#90: What Marketers Can Learn from StockX (and Its Sneakerhead Hype Machine) | StockX CMO Nicholas Karrat

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

#Arts #Business #Marketing #Graphic Design #Mekanism

38:30

Chef Shuai Wang was the runner-up on the 22nd season of Bravo’s Top Chef and is the force behind two standout restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina—Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ—where he brings together the flavors of his childhood in Beijing and the spirit of the South in some pretty unforgettable ways. He grew up just a short walk from Tiananmen Square, in a tiny home with no electricity or running water, where his grandmother often cooked over charcoal. Later, in Queens, New York, his mom taught herself to cook—her first dishes were a little salty, but they were always made with love. And somewhere along the way, Shuai learned that cooking wasn’t just about food—it was about taking care of people. After years working in New York kitchens, he made his way to Charleston and started building something that feels entirely his own. Today, we’re talking about how all those experiences come together on the plate, the family stories behind his cooking, and what it’s been like to share that journey on national TV. For more info visit: southernliving.com/biscuitsandjam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

about a year ago 36:16

MP3•Episode home

Not 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 startups, Nick has held leadership roles at AT&T, Citibank, Plated, Boll & Branch, and Tommy John. Now at the helm of marketing for StockX, he’s focused on staying true to the brand’s core while expanding its reach.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Every channel is both brand and performance—the only difference is timing.
✅ Scarcity still drives urgency, but discovery starts earlier than ever.
✅ Trust and authentic storytelling beat polish when you’re building for the culture.
✅ For trend-driven products, TikTok fuels demand in real time.
✅ Great CMOs trust their instincts and adapt with the people on their team.

Memorable Moments:
💡 “Everything we do is brand and everything we do is performance, whether you like it or not.”
💡 “Now you know” isn’t just a tagline. It’s how culture spreads.
💡 “People and vision beat category and paycheck. Every time.”
Brought to you by Mekanism.

125 episodes

#90: What Marketers Can Learn from StockX (and Its Sneakerhead Hype Machine) | StockX CMO Nicholas Karrat

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

125 episodes

#Arts #Business #Marketing #Graphic Design #Mekanism

All episodes

1
#92: When Creative Trust Changes Everything | Kate Torrance, VP of Brand at SickKids & Josh Budd, CCO at Citizen Relations 39:16

7 days ago39:16

39:16

How 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. They share how SickKids transformed a milestone into a powerful storytelling opportunity through creative risk-taking, clear brand strategy, and a true partnership between client and agency. From crafting 150 stories of impact to launching a hot air balloon over downtown Toronto, Kate and Josh walk through the creative decisions that made it all possible. Key Takeaways: ✅ Strong partnerships start with trust, not briefs ✅ Simple ideas, like balloons, can carry powerful stories ✅ Emotional impact comes from authenticity, not pity ✅ The best ideas come from looking inward, not just at competitors Memorable Moments: 💡 “It’s not a birthday without balloons.” 💡 “Some days you wake up with a shovel, some days with a spoon.” 💡 “If it triggers you, it might mean it’s powerful.” 💡 “We didn’t just bring an idea. We brought a partnership.” 💡 “You can break convention if the story is real.” Brought to you by Mekanism .…

1
Mini: Don't Let DEI D-I-E 4:14

13 days ago4:14

4:14

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 integrity. We’ll dig into: Why DEI isn’t a “nice-to-have,” but a business imperative The backlash companies like Target are facing from consumers and investors alike How younger, more diverse audiences are demanding more from brands Why retreating from DEI can cost you both brand equity and customer loyalty Brought to you by Mekanism .…

1
#91: Build Bold. Invest Early. Stay Human. | Ben Lerer, Founder of Thrillist & MP at Lerer Hippeau 34:36

20 days ago34:36

34:36

He 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 great digital brands to navigating the rise of creators, platforms, and AI, Ben shares hard-earned insights on what it takes to survive—and thrive—through disruption. Key Takeaways: ✅ Media brands chased scale, but the platforms took the audience (and the money) ✅ In today’s startup world, no AI in the pitch means something’s off ✅ Cost-cutting kills companies; real growth comes from bold bets ✅ Great founders—not trends—should guide where you invest Memorable Moments: 💡 “The winners weren’t the publishers—it was the pipes.” 💡 “We almost named it Ape Alert. That would’ve been a disaster.” 💡 “If I need a calendar reminder to make a decision, it’s a no.” 💡 “We believe founders are smarter than us. If we’re around great talent, we’ll end up in interesting markets.” Brought to you by Mekanism .…

1
Mini: Launching a Product in Uncertain Times 5:22

27 days ago5:22

5:22

Launching 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, but thrive during turbulent times. Key Takeaways: Agility beats the grand reveal Focus on value without slashing prices Harness power of community and brand trust Brought to you by Mekanism .…

1
#90: What Marketers Can Learn from StockX (and Its Sneakerhead Hype Machine) | StockX CMO Nicholas Karrat 36:16

5 weeks ago36:16

36:16

Not 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 startups, Nick has held leadership roles at AT&T, Citibank, Plated, Boll & Branch, and Tommy John. Now at the helm of marketing for StockX, he’s focused on staying true to the brand’s core while expanding its reach. Key Takeaways: ✅ Every channel is both brand and performance—the only difference is timing. ✅ Scarcity still drives urgency, but discovery starts earlier than ever. ✅ Trust and authentic storytelling beat polish when you’re building for the culture. ✅ For trend-driven products, TikTok fuels demand in real time. ✅ Great CMOs trust their instincts and adapt with the people on their team. Memorable Moments: 💡 “Everything we do is brand and everything we do is performance, whether you like it or not.” 💡 “Now you know” isn’t just a tagline. It’s how culture spreads. 💡 “People and vision beat category and paycheck. Every time.” Brought to you by Mekanism .…

1
Mini: What the Adidas Pet Collection Gets Right (and What It Misses) 2:28

6 weeks ago2:28

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: 🧠 Is this a clever test-market move or a missed brand moment? 📍 Why China first—and why not global? 📱 How could influencer strategy have amplified the rollout? Whether you're building brand love or exploring new categories, there's a lot to learn from this bold (and adorable) launch. Brought to you by Mekanism .…

1
#89: Building Brands from the Inside Out | Bryant Brennan, Chief Creative Officer at Fi 38:01

7 weeks ago38:01

38:01

Creative 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 Peloton’s creative team into an award-winning force, Bryant shares how to align teams, collaborate with agencies, and use design to drive results. He also shares how Fi brings those lessons to pet tech—blending emotion, data, and surprising uses of AI. What’s Inside: ✅ Why internal teams need ownership to succeed ✅ What Peloton got right about scaling brand and performance ✅ How Fi turns utility into emotional connection ✅ The role of AI in creative concepting and brand voice ✅ The hallmarks of a truly collaborative agency partnership Memorable Moments: 💡 “You’re building the brand in every execution, big or small.” 💡 “The best partners care as much about the product as you do.” 💡 “It’s not that I have to. It’s that I get to.” Brought to you by Mekanism .…

1
Mini: The Return of HBO Max 3:48

8 weeks ago3:48

3:48

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-not-be-named, some branding detours are better left reversed. Key Takeaways: ✅ Don’t mess with strong brand equity—especially when it’s called “HBO.” ✅ A reversal doesn’t have to be a failure if you own it. ✅ Smart brands listen, learn, and even laugh with their customers. Backtracking isn’t always a step back. Sometimes, it’s just better branding. Brought to you by Mekanism .…

1
#88: Why Purpose Still Matters | Bill Oberlander, Founder & Creative Chairman at OBERLAND 33:46

9 weeks ago33:46

33:46

Why 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 Madison Avenue to launching a values-first agency that's now AdAge’s Purpose-Led Agency of the Year. He opens up about building OBERLAND from scratch, pitching campaigns like ELF’s So Many Dicks, and why he believes hustle, resilience, and unrelenting honesty are the keys to making good money, by doing good. What’s Inside: ✅ Why a purpose-driven brief matters more than a purpose-driven agency ✅ How “creativity, commerce, and consciousness” intersect in great marketing ✅The origin stories behind some of OBERLAND’s boldest work, from pitching Thinx to launching ELF’s viral “So Many Dicks” campaign ✅ Why brands that ignore social impact are missing their next generation of consumers Memorable Moments: 💡 “You don’t need a purpose-driven agency to do purpose-driven work. You just need a purpose-driven brief.” 💡 “The best new business department is just better creative.” 💡 “Make good money. That’s the line.” Brought to you by Mekanism .…

1
#87: B2B Marketing Shouldn’t Be Boring | Jim Lesser, Chief Brand Officer at ServiceNow 37:10

11 weeks ago37:10

37:10

Just 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 Executive Creative Director at BBDO San Francisco, including the well-known "Imagine the Possibilities" campaign for Barbie. He shares how creative thinking, operational reinvention, and a people-first approach have shaped his leadership path. Jim talks about what it really takes to build an emotional connection in B2B marketing, why “marketing the marketing” matters more than ever, and how making yourself useful can unlock the next opportunity in your career. What’s Inside: ✅ Lessons from Jim’s rise from agency receptionist to CEO to Chief Brand Officer ✅ Why managing creatives is harder, and maybe more valuable, than mastering spreadsheets ✅ How ServiceNow is building a more human, recognizable brand in the B2B space ✅ The thinking behind ServiceNow University and the company’s growing community of users Memorable Moments: 💡 “Make yourself useful, and your next opportunity will find you.” 💡 “Cool sh*t with cool people. That’s the billboard.” 💡 “If the product is innovative, the marketing should be too.” Brought to you by Mekanism .…

1
Mini: Why Do Influencers Start Beverage Brands? 3:42

12 weeks ago3:42

3:42

From 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 + hydration = $$$. Key Takeaways: ✅ Beverages are easy to produce and offer premium profit margins. ✅ Built-in audiences become built-in distribution channels. ✅ Drinks match the lifestyle-driven narratives influencers are already selling. Forget merch drops. The new influencer flex? Something you can sip. Brought to you by Mekanism .…

1
Mini: Leadership in Times of Uncertainty 4:58

14 weeks ago4:58

4:58

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 themselves—and their organizations—when everything else is shifting. Key Takeaways: ✅ Ask the big questions: What do you value, where do you stand, and how can you move ahead? ✅ Focus on fundamentals: core purpose, collaboration, and resilience. ✅ Lead with stability and hope, even when the path ahead isn’t clear. Uncertainty isn’t just something to survive — it’s a chance to lead with more purpose, connection, and strength. Brought to you by Mekanism .…

1
The Soul & Science of Culture | Best-Selling Author Dr. Marcus Collins (2024) 47:19

15 weeks ago47:19

47:19

From 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, author of For the Culture and former Head of Strategy at Wieden+Kennedy, has worked with brands like Apple, Nike, and even Beyoncé. In this episode, he breaks down the deep connection between culture and behavior — and how marketers can better understand both. You’ll learn: How culture and marketing intersect to shape successful campaigns The core elements that define culture and how we interact with it How brands can show up with real cultural relevance — not just follow trends Brought to you by Mekanism .…

1
Mini: Literature is Fashion’s Newest Muse 4:25

17 weeks ago4:25

4:25

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: ✅ Fashion brands are aligning with literature to appeal to Gen Z’s love of books. ✅ Literary collaborations give brands more depth, substance, and cultural cachet. ✅ In a world of fleeting content, literature offers a timeless counterbalance. From “BookTok” buzz to billboards with classic quotes, Jason unpacks why the fashion world is rewriting its narrative—and what marketers can learn from it.…

1
Mini: How Trump's Tariffs Are Reshaping Brand Marketing 4:52

18 weeks ago4:52

4:52

What 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 marketing as margins tighten. ✅ Expect a rise in “Made in America” messaging to appeal to patriotic sentiment. ✅ Companies will lean into transparency , explaining price hikes to consumers. From autos to electronics, tariffs are impacting more than just supply chains—they’re changing how we connect with customers.…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
#86: AI vs. Human Creativity: Why Brands Still Resist the Future | Fredrik Thomassen, Co-founder & CEO of Superside 31:59

19 weeks ago31:59

31:59

Why 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 change . Fredrik shares how Superside is reshaping the creative industry , using AI to optimize workflows, scale production, and help brands break through the noise. He reveals the surprising ways AI outperforms human-generated creative , why the briefing process is the real bottleneck in marketing, and how companies can rethink their approach to creative strategy before they fall behind. What’s Inside: ✅ The biggest misconception about AI-generated creative—and why brands still resist it. ✅ How AI-powered briefing tools are solving the #1 bottleneck in creative work. ✅ The Soul & Science of AI—why the real challenge isn’t tech, but trust . ✅ Why brands that fail to integrate AI into their workflow will struggle to compete. Memorable Moments: 💡 "People say AI can’t do strategy or taste—but the data tells a different story." 💡 "If you don’t get your clients to embrace AI, you’ll be left behind." 💡 "AI isn’t replacing creatives—it’s freeing them up to make better work." Brought to you by Mekanism .…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
Mini: Why CMOs Get Fired 5:05

20 weeks ago5:05

5:05

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, CFOs, and the leadership team. ✅ Only 1 in 3 CEOs & CFOs feel aligned with their CMO. ✅ CMOs need to “market the marketing” —internally proving their value. With CMO tenure averaging just 40 months , Jason will be focusing on learning how top CMOs gain buy-in, build trust, and prove their impact in upcoming episodes.…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
#85: The Art of Executive Coaching | Rob Schwartz, Executive Coach, on Leading with Vision (Part 2) 22:29

21 weeks ago22:29

22:29

How 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 back to transformational. Rob breaks down where and how his GROW coaching framework works best, why deep listening is a leadership superpower, and how simply showing up—whether for a client, a team, or yourself—can make all the difference. What’s Inside: ✅ How Rob’s GROW framework helps leaders set goals, align teams, and drive change. ✅ The Soul & Science of Coaching—balancing instinct, psychology, and structure. ✅ Why creative leaders need to understand business fundamentals, including finance. ✅ How agencies and brands can move from taking orders to shaping bold ideas again. Memorable Moments: 💡 "We’ve gone from transformational to transactional. Show up. Listen. Get to the real goal." 💡 "Great coaching isn’t about telling people what to do—it’s about helping them realize what’s already inside them." 💡 "Want to unlock creative potential? Start with values that actually mean something." Brought to you by Mekanism .…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
#84: From Creative to CEO | Rob Schwartz, Executive Coach, on Leading with Vision (Part 1) 21:15

22 weeks ago21:15

21:15

How 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 “Clarify, Simplify, Unify, Amplify,” Rob revitalized TBWA\Chiat\Day New York and led iconic brands like Nissan, Visa, and McDonald's to global success. Rob shares how his bias towards action and deep listening skills shaped his leadership style, allowing him to innovate in times of disruption and inspire teams to reach their full potential. He also opens up about his transition from CEO to Executive Coach, offering powerful insights on nurturing human potential and coaching the next generation of creative leaders. What’s Inside: How Rob’s philosophy of “Clarify, Simplify, Unify, Amplify” reshaped TBWA\Chiat\Day New York. The importance of listening and having a bias toward action in creative leadership. Why understanding the economics of an agency is crucial for moving from CCO to CEO. The lessons he learned guiding teams through industry disruptions and global crises. Memorable Moments: "Business is a creative act. Being CEO was the most creative thing I ever did." "Listening isn’t just about hearing words—it’s about understanding culture, trends, and human needs." "Great leaders adapt and grow with the times, just like great brands." Brought to you by Mekanism .…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
The Science Behind Ads That Truly Connect | Pranav Yadav, Neuro-Insight Founder and Global CEO 26:28

27 weeks ago26:28

26:28

What 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 stir emotions and hit the perfect pitch. In this episode, you’ll learn: What neuromarketing is and how it’s revolutionizing the way brands are built. Why the first hour of a focus group doesn’t always predict real-world purchasing behavior. How an ad’s success hinges on associating the brand with peak emotional moments. Why being open to learning is the ultimate key to growth. Tune in to discover how Yadav blends science and creativity to transform advertising strategies. *This episode originally aired in January 2023 Brought to you by Mekanism .…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
#83: Innovative Partnership | Dustin Baker & Maya French, Co-founders of HappyPop 37:13

29 weeks ago37:13

37:13

This 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 over a decade, how they turned personal challenges into groundbreaking products, and why community is at the heart of their mission to deliver happiness and wellness to all.What’s Inside: How Dustin and Maya’s entrepreneurial chemistry fuels their success. Lessons from launching Koia, a plant-based protein drink, and HappyPop, a mood-boosting energy beverage. Strategies for building community and creating culturally relevant brands. Insights into navigating the ever-changing CPG landscape. Memorable Moments: "Great partnerships are built on trust, adaptability, and a shared mission." "Happiness isn’t just a product—it’s a commitment to making lives better." "Community is earned, not demanded, and it’s essential for brand success." Brought to you by Mekanism .…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
#82: Chemistry in Collaboration | Stephen Boehler, Founder at Mercer Island Group 37:58

32 weeks ago37:58

37:58

What’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 search consultancies. Learn how a serendipitous flight led to the creation of Mercer Island Group, his lessons from turning around the Pringles brand, and why fostering chemistry between teams is vital for innovation and growth. What’s in this episode? Why short-termism is a growing challenge—and how to refocus on long-term brand building. Tips for creating meaningful client-agency relationships that stand the test of time. How training gaps are impacting the marketing industry—and what we can do about it. Brought to you by Mekanism .…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
#81: Disrupt and Scale | Erika Badan, CEO at Food52 37:26

33 weeks ago37:26

37:26

Let'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 reimagining Food52’s role in the market, and the importance of building brands that connect authentically with their communities. From navigating investor relationships to cultivating a team capable of disruption, Erika’s insights offer a fresh perspective on leadership in today’s dynamic business environment.What’s in this episode? Lessons on scaling businesses while staying true to your brand’s essence. The role of adaptability and intuition in managing teams and growth. Why community and fearless experimentation are central to long-term success. Brought to you by Mekanism .…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
General Mills Chief Brand & Disruptive Growth Officer Douglas Martin | What Makes a $50 Million Business Idea 30:28

37 weeks ago30:28

30:28

This 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 experience spans across household names in addition to General Mills, with roles at Gap and Walt Disney Studios. On today’s episode you’ll learn: How a company that’s not only a household name, but 167 years old – can still disrupt their categories. What makes an idea not only great, but a scalable $50 million business idea. The value of good old fashioned pen and paper when framing and solving big picture problems. There’s no company so big that it shouldn’t keep finding new opportunities for growth. Brought to you by Mekanism . *This episode originally aired in October 2023…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
Mini: What happened? From Brat Summer to Fascist Fall 4:45

38 weeks ago4:45

4:45

There’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 have been the best move. Brought to you by Mekanism .…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
Mini: The Future of Influencer Marketing 3:23

39 weeks ago3:23

3:23

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 gaps, and optimize strategies for lasting brand success. Brought to you by Mekanism .…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
#80: Walmart US SVP and CMO William White | The Soul & Science of Retail Marketing 36:45

40 weeks ago36:45

36:45

Building 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 brands like Coca-Cola, Target, and KitchenAid, William shares insights on the world of long-term brand building for some of the largest brands in retail. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: How to balance long-term brand strategy with the pressure of immediate sales goals. Why innovating with your customers in mind is key to driving year-over-year growth. Why staying with a brand for the long haul can deepen your insights into both the business and your career. Brought to you by Mekanism .…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
#79: The Soul & Science of Standing Out | Chase Jarvis, Artist, Entrepreneur, Director 35:17

42 weeks ago35:17

35:17

In 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 contributed to the Pulitzer Prize-winning NYT story Snowfall . His previous book Creative Calling was a National Best Seller, and his new book Never Play It Safe is out October 8th. In today’s episode, you’ll learn: How reconnecting with your true self will lead to both personal and professional fulfillment, even if it means defying societal expectations What lies beyond your comfort zone and how to take intelligent risks that push you forward without jeopardizing your well-being Why “fitting in” cuts a clear path to mediocrity in both marketing and life, and how embracing what makes you you is how to make a difference Brought to you by Mekanism .…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
Mini: The Four Business Orientations 3:14

43 weeks ago3:14

3:14

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 orientation is essential for crafting effective marketing plans.…

Soul & Science: Fast Forward Your Marketing Mind

1
#78: The Soul & Science of Strategy Design | CEO of Sweathead Mark Pollard 35:59

44 weeks ago35:59