Ben Kaplan and TOP Thought Leader

BRANDED

Business EN ↓ 160 episodes

Explore the latest business and brand headlines with insight from the world’s leading experts in marketing, advertising, economics, and finance.

Author

Ben Kaplan and TOP Thought Leader

Category

Business

Podcast website

www.topthoughtleader.com

Latest episode

Feb 23, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

The Real Deal in Resale Strategy! 29.11.2024

Discover how The RealReal's CMO, Sri Batchu, is redefining luxury resale marketing with host Ben Kaplan. From leveraging AI and diversifying marketing bets to building passionate customer loyalty, this episode dives into the strategies driving $2 billion in sales annually. A must-watch for marketers, innovators, and anyone curious about the future of e-commerce.

How to Market Like a Consumer Brand—Even in Healthcare 22.11.2024

In this episode of TOP CMO , Jackson Carpenter speaks with Janelle Hanley, CMO at the Hospital for Special Surgery, to uncover the art of marketing healthcare without it feeling like marketing. From leveraging short-form video to building trust through patient stories, Janelle shares how her consumer-brand approach revolutionizes orthopedic care. Dive into the strategies that blend creativity, con...

Marketing Mastery: Lessons from Choice Hotels’ Chief 15.11.2024

In this episode of Top CMO, we sit down with Noha Abdalla, the Chief Marketing Officer of Choice Hotels, to explore what it takes to market a portfolio of 22 hotel brands, including Comfort Inn, Cambria, and the recently acquired Radisson Hotels Americas. Noha shares her journey from rebranding Animal Planet to leading marketing innovations in the hospitality industry, and how she balances the nee...

The Billion-Dollar Truck Stop Strategy! with Adrienne Ingoldt, CMO at Pilot Company 08.11.2024

On this episode of TOP CMO, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Adrienne Ingoldt, Chief Marketing Officer at Pilot Company—the largest network of roadside travel centers in North America and a key part of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway portfolio. Adrienne reveals how she’s leading a monumental shift from a B2B-focused strategy to creating a consumer-first brand that resonates with everyone from profe...

Reimagining Video Creation: Dave King on Making AI Work for Your Brand 01.11.2024

In this insightful episode of TOP CMO , Jackson Carpenter chats with Dave King, CMO at HeyGen, to explore the cutting-edge world of AI-powered video creation. Discover how Heygen is revolutionizing video production by making it faster, more personalized, and accessible to businesses of all sizes. Dive into the challenges of marketing to a global audience, the impact of AI on content creation, and...

Heart of the Neighborhood: How Ace Hardware’s 100-Year Legacy Thrives on Trust and Local Stories 25.10.2024

In this episode, we dive into the heart of what makes Ace Hardware a beloved and resilient brand with Kim Lefko, Chief Marketing Officer of Ace Hardware. Kim shares insights into how Ace celebrates 100 years of service and community through initiatives like its new documentary series, which captures heart-warming stories of "Red-Vested Heroes" going above and beyond for their customers. Discover h...

Bridging Marketing and Finance: Strategies for Profitable Growth 18.10.2024

In this episode of  TOP CMO , Ben Kaplan sits down with Rowan Tonkin, CMO of Planful, to discuss the evolving landscape of financial planning and how companies can achieve profitable growth in today’s market. Rowan shares insights on shifting from a "growth at all costs" mindset to a more controlled, sustainable approach. They dive deep into the challenges of staying industry-agnostic while tailor...

Wendy Wu Unveils the Marketing Tactics That Drove Microsoft and Google 16.10.2024

Join us on TOP CMO as we sit down with Wendy Wu, CMO of SailPoint, to explore her journey from Microsoft to Google and beyond. Wendy shares key insights into navigating the evolving landscape of marketing, the importance of being data-driven, and her experience shaping SailPoint into a leader in identity security. Whether you're interested in SaaS, leadership, or crafting a winning marketing strat...

Rebranding a 50-Year-Old Giant: How Mitel Stays Ahead in a Cloud-Driven World 11.10.2024

In this episode, Eric Hanson, CMO of Mitel, shares insights on repositioning a long-established company to navigate industry shifts and challenge modern market hype. Eric dives into strategies for aligning sales, marketing, and product teams, overcoming the pandemic's impact, and ensuring long-term success in a hybrid business communications landscape. Tune in to learn how to redefine a brand’s st...

Reinventing an Icon: How TRUE RELIGION stays true and stands out with Kristen D’Arcy 04.10.2024

In this episode, Ben Kaplan sits down with Kristen D’Arcy, Chief Marketing Officer at True Religion, to explore how the iconic denim brand reinvented itself. Kristen shares insights on maintaining authenticity, connecting with urban culture, and co-creating with customers to keep the brand relevant. From navigating turnarounds and embracing digital-first strategies to executing 360-degree holiday...

Consistency vs. Adaptability: Inside the Franchise Marketing Playbook with Nate Chang 02.10.2024

In this episode of TOP CMO, Jackson Carpenter sits down with Nate Chang, CMO of CycleBar—the world's largest indoor cycling franchise with over 200 locations globally. Nate shares his experience navigating the challenges of maintaining brand consistency while adapting to the unique needs of franchisees. From his days leading the rebrand of Yoga Six to expanding CycleBar's presence, Nate di...

From CRISIS to CULTURE: How one CMO built a brand with empathy and AI - with MariCarmen Ribes, Kyndryl UK & Ireland 27.09.2024

In this episode of TOP CMO , Ben Kaplan interviews MariCarmen Ribes, Chief Marketing Officer of Kyndryl UK and Ireland, who shares the inside story of how Kyndryl emerged from its IBM legacy to become a bold, independent brand. With over 25 years of experience, MariCarmen dives into what makes the “Kyndryl Way” unique—a culture built on being restless, empathetic, and devoted . She explains how th...

Breaking the 9-to-5: How Technology is Redefining Work and Culture - with Melissa Waters, CMO of Upwork 20.09.2024

In this episode of TOP CMO , we sit down with Melissa Waters, CMO of Upwork, to explore the evolution of remote work, the power of AI in talent acquisition, and the challenges of rebranding a global freelancing platform. Melissa shares insights on how Upwork is shifting the narrative from a transactional marketplace to a long-term staffing solution, while navigating the rise of AI and maintaining...

Building a fan-first experience: how Red Bulls engage audiences in a crowded market with Elisa Padilla 17.09.2024

In this episode, Ben Kaplan sits down with Elisa Padilla, the dynamic CMO of the New York Red Bulls. With over 20 years of marketing leadership across top brands like HBO, Apple, and the Miami Marlins, Elisa shares her insights on how to create unforgettable fan experiences and build community through sports. From youth programs to influencer marketing and the "Messi Effect," Elisa dives deep into...

Quality Over Quantity: How One Fast-Food Chain is Breaking the Rules 13.09.2024

In this episode of TOP CMO , host Jackson Carpenter sits down with Barry Westrum, former CMO of Taco John’s, to explore the fast-food industry from the inside. Barry shares insights from his 30+ year career, spanning iconic brands like Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, and Del Taco. They discuss the power of emotional connections in marketing, the importance of quality in a competitive space, and how Taco J...

What’s the Secret to a Successful Rebrand and Building Trust? - Pam Morrisroe, Breakthrough T1D 06.09.2024

In this episode of Top CMO, Jackson Carpenter sits down with Pam Morrisroe, CMO of Breakthrough T1D, to dive into the power of data-led rebranding, building trust in non-profit marketing, and the importance of agency experience in shaping a successful marketing career. Pam shares key insights from her 30+ years in top marketing roles, offering strategies on name testing, leveraging partnerships, a...

What’s the secret to competing with industry giants on a limited budget? - Chad Waetzig, Crunch Fitness 04.09.2024

Join us on this episode of TOP CMO as Ben Kaplan sits down with Chad Waetzig, the CMO of Crunch Fitness, to explore how Crunch has grown from 125 to over 465 locations worldwide. Chad shares his insights into franchise marketing, the importance of localizing campaigns, and why listening to franchisees is key to success. Discover how Crunch’s unique "high-value, low-price" model, coupled with creat...

Why are today’s CMOs more than just marketing experts? - Zarina Stanford, Bazaarvoice 30.08.2024

In this episode of TOP CMO, Jackson Carpenter sits down with Zarina Stanford, the CMO of Bazaarvoice, a leader in user-generated content and customer feedback solutions. With over 25 years of marketing leadership experience across companies like IBM, SAP, and Rackspace, Zarina shares insights on the evolving role of the CMO, the power of user-generated content, and how brands can leverage consumer...

The Game-Changer in Multicultural Marketing Strategies - Adam Salgado, Heritage Grocers Group 28.08.2024

In this episode of TOP CMO, Ben Kaplan interviews Adam Salgado, CMO of Heritage Grocers Group. Adam shares how the company connects with Hispanic and Latino communities through culturally authentic marketing and strong community ties. He discusses the importance of understanding diverse audiences, the impact of the pandemic on grocery shopping, and innovative promotions like the Lotteria sweepstak...

From Employee #14 to CMO - Alison Lindland, Movable Ink 23.08.2024

In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of Alison Lindland, the CMO of Movable Ink. Alison shares how she joined the company as its 14th employee and helped transform it into a unicorn business. From navigating the challenges of a startup to leading innovative marketing strategies, Alison discusses her approach to scaling customer success and her philosophy on leadership. Discover how Movab...

EP 87: Pierre Dadd, Virtua - 'From Brands to Blockchains' 16.08.2024

For this episode of TOP CMO, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Pierre Dadd, former CMO of Virtua (formerly Terra Virtua), a pioneering metaverse and digital collectibles platform. The episode explores the evolution of marketing in Web3, with a focus on the role of community engagement, the metaverse, and NFTs. Pierre shares insights from his experiences at major brands like LEGO and Disney, discussing h...

EP 86: Linda Bethea, Danone - 'From Insight to Impact' 09.08.2024

In this episode, Linda Bethea, the CMO of Danone North America, shares her journey and insights into leading marketing strategies for a diverse portfolio of food and beverage brands. From her experiences at Diageo with iconic brands like Captain Morgan to her current role at Danone, Linda discusses the importance of consumer insights, the challenges of differentiating products in crowded markets,...

EP 85: Shannon Duffy, Asana - 'AI, Events, and Authenticity' 02.08.2024

In this episode of TOP CMO, host Jackson Carpenter sits down with Shannon Duffy, CMO of Asana, to explore the intersection of AI and marketing. With a rich background at Salesforce and Facebook, Shannon shares how Asana uses AI to boost productivity and creativity. Discover the secrets behind effective account-based marketing, aligning sales and marketing, and the power of data-driven storytelling...

EP 84: Michelle Taite, Intuit Mailchimp - 'Revolutionizing Retention' 26.07.2024

Join us on this episode of TOP CMO as guest host Jackson Carpenter dives deep into the world of email marketing with Michelle Taite, the Chief Marketing Officer of Intuit Mailchimp. With over 25 years of experience in marketing, design, and brand management, Michelle shares her insights on how AI is revolutionizing the marketing landscape. From her journey at Unilever to leading Intuit Mailchimp,...

EP 83: Larisa Summers, Convene - 'A Premium Approach' 19.07.2024

In this episode of "TOP CMO," Ben Kaplan sits down with Larisa Summers, the former CMO of Convene, to explore the ever-evolving world of coworking and flexible office spaces. They tackle the challenge of distinguishing Convene from industry giants like WeWork by focusing on delivering a premium, hospitality-infused experience. Larisa shares her insights on the increasing demand for hybrid events a...

Listen to the BRANDED podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.