Marketing Vanguard

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Marisa Thalberg, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer at Catalyst Brands, in a candid conversation about leadership, risk-taking, and brand transformation in retail marketing.

Marisa discusses her career journey across diverse industries - from Estée Lauder and Taco Bell to Lowe's, SeaWorld, and now JCPenney. She opens up about learning from failures, dealing with short tenures, and why marketers must take calculated risks. The conversation explores her current role transforming JCPenney and the broader Catalyst Brands portfolio, which includes Brooks Brothers, Aeropostale, L...

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Alex Schultz, Chief Marketing Officer and VP of Analytics at Meta, about his newly released book "Click Here: The Art and Science of Digital Marketing and Advertising

As Jenny's repeat guest, Alex brings battle-tested insights from his 18-year tenure at Meta, where he's witnessed digital marketing's complete transformation. He reveals his motivation  for writing "Click Here" - the definitive guide to online marketing that fills a critical gap left by classic texts like Claude Hopkins' "Scientific Advertising." Alex argues that while technology ev...

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Elizabeth Teran, Chief Parent Officer at Owlet. In this compelling conversation, Elizabeth shares how she's transforming marketing at the baby tech company that revolutionized infant monitoring with medical-grade pulse oximetry technology.

Elizabeth brings extensive experience from her 10-year tenure at Skullcandy in product marketing, followed by over 5 years at Owlet where she led the company through significant challenges and growth. She discusses the unique positioning of marketing medical-grade technology to parents, the company's journey from FDA warning letter to full medical clearance...

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Francis Perrin, Chief Brand and Sustainability Officer at Rehlko, about brand transformation and B2B marketing innovation.

Francis discusses his career from P&G and L'Oréal to leading the transformation of Kohler Energy into the independent company Rehlko. He shares the strategic thinking behind the rebrand, including how they created the name Rehlko as an anagram of Kohler to maintain heritage while establishing independence. The conversation explores the opportunity in residential power generation, competing as a challenger brand against industry giants, a...

Welcome to this special episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with the founding members of Marketing Vanguard membership at ADWEEK: Soyoung Kang, President of eos Products, and Vineet Mehra, CMO of Chime. They discuss their unique career journeys, the evolving CMO role, and why they joined forces to help rewrite the narrative around marketing leadership. From efficient capital allocation to building trust in the C-suite, these leaders share candid insights about what it really takes to succeed as a modern CMO.

These marketing leaders delve into their distinct career paths, the evolving...

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Sangeeta Prasad, Chief Marketing Officer at Slalom, about her unique journey from classic consumer products marketing to B2B transformation leadership. Sangeeta shares her experiences transitioning from well-established brands like P&G, American Express, and JPMorgan Chase to becoming the first CMO at professional services firms.

She explains why she calls herself a "marketing evangelist" rather than just a marketer, emphasizing her role in converting organizational skeptics into believers. The conversation explores the unique dynamics of B2B marketing versus B2C...

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast live from Cannes. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Mark Ritson, world-renowned marketing professor and founder of MiniMBA, about his controversial views on brand purpose, the importance of running great ads for years, and why American marketing has lost its edge. Discover Mark's partnership with ADWEEK, his strategy of saying "no" to America for a decade, and why he believes killing brands is more productive than creating them.

What You'll Learn:

"If you're constantly viewed as the ad team, the ad person, I think we lose. I think we're going to continue to struggle to dig out of the relevancy hole."

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Jason Bunge, CMO of Hasbro, in a conversation that challenges traditional notions of marketing leadership and explores the future of play in a digital world.

Jason brings experience from technology companies including Skype, Microsoft, Riot Games, and EA before joining Hasbro two years ago. The conversation explores Hasbro's transformation...

What if you could tap into 20 years of authentic consumer conversations to transform your marketing strategy?

In this special Cannes edition of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Roxy Young, CMO of Reddit, to explore the power of community intelligence and why brands need to embrace authentic engagement. From Reddit's evolution as a marketing platform to their groundbreaking AI-powered insights tools, this conversation reveals how marketers can harness the power of genuine community feedback. Tune in to discover why Reddit's unique approach to brand safety, open communities, and real consumer dialogue is driving 60% year-over-year...

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast live from Cannes. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Mark Kirkham, CMO of PepsiCo Beverages US, about the relentless pace of innovation in the beverage category, the art of balancing core brands with new acquisitions like Poppi, and why every challenge is an opportunity. Discover how PepsiCo continues to cultivate world-class marketing talent, the role of AI in building capabilities versus outsourcing them, and why making "simple special" is the key to success

What You'll Learn:

What if you could transform your organization’s approach to AI while building a global brand?

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney speaks with Emily Ketchen, CMO of Lenovo’s Intelligent Devices Group, live from the Cannes Lions Festival. Together, they explore how to lead AI integration within marketing teams, navigate global brand building across 180 markets, and leverage purpose-driven storytelling for genuine business growth. Whether you're a CMO navigating emerging technologies or a marketing leader seeking to balance global reach with local relevance, this conversation offers invaluable insights into the future of tech-driven mark...

AI and creativity are reshaping brand marketing, democratizing access to tools while challenging CMOs to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.

In this special Cannes edition of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Mark Weinstein, CMO of Hilton Hotels, to explore the intersection of technology, experience, and authentic brand storytelling. From leveraging AI to democratize creativity to partnering with Paris Hilton and McLaren Racing, discover how to build meaningful experiences that resonate in an uncertain world. Whether you're navigating budget constraints, technological disruption, or cultural pitfalls, this conversation offers essential insights on staying relevant...

From Toys to Entertainment: How Mattel is Transforming Legacy Brands for Modern Audiences

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer at Mattel, to explore the art and science of managing over 100 active brands. From the billion-dollar success of the Barbie movie to the strategic evolution of Fisher-Price, discover how to make bold brand decisions, lead through purpose, and create positive cultural impact. Whether you're managing heritage brands or building new ones, this conversation offers invaluable insights on taking calculated risks, embracing inclusivity...

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Kimberly Paige, CMO of BET, to explore the intersection of content, culture, and community in modern media. From judging at Cannes Lions to celebrating BET's 45th anniversary, Paige shares how her extensive experience at P&G, Coca-Cola, and Coty shaped her approach to authentic storytelling and brand evolution. Learn how BET is pioneering change through strategic brand partnerships, streaming innovation, and a commitment to meaningful content that drives both cultural impact and commercial success. A must-listen for marketing leaders seeking to understand how heritage brands can stay...

What if you could transform your marketing leadership journey through purpose and passion?

In this special Cannes edition of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Dara Treseder, CMO of Autodesk, to explore the intersection of purpose-driven marketing and technological innovation. Discover how to build a meaningful career in marketing leadership, navigate the evolving B2B and B2C landscape, and harness AI's potential in creative industries. Whether you're a seasoned CMO or an aspiring marketing leader, this conversation offers invaluable insights on authentic brand building, the importance of believing in your product, and why...

Creative leadership and strategic risk-taking are essential ingredients for building transformative brands in today's marketing landscape.

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Paulie Dery, CMO of AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens), for a masterclass in brand building and creative leadership. Drawing from his impressive journey through R/GA, Uber, and YETI, Paulie shares invaluable insights on why running toward challenges breeds creativity, how to maintain brand authenticity in a rapidly evolving market, and why great products paired with strong storytelling create a lasting impact. Whether you're navigating industry disruption or building...

The Evolution of Brand Leadership in Professional Services: From Creative Agency to Global Consultancy

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with John Rudaizky, Global CMO of EY, to explore the evolving landscape of marketing in professional services. From pioneering brand transformation in consultancy to navigating the intersection of AI and creativity, discover how EY is reshaping client experiences through their new Studio Plus initiative. Whether you're a CMO looking to drive organizational change or a marketing leader interested in the future of brand building, this conversation offers valuable insights on leading...

How do you market entertainment experiences that span physical casinos, online gaming, and sports betting?

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, Jennifer Weissman, CMO of PENN Entertainment, shares how the company creates cohesive customer journeys across 42 casinos, racetracks, and digital platforms. From a time when showing casino floors in ads was prohibited to today's gamified loyalty ecosystems, Jennifer dives into regulatory shifts, customer lifetime value, and gamification beyond traditional gaming.

What You'll Learn:

How do you transform marketing from a cost center to a growth driver at one of the world's largest consumer goods companies?

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, Esi Eggleston Bracey, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at Unilever, explores the evolving landscape of global brand marketing. From her engineering roots to leading 400+ brands serving 3.4 billion people, Esi shares insights on blending analytical rigor with creativity. She explains how to transform marketing from a one-to-many model to many-to-many, and how AI can be used as an enabler—not a disruptor. Whether you're steering a global brand or as...

What does it take to lead a legacy beauty brand in a world obsessed with trends?

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, Clinique’s SVP of Global Marketing, Christie Sclater, shares how staying true to the brand’s roots in dermatological science helps it cut through the noise. From her days at Apple to her personal experience with skin conditions, Christie opens up about leading with purpose, building authentic influencer relationships, and bringing humanity to every marketing touchpoint.

What You'll Learn:

AI innovation is transforming technology marketing by creating new product categories and revolutionizing how global brands approach customer engagement and internal operations.

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Emily Ketchen, Chief Marketing Officer and SVP, Intelligent Devices Group and International Markets at Lenovo, to explore her journey from international relations student to global technology marketing leader. Discover how Lenovo is pioneering the AI PC category, implementing comprehensive AI governance across marketing operations, and driving innovation through products like solar-powered laptops and rollable screens. Whether you're navigating AI integration in your...

Power marketing requires balancing fear-based messaging with positive benefit communication to drive high-stakes purchasing decisions.

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Amanda Teder, CMO of Generac Power Systems, to explore the fascinating world of power solutions marketing. Learn how Generac balances fear-based messaging with benefit-focused communication, navigates both B2B and B2C markets, and transforms customer education into sales. Amanda shares invaluable insights on driving business growth through data-driven marketing, building effective pricing ecosystems, and leading organizational transformation. Whether you're managing discretionary purchases or essential services, this conversation offers...

Immersive technology is revolutionizing digital marketing by creating more engaging, efficient customer experiences and driving unprecedented conversion rates in e-commerce.

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Karina Kogan, CMO of Infinite Reality, to explore the evolution from consumer brand marketing to B2B innovation in immersive experiences. Discover why traditional e-commerce funnels are ready for disruption, how brands can leverage 3D environments to drive engagement, and why meeting consumers in their preferred digital spaces is crucial for modern marketing success. Whether you're navigating the transition from 2D to 3D marketing...

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Eric Gibson, Chief Commercial Officer of Golf Pride, to explore the delicate balance between heritage and innovation in sports marketing. Discover how Golf Pride is transforming from a traditional golf equipment manufacturer into a brand that champions confidence and accessibility, while maintaining its position as the grip of choice for 80-85% of the world's golf professionals. From unexpected collaborations with James Bond and Steph Curry to meeting modern golfers where they are, this conversation offers valuable insights into brand elevation, purposeful partnerships, and navigating the evolving landscape o...

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Amy Tunick, CMO of National CineMedia (NCM). Amy shares how NCM positions cinema as "CTV Plus" – offering advertisers guaranteed audiences without bots, fraud, or frequency issues – and discusses the company's post-pandemic revival.

With experience spanning entertainment, advertising, and media, Amy explains NCM's approach to engaging audiences throughout the entire moviegoing journey, from pre-show content to in-lobby activations. She highlights current moviegoing trends, innovative branded content opportunities, and NCM's unique role as the US Representative to Cannes Lions, connecting the entertainment and advertising indu...

What if you could transform a 100-year-old heritage brand into a modern cultural phenomenon?

In this episode of MVG - Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Matt Navarro, President of Stanley 1913, to explore the company's remarkable evolution from worksite essential to viral sensation. Learn how Stanley 1913 maintains its cultural relevance through strategic partnerships, sustainability initiatives, and lifestyle brand positioning. Whether you're a marketing leader looking to revitalize a legacy brand or seeking insights on connecting with Gen Z consumers, this conversation reveals the delicate balance between honoring heritage and driving innovation. Tune in to...

What if you could transform a legacy transportation brand into a modern hospitality experience? In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Eliot Hamlisch, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Amtrak, to explore their bold new "Retrain Travel" campaign, strategic shift toward younger audiences, and innovative brand partnerships. Whether you're leading a heritage brand's transformation or seeking to balance government oversight with commercial success, this conversation offers valuable insights into modernizing customer experience while honoring established brand equity. Tune in to discover how Amtrak is reimagining train travel for the next generation through enhanced amenities...

What if you could learn how a century-old berry company became one of retail's top food brands? In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Frances Dillard, VP of Marketing at Driscoll's, to explore how the company's obsession with flavor and authenticity drives their success. From pioneering proprietary berry development to navigating climate challenges and connecting with Gen Z, Frances shares insights on building a purposeful brand while staying true to family values. Whether you're interested in food marketing, brand innovation, or sustainable business practices, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on how quiet leadership...

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Katie Gohman, CMO of Olaplex. They discuss Katie's transition from Marc Jacobs to Olaplex, her approach to resetting the brand, and the new chapter for Olaplex focused on foundational hair health. Katie shares insights on navigating brand challenges, the differences between fashion and beauty marketing, and how brands can effectively balance social media narrative and brand storytelling.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Stacy Doren, CMO of Journeys. They discuss Stacy's transition from 24 years at Levi's to her first CMO role, Journeys' evolution as a mall-based footwear retailer, and how Gen Z is bringing malls back into cultural relevance. Stacy shares insights on differentiating in a competitive landscape, expanding consumer segmentation beyond their traditional alternative/skate audience, and prioritizing brand building after years of performance-focused marketing.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

Join host Jenny Rooney as she sits down with Carrie Palin, CMO of Cisco, for an illuminating discussion on the evolution of B2B tech marketing and authentic leadership. From transforming Cisco's digital presence to leveraging AI for enhanced customer experiences, Palin shares how she's redefining what it means to be a tech CMO. The conversation takes an inspiring turn as she candidly discusses navigating executive leadership while being present as a parent, offering valuable insights for professionals seeking to balance career ambitions with personal priorities. Whether you're a marketing leader looking to drive innovation or an aspiring executive...

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Siddharth Taparia, Chief Marketing Officer at JLL. Join Jenny and Siddharth as they discuss his journey from technology to marketing leadership, the evolution of B2B marketing, and how commercial real estate marketing is adapting to economic shifts. Siddharth shares insights on aligning marketing strategy with business objectives, embracing AI, and why B2B marketing offers unique opportunities for measurable impact and innovation.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Jenny Rooney speaks with Adrienne Ingoldt, CMO of Pilot, about transforming a 65-year-old travel center business into a customer-centric brand. Adrienne shares her philosophy on authentic brand building, discusses Pilot's evolution from B2B to consumer marketing, and explains why emotional connection matters more than ever in today's marketing landscape.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Kate Wik, CMO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Recorded during CES in Las Vegas, they discuss the evolution of Las Vegas as a global destination, the impact of major events like Formula One and CES, and how the city's DNA of hospitality shapes its marketing approach. Kate shares insights on destination marketing, leadership philosophy, and the future of Las Vegas as a sports and entertainment capital.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Jenny Rooney speaks with Erika Ayers Badan, CEO of Food52, about her journey from accidental marketer to media CEO. Erika shares insights from her experience leading Barstool Sports' transformation and her current mission to reinvent Food52, discussing the evolution of content commerce, the power of focused brand strategy, and the future of food media.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Natalie Bastian, Global CMO of Teads, recorded at CES in Las Vegas. Join them as they discuss Natalie's unique journey from traditional TV to digital marketing leadership, the evolution of advertising technology, and how following your passion can lead to innovative career paths. Natalie shares insights from her extensive experience at companies like Lifetime, Roku, Tubi, and now Teads, highlighting the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in marketing leadership.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Host Jenny Rooney speaks with Maggie Schmerin, Chief Advertising Officer at United Airlines. Together they explore how United is transforming its marketing approach, the evolution of airline customer experience, and the unique challenges of leading marketing for a global airline. Maggie shares insights on everything from managing social media during crises to reimagining traditional airline marketing playbooks.

Here are the key talking points from the episode:

In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, Jenny Rooney speaks with Fara Howard, CMO of GoDaddy, about the company's return to the Super Bowl after an eight-year hiatus. Fara shares insights on GoDaddy's evolution beyond domains, their AI-powered product Airo, and their innovative partnership with actor Walton Goggins, demonstrating how they're helping small businesses thrive in the digital age.

Episode Highlights:

Join Jenny Rooney as she speaks with Chris Bellinger, the first Chief Creative Officer of PepsiCo Foods, about leading creativity across the company's diverse portfolio of brands, adapting to the creator economy, and preparing for the Super Bowl. Chris shares insights on managing internal creative teams and external agency partnerships while fostering a culture of innovation.

Episode Highlights:

Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Steven Wolfe Pereira, CEO of Alpha, recorded at CES in Las Vegas. Steven shares his perspective on why AI represents a foundational shift unlike anything before, discusses the critical role CMOs should play in leading AI initiatives, and explains why marketing leaders need to take action now to remain relevant in this rapidly evolving landscape.

Here are the key talking points from the episode: