This episode of CMO Weekly features an in-depth conversation with Paul Burns, the President and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association. With over two decades of experience in government affairs and gaming policy, Burns has been a primary architect in transitioning Canada’s gaming landscape from a "gray market" into a regulated, multi-billion-dollar industry.Host Hayley Clover dives into the evolution of sports betting, the massive success of the Ontario market, and why player protection is no longer just a "checkbox"—it’s the foundation of long-term sustainability.🎧 What’s In This Episode? The Origin Story: Paul shares how he transitioned from the world of politics to helping establish the CGA in 2005. The Ontario Blueprint: A look at how Ontario’s regulated market grew to include over 50 companies and why other provinces (like Alberta) are looking to replicate its success. Player Protection 2.0: Moving beyond basic tools to active behavioral monitoring and the importance of financial literacy for younger players (legal gambling age is 19 in most of Canada, but 18 in Alberta). Industry Modernization: Why the gaming industry must "meet people where they are" to stay relevant in a digital-first world. The 2030 Vision: Paul predicts the state of Canadian gaming over the next five years, including his hope for at least two more regulated provinces.⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and a word from our sponsor, Health and Fortune. 00:51 – Introducing Paul Burns, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association. 01:31 – Paul’s journey: From politics to the "fun file" of gaming. 03:06 – The struggle of establishing a regulated market in Canada. 05:00 – Ontario’s billion-dollar success and the shift in consumer protection. 07:17 – Alberta’s move toward regulation and the "Ontario model". 11:51 – What "Player Protection" actually looks like today. 13:21 – Monitoring player behavior: Escalation and intervention. 16:28 – The gambling age in Canada and the need for youth education. 20:20 – The evolution of provincial lottery models vs. commercial operators. 23:03 – Future Outlook: Innovation, harmonization, and predictions for 2030.About CMO Weekly:We sit down with the world's top executives to uncover the bold news, tough lessons, and breakthrough ideas that have shaped their journeys.Support the Show:Check out OpenFortune, the only marketing company putting your brand inside actual fortune cookies. Keep an eye out for their latest campaign with MrBeast! #CanadianGaming #SportsBetting #OnlineGaming #ExecutiveInterview #CMAWeekly #PaulBurns #OntarioGaming #PlayerProtection

Welcome to CMO Weekly! In this episode, host Hayley Clover sits down with John Meacham, the VP of Marketing at Cache Creek Casino Resort. With over 20 years of experience across industry giants like MGM and Caesars, John brings a unique, analytical perspective to the world of gaming and hospitality.From his early days as a pet product entrepreneur to leading multi-million dollar rebrands and high-level sports partnerships, John shares the "bold moves" and "tough lessons" that have defined his career.In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The Entrepreneurial Edge: How starting a pet product business taught John the fundamentals of growth and marketing. Tribal vs. Corporate Gaming: The strategic freedom of working with a single, tribally-owned property compared to the rigid "playbooks" of major corporations. The "Escape" Brand: How Cache Creek leverages its location in Northern California’s Capay Valley to market "sophisticated fun" and a unique guest escape. Loyalty Program Innovation: Insights into Cache Creek’s 2026 rewards program relaunch, including how they reduced guest wait times by 100,000+ face-to-face transactions. Premier Partnerships: Why Cache Creek values its founding-level partnership with the San Francisco 49ers and other Bay Area icons like the Giants and Warriors. The Future of Marketing: How AI is beginning to influence website optimization and the "tip of the spear" for digital technology. Ticketing Strategy: How changing the way tickets are released for the resort’s entertainment venue led to a consistent 95% capacity.Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to CMO Weekly 01:31 – John Meacham’s career path: From pet products to gaming 03:06 – Transitioning from math and operations into marketing 05:09 – The differences between Tribal and Corporate gaming 07:40 – Creating a brand around "The Escape" and natural beauty 09:25 – Relaunching the Cache Creek Loyalty Program in 2026 11:54 – Solving the "food comp" line problem with automation 14:48 – Strategic partnerships with the 49ers, Giants, and Warriors 17:58 – Balancing traditional advertising with AI and digital trends 22:09 – A lesson in guest perspective: Reforming the entertainment ticketing model 25:49 – Final thoughts and where to visit This episode is brought to you by OpenFortune, the marketing company putting your brand inside actual fortune cookies. Check out their latest campaign with MrBeast and Feastables in restaurants nationwide! Connect with us:🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with the world’s top executives.🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform.#CMOWeekly #MarketingStrategy #CasinoMarketing #JohnMeacham #CacheCreek #TribalGaming #LoyaltyPrograms #BusinessLeadership #49ers

In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Andrew Pink, the Head of Brand and Communications at Play’n GO, to discuss his fascinating transition from professional sports to the heights of the AI, gaming, and entertainment industry.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Olympic Mindset: Andrew shares how his experience representing Great Britain in volleyball at the 2012 London Olympics shaped his competitive approach to global brand strategy.

Navigating Regulated Markets: Discover why Play’n GO is actively lobbying for more regulation in the gaming industry to ensure long-term sustainability and player safety.

High-Volume Content Strategy: Andrew explains the logic behind producing multiple new game titles every month and how to maintain brand consistency when your audience ranges from grandmothers to hardcore gamers.

Bold Marketing Stunts: Get the inside scoop on sending game characters into space and leveraging high-profile partnerships like Formula 1 to build trust and scale in the North American market.

Leadership & Career Advice: Andrew discusses his "high-performing team" leadership style and why he believes "reading everything" is the most underrated tool for anyone looking to break into the gaming industry today.

About Our Guest:

Andrew Pink leads global brand strategy for Play’n GO, a world leader in gaming and entertainment. With a unique background as a former Olympic athlete, he brings a disciplined, data-driven, and competitive edge to one of the most dynamic sectors in tech.

Episode Highlights:

[01:21] Andrew’s journey from the volleyball court to the boardroom.

[04:07] Why Play’n GO wants a "safer place to play" through regulation.

[08:16] The "out of this world" marketing behind their latest campaigns.

[14:27] Why sponsoring F1 makes sense for a global entertainment brand.

[18:09] Essential advice for the next generation of marketing leaders.

This episode is brought to you by Open Fortune, the marketing pioneers putting brands inside actual fortune cookies to capture a moment of surprise no banner ad can match.

#CMOWeekly #MarketingStrategy #GamingIndustry #PlaynGO #Leadership #BrandBuilding #OlympicMindset #Formula1

In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Chris Garrow, the Gaming Operations Director at Prairie Band Casino & Resort. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning corporate giants like MGM in Las Vegas to tribal gaming in Kansas, Chris shares an insider's look at how the gaming industry is evolving through technology, psychology, and a deep commitment to community.

Chris dives into the complexities of launching the first tribal sportsbook in Kansas, the surprising psychology behind casino floor layouts, and how Prairie Band uses AI and data analytics to stay ahead of the competition. Whether you're a marketing professional, a gaming enthusiast, or looking to climb the corporate ladder, this episode offers a masterclass in operational excellence and leadership.

🕒 Key Moments in This Episode:

00:00 – Introduction & Sponsor Spotlight: Open Fortune

01:24 – Launching the first Tribal Sportsbook in Kansas

02:07 – Chris Garrow’s Journey: From Boston to the MGM University in Vegas

04:09 – The Real Impact: How Tribal Gaming supports local communities

06:01 – Staying Competitive: Marketing a rural destination in a digital world

07:52 – The Role of Innovation: Mobile apps and forward-thinking tech

09:45 – Data vs. Emotion: Using AI to optimize the gaming floor

12:03 – The Bricks-and-Mortar Advantage: The craving for in-person interaction

14:02 – Casino Psychology: Why ergonomics and chair comfort drive revenue

15:26 – The "Yellow Brick Road": Designing the flow of a gaming floor

17:32 – The Future Floor: Adapting from Boomers to the younger generation

19:05 – Commitment to Responsible Gaming: Setting limits via technology

20:13 – Career Advice: The power of patience and mentorship

💡 Highlights from the Episode:

Community First: Chris explains how tribal gaming revenue directly funds health clinics, social services, and tribal government.

The Science of Comfort: Learn why the height of a slot machine and the "swing" of a poker chair are critical to the guest experience.

AI Before It Was Cool: Discover how Prairie Band has been using predictive models since 2018 to determine game placement and uplift.

Retail Sportsbooks: Why a 16-seat boutique sportsbook can offer a more intimate, "watch party" vibe than the massive books in Vegas.

About Chris Garrow:

Chris Garrow is the Gaming Operations Director at Prairie Band Casino & Resort, where he oversees slots, table games, and bingo. His career highlights include leading major gaming technology initiatives, sportsbook launches, and data-driven revenue optimization.

Connect with CMO Weekly:

Don't forget to Subscribe for more interviews with the world's top executives uncovering the old rules and breakthrough ideas shaping the industry.

#CMOWeekly #GamingIndustry #CasinoMarketing #SportsBetting #TribalGaming #DataAnalytics #LeadershipAdvice #PrairieBandCasino

This podcast episode of CMO Weekly, hosted by Hayley Clover, features an in-depth conversation with Nilofer Vahora, the Chief Marketing Officer of amika

In this episode, Nilofer Vahora discusses her career journey, the evolution of the amika brand, and its strategic expansion into the body care category. She shares insights on building community, maintaining cultural relevance for a 20-year-old brand, and the importance of the professional stylist community to amika’s success.

Key Highlights

Career Journey: Nilofer details her transition from a finance background at Wharton to leading marketing for major brands like Bare Minerals, Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, and Milk Makeup.

Joining amika: As amika's first-ever CMO, Nilofer explains her approach to joining a well-established brand: listening to its history and identifying how to unlock the next wave of growth without alienating its loyal community.

Expansion into Body Care: Nilofer describes the brand's first move beyond hair care as an "emotional expansion". Driven by community demand, amika launched its Aura Hair and Body Mist followed by a full body care line, extending its core ethos of "all hair and all bodies are welcome".

The Power of Community: A significant portion of the discussion focuses on amika's roots in the professional salon community. Nilofer highlights that amika is the #1 recommended brand by stylists, which drives the brand's authenticity and high customer repeat rates.

Brand Philosophy: Nilofer emphasizes amika's identity as a "friend" (the meaning of its name) that prioritizes inclusivity, performance, and joy in daily rituals.

Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction to CMO Weekly and guest Nilofer Vahora.

01:58 – Nilofer’s background: From finance to the "beauty bug".

04:40 – Nilofer’s "sweet spot" in marketing: Unlocking scale for established brands.

06:50 – Becoming amika’s first CMO and honoring the brand's 20-year history.

09:49 – The strategic "why" behind amika’s new body care line.

12:56 – Launching the Aura Hair and Body Mist: A community-first success story.

16:44 – Extending "Hair is Welcome" to "All Bodies are Welcome".

19:23 – Why the professional stylist community is the core of amika’s DNA.

What does it take to flip the table on a multi-billion dollar industry monopolized by giant corporations for decades? In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Kim Chappell, the Chief Brand Officer at Bobbie, to explore how a team of moms built a "challenger brand" that redefined the infant formula category.

Kim shares her "wild ride" from a decade-long career as an award-winning broadcast journalist to leading marketing at one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S.. We dive deep into the reality of "startup years," overcoming crushing imposter syndrome, and why the most powerful marketing tool isn't a flashy ad—it’s radical transparency.

In this episode, we discuss:

The Journalism Edge: How a background in news reporting built the "content muscle" and storytelling skills needed to scale a brand.

Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Kim’s honest reflection on nearly saying "no" to the CBO role and how she found the confidence to lead.

The Community-First Model: How Bobbie used direct-to-consumer subscriptions and Zoom sessions with real parents to build a relationship-driven brand.

The Power of Transparency: From the "Transparency Tracker" to investing $100M in their own manufacturing facility to ensure quality and trust.

Bold Moves & Cultural Conversations: The strategy behind the "Not Guilty" campaign with Cardi B and why Bobbie only uses real customers in its marketing.

Advice for Working Moms: Why "balance is bullshit" and the importance of showing the "mess" of being a leader and a parent simultaneously.

Episode Highlights:

[02:15] Kim’s transition from journalism to tech and startups.

[06:35] Joining Bobbie in a basement and selling out a million cans in six weeks.

[10:56] The "toxic mindset" for marketing leaders and the importance of hiring experts.

[17:25] Why trust is the non-negotiable foundation of brand building.

[24:43] Going behind the scenes of the Cardi B "Not Guilty" campaign.

[34:25] Honest advice on career, motherhood, and building a support ecosystem.

About Kim Chappell:

Kim Chappell is the Chief Brand Officer at Bobbie, the organic infant formula company. An award-winning journalist turned marketing leader, Kim heads Bobbie’s brand, creativity, and communication strategy, driving bold storytelling and advocacy campaigns that empower modern families.

Sponsor:

This episode is brought to you by OpenFortune, the marketing company putting brands inside actual fortune cookies. Reach millions of customers in a moment of surprise and undivided attention. Learn more at openfortune.com.

Subscribe to CMO Weekly for more conversations with the world's top marketing leaders!

This podcast episode of CMO Weekly features Liza Suloti, co-founder of the creative marketing agency SHADOW. In a wide-ranging conversation with host Hayley Clover, Liza details her journey from a native New Yorker and English major at BU to becoming a leader of a powerhouse agency with over 20 years of experience.

She provides a "behind-the-scenes" look at what it takes to execute high-stakes marketing moments, including e.l.f. Beauty’s iconic Super Bowl campaigns featuring Jennifer Coolidge and Judge Judy.

Key Highlights From the Episode

The Power of "Yes": Liza discusses how being open to non-linear career paths and saying "yes" to challenges—like shifting from journalism to PR—led to the creation of SHADOW.

Building Buzz Through Culture: She explains why SHADOW remains diversified across fashion, beauty, hospitality, and wellness, treating these industries as a snapshot of culture to drive authentic brand relevancy.

Super Bowl Strategy: Liza breaks down the strategic thinking behind e.l.f. Beauty’s viral big-game ads, revealing that the first Jennifer Coolidge spot was pulled together in a staggering three weeks.

The "Brick by Brick" Approach: A deep dive into why long-term client relationships (some spanning 15 years) are the foundation for the trust needed to take massive creative risks.

Agency vs. Brand Life: Advice for early-stage marketers on choosing between the fast-paced, multi-brand environment of an agency and the deep narrative ownership of working in-house.

About Liza Suloti

Liza Suloti is a PR and marketing communications veteran who oversees SHADOW’s beauty and wellness division. She has guided high-profile clients such as Amika, Estée Lauder, Dove, and Supergoop. A multiple Webby and Shorty Award winner, she is a frequent expert voice in Business of Fashion and Adweek.

In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover explores the fascinating intersection of experiential marketing and life-altering decisions. We dive into how something as simple as a fortune cookie can influence where a student-athlete chooses to spend their next four years and how universities are breaking through the digital noise to reach the next generation.

The Story Behind the Cookie

Abby McLean, a student-athlete at Idaho State University, shares her unique recruiting journey. Facing the high-pressure world of college sports recruitment, a chance lunch at Panda Express provided the "sign" she needed. We discuss how a simple message—"You'll find satisfaction near you"—sparked a critical family conversation that led to her commitment to Idaho State.

Marketing Beyond the Screen

Jeff Mavros, Executive Director of Admissions at Illinois State University, provides the marketer’s perspective. With Illinois State seeing record-breaking freshman enrollment, Jeff discusses why he took a "big swing" on non-traditional channels like Open Fortune. We explore:

The Emotional Decision-Maker: Why 17-year-olds (and their parents) respond more to "nudges" and emotional triggers than purely logical data.

The Power of the Dinner Table: Why 82% of important family decisions happen over a meal.

Differentiation in a Crowded Market: How to stop the "delete-delete-delete" cycle of student emails by being approachable, tactile, and unexpected.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Impact of Experiential Touchpoints: How real-world, tactile marketing creates lasting brand awareness.

Recruiting the Gen Z Athlete: Understanding the pressure of the recruiting process and what actually resonates with students.

Engaging the "Hidden" Influencers: Why marketing to parents is just as critical as marketing to students.

Risk vs. Reward in Higher Ed: Why taking creative risks is essential for institutional growth

In this episode of CMO Weekly, hosts Hayley Clover and Yoni sit down with Kim Dao, the Vice President of Marketing at Every Man Jack. With over 20 years of experience at powerhouse brands like Neutrogena and Clif Bar, Kim is currently steering Every Man Jack through its most significant brand transformation in nearly two decades.

Kim shares her fascinating transition from financial consulting and socio-cultural anthropology to becoming a "modern-day anthropologist" in the world of marketing. We dive deep into how a 19-year-old "challenger brand" stays relevant in an increasingly crowded natural grooming market and why the brand is shifting its focus toward grit, perseverance, and identity-led marketing.

Key Topics Discussed:

The Evolution of a Challenger Brand: How Every Man Jack is moving beyond "clean and natural" to embrace a positioning built for "men who put in the work".

The "Baker Mayfield" Effect: The strategy behind choosing the Buccaneers QB as a brand ambassador and why his story of grit aligns perfectly with the brand's DNA.

Innovation vs. Tradition: Why modern men are moving away from "3-in-1" products toward high-performance, benefit-specific grooming routines like separate shampoos and conditioners.

Building Community: Connecting with consumers beyond the shelf through athlete-led workouts, trade shows, and social media ambassadors.

Leadership & Career Growth: Kim’s advice for early-stage marketers on staying curious and viewing career paths as non-linear journeys.

About Our Guest:

Kim Dao is the VP of Marketing at Every Man Jack. She is a seasoned CPG leader known for building culturally resonant brands through deep consumer insights. Throughout her career, she has specialized in mission-driven brands that bring joy and utility to consumers' daily lives.

Episode Sponsored By:

Open Fortune: The only marketing company putting your brand inside actual fortune cookies. Reach millions of customers in a moment of pure surprise. Learn more at openfortune.com.

In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Brian Murphy, the Co-Founder and CEO of Loeffler Randall, the New York-based fashion brand famous for its design-forward footwear and accessories. Brian shares the incredible 20-year journey of scaling a "cult favorite" label into a global lifestyle brand while maintaining the deep emotional connection that defines the company.

From the "rocky" early days in a Brooklyn basement to managing a brand that spans multiple generations, Brian offers a masterclass in building a business with authenticity and "product-level excellence".

In this episode, we discuss:

The Origin Story: How Brian and his wife, Jessie, launched the brand in 2003 from their Brooklyn apartment and navigated early challenges, including an office situated in the back of an olive oil warehouse.

Scaling the Brand: The specific products that served as "benchmarks" for growth, including the iconic flat boot and the globally recognized pleated fabric program.

The Power of "Self-Reference": Why Loeffler Randall avoids looking at outside stimulus or competitors, instead focusing on Jessie’s personal creative vision and what she feels is missing from her own wardrobe.

The Core Consumer: How the brand targets confident, self-sufficient women who dress for themselves rather than for others.

Cross-Generational Appeal: Connecting with a diverse audience, from "millennial moms" to Gen Z daughters and beyond.

Marketing Strategy: Why Loeffler Randall prioritizes physical retail spaces in cities like Charleston and Nashville as vital brand touchpoints.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro to CMO Weekly & Guest Welcome

02:36 – The 20-Year Origin Story of Loeffler Randall

04:22 – Starting in a Brooklyn Basement and Early Struggles

08:46 – Transitioning to a Household Name & Lifestyle Brand

11:17 – Quality and "Product-Level Excellence" as Marketing

12:47 – Staying Power: Avoiding Trends and Trusting Creativity

15:36 – Marketing Across Generations: From Millennials to Gen Alpha

18:23 – Defining the Loeffler Randall Woman

Subscribe to CMO Weekly for more deep dives with the world's top marketing leaders and executives.

#Marketing #FashionBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CMOWeekly #LoefflerRandall #BrandBuilding #DirectToConsumer