The Brand Forum

At Marketecture Live III in New York City, Caiti Donovan, Head of Growth Strategy, WNBA, joined Damian Garbaccio, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer, Affinity Solutions, to break down how women’s sports fans are reshaping culture, commerce, and brand strategy. From first-party data to fan segmentation and the rise of purpose-driven fandom, this conversation dives into how the WNBA is building one of the most engaged audiences in sports and turning passion into measurable business impact. Takeaways Women’s sports fans go deep, not wide, creating stronger engagement and loyalty Fandom is measured across consumption spending and interaction NIL and athlete visibility are fueling massive audience growth The curious fan is now a key growth driver for the WNBA First-party data is becoming the most valuable asset in sports marketing Purpose-driven fandom directly influences purchasing behavior Female audiences and younger fans are rapidly entering the ecosystem Behavioral data is more powerful than demographics for targeting Brand partnerships succeed when aligned with fan values Women’s sports are proving to be a real and growing business opportunity Chapters 00:00 Opening and introduction to fandom as a currency 01:30 What makes women’s sports fans unique 03:30 How the WNBA measures fandom consumption, spend, and engagement 05:30 Key growth drivers behind the WNBA surge 08:00 The 3C fan segmentation: core, casual, curious 10:45 The rise and importance of the curious fan 13:40 Using first-party data to power brand partnerships 16:00 The Henry segment and behavioral targeting 18:30 How the WNBA compares to other leagues in data strategy 20:20 Turning fan data into real business outcomes

Molly Hjelm, Corporate Vice President of Retail Media at Ace Hardware Corporation, joins Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus-one) to share how she built Red Vest Media from the ground up. She dives into the power of first-party data, the strength of Ace’s co op model, and how local personalization competes with massive retail media networks. From loyalty data to in-store experience, this conversation explores what it takes to scale while staying authentic. Takeaways Ace Hardware combines national scale with hyperlocal personalization Strong first-party data is the foundation of effective retail media Most sales still happen in-store, making physical experience critical Simplicity and seamless integration matter most to advertisers Listening to customers drives faster and better product development Retail media success depends on measurable and real-time results Co op structure can be a competitive advantage, not a limitation Chapters 00:01 Introduction to Molly Hjelm and Red Vest Media 00:31 Why Ace Hardware’s model stands out in retail 01:31 Molly’s background and building the network 02:30 The scale and reach of Ace Hardware 03:13 How local ownership creates authenticity 04:54 Staying human in a digital and automated world 06:48 Ace’s core value proposition 08:35 Growth of e-commerce and delivery partnerships 10:10 Challenges of building a retail media network 12:27 Launch strategy and leveraging partnerships 13:46 Standing out in a crowded retail media space 15:47 Advice for marketers building platforms 17:00 The importance of knowing your customer 19:01 Building for the next generation 21:25 Molly’s journey into retail data and marketing 23:35 Personal insights and closing thoughts

At Marketecture Live III in New York City, Harry Kargman, Founder and CEO of Kargo, sat down with Julie Rice, Chief Experience Officer at WeightWatchers, to explore how legacy brands can evolve in a rapidly changing world. From the rise of GLP-1 medications to the role of AI in personalization, Julie shares how WeightWatchers is blending behavioral science, community, and technology to drive real, lasting change. The conversation dives into experience design, brand loyalty, and the balance between data and human intuition in modern marketing. Takeaways Behavioral change is the missing link that makes GLP-1 medications effective long-term Community and human connection remain powerful drivers of retention Great products create loyalty, and marketing amplifies it AI should enhance personalization without replacing human experience Balancing data with intuition leads to better brand decisions Legacy brands win by evolving while honoring their core audience Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Marketecture Live 3 and speakers 01:05 Julie Rice’s background and building SoulCycle 01:54 Why she joined WeightWatchers and the reinvention opportunity 02:37 The role of GLP-1s and behavioral change 04:42 Designing experiences that drive retention and loyalty 06:41 Beyond medication: building sustainable habits 08:50 Creating confidence and long-term lifestyle change 11:05 Challenges of modernizing a legacy brand 13:36 Listening to customers vs relying only on data 14:10 Balancing intuition with analytics 20:01 AI, personalization, and human connection 24:19 Brand vs performance marketing balance 21:22 Final thoughts on the product first growth strategy

At Marketecture Live III in New York City, Phyllis Rothschild, Chief Marketing Officer from Pete & Gerry’s Organics, joined Jenny Rooney, Chief Brand and Community Officer from ADWEEK, to unpack how a commodity product like eggs can be transformed into a premium, purpose-driven brand. From leveraging consumer trends in health, sustainability, and animal welfare to simplifying messaging and embracing transparency during industry crises, Phyllis shares how Pete & Gerry’s built trust, differentiation, and growth in a competitive category. Takeaways Premium categories grow faster when aligned with trends in health, sustainability, and transparency. Simple messaging beats overwhelming consumers with too many claims. Brand building happens across the full journey, not just at the shelf. Transparency during crises can build trust and massive brand awareness. Differentiation comes from storytelling, not just product features. Consumers switch often, so brands must continuously re-earn loyalty. Gen Z values proof points like certifications and traceability. Chapters 00:00 Intro & Egg Preferences 01:30 Brand Overview 02:20 Awareness Challenge 03:20 Consumer Trends 05:10 Rising Competition 06:55 Simple Messaging 08:20 Creative Campaign 10:45 Marketing Data 11:55 Crisis Response 13:40 Transparency Wins 15:20 Competition Landscape 17:05 Content Strategy 18:45 Gen Z Trust

Catherine Pinkham Berger, VP of Marketing Transformation & Services at Grupo Bimbo, joins Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus-one) to break down what it takes to evolve iconic, household brands in a rapidly changing consumer landscape. From balancing data and storytelling to managing a massive portfolio across omnichannel environments, Catherine shares how modern marketers can drive relevance, loyalty, and growth. She also reflects on her journey from agency life to leading transformation at one of the world's largest food companies. Takeaways Brand positioning requires balancing timeless purpose with timely relevance Storytelling remains critical, even in a data-driven marketing world Shopper-first thinking is replacing the traditional marketing funnel Omnichannel is no longer optional; it is how consumers naturally behave Fragmentation across media and platforms is one of today’s biggest challenges Creative is the most important driver of effective marketing Nostalgia can be a powerful growth lever when paired with innovation Loyalty still exists when brands deliver real value and connection Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Catherine Pinkham Berger 01:29 Role at Grupo Bimbo and scale of the brand portfolio 04:18 Key elements of strong brand positioning 07:31 Balancing storytelling with data-driven marketing 09:15 Omnichannel strategy and evolving shopper behavior 12:03 Challenges data limitations and consumer fragmentation 16:25 Transition from Ferrara to Grupo Bimbo 17:09 Power of nostalgia in brand growth 23:25 Example of marketing that worked 27:05 The most important principle in marketing creative 28:46 Catherine’s career journey into marketing 31:23 Advice for early career marketers

At Marketecture Live III in New York City, Tim Ellis, Chief Marketing Officer, NFL, and Brandon Marshall, NFL veteran and Founder of I Am Athlete, unpack how the league transformed its image during one of its most challenging eras. From rebuilding trust and embracing player stories to launching impactful programs like “My Cause My Cleats,” this conversation explores the power of authenticity, conviction, and culture-driven marketing in modern sports and beyond. Takeaways Put people at the center of your brand to build deeper emotional connections Authentic storytelling drives stronger engagement than polished messaging Conviction in marketing matters more than playing it safe Cultural relevance and transparency can rebuild trust Empowering individuals creates a scalable brand impact Great marketing starts with understanding the human behind the brand Chapters 00:15 Introduction to Marketecture Live and session overview 01:13 The NFL’s biggest marketing and leadership challenges 02:03 Rebuilding the league during controversy and uncertainty 02:52 The “helmets off” strategy and humanizing players 04:33 Transparency and trust during the pandemic and social movements 06:51 Balancing the NFL brand with 32 teams and individual players 08:11 Building player brands and deeper partnerships 10:09 The origin story of “My Cause My Cleats.” 12:39 The role of courage and conviction in marketing 13:58 Taking bold stands and embracing inclusivity 14:53 Why impact marketing matters today 16:13 Using big stages to create real cultural impact 17:02 Building trust, teams, and internal alignment 18:40 Navigating leadership and stakeholder pressure 20:26 Why conviction earns respect in leadership 21:46 The importance of understanding athletes beyond the surface 22:52 Why storytelling beats star power in modern marketing

At Marketecture Live, Jeremy Bloom, CEO of Marketecture Media, joins Molson Coors Chief Marketing Officer Sofia Colucci to break down how to measure creative effectiveness that drives real business results. Learn the MUSCLE framework, plus Miller Lite and Blue Moon case studies. Takeaways Creative effectiveness should drive business outcomes, not just awards or buzz Molson Coors defines success as impact on sales and brand health, not just creative performance Over-reliance on testing can weaken creativity; teams were optimizing to “beat the test” instead of making great work Using creative judgment first, then validating with data, leads to stronger performance results The Miller Lite campaign tapped into declining social connection trends to drive relevance and emotional resonance Celebrity partnerships work best when aligned with insight and brand truth, not just fame Great ideas can come from unexpected places, even if initial testing is polarizing (Blue Moon example) Creative effectiveness requires multiple signals: consumer response, testing, social listening, and distributor feedback The most important skill for marketers today is continuous learning in a rapidly changing landscape The MUSCLE framework creates a shared language for evaluating creative: Magnetic (emotional impact) Unique (originality) Simple (easy to understand) Crafted (high-quality execution) Long-term (brand platform fit) Essence (true to the brand) Chapters 00:00 Introduction at Marketecture Live 01:20 What Creative Effectiveness Really Means 03:09 The Problem with Over-Testing Creative 05:00 The MUSCLE Framework Explained 07:04 Why Creative Judgment Beats Over-Reliance on Data 07:48 Miller Lite Case Study Miller Time 08:45 Insight: The Decline of Social Connection 10:10 Why Christopher Walken Worked 11:13 Campaign Example Miller Lite Ads 13:00 The Role of Consumer Insights 13:52 Signals That Define Creative Effectiveness 15:01 Blue Moon Case Study with Colin Jost 18:22 Opportunities in Modern Marketing 19:38 Final Advice from Sofia Colucci

Ron Amram, Global Head of Media at Mars and former Heineken media leader, joins Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus-one) to unpack what brand building looks like heading into 2026. Ron explains how marketing has become more complex due to fragmentation and disconnected measurement, and why winning now requires starting from category and audience behavior rather than brand-first planning. Takeaways Agents are changing how people plan their vacations. People are increasingly relying on search engines for travel planning. AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT are curating travel activities. The recommendation sources are shifting from traditional platforms to AI. Consumer behavior is being significantly affected by these changes. CPG companies will also feel the impact of these trends. Travel planning is becoming more personalized through AI. The role of traditional travel agencies is evolving. AI is blocking traditional behaviors in travel planning. Understanding these changes is crucial for businesses.  Chapters 00:01 Welcome and Ron’s background 01:42  Biggest brand-building challenges now vs. 10–15 years ago 03:58 Portfolio strategy through category and audience lenses 06:29 Favorite brands and what makes them great 10:08 The overlooked power of audio signatures 12:17 How Ron brings partners into planning 15:03 Walled gardens, measurement, and budget reality 17:32 Future-shaping trends: retail media and AI 22:02 Start, bench, cut: channel, audience, creative 24:23 Practical AI uses for marketers today 26:42 Career path from biology to media leadership 29:02 Proof marketing works: American Idol sponsorship

In this episode of the Brand Forum, Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) are joined by Ajinkya "Jinx" Joglekar, a seasoned marketer with experience at Sling, Dish, and Comcast. This conversation explores the intersection of brand marketing and performance, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and the balance between creative and performance-driven strategies. Jinx shares insights on successful brand positioning, the significance of humor in campaigns, and the necessity of both creative and analytical approaches in marketing. The discussion also highlights brands that excel in their marketing efforts, particularly Airbnb, and concludes with Jinx's unique perspective on the art and science of marketing. Takeaways There is no difference between brand and performance marketing. Listening to customers is crucial for brand positioning. Humor can be an effective element in brand campaigns. Successful marketing requires a balance of creative and analytical strategies. Understanding customer needs leads to better brand messaging. Brands should evolve their messaging to resonate emotionally with consumers. Effective marketing campaigns can lead to significant subscriber growth. A strong team is vital in executing marketing strategies. Great advertising combines creative, media, and sales experience. Marketing is a blend of science and improvisation.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Brand Forum 01:10 Understanding Brand Marketing and Performance 03:14 The Importance of Customer Insights 06:04 Key Campaigns and Brand Positioning 09:27 The Marketing Hill to Die On 11:23 Brands That Inspire: A Look at Airbnb 17:19 The Intersection of Physics, Music, and Marketing

In this episode, Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) engage with Dea Lawrence, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Marketing Officer of Variety, discussing the brand's rich history and its evolution over 120 years. Dea shares insights on her dual role, the importance of staying true to the brand's DNA while adapting to modern trends, and the significance of storytelling in marketing. The conversation also delves into the rise of branded content, the influence of creators, and the strategies behind successful events and partnerships in the entertainment industry. Takeaways Dea Lawrence emphasizes the importance of knowing your brand's DNA. Variety has successfully adapted while maintaining its core values. The brand is a leader in identifying cultural trends and moments. Branded content is a significant trend in the entertainment industry. Creators are essential for modern marketing strategies. Storytelling is crucial in both entertainment and marketing. Variety's events are designed to align with cultural moments. Trusting creators is vital for effective partnerships. The entertainment landscape is constantly evolving, requiring brands to adapt. Understanding audience emotions is key to successful marketing.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Variety's Legacy 01:18 Dea Lawrence's Journey and Role at Variety 03:10 Adapting a Legacy Brand for Modern Times 05:01 Reinventing Variety: New Events and Cultural Relevance 10:35 Trends in Brand Partnerships and Content Creation 17:21 The Business of Influence and Creator Marketing 22:32 Staying True to Brand Values in a Changing Landscape 24:34 The Power of Storytelling in Marketing

How does a 50-year-old gaming icon like Atari stay relevant in today’s fast-paced creative landscape? In this episode of The Brand Forum, hosts Jeremy Bloom  (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) sit down with Tim Lapetino, Creative Director at Atari and author of The Art of Atari, to explore how timeless brands evolve without losing their soul. Tim shares insider stories about building creative strategy at a legacy company, reviving Pac-Man x Atari collaborations, and balancing nostalgia with innovation. He also dives into the future of AI in creative work, the art of brand storytelling, and how Atari is connecting with Gen Z and Gen Alpha gamers through modern design and gameplay experiences. If you’re passionate about branding, creativity, retro gaming, or nostalgia marketing, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration. Takeaways Balancing Legacy and Innovation: How Atari’s creative strategy blends nostalgia with forward-thinking design. Storytelling First: Why emotional storytelling drives stronger brand impact than metrics alone. Reviving Classics: Insights from the Pac-Man × Atari campaign and what made it resonate. Passion into Profession: Tim’s journey from author and fan to leading Atari’s creative vision. AI as an Ally: How AI supports creativity without replacing human insight. Next-Gen Appeal: Connecting Gen Z and Gen Alpha to gaming’s original storytelling brand. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Atari’s Creative Vision 00:51 Guest Introduction: Tim Lapetino, Creative Director at Atari 02:02 Balancing Nostalgia with Modern Branding 03:48 Creative Philosophy and Brand Storytelling 06:42 Campaign Highlight: Pac-Man × Atari Collaboration 09:20 “Art of Atari” – Tim’s Book 12:19 Turning Passion into Profession 14:45 Creativity vs. Passion in Branding 15:32 Navigating AI in Creative Processes 17:09 Engaging the Next Generation of Gamers 18:37 Closing Remarks

Join hosts Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) on the Brand Forum as they dive into the inspiring story of Loren, founder of Sweet Loren's. From battling Hodgkin's lymphoma at 22 to revolutionizing the cookie dough industry, Loren shares her journey of resilience, innovation, and authenticity. Discover how she turned personal challenges into a thriving business, and learn about the power of staying true to one's story in the world of brand building. Takeaways Loren's journey from being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at 22 to becoming a successful entrepreneur highlights the power of resilience and turning adversity into strength. Staying authentic and relatable has been a cornerstone of Sweet Loren's growth and success. Loren’s passion for clean, natural ingredients and her innovative approach to baking have positioned Sweet Loren's as a leader in the natural cookie dough market. Building a strong community and listening to customer feedback have been crucial in shaping the brand and its offerings. While leveraging AI for business growth, Loren stresses the importance of maintaining a human touch in the food industry. Chapters 0:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 2:15 Loren's Personal Journey 5:30 Overcoming Challenges 10:45 Building Sweet Loren's 15:00 Branding and Marketing Insights 20:30 Future of Sweet Loren's 25:00 Closing Thoughts

Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) engage with Vinny Rinaldi, Vice President, Media & Marketing Technology at The Hershey Company, a leading figure in the marketing world, to explore the delicate balance between performance marketing and brand building. Vinny shares his insights on leveraging AI, maintaining brand authenticity, and the importance of emotional storytelling in today's data-driven landscape. The conversation offers a deep dive into the strategies behind iconic brands like Reese's and Hershey, providing listeners with actionable insights and industry trends. Takeaways Vinny emphasizes the balance between performance marketing and brand building. AI should enhance, not replace, human storytelling in marketing. Brand authenticity is key to the success of iconic brands. Emotional storytelling drives brand loyalty and engagement. The marketing landscape is constantly evolving with new trends and innovations. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Vinny Rinaldi and His Journey 05:01 Balancing Marketing Strategies 15:01 AI and Technology in Marketing 25:01 Maintaining Brand Magic 35:01 The Power of Storytelling 45:01 Industry Innovations and Trends

In this episode of The Brand Forum, Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) speak with Amy Benford, Head of Integrated Marketing for North America at Colgate-Palmolive. Amy walks us through her multifaceted career, from HBO to Campbell’s to leading marketing for some of the most recognizable CPG brands in the world. She reflects on what makes a brand resonate in today’s tech-driven, AI-saturated world and why performance marketing and long-term brand building aren't opposing forces—but partners. Amy also shares personal insights on mentorship, leadership, and how assembling the right team can shape a marketer’s growth. We also hear the story behind Colgate’s inclusive “Power of the Gap” campaign and how authenticity drives lasting impact.

In this episode of The Brand Forum, Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) sit down with Lisa Perez, Vice President and General Manager of Marketing at Bayer. Lisa shares her experience leading well-known brands like One A Day, Flintstones, Aleve and Midol, and how her team keeps those brands relevant in an industry that’s always evolving. She talks about balancing brand consistency with the need to take creative risks, building good agency relationships, and what it means to stay curious as both a marketer and a leader.

In this episode of The Brand Forum, Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) sit down with Zach Lain, Head of Media Strategy and Investment at PepsiCo, to explore what it takes to build brand love in a culture-led, Gen Z-driven world. Zach pulls back the curtain on how PepsiCo’s media approach goes beyond paid ads, tapping into authentic, creative storytelling and earned attention. From breaking the traditional brief to partnering deeply with creators and platforms like TikTok and YouTube, Zach shares how PepsiCo thinks about cultural relevance, media innovation, and risk-taking. Learn why Lain’s philosophy centers around staying uncomfortable, thinking like an editor, and designing campaigns that start from culture—not just from product.

In this episode of The Brand Forum, Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) sit down with Brad Feinberg, VP of Media, Digital, and eComm at Molson Coors, to talk about what it takes to evolve iconic brands in a modern marketing landscape. With nearly 30 years in the industry (16 of those at Molson Coors) Brad brings a sharp mix of creative thinking and data-led precision. From leading transformations in media, digital, and e-commerce to integrating generative AI, Brad shares why brand equity and performance shouldn't be siloed — and how keeping a modern mindset is the only way to avoid becoming obsolete.

In this episode of The Brand Forum, Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (Media and AdTech executive and America’s favorite plus one) sit down with Natasha Shaikh, VP and Head of Paid Media at Wells Fargo. Natasha brings a sharp, no-nonsense perspective on what’s real (and what’s rebranded) when it comes to AI in marketing. She shares how marketers can cut through the noise, evaluate new platforms amidst regulatory uncertainty, and stay grounded in strategic partnerships that truly move the needle. From her career beginnings in digital agencies to overseeing paid media at one of America’s biggest banks, Natasha gets candid about the evolution of ad tech, the risks of platform association, and the power of treating partners with empathy and respect. Plus don’t miss her hilarious commentary on trash TV, the genius of The Office, and why Level Up by Ciara is her walk-up song.

In this episode of The Brand Forum, Jeremy Bloom (Marketecture Media co-founder, OhHello.ai founder) and Josh Palau (marketing executive) sit down with Sarah Harms, VP of Ad Measurement and Marketing at Roku, to unpack what it takes to build a modern brand inside one of the most complex ecosystems—streaming television. Sarah shares what makes Roku more than just a TV device, how her team translates a technically advanced ad platform into a story that actually resonates with marketers, and how personalization and AI are reshaping the relationship between brands and consumers. They get into the strategic evolution of Roku’s brand story, how to maintain clarity in a crowded landscape, and what it means to be both a consumer-loved platform and a business-critical media partner. Plus, you’ll hear a few of Sarah’s favorite brands, her thoughts on career pivots in ad tech, and why shoppable TV might be closer than you think.

In this exciting second episode of Marketecture’s The Brand Forum, hosts Josh Palau and Jeremy Bloom sit down with Erika Lamoreaux, one of the driving forces behind Workday’s renowned brand strategy. Discover how Erika and her team leverage Workday’s forward-thinking culture to deliver meaningful experiences for both customers and employees. From adopting fresh brand perspectives to navigating the evolving world of HR and finance solutions, Erika sheds light on the powerful ways Workday stays innovative in a fast-changing market. Don’t miss this compelling conversation packed with insights on collaboration, culture, and building a future-ready brand.

Marketecture’s Jeremy Bloom and co-host Josh Palau go deep on what matters to brands. Each week the Brand Forum brings in leading brand marketers to talk advertising, media, and marketing through an insider's lens. In our inaugural episode, Josh and Jeremy sit down with Alex Birchmeier of Conagra Brands. Alex talks through testing new channels, pushing new boundaries, and all in all how he balances time and efforts across a powerhouse portfolio of brands.

The Brand Forum is the newest podcast from Marketecture. Every week we'll feature conversations with leading voices from brands, exploring their challenges, techniques, and vision for how to move advertising and marketing forward. Hosted by Marketecture co-founder Jeremy Bloom, and Pfizer's Josh Palau, we hope The Brand Forum will become one of your weekly "must listens".