Future Legends of Advertising

What does it take to build a career by inventing the path as you go?

In this episode of Future Legends of Advertising, Amie Owen, Chief Commerce Officer at Omnicom Media, sits down with Beth Comstock, former Vice Chair of GE and now best-selling author. From building retail media strategies before the industry even had a name to transforming GE marketing into an engine for growth, both women share how curiosity, courage, and a willingness to challenge convention shaped their careers.

They explore the evolution of commerce and retail media, the role of creativity in navigating complexity, and what it means to lead through constant change. Along the way, Beth reflects on repositioning GE for the digital age, while Amie shares how she built a global commerce practice from the ground up.

A conversation about reinvention, risk-taking, and the power of believing in possibilities before they exist.

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What does it take to build a brand that lasts 175 years and still resonates with the next generation?

In this episode of Future Legends of Advertising, VP of Brand & Creative at Chime Orlando Baeza sits down with John Hayes, the CMO who helped transform American Express into one of the most respected service brands in the world. From early career mistakes to building enduring brand equity, John shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, humility, and the emotional power of money.

They unpack the origin story of Small Business Saturday. a six-week sprint that became a global movement and explore why the most powerful brands are rooted in service, not transactions. The conversation dives into brand vs. performance tension, the role of AI and analytics in modern marketing, and why “when you know what you believe, you know how to behave” may be the ultimate operating principle for brands.

A masterclass on longevity, relevance, and the human condition behind great marketing.

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What’s changing in marketing, and what stays the same? Rishad and Paolo discuss how their shared experience of immigrating to America shaped innovative perspectives in advertising. Rishad discusses the importance of thinking like an outsider and what leaders need in the rapidly evolving world of AI and technology. Paolo shares the significance of empathy and trust in marketing and reflects on the role of fundamentals in navigating industry changes.

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What does it take to transform iconic brands at the intersection of sports, media, and culture? 

Alison Levin, President of Advertising and Partnerships at NBCUniversal, reflects on her journey from building Roku's ad business from the ground up to breaking Olympic advertising revenue records. Tim Ellis, CMO of the NFL, shares how he revitalized a brand at a pivotal moment of uncertainty, from the "helmets off" player strategy to the audacious 100th anniversary Super Bowl spot featuring 65 players. 

Together, they explore the power of tent-pole moments, building high-performing teams through radical transparency, and why the biggest cultural stages in advertising are more valuable than ever. Plus, hear Tim's unexpected path from professional stage actor and world traveler to NFL CMO, and how both credit their middle-child upbringings for giving them the grit to take risks.

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What drives true impact in advertising? Jason and Esi explore how personal experiences and values shape success. Esi shares her five principles for leadership, and launching the brand Febreze. Hear inspiring stories on authenticity, and the importance of empathy and passion in managing.

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What does it take for creativity to thrive in a fast-paced, tech-driven world? And how do values elevate brands? Abi reflects on the importance of creativity, the role of AI, and the need for a friction-filled life to nurture talent. Gordon delves into how leadership and values shape impactful advertising, urging the industry to blend art with technology and uphold moral integrity.

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How do you decide when it's the right time to make a change in your career? Charlie discusses his transition from Ogilvy to Publicis after 17 years, emphasizing the importance of growth and learning outside one's comfort zone. Susan shares her journey from focusing on great work to nurturing great people, highlighting the crucial role of creativity and partnership in the advertising industry. Plus, hear about Charlie’s experience crafting the social-first ad campaign in the run-up to Cera Ve’s Superbowl commercial starring Michael Cera, and Susan’s work rebranding the M&M’s characters.

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In this season finale of Future Legends of Advertising, host Tim Natividad is joined by Linda Kaplan Thaler, the force behind iconic campaigns like “Kodak Moment” and Aflac’s duck, and Sanja Komljenovic, founder of ONA Creative and a trailblazer in inclusive storytelling. With laughter, candid insights, and shared values around kindness, grit, and giving others a shot, this episode is a powerful reminder of how advertising can move culture—and people—forward.

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Ad Council CEO Lisa Sherman and CultureCon founder Imani Ellis join Christena to talk about building viral campaigns like Love Has No Labels, scaling CultureCon from a living room meetup to 10,000+ attendees, and navigating change—from corporate pivots to creative burnout. Packed with real talk and hard-won wisdom, this episode is a playbook for purposeful leadership.

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In an industry where authenticity is everything, Alex López Negrete and Marques E. Zak know what it takes to make an impact. From working with global brands to creating campaigns that truly resonate, they share their journeys, lessons, and predictions for the future of marketing. Hosted by Tim Natividad, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand the power of culture in advertising.

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