Retail media is rewriting the rules of marketing, and Cyndi Loza is here to break it all down.

As Senior Editor at Path to Purchase Institute, she shares what brands need to know about AI, shopper behavior, and why in-store still matters more than you think. Cyndi also reflects on her journalism roots, defining influence, and navigating work-life balance as a parent and professional.

Episode Highlights

• How retail media is reshaping the marketing funnel
• What shoppers really want in-store
• The role of AI in measurement and optimization
• Why social content is showing up in TV ads
• Advice on career growth, failure, and finding your voice

Connect with Cyndi Loza on LinkedIn

Connect with Path to Purchase Institute on LinkedIn

Learn more about Path to Purchase Institute

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Diane Schwartz, CEO of Ragan Communications, breaks down one of the year’s most viral PR moments—the Coldplay concert “Crisis Cam”—and shares what brands should do when leadership missteps play out in public.

She also reflects on becoming Ragan’s first female CEO, why internal communications is more important than ever, and how leaders can build trust, influence, and confidence at every level. From the value of in-person connection to what today’s employees want most, this episode delivers practical insights for communicators navigating a changing workplace.

Episode Highlights

• How Diane would’ve handled the “Crisis Cam” fallout.
• The enduring value of in-person community.
• Why flexibility, recognition, and transparency matter most to employees.
• Advice for speaking up, building influence, and bouncing back from failure.
• What leadership really looks like behind the scenes.

Links and Resources 

Connect with Diane Schwartz on LinkedIn

Connect with Ragan Communications on LinkedIn

Learn more about Ragan Communications

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OLLY's presence in-store is powerful. It's digital strategy? Even more so—and Jennifer Peters is making it all click. 

As Director of DTC, Martech, + Digital Compliance at OLLY, Jennifer Peters is helping one of the most recognizable wellness brands deepen its relationship with consumers—both online and off. In this episode, she shares how OLLY is bridging the gap between shelf and screen, redefining loyalty in a retail-first world, and keeping customer empathy at the center of it all.

Jennifer also reflects on her 13 years at Barnes & Noble, how tech is transforming customer feedback into action, and the advice she gives every rising professional looking to build a meaningful, long-term career.

Episode Highlights

• Why DTC is especially challenging for retail-first CPG brands—and how OLLY is making it work.
• What receipt scanning reveals about today’s hybrid shopper.
• Why loyalty means more than points—and who it’s really for.
• What “being where your customer shops” really means in 2025.
• Her advice for building influence and nurturing the next generation of talent.

This episode is packed with practical advice, big-brand insights, and career lessons you’ll actually use.

Links and Resources 

Connect with Jennifer Peters on LinkedIn

Connect with OLLY on Linkedin

Learn more about OLLY

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In this episode, we’re joined by Amberle Thompson, Senior Sales Director for Walmart and Sam’s Club at The Heineken Company, overseeing a team that helps ensure products make it to shelves across the country.

Amberle shares her journey into the CPG and alcohol industry, demystifies how distribution works in the U.S., and explores how data and consumer trends drive innovation. She also reflects on raising three daughters while building her career, the power of networks, and why influence is knowing when you have it—and when you need to build it.

Episode Highlights

• How Amberle uses real-time data and consumer trends to guide product innovation, like Dos Equis Lime & Salt Zero.
• The unique challenges of alcohol distribution and why the U.S. three-tier system matters for brands like Heineken.
• The “COVID bump” in alcohol sales—and how the industry is right-sizing post-pandemic.
• Why looking at data and trends is Amberle’s favorite part of leading in CPG.
• Amberle’s perspective on raising daughters while modeling leadership and career growth.
• Why building your network is critical—and the advice Amberle gives young professionals about picking up the phone.
• A fresh take on influence: knowing where you have it, where you need it, and how to leverage your network to create meaningful change.
• Why Amberle believes that to lead effectively, you can’t—and shouldn’t—do it alone.

Amberle shares real-world insights for navigating leadership and driving innovation within and outside the CPG industry.

Links and Resources 

Connect with Amberle Thompson on LinkedIn

Learn more about The Heineken Company

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In this episode, we’re joined by Aimee Baller, Head of Partnerships, West & Central at Overwolf—the engine behind the gaming creator ecosystem that’s reshaping how brands connect with modern audiences. 

Aimee reflects on her path into gaming as the first female leader on Overwolf’s Brand Partnerships team, exploring the power of in-game advertising, why brands can’t ignore gaming culture, and how Gen Z is rewriting the rules of media. She also offers thoughtful insights on mentorship, leadership, and creating space for other women in male-dominated industries.

Episode Highlights

• How Aimee helps brands like Slim Jim and Smucker’s enter the gaming space with impact and intention.
• The truth about modern gamers—and why 40% of Overwolf’s audience is female.
• Why gaming is no longer niche and how brands can meet consumers where they actually are.
• What moment-triggered ads are and why they generate up to 70% brand recall.
• The rise of Gen Z as creators and why they want to shape the plot, not just watch it.
• Why Aimee believes women don’t need to wait until they feel “ready” to lead.
• How gaming can be an additive—not disruptive—space for advertisers.

Aimee’s perspective cuts through the noise—offering real-world advice for anyone navigating today’s fast-moving landscape of culture, technology, and consumer connection.

Links and Resources 

Connect with Aimee Baller on LinkedIn

Connect with Overwolf on LinkedIn

Learn more about Overwolf

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• Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksup
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• Connect with us on Instagram, FB & Twitter @shespeaksup
• Contact us at [email protected]
• WATCH our podcast on YouTube @SheSpeaksTV

In this episode, we’re joined by Shaquana Joseph, Strategic Account Director at Group Black, a media collective dedicated to bridging the gap between today’s most influential consumers and the brands that want to reach them.

Shaquana shares her inspiring journey from college radio at Howard University to leading game-changing brand partnerships at Group Black. She unpacks how Gen Z is rewriting the rules of influence, why authenticity matters more than ever, and how brands can build lasting loyalty by showing up with purpose.

Episode Highlights

• How Shaquana pivoted from radio and agency life to leading culturally impactful campaigns.
• The mission behind Group Black and how it's reshaping the media and marketing landscape.
• Why Gen Z doesn’t play by the old rules—and how brands must adapt or fall behind.
• The rise of the nano-influencer and why peer influence now beats follower count.
• The role of experiential marketing in creating real, emotional brand connections.
• Shaquana’s experience at Twitter and the lessons she learned about being an entrepreneur.
• Why true influence means making a lasting impact—and how Shaquana defines success beyond the spotlight.

Shaquana’s insights are smart, actionable, and inspiring—whether you’re in marketing, leadership, or just figuring out how to make your voice matter in a noisy world.

Links and Resources:

Connect with Shaquana Joseph on LinkedIn

Learn more about Group Black

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In today’s episode, we’re joined by Chase Cooper, omnichannel marketing leader at Dorel Juvenile, one of the largest baby product companies in the world (behind brands like Safety 1st, Maxi-Cosi, Tiny Love, and Walmart’s exclusive Monbébé). 

Chase shares her remarkable journey from starting out in the agency world to now leading U.S. media efforts across Dorel's brands — and how she’s weaving motherhood into her career path along the way.

Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

• Chase's career path from agency-side digital marketing to leading omnichannel marketing on the brand side
• A clear breakdown of what omnichannel marketing really means
• How internal cross-functional collaboration — marketing, sales, supply chain — is critical for omnichannel success
• Why curiosity and asking "why" can be a major superpower for marketers and leaders
• An inside look at the Monbébé stroller launch at Walmart — and how Chase’s team leveraged influencer marketing to drive viral success
• The viral moment: How a single influencer video captured over 4.6 million views, and why understanding visual storytelling in the first three seconds matters more than ever
• The importance of blending organic and paid media and testing influencer content across multiple channels
• Key consumer insight: Why dads and diverse caregivers are becoming an increasingly important audience in the baby category
• A refreshingly honest conversation about navigating career and motherhood — and why asking for help is not weakness but a leadership strength
• Why trusting your gut (and surrounding yourself with the right support) might be the best career advice you’ll ever get

Chase’s insights on authenticity, collaboration, and evolving with the consumer journey will leave you energized — whether you’re in marketing, leadership, or navigating your own life and career. 

Links & Resources:

Connect with Chase Cooper  on LinkedIn 

See the viral Monbébé 360° Travel System post. 

Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this conversation!

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In this episode, we welcome Erica Lockheimer. Known for her remarkable career in tech, Erica shares insights from her career  journey at LinkedIn, where she not only played a crucial role in the growth of the platform, but also founded the Women in Tech initiative. Erica shares her story and challenges she faced as one of the few women in her field. 

We discuss the pivotal moments that led her to redefine success on her own terms, breaking away from expectations to pursue what she had a passion for. Now, as the founder and CEO of HumanizeHer, Erica is passionate about cultivating a world where women can thrive and shatter glass ceilings. Tune in to discover Erica's journey, her thoughts on the evolving role of LinkedIn, and her vision for women in tech and careers beyond. This episode is inspiring and a must-listen for anyone looking to follow their own path and possibilities.

Episode Highlights:

• Redefining Success: Erica talks about how challenging societal norms and expectations was a pivotal step in her personal journey. She emphasizes identifying and pursuing what truly resonates with you, even if it means straying from the path expected by others.
• LinkedIn's Evolution: From leading LinkedIn's growth team to spearheading Women in Tech, Erica shares behind-the-scenes stories of her dynamic experiences and the platform's transformation over the years.
• AI and Diversity: Erica discusses the critical role of diverse representation in algorithm development, especially in AI, and how biases can be mitigated.
• Empowering Women: Learn more about HumanizeHer, Erica's inspiring initiative aimed at creating a world where every woman can thrive, excel, and define success personally.

Key Quotes:

• “You better have diverse people at the table, building products, because representation matters in everything we create.”
• “We can’t be our best-kept secrets—women’s voices need platforms to be heard and celebrated.”
• “I never worked harder, but I’ve never enjoyed my work more than I do now.”

Connect with Erica and HumanizeHer: 

• Website: https://www.instagram.com/humanizehernow/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericalockheimer/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanizehernow/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HumanizeHer

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In this episode, we sit down with PR powerhouse Heidi Krupp, a master publicist and brand strategist with decades of experience shaping bestselling books and personal brands. From working at ABC’s 20/20 to launching her own successful agency, she shares her journey, the art of storytelling in PR, and what it takes to craft a message that resonates.

We also dive into the current media buzz surrounding the Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively case, breaking down what people get wrong about publicists and the blurred lines in today’s media landscape. Plus, hear the fascinating story of how she started her business with just $5,000—and how that risk turned into a career working with icons like Tony Robbins, Dr. Stephen Covey, and more.

Key Highlights:

✅ Why storytelling, consistency, and relationships are the true keys to building a lasting brand—and how you can apply these principles to your own success.
✅ Lessons learned from interning at ABC’s 20/20 and working with Barbara Walters
✅ The role of a publicist: understanding what the role entails & what the job is
✅ How to turn a book into a brand (and a business!)
✅ The truth about the PR industry and the media’s changing landscape
✅ The surprising way she funded her first business
✅ The impact of mentors and the power of personal branding

Key Links: 

Follow Heidi at: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-krupp/

https://www.kruppagency.com/

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In this episode, we sit down with Terri Cole, a best-selling author, licensed psychotherapist, relationship expert, and empowerment coach. We discuss Terri's career transition, her work (and first book) on setting boundaries, and her expertise in high-functioning codependency. You will learn what is high-functioning codependency (HFC) and learn how you can recognize and address your own codependent behaviors, set healthy boundaries and have better relationships.  Terri shares tangible tips and takeaways to help you change the way you approach relationships today, so grab a pen and paper! 

Episode Highlights:

• Terri shares her own career change, transformation & healing process 
• How should you think about boundaries and Terri's book, Boundary Boss. 
• What is the Downloaded Love Blueprint and how is it affecting your current relationships? 
• What is high-functioning codependency (HFC)? What steps can you take if you exhibit the behaviors of HFC? 
• Overinvestment and resentment - what role they play in your relationships, how you see others, and how they see you. 

Follow Terri & Learn More: 

Get your free resources, order Terri's book(s) and sign up to stay connected at: https://www.terricole.com/hfc/

Learn more about Terri by visiting: https://www.terricole.com/

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