In this episode of Lessons in Global Brand Building with Unchartered Territory, Oli Russell-Cowan sits down with BAFTA-winning TV chef, rapper and cultural icon Big Zuu, co-founder of Drip, the UK’s fastest-growing lifestyle water brand.

From grime and youth work to prime time TV and brand building, Zuu shares how his journey led to creating Drip: a water brand born from music, sport, and street culture that’s now making waves globally.

We dive into:

• The founding story of Drip and Zuu’s role as both co-founder and cultural amplifier
• How Drip is disrupting a stale bottled water market to become the water of sport
• Lessons on building a lifestyle brand that connects authentically with communities
• Why cultural relevance – from festivals to sports is key to global expansion

Whether you’re a founder, marketer, or just love hearing how culture shapes brands, this is a masterclass in building a movement, not just a product.

You can follow what Big Zuu is up to on Instagram

Connect with Drip
Website: thedrip.vip
TikTok: itsdripwater
Instagram: itsdripwater

Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference.

The Unchartered Territory Podcast comes out across all podcast players with a new episode every month. 

Welcome aboard the Unchartered Territory Podcast. In our maiden voyage, Captain of Cult Indoctrination Oli Russell-Cowan (ex-Director of Lifestyle Marketing at Liquid Death) drops anchor with none other than Ben Dando, Admiral of the Fleet at UT and former MD International at Liquid Death.

Together, they chart the wild waters of global brand building. From Liquid Death’s explosive international expansion to the creative chaos behind its most talked about marketing moves. From launching in new markets and navigating cultural nuances, to creating viral creative campaigns and building a fearless brand identity, this conversation dives deep into what it takes to make a brand cut through globally. Ben shares stories, lessons learnt and actionable insights on brand development, strategy and consumer engagement, all through the lens of Liquid Death’s rise and the formation of Unchartered Territory.

Whether you're a founder, marketer, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with takeaways on storytelling, risk-taking and creating culturally resonant brands that scale.

You can follow what Ben Dando is up to on LinkedIn

Connect with Unchartered Territory
Website: Unchartered Territory
LinkedIn: Unchartered Territory
Instagram: unchartered_agency

Like what you hear?  Please consider subscribing on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and leave a short review. It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference.

The Unchartered Territory Podcast comes out across all podcast players with a new episode every month. 

This episode reflects personal experiences and public information only. It does not represent the views of Liquid Death or any affiliated company. No confidential or disparaging information is shared.

Welcome to Unchartered Territory

This is your boarding call. Unchartered Territory is the podcast for founders, creators and brand builders ready to make waves.

Hosted by Oli Russell-Cowan, co-founder of global brand building agency Unchartered Territory, this show dives into the bold, unfiltered stories behind cult favourite consumer brands and the visionaries who launched them.

Each episode is packed with real talk, strategy, ambition and a dose of playful rebellion because playing it safe won’t build a legacy.

Subscribe now and join us as we navigate what it takes to build a brand that doesn’t just survive the storm it creates one.

This week, we bring you our biggest episode yet, featuring Ben Dando, who at the time of recording was the Managing Director of International for Liquid Death, the groundbreaking water brand disrupting the beverage industry. Since then, Ben has launched his own venture, Unchartered Territory, an agency helping drinks brands expand internationally. What’s inside this unmissable episode: - ⚡ The Liquid Death Phenomenon: Behind the edgy branding, hilarious marketing, and $1.4 billion valuation of a company that’s reshaping how we think about water. - 🌍 Global Expansion Secrets: How Ben led Liquid Death’s entry into international markets, including partnerships with festivals, influencers, and major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s. - 🚀 From Consultant to Industry Leader: Ben’s transition from consulting to spearheading Liquid Death’s international strategy, and how this inspired his new venture, Unchartered Territory. - 🍻 Lessons for Entrepreneurs: Insights on investment, hiring top talent, navigating cultural differences in new markets, and overcoming challenges in the ultra-competitive beverage industry. - 🤘 Disruptive Branding Done Right: How Liquid Death leverages comedy, creativity, and controversy to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're a brand builder, marketing enthusiast, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable takeaways. Tune in now to learn how Ben and Liquid Death are rewriting the rules of global branding! 🎧

Follow us: https://linktr.ee/chin_wag With thanks to our sponsor, Profile who turn entrepreneurs into industry leaders. Check them out at www.welcometoprofile.com