From Here To There

Join us for an insightful conversation with Amber Armstrong, CMO at Salesforce, as she shares her dynamic career evolution from sales professional to top-tier marketing leader. Amber details her pivotal transition to IBM following her MBA, where she spent 14 transformative years mastering diverse roles and building the foundation for her executive success.

In this episode, Amber offers valuable perspective on the modern marketing landscape. She advocates for starting careers at large corporations to develop deep, transferable skills and emphasizes the critical importance of versatility in today's CMO roles.

Listeners will gain practical insights into Amber's proven interview preparation methodology and her leadership philosophy centered on clear communication and unwavering accountability. She also addresses the evolving impact of artificial intelligence on job functions and shares her commitment to continuous learning and leveraging international experiences for career advancement.

Whether you're transitioning between functions, aspiring to executive roles, or navigating the changing marketing landscape, this episode delivers actionable strategies from a leader who has successfully scaled the corporate ladder while adapting to industry transformation.

For more marketing resources, check out nativedigital.com.

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, renowned data visualization expert and Founder, Speaker, Author at storytelling with data. She traces her fascinating career path from banking to becoming Google's go-to specialist for their People Analytics team. Cole reveals how she transformed her passion for clear communication into a revolutionary approach to data presentation that has influenced professionals worldwide.

Discover how Cole developed her groundbreaking course on data visualization at Google, emphasizing the critical importance of designing graphs with your audience in mind. She shares insights into the power of storytelling in data communication—a philosophy that became the foundation for her bestselling book "Storytelling with Data" and its practical companion volume.

The conversation explores Cole's unexpected venture into children's literature with "Daphne Draws Data," demonstrating how data visualization principles can be made accessible and engaging for young minds. Cole also discusses her strategic approach to career development, highlighting how intentional time management, laser focus, and thoughtful planning have been instrumental in her professional success.

Whether you're struggling to make your data compelling, looking to improve your presentation skills, or seeking inspiration for strategic career planning, this episode offers invaluable lessons from one of the field's most respected voices.

For more marketing resources, check out nativedigital.com.

In this inspiring conversation with Rich Karlgaard, Futurist & Editor-at-Large at Forbes Magazine and author of "Late Bloomers," he candidly shares his transformative journey from academic struggles in junior high and high school to eventual triumph at Stanford University. Rich's story challenges society's obsession with early achievement and offers hope for those who feel they're falling behind life's expected timeline.

This episode explores the immense pressure young people face to achieve early success and reveals how this mindset can be psychologically damaging. Rich advocates for a different approach—one that celebrates curiosity, builds resilience, and prioritizes authentic self-discovery over rushed milestones.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into navigating career transitions and adapting to technological change through Rich's emphasis on continuous learning, intelligent questioning, and maintaining intellectual curiosity throughout life. His perspective offers a refreshing counter-narrative to our fast-paced, achievement-focused culture.

Whether you're a late bloomer yourself, supporting someone on their unique journey, or simply questioning society's rigid timelines for success, this episode provides both comfort and practical strategies for thriving at your own pace. Rich's story proves that sometimes the most meaningful achievements come to those who take the scenic route.

For more marketing resources, check out nativedigital.com.

In this insightful episode, Beth Wood, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Principal Financial Group charts her unconventional path from finance to marketing excellence across iconic brands like Frito-Lay and Johnson & Johnson. She reveals how strategic networking and deep customer understanding became her foundation for success, even propelling her into entrepreneurship.

Beth shares her unique perspective on emotional marketing, particularly in the financial services sector, where she explains how creating feelings of security and control drives customer connection beyond traditional product features. Her approach demonstrates how brands can transform rational services into emotional relationships.

She offers invaluable guidance for professionals at all career stages: early-career marketers will benefit from her advice on gathering diverse experiences and identifying their unique "superpowers," while seasoned leaders will appreciate her emphasis on vulnerability, team collaboration, and celebrating shared wins.

Whether you're just starting your marketing journey or leading teams through transformation, this episode delivers practical wisdom for creating authentic connections with customers and colleagues alike.

For more marketing resources, check out nativedigital.com.

In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Moksha Fitzgibbons, President at Complex, the leading digital media brand for Gen Z and millennials who are passionate about music, style, art and culture. 

Moksha shares valuable insights into how youth culture and emerging technologies have revolutionized media consumption, and why hard work, strategic networking, and relentless intellectual curiosity became his formula for success. He candidly discusses his early challenges—from a grueling year-long job search to cobbling together freelance work—before landing his breakthrough opportunity at Complex Magazine.

The conversation explores Complex's fascinating evolution into a multimedia powerhouse, including its strategic pivot to digital video, e-commerce ventures, and innovative event experiences. Moksha also shares his ambitious vision for the brand's global expansion and diversification in an ever-changing media landscape.

Whether you're starting your career or navigating industry disruption, this episode offers honest perspective on perseverance, adaptation, and staying true to your professional passion.

For more marketing resources, check out nativedigital.com.

Join us as we explore the entrepreneurial evolution of Jason Deelstra, whose marketing prowess began with selling Rice Krispies treats as a child and blossomed into an impressive career shaping recognizable brands. 

In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Jason Deelstra, SVP, Marketing & Experience at Sunrun, the #1 clean energy provider for solar as a subscription. Jason shares his strategic path through business school, where hands-on projects with Nike and the Utah Jazz laid the foundation for his marketing philosophy.

This episode offers valuable insights into Jason's vision for authentic brand storytelling, including his ambitious work at Sunrun, where he's redefining solar energy as a lifestyle choice that resonates deeply with customers. Whether you're a marketing professional or business enthusiast, Jason's journey demonstrates how creativity and strategic thinking can elevate brands to new heights. 

For more marketing resources, check out nativedigital.com.

Dive into the remarkable career journey of Cristy Hatter, a marketing maverick who has transformed brands and built impressive business success across multiple industries. 

In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Cristy Hatter, VP of Brand at Lectric eBikes, the fastest-growing electric bike company in the nation.  From her roots in music and design to becoming a powerhouse marketing strategist, Cristy shares insights from her 12-year experience at Red Raider Outfitter, her pivotal roles at Texas Tech University's marketing department, and her groundbreaking work with major brands like Solo Stove and Lectric eBikes Company.

Discover how Cristy helped scale Solo Stove from $100 million to $400 million through innovative customer loyalty and viral marketing strategies. Learn about her approach to value-based branding and the critical importance of attention to detail in achieving remarkable business growth. This episode offers a fascinating look at how creative problem-solving and adaptability can drive career success across diverse marketing landscapes. 

For more marketing resources, check out nativedigital.com.

Marketing isn't just about tactics—it's about listening deeply and creating meaningful connections across diverse industries.

In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Jen Rapp, CMO at Superside, the world's leading AI-powered creative service. Jen shares her career journey--highlighting her 10-year journey at Patagonia, running product PR to managing global communications. She eventually transitions from her brand-oriented role at Patagonia to a performance-driven role at DoorDash and then to Klaviyo, a B2B SaaS company. In this episode, you will hear Jen share the importance of passion and gaining industry knowledge, sharing how she talked her way into roles and learned from mentors.

Key takeaways? Immerse yourself in your industry, build authentic relationships, and embrace cross-functional partnerships. Success lies in curiosity, adaptability, and the courage to talk your way into opportunities.

For more marketing resources, check out nativedigital.com.

Career development isn't just about degrees—it's about pursuing passions.

In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Jon Shanahan, VP, Marketing at TRX, a company providing world-class equipment, training & education to empower movement for every body. Our guest reveals his early obsession with buying laptops and hard drives, leading to a 15-inch MacBook Pro purchase for college. The transition to Mac OS from Windows changed his brain chemistry and sparked a deep interest in design philosophy. Discovering innovators like Steve Jobs and Jony Ive led him down a rabbit hole of learning about design and marketing. This epiphany moment in college led him to pursue a career in graphic design and marketing. 

Key takeaways? Value mentorship, prioritize hands-on experience, and commit to continuous self-education. Success lies in sales acumen, collaborative problem-solving, and data-driven content creation.

For more marketing resources, check out nativedigital.com

Marketing isn't just about campaigns—it's about transforming varied experiences into powerful brand stories.

In our latest episode, Justin Watkins, CEO & Founder of Native Digital, sits down with our guest, Marcelo Kertesz, CMO at MANSCAPED. Our guest reveals how diverse experiences shape innovative brand leadership. Growing up, he was inspired by his father's political campaign and Disney World's branding. After working in Brazil, he moved to Sao Paulo for a prestigious advertising school and interned with his father's campaign team. He then led six presidential campaigns in five countries, winning six out of seven elections. Tired from the intense political work, he moved to the US, enrolled in product design school, and eventually joined MANSCAPED. Marcelo emphasized the importance of strategic thinking, over-delivering, and adapting to new opportunities in his career.

Key takeaways? Embrace unexpected paths, think strategically, and consistently over-deliver. Success lies in adaptability, seizing opportunities, and applying cross-industry insights.

For more marketing resources, check out nativedigital.com