In this episode, Kelly and Todd share how Vuja Dé Digital is redefining the hiring process. redefining the hiring process. By being themselves and focusing on candidates’ personalities, motivations, and intrinsic qualities that extend beyond their resumes; they connect in a more authentic and meaningful way.

They explore the challenges of conducting meaningful virtual interviews and navigating the shifting job market in a post-COVID world. Highlighting their human-centered and non-traditional interview style, they discuss asking thoughtful, in-depth questions to uncover alignment with company culture.

The episode emphasizes the power of fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, empowered, and invested, showcasing how these principles drive both hiring practices and daily operations.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction: How Adaptability Shapes Modern Hiring
• 00:00:56 - Meet Kelly and Todd: Leaders Redefining Recruitment
• 00:01:03 - Hiring Post-COVID: Navigating New Challenges
• 00:01:45 - What Candidates Reveal: Key Takeaways from Recent Interviews
• 00:04:04 - Reinventing the Interview: Moving Beyond Resumes
• 00:07:41 - Hiring for the Human Factor: The Power of Personality and Motivation
• 00:09:14 - Candidate Feedback: What Sets Vuja Dé Digital Apart
• 00:11:05 - Workplace Culture Matters: Building Teams That Thrive
• 00:14:23 - Empowering Employees: Unlocking Potential and Fostering Growth
• 00:26:27 - Closing Thoughts: A Vision for the Future of Hiring

Links and Resources:

• Kelly Maguire on LinkedIn
• Todd Juneau on LinkedIn
• Vuja De Digital 

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Contrary to Popular Opinion? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

In this special look-back episode, Todd and Kelly revisit some of the most valuable insights shared by past guests—industry leaders who’ve tackled the challenges of building strong brands in competitive markets.

Reflecting on these conversations, Todd and Kelly explore key strategies for leveraging social proof, fostering community, and navigating the complexities of platforms like Amazon.

With insights on balancing brand growth with profitability, creating purpose-driven connections, and choosing between agency and in-house marketing, this highlight episode distills actionable wisdom for brand builders wanting to up level their marketing strategies and approach.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction: Highlights from Top Brand-Building Conversations
• 00:00:44 - Social Proof, Brand Loyalty, and Scaling a Non-Alcoholic Beverage with E-Commerce
• 00:11:22 - Beyond the Pitch: Real Talk on Agency Selection with Liz Allen
• 00:22:50 - When Creativity Meets Execution with Oobli Head of Direct to Consumer, Traci Warren
• 00:39:19 - Insights Into the Evolving CMO Role with Juhi Pikale

Links and Resources:

• Kelly Maguire on LinkedIn
• Todd Juneau on LinkedIn
• Vuja De Digital 

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Contrary to Popular Opinion? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

In this episode, Todd and Kelly discuss the evolving landscape of media buying and "performance media."

They address the critical need for agencies and brands to shift from focusing solely on traditional metrics like CPM, to more meaningful metrics and strategies that drive real measurable business outcomes.

They delve into the art and science of media strategy, stressing the importance of aligning media investments with a brand’s broader business goals.

By valuing collaboration over transactions, Todd and Kelly argue for a model where media drives real growth, with agency relationships built on trust, shared objectives, and a commitment to long-term success.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction: Building Strong Brand-Agency Partnerships
• 00:01:04 - Industry Insight: Highlights from Digiday's Media Buying Summit
• 00:01:37 - Redefining Media Performance for Business Impact
• 00:02:29 - Integrating Media with Business Goals
• 00:03:25 - Media Strategy as a Growth Engine, Not a Service
• 00:04:34 - Making the Most of Every Media Investment
• 00:06:11 - Finding Balance: The Art and Science of Media Strategy
• 00:10:41 - Aligning Procurement with Marketing for Success
• 00:12:34 - Trust and Partnership as Cornerstones of Success
• 00:20:01 - Why Weekly Check-Ins Outperform Quarterly Reviews
• 00:23:30 - Conclusion: The Path Forward for Media and Agency Relationships

Links and Resources:

• Kelly Maguire on LinkedIn
• Todd Juneau on LinkedIn
• Vuja De Digital 

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Contrary to Popular Opinion? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Todd and Kelly dive into the complexities of AdTech, peeling back the layers of hype and exploring the reality of its applications in digital advertising.

They dissect the promises versus the pitfalls of AdTech, from AI-powered tools to data recovery in a privacy-first landscape.

With a candid look at what works, what doesn’t, and why passion and curiosity are essential for successful AdTech implementation, Todd and Kelly share insights into leveraging technology to get meaningful results.

They reveal that while AdTech can enhance campaigns, it often requires more input — not less— combined with an unwavering commitment to quality.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Setting the Stage: Exploring AdTech’s Evolution
• 00:01:50 - Perception vs. Reality: Breaking Down AdTech’s Hype
• 00:04:20 - Common Pitfalls: Where AdTech Often Falls Short
• 00:06:52 - Efficiency at a Cost: The Reality of AdTech Workloads
• 00:08:48 - The Champion’s Role: Why Passion Drives AdTech Success
• 00:14:27 - Limitations in Practice: AdTech’s Benefits and Shortcomings
• 00:19:39 - Shaping Strategy: AI’s Expanding Role in AdTech
• 00:20:55 - AI at Work: Practical Applications in Digital Strategy
• 00:21:28 - Data Exploration with AI: Finding Hidden Insights
• 00:24:08 - Future of Jobs: Will AdTech Replace the Human Touch?
• 00:27:00 - Creative Applications: Pushing AdTech’s Boundaries
• 00:29:35 - Challenges and Growth: Seizing Opportunities in AdTech
• 00:31:07 - Industry Anecdotes: The Role of Ads in Daily Life
• 00:33:03 - Political Ads and Targeting: Insights into Data Use
• 00:34:32 - Looking Ahead: Final Reflections on AdTech’s Future

Links and Resources:

• Kelly Maguire on LinkedIn
• Todd Juneau on LinkedIn
• Vuja De Digital 

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Contrary to Popular Opinion? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

In this rewind episode, Todd and Kelly revisit some of the most compelling discussions around the role of AI in marketing.

They explore whether AI is genuinely transforming the industry or if it’s overhyped, addressing its ability to streamline tasks, analyze complex data, and enhance decision-making.

They critically examine how AI can impact media planning and discuss the balance between automation and human creativity. This episode offers a fresh look at the future of marketing, raising important questions about AI’s potential and its real-world applications.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Kicking Off the AI Debate: Is It Revolutionizing Marketing or Just Hype?
• 00:00:53 - AI + Marketing: Hype or Reality?
• 00:13:08 - Elevating Client Deliverables and Value with AI
• 00:26:04 - What CMOs & Brands Need to Know About AI in Marketing

Links and Resources:

• Kelly Maguire on LinkedIn
• Todd Juneau on LinkedIn
• Vuja De Digital 

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Contrary to Popular Opinion? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

In this week's episode, we dive into the transformative power of AI-driven marketing insights with Beatrice Ellington of Keen Decision Systems.

Discover how advanced marketing / media mix modeling is helping businesses make smarter, data-driven decisions.

Beatrice shares how emerging brands and agencies alike are optimizing marketing budgets, driving long-term brand equity, and uncovering growth opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

We explore the integration of AI, predictive analytics, and Bayesian regression models in forecasting marketing efforts and tying spend directly to business outcomes.

A must-listen for those looking to improve marketing performance without increasing costs.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction: How Marketing Impacts Revenue
• 00:01:02 - Meet the Hosts and Beatrice Ellington from Keen Decision Systems
• 00:02:43 - What is Marketing Mix Modeling (MMM) and Why It Matters
• 00:04:51 - The AI Behind Keen's Platform: Transforming Marketing Decisions
• 00:06:22 - Case Studies: How Brands Are Optimizing Their Marketing Budgets
• 00:11:01 - Key Challenges in Marketing and Unlocking Data-Driven Insights
• 00:12:39 - Why Investing in Marketing is Crucial for Long-Term Growth
• 00:19:23 - How Agencies and Industries Are Leveraging MMM for Success
• 00:20:12 - The Evolution of MMM: From Large Brands to Emerging Companies
• 00:21:47 - The Value of Integrating Keen's AI Platform into an Agency's Tech Stack
• 00:23:15 - Data-Driven Decision Making: Optimizing Media Investments
• 00:25:03 - Case Studies: Brands Uncovering Missed Marketing Opportunities
• 00:27:31 - Final Thoughts: Maximizing Marketing Performance with AI
• 00:28:11 - Closing Remarks and Beatrice’s Last Ad Seen

Links and Resources:

• Keen Decision Systems
• Beatrice Ellington on LinkedIn
• Kelly Maguire on LinkedIn
• Todd Juneau on LinkedIn
• Vuja De Digital 

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Contrary to Popular Opinion? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

In this episode, we explore the tough decisions that marketing leaders face when choosing agency partners and balancing media strategies with performance expectations.

We dive into the intricacies of building strong client-agency relationships, navigating the cost-value equation, and determining whether to keep marketing functions in-house or with external agencies.

Packed with insights and practical examples, this episode highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment in driving long-term marketing success.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Get ready for a marketing deep dive that challenges the status quo!
• 00:01:13 - Beyond the Pitch: Real Talk on Agency Selection with Liz Allen
• 00:13:05 - Truth in Advertising: Auditing Your Agency’s Work
• 00:24:39 - In-House vs Agency: A CMO's Dilemma
• 00:39:52 - Insights Into the Evolving CMO Role with Juhi Pikale

Links and Resources:

• Kelly Maguire on LinkedIn
• Todd Juneau on LinkedIn
• Vuja De Digital 

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Contrary to Popular Opinion? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

In this episode, Todd and Kelly sit down with Karen Kelly, former head of marketing for UPS, where she spent over 22 years managing multi-million-dollar marketing efforts.

Karen shares her insights on building lasting, collaborative relationships with agencies, stressing the importance of clear communication and proactive engagement to drive business results.

She delves into the challenges of navigating agency turnover and the necessity of working with partners who truly invest in your brand's success.

The conversation also touches on how to balance agency fees with value, while keeping strategies innovative and aligned with long-term business goals, all without falling into complacency.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Setting the Stage: Introducing Karen Kelly and the Power of Long-Term Marketing Leadership
• 00:01:10 - Karen Kelly’s Leadership in Franchise and Consumer Marketing
• 00:02:34 - Strengthening Agency-Client Relationships for Better Outcomes
• 00:05:02 - Overcoming Challenges in Managing Large-Scale Agency Partnerships
• 00:07:01 - The Value of Long-Term Agency Relationships in Driving Results
• 00:10:15 - Finding the Right Balance Between Agency Fees and Value
• 00:19:22 - Ensuring Transparent Communication to Maximize Agency Effectiveness
• 00:27:10 - Key Advice for Executives Managing Complex Marketing Teams
• 00:29:25 - Final Thoughts for Marketing Leaders

Links and Resources:

• Karen Kelly on LinkedIn
• Kelly Maguire on LinkedIn
• Todd Juneau on LinkedIn
• Vuja De Digital 

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Contrary to Popular Opinion? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

Stu Haack, head of direct-to-consumer e-commerce at HOP WTR, shares the challenges and opportunities of building a brand that succeeds in both the e-commerce and retail markets.

From managing the balance between DTC growth and mass retail distribution to creating social proof and brand loyalty in the competitive non-alcoholic beverage space, Stu offers actionable insights drawn from his extensive experience at top CPG companies.

Listeners will learn how to approach marketing, community building, and product differentiation to thrive in an ever-changing consumer landscape.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Social Proof: Why It’s the Backbone of Brand Loyalty
• 00:01:31 - Stu Haack’s Career Path: Creative to Data Geek
• 00:01:56 - The E-Commerce Challenge: Competing with Retail Giants
• 00:04:48 - HOPWTR’s Journey: From DTC Beginnings to Walmart Shelves
• 00:06:04 - Balancing E-Commerce and Retail Sales: How HOPWTR Is Adapting
• 00:10:00 - Building a Community Around HOPWTR: Lessons from Dr. Squatch
• 00:13:15 - Using Community to Drive Social Proof and Sales
• 00:15:45 - The Challenge of Building Social Proof in the E-Commerce Space
• 00:17:23 - Amazon’s Role in DTC Success: Opportunity or Pitfall?
• 00:25:48 - Paid Media Realities: Is Your Ad Budget Really Working?
• 00:31:18 - Final Takeaways: What’s Next for HOPWTR’s Growth?

Links and Resources:

• Stu Haack on LinkedIn
• Hawaiian Host Group
• HOP WTR
• Kelly Maguire on LinkedIn
• Todd Juneau on LinkedIn
• Vuja De Digital 

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Contrary to Popular Opinion? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!

In this week's episode, Kelly and Todd explore the agency pitch process, addressing why the current RFP approach often falls short for decision-makers like CMOs and brand managers.

They emphasize the importance of selecting agencies based on long-term strategic thinking rather than surface-level presentations or buzzwords like “proprietary tools or processes.”

The conversation highlights how brands can benefit from focusing on agency alignment with their business goals and finding partners who prioritize genuine collaboration over bells and whistles.

By adopting a more interview-style evaluation, brands can make better informed selections, and forge stronger, more productive relationships with their agencies.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Introduction: The Problem with Traditional Agency Pitches
• 00:01:05 - Meet the Hosts: Kelly and Todd’s Experience
• 00:02:03 - The Agency-Brand Relationship Dynamics
• 00:03:11 - Challenges with the RFP Process
• 00:06:00 - Reliance on Capabilities and the Inherent Disconnect
• 00:08:15 - A Better Approach to Selecting Agencies
• 00:12:26 - Evaluating Agencies: Moving Beyond Capabilities Decks
• 00:13:00 - Aligning Expectations and Budget with Agencies
• 00:17:00 - Challenges of Evaluating Agencies in 90-Minute Pitches
• 00:18:00 - Long-Term Commitment vs. Short-Term Decisions
• 00:24:00 - Evaluating References and Case Studies
• 00:25:02 - Final Thoughts

Links and Resources:

• Kelly Maguire on LinkedIn
• Todd Juneau on LinkedIn
• Vuja De Digital 

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Contrary to Popular Opinion? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube to leave us a review!