In this episode, Rum continues his conversation with Mark Durney, Executive Vice President of Digital and Innovation at Porter Novelli, they discuss the fragmentation of today’s media ecosystem and how AI-driven insights can help brands cut through the noise. Mark explains why “audience-first, data-led” has become more than just an industry buzzphrase—it's a necessity for pinpointing relevant communities, shaping content, and delivering truly personalized monitoring. They also discuss balancing automation (to handle tasks like account summaries or first-draft content) with the human touch that guards against misinformation and “AI hallucinations.” Finally, Mark highlights the value of strategic networking—framed as “friendship first”—for building authentic agency relationships and fostering long-term career growth in a world where constant innovation and collaboration remain the keys to success.

Website: ⁠www.rumandco.co⁠

Show Page: ⁠podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rumcopodcast⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@RumAndCoPodcast⁠ 

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Instagram: ⁠instagram.com/rumandco.co

In this episode, Rum welcomes Mark Durney, Executive Vice President of Digital and Innovation at Porter Novelli, who shares how his early grassroots experience—running a nonprofit with zero budget—helped shape his approach to agency life and corporate consulting. Mark recounts his transition from client-side roles at a major French tech firm to leading an in-house digital team that grew exponentially under his mentorship. Along the way, he highlights why data is the bedrock of modern pitches, how AI tools like ChatGPT can supercharge planning, and why it’s essential to train junior staff in the basics of storytelling—rather than just sending them “slide shopping.” From navigating political nuances on the client side to embracing a “yes-and” mentality in rapid-fire pitch sessions, Mark offers insights on building a culture that blends innovation, empathy, and a relentless focus on results.

Website: www.rumandco.co

Show Page: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rumcopodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RumAndCoPodcast 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/rumandco

Instagram: instagram.com/rumandco.co

From building decks in “war room” style to pushing each other beyond comfort zones, Molly Dobbins, SVP at Burson, and Jen Langione, Director of Global Communications at Mastercard, reveal how intense on-the-job learning fostered confidence, accountability, and camaraderie. They also discuss the role of AI in day-to-day tasks—explaining how tools like ChatGPT can amplify insights without replacing the human touch—and why it’s essential to balance a proactive “we can do that” attitude with genuine client counsel. They talk through harnessing technology, navigating remote collaboration, and delivering standout results without sacrificing team morale.

Website: www.rumandco.co

Show Page: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rumcopodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RumAndCoPodcast 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/rumandco

Instagram: instagram.com/rumandco.co

In this episode, Rum reunites with Molly Dobbins, SVP at Burson, and Jen Langione, Director of Global Communications at Mastercard, two standout members from his original Ruder Finn Radius practice. They trace their journeys from junior “ET” hires to seasoned professionals—covering the “war room” style of collaboration, the art of headline-driven pitch decks, and the importance of giving younger team members direct exposure to high-level work. Along the way, they discuss how storytelling frameworks, data-driven insights, and a relentless commitment to going “beyond the brief” propelled them toward major wins.

Website: www.rumandco.co

Show Page: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rumcopodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RumAndCoPodcast 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/rumandco

Instagram: instagram.com/rumandco.co

The conversation continues between Rum, Katherine and Garret—and this time they delve into examining the strategic framework that transformed a modest, two-person initiative into a $17 million practice. They delve into techniques for engaging prospective clients before formal pitch meetings, approaches for addressing challenging stakeholders (“snipers”) mid-presentation, and proven methods for delivering solutions beyond standard RFP requirements. The discussion also highlights how thoughtfully crafted touchpoints can give agencies a distinctive edge in competitive pitches. They talk through valuable guidance on collaboration, research, and concise storytelling, and how to empower teams to refine their process and strengthen client relationships.

Website: www.rumandco.co

Show Page: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rumcopodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RumAndCoPodcast 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/rumandco

Instagram: instagram.com/rumandco.co

Rum welcomes Katherine and Garret back, two core members of his original “Radius” team, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to succeed in new business pitches. They share how they built trust by showing their in-depth knowledge of the prospect, whether it’s scouring competitor research or mastering the “Socratic method” of asking the right questions to help the client uncover their real need. The trio dives into the importance of immersive research, turning seemingly dry RFPs into inspired strategies, and knowing when to surprise prospects with unique “bubble gum” tactics (like delivering impossible-to-get cronuts). They discuss how to weave data, creativity, and late-night teamwork into high-stakes pitch wins.

Website: www.rumandco.co

Show Page: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rumcopodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RumAndCoPodcast 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/rumandco

Instagram: instagram.com/rumandco.co

In part two of this series, Rum Ekhtiar and Nina Steinberg-Scherr reflect on their many successful pitches and the collaborative process that helped them win major accounts while working together at Ruder Finn. They emphasize the importance of playing to team members' strengths—whether it’s assigning the best writers to writing tasks or the best budget managers to financials—while nurturing talent through mentorship and collaboration. Nina shares valuable insights on how understanding what drives and motivates both teams and clients can lead to stronger relationships and better results. They also discuss standout pitches for clients like Citi and MetLife, where they transformed small projects into multi-million-dollar initiatives by addressing clients' hidden needs and staying closely connected to their business challenges.

Website: www.rumandco.co

Show Page: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rumcopodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RumAndCoPodcast 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/rumandco

Instagram: instagram.com/rumandco.co

Rum Ekhtiar welcomes Nina Steinberg-Scherr, a long-time colleague, to discuss assembling successful teams and winning new business in the agency and PR world. Nina shares the journey from the Sci-Fi Channel to hardcore biotech at Noonan-Russo and eventually to the world of corporate PR at Ruder Finn, explaining how the independence and nimble approach of the team led to winning major clients like Citi, MetLife, and American Express. Rum and Nina reflect on their unique experiences at Ruder Finn, where they created an 'agency within an agency' model. They also discuss the importance of empowering junior team members, pushing the boundaries of traditional agency processes, and creating a culture of curiosity and experimentation.

Website: www.rumandco.co

Show Page: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rumcopodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RumAndCoPodcast 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/rumandco

Instagram: instagram.com/rumandco.co

In part two of this episode, host Rum Ekhtiar continues his conversation with Garrett Star, who leads Global Business Development at Intuit. They dive deeper into the art of partnerships, networking, and what truly sets successful pitches apart in a world where agency offerings can often feel commoditized. Garrett shares insights on his transition from agency life to the brand side, explaining the key differences in how pitches are evaluated from the other side of the table. He also discusses why building strong relationships is critical to winning business, how responsiveness and account hygiene impact client perception, and the importance of raising the bar for both teams and partners. Tune in to learn what it takes to build lasting relationships that drive success in business development.

Website: www.rumandco.co

Show Page: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rumcopodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RumAndCoPodcast 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/rumandco

Instagram: instagram.com/rumandco.co

In this episode, host Rum Ekhtiar connects with Garrett Star, who leads Global Business Development at Intuit and has worked with agencies such as Ruder Finn and VaynerMedia, and in house at Greenhouse and Intuit. Garrett shares his experiences transitioning from agency life to in-house roles and explains how networking is a 24/7 obligation, playing a pivotal role in his success. They also discuss the importance of building authentic relationships in business development, nurturing evergreen connections, and making deposits in your 'relationship bank.' Garrett offers insightful advice on navigating career transitions and shares valuable lessons learned while working with global clients like Citi and MetLife.

Website: www.rumandco.co

Show Page: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rumcopodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RumAndCoPodcast 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/rumandco

Instagram: instagram.com/rumandco.co