Dory Ellis Garfinkle, CMO at Siegel+Gale

In this episode of the Think Factory Podcast, Dory Ellis Garfinkle, Chief Marketing Officer at Siegel+Gale, shares her unconventional journey from growing up in Detroit’s automotive culture to leading marketing and brand strategy for one of the world’s most respected brand consulting firms. Drawing on experiences across mobility, innovation, and design-focused organizations, Dory explores how marketing goes far beyond selling products—it’s about understanding human behavior, challenging assumptions, and helping people see new possibilities for themselves.Dory dives into the psychology behind successful marketing campaigns, revealing how insights into identity and decision-making can drive meaningful behavior change and business results. She discusses balancing creativity with performance, the role of leadership in modern marketing, and why understanding emotional barriers is often the key to unlocking growth. Dory also offers valuable career advice for women aspiring to leadership roles, emphasizing the importance of embracing risk, learning from failure, and confidently creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.Disclaimer