EP 46: Reading the room: Marketing lessons from the auction floor

The best marketers know how to read the room, and few people on earth do it better than an elite auctioneer. Brand Slam Episode 46 takes listeners inside the high-stakes world of auctions to uncover how energy, emotion and crowd psychology can drive marketing outcomes that spreadsheets can’t. In this episode, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Jacqueline Towers-Perkins, a London native turned New Yorker with nearly 15 years of experience commanding auction floors around the globe. She’s led sales at prestigious houses like Sotheby’s and Bonhams, hosted events for everyone from the King of England to Jay-Z, and helped move hundreds of millions in art, luxury goods and rare collectibles. Known for her fast-paced delivery, sharp instincts and commanding stage presence, Jacqueline brings a rare mix of theater and business acumen to every auction she directs. Now, as Founder and CEO of Towers & Co., Jacqueline is redefining what it means to “read the room.” Her global auctioneer agency and fundraising consultancy blends stagecraft and psychology—the same mix that turns a quiet crowd into a bidding frenzy.   Throughout the conversation, Jacqueline shares powerful parallels between auctioneering and marketing — both demand authenticity, timing and the ability to stir emotion at just the right moment. She reveals how professional auctioneers elevate fundraising events beyond transactions, transforming them into unforgettable experiences that build momentum and inspire generosity. The hosts explore how the spectacle of auctioneering mirrors the craft of brand storytelling — where emotion fuels engagement and exclusivity drives value. Jacqueline also breaks down the psychology of bidding wars, showing how urgency and competition can be engineered to influence consumer behavior. For CMOs, this episode is a reminder that your best-performing campaigns aren’t just well-targeted — they’re well-timed, emotionally resonant and charged with purpose. Whether you’re building a global brand or leading a local charity gala, Episode 46 is your masterclass in energy, emotion and the art of engagement. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at [email protected].