In this episode of Excitement Talks, Sandra Peat speaks with Burcu Sahin, Director of Global Marketing for Portfolio Strategic Initiatives at Mars, about a career driven by curiosity, culture and a deep understanding of people.

From starting out in investment banking to discovering her passion for behavioural economics and strategic planning, Burcu shares how a non-linear path led her to global brand building. She reflects on pivotal moments—from navigating visa setbacks that turned into global opportunities to shaping transformative growth strategies for iconic brands.

The conversation explores what it really takes to build brands in today’s world: understanding evolving consumer values, connecting with new generations and rethinking marketing in a more human, collaborative and culturally relevant way.

Tune in to understand better why the future of brand building is about deeply understanding people and co-creating with them.

In this episode, Maik Hofmann sits down with Eugene Lee, Vice President, CMO APAC at CHAGEE, to explore a marketing career shaped by music, emotion and real human connection. From growing up in Malaysia with dreams of becoming a rockstar to leading campaigns for global brands like McDonald’s, Eugene shares how creativity, culture and customer obsession define his approach.

This conversation dives deep into the power of emotional marketing—from a little girl’s reaction to a pink Coke glass to building challenger campaigns that disrupt entire categories. Eugene also reflects on leadership, humility and the art of scaling personal connections in a global business.

Tune in to find out why the most powerful marketing doesn’t just inform, it creates emotional moments people never forget.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler sits down with Florent Bondoux, Global Head of Digital, E-Commerce, Data & Analytics at Nestlé Health Science, to explore how AI is transforming health, commerce and the way we make decisions.
From building a multi-billion health science business inside a global corporation to experimenting with AI-driven habit coaching and personalized wellness, Florent shares a rare inside view on where innovation is actually creating impact today.

They dive into the complexity of modern health, the rise of omnichannel commerce and why the real challenge isn’t data but changing how people think and act on it. Florent also reflects on leadership, career-defining moments and the growing tension between technological opportunity and societal disruption.
Tune in to learn how AI is turning fragmented health data into actionable insights and why simplicity is the ultimate competitive advantage in a complex world.

In this episode, Mahabir Panigrahi, Director of Global Marketing, Consumer & Commercial Analytics Intelligence at The Coca-Cola Company, shares his journey from a self-described “numbers guy” to shaping analytics at global scale.

Having worked with Coca-Cola for years as a consultant before joining full-time, Mahabir brings a rare end-to-end perspective on how data, marketing and technology intersect. He explains how analytics has evolved and why the real challenge today isn’t access to data, but turning it into fast, actionable insights that drive business decisions.
Mahabir dives into the impact of large language models, not as hype, but as practical tools that accelerate workflows, enhance storytelling and democratize analytics across teams. For him, AI isn’t a disruption to fear—it’s a powerful enabler that expands what’s possible, if used with the right mindset.

Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the world’s biggest brands is adapting to rapid technological change.

In this episode, Andrés Ruiz, Head of Digital and Consumer Experience Middle East at Pernod Ricard, shares his journey from Colombia to Madrid to Dubai and what it takes to lead digital transformation in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. With nearly 15 years of experience across brands like Nestlé and agency work on global accounts, Andrés unpacks the realities behind “the glamorous side” of marketing—where strategy, sales alignment and consumer insight matter far more than just ads and social posts.

Andrés also reflects on leadership, the importance of soft skills in a tech-driven world and why curiosity and trust from mentors shaped his career. 

Tune in to get insights on launching disruptive products with global icons to navigating the AI revolution.

In this episode, Chris Fiorillo, Global Head of Marketing at Zurich Resilience Solutions, shares how he’s building a marketing engine from the ground up embedded within Zurich Insurance. With a career spanning Infosys, Mondelez and The Adecco Group, Chris brings a unique perspective on creating brands, driving digital transformation and navigating complex corporate environments while thinking like a startup.

From his early roots in journalism to leading global marketing strategies, Chris explains why storytelling, strong communication and trust across leadership teams are still the foundations of great marketing. He also reflects on the importance of curiosity, continuous learning and embracing AI—not as a buzzword, but as a real shift that marketers must lead, not follow.

Tune in to find out what it takes to stay relevant as AI reshapes everything and much more. 

In this episode, Ciaran McCarthy, VP Brand & Advertising at Microsoft, shares his path from art school in Dublin to his current position at Microsoft. What started with a blunt rejection from a professor became the catalyst for a career spanning agencies, global campaigns, gaming and now the frontlines of AI.

Ciaran takes us behind the scenes of creative life and reflects on the pivotal shift from agency to client side, where creativity meets business impact  and what it really means to become a “creative business leader.”Now at Microsoft, Ciaran is at the heart of one of the most transformative moments in technology. He shares how AI is reshaping not just the outputs of marketing, but the entire creative process—from idea generation to prototyping and brand building. 

Tune in for a deep dive into curiosity, resilience, and what it takes to create meaningful work in an era where the rules are being rewritten in real time.

In this episode, Mélanie Brinbaum Head of Marketing
& Consumer Communications Europe at Nestlé, shares her unconventional journey through some of the world’s most iconic brands—revealing why passion, curiosity, and authenticity matter more than any carefully crafted career plan.
From leading global marketing at scale to pursuing a PhD while raising a family, Mélanie opens up about the reality of juggling ambition with meaning. She reflects on the mentors who shaped her, the personal experiences that redefined her purpose and why she believes marketing’s future is more human in the age of AI.

Tune in for a reminder that growth comes from stretching yourself, staying curious and having the courage to be unapologetically you.

In this episode, Silke Mennenga Vishab, Co-Head of Design, Brand at JPMorgan Chase, shares her remarkable journey from a small town in Germany to co-leading design for one of the world’s largest financial institutions. With roots in agency life and global beauty brands, Silke reveals how early lessons in resilience, craftsmanship, and attention to detail shaped her creative philosophy.

She takes us inside the world of large-scale design systems at JPMorgan Chase, where even the smallest detail can impact millions and explains why she sees financial services as a true luxury experience. From designing credit cards like pieces of jewelry to creating immersive airport lounges, Silke shows how great design is about making people feel something.

The conversation dives into the power of collecting ideas, the importance of strong creative foundations in the age of AI, and why surrounding yourself with inspiring, challenging people is key to doing your best work. 

Tune in to know more about the art of turning vision into experience.

In this episode, Miriam Garcke, Marketing Lead NIVEA Face & Skin Care Germany at Beiersdorf, reflects on a two-decade career shaped by iconic brands like Nivea and Eucerin. From launching products seen in millions of households to creating meaningful impact for people with real skin concerns, she shares how her motivation evolved from visibility to purpose.

Miriam also talks about the power of strong leadership, trust, and a unique job-sharing model that fuels learning and collaboration. As she transitions back to Nivea, she discusses what excites her most—people, fresh challenges, and the opportunity to keep growing.

Tune in to hear more about innovation in skincare, shifting consumer values, and why curiosity—paired with human connection—remains the key driver in an ever-changing industry.