BRANDED Leaders

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.

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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.

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