Color Bar

To open Color Bar in 2026, we welcome a true architect of modern print culture — Francis McMahon.

 Across a remarkable career at Kodak, HP, Canon, and now Tecnau, Francis didn’t just help advance print technology — he helped build the communities that power our industry. From the creation of DSCOOP and thINK to the Digital Advisory Councils at HP and Canon, Francis opened doors that brought leaders together, sparked collaboration, and shaped how we learn, connect, and grow as an industry.

In this conversation, Francis shares why he believes “print is life” — and why we are standing at the beginning of print’s next chapter, not the end. We explore the leadership influences that shaped him, his thoughtful and values-driven approach to leading teams, and the reflective moment when he recognized it was time to embrace a new chapter in his professional journey.

That transition led to new doors, new energy, and a new beginning at Tecnau — and along the way, powerful lessons about trust, reinvention, and staying true to what inspires you.

This episode is about leadership, community, and belief — and why the future of print has never been more alive.

The future of print isn’t just about technology — it’s about people.

In this Color Bar conversation, Betsy Davis sits down with Peter van Teeseling of Dscoop to explore one of the most critical topics facing our industry today: how we attract, retain, engage, and inspire the next generation of talent.

Together, they reflect on early career uncertainty, the power of mentorship, and the responsibility today’s leaders carry in creating workplaces where emerging talent feels seen, supported, and empowered to grow. From redefining career paths to embracing fresh perspectives and evolving leadership expectations, this episode dives into what it truly takes to build a strong, sustainable talent pipeline for the future of print.

Because the next generation isn’t just joining our industry — they’re shaping it.

🎙 This episode flips the script.

In this special Color Bar crossover, Betsy Davis steps to the other side of the mic as she’s interviewed by industry icon Deborah Corn for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on the power of personalization, print, and brand experience.

Betsy shares how Sandy Alexander helps some of the world’s most iconic retail, dining, entertainment, and lifestyle brands bring marketing to life—through expertly executed print, smart data strategies, and technology platforms like XMpie that enable personalization at scale without losing the magic.

Together, Betsy and Deborah dig into how brands can turn data into meaningful moments, why personalization is no longer optional, and how the right mix of technology, craftsmanship, and partnership creates marketing that truly connects with consumers—whether it’s in-store, in-hand, or in-home.

Expect insights, real-world examples, and a fresh perspective as Color Bar’s co-host takes the interview seat and pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to deliver personalized experiences that perform.

✨ Bold ideas. Smart tech. Personal connections.

In this episode of Color Bar, Betsy and Kim sit down with the incomparable Melissa Clayton, founder and CEO of Tiny Tags—the beloved personalized jewelry brand worn by moms, icons, and everyday heroes. Melissa opens up about her path from CPA and stay-at-home mom to visionary entrepreneur, sharing the real, behind-the-scenes story of what it takes to build a brand with heart.

From bootstrapping and bold pivots to authentic storytelling and building a fiercely loyal community, Melissa brings equal parts wisdom and warmth to every topic. We dig into product innovation, organic growth strategies, retail partnerships, and why cheering on other women in business is not just a value—but a superpower.

Packed with inspiration, hard-won lessons, and Melissa’s signature honesty, this episode is a must-listen for anyone dreaming big, building something meaningful, or searching for the courage to stay true to their mission.

🎙️ In this episode of Color Bar, Betsy and Kim sit down with the radiant Stephanie Glaser — Chief Sales Officer at MGM Resorts — for a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring and real.

With nearly three decades in hospitality, Stephanie opens up about her journey of leadership, personal branding, and well-being — and how MGM is redefining workplace culture with its innovative sabbatical program, “The Intermission.”

From giving yourself grace to finding balance and modeling authenticity as a leader, this episode is a masterclass in holistic growth — with plenty of laughs, wisdom, and aha moments along the way.

Tune in to be inspired to hit your own intermission — and come back stronger, more centered, and ready to shine.

In this episode of Color Bar, hosts Betsy Davis and Kim Opdyke dive into the evolution of direct mail with two industry powerhouses — Chris Lien, EVP of Postal Affairs at BCC Software, and David Rosendahl, Co-Founder and President of MindFire Inc.

Together, they unpack how technology, automation, and real-time tracking are turning traditional mail into a smart, data-driven powerhouse that marketers can finally measure, optimize, and integrate seamlessly with digital campaigns.

From 2026 USPS promotions and catalog creativity to the truth that the mailbox is the one channel you can’t turn off, this episode explores how direct mail is reclaiming its spot in the modern marketing mix — delivering performance, personalization, and a serious dose of phygital power.

If you thought mail was old school, think again — this is where print meets predictive.

In this episode of "Color Bar," Betsy & Kim welcome Mel Bishop, Director of In-Store Marketing for Pet Supermarket. Mel shares insights on the unique, emotional nature of pet retail, emphasizing the importance of customer experience, innovative in-store events, and personalized service. The discussion covers holiday planning, the evolving use of technology like QR codes, and the power of collaboration and continuous improvement. They also explore loyalty programs, highlighting the need for aspirational rewards and authentic engagement to build lasting customer loyalty in a competitive retail landscape.

In this episode of Color Bar, we welcome back Kat Tushim, Executive Creative Director, for a conversation all about “Looking Left”—taking unexpected, fresh approaches to marketing challenges.

Kat takes us inside bold campaigns for 360 Chicago, Kum & Go, BF Goodrich, and more, sharing how “looking left” fuels creativity, disrupts the ordinary, and unlocks cross-industry inspiration. From immersive retail experiences and holiday storytelling to AI-driven personalization, Kat breaks down what it takes to connect with evolving consumer expectations and deliver brand moments that stick.

Listeners will hear candid insights on mentorship through her work with True Chicago, how to reimagine campaigns with personality and purpose, and why authenticity always wins. This is a practical, inspiring episode packed with strategies for marketers who want to create experiences that are not just seen—but felt and remembered.

In this episode, hosts Betsy Davis and Kim Opdyke sit down with Wendy Moodie, co-founder of one of today’s most innovative event production companies. Wendy pulls back the curtain on her journey designing immersive, can’t-miss brand experiences across entertainment, retail, travel, and beyond.

The conversation dives into:

• How experiential marketing has evolved from flashy activations to authentic, story-driven engagement
• Why brand integrity is non-negotiable when creating environments that wow and last
• The game-changing role of technology in transforming spaces into living, breathing experiences

Wendy also shares her take on the rise of pop-up culture, how brands can spark massive amplification through social media, and what companies should know before stepping into immersive marketing.

The episode wraps with a bold look ahead at future trends—and Wendy’s call for brands to lean into creativity, courage, and innovation as they reimagine how to connect with their audiences.

Helen Smith, Head of Marketing at Precision Proco, joins Color Bar to talk about relaunching their podcast Great Minds Print Alike—and why sometimes the bravest move is simply to Stop Overthinking and Take Action! Check out the podcast here: Great Minds Print Alike 

We dig into the impact of AI on business and marketing strategies—how we can still show up authentically, while weaving AI into the creative process to spark ideas, accelerate execution, and free up time for what matters most: strategy and human connection.

Helen also shares what happened when she fully unplugged on vacation—how stepping away recharged her creativity and gave her team the chance to grow. It became a powerful example of engaging the next generation of talent in our industry and empowering them with real responsibility. As Helen put it best:
“There is nothing more motivational than trust.”

We wrap by reimagining B2B demand generation—shifting away from being purely sales-driven and leaning into marketing-led, playful, multi-channel approaches. And Helen reminds us of a truth every marketer should hold onto:
“It’s not always about selling a product—it’s about selling a feeling.”

 If you’re a B2B marketer or a business leader, this episode is packed with real conversation and real opportunities—both personally and for your business.