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 it
• The smartest ways to build trust with skeptical customers
• How to out-market giants without blowing your budget
• The danger of building features before product-market fit
• Why brand loyalty starts long before a flashy ad campaign

Whether 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 storytelling
• The real reason Beats by Dre became a cultural phenomenon
• Why brand storytelling beats traditional advertising—every time
• The psychology behind why people buy (and how to use it)
• The biggest marketing mistakes companies make—and how to avoid them

If 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 penny
• Why word-of-mouth is a game-changer for free products
• The challenge of marketing through libraries and institutions
• What every brand can learn from OverDrive’s success

Tune 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.