In the Club by Club Colors

What do stand-up comedy, solo cruises, and legal marketing have in common? For Linda Orton, they’re all part of a 35+ year journey of reinvention, leadership, and deep curiosity. In Part 2, Linda shares how public speaking became a professional superpower—and how it helped her navigate major life transitions with humor and heart. From TEDx-style talks on AI-powered networking to performing comedy,...

What does it take to build a career at the intersection of law, consulting, and marketing—before any of those industries embraced branding? Linda Orton knows firsthand. From being on the ground floor of legal marketing to launching a full rebrand at private equity speed, Linda shares how to create strategic clarity, build internal buy-in, and lead through change. Linda breaks down why B2B marketin...

What happens when your content takes off — and your name is the brand? In Part 2 of our conversation with Darren McKee, he breaks down what it really takes to sustain momentum, stay authentic, and keep building when the audience is larger. From sending unscripted video DMs to publicly calling out HubSpot on LinkedIn, Darren shares how experimentation, self-awareness, and a backwards hat turned int...

Connect & learn more about Darren McKee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenmckeesales/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ijuo4NZ2jkw If you need branded solutions for your events, giveaways and employee engagement, check out Club Colors: https://www.clubcolors.com

In this episode, the discussion revolves around the varying experiences and challenges faced by former student-athletes, specifically those who went pro versus those who didn't, and their continued engagement with their alma maters. The conversation delves into the significance of the equipment manager in maintaining connections with alumni athletes. The impact of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) on co...

In this episode, host Chris Jaeger welcomes guest KC Smurthwaite from Athletics Admin who shares insights into his 15+ years in higher education and athletics, covering roles from fundraising to corporate partnerships. They discuss the unique challenges of balancing work life and the creative strategies employed to enhance donor experiences and revenue opportunities. KC emphasizes the importance o...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we continue the conversation with Mike Wilkinson, the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of South Alabama. Mike shares his journey of adapting to a new campus environment and the importance of being genuine and authentic in both personal and professional life. He emphasized the need for higher education institutions, esp...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we are joined by Mike Wilkinson, the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of South Alabama. Mike shares his unconventional path into higher education, starting from his freshman year at the Air Force Academy and his early aspirations of a career in sports. He discusses the pivotal moments that shifted his focus towards stu...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we delve into the critical need for enhancing staff experience in higher education, especially in the post-pandemic landscape with our guest, Kelsey Finn, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Compass Group. We discuss the importance of staff feeling connected to their purpose, as it directly impacts student services. The episode also highlig...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we are joined by Kelsey Finn, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Compass Group. Kelsey shares her unexpected journey into higher education, from majoring in parks and recreation to developing successful programs for college students. She discusses her various roles and experiences across multiple universities and organizations, including I...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, Ian Musselman and the hosts highlight the importance of diverse experiences in shaping versatile skills. They discuss transitioning from general contract work to a specialized role in the automotive industry. Key elements include the value of passion in professional fulfillment, the challenge of delegation, and the significance of a strong, truste...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, Ian introduces LKQ, a company with a rich 25-year history rooted in sustainability and innovation. Founded by Mr. Flynn as a means to transform salvage vehicles into valuable commodities, LKQ has grown into a global leader in parts distribution. The company is committed to reusing and recycling nearly every component from end-of-life vehicles, con...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, Laurie Buman, the Director of Design and Identity at the University of Chicago, delves into the branding and marketing strategies behind the award-winning Big Brains podcast at the University of Chicago. Discussing the alignment of various university functions, the refreshed branding efforts in 2019, and the importance of creative and fun elements...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors,  we are joined by Laurie Buman, the Director of Design and Identity at the University of Chicago, as she takes us through her journey from a high school artist to a vital player in university branding. Laurie shares her experience transitioning from advertising to a purpose-driven role in higher education. She discusses the challenges and triumphs...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, join us to explore the intricacies of HR management and hybrid work culture at Hub International. We delve into the unique geographical and cultural aspects of different regional hubs and how these influence organizational culture and community-building efforts. The conversation highlights the significance of creativity, impactful branding, and co...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, join us for an engaging conversation with J’ai Brown, Vice President of Human Resources at Hub International, to share her unique career journey from aspiring physical therapist to HR leader. He recounts her initial interest in physical therapy, internships, and eventual pivot to human resources. J’ai discusses the importance of internships, caree...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, join us for an engaging conversation with Jon Bibo and Denise Walsh from the Independent College Bookstore Association (ICBA) to discuss the integral role of college stores in aligning with institutional strategic plans, particularly around ethical sourcing and sustainability. Key insights cover the increasing demand for sustainable products, the...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, join us for an engaging conversation with Jon Bibo and Denise Walsh from the Independent College Bookstore Association (ICBA), hosted by Myra Haley. We delve into the unique challenges and opportunities within the collegiate retail industry. Our guests share their personal journeys, experiences, and the evolving landscape of campus stores. From ad...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors , we dive deep into the challenges and opportunities within the evolving landscape of college athletics. Our guests, Krista Balogh from the University of Vermont (UVM), discuss the importance of professional development post-pandemic, the strategic role of branding in higher education, and how the emergence of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals is r...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we are joined by Krista Balogh from the University of Vermont (UVM) to explore her multifaceted role as the Associate Athletic Director. The conversation covers the unique responsibilities associated with managing external relations, including communications, marketing, ticketing, special events, and licensing. Krista discusses UVM's distinctive m...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we welcome Bobby Dunlap from Northwestern University. We explore the dynamic world of alumni relations and brand engagement with Northwestern University's Alumni Association team. Discover how they create memorable experiences that align with their institution's mission, leverage their powerful alumni network, and navigate the challenges and oppor...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we welcome Bobby Dunlap from Northwestern University. We explore the importance and impact of alumni engagement, detailing how it fosters lifelong relationships between alumni and the university. The discussion highlights the efforts made to continually engage both current students and alumni through various programs and events. We share insights...

In the episode In The Club powered by Club Colors, we are in the second part of the interview with Celeste Risimini-Johnson, Chief Merchandise and Operations Officer at Barnes & Noble College. Celeste shares her experiences and reflections on the evolving role of campus stores, moving beyond traditional bookstores to becoming integral parts of the campus community. She highlights the importance of...

In the inaugural episode of Season 5 with In The Club powered by Club Colors, we interview Celeste Risimini-Johnson, Chief Merchandise and Operations Officer at Barnes & Noble College. We discuss Celeste's inspirations and motivations for pursuing a career in retail and merchandising, as well as her role in supporting the academic success of students. The conversation touches on the importance of...

In the inaugural episode of Season 5 with In The Club powered by Club Colors, as we delve deep into the world of higher education branding, innovation, and campus culture. Hosted by Giancarlo Amador, Myra Haley, Adam Stoczynski, and Chris Jaeger, this season promises to offer engaging roundtable discussions with thought leaders and innovators in the higher education landscape. From marketing strat...