What Bubbles Up

In this episode, we are joined by CMO, Marketing Strategist, Consultant, and Author Darren "Daz" McColl to discuss the role of the CMO in the age of digital transformation. Daz regales us with the incredibly journey he took to become the CMO of Neiman Marcus, after years in the trenches at various agencies, just as the global pandemic inflicted great financial burdens on retail brands that thrived on the in-store experience. We discuss the need to ruthlessly focus on the essentials when working with limited resources, but always thinking longer-term for the sake of the staff who remain. And we also take a trip in the way-back machine to discuss "Storyscaping", the book he co-wrote with Gaston Legorboru 10 years ago, and how much of it resonates today despite how much the role of CMO has irrevocably transformed. Enjoy!

Drinks: New Belgium Brewing Company Voodoo Ranger Juice Force IPA, The Test Brewery The Discovery Of Fire New England Hazy Triple IPA, Jansz Tasmania Sparkling Wine

Links: https://dazmccoll.com/

With the seemingly endless creative possibilities made possible by the rise of GenAI, why does it seem more challenging than ever to be a Design Leader? In this episode, Adaptive Path co-founder, author, and Design Leadership coach Peter Merholz joins us for a beer and a chat to discuss this and many other topics. We discuss his journey from Studio Archetype in the mid-90's to the present day, where he leads his own consultancy, Humanism at Scale. In this role, Peter coaches Design leaders going through the 'liminal phase' of their careers as they adjust to new realities in the marketplace. We further discuss how the shift in focus from 'craft' to 'impact', and understanding how that may require a shift in identity, is one of several keys to ongoing success in this new reality. A very timely and far-reaching discussion...enjoy!

Drinks: Mayflower Brewing Company Quahog Republic Golden Ale, Tree House Brewing Company Very Green New England IPA, North Coast Brewing Co. Scrimshaw German Pilsner

Links: http://www.petermerholz.com

In this episode, Phil and Barry share a drink and a chat with film director, writer, and author James Cox, who joins on the eve of the launch of his new book, "Grand Theft AI". James shares with us his journey starting out as a celebrated young filmmaker out of NYU, getting opportunities right out of the gate with films like "Highway" starring Jared Leto and Jake Gyllenhall, to his epic turn with Val Kilmer in "Wonderland", through to his awakening after a series of struggles that led him to write his first novel. Set in the year 2051, it is a story about a group of misfits trying to make money in a world so vastly accelerated by technology that human labor has become obsolete. We also discuss the importance of self-awareness and self-discovery, and the concept of creativity through pain. Enjoy!

Drinks: Poland Spring Clementine Bramble Seltzer, Honest Urban Ade Lemon Sage Mint Lemonade, Athletic Brewing Run Wild Non-Alcoholic IPA

Links: https://jamescoxbooks.com/

In this episode, Phil comes to us live from the Moscone Center in San Francisco to share his thoughts and experiences attending Config 2024, the annual conference held by the great folks at Figma. We talk about all the latest and greatest features coming to Figma and FigJam, as well as a new product, Figma Slides! We also talk about the expansion of Generative AI features in their products, the various talks given by Design and Product leaders, and some takeaways about the state of the Design community at large. Enjoy!

Drinks: Devil's Purse Brewing Co. South Dennis-Style Table Beer

Links: https://config.figma.com/

In this episode, Barry and Phil are joined by Podcaster, Entrepreneur, Author, and the Founder and CEO of Ginni Media, Ginny Saraswati. With roots in Sri Lanka, Ginny shares her story of spending a decade in terrestrial radio in her adopted hometown of Melbourne, Australia, seeing the trend toward "autonomous listening", eventually starting her own podcast, and taking her listeners with her to New York. In the process, she found herself advising fellow podcasters on the craft of storytelling and the importance of creating an authentic audio identity. Thus was born her company, Ginni Media, to go along with "The Ginni Show", a podcast about podcasts. We talk about what makes for a good podcast idea, a good name, a good host, and a good guest experience. We wrap with Ginni giving us a thorough grading on what we are doing well, what we can improve upon, and most importantly...who does it better. Enjoy!

Drinks: High Noon Pineapple Hard Seltzer, Trillium Brewing Company Congress Street IPA, Aquafina water

Links: www.ginnimedia.com

In this episode, Barry and Phil are joined by none other than the Chairman and Co-Founder of WongDoody, Tracy Wong. Tracy discusses his notion of 'Creative Democracy', a team-oriented approach to the art and science of ideation, about which he is writing in an upcoming book. Borne of insight, guided by inspiration, and supported by servant leadership, "Creative Democracy" is, at its essence, the acknowledgement that as long as there is a safe and conducive environment, good ideas can come from anywhere. We also discuss the ad industry of the early 90's, how the industry continues to evolve, and why in this constant state of change, businesses need to heed Jeff Bezos' words and focus on 'what stays the same'. Enjoy!

Drinks: Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. Magic Rain Hazy IPA, Sixpoint Brewery Lil’ Shucker Kölsch, Starbucks Pike Place Medium Roast Coffee

Links: www.wongdoody.com

In this episode, Barry returns from a week in Las Vegas for this year's installment of Adobe Summit. The theme of this year's Summit is 'Real World Application', wherein we discuss all the latest and greatest developments in the role of Generative AI in the Enterprise Content Supply Chain. We also discuss what might have been had the Figma acquisition gone through, and the power of community even among competitors. Enjoy!

Links: www.merkle.com, www.wongdoody.com

Drinks: J Wakefield Brewing New England Douple IPA, Just Water

In this episode, Barry and Phil welcome new guest Maury Postal, a strategist, Creative leader, digital nerd, and Principal of The Office of Maury Postal. Maury joins us for a drink and a chat about what predictions he has for 2024, and what he resolves to do about it. We discuss everything from craving technology that just works, to craving a return to the natural world and how the two are inextricably linked. We also lament the unfortunate demise of Invision, and an overall sense of the end of the "fun" Internet. It was such an engaging and wide-reaching conversation, Maury shared 8 predictions and we only had time to discuss 5! Enjoy!

Drinks: 3 Floyds Brewing Co. Pride & Joy Mild Ale, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery Hopkeeper Double IPA, Inky Spanish Red Wine

Links: https://mopostal.com/