By Mike Brevik
4.9
2121 ratings
The podcast currently has 115 episodes available.
In this insightful episode of Brand Retro, host Mike Brevik dives into a discussion with Lindsey Coffey about the intersection of eco-friendliness and brand identity. Lindsey shares her journey from the fashion industry to becoming a vocal advocate for environmental activism. They explore how brands can authentically integrate sustainability into their messaging without falling into the trap of greenwashing. Lindsey highlights the initiatives of EcoBranders, providing a blueprint for businesses aiming to make a real impact while maintaining profitability. Tune in to learn how embracing sustainability can enhance brand loyalty and why every step towards eco-consciousness counts, no matter the size.
Who’s the Guest? Lindsey Coffey, an acclaimed model and Miss Earth 2020, has leveraged her extensive experience in the fashion industry to champion environmental sustainability and ethical consumerism. With over a decade in modeling, Lindsey has gained a profound understanding of the inner workings of fashion marketing and consumer behavior, insights she now applies in her advocacy for eco-friendly practices. As the Head of Community Engagement & Impact Awareness at EcoBranders, Lindsey works to elevate environmental consciousness within the business sector and among consumers, promoting sustainable business practices that do not sacrifice profitability. Her commitment to environmental activism and her unique blend of industry experience make her a leading voice in integrating eco-consciousness with brand identity, aiming to inspire businesses and individuals alike to make mindful and impactful choices.
Highlights 00:19 - The importance of eco-friendly branding. 01:02 - Lindsey’s background and journey in the fashion industry. 02:43 - Lindsey’s shift towards environmental activism. 04:31 - Intersection of eco-consciousness and brand identity. 05:28 - Example of EcoBranders. 07:10 - Challenges and benefits of transparency in eco branding. 09:04 - Addressing imposter syndrome in eco-conscious branding. 10:50 - Greenwashing: A significant issue. 14:00 - Importance of transparency for credibility. 17:40 - Discussion on carbon offsets and company responsibility. 19:55 - EU regulations on green claims. 21:53 - Examples of brands doing specific eco-friendly actions correctly. 25:37 - Emphasizing honesty in eco-conscious branding for credibility. 29:20 - The importance of eco-friendly choices and educating consumers.
Episode Resources
Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
In this insightful episode of Brand Retro, Mike Brevik sits down with Luke Infinger, a creative turned entrepreneur who has carved a niche in the marketing world. Starting his career immersed in the arts and motion graphics, Luke shares his journey from working on high-profile projects like the Game of Thrones season three promo to founding his own agency specialized in the orthodontic and dental markets. Discover how Luke's artistic background and competitive drive shaped his entrepreneurial spirit and led him to rethink traditional career paths. Tune in to learn how embracing creativity beyond the confines of art has enabled Luke to innovate and lead in the business realm, providing valuable lessons for anyone looking to transform their passions into a successful enterprise.
Who’s the Guest? Luke Infinger is the founder of HIP Creative, an agency specializing in the orthodontic and dental space. He began his career with a deep interest in the arts, developing skills in painting, drawing, and music from a young age. Luke studied motion graphics at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and initially worked in post-production in New York, where he participated in high-profile projects like the season three promo for "Game of Thrones." However, he found the environment stifling creatively and limiting in terms of income potential. Disillusioned with the pressures and limitations of his job, Luke returned to Pensacola, Florida, where he transitioned into starting his own agency. This move allowed him to blend his creative talents with entrepreneurship, focusing on long-term client relationships and strategic business growth within the specialized niche of orthodontics and dentistry.
Highlights 04:34 - Big opportunity at a New York motion design shop. 05:49 - Becoming disillusioned with the industry. 10:03 - Discovering broader applications of creativity. 11:48 - From miserable job to entrepreneurial success. 13:05 - Creativity beyond design—a new perspective. 14:45 - Idea execution—much harder than it seems. 15:47 - Importance of detachment for creativity. 20:00 - Education systems evolving rapidly. 23:07 - Hard truth—most people remain average due to conditioning. 25:30 - Navigating the fine line between ideas and hard work. 28:40 - Internet success—easier said than done. 30:50 - Real mentors are often invisible success stories. 32:15 - Chasing average in small-town mentality. 35:20 - Merging ideas and hard work for true success.
Episode Resources
Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
In this enlightening episode of Brand Retro, Mike Brevik sits down with Zahra Karsan, a Wall Street Journal bestselling author and certified coach renowned for her expertise in peak performance coaching. Dive into an in-depth conversation that explores the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and human behavior, and discover practical strategies for achieving extraordinary results both personally and professionally. Zahra shares her unique approach to unlocking potential through understanding the human factors that inhibit performance, offering a roadmap to overcome these challenges. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a seasoned executive, this episode provides valuable insights into mastering the art of high performance and building cohesive, thriving teams. Join us as Zahra unravels the psychology behind success and lays out a path to personal fulfillment and professional triumph.
Additionally, we would like to introduce you to the Life Block Quiz, which is designed to help individuals identify the obstacles that may be hindering their happiness and success. Use promo code REWIRE20@ and receive a 20% discount on the Life Block Quiz, the book and coaching sessions.
Who’s the Guest? Zahra Karsan is a seasoned peak performance coach, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and speaker who has made significant strides in the fields of neuroscience and positive psychology. Her career began in management consulting, where she excelled in fostering centers of excellence and delivering successful results across various high-stakes projects. Zahra's profound interest in human behavior and organizational success led her to work closely with C-level executives and their management teams, aiming to optimize performance and enhance team cohesion.
Her approach integrates deep insights into human psychology with practical coaching techniques, focusing on overcoming subconscious barriers to success and mastering self-awareness. Zahra is passionate about helping individuals and corporate clients unlock their full potential by understanding and harnessing their innate capabilities. Through her books and the innovative Life Block Quiz, Zahra provides tools for individuals to explore their personal and professional lives, encouraging them to define and achieve their unique definitions of success. She is a proponent of lifelong learning and believes that everyone can benefit from the insights and clarity provided by professional coaching.
Highlights 01:28 - Stress, survival instincts, and success. 04:00 - Entrepreneurs and self-awareness. 05:20 - Loneliness and the entrepreneurial journey. 06:23 - Coaching and successful results. 11:30 - The Lifeblock Quiz and its purpose. 16:15 - The importance of realistic business planning. 17:39 - Honesty and transparency with clients. 20:47 - Alignment between life values and business. 22:09 - Benefits and impact of having a coach.
Episode Resources
Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
In this inspiring episode of Brand Retro, Mike Brevik engages with Howie Chan, a former scientist turned branding expert, who shares his unique journey from the rigors of stem cell research to mastering the art of branding in the healthcare sector. Howie delves into his evolution from a medical field professional to a marketing strategist, illustrating the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He discusses the importance of brand perception, his approach to overcoming professional setbacks, and how personal experiences influenced his business philosophy. This episode not only explores Howie’s professional metamorphosis but also provides valuable insights into the transformative power of branding in any industry. Tune in to learn how embracing change and curiosity can lead to fulfilling new opportunities.
Who’s the Guest? Howie Chan is the visionary behind Legend Letters, an initiative aimed at inspiring individuals to pursue their own versions of a legendary life through strategic branding and personal development. Formerly a scientist specializing in stem cell research, Howie's career trajectory shifted dramatically as he delved into the corporate world, eventually finding his passion in marketing and branding within the healthcare industry. His experience spans significant roles, from product marketing to agency leadership, where he honed his skills in brand strategy working with startups and Fortune 500 companies alike.
Howie's transition from the structured environment of a med device company to the dynamic realm of marketing agencies equipped him with a deep understanding of how to build compelling brands that resonate with specific audiences. His philosophy centers on the belief that personal and corporate branding should seamlessly align with one’s authentic self, enhancing the inherent values and mission of the individual or company.
With Legend Letters, Howie combines his extensive marketing expertise with personal insights to help others understand the power of branding not just as a business tool, but as a transformative personal journey. His work encourages professionals to invest in their personal brands to achieve recognition and success in their respective fields. Through his upcoming podcast and ongoing newsletter, Howie continues to share stories and strategies that empower individuals to take charge of their narrative and make impactful contributions to their communities and industries.
Highlights 01:10 - Howie’s transition from corporate life to branding 02:15 - Initial career in science and marketing shift 03:50 - Experience in product marketing vs. agency work 05:21 - Key roles within healthcare industry marketing 08:30 - The pivotal moment of early career crisis at an agency 12:45 - Transition to personal branding and entrepreneurship 17:20 - The concept of personal branding and reputation 22:10 - Brand misperceptions in the business world 24:50 - Branding as a decision-making shortcut 28:10 - Value of personal brand attributes 32:30 - Overcoming fear and imposter syndrome 36:05 - Start of Legend Letters after a health scare 40:10 - Encouragement for entrepreneurs and brand building
Episode Resources
Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
In this captivating episode of Brand Retro, we sit down with Jennifer Mulchandani, founder of Arlington Strategy and host of the M Word podcast. Discover how Jennifer's agency seamlessly integrates robust marketing strategies with a profound commitment to community service. Jennifer shares insights from her journey of infusing corporate social responsibility into everyday business practices and why doing good is not just an option but a foundational element of her agency's identity. Learn how any business, regardless of size, can make a meaningful impact through thoughtful community engagement and strategic philanthropy.
Who’s the Guest? Jennifer Mulchandani is the visionary founder and CEO of Arlington Strategy, an innovative marketing agency renowned for its comprehensive approach that spans brand creation to ongoing marketing implementation. With a robust team of graphic designers, digital marketers, and brand strategists, Arlington Strategy excels in supporting clients through every stage of growth, particularly specializing in non-profit organizations and small businesses with a focus on impactful, community-oriented results.
Jennifer's passion for integrating public service with powerful marketing strategies defines her professional ethos. She launched Arlington Strategy 12 years ago with a vision rooted in her extensive background in public service, government, and policy. This experience has profoundly influenced her approach to business, where she strives to blend economic success with societal benefits.
Under Jennifer's leadership, Arlington Strategy not only develops dynamic marketing solutions but also emphasizes corporate social responsibility. The agency actively engages in community projects and pro bono work, supporting local non-profits and educational institutions, thereby reinforcing the idea that businesses can thrive while making a significant positive impact on society.
Highlights 01:08 - Jennifer’s vision: Thriving Brands a Better World. 01:47 - Incorporating heart and soul into business. 02:51 - Marketing authenticity vs. gimmicky strategies. 03:59 - Critique of corporate social responsibility. 04:35 - Daily community engagement as a cultural norm. 05:52 - Pro bono work elevates team morale. 07:13 - Case study: Supporting local social services nonprofit. 10:48 - Integrating philanthropy into client onboarding. 11:36 - Tactical and philosophical client questionnaires. 12:43 - Identifying impactful, brand-aligned partnerships. 14:49 - Supporting community college system foundation. 16:01 - Long-term engagement brings mutual benefits. 17:59 - Association with community organizations enhances brand image. 19:28 - Various non-monetary ways to support nonprofits. 20:58 - Real-life example: Builder’s continuous charity engagement. 21:20 - Agency support enhances client-integrated marketing. 24:10 - Practical advice for small businesses to get involved. 27:00 - Board membership as an engagement strategy.
Episode Resources
Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
Join us on this insightful episode of Brand Retro as we dive into the world of promotional products with Swire Ho, also known as the Promo Guy, from Garuda Promotional and Branding. Discover the critical role of promotional products in maintaining brand consistency and enhancing customer journeys. Swire shares expert advice on choosing quality over quantity, aligning promotional items with your brand ethos, and the strategic use of promotional products to boost brand awareness. Learn how to avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your promotional efforts genuinely represent your brand's quality and values.
Who’s the Guest? Swire Ho, known as #thepromoguy, is a seasoned expert in the promotional products industry and the founder of Garuda Promotional and Branding Solutions. With a rich background in branding and marketing, Swire specializes in helping businesses enhance their brand visibility and customer engagement through carefully selected promotional items. His approach emphasizes the importance of aligning promotional products with a company's brand ethos to create lasting impressions.
Swire's expertise extends beyond just product selection; he consults on brand consistency and the strategic use of promotional items as part of a broader marketing strategy. His insights are particularly valuable for companies looking to make a tangible impact in their marketing efforts without sacrificing quality or brand integrity. Swire is also an advocate for thoughtful, targeted marketing campaigns that focus on the ideal client, ensuring that promotional efforts are both effective and cost-efficient.
Highlights 01:03 - Impact of cheap promotional products on brand perception. 02:27 - Importance of aligning promotional items with brand quality. 04:03 - Unique and memorable promotional items create brand experiences. 05:19 - Being strategic and selective in choosing promotional products. 06:03 - Personalized gifts for top clients enhance brand loyalty. 08:45 - Using high-quality promotional items for brand representation. 11:19 - Timing and planning ahead for effective promotional strategies. 12:20 - Establishing a marketing calendar for promotional product planning. 12:59 - Benefits of involving advisors early in the promotional planning process. 14:07 - Importance of realistic lead times for promotional products. 15:29 - Practical lead times for different types of promotional orders. 16:05 - Involving advisors in logo design for compatibility with promotional products. 17:30 - Managing daunting options in the promotional products market. 18:39 - Trusting professionals for effective promotional product selection.
Episode Resources
Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
Join us on this episode of Brand Retro as we chat with Lauren Litt, the multifaceted owner of Lil Shameless Plug. Dive into Lauren's unique journey from scream queen actress to social media maestro, where she blends her passions to create a dynamic business model. Discover how authenticity and precise storytelling in social media can transform personal connections into business success. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or an established business owner, Lauren's insights on the intersection of acting and business offer valuable lessons on building a brand that's truly your own. Tune in to learn how you can make your mark by being unapologetically yourself in the business world.
Who’s the Guest? Lauren Litt is a multifaceted entrepreneur who seamlessly blends her passions for acting and social media through her business, Lil Shameless Plug. As the owner and driving force behind this vibrant social media management company, Lauren focuses on empowering coaches and entrepreneurs with the skills they need to excel in the digital world. Her unique approach to social media education is heavily influenced by her acting career, where she’s known for her dynamic presence both on and off the screen, including roles in various (self-proclaimed) B-level horror films.
Lauren’s philosophy extends beyond typical social media tactics; she utilizes acting exercises adapted for business to help clients discover the "character" of their brand. This method helps businesses articulate a clear, compelling identity that captivates and engages their ideal customers. As a coach and consultant, Lauren’s goal is to demystify social media for those who feel overwhelmed by it, providing them with the tools and confidence to harness its power for their business success.
Highlights 10:56 - Using social media for storytelling. 21:32 - 2024 social media trends. 24:37 - Realistic expectations for social media campaigns. 16:40 - Importance of engagement over followers.
Episode Resources
Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
In this episode of the Brand Retro Podcast, Mike Brevik sits down with Leah Leaves from Alderdaan Operations Solutions. Leah shares her expertise in bringing order to chaos within small businesses, particularly in the digital marketing space. They dive deep into the importance of operational efficiency, the role of systems and structure in business growth, and the value of having the right team in place. Leah also reveals the story behind her company's name, inspired by her love for Star Wars, and how it reflects their mission to support businesses in their journey from chaos to clarity. Whether you're a small business owner or just a fan of strategic thinking, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for creating a strong operational foundation. Tune in to learn why operations should be on your radar from day one!
Who’s the Guest? Leah Leaves is the founder and CEO of Alderdaan Operations Solutions, a company dedicated to helping small businesses, particularly digital marketing agencies, bring order to their operations and thrive in chaotic environments. With a passion for turning disarray into structured success, Leah leverages her expertise in operational efficiency to guide business owners in implementing effective systems, optimizing their teams, and achieving their strategic goals. A self-proclaimed Star Wars enthusiast, Leah named her company after Princess Leia’s home planet, Alderaan, reflecting her commitment to being a guiding force for businesses seeking growth and clarity. Leah’s approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique needs of each client, empowering them to move beyond survival mode and into sustainable success.
Highlights 03:50 - Identifying the need for Aldarone: bringing order out of chaos for small businesses. 06:00 - Placing operations managers in small digital marketing agencies to manage chaos. 10:41 - Investing in the right people to multiply business effects. 12:14 - Systems and processes should be flexible, not static. 13:59 - The importance of continuously evolving business operations. 16:21 - Simple steps to start addressing operational gaps. 18:26 - Defining operations as the glue that holds business systems together. 21:29 - Emphasizing the need for team transparency and feedback loops in business operations. 23:56 - Documentation as a tool to understand and evolve business practices. 28:30 - Story behind the business name Alderdaan: connection to Star Wars and growth.
Episode Resources
Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
In this inspiring episode of the Brand Retro Podcast, we are joined by Jacob Cass, the esteemed branding and design expert from the Just Branding Podcast and the creative force behind Just Creative. Together, we delve into the intricacies of navigating a successful career in branding and design, exploring Jacob's own professional journey and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. Jacob shares his experiences working with big brands, offering insights into the challenges and triumphs of collaborating on large-scale projects. We also discuss the various stages of a career in design, from starting out and finding your niche to scaling your influence and managing significant client relationships. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of advancing in the competitive fields of branding and design, enriched with Jacob Cass’s firsthand experiences and seasoned perspectives. Join us for a deep dive into the career journey of one of the industry’s leading figures.
Who’s the Guest? Jacob Cass is a highly respected branding and design expert, renowned for his comprehensive approach to creative strategy and visual communication. As the founder of Just Creative, Jacob has built a platform that serves as a vital resource for insights into branding, design, and creativity. He is also the host of the Just Branding Podcast, where he explores these themes in depth with other leading figures in the industry.
Highlights 03:10 - Disinterest in sciences and early explorations in Photoshop. 04:22 - Operation of moonlighting as Just Creative. 04:50 - Transition from high school to visual communication degree. 06:36 - Early blogging and its impact on learning. 07:52 - Move to New York and getting headhunted by an agency. 08:50 - Early career work with brands like Disney, Nike, and Red Bull. 10:33 - Learning design principles through job experiences. 11:50 - Unique access to Disney's database and its impact. 13:25 - Advice on balancing working for a company while running a side business. 14:58 - Discussing the value of learning both from working at an agency and independently. 19:47 - Importance of ongoing learning and self-teaching. 20:37 - Experimenting with new business ventures and digital trends. 22:23 - Balancing profit-driven projects with passion projects. 23:31 - Fun in the industry and maintaining creative fire.
Episode Resources
Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
In this vibrant episode of the Brand Retro Podcast, we sit down with Josh Sullivan, the Executive Creative Director, Brand Strategist, and Designer behind the acclaimed and sometimes infamous Fried Design Company. Josh shares his adventures and challenges as an agency owner, diving into the exhilarating world of branding and the importance of infusing fun into business, creativity, and teamwork. Throughout our conversation, Josh reveals how maintaining a playful approach to serious business can foster innovation, strengthen team dynamics, and create memorable brands that resonate deeply with audiences. From navigating the pressures of agency life to unleashing the full potential of creative collaboration, this episode is packed with insightful anecdotes and practical advice for anyone looking to spice up their business practices with creativity and fun. Join us as Josh Sullivan unpacks the secrets to making work enjoyable while delivering award-winning results at the helm of the Fried Design Company.
Who’s the Guest? Josh Sullivan is the Executive Creative Director, Brand Strategist, and the visionary founder of the Fried Design Company, an agency renowned for its creative ingenuity and bold approaches to branding. With a career that blends design, strategy, and leadership, Josh has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional branding to create distinctive and impactful brand identities.
Under his guidance, Fried Design Company has earned a reputation for being both award-winning and sometimes infamous, standing out in a crowded marketplace with its unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking. Josh's work is characterized by a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological components of branding, which he leverages to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
Highlights 00:28 - Josh’s journey: From home office to Fried Design. 02:03 - Fried’s creative focus: Highly regulated industries. 04:51 - Creativity within confines: Pushing limits in design. 06:01 - Importance of brand strategy in design. 06:56 - Client reactions to bold creative work. 07:58 - Presenting and selling impactful work. 08:31 - Building Fried Design’s internal brand. 12:04 - Involvement of team in brand development. 13:02 - Significance of team culture and collaboration. 14:56 - Business growth strategy: Staying small but effective. 19:02 - Young creatives and developing a unique style. 20:36 - Importance of client and collaborator relationships.
Episode Resources
Subscribe, Share and Review To get the next episode subscribe with your favorite podcast player.
The podcast currently has 115 episodes available.
86 Listeners