BRANDED Leaders

Centuries of champagne and cognac tradition don’t survive on heritage alone. Regan O’Kon, SVP of Commercial Marketing at Moët Hennessy USA, shows how iconic maisons like Dom Pérignon, Hennessy, and Belvedere evolve through cultural moments, rituals, and innovation.From U.S. Open activations to music festivals and new serves like the Henny Rita, this is how luxury brands stay relevant while protecting their legacy.

In this episode of Branded Leaders, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Leila Woodington, CMO at VEED, to talk about marketing in one of the fastest-changing spaces in tech: AI video.Leila shares how VEED balances brand and performance in a world where competitors shift overnight, why speed of execution is everything, and how the company helps non-professionals turn ideas into videos without needing editing skills.From AI “wow” moments to practical “AI how” use cases, she explains what it takes to stay relevant, build brand in a commoditized space, and turn rapid change into an advantage.

In this episode of Branded Leaders, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Brooke Cunningham, Chief Marketing Officer at LogicMonitor, to unpack what it takes to lead global marketing in the agentic AI era.Brooke shares how she’s scaling an AI-powered observability platform in one of the most competitive markets in tech — from launching products that cut alert noise by 70% in an hour to building partner ecosystems that deliver exponential value.They discuss how to market when the landscape changes every quarter, why a learner’s mindset is a leadership superpower, and how to turn AI skepticism into trust with real proof points. If you want a front-row seat to how top CMOs are redefining marketing, this one’s for you.

What do gummy sharks, nostalgic sundaes, and spontaneous celebrity shoutouts have in common? Lauren Lumbley, VP of Marketing at Brix Holdings. She’s the creative force behind campaigns for Red Mango, Clean Juice, Orange Leaf, Friendly’s, and more.In this episode of Branded Leaders, Lauren reveals how she crafts emotional, omni-channel campaigns that actually get attention — even from the Jonas Brothers. From going viral on TikTok to launching a real partnership off a late-night TV mention, this is a masterclass in riding the cultural wave.We talk seasonal marketing that actually works, how to manage 120 franchisees without losing your mind, and what makes a great leader in the age of AI, coconut cream, and dopamine-driven scrolling.If you’ve ever tried to make frozen yoghurt famous, this one’s for you.

On this episode of Branded Leaders, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Mark Wheeler, Chief Marketing Officer at Storyblok, to unpack 30 years of hard-earned wisdom from the world of B2B tech. From navigating complex teams to avoiding the VP ego trap, Mark shares what it really takes to lead with authenticity. He also breaks down how “joyful headless” became more than just clever branding—it became Storyblok’s North Star, backed by real customer smiles and a facial recognition study. Yes, seriously.

In this episode of Branded, we sit down with Colin Fleming, Chief Marketing Officer at ServiceNow, whose journey from professional race car driver to Fortune 100 CMO is anything but conventional. Colin shares how his background in motorsport prepared him for high-stakes marketing, why bold moves like slashing content by 50% can pay off, and how ServiceNow is redefining B2B marketing by putting AI to work for people. From building digital twins of buyer personas to shifting from lead gen to buying group strategies, Colin gives a behind-the-scenes look at how he's helping transform a behind-the-scenes brand into a category-defining force. Packed with insight, clarity, and a few unexpected laughs, this episode is a must-listen for marketers navigating the evolving intersection of brand, tech, and strategy.

In this episode of Branded Leaders, Ben Kaplan sits down with Jennifer Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer at Lowe’s, to unpack her extraordinary journey from a small Amish town in Ohio to leading marketing at a Fortune 50 retailer. Jen reflects on her humble beginnings, her first job in a hardware store, and the early aspirations that almost led her to become a hairdresser. Instead, she followed her mother’s encouragement to pursue college, eventually finding her path in marketing and retail.She shares the pivotal career moments that shaped her rise at Lowe’s over the past 19 years, including her move from PR into merchandising, where she learned to run a P&L and gained the business acumen that makes her a modern, well-rounded CMO. Jen speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, missed promotions, work-life balance as a mom and executive, and how grit, curiosity, and mentorship propelled her forward.The conversation also dives into how the role of the CMO has dramatically evolved. Jen breaks down how Lowe’s is using high-profile partnerships (like Lionel Messi, MrBeast, and the NFL), experiential in-store marketing, and a creator network not just to drive brand awareness, but to generate measurable business outcomes. She offers a clear vision for the future of retail marketing, rooted in cultural relevance, real-life experiences, and owning white space others overlook.

What do you do after helping build one of the most influential media brands in youth culture—then watching it get bought, sold, and nearly lost? If you’re Moksha Fitzgibbons, you buy it back. In this episode, Moksha shares the rise, fall, and rebuild of Complex—from launching Hot Ones and ComplexCon, to navigating corporate ownership under BuzzFeed and Verizon, to reclaiming the brand’s future. It’s a story about business, identity, and what it really takes to stay culturally relevant in a world that moves fast and forgets faster.

In this episode of Branded Leaders, Ryan Ellis, CEO of lifestyle apparel brand TravisMathew, shares the gritty journey of transforming a modest golf-inspired startup into a $300 million retail powerhouse. From packing orders in a garage to revolutionizing golf fashion with technical fabrics and athlete endorsements, Ryan breaks down the brand’s pivotal moments—including their game-changing partnership with Bubba Watson, a national retail expansion, and a major cultural overhaul sparked by rapid growth and the pandemic.Ryan also discusses the brand’s approach to retail innovation, balancing brand integrity with market expansion, and how cultural transformation became just as important as financial success. He emphasizes the value of patience, prioritization, and building great product above all else. Whether you're a startup founder or a corporate leader, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, reinvention, and creating a brand that people are proud to wear—and work for.

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Toral Patel, Vice President of Marketing and E-commerce at Kopari Beauty, to explore the real behind-the-scenes work of rebuilding a brand from near silence during the pandemic to viral success. Toral shares how Kopari re-entered the market by prioritizing innovation, speed, and authenticity—most notably with their viral SPF face mist. They discuss the myth that only big brands can win in dominant categories, and how Kopari proved otherwise by listening to its customers and tapping into niche creator communities.Toral also reflects on her personal leadership journey, including the transition from playing it safe in boardrooms to finding her voice and mentoring others to do the same. She opens up about leading through uncertainty, why failure can be demotivating, and how her pursuit of excellence—and her kids—keep her humble.This episode is a must-listen for marketers navigating brand growth, team building, and the evolving beauty landscape.

In this inspiring episode, Layla Kasha, Chief Marketing Officer at Grocery Outlet, joins Ben Kaplan to discuss how immigrant grit, entrepreneurial roots, and fearless marketing have shaped her unique leadership style. Layla dives into Grocery Outlet’s “extreme value” model, selling branded products at deep discounts, and explains the brand’s bold pivot from traditional paper ads to fully digital campaigns.She shares her powerful personal story, from growing up in a Middle Eastern immigrant family and working in her father’s Michigan party store as a child, to running her own restaurant and eventually becoming a CMO. Layla breaks down her approach to ruthless (yet win-win) negotiation, how failure became her greatest teacher, and why betting on yourself matters, especially when the stakes are high.You’ll hear candid lessons about leadership, gender dynamics in the corporate world, and why she keeps Chris Voss’s Never Split the Difference in her car door. Plus, the surprising pet project she and her husband run on the side.Whether you're an aspiring marketer, a fan of founder stories, or just someone trying to stretch a dollar at the grocery store, this episode delivers plenty of value.

Larry Kim built a $150 million company. Then he walked away.In this episode, Larry opens up about the pressure of scaling a company from nothing, the emotional toll of success, and why he chose to start again—this time betting on AI.As the founder of WordStream, Larry helped businesses spend over $1 billion on digital ads. But behind the numbers was a founder grappling with burnout, imposter syndrome, and a growing belief that the ad industry was broken.Now, as CEO of Customers.AI, he’s building something radically different—a platform that finds customers without wasting money on ads. He reveals the mistakes that nearly broke him, the moments that defined him, and what it really takes to walk away from something you built.This is a conversation about obsession, reinvention, and the uncomfortable truth behind growth at all costs.

In this episode of BRANDED, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Toby Burns, the founder and CEO of The Silent Disco Company. What began as a premium headphone rental service for exclusive weddings has evolved into a global silent party phenomenon, shipping thousands of kits to events across the world every week. Toby shares how he built his brand from the ground up, navigated the chaos of the pandemic, and defended his business against rising competition and cheap knockoffs.Discover how Toby's relentless focus on innovation, customer service, and market positioning turned The Silent Disco Company into a leader in a rapidly growing industry. Whether you’re curious about scaling a niche business or redefining an entire market, this episode is packed with insights on building a brand that speaks volumes, without making a sound.

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Tammy Nam, CEO of Creatopy, to explore how AI is radically transforming the world of digital advertising. From slashing campaign creation time from months to minutes to unlocking new efficiencies for enterprise brands, Tammy shares insights from the frontlines of AI innovation. They dive into how enterprises are adapting faster than expected, why workflow integration is the next big unlock, and what skills marketers will need to thrive in an AI-driven future.

When the pandemic hit, Dig, a brand known for its vegetable-focused, farm-to-table menu, faced a harsh reality: their entire business model was built around in-person dining. In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Jessica Serrano, CMO of Dig, to uncover how the company transformed its strategy to not just survive, but thrive in a post-COVID world. Jessica shares the bold moves that redefined their menu, expanded their reach, and turned digital ordering into half their business. From pivoting their messaging to rethinking their approach to food, Dig’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and adaptation.

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Caitlin Choate, Chief Marketing Officer of Boatsetter — the platform transforming how we think about boating. Often called the “Airbnb of boats,” Boatsetter is making the luxury and lifestyle of the open water accessible to everyday people, not just yacht owners. Caitlin reveals how Boatsetter is doing more than just renting boats — they’re selling experiences, building trust in local markets, and redefining what it means to belong on the water. You’ll hear how Boatsetter overcame industry skepticism, why marketing seasonal products is a hidden advantage, and how emotion and storytelling fuel their growth.

Jen Grant, CMO of Dialpad, joins Ben Kaplan to talk about the reality behind AI in business, what actually helps customers and what’s just tech for tech’s sake. She shares how Dialpad is shifting focus from shouting about AI to showing how it improves everyday conversations. They dive into the challenge of keeping messaging clear in a fast-moving market, what it really means to be customer-first, and why personality and real human connection still matter more than ever.If you’re navigating brand, marketing, or just trying to stand out without the buzzword bingo, this one's for you.

Joe Miller didn’t plan to work in AI translation — but he’s now at the helm of Pocketalk, one of the most trusted names in secure real-time language translation across healthcare, education, and government. In this episode of BRANDED, Joe joins host Jackson Carpenter to break down what separates a novelty product from a real business, and why Pocketalk exploded when it leaned into “language friction” as a market problem.Joe also shares stories from his wild ride through DirecTV, TiVo, clean tech, and mesh networking startup eero (which sold to Amazon), revealing a career built on chasing disruptive ideas, betting big early, and always knowing who your product is for — and who it’s not.If you’ve ever wondered what makes a product stick, how to build a brand with purpose, or what great leadership looks like during chaos, this episode is packed.

In this episode of BRANDED, host Jackson Carpenter sits down with Meredith Binder, CMO of Novata, to explore her unexpected rise from technical communicator to marketing executive. Meredith shares how Novata is tackling ESG data challenges in private markets with a user-first approach inspired by TurboTax.She opens up about the power of “happy accidents” in career growth, what it takes to lead with empathy and curiosity, and why marketing clarity is still a superpower. From leading teams across mergers to helping redefine how we talk about sustainability, Meredith brings a refreshing perspective on what real leadership looks like.

What happens when a single trampoline park expands into a powerhouse of seven youth-focused franchises? Jessica Correa, Chief Marketing Officer at Unleashed Brands, joins Jackson Carpenter to break down the art—and science—of scaling a brand ecosystem without losing the heart of each individual identity.From legacy systems and AI-powered automation to marketing across wildly different age groups, Jessica shares the strategies driving growth across brands like Urban Air, Snapology, and Premier Martial Arts. It's a deep dive into building structure without suffocating creativity—and how to keep your brand agile in a world that’s constantly evolving.Whether you're building a multi-brand empire or just trying to market to both 3-year-olds and teens (spoiler: not easy), this episode has something for you.

Dashlane started as the slick password manager we all downloaded to save ourselves from forgotten logins. But now? It's aiming much higher.In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Dhiraj Kumar, Chief Marketing Officer at Dashlane, to unpack one of the most ambitious brand transformations in tech—evolving from a consumer app into a full-blown enterprise security platform.They talk brand perception, B2B marketing strategy, and why Dashlane’s design-first, user-friendly approach might be its biggest weapon in a crowded cybersecurity market. Plus: how consumer love translates into enterprise adoption, what most security companies are doing wrong, and how to lead a rebrand without losing your core identity.Whether you're into marketing, tech, or just love a good brand glow-up—this one’s for you.

In this episode of Branded, host Jackson Carpenter sits down with David Solomon, CEO of Lightspeed, to explore how a company built around classroom audio quietly became a model for culture, trust, and transformative leadership.David shares how he guided Lightspeed through a near-shutdown during the pandemic, why he took a pay cut to join the company in the first place, and how their transition to 100% employee ownership reshaped everything—from morale to performance.If you've ever wondered what it takes to build a company where people actually want to stay, this one's for you. It’s a masterclass in leadership without ego, culture without fluff, and why great businesses start with great humans. 

In this episode of Branded, host Jackson Carpenter sits down with Brett Billick, CMO of Self Financial — the FinTech brand helping millions of Americans build credit, save money, and gain financial independence.Brett unpacks how Self Financial carved out space in a crowded, often predatory industry — not with flash or gimmicks, but with discipline, transparency, and a deep understanding of their underserved audience.We dive into:Why “unit economics” are everything — and how they built a brand around itThe smartest ways to build trust with skeptical customersHow to out-market giants without blowing your budgetThe danger of building features before product-market fitWhy brand loyalty starts long before a flashy ad campaignWhether you're a CMO, startup founder, or just obsessed with brand strategy — this one’s a masterclass in doing more with less, staying mission-driven, and actually helping people.

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Melton Littlepage, Chief Marketing Officer at 1Password, to explore the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Melton reveals how the modern shift toward remote work and personal devices is transforming security needs, introducing the cutting-edge concept of Extended Access Management (XAM). Discover why traditional security measures fall short in today's dynamic work environments and learn how companies can empower employees without compromising security. Melton also shares insights on the surprising link between cybersecurity and sports marketing, the critical importance of trust in the digital age, and the biggest mistake marketers make in the cybersecurity space. Whether you're a business leader, a security professional, or simply concerned about your personal online safety, this episode provides invaluable insights into navigating cybersecurity’s new frontier.

In this episode, we dive deep with Adeela Hussain, CEO of Beis, the travel brand co-founded by actress and entrepreneur Shay Mitchell. Béis isn’t just another celebrity brand—it’s a masterclass in brand building, community engagement, and scaling smart.Adeela reveals how Béis disrupted the travel space by blending style, function, and affordability while keeping a relentless focus on customer feedback. She breaks down the strategies that turned a startup into a global brand, the challenges of scaling without losing authenticity, and the mindset needed to reach that elusive billion-dollar mark.If you want to know what it really takes to build a brand that lasts, this episode is for you.

What does it take to turn a simple product into a billion-view sensation? In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Dana Paris, Chief Commercial Officer at Jordan’s Skinny Mixes, to uncover how this fast-growing brand transformed from a niche syrup company into a viral social media powerhouse.From brand refreshes to TikTok trends like WaterTok, Dana shares the strategy behind engaging hyper-loyal customers, leveraging influencer marketing, and expanding into major retailers like Walmart and Target. But this isn’t just a story about growth—it’s about how to create an emotional connection with consumers that keeps them coming back.If you want to know how brands can break through the noise, go viral, and stay relevant in an ever-changing digital landscape, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

What makes a brand truly stick? Why do some companies explode in popularity while others fade into obscurity? Jackson Carpenter sits down with Mark Phillips, CMO of iFit, to break down the art and science behind building brands people can’t live without.Mark has worked with some of the world’s biggest names—Beats by Dre, Adidas, and Candy Crush—and now leads the charge at iFit, home to NordicTrack, ProForm, and FreeMotion. From the rise of connected fitness to the post-pandemic shift in consumer behavior, this conversation is a masterclass in modern marketing. In this episode, we cover:How iFit is redefining fitness through tech, content, and storytellingThe real reason Beats by Dre became a cultural phenomenonWhy brand storytelling beats traditional advertising—every timeThe psychology behind why people buy (and how to use it)The biggest marketing mistakes companies make—and how to avoid themIf you want to learn how to turn a product into a movement, this is one you can’t miss.

Non-alcoholic beer used to be a punchline—now it’s one of the fastest-growing segments in the industry. In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Andrew Katz, CMO of Athletic Brewing, the biggest name in the space, to break down how they turned a niche product into a mainstream success. From shifting consumer trends to innovative marketing tactics, discover how Athletic Brewing is reshaping the beer industry, one alcohol-free pint at a time. If you think non-alcoholic beer isn’t for you, think again—this conversation just might change your mind.

Marketing a free product might sound easy, but in reality, it comes with its own set of challenges. In this episode of BRANDED+, we sit down with Jen Leitman, CMO of OverDrive, the powerhouse behind Libby, Kanopy, and Sora—apps that give millions of people free access to books, audiobooks, and films.Jen shares her insights on marketing strategies for mission-driven brands, what it takes to build demand for a free product, and why emotional connection is key to audience engagement. From TV production and wine marketing with Francis Ford Coppola to leading one of the most influential companies in the library space, her career journey is packed with lessons for every marketer.We break down:How OverDrive reaches and retains users—without charging them a pennyWhy word-of-mouth is a game-changer for free productsThe challenge of marketing through libraries and institutionsWhat every brand can learn from OverDrive’s successTune in to learn the real strategies behind marketing a free product—because if it’s free, people should be lining up, right? Not quite.

In this episode of BRANDED+, Ben Kaplan speaks with Ed Jennings, CEO of Quickbase, about how no-code technology is transforming industries like construction and manufacturing—and why focusing down, not broadening out, is the real key to scaling.With experience leading tech companies through private equity-backed growth and market transformations, Ed shares: How no-code platforms empower non-developers to create software solutions. The biggest blockers to scaling a SaaS business—and how to overcome them. Why getting hyper-focused on a vertical is often more valuable than trying to serve everyone. How Quickbase is evolving to meet the needs of enterprise clients while staying agile. The future of enterprise SaaS, and why simplification and consolidation are the next big trends.Ed breaks down hard-earned lessons on leadership, market strategy, and execution, offering practical insights for CEOs, founders, and business leaders.Subscribe to BRANDED+ for more industry-leading conversations.

In this episode of BRANDED+, Jackson Carpenter sits down with Zarina Stanford, CMO of Bazaarvoice, to discuss how user-generated content is transforming marketing, why consumer trust is more powerful than ever, and how modern CMOs must think like business leaders—not just marketers.With over 25 years of experience, including leadership roles at IBM, SAP, and Rackspace Technology, Zarina shares:How Bazaarvoice helps brands leverage authentic consumer voices.The evolution of the CMO role—from marketing expert to business strategist.Why brands must embrace consumer-generated content (even the critical feedback).How to bridge the gap between sales and marketing for better business outcomes.The biggest marketing trends CMOs should focus on beyond social media.Zarina’s insights offer a masterclass in leadership, authenticity, and innovation in marketing. If you’re a marketing professional, aspiring CMO, or brand leader, this episode is a must-listen.Subscribe to BRANDED+ for more industry-changing conversations.

In this episode of BRANDED+, Jackson Carpenter sits down with Adam Melonas, CEO of Chew, a trailblazer in food technology and conscious capitalism. From running a car wash empire at eight years old to launching a revolutionary food incubator, Adam's journey is anything but ordinary.Together, they explore:How early entrepreneurship shaped Adam’s approach to business.His game-changing innovations in consumer packaged goods, including his work with Unreal Candy.The power of doing good by doing well—balancing profit with social impact.Navigating massive industry shifts, from pandemic disruptions to changing leadership in global food corporations.Why big food companies struggle with innovation and how Chew is solving the problem.Adam shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, risk-taking, and the future of food innovation. If you’re looking for inspiration to take risks, lead with purpose, and disrupt an industry, this episode is for you.Subscribe to BRANDED+ for more insights from leaders redefining their industries.