In this episode, Gordon is joined by Patrick Swientek, Director of Integrated Brand & Communication at Danone for Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia.

With a career spanning digital marketing, live entertainment, Nestlé and now Danone, Patrick brings a deep and practical perspective on how modern brands can create value beyond the campaign.

They dive into what demand generation really means across categories from yogurt to medical nutrition, how to build brand ecosystems that go far beyond traditional media, why retail media is becoming a game changer in the DACH region and the evolving role of advertisers. Patrick furthermore shares what brands like Nike taught him about longevity, relevance and emotional connection. 

Tune in if you want to know more about where brand strategy, ecosystem thinking and platform evolution intersect. 

In this episode,  Spikes US Partner Dave Cobban sits down with Peter DeLuca, former Chief Creative Officer at T-Mobile & Board Member (CMCI) at University of Colorado Boulder, for an energetic and insightful conversation spanning creativity, leadership and brand transformation.
From his early days pounding the pavement in New York’s ad scene to helping shape T-Mobile into a bold, customer-centric brand, Peter reflects on a career defined by curiosity, consistency and fearless reinvention.

Peter shares stories of launching the iconic Uncarrier platform, navigating high-stakes media moments and building a culture of influence, not control. He also unpacks the evolving role of creativity in an AI-driven world and what it takes to lead teams that shape consumer experience across every touchpoint from TV spots to TikTok.

Tune in to get re-energized about the creative possibilities of marketing today.

In this episode, Gordon is joined by Patrick Swientek, Director of Integrated Brand & Communication at Danone for Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia.

With a career spanning digital marketing, live entertainment, Nestlé and now Danone, Patrick brings a deep and practical perspective on how modern brands can create value beyond the campaign.

They dive into what demand generation really means across categories from yogurt to medical nutrition, how to build brand ecosystems that go far beyond traditional media, why retail media is becoming a game changer in the DACH region and the evolving role of advertisers.
Patrick furthermore shares what brands like Nike taught him about longevity, relevance and emotional connection. 

Tune in if you want to know more about where brand strategy, ecosystem thinking and platform evolution intersect. 

In this episode, Gordon sits down with Nathalie Frank Castellanos, former Global Head of Marketing for Whisky Brands at Diageo, to explore her remarkable 15-year journey through branding, innovation and multicultural leadership.

Born in Brazil to Uruguayan parents, now based in Amsterdam, Nathalie reflects on how a chance internship at Diageo sparked her passion for marketing and how that passion evolved into a global career touching markets across every continent. She shares how deep consumer insights, cultural understanding and creativity drive successful brand building.
The conversation explores her early days in consumer planning and pivot to brand management and innovation, the challenges and thrill of launching a zero-alcohol spirit, her mentors who shaped her leadership style and professional ethos and why emotional resonance still matters most—even in an age of AI and hyper-personalization.

Tune in  if you're curious about where global brands are headed and what it takes to lead them there.

In this episode of Spikes Excitement Talks, Gordon sits down with Sébastien Deneux, a strategic business development leader at Unilever, specializing in the ice cream category across Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
Sébastien shares with us his unique career journey—from consulting on Dutch flower exports to embracing a sales role at Unilever that challenged and shaped his understanding of customer and consumer needs. They explore the idea of learning from “people a bit like me, but better”—a humble, powerful framework for growth and mentorship.

From archetypes and lover brands to the evolving role of digital, UGC and community-led storytelling, this episode is rich with real examples—from Magnum and Ben & Jerry’s to McDonald’s and beyond.

Sébastien also reveals how his external board roles keep his perspective fresh, feeding back into his work at Unilever and why he believes the “triple win” of consumer, customer and company success is key to sustainable business growth.

Tune in for insights on career growth, the magic of ice cream innovation and the power of curiosity and fun in building a meaningful and impactful career.

In this episode, Gordon hosts Corina Kurscheid, Global Associate VP Growth and Impact at Nivea – the iconic “big blue” brand that has shaped skincare worldwide. 

After 18 years at Nivea, Corina shares her journey from agency life into a global marketing and product development career, diving deep into how innovation, consumer insights and culture shape one of the world’s most beloved brands.Corina takes us through the challenges and excitement of working internationally, the intersection of sustainability and social impact and the creation of new roles and teams to meet tomorrow’s brand needs.

The conversation also explores the magic of creativity with a look at iconic brands like IKEA and LEGO, how they keep millions engaged, spark imagination across generations and foster connection in unexpected ways. Plus, a heartfelt glimpse into how technology, especially AI, is opening new doors for people to create, learn and positively impact the world.

Tune in if you’re curious about FMCG, product innovation or global marketing, this episode reveals why Nivea continues to stay blue, fresh and relevant in a fast-changing world.

In this episode of Excitement Talks, Spikes US Partner Dave Cobban sits down with Ian Bertrand, former VP of Commercial Marketing at Canada Goose and longtime Nike marketing leader for a powerful conversation about evolving brand strategy, the future of retail and building deep consumer connection through experience.

From his early days in Nike retail to major global roles in running, retail experience and Olympic campaigns, Ian reflects on lessons learned across continents and categories. He talks about building inclusive teams, the power of consumer insight and how immersive retail experiences can create real community. You’ll hear insider stories from the Nike matrix, insights into the iconic “Breaking2” campaign and how retail became more than just selling, it became storytelling.
Plus, as a lifelong hockey lover and coach, Ian reflects on how sport continues to inspire his leadership style pens up about his next chapter: a future that includes coaching, mentoring and continuing to solve meaningful brand and consumer challenges.

Tune in for a conversation that’s packed with insight, humility and the kind of excitement that only comes from someone who's truly lived the brand.

In this episode of Spikes Excitement Talks, Gordon Euchler is joined by Namita Mediratta, Global Head of Insights for Deodorants at Unilever, whose career spans decades across India, Indonesia, Singapore and London, covering iconic brands like Dove and Magnum.

Namita shares how a background in engineering unexpectedly led her to fall in love with the "cerebral side of marketing"—the art and science of understanding what makes people tick. She reflects on her journey from selling detergent in Himalayan villages to transforming beauty insights in Europe and beyond. She also reflects on the impact of inspiring leaders throughout her career — those who taught her the value of trust, intellectual range and people-first leadership.

Together they explore how technology is reshaping the world of insights, the power of social listening and why AI doesn’t replace curiosity, it fuels it. Namita’s perspective bridges the worlds of creativity, technology and cultural nuance, offering an inspiring take on how brands can stay human in an era of data abundance. 

Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on how curiosity, courage and trust can unlock transformative possibilities for brands and people alike.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler sits down with Dipesh Patel, Chief Digital Officer for Beauty & Wellbeing at Unilever Europe, Middle East, Turkey, Australia & New Zealand.

From his early days as a math graduate aiming for a career in banking to navigating management consulting and finally landing in the world of FMCG, Dipesh shares an honest and insightful look at how career paths are rarely linear and how embracing ambiguity and change has been central to his growth.

Dipesh talks about  how his upbringing in a family of first-generation immigrants and entrepreneurs instilled a curiosity for business and problem-solving from a young age, a mindset that continues to drive his work today.

They discuss how brands like LEGO have mastered the art of evolving while staying true to their purpose and why the next frontier for marketers lies in navigating the opportunities and challenges brought by AI. Dipesh reflects on how brands can remain authentic, creative and relevant in a world soon to be flooded with AI-generated mediocrity.

Tune in if  you're curious about the intersection of technology, creativity and consumer behavior and what it really takes to innovate inside or outside of a startup.

In this episode, Gordon Euchler welcomes Lucas Levy, Senior Director of Marketing Southeast Asia at Mondelez International. Lucas shares his remarkable career journey — from flipping burgers at McDonald's in Argentina, through a nearly two-decade rise at Unilever, to now shaping the future of iconic snacking brands at Mondelez in Singapore.

Along the way he became a seasoned marketer with experience across some of the world’s most beloved FMCG brands, including Dove, Axe, and Cadbury. 

They discuss what makes brands meaningful, how curiosity fuels a career, and why the best brands aim to make life just a little bit better — whether through confidence, connection or joy.

Lucas shares insights from his journey, reflecting on the power of mentorship, the complexity of global marketing and the constant need to adapt and learn in a world shaped by data and AI. From Brazil to Singapore to the U.S., his story is one of openness to change, appreciation for cultural nuance and a passion for brands that enrich everyday life.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, learning and the future of marketing  and why having fun along the way still matters most.