating a brand experience so spot-on it feels like it was built in a lab for its ideal customer. Connect with Ari on LinkedIn and the Marketecture website. Check out his new book, Yield: How Google Bought, Built, and Bullied Its Way to Advertising Dominance. Go down the internet rabbit hole on Ari’s Adland.tv — home to 80,000+ vintage TV ads. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! (00:00) Intro (00:29) Ari’s background in ad tech and industry standards (01:20) Breaking down Google’s strategy: bought, built, bullied (03:08) Conflicts of interest and antitrust cases against Google (05:10) Covering the “Rocket Docket” trial and stories from the courtroom (06:32) The impact of Google’s dominance on smaller ad tech companies (08:02) What might change if regulators break up Google (12:01) Google’s brand halo vs. behind-the-scenes behavior (16:12) Privacy, third-party cookies, and regulatory pressures (19:00) AI disruption and the future of search (21:08) Marketing implications: SEO, SEM, and influencer marketing (23:01) The buzzword Ari is tired of hearing (24:52) The brand that made Ari smile: Buck Mason (26:20) Where to learn more about Ari and Marketecture (27:32) Closing remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Noel Massie is the former Vice President of U.S. Operations at UPS and author of the new book Congrats, You’ve Been Promoted. Over a decades-long career, Noel rose from part-time college employee to leading 200,000 people with a focus on values-based leadership. Today, he mentors rising leaders and serves on the boards of organizations like the Annenberg Foundation and the Los Angeles Urban League. We talked about leadership at scale, navigating promotions, and building a career that makes an impact—this week on the On Brand podcast. Noel Massie began working for UPS part-time during college and rose through the ranks to become vice president for UPS’s US Delivery Operations. Before his retirement in 2019, he oversaw 200,000 employees who were led by 12,000 supervisors. In this role, Noel supported and guided the package delivery and logistic services in the United States. He continues to mentor young leaders and supervisors. Noel is currently a member of numerous boards: the Annenberg Foundation, which holds a $1.7 billion endowment and where Noel serves on their investment committee that guides the foundation’s investment strategy; the Los Angeles Urban Leagues Executive Committee, where Noel served as chairman for nine years; Chapter ONE US, an organization that seeks to enhance elementary school literacy; and the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legal Center. Noel has received over a dozen awards, including the Peter Drucker School of Management Leadership Award, the Whitney M. Young Award, the Admiral Samuel L. Gravely Award, the Civic Leadership Award of Los Angeles, and the Civic Leadership Award of Chicago for serving for five years on the Chicago Workforce Board. He currently mentors young leaders and private organizations on values-based leadership principles. He and his family reside in Oak Park, Illinois, with a secondary residence in Southern California. Congrats, You’ve Been Promoted. That’s the title of Noel’s new book—and a perfect reminder that getting promoted is just the beginning, not the finish line. Noel shared why so many new leaders struggle after their big break and how values-based leadership can help them not just survive, but thrive in their new roles. What brand has made Noel smile recently? Noel pointed to McDonald’s—admiring how the brand stays consistent and approachable while evolving with the times. For him, it’s a lesson in balancing legacy with innovation, showing leadership isn’t just about flashy moves but steady, reliable connection. Connect with Noel on LinkedIn and his book, Congrats, You’ve Been Promoted. Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! 00:00 Intro and Noel's Background 02:00 Starting Out and Early Leadership Lessons 06:15 The Idea Behind Congrats You’ve Been Promoted 11:35 Core Values and Setting Leadership Terms 17:00 Handling Ethical Challenges and Uncomfortable Moments 19:30 The No Casual Moments Rule in Leadership 22:00 Value-Based Leadership at Scale 25:45 Lessons from Coaching and Leadership Models 27:00 A Brand Has Made Noel Smile and How to Connect Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dani Dufresne is the Founder and Executive Producer of The Auxiliary Co., a creative execution firm known for bringing bold ideas to life—efficiently and without the red tape of traditional agencies. Trusted by top brands, Dani’s built a reputation for flawless production and assembling world-class creative teams. We talked about all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Dani Dufresne Dani Dufresne is the badass secret agent behind some of the most jaw-dropping campaigns you’ve ever seen. As the brains and brawn behind The Auxiliary Co., she’s the one team's call when they need to pull off high-stakes creative execution—without the bloated budgets and red tape of traditional old model agencies. With an unmatched eye for innovative approaches, high-value design, and production execution, Dani doesn’t just manage a campaign’s work—she makes it legendary. Whether assembling an A-list creative team, running a massive production on a shoestring budget, or stepping in to save a campaign from disaster, she delivers flawlessly and unapologetically every time. Forget the outdated agency model. Dani’s way is smarter, leaner, and faster. She’s here to help brands ditch the bureaucracy, hire the right people, and actually get sh*t done. If you don’t know her name yet, that’s because she’s been too busy making everyone else look good. Industrial Color. Here's a link to the AI color tool Dani talked about. What brand has made Dani smile recently? Dani shared a recent brand collab that made her smile: the unexpected partnership between hand sanitizer brand Living Touch and Crocs. It’s quirky, a little ridiculous—and totally memorable. For Dani, it’s a perfect example of how brands can break through by ditching traditional influencer playbooks and instead teaming up with other brands in surprising, delightful ways. It may not make logical sense on paper, but it makes great content—and sometimes that’s exactly the point. Connect with Dani on LinkedIn and The Aux Co website. Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! 01:00 – Meet Dani Dufresne Intro to Dani and The Aux Co. — why she’s rethinking the traditional agency model. 03:30 – From Film School to Creative Producer How Dani’s Hollywood detour led to a career in advertising and production. 06:45 – What Agencies Get Wrong The communication gap between agencies, creatives, and production—and how Dani bridges it. 10:30 – The Rise of the Fractional Producer Why Dani started The Aux Co. and how her model differs from freelance. 14:10 – Scaling Smart: Building Flexible Creative Teams How she helps agencies and brands scale production without bloating their teams. 17:00 – Bringing Production in Early The case for embedding production thinking at the start of the creative process. 20:10 – Leading with EQ Managing personalities, egos, and teaching her team to anticipate problems before they happen. 23:40 – AI and the Future of Creative Work Why embracing AI isn’t optional—and how it’s changing creative ideation and production. 27:45 – A Brand That Made Dani Smile Why an unexpected Crocs x hand sanitizer collab stood out in a sea of sameness. 29:00 – Where to Find Dani Links, contact info. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jason Keath is a creativity keynote speaker, digital strategist, and co-founder of Social Fresh — a long-running marketing conference and agency trusted by brands like HubSpot and Anheuser-Busch. A pioneer in paid social, Jason launched some of the first Facebook ads back in 2004. He’s also the author of The Case for More Bad Ideas, where he makes a compelling case for embracing messy thinking to spark better ideas. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Jason Keath Jason Keath was one of the first people in the world to run ads on Facebook in 2004. He’s a digital strategy expert and the co-founder of Social Fresh, a digital agency and long-running marketing conference, founded in 2008. Today, Jason leads the agency side of Social Fresh, specializing in research, strategy, and paid media. He’s also a sought-after keynote speaker on creativity and the author of The Case for More Bad Ideas, a book that champions a counterintuitive but practical process for unlocking better thinking through messier ideas. He’s a 20+ year marketing strategist trusted by companies like HubSpot, Credit Karma, Anheuser-Busch, and Robinhood to help them command attention from the right audience. Jason has hosted thousands of marketers at Social Fresh events, built one of the longest-running communities in digital marketing, and believes the best ideas often start out looking like the worst ones. Want more Jason Keath? Listen to his first interview on the On Brand podcast back in 2016! During the show, Jason mentioned Mastercard’s innovations in sonic branding. Here’s my interview with Mastercard CMO Raja Rajamannar. What brand has made Jason smile recently? Jason shared examples from YETI, a brand he first fell in love with because of their exceptional product. But now, Jason thinks the brand’s marketing has caught up and is just as exceptional as the product itself. Connect with Jason on LinkedIn and subscribe to his newsletter (with new AI tools) at MoreBadIdeas.com. Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Shear is Founding Partner and Chief Creative Officer of Invōk Brands and a founding faculty member of SVA’s Master’s in Branding program. With a five-decade design career and a passion for visual history, he explores how global consumer culture shapes today’s brands in his new book A History of Brands. This week on On Brand, he joins me to discuss the evolution of retail, the enduring impact of packaging, and why the future of branding begins with the past. About Richard Shear Richard is a founding faculty member of the Master's in Branding program at New York’s School of Visual Arts and a Founding Partner and Chief Creative Officer of Invōk Brands. His 50-year design career has been influenced by a fascination with visual history, driven by a curiosity for the culture of consumer brands, and guided by rich experience in brand identity and package design. Richard’s SVA course focuses on the origins, evolution, and current status of retail brands, building awareness of the rich legacy and growth of global consumer culture and its intrinsic connection to the evolution of visual history. What brand has made Richard smile recently? “That’s easy,” Richard shared. “Barbie.” Specifically, Richard points to their newly released Barbie with Type 1 Diabetes. Connect with Richard on LinkedIn as well as the Invōk Brands and Branding at SVA websites. And check out Richard’s new book A History of Brands wherever you like to shop. Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Corin Mills is the Brand Marketing & E-Commerce Director at MOO, where he leads data-driven strategies that connect standout design with authentic brand experiences. With global experience at Google, Tesco, Currys, and more, Corin brings a sharp, cross-industry perspective to brand transformation. This week on the On Brand podcast, he joins me to talk about balancing data and emotion, leading meaningful change, and what it takes to thrive in today’s fast-moving e-commerce space. About Corin Mills Corin Mills is the Brand Marketing & E-Commerce Director at MOO, specializing in data-driven marketing strategies that revitalize brand experiences and foster meaningful organizational change. With over 15 years of extensive brand management experience driving business transformation across multiple sectors and international markets, his passion for impactful branding drives MOO’s success in bridging the gap between quality design and human connection. As former Head of Brand and Comms at Currys, his transformative approach centers on genuine collaboration and inclusive leadership at all levels of business. With previous success at major brands including EE, Tesco, Currys, Google, Orange, and AXA, Corin brings a unique cross-industry perspective to discussions about e-commerce strategy and optimization. What brand has made Corin smile recently? Corin pointed us to the recent GoDaddy campaign with Walton Goggins (and his goggles). Connect with Corin on LinkedIn and the MOO website. Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Hamilton is an associate professor of marketing at Emory University and co-author of The Growth Dilemma. As co-host of The Intuitive Customer podcast, he brings behavioral science to life through real-world brand strategy. This week on On Brand, Ryan joins me to explore why customer decisions aren’t as rational as we think, how brands can grow without losing their soul, and what he’s learned working with companies like Walmart and Visa. About Ryan Hamilton Ryan Hamilton is an associate professor of marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. He has consulted on branding with Walmart, FedEx, Home Depot, Caterpillar, ConAgra, Cigna, Visa, and Ipsos, among others, and has been a keynote speaker. He cohosts a podcast, called The Intuitive Customer, which applies the insights of behavioral science to customer experience. He has produced lecture series on both marketing and human decision making for The Great Courses. He's also the co-author of the book, The Growth Dilemma. What brand has made Ryan smile recently? Ryan shared a smile he got via a birthday gift from his wife. The gift? A planer from Bridge City Tools. “I love a brand that can take something workaday and turn it into a thing of beauty.” Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn and his Emory University faculty page. Listen and subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices