In today’s world how does a brand break through the noise and become iconic? Well, there’s a complex marketing machine running behind all your favorite brand names that goes deeper than you could imagine. Join Jason Harris, co-founder and CEO of award-winning creative agency, Mekanism, as he speaks with leading experts about how to build an iconic brand. We will pull back the curtain on how culturally relevant brand building and always-on digital work together to make brands famous and drive ...
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#94: Future-Proofing Your Brand | Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur magazine
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39:01Change is inevitable—but the most successful leaders know how to turn it into their greatest advantage. In this episode, Jason sits down with Jason Feifer, Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur magazine and author of Build for Tomorrow. From walking away from his first reporting job to pitching national outlets cold, Feifer has built a career on spotting…
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Mini: Cannes Lions Scandal — When AI Crosses the Line
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3:24This year’s Cannes Lions Festival — the world’s biggest celebration of creativity — made headlines for all the wrong reasons. Brazilian agency DM9 was stripped of multiple awards — including a Grand Prix — after using AI to fabricate campaign case study results. Jason Harris breaks down how they pulled it off, why it’s a symptom of a bigger problem…
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#93: AI-Native Storytelling Is Already Here | Jason Zada, Founder of Secret Level
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35:48AI isn’t just speeding up production—it’s rewriting the rules of storytelling. In this episode, Jason sits down with award-winning director and creative pioneer Jason Zada, founder of the AI-native entertainment studio Secret Level. From Elf Yourself to Take This Lollipop to an AI-generated Coca-Cola ad that sparked headlines and backlash, Zada has…
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Mini: Leading with AI: C-Suite Strategies That Work
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4:53If you're in the C-suite, it's no longer enough to delegate AI experimentation to mid-level staff. In this Soul & Science mini, we unpack three smart, actionable ways senior leaders can stay sharp in the age of AI—from reverse mentorship to hands-on sprints to rewarding the AI-forward thinkers in your org.This is your leadership playbook for gettin…
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#92: When Creative Trust Changes Everything | Kate Torrance, VP of Brand at SickKids & Josh Budd, CCO at Citizen Relations
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39:16How do you take a hospital’s 150th birthday and make it feel like a city-wide celebration instead of just a line in a press release? In this episode, Jason sits down with Kate Torrance, VP and Head of Brand at SickKids, and Josh Budd, Chief Creative Officer at Citizen Relations, to unpack one of the boldest healthcare campaigns in recent memory. Th…
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As brands across the country scale back or scrap their DEI initiatives, it’s time to ask: what happened to the values they claimed to stand for? In this short solo episode, we examine the wave of corporate rollbacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion—from Target and Amazon to McDonald’s and Coca-Cola—and what these choices say about brand integrit…
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#91: Build Bold. Invest Early. Stay Human. | Ben Lerer, Founder of Thrillist & MP at Lerer Hippeau
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34:36He built Thrillist. He bet on media. Now Ben Lerer is navigating a world obsessed with AI. In this episode, Jason sits down with Ben Lerer, co-founder of Thrillist, creator of Group Nine Media, and now Managing Partner at Lerer Hippeau. They talk about the shifting tides of media, tech, and early-stage investing. From building one of the first grea…
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Mini: Launching a Product in Uncertain Times
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5:22Launching a new product is never easy. But doing it during economic uncertainty? That’s a whole different challenge. In this mini episode, we explore how today’s shifting landscape—from tariffs to market instability—requires a smarter, more agile approach.Jason shares three core principles that can help entrepreneurs and innovators not just survive…
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#90: What Marketers Can Learn from StockX (and Its Sneakerhead Hype Machine) | StockX CMO Nicholas Karrat
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36:16Not every brand explodes. Some rise slowly, and win big. In this episode, Jason talks with Nicholas Karrat, CMO of StockX, about the Soul & Science of marketplace models—and what it takes to build brand trust, cultural relevance, and business performance at the same time. A veteran marketer with experience across Fortune 100 companies and DTC start…
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Mini: What the Adidas Pet Collection Gets Right (and What It Misses)
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2:28🐶 Adidas just launched a China-exclusive pet collection—and it’s more than just cute. In this Soul & Science mini, Jason unpacks the marketing strategy behind Adidas Originals’ latest capsule: apparel and accessories designed for pets and their owners. Matching outfits? Yes. Global rollout? Not yet. For marketers, this launch raises big questions: …
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#89: Building Brands from the Inside Out | Bryant Brennan, Chief Creative Officer at Fi
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38:01Creative teams have the most impact when they’re trusted stewards of the brand—not just executors. In this episode, Fi’s Chief Creative Officer Bryant Brennan joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of in-house creativity, product-first marketing, and building brands with staying power. From launching Nook at Barnes & Noble to scaling Pelo…
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What do you call a streaming service that can’t sit still? Apparently, HBO Max… again. In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason unpacks why the HBO brand is once again reclaiming its name, and what this says about brand equity, consumer sentiment, and the fine art of knowing when to walk it back. From Gap to Tropicana to the Twitter-that-shall-no…
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#88: Why Purpose Still Matters | Bill Oberlander, Founder & Creative Chairman at OBERLAND
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33:46Why does doing good still feel risky in the boardroom even when it’s good for business? In this episode, OBERLAND Founder & Creative Chairman Bill Oberlander joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of purpose-driven marketing and talk about why creativity, commerce, and consciousness can (and should) coexist. Bill shares his journey from M…
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#87: B2B Marketing Shouldn’t Be Boring | Jim Lesser, Chief Brand Officer at ServiceNow
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37:10Just because it’s B2B doesn’t mean it has to be boring. This week on Soul & Science, Jason sits down with Jim Lesser, Chief Brand Officer at ServiceNow, the enterprise platform helping organizations simplify workflows and put AI to work across their business. Before stepping into the world of B2B tech, Jim led award-winning campaigns as CEO and Exe…
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Mini: Why Do Influencers Start Beverage Brands?
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3:42From Prime to Chamberlain Coffee, influencers are making serious moves into the beverage aisle. In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason unpacks the rise of creator-led drink brands—and why the beverage industry has become the go-to playground for digital tastemakers. With built-in audiences and high margins, the formula is simple: influence + hy…
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In a world that feels more chaotic by the day, leading with clarity has never been harder — or more important. In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason explores how leaders can navigate the “liminal experience” of constant change. From reaffirming values to strengthening team bonds, he breaks down the strategies that help leaders anchor themselve…
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The Soul & Science of Culture | Best-Selling Author Dr. Marcus Collins (2024)
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47:19From TikTok trends to viral campaigns, brands are constantly trying to tap into culture. But what actually defines culture — and how can brands engage with it in a meaningful way? This week, we’re re-airing a great conversation from April 2024 with Dr. Marcus Collins — marketing professor, best-selling author, and cultural strategist. Dr. Collins, …
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What do J.Crew, Tiffany & Co., and Prada all have in common? They’re falling in love with the written word. In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason explores fashion’s latest unexpected muse: literature. From literary salons to author collaborations, brands are embracing the written word in a digital age—and it's not just for show. Key Takeaways:…
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Mini: How Trump's Tariffs Are Reshaping Brand Marketing
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4:52What do Trump’s new tariffs have to do with your brand strategy? A lot. In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason breaks down how the latest wave of tariffs is creating ripple effects across industries—and what it means for marketers trying to navigate a rapidly shifting economy. Key Takeaways: ✅ Brands are reallocating budgets toward performance …
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#86: AI vs. Human Creativity: Why Brands Still Resist the Future | Fredrik Thomassen, Co-founder & CEO of Superside
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31:59Why are brands still hesitant to embrace AI in creative work—even when it delivers faster, cheaper, and often better results? In this episode, Superside co-founder & CEO Fredrik Thomassen joins Jason Harris to explore the Soul & Science of AI-powered creativity—and why the biggest barrier to AI adoption isn’t the technology, but human resistance to…
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CMOs have the shortest lifespan of any C-suite executive. Why? In this Soul & Science mini-episode, Jason breaks down insights from a recent Adweek article, exploring the top reasons CMOs get fired—and how they can avoid the same fate. Key Takeaways: ✅ Overpromising results is the #1 reason CMOs lose their jobs. ✅ Many fail to earn trust from CEOs,…
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#85: The Art of Executive Coaching | Rob Schwartz, Executive Coach, on Leading with Vision (Part 2)
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22:29How do you go from leading an agency to coaching the next generation of leaders? In Part 2 of our conversation, Rob Schwartz—former CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day and now an Executive Coach—talks with Jason about the Soul & Science of Coaching. He shares his philosophy on guiding teams, unlocking creative potential, and moving businesses from transactional …
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#84: From Creative to CEO | Rob Schwartz, Executive Coach, on Leading with Vision (Part 1)
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21:15How do you turn creative vision into leadership success—and inspire a team to grow through disruption? This week, Jason dives into the Soul & Science of Creative Leadership with Rob Schwartz, Executive Coach and former CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day. Rob’s journey from copywriter to CEO is a masterclass in creative transformation. Using his philosophy of “C…
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The Science Behind Ads That Truly Connect | Pranav Yadav, Neuro-Insight Founder and Global CEO
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26:28What if the secret to creating ads that truly connect isn’t in what people say, but in what their brains reveal? Pranav Yadav, founder and global CEO of Neuro-Insight, leverages neuromarketing—technology that measures neural signals to track emotional responses—to uncover deeper truths that help brands like TJ Maxx and Anheuser Busch craft ads that…
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#83: Innovative Partnership | Dustin Baker & Maya French, Co-founders of HappyPop
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37:13This week, Jason explores The Soul & Science of Entrepreneur Partnerships with Dustin Baker and Maya French, co-founders of HappyPop. As the driving forces behind Koia and now HappyPop, Dustin and Maya have redefined what it means to create purposeful products in the competitive beverage industry.Discover how their unique partnership has evolved ov…
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#82: Chemistry in Collaboration | Stephen Boehler, Founder at Mercer Island Group
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37:58What’s the secret to building lasting and successful partnerships? This week, we dive into the Soul & Science of agency-client relationships with Stephen Boehler, founder of Mercer Island Group and former Procter & Gamble brand manager. Stephen shares his journey from growing up in a family business to leading one of the most respected agency searc…
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#81: Disrupt and Scale | Erika Badan, CEO at Food52
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37:26Let's talk about the Soul & Science of disrupting an industry and scaling a business. This week, Jason sits down with Erika Badan, CEO of Food52, to discuss her journey from early career uncertainty to becoming a leader in the home goods and lifestyle industry. Erika shares how her time at Barstool Sports taught her to embrace risk, her vision for …
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General Mills Chief Brand & Disruptive Growth Officer Douglas Martin | What Makes a $50 Million Business Idea
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30:28This week, we’re throwing it back to a classic episode that won us not one, but two Signal Awards. Douglas Martin, Chief Brand and Disruptive Growth Officer at General Mills, is a brand growth champion with over 22 years of experience. In his role at General Mills, Doug has worked on marketing initiatives for Cheerios and Yoplait, and his experienc…
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Mini: What happened? From Brat Summer to Fascist Fall
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4:45There’s just one day left before the election, and Kamala Harris has recently intensified her critique of Donald Trump, calling out his "unstable" and "fascist" tendencies. In this mini episode, Jason talks about why, as a Harris voter, her campaign’s strategic pivot to a tougher tone aimed at swaying independents and energizing her base might not …
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How is influencer marketing evolving in the creator economy? In today's mini episode, we explore the shift from one-off campaigns to building long-term relationships with micro-creators who drive engagement and authenticity. Plus how we here at Mekanism are leading the way by leveraging creator networks to foster genuine connections, fill content g…
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#80: Walmart US SVP and CMO William White | The Soul & Science of Retail Marketing
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36:45Building a lasting brand is all about balancing long-term strategy with short-term wins. In this episode of the Soul & Science Podcast, Jason sits down with William White, SVP and CMO at Walmart, to talk about the secret sauce marketers can use to drive both ongoing engagement and immediate business results. With a career spanning several major bra…
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#79: The Soul & Science of Standing Out | Chase Jarvis, Artist, Entrepreneur, Director
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35:17In this episode of the Soul & Science Podcast, we’re exploring what it means to find your creative voice with a person who has built a legacy on taking calculated risk. Chase Jarvis is an award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and Emmy-nominated director who has shot global campaigns for Apple, Nike, and more than 100 other brands – as well as contrib…
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In today’s mini episode, we explore the core business orientations that shape how companies sell and market their products. We break down the four key approaches: sales, market, product, and societal orientation. Discover how brands like Apple, Nike, and Patagonia align their strategies with these orientations, and why knowing your business orienta…
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#78: The Soul & Science of Strategy Design | CEO of Sweathead Mark Pollard
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35:59In today’s episode of the Soul & Science Podcast, we’re talking to Mark Pollard, brand strategist, CEO of Sweathead, host of the Sweathead Podcast and author of the book Strategy is Your Words. For the past 20 years, Mark has worked with global brands such as The Economist, Meta, and The Wall Street Journal to solve complex marketing challenges and…
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Is it time to update your company values? In today’s mini episode, we dive into why values matter and we’ll share the six new guiding principles at Mekanism. From embracing bold creativity to fostering teamwork and innovation, these values will help us redefine our company’s future. Brought to you by Mekanism.…
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#77: The Soul & Science of Marketing Innovation | Mark-Hans Richer, Global CMO & SVP of Direct Commerce at Fortune Brands Home & Security
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35:30In this episode of the Soul & Science Podcast, we explore balancing business results and creative innovation in global brand building with the Global Chief Marketing Officer, GM Direct Commerce at Fortune Brands Innovations, Mark-Hans Richer. With over 30 years of experience, Mark-Hans has built groundbreaking campaigns with companies such as Moen,…
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#76: The Soul & Science of Gen Z | JUV Consulting Founder Ziad Ahmed
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36:32In this episode of the Soul & Science Podcast, the founder of JUV Consulting, Ziad Ahmed joins us to teach us how to truly connect with your Gen Z audience. You’re going to learn how to crack the code to speak to this dynamic and elusive audience. 25-year-old Ziad has been making serious waves in the brand world as the Head of Next Gen at United Ta…
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Have you ever wondered if Chief Marketing Officers have what it takes to lead as CEOs? In this mini episode, we uncover four powerful reasons why CMOs might be the secret weapon for business growth and customer-centric leadership. Tune in to challenge the traditional executive hierarchy and discover new possibilities! Brought to you by Mekanism.…
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#75: The Soul & Science of Major League Eating | George Shea, Founder of Shea Communications
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34:59Beyond his role as the over-the-top showman and host of Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Contest in Coney Island, George Shea is a seasoned marketing professional with three decades of experience. Together with his brother, Richard, he has elevated the Nathan's Famous hot dog-eating contest into a major brand promotion recognized around…
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New Balance CMO Chris Davis | 116 Years Young - Inside New Balance’s Brand Transformation
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30:30Have you been watching the olympics? We certainly have been here at the Mekanism offices, and it’s inspired us to revisit this amazing conversation with New Balance CMO Chris Davis. New Balance is not only “the shoe brand of choice for film stars, athletes and supermodels,” according to Urban Journal, it’s the brand for “the biggest, hype-inducing …
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#74: The Soul & Science of Talent | The New York Times Chief Human Resource Officer Jacqueline Welch
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47:39Today on the Soul & Science podcast, we’re sitting down with Jacqueline Welch, Chief Human Resource Officer at the New York Times to get the inside scoop on what you as an employer can do to make a strong and effective team. In her role at the Times, she leads the organization's human resources team and oversees all aspects of talent acquisition, c…
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#73: The Soul & Science of Multicultural Marketing | Co-Founder of AIMM Carlos Santiago
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47:03In this episode of the Soul & Science podcast, Carlos Santiago Co-Founder at The Alliance for Inclusive and Multicultural Marketing or AIMM is joining us to explore how we as marketers can better celebrate diversity and inclusion with a multicultural audience. Carlos has been working and developing this space for over 18 years as a leading research…
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#72: The Soul & Science of Community Engagement | Founder and CEO of Gay Water Spencer Hoddeson
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47:33In this episode of the Soul & Science podcast, Founder and CEO of ready-to-drink cocktail brand Gay Water Spencer Hoddeson is joining us to teach us why stellar community engagement is the key to success in today’s marketing world. Spencer is far more than a founder and beverage aficionado. He started his career in the marketing and brand departmen…
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#71: The Soul & Science of Re-wilding | Director of Marketing and Brand for Re:wild Carrie Hutchison
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41:47In this episode of the Soul & Science podcast, we are joined by Carrie Hutchison, the Director of Marketing and Brand at Re:wild. Re:wild is an environmental organization that recently partnered with Mekanism’s brand partner, Culturelle Probiotics to bring awareness to an untraditional cause- the endangerment of the human gut microbiome. Carrie sta…
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Olipop Co-Founder & President David Lester | Breaking Your Way to Better Outcomes (2022)
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29:34This week, we're revisiting our inspiring conversation with David Lester, Co-founder at Olipop. There’s an alchemy to relationships, including the ones between co-founders. David Lester, co-founder at good-for-you-soda company, OLIPOP, first heard about his future business partner, Ben Goodwin, while he was quitting his 10-year job at global bevera…
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OWYN CMO Julia Perez | Be In Love With Your Industry (2023)
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29:43This week, we're revisiting our amazing conversation with Julia Perez, CMO at OWYN from May 2023. Julia is a New York born, Miami-based marketing executive with a deep understanding of high-growth, healthier-for-you food and beverage startups. With more than 10 years of experience working for brands like Red Bull, Hain Celestial, RSP Nutrition, and…
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#70: The Soul & Science of Starting a Movement | Founder of The Complaint Free Movement Will Bowen
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40:48In this episode, we look into the Soul & Science of starting a movement. Small actions done consistently can have profound effects on our lives. The real challenge is doing those things every day. Something the majority of us seem to have no issues doing almost everyday is complaining. While complaining about this, that, and whatever comes to mind …
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Why do some pitches soar while others flop? Today, we talk about the secrets of successful client pitches with the five laws of new business. From strategic selectivity to post-pitch follow-ups, here are some of our best strategies for winning over clients. Brought to you by Mekanism.By Mekanism and Jason Harris
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#69: The Soul & Science of Mindfulness | Dan Harris, ABC Journalist and Author
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46:46It’s easy to get lost in the details of those everyday small inconveniences – what’s for dinner tonight, that looming deadline, whether or not your joke landed in that meeting earlier. It’s also just as easy to switch our brains to autopilot when they get overwhelmed and disappear into social media or TV. And what about that narrator in our heads? …
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What do you do with a great idea that your client didn't want? Toss it? Or keep it? In today’s mini episode, we tackle the dilemma of rejected concepts. Discover how to transform these creative casualties into proactive initiatives that not only promote your business but also make a positive impact on the world. Brought to you by Mekanism.…
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