Brand New

To wrap the year, we could think of no one better than industry power broker, consigliere, and founder now of 3C Ventures: Michael Kassan, to give us his uniquely insider take on the headlines that are rewriting the rules of the media business in real time. From the blockbuster Omnicom–IPG merger to Netflix’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, the tectonic plates underneath the entire ecosystem are shifting, propelled of course by technology and AI.  Michael is always in the room where it happens, and with his storytelling flair we know you’ll appreciate hearing what these mega-moves actually mean: who gains power, who loses leverage, what it means for agency folks, for clients and for consumers. We loved this conversation, we learned from it and hope you will too.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s holiday shopping prime time, which means for many retailers and brands, this is business prime time too. (There’s a reason the day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday.) To give perspective to what’s going on out there and what we might expect, there is no one better than Marni Shapiro, the outspoken, in-the-trenches retail analyst behind The Retail Tracker. In this episode, Marni breaks down how the current macroeconomic environment is impacting American consumers (picture: a lot more shoppers standing in the aisles doing math), while sharing her belief that the American consumer has a way of making Christmas happen.From cautionary tales to unexpected bright spots, this is a fresh, fascinating conversation on the holiday retail season and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terence Kawaja has mapped (literally) the chaos of media and marketing tech for decades. As many in the industry know he is somehow part investment banker, part prognosticator and part comedic showman (his musical parodies about Cannes and more are rather iconic). In this episode, Marisa and Steven get Terry’s take and where it’s all actually going from here. If the business of brands was once a combination of “real estate and religion” what is it now becoming? You might be surprised where this banker nets out, but here’s a hint: how about tech as the ultimate megaphone for… creativity? Join us!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here’s a question: if you were invited to a dinner party, at an anonymous stranger’s house, where you also didn’t know who else would be there but you believed it was going to be interesting… would you go? Behavioral scientist Jon Levy sought to answer that question for himself by starting the legendary Influencers dinner parties back in 2010. Now, 400 dinners and about 4,000 affirmative RSVPs later (including at different points Steven and Marisa),  Nobel Laureates to self-made CEOs to professional athletes have made burritos together, and Jon has become a master at decoding connection (essential for humans, and especially for marketers). In his new book,Team Intelligence, Jon is taking those insights to teams and leadership (hint: being a leader is a lot like being a host). And note there is through line of trust running through all of the above (at a time when trust in leadership is in short supply). Trust US when we say this is a great conversation that will make you think differently about - genuine  - influence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marisa and Steven are back after a hiatus, with this kick-off episode that takes the themes of seasons 1-2 and brings them right into the current moment. In just the past few weeks, we’ve seen so many examples of brands who found themselves caught in moments of unexpected cultural explosion. From Cracker Barrel to AE to Jimmy Kimmel to Tylenol and more, each of these have demonstrated how much the requirements of leadership have changed. The hosts surface 3 words that they believe carry new resonance today for that challenge: vision, vulnerability, velocity. (Not your standard adjectives, are they)? Yet incredibly fitting for our tech-disrupted and politically complex world, a world where trust is so fragile. A world where brands, and leaders, have to root themselves more than in ever in: what do you really stand for? Listen in as they catch up… and break it all down, with personal stories from the front lines paired with their unique macro industry insights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode comes with a guarantee: this conversation is NOT the same recap of the Cannes Lions that you’ve probably read multiple times by now in your feeds. Joined by leading industry journalist Suzanne Vranica, who has long covered media, advertising, marketing and tech for The Wall Street Journal with a clarity few possess, Marisa, Steven and Suzanne get underneath the real business that happens -and happened this year - in Cannes. From the future of the big agency holding companies (the point of view might surprise you) to some vigorous debate on whether AI was talked about too much, or not enough to where the action really happens, grab your own glass of rosé and join us for this juicy final episode of this season.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A personal speech. A private AI summit. One powerful catch-up.In this episode, Marisa and Steven reconnect in real life to reflect on two powerful weeks, from Marisa’s moving and bold speech at the UJA Marketing Leadership Awards in NY to Steven’s high-impact Alpha Board Forum in LA. Threading these two events with the larger themes of this season, the two talk about what it means to “stand up” - as professionals, as humans, and as leaders - in a time of exponential change. With candor and care, they examine how brand, identity, and humanity remain as essential as AI, agents and automation, while being unequivocal about the urgency with AI in “learning how to surf.” A thoughtful lead-up to the 2025 Cannes Lions and a powerful reminder that: how you lead is part of your brand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If your work involves connecting with consumers, you’ve probably been influenced by Jim Lecinski without even knowing it. As one of Google’s early top executives, he was at ground zero for the digital revolution that rewrote marketing's rulebook, and coined the idea of a “Zero Moment of Truth” (ZMOT) which is now taught in marketing curriculae everywhere. Jim wrote a definitive book on AI in marketing - three years ago. So it’s fitting that Jim has segued from a huge corporate career to an academic one, as one of the most popular professors at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. On this episode, everyone gets to learn from Professor Jim. From how ZMOT was born, to the best advice Eric Schmidt gave him, join Marisa and Steven as they continue to have the conversations that are critical to wrestling with the challenges and opportunities of business today. As Jim says, “it’s still not too late to be early.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The question on every working person’s mind: how do I reinvent myself to stay relevant in this fast changing world? Surprisingly, one of the most erudite thought leaders on this subject says he personally hates change! - but it’s better than the alternative.  In fact when it comes to navigating the business world and the impacts of technology, no one has navigated a more balanced view about how to embrace it while keeping a soul than Rishad Tobaccowala. Bringing the best of his writings into this conversation, Rishad shares with Marisa and Steven wisdom for brands, and careers. A couple of our favorite nuggets: - the future is NOT all about data, it’s (still) about storytelling- trade thinking about your “tech stack” for thinking about your “customer experience stack”- don’t compete with AI, complement itFor so much more, including Rishad’s take on the 6 skills that the future of work will need most, tune in now!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After talking entrepreneurship in the last episode, Steven and Marisa are at it again with one of the most iconic and successful husband and wife entrepreneur teams: Kass and Mike Lazerow. From founding golf.com to going on to create Buddy Media, the leading social media marketing platform that sold to Salesforce for $745 million, this power pair has accrued a lifetime of stories from building their own businesses to helping others as prolific investors and advisors. How do you know when an idea is good enough to greenlight? What are some of the biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make… and what are lessons that everyone can take away? As investors, do you bet on the jockey, or the horse? Many of these lessons will be found in their forthcoming book Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story… But get a jump before its launch in June, by listening in now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when you’re a top media executive and you choose to leave the corporate world to start a food company… with no prior food experience?  What happens when you set out to build a brand based on passion and purpose, not playbooks?If you’re Gail Becker, you turn cauliflower into Caulipower: the brand that invented a whole new category in an industry that can be a little … crusty. In this episode, Marisa and Steven talk to Gail about what she learned from a life in corporate America - and what she actually had to unlearn - to get past a LOT of “no’s” to unlock that first “yes” as a later-in-life female entrepreneur. Give this a taste!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re in the month that celebrates women… which always begs the question: why do we need a month? There’s no one better to talk that topic than Shelley Zalis, founder of The Female Quotient and a trailblazer in advocating for equity. At the heart of Steven and Marisa’s conversation with Shelley: the clear case for why women leadership in business is simply good for business. From reframing “diversity” to unpacking Marisa’s least favorite research finding ever to the perpetuation of bias in AI, this is one, that we hope is really of interest to everyone.  Our favorite quote: “Stop fixing women. Fix the system.” Start by tuning in!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 If it feels like a year has already happened in two months, for those in the world of business and brands, keeping a finger on the pulse of how consumers are feeling is as critical now as ever. Joining Marisa and Steven on this episode is the CEO of the famed Harris Poll, John Gerzema. In this current climate, will Americans “keep calm and carry on… shopping?” How can business leaders and particularly marketers make a tighter connection with price-stressed consumers? What matters more: facts or feelings? And… is there still cause for optimism? This is one for which you are going to want to take notes!

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Marisa and Steven are back! With big (brand) new professional chapters underway, the co-hosts catch up on their respective journeys over the past few weeks: Marisa in the midst of a big corporate merger and Steven back as an entrepreneur in the dynamic AI landscape. With those developments as a backdrop, get caught up with them on what professionals - including boards - should be doing now about AI, and why the role of brands, and human creativity in building them, has never been more important. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marisa and Steven close out 2024 with the inimitable Dr. Marcus Collins, award-winning marketer, cultural translator, and bestselling author of “For The Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be.” If you agree with Marcus’ thesis that “culture is the operating system of humanity,” what does that mean for how brands connect into culture - the right ways? Who does it well, and who is just “sucking the tailpipe?” Stay tuned for reflections on the year in an episode that will inspire you to think differently in the year ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in 2009, famed author Michael Lewis wrote a profile of basketball player Shane Battier in which he dubbed him “the no stats all star.” What would make someone a no stats all star? An individual whose game play puts the team above himself (how rare is that)? It just took some deeper analytics to realize that how the TEAM performed (Sven even how the competition underperformed) came down to this one unassumingly shrewd variable. In this conversation with Marisa and Steven, Shane shares how those instincts from the court have translated into really meaningful lessons in leadership for all of us. Wondering if the only route to big leadership is big ego? This episode is for you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Businesses that learn forward know that - after a big campaign, whether a big success or big failure - it’s wise to conduct a post-mortem to understand what happened and their implications. In that spirit, and just a few days after a resounding presidential win for Donald Trump, Marisa and Steven offer their view of 5 major learnings for all marketers and brands that we can draw from this election outcome. No (well, almost no) political pontificating - just a smart, objective take that should incite everyone to think a little differently.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marisa and Steven continue their recurring series on building understanding between the Marketers and the Money, when they sit down with private equity leader and former CEO Joshua Schultz to tackle this burning question: do finance leaders truly understand the value of marketing?  Together they get real about the tension between short-term financial performance and long-term brand building, and volley on marketing as an essential investment vs. just another cost to be managed. It’s the kind of conversation that needs to happen more in boardrooms around the country - and one you won’t want to miss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the course of just one week, Marisa and Steven each announced major career news. For Marisa, it was the return to serving as the brand and marketing chief for a big American retailer (but doing it her way, which she wrote about on LinkedIn in a piece called “Try it On”). For Steven, it is also   about doing it his own way by launching a new company (Alpha & Co) to help brands, boards, and business leaders navigate the complexities of growth in the AI era. With true candor, insight and humor these two executives share what was behind these decisions, and what everyone might consider from them in their own career choices.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the recurring questions on “Brand New” has been to what extent should everyone think of themselves as a “brand.“ When it comes to celebrities, it’s not a question; they know they are brands. On this episode, Marisa and Steven talk with renowned interior designer, lifestyle expert and star of Netflix’s “Queer Eye” about his journey of creating a brand first as an entrepreneur, and then experiencing its transformation through the fame of a hit TV show.Bobby’s life story is interesting in and of itself (how many people do you know who started out in he Amish Bible Belt, lived out of their car as a teenager and managed to work their way up the ranks of home decor retail). But this conversation will go beyond to give you a rare, thoughtful view of how to think about helming a brand, when that brand is… you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As summer winds down and everyone gets back to business, Steven and Marisa are talking the business of marketing and the media in a multi-part series tackling the divide that exists (but shouldn't!) between those who control the purse strings ,and those who control the brand and audience string. Joining them on this episode is one of the most prominent analysts in media and technology: Rich Greenfield. Covering everything happening across the worlds of media, tech and entertainment, from whether we will still be buying the same bundles to the drama around Paramount, pass the popcorn and join in a conversation, made as always for experts and casual observers alike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Steven recording from Spain, the co-hosts take this moment in the heat of August to talk about the importance of taking breaks, comparing American culture with regards to work and vacations versus Europe and many other parts of the world. (Spoiler: the U.S. ranks LAST). Both Marisa and Steven riff on the brands of both of the political parties in the wake of the DNC and RNC… and cover some recent business / CEO change headlines. This episode ends with a great listener question on knowing when and how far to rebrand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s back to school time with Steven and Marisa, as they bring on fellow podcasters Sarah Hofstetter and Rachel Tipograph, co-hosts of Brave Commerce, and each well-known CEOs in the world of digital commerce. When these four industry leaders who have known each other for years get into it with each other, you know the discussion is dynamic on where commerce is going. From debating whether “personalization” is all it was hyped to be, to how AI is changing shopping, there’s a lot to learn on this episode (including what’s it’s really been like for two women CEOs in the world of tech). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Olympic Games are more than the ultimate in sports; they are the ultimate execution of an event involving billions of dollars in stakes (invested and potentially made) for brands, countries, athletes and more. In this episode, Steven and Marisa invite sports legend Kathy Carter, most recently CEO of the LA2028 Games, to share a unique insider’s perspective on the business of the Olympics. What does it take, really? Which brand sponsors should we be watching “compete” this time? What’s ahead for when the summer games return to the U.S.? And… were those Opening Ceremonies in Paris brilliant… or bananas? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At this historic moment in American electoral politics, Marisa and Steven put a brand new lens on the two major political parties, and U.S. politicians. In this very timely conversation, they are joined by Congressman Jeff Jackson (NC), who shot to national prominence in the most unexpected of ways: after entering office last year and finding the actual experience of serving in the House so different than what he imagined, he wanted to simply share that. The result? His videos - which he makes himself - have made him the most popular Congressperson on TikTok.  Is it possible that a political “brand” built on authenticity vs. outrage can actually prevail in the U.S. today? And what does a sitting U.S. Congressman actually think about AI for campaign speeches, political advertising, and the Supreme Court? Amidst all the noise, this is a perspective guaranteed to be refreshing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s no secret that Steven is passionate about futbol! But of course he is not alone. The moment of soccer becoming a major part of mainstream American culture is here, and in this episode Steven and Marisa bring on longtime media executive Jason Wagenheim, who is now the North American CEO of Footballco, to talk about what that means for brands. Do you know why soccer has been such a phenomenon in most other parts of the world? What’s the difference between youth sports here and everywhere else and how does that shape the creation of American stars? Whether you are a casual fan or never leave your house without wearing your team’s jersey, in this summer of Copa America, the Euro Cup and more… we think you’ll find this conversation pitch perfect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you think you’ve heard all the definitive recaps of the Cannes Lions, put that thought aside and join Marisa and Steven as they talk to the person who is the Chairman of it all: Philip Thomas. Just some of what will interest and likely surprise you (in a conversation intended at least as much for those who did NOT attend as for those who did): - What the real lead story of the festival was (which barely made a headline) - The true mission of the Cannes Lions, that marketers should really appreciate - Why “AI” was all over Cannes - except for in the jury room - What Russia’s invasion of Ukraine taught about what keeps some people from going to the Cannes Lions - The weirdest thing that happened all week (it involves Elon) And … what did Phil, Marisa and Steven think was Cool or Cringe from it all? Tune in and share your thoughts back!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With our world in a state of rapid change, Steven and Marisa talk about what it all means (or might mean, or should mean) through the lens of work. Joining in for the conversation is Jessi Hempel, Senior Editor at LinkedIn and host of the award winning podcast Hello, Monday. Together, they discuss the big themes we can glean about our collective relationship with work together, and how, especially in these industries, to approach our evolving careers with practical optimism. Should the words “networking” and “dream job” be considered Cool, or Cringe? Listen in and find out!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, get ready to get provoked in your thinking about using social media, as Marisa and Steven are joined by industry icon Gary Vaynerchuk, better know to most as “GaryVee.” Having known each other from the early days of social, there is unique insight and candor across this fast-paced conversation about how social media has evolved for marketers, along with practical ways to be tapping it today. Listen for: what is the big advantage social advertising has over all other ads? What platforms right now are “underpriced” for attention? Why should marketers stop calling what they do in social “posts?” And what does Gary think is cool, or cringe?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s all about the conversation between our two co-hosts this episode, because they had a lot of ground to cover! From why that Apple iPad commercial struck such a nerve that Apple issued a rare apology … to talking about the TV/Media “Upfronts” and the arrival this year of tech companies like Amazon and Netflix into a territory they previously scoffed at… to talking technology versus (and?) creativity… it’s possible that what’s old is new again. Listen in as Steven and Marisa get passionate about all of this and more! Stay on for this episode’s “Cool or Cringe.” And in “What’s On Your Minds,” the question is, is it true that DEI is losing its corporate focus? Tune in!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Continuing on last episode’s pursuit of happiness, Steven and Marisa reflect on the groundswell around the new book “The Anxious Generation,” and its conclusion that: we have overprotected children in the real world and underprotected them online.  Should there be new guardrails around digital use for kids? It’s an important question as the Hot Topic of this episode is a deeper dive into AI, with friends of the hosts and author of the upcoming “Marketing with AI for Dummies” Shiv Singh. As the applications of Artificial Intelligence explode, this episode will give listeners thoughtful and practical views of how to think about it, and how to get started. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven and Marisa are at the 2nd annual Possible conference in Miami, which has quickly become a major industry gathering - and they’ve pulled out a few of their favorite nuggets for you. The bigger gold: a conversation with fellow conference guest Dr. Laurie Santos, whose Yale class: “Psychology and the Good Life,” is the most popular course in the university’s 300 year history, and her own podcast “The Happiness Lab” has had over 100 million downloads. As marketers, and simply as humans, you will not want to miss hearing what most of us get wrong about happiness…. And how we can get it right. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven and Marisa are back, and kicking off season 2 with 2 great guests: actor and producer Wilmer Valderama and iHeart President and CMO Gayle Troberman. Together, the four talk about a landmark study on how American consumers think… compared to how marketers think. A teaser example: every marketer knows the show “Succession.” The rest of America? Not so much. With some important discussion led by Wilmer and Steven on cultural bias particularly when it comes to Hispanic Americans, come back for Brand New Season 2 and enjoy this wide-ranging conversation and play along during a speed round of: Cool, or Cringe? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this final episode of Season 1, Marisa and Steven share a few of the things they’ve learned from YOU about Brand New. One of the things they’ve learned: a favorite aspect of the podcast is getting an honest, inside look at the industry. With that in mind, the co-hosts riff on what they took away, what they talked about, what they loved - and even what they didn’t agree with - after coming back from being in the company of thousands of other marketers, advertisers and media executives at the ANA (Association of National Advertisers) annual Masters of Marketing conference. Teaser note: some of the inside scoop involves Jon Bon Jovi. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the hosts open the episode reflecting on current world events from the lens of when to speak out corporately or individually, Marisa brings on one of her favorite personal mentors, Robyn Castellani, an expert  in helping enterprises and teams who are stuck - reset their narrative. It turns out there are some common and unexpected lessons we can all draw from: - What people usually do wrong when lost in the woods- Surviving being a prisoner of war in Vietnam- The consistent conditions of work environments that will motivate people to work hard- The singular focus that has determined whether companies facing major crises overcame them  Want to know what those lessons are? Listen in and find out…See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marisa and Steven hit the road for the Forbes CMO Summit, an invitation-only event for some of the industry’s top marketers and colleagues. As an homage to the theme: What Matters Most, the co-hosts invite friend and Managing Director  of the Forbes CMO Network to “pre-game” the conversation with a lively (semi) speed round on what does matter most on a range of topics, from brands to technology to leadership. Listen all the way through for this episode’s answer to “what’s on your minds” with another great audience question about shifting from agency to client roles (or maybe the other way).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a conversation that will have meaning for just about everyone, Marisa and Steven invite on a long-standing industry friend Lisa McCarthy, whose coaching company, Fast Forward Group, has helped over 100,000 professionals take ownership of their entire lives. This one is about how to have a brand new perspective on our ambition, our fears and our careers. This one is about the stories we tell about ourselves… to ourselves. Take the time to give this episode a listen (because hint: it’s also about finding time for what matters)!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As heated conversations ensue about what the “right” work environments should be in this post-pandemic era: remote, in-office, hybrid: Marisa and Steven look at this issue through the lens of how these decisions can impact corporate and brand reputation. In their most highly charged hot topic yet, the two talk about companies that were absolute in their directive to employees that they could be remote and then did a total reversal: is that simply a company’s right and responsibility to change with circumstances… or in representing one clear thing and then revoking it, have they committed the fatal flaw of breaking brand trust? And what happens when a company whose entire brand and product is about virtual work — aka Zoom —tells people they need to work in-person? As always, the co-hosts want to know: what do you think?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Picking up on last episode’s theme of continuous learning, Marisa and Steven debate understanding Gen Z as this rising generation becomes increasingly important as consumers… and employees. Joining them for the conversation is a true Gen Z wunderkind: 24-year-old social entrepreneur Ziad Ahmed, Founder and CEO of JUV Consulting and an inaugural Obama USA Leader via the Obama Foundation. Stay to the end for “What’s on YOUR Minds,” where the hosts answer a listener’s question about how can you best pivot your career. (Hint: it’s not about the title).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Steven and Marisa talk about each of their recent work trips, which spins into a conversation or why “brand” matters and needs to be measured better, why “short term-ism” is a problem, and how their industries have an uncommon magic of “community.” Then the hot topic: in honor of Back-to-School, the co-hosts discuss the importance in this dynamic business world of being continuous learners. (And teachers… and learners). Give a listen and learn a little too!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world where so much of our information come through our social feeds and the brands that provide us with that information are in frequent turmoil, we wanted to know: what does it take to launch a new brand, in NEWS, from scratch, especially one looking to bring back a more transparent, global view? Steven and Marisa chose this topic to welcome their first guest (friend?) to the conversation: Justin Smith, former CEO of Bloomberg Media Group and now co-founder and CEO of Semafor. As always, stay on to hear their thoughts on: “what’s on your minds?” https://www.semafor.com/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune in as Steven and Marisa give their first take on Threads… and then move into a big Hot Topic of business during the summer yet one that rarely gets discussed externally: managing current business while immersing in planning for the upcoming year. They cap it off by taking on a great (and hard) listener question!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marisa and Steven kick off the Brand New podcast with the first episode!  They share why they came together to host this new podcast, and then dive into the show’s “Hot Topic” with a candid post-mortem on Cannes Lions. Was it really all about AI or was there something more to the festival this year?  Plus, they answer the “What’s On Your Mind?” question and share valuable advice for early career professionals. Send us your questions at [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Brand New, a podcast from two of the most dynamic and well-connected leaders in business: Marisa Thalberg and Steven Wolfe Pereira. The co-hosts, award-winning c-suite executives, and close friends keep it real as they tackle the most important and timely topics in marketing, tech, culture, careers, and more, through the lens of brands, and the people powering them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.