Brand New

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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). 

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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? 

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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