EPISODE · May 26, 2025 · 40 MIN
From Intern to Icon: Nicole Wingard on Smashing Cans, Going Viral & Earning Creative Trust
from The Gathering Podcast · host The Gathering
Join Mandy Balak, President of The Gathering, and Owen Reader, Head of Marketing, for a high-energy conversation with Nicole Wingard—the creative disruptor who turned a marketing internship into a viral movement (and a 1,200% revenue spike).From being rejected (twice) to becoming the face of Mixology's most successful campaign, Nicole opens up about the chaos, pressure, and purpose behind her now-famous can-smashing content. What started as a bold bet turned into a masterclass in brand storytelling, community building, and trusting the process.This is one for the brand leaders, content rebels, and anyone daring to do things differently.This episode explores:🔥 How Nicole turned rejection into rocket fuel (and why persistence still wins) 🎯 The real strategy behind “The Best Marketing Strategy Ever” and what it taught her about virality 📈 Behind the scenes of a 1,200% sales spike—and what brands can learn from it 🧠 Imposter syndrome, audience co-creation, and barfing brilliance on Google Docs 🤝 Why creator-brand trust is the future of marketing—and how to build it from day one🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22–25, 2025 [Get Tickets Here]Follow us for updates: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultgatheringLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cult-gatheringSubscribe to the newsletterWatch the 2025 Preview on YouTubeGuest’s LinkedIn: Nicole Wingard
What this episode covers
Join Mandy Balak, President of The Gathering, and Owen Reader, Head of Marketing, for a high-energy conversation with Nicole Wingard—the creative disruptor who turned a marketing internship into a viral movement (and a 1,200% revenue spike).From being rejected (twice) to becoming the face of Mixology's most successful campaign, Nicole opens up about the chaos, pressure, and purpose behind her now-famous can-smashing content. What started as a bold bet turned into a masterclass in brand storytelling, community building, and trusting the process.This is one for the brand leaders, content rebels, and anyone daring to do things differently.This episode explores:🔥 How Nicole turned rejection into rocket fuel (and why persistence still wins) 🎯 The real strategy behind “The Best Marketing Strategy Ever” and what it taught her about virality 📈 Behind the scenes of a 1,200% sales spike—and what brands can learn from it 🧠 Imposter syndrome, audience co-creation, and barfing brilliance on Google Docs 🤝 Why creator-brand trust is the future of marketing—and how to build it from day one🎟️ Join us at The Gathering 2025 | October 22–25, 2025 [Get Tickets Here]Follow us for updates: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultgatheringLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cult-gatheringSubscribe to the newsletterWatch the 2025 Preview on YouTubeGuest’s LinkedIn: Nicole Wingard
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From Intern to Icon: Nicole Wingard on Smashing Cans, Going Viral & Earning Creative Trust
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