On Brand: A Podcast About Branding For Brand Builders, By Brand Builders

We spend most of our lives working, yet so many of us have been taught that “ambition” has to come at the cost of our health and our weekends. On this episode of On Brand, I’m joined by Amy Leneker, a leadership consultant who has helped over 100,000 leaders move from soul-crushing burnout to what she calls “The Un-Stressing Method.” We’re diving into her upcoming book, Cheers to Monday, to discuss why finding joy is actually a high-performance business strategy and how leaders can finally break the cycle of exhaustion to connect more authentically with their teams and their brands. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why modern culture gets the definition of resilience unequivocally wrong and how overusing work ethic can become a leadership weakness How to navigate the Un-Stressing Method by seeing stress through the lens of importance and control before sorting it into actionable categories The specific reason celebration is a non-negotiable step for high-achieving leaders and why it is a leading driver

A creative vision is only as good as its execution. As the Vice President of Creative at Agency EA, Joanna Badamo leads the teams behind major experiential programs for brands like Samsung, Hilton, and Molson Coors. Joanna joins the show to discuss how to lead creative teams in fast-moving environments and the art of translating high-level brand strategy into physical experiences that actually work. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How software-based companies can create tactile connections with an audience separated by screens The essential building blocks for moving a digital-first brand into a physical environment Why small curated moments are often more impactful than grand spectacles How to leverage AI as a wheel greaser for creative teams rather than an end result The shift from monologue-centered branding to creating multidimensional ecosystems of interaction Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:36) Moving from sports marketing to the experiential side (03:24) Making intangible software br

We often hear that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but NéAndré Broussard knows that the cover is exactly where the story begins. After a career leading in the financial services industry, NéAndré founded Black Menswear and BMW Digital to do more than just change clothes—he’s changing the conversation around the African American male consumer. By moving from life insurance to life-changing narratives, he is building a brand rooted in community, economic growth, and the quiet power of a well-tailored story. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How the science of enclothed cognition can increase your cognitive ability and performance Why your brand story should always cast the consumer as the hero rather than the product The strategy of using traveling flash mobs to move digital communities into real-world connections How to navigate the "no, maybe not now" moments in high-level brand consulting Why long-term creator partnerships outperform one-off endorsements for authentic brand recognition Episode Cha

Building a brand is about more than just what happens in the marketplace—it’s about what happens in the hallway. On this episode of On Brand, I’m joined by Josh Block, President of Block Imaging and author of People Matter @ Work, to explore why the health of your internal culture is the ultimate predictor of your brand’s external strength. Josh shares his journey of taking over a family business at 29 and the hard lessons he learned about how “responsible” decisions can fracture trust, and how he ultimately scaled a global organization by operationalizing the belief that people truly matter. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to identify the small well-intentioned decisions that quietly erode trust before performance slips The difference between unearthing authentic values and picking generic ones off a poster Why the shift from me leadership to we leadership requires the humility to democratize capabilities How to use the laughter test as a rapid diagnostic for the health and safety of your culture The

We’ve all been told to just be yourself. But psychologist and author Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic—Chief Innovation Officer at ManpowerGroup and professor at UCL and Columbia—says that’s the worst advice you can take. In his new book, Don’t Be Yourself: Why Authenticity Is Overrated (and What to Do Instead), he reveals why our obsession with authenticity is holding us back—and what actually leads to success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why "just being yourself" is often the worst professional advice you can receive The coffee drinker model for balancing your raw personality with social expectations How to use emotional intelligence as a strategic filter for better leadership Why high-performing leaders often act more like method actors than authentic versions of themselves How to navigate the tension between human authenticity and AI-generated content Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:21) The Myth of Objective Authenticity (02:50) Leaders as Method Actors (04:01) Comparing Personal and Restaurant Brands (0

Design is about more than just how something looks—it’s about how it works for the people using it. On this episode of On Brand, I’m joined by Lee Hoddy, Executive Creative Director at Conran Design Group, to discuss how experience-led design can solve complex brand problems. We’ll dive into how he leads multi-disciplinary teams to create meaningful work for global names like Sofitel and AstraZeneca, and why every great brand starts with a deep understanding of human needs, wants, and motivations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode - How to map emotional friction points to find the gold in a brand experience - Why the pursuit of human endeavor is the key to branding functional industries like pharma - The reason storytelling acts as a sticky DNA thread across physical and digital touchpoints - How to conduct a multidisciplinary orchestra by surfacing the ambition in every brief - Why original ideas are the only way to escape the sea of sameness in an AI-driven world Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:22) Get

The strongest brands don’t shout—they earn trust over time. That’s how Nikki Little approaches her work. She’s the CMO and co-owner at Franco, a women-owned, Detroit-based integrated communications agency with more than 60 years of history. After a full-circle career that took her from early agency life to leading social and communications teams, Nikki now helps shape Franco’s future with a purpose-driven, human-first approach to brand building, storytelling, and leadership. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why modern brand builders must accept that total control is a myth and focus on reputation monitoring instead The difference between consistent storytelling and repetitive messaging across integrated channels How to apply Brené Brown’s Strong Ground principles to build a solid brand foundation Why employee alignment is the first step in closing the authenticity gap with your customers How to treat AI as an overzealous intern rather than a replacement for strategic relationships Episode Chapters (00:00)

Today is a major milestone—Episode 600. My journey behind the mic began in 2012, and since then, this conversation has evolved from simple marketing tactics into the deeper pillars of leadership, communication, and storytelling. To celebrate, I’m flipping the script. I’ve invited my longtime friend and fellow 2012 podcasting pioneer, Mike Gerholdt, to take over the host’s chair. We’re going behind the scenes on everything I’ve learned over 600 episodes—from the origin story and terrestrial radio to the move to full video—to talk about what it really takes to build a podcast brand that lasts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode - Why curiosity is the most important trait for a long-running podcast host - How to pivot your content from marketing tactics to leadership and storytelling - The evolution of media from terrestrial radio to short-form and full-length video - Why every modern brand needs an evangelist to foster two-way conversations - Strategic lessons learned from 13 years and 600 episodes in the podca

“I’m Nick Westergaard, and this is On Brand — helping you tell your story.” Storytelling is everything—especially for leaders and marketers navigating today's digital world. On this show, we go behind the scenes with the minds at Microsoft, Spotify, and the Mayo Clinic to see how they lead with purpose and build lasting trust. Featuring insights from global experts like Seth Godin, Nancy Duarte, and Alan Alda, we unpack the human element of brand building. We also ask every guest: “What’s a brand that’s made you smile recently?” If you’re ready to build a brand that stands out, join us each week on On Brand. Full episodes and resources: https://nickwestergaard.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ashley Herd, founder of Manager Method and former Head of HR at McKinsey, explains why most managers aren't actually failing—they're just guessing. She breaks down her simple yet powerful three-step framework—pause, consider, and act—to help leaders move past the "speed of the inbox" and start leading with real intention. From handling employee mistakes with empathy to navigating the "octopus and wizard" traps of burnout, Ashley provides practical "real talk" for anyone responsible for the careers and lives of others. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The critical difference between day-to-day management and long-term leadership How to implement the three-step Manager Method of pause, consider, and act Why the “speed of the inbox” is causing manager burnout and how to slow down Practical ways to handle employee mistakes using the “Gigi” perspective How to use human-centric storytelling to build psychological safety on your team Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:51) Management vs Leadership (03:18) The Gap

While every non-alcoholic brand is shouting Dry January, Recess is telling you to quit. Literally. Joining us is Ben Witte, CEO and co-founder of the #1 mocktail brand, to unpack a provocative new campaign that swaps all-or-nothing resolutions for something far more realistic: balance. From a bold manifesto to a full-page New York Times ad timed for “Quitter’s Day,” Ben explains why going against the seasonal grain isn’t risky—it’s exactly why Recess is winning. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why moderation—not elimination—is the real shift happening in drinking culture How going against category conventions can create sharper brand differentiation What most brands get wrong about Dry January and behavior change How narrative-driven branding builds permission to expand into new categories Why “do the unexpected” is more than a creative idea—it’s a leadership strategy Episode Chapters (00:00) Why Recess Is Telling People to Quit (01:00) The Myth of Sober Curious and the Rise of Moderation (04:30) Why Dry

Storytelling is easy to talk about—and hard to do well. On this episode of On Brand, I’m joined by John Elbing, Chief Storybuilder Officer at Standpoint, to unpack how his Storybuilding approach helps startups and brands clarify their value, sharpen their pitch, and actually connect—with a framework so effective it’s now a #1 international bestselling book. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why most brands jump to storytelling tactics before they understand the story they should be telling How recognition, perception, and projection shape whether people connect with your brand Why customer standpoint matters more than founder backstory How structure can unlock creativity instead of killing it A simple way leaders can improve their story starting this week Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:15) Why storytelling became a buzzword (02:50) Storytelling vs storybuilding (04:00) Coaching startups to find focus and alignment (07:30) Why the customer—not the founder—is the hero (08:05) Recognition, p

What if the story your brand tells could drive growth like nothing else? Park Howell—The World’s Most Industrious Storyteller, Emmy-winning ad veteran, and author of Brand Bewitchery—shows how narrative-first leaders succeed in the age of AI. As host of the Business of Story podcast and creator of the StoryCycle Genie™, he’s helping brands craft powerful stories in minutes, not months. What You'll Learn Why storytelling itself hasn’t changed—but storytellers have How AI can scale authentic brand storytelling without losing your voice What it means to treat stories as strategic business assets How leaders can use narrative frameworks to drive clarity, trust, and growth Why speed now matters more than perfection in brand strategy (00:00) Intro (01:28) Story as the oldest technology (03:53) The StoryCycle system and brand growth (05:44) From months to minutes with AI-powered narrative strategy (10:35) Accuracy and authenticity in AI storytelling (13:25) How storytellers are changing—e

What if the future of marketing is a lot more human than we think? Today’s guest, Mark Schaefer, has been shaping that future for decades — and he was actually on this show ten years ago. So this is part reunion, part masterclass. Mark’s a futurist, bestselling author, Rutgers faculty member, and Drucker-trained strategist whose ideas guide brands from Adidas to the U.S. Air Force. His ten books and his top-ranked show The Marketing Companion have become industry staples. He’s also a longtime friend who somehow manages to push your thinking and make you laugh at the same time. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why the future of marketing belongs to the most human companies, not the most automated ones How AI can scale trust, creativity, and teaching without killing the brand When removing friction actually damages customer relationships Why curiosity is becoming the most important career skill in the AI era How marketers must act as brand defenders when technology pushes too far Episode Ch

It’s that time of year again: Brand Federation’s Naughty & Nice list is out, and Matt Williams is here to break it down. Matt is President of Brand Federation and former CEO of The Martin Agency, where he led campaigns for GEICO, OREO, UPS, and Walmart. He’s also a visiting professor at William & Mary, sharing decades of brand strategy know-how. On this episode, Matt reveals which brands earned “Nice,” which landed on “Naughty,” and what leaders can learn from both. What You'll Learn How brands end up on the Naughty list by ignoring customer context and cultural signals. How Delta, Starbucks, and others earned their spot on the Nice list through clarity, consistency, and smart leadership. Why edgy brand moves succeed or fail depending on strategy and self-awareness. How crisis response can turn a disaster into a win with creativity and cultural savvy. What Apple’s place on the watch list says about innovation, risk, and the future of tech brands. Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:52) M

What if you could test your business strategy in days instead of months? That’s what Kate O’Keeffe, CEO and Co‑Founder of Heatseeker, makes possible. From building the first AI‑powered platform for market experimentation to helping companies validate strategy, positioning, and buyer demand at lightning speed, Kate’s career is all about turning bold ideas into measurable results. Former BCG Partner and Silicon Valley innovator, she’s here to show how AI is rewriting the rules of testing ideas — fast, smart, and with real data. What You'll Learn How AI and Heatseeker enable companies to validate strategy, positioning, and buyer demand in days instead of months Why traditional surveys and panels are unreliable and how real-time experimentation can replace them The importance of starting experimentation early in the funnel to uncover hidden customer desires How to balance speed and rigor when testing ideas and avoid misleading results Ways to foster a culture of experimentation where data infor

Impact isn’t a vibe — it’s measurable. This week I’m joined by Neil Callanan, LooseGrip founder and creator of the GRASP Impact Framework, to unpack how storytelling can stand up to scrutiny and move both culture and the bottom line. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How the GRASP Impact Framework helps brands get a real grasp on the effectiveness of their stories Why consumptive metrics like time spent with content matter more than views or impressions How activism and values-driven marketing can influence both culture and commercial outcomes The importance of authenticity and intentionality in purpose-driven brand storytelling Ways to communicate impact internally so leadership sees the value and potential risks clearly Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:18) Opening remarks (00:30) Welcome and first impressions of GRASP (01:05) Explaining the GRASP Impact Framework (02:55) Legos and dashboards metaphor for data (06:15) Storytelling plus analytics for brand impact (10:02) Halo eff

The secret to great creative work isn’t just the idea — it’s knowing how to get there. Toby Wilkinson, co-founder of Ask Us For Ideas, has spent the last decade helping brands navigate the messy world of agencies, briefs, and creative partnerships to make the process smoother, smarter, and more successful. What You'll Learn Why choosing the right agency is just as important as the creative work itself How to align your team internally before starting the agency selection process The “head and heart” test for evaluating agency fit Common red flags and relationship pitfalls to watch for How to leverage agency networks and insights to make smarter selections Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:30) Welcome Toby Wilkinson (01:10) The story behind Ask Us For Ideas (04:18) Defining the perfect agency fit (08:40) The agency selection process step by step (12:07) Red flags in agency relationships (17:25) Navigating a shifting agency landscape (21:17) Favorite success stories and brands that

What does the producer of Wedding Crashers, Serendipity, and Van Wilder know about building brands? Turns out—a lot. This week on On Brand, Andrew Panay shares how Hollywood storytelling principles shape not just hit movies but also unforgettable brand stories for companies like T-Mobile, Microsoft, and Anheuser-Busch. What You'll Learn Why originality—not imitation—is still the most powerful creative strategy How Hollywood storytelling principles can strengthen brand storytelling The fine line between risk and reward in brand work Why celebrating success starts with knowing your “why” How T-Mobile’s storytelling edge became a creative advantage Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:30) From Hollywood to branding (02:00) The disconnect between filmmakers and brands (03:30) What Wedding Crashers teaches us about 30-second storytelling (05:00) Capturing attention in seconds, not minutes (08:00) Creativity, evolution, and staying uncomfortable (10:40) Originality vs imitation in marketin

What does it take to build one of the world’s top-rated social media management platforms—without a single dollar of outside funding? This week on On Brand, Emeric Ernoult, founder and CEO of Agorapulse, shares how he bootstrapped the company to over $20 million in revenue, pioneered ROI-tracking tools for social, and carved out a powerful niche in a crowded market. We talk scaling smart, making social media actually measurable, and where attribution is headed next. What You'll Learn How Agorapulse bootstrapped its way to $20M+ in revenue without outside funding Why most startups chasing VC money miss what matters most for sustainable growth How attribution has evolved—and why measuring ROI on social is harder than ever The three ways marketers can actually track what’s working (and what’s not) Why the future isn’t social media—it’s “interest media” Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:45) Bootstrapping Agorapulse the Hard Way (03:40) The Realities of Going Without Funding (07:20) Reinv