We all know that AI has reshaped the landscape of marketing and advertising forever. But how familiar are you with generative vs. predictive AI? This week, we’re breaking it down. Predictive AI aids in informed decision-making, targeting audiences, optimizing ad placement, and forecasting campaign results. Generative AI accelerates creative work by assisting in content creation, copywriting, and generating images and videos for marketing materials. Tune in for a concise breakdown of AI's applications in advertising agencies.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Rise and grind or work yourself into the ground? In the past few years, a sole focus on constant productivity and hustle has spread throughout the world of marketing and business, and frankly, it’s burning people out. This culture of overworking is forcing some people to live on autopilot and burn out. Let’s be honest for a moment: Nothing good is ever created after 10 cups of coffee and only 3 hours of sleep. 

Today, I’m sitting down with the founder of Dream Recovery, Todd Anderson, to reshape the stigma around rest and recovery. Before starting Dream Recovery, Todd was an NFL fullback for the Rams when they were still in St. Louis, a sponsored athlete by TYR, and a health and wellness expert for brands like Vision – an AI health companion app – and Arena – an all-in-one at-home training platform.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn: 

• Why Rest and Recovery have become as important to professionals as it is to athletes
• How sports and wellness science can be applied to a luxury brand
• Why the rise and grind culture is dying out to one of strategic rest

Brought to you by Mekanism.

When you’re presented with a problem, how do you go about solving it? This week, we introduce three powerful laws that can transform the way you tackle challenges in life.

• Kidland's Law: If you can write the problem down clearly, then the matter is half solved.
• Gilbert's Law: The biggest problem with a job is that no one tells you what to do.
• Falkland's Law: If you don't have to make a decision, don't make a decision.

These three laws offer invaluable insights into problem-solving and decision-making. Apply them in your daily life to overcome challenges with clarity and efficiency.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

This week, in honor of Women’s History Month, we’re re-sharing an amazing conversation from last summer where we spoke with Jocelyn Johnson. Jocelyn is a proud Girl Scout alum and Lifetime Member and she joined Girl Scouts of the USA as CMO in 2021.

Jocelyn is a brilliant marketer and a champion for the future females of the world.

Before joining Girl Scouts of the USA, Jocelyn worked at General Electric, where her focus on data-centric marketing strategies helped grow revenue from $50 million to $20 billion.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The importance of being able to make a quick decision when needed, coupled with an ability to pivot just as quickly
• The powerful filter that values provide to an organization when it comes to balancing data and instinct
• A great mantra to live by courtesy of Jocelyn’s mom and dad: Learn, Earn, Return

Brought to you by Mekanism.

What makes a brand partnership align or clash? In this episode, we talk about how collaborations between brands, whether similar or vastly different, can skyrocket brand visibility and reach. From the massive Barbie movie collaboration that turned everything pink to high-profile partnerships like GoPro and Red Bull's space jump and the unexpected yet trendsetting Balenciaga and Crocs duo, this episode explores the strategic brilliance and potential pitfalls of brand alliances.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

The marketing world is a constantly changing field. From the introduction of different mediums to the evolution of technology like AI, the only constant I can expect in my industry is change.

Today, I’m sitting down with my friend, colleague, and now my boss, Brett Marchand, CEO of Plus Company. Plus Company is a marketing and branding powerhouse, having integrated dozens of agencies, including Cossette, We Are Social, and Mekanism.

Before Brett Marchand was heading one of the world's largest media and marketing firms, Brett was a marketing native. He championed campaigns at P&G, Campbell Soup, and Molson Brewery, among many others.

In today’s episode, you’ll learn:

• Why working for more household brands teaches future marketers the anatomy of a great campaign
• Why working on the inside of the ad agency is so much more than just making campaigns
• The historic role AI has played in marketing
• What the future holds for the advertising agency network model

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Is company culture the secret sauce that sets thriving businesses apart? From the inception of Mekanism, culture has been paramount, shaping behaviors and interactions within and beyond the office walls. Explore the significance of values, from entrepreneurial spirit to collaborative mindset, driving success and innovation. Discover the pivotal role of leadership in upholding and evolving cultural norms, alongside the necessity of periodic value reassessment.

Brought to you by Mekanism.

When it comes to marketing wellness products, a lot of brands make a lot of big claims. But how do consumers figure out who to trust and what’s best for them? Today’s episode is all about demystifying the world of wellness marketing with the co-founder of Ned, a wellness brand that offers simple and effective natural remedies.

Adriaan Zimmerman, who co-founded Ned in 2018, is an entrepreneur and brand-builder. Prior to co-founding Ned, he was a founding partner of BroBible.com, a popular men’s lifestyle and entertainment brand that grew to over 15 million readers per month, and was acquired by Uproxx Media.
In today’s episode you’ll learn:

• Where education becomes marketing when it comes to teaching your customers about your product
• How the transformative power of nature, the beauty of simplicity, and the importance of human connection can make us feel alive
• The value of the creative potential that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone

Brought to you by Mekanism.

Ever wondered if a $7M Super Bowl spot is worth the investment? Join me on a special mini-episode of the Soul & Science Podcast as I delve into the power of these ads. From celebrity cameos to humorous storytelling, discover why brands invest millions for just a few seconds of airtime. Plus, get a sneak peek into this year's trends and predictions for the big game. Let's dive in!

Brought to you by Mekanism.

All companies have a purpose. For most, it’s turning a profit and increasing overall value. However, today’s definition of value is changing. More and more customers are looking for brands that take social responsibility seriously and offer a mission beyond profits.

Today, I’m sitting down with a very special guest – my wife, Lindsay Harris – to talk about what it means to be a purpose-driven company. She is the Chief Purpose Officer at Tombras, an impact-driven creative agency that has created campaigns for FritoLay, ESPN, and Samsung, among many other iconic brands.

Before Tombras, Lindsay was the Editor at Campaign Magazine and a reporter for Ad Age and currently leads the relationship with the agency and the Tombras School of Advertising & PR at the University of Tennessee.

In today’s episode you’ll learn:

• What makes leading with purpose different from virtue signaling
• How the marketing landscape is changing to focus on more purpose-driven work
• A case study into how a simple purpose-driven campaign drew the attention of the NBA

Brought to you by Mekanism.