How The F**k Did You Get That Job?

Picture this: you're scrolling through the Miami Dolphins' social feeds. You expect to see the usual suspects - the star quarterback, the lightning-fast wide receiver. But wait, what's this? A long snapper getting the spotlight? That's right. In a bold move that might seem like a social media sin, the Dolphins focus on the team rather than the stars. It's all about the collective, not the individual. Why? Because according to VP of Brand Marketing Michael Shaw, the team ethos is king.

In this episode of "How The F**k Did You Get That Job?" hosted by David Jaffin, Amanda Rassi, a seasoned marketing professional, shares her career insights, tracing her path from Procter & Gamble to Michaels. Amanda delves into the challenges and triumphs of driving change at a massive corporation like Kroger, highlighting the significance of a dynamic data science team and building a unique brand marketing strategy. The conversation shifts to her role at Michaels, a creative retail giant, exploring the nuances of modernizing the in-store experience and expanding into growth initiatives. Engaging in light-hearted moments, including a fortune cookie revelation and a rapid-fire Q&A, Amanda imparts valuable wisdom on loyalty programs, the evolving retail landscape, and the essence of staying agile in marketing. Tune in to unravel Amanda Rassi's journey, offering a compelling narrative on the transformative power of marketing and the art of navigating change in the industry.

Episode Highlights:

0:00 Intro

01:49 College decision

03:48 First job out of college

06:02 Example of a first project where you were stumped but figured it out

08:29 Marketing strategy when it comes to laundry business

10:17 What does switching between brands at P&G look like to you

13:11 How did you see P&G change over your 14 years there

14:32 When did you know it was the right time to move on to a new job

17:10 What was expectation versus reality taking that gig

18:42 How did your time at P&G help you understand consumer to consumer strategy at Kroger

20:20 How do you convey messages to such a large team in a way that they understand and believe

22:46 How do you make groceries cool

24:11 How do you explain what a Kroger employee should stand for

26:30 What made Michael's the right call for you

28:36 How do you define change and evolution at Michael's

30:41 How did you go about modernizing stores

32:05 How do you go about rewarding customers for having brand affinity

34:11 How do you manage the pros and cons of online buying and brick and mortar stores and how do market them differently

35:55 How much crossover do you have with learning from other CMOs who might have a similar audience

37:41 What advice would you give to a 21 year old woman who wants to get involved in marketing

39:36 OpenFortune sponsorship

41:20 Quick question round

43:59 Outro

In this episode of the podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with Delu Jackson, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive VP at ADT. Delu shares insights and stories from his remarkable career journey, spanning iconic brands like Nissan, McDonald's, and Kellogg's, before landing at ADT. He highlights the power of networking, reinvention in marketing, the profound impact of ADT in ensuring safety and peace of mind, and how personal goals drive his professional life. Delu also discusses the importance of being a better father and husband and the role of mentorship in his life. The episode concludes with a quick question round, offering a glimpse into Delu's personal preferences and philosophies.

Episode Highlights

0:00 Intro 

1:57 College decision process

3:25 What is a brand you saw as a kid that stood out to you 

4:31 Landing first job out of college 

8:06 What was the big career pivot for you 

9:25 Moving to Japan with Nissan

11:20 Major difference between living in Japan versus the U.S.

14:09 What made you want to leave Tokyo 

15:24 Expectation versus reality when transitioning to the food industry 

17:36 How did you get to know your customers 

18:40 What is one of the coolest campaigns you’ve run

20:52 Tell me about the ADT patches on the little league kids 

21:56 Do you have a story to share of ADT saving somebody 

23:07 How did you land your job at ADT

24:53 If you were to give your 21 old self advice, what would you say to him 

25:27 What do you look for in hires

26:11 What is something you learned over time that you want to share with new parents 

27:53 OpenFortune sponsorship 

28:49 Quick question round 

30:03 Outro 

In this enlightening episode, our host dives deep into the journey of Vera Koch, the SVP of Marketing at Happy Head, a company dedicated to combating hair loss. Vera discusses her academic and professional endeavors leading her to entrepreneurship. She passionately shares how Happy Head is transforming lives by restoring confidence in individuals experiencing hair loss. The conversation touches upon the company's growth, its DTC strategy, and the influence of mentorship in her career. Vera emphasizes the importance of building networks, particularly for women in leadership roles, and advises younger professionals to seek out mentorship opportunities early in their careers. Vera also shares the joys and challenges of motherhood, its influence on her life decisions, and the importance of her family in her life journey. A must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs and those seeking to balance career and personal growth.

Episode Highlights:

0:00 Intro 

1:41 How did storytelling play a role for you growing up 

2:49 What was it like landing your first job after university 

04:27 What made L’Oreal the right place for you 

5:00 What were your expectations versus reality in the role

6:24 What drew you to Henkel 

7:40 How do all of the departments work hand in hand 

9:08 What are some of your favorite campaigns you worked on at Henkel 

10:02 What was it like moving to the states 

14:34 What is something your partner taught you that you’ve brought into everything you do 

15:50 Why did you leave Henkel 

17:15 What about Happy Head and the founder’s vision made it the right move for you 

19:21 What about the founder story really impacted you 

21:42 What is a customer story that made you realize you’re doing the work you were meant to do 

23:03 What does the customer journey look like 

23:41 What is something coming up that you’re excited about 

24:28 What is something you’re grateful for in your personal life 

25:13 What is something you’ve brought in from motherhood that has taught you a lot about life 

25:53 What advice would you give to your 21 year old self

27:31 OpenFortune sponsorship 

28:53 Quick question round 

30:11 Outro 

In this episode of "How The F**k Did You Get That Job?" hosted by David Jaffin, the guest is the marketing expert, Nick Karrat. Nick opens up about his early career beginnings and the significance of the brand's halo effect on a resume, particularly referencing his pivotal years at AT&T. The conversation segues into the riveting backstory of Tommy John, emphasizing the genuine humility of its founders, Tom and Aaron, and the brand's strategic vision for the future, especially in the omnichannel space. Through a mix of insightful discussions and light-hearted segments, such as a fortune cookie banter and a rapid-fire Q&A, listeners will glean invaluable insights into branding, marketing, and the intricacies of crafting a successful career. Dive into this episode to unravel Nick's journey, which stands as a testament to the power of branding and the essence of staying authentic in one's career trajectory.

0:00 Intro 

03:20 How did you get your first job at AT&T

5:04 What was your dream job as a kid

05:39 How did Whitney Houston change your career 

06:47 Was there one moment when you realized “I’m really good at this”

09:18 When did you know it was the right time to leave AT&T

11:08 Can you talk about the importance of working for a smaller company at a young age 

12:19 How has your wife played a role in your career 

13:10 What are some lessons you took from fatherhood into the workplace 

14:22 What was the first startup you joined 

16:19 What was the biggest thing you took away form working at a startup 

17:48 What are some coping mechanisms you would use to keep pedaling and keep thins thing going 

19:17 What were you looking for next 

21:18 Journey with Plated 

23:41 What are some of the best exercises to get to know the consumer 

26:45 What characteristics do you look for in founders when you’re going to work for them 

28:50 How do you go about getting a longer leash and sharing your visions 

30:50 What about the founders vision of Tommy John got you fired up 

33:53 What was step one when you came in 

35:53 What marketing plays have you ran that delivered for you 

38:26 What are you most excited about coming up with Tommy John

39:46 What advice would you give your 26 year old self 

40:51 OpenFortune sponsorship 

42:04 Quick question round 

43:55 Outro 

In this episode of "How The F**k Did You Get That Job?" hosted by David Jaffin, the guest is none other than Ethan Braden. Ethan shares his extraordinary career journey, from his early days as a pre-med student to becoming a successful marketer in the pharmaceutical industry and, ultimately, his transition to Purdue University. The conversation delves into the art of marketing, the transformative power of storytelling, and how Ethan played a pivotal role in reshaping Purdue's brand identity in the online education sphere. Listeners will gain insights into the ever-evolving world of marketing and the importance of adaptability and mentorship in one's career. Don't miss this episode as Ethan Braden's career path serves as an inspiring example of how diverse experiences can lead to remarkable achievements in the realms of marketing and higher education.

Episode Highlights

0:00 Intro 

1:38 What was your dream job as a kid 

3:07 What prompted your college decision 

5:17 What did your first job after graduation look like 

7:29 What was your first impression walking in to Eli Lily 

8:17 How did you navigate between roles at Eli Lily 

9:02 What was the moment where you realized you had a knack for marketing

11:05 if you were to sum up Eli Lily in one lesson what would it be 

12:35 How did you know it was time to move on from pharmaceuticals 

14:15 Tell me about your mentor 

15:53 What made you want to come in to Purdue and do things differently  

17:38 What are you doing with Purdue Global to innovate their marketing

18:33 How do you differentiate yourself from the online landscape 

22:34 How do you create the alumni feeling for your global students 

24:01 How do you make sure the Purdue brand is being continued and cherished 

26:32 What campaign do you feel allowed you to win the AMA marketer of the year award 

28:10 If you were to give your 21 year old self some advice what would it be 

29:40 OpenFortune sponsorship 

30:40 Quick question round 

32:46 Outro 

In this episode of "How the F**k Did You Get that Job?" hosted by David Jaffin, listeners are treated to an engaging conversation with a dynamic guest, Rema Vasan, who has embarked on a fascinating career journey spanning various industries. The discussion explores Rema's transition from advertising to digital marketing, highlighting the power of adaptability and creative thinking. Rema's experience from the agency side to the client side sheds light on decision-making authority and the need to demonstrate ROI effectively. As the former global president of a renowned communications agency, Rema shares the challenges of leading through the pandemic. The episode also delves into her role as the head of global gaming business marketing at TikTok, revealing insights into the gaming community's nuances and the platform's potential. The episode concludes with a heartfelt reflection on Rema's proudest accomplishments, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, mentorship, and seizing unexpected opportunities in one's career journey.

Episode Highlights

0:00 Intro 

1:55 Vertical versus horizontal growth 

3:42 When did you realize you had an interest in advertising 

5:06 How did you get your first job 

5:56 What was your biggest takeaway 

6:44 When did you realize this was something you were good at

8:48 What does your creative process look like 

9:45 Why was moving to Pfizer the right move for you 

10:45 What are some things you’ve learned from past female mentors 

13:02 What were some challenges you didn’t expect when working for a brand 

15:47 What is your leadership style like 

17:05 When was the first time you heard of TikTok, what was your first impression 

18:29 How did the opportunity with business marketing and gaming come up

19:57 What have you learned about the gaming community 

21:10 What did some of your success look like when you first came into the role 

22:46 What is something you’re proud of 

23:53 OpenFortune sponsorship 

25:08 Quick question round 

26:40 Outro 

In this episode of "How the F**k Did You Get That Job?," host David Jaffin sits down with Timo Pelz, VP of Business Marketing at Reddit, to unravel an intriguing career journey that took him from the world of advertising agencies to tech giants like Facebook and Instagram before landing his current role. Through candid and captivating storytelling, Timo shares pivotal moments and lessons learned during his career, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of some of the world's most influential companies. From navigating the challenges of imposter syndrome to honing his leadership style, his experiences offer valuable insights for aspiring professionals and seasoned veterans alike. Amidst the corporate buzz, this episode also touches on the joys of being a devoted "girl dad" and the unique cultural blend Timo embraces through his daughters. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that explores career transitions, personal growth, and what it takes to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of modern business.

Episode Highlights

0:00 Intro

1:13 College decision and journey 

4:50 Internship out of college 

7:48 Discovering PR

9:00 What was a moment you realized you liked PR and were good at it 

11:40 Most gritty or unglamorous thing you did

13:22 Ad agency background 

19:50 How did you get into working on brand side / Job at Facebook

25:22 What did the transition from Facebook to Instagram look like 

29:18 What are you most proud of at Instagram that you made happen 

31:34 What made you want to work at Reddit 

35:58 How has your leadership style evolved 

37:32 What’s something you’re proud of in your personal life 

38:28 OpenFortune sponsorship 

39:12 Quick question round 

40:11 Outro 

Join us in this episode of "How the F**k Did You Get That Job?" as we sit down with Martin Jaskolowski, a luminary in luxury brand marketing. Martin takes us on a fascinating journey from his beginnings to his illustrious roles at iconic brands like Aston Martin. Delve into the inner workings of the luxury marketing world as Martin shares how he transformed marketing strategies, navigated shifting consumer demographics, and artfully balanced creativity with data-driven insights. Learn the secrets behind his innovative campaigns and groundbreaking partnerships that reshaped the luxury landscape. Whether you're an aspiring marketer or just intrigued by luxury branding, this episode offers an insightful discussion that will leave you both inspired and informed.

Episode Highlights

0:00 Intro 

1:26 Childhood journey towards marketing 

3:03 What’s a brand that inspired you to get into the industry  

3:47 When did you realize this was something you’re good at 

4:40 First example of a marketing campaign you felt was successful 

7:06 What are some challenges you didn’t anticipate working for a luxury brand 

8:20 How did brand loyalty play a role at Aston Martin

11:45 What did you bring into your current job from Aston Martin

12:45 How did the opportunity at Pernod Ricard come about 

13:50 How has marketing for a new audience at Pernod Ricard affected your strategy moving forward 

15:00 Does travel play a role in understanding your audience 

15:52 What are some creative campaigns you’ve done that have shown dividends 

19:54 What’s something you’re excited about that’s coming up 

21:14 How do you measure some of this data and tactics 

23:05 What’s something you’re proud of outside of your career work 

24:50 OpenFortune sponsorship 

26:09 Quick question round 

28:34 Outro 

In this episode of "How the F**k Did You Get That Job," host David Jaffin sits down with Mike Wente, the Chief Creative Officer at Verizon, to uncover the fascinating journey behind his career. Mike shares his story, from humble beginnings in the Midwest to his unexpected move to New York City, and ultimately, how he landed his role at Verizon. Along the way, they discuss the evolution of ad agencies, building creative teams, pushing boundaries in the corporate world, and the importance of caring deeply about your work. Mike also reflects on the power of personal connections and tells a touching story about Verizon's involvement during 9/11. Join David and Mike for an inspiring conversation about careers, creativity, and embracing life's twists and turns.

Episode Highlights:

0:00 Intro 

1:36 Early childhood passions

2:38 How did you chose your college and how did that impact you 

4:06 Early successes 

6:43 Getting your first job out of college 

9:41 Moving to New York

13:03 Past history at ad agencies 

15:24 Transition going from agency to brand work 

17:23 Where did the opportunity at Verizon come from 

18:45 Initial goals when starting at Verizon 

20:18 How do you manage being creative and pushing limits while staying true to the brand 

23:35 Skills you look for when bringing on  people to work with you 

25:25 Something you are proud of at Verizon 

29:08 What’s something you’re proud of outside of work 

30:07 OpenFortune sponsorship 

30:27 Quick question round 

36:00 Outro