Learnings from Leaders: the P&G Alumni Podcast

“With innovation failure happens more often than not. Take lessons from those experiences - the connections you can draw into something more interesting.” Claire Elvers is Wayfair’s Head of Global Brand Management & Insights - where she is building long-term brand equity across the globe - with consumers, partners, and employees. With 20+ years of experience in advertising, CPG, retail, e-comm...

“Get uncomfortable. Don't feel like you can’t keep creating new value in an environment of curiosity.” Suzy Deering is Ford’s global Chief Marketing Officer - leading Ford’s North America marketing and driving strategy across the company’s global business units – to constantly enhance and release the huge customer and company value across Ford’s iconic brands. Suzy was previously global CMO of eBa...

As 2021 comes to a close, we put together a not-so-quick compilation of our favorite moments from all of the great conversations we had over the past year. So sit back with a beverage of choice, enjoy, and PLEASE DO share our podcast with a friend (and leave us a review) — it makes a big difference! Got a guest idea or want to ask a question? Email us! pgalumpod@gmail.com We can’t wait for you to...

“It's not just one Latino or one Hispanic group, it's much more nuanced. It's less about the language and more about who we are and what our role is in this country.”  Luis Silberwasser is Univision’s President of the Television Networks Group, where he oversees the company's TV networks, as well as its entertainment, news and sports divisions along with its ops and tech teams. Luis is a seas...

“Don’t measure success by traversing processes and challenges - but if you win once it gets in the hands of consumers.” Mark Mercurio is President and CEO of The Gorilla Glue company, a leading, family-owned producer of consumer-branded Glues, Tapes, and Personal Care products based in Cincinnati, Ohio - and often ranked as one of the best places to work in the city. Before becoming CEO in 2019, M...

“Don’t get caught chasing what you think you have to chase. Figure out what you want to go do - and you’ll ultimately be happier and more successful” George Felix is Tinder’s Chief Marketing Officer - where he leads the global brand vision, strategy, and operations for the highest grossing non-gaming app in the world. Previously, George spent 6 years at Yum! Brands in roles of rising seniority - m...

“When you face challenges, the more you imagine finding positive outcomes is important to finding a different solution.” Alicia Enciso is Nestlé USA’s first ever Chief Marketing Officer - leveraging marketing as a force for good across the industry - in multicultural marketing, plant-based innovation, ​​and scaling mentorship  for underrepresented groups. Alicia has served at Nestlé since 201...

As 2021 comes to a close, we wanted to share an amazing donation - and winning - opportunity for ALL of our end-of-year giving. pgalums.com/raffle pgalums.com/donate https://pgalumnifoundation.org The P&G Alumni Foundation creates economic empowerment opportunities for those in need around the world - providing marginalized communities sustainable paths to prosperity. As a registered nonprofit...

“Being an entrepreneur gives you life and business experiences you don’t see on the corporate side. Those can make you a better business leader.” Bob Gilbreath is an accomplished entrepreneur - currently the CEO & Co-founder of Hearty - a professional recommendation network where great people and companies find each other. Bob was previously the Co-Founder and CEO of Ahalogy, a leading influen...

“How do you change the dynamic - where you have others with diverse thoughts and culture - so you're not alone?” Stefan K. James is Nationwide Insurance’s AVP of Marketing for Personal Lines B2C Business. Prior to Nationwide, Stefan helped launch and accelerate SwitchedOn Training - a brain training app for athletes and pro coaches. Stefan spent ten years at Pepsi as a Marketing Insights Director...

“Outsiders bring fresh thinking to the table. Some of my biggest contributions were because I thought differently and spoke my own mind all the time.” Peg Wyant is the Founder & CEO of Grandin Properties. But before that, Peg broke the glass ceiling at Procter & Gamble in 1967 - a decade before the phrase entered the lexicon. When the company tried to put her in the typing pool, she respon...

“Keep the consumer in the room. Don’t spend time on things that don’t matter to her.” Joe Arcuri is the CEO of American Greetings which includes brands like American Greetings, Papyrus, and Carlton cards. He was also previously the CMO of the PGA Tour and President of home solutions for Newell Rubbermaid. Joe got his start at P&G, first in product development and later in brand management, whe...

“Don't rely on what got you there. Making time to invest in yourself is important.” Jamal Muashsher serves as Valvoline's President, Global Products - where he’s responsible for the long-term growth and expansion of international markets, having risen through the ranks for 7+ years. Prior to joining Valvoline, Jamal spent nearly fifteen years at Procter & Gamble rising through the ranks of bea...

“People want to be a part of the change. It’s important that allies are not only anti-racist, but accomplices.” Tiyale Hayes is BET Network’s SVP of Brand Strategy & Marketing where he ensures the Viacom company advances business objectives and authentically connecting with African American audiences. Over his career, Tiyale has worked on some of the world’s biggest and best brands fueling his...

“You have to work harder with international assignments. Get to know the people, the culture - and see your own country through somebody else’s eyes.” Craig Bahner is the CEO of Sara Lee Frozen Bakery - leading iconic brands like Sara Lee, Van’s, Chef Pierre and Bistro Collection. An 80 year old brand, Craig was there for the recent spin-off, putting in place pieces to accelerate growth, operation...

“With so much uncertainty, all of us are now more aware, focused and socially conscious. We are going to do wonders with that.” Keila Lazardi is the Chief Scientific Officer of Revlon, responsible for global product innovation and strategies — across technologies and categories including skin care, color cosmetics, nail care, hair care, fine fragrances and deodorants. With 25 years of global exper...

“It is better to sleep well than to eat well. Knowing that you have done the right thing - there is nor price for that.” Jorge Uribe served as P&G’s Global Productivity & Organization Transformation Officer until 2015. Mr. Uribe spent 33 years with Procter & Gamble, where he held roles as Group President, Marketing & Sales Vice President, and grew through numerous roles across &nbs...

“It’s powerful to say ‘I don't know everything’ - I love an organization of thinkers, creators, and people unafraid to be accountable for ideas.” Brain Niccol is the Chairman and CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill - driving brand strategy and performance of over 2,700 restaurants across North America and Europe. Chipotle is a purpose-driven brand so many of us love - focused on fresh, responsible ingre...

“Share good moments, but also pass on learnings where things did NOT go great - for experience and learning that will benefit others.” Yolanda Talamo is The Heineken Company’s Chief People Officer. She joined Heineken in 2017 as SVP Human Resources for the Americas, but during the pandemic she assumed responsibility for all crisis management and related plans during COVID-19. Prior to Heineken, Yo...

The P&G Alumni “Leaders Under 40” program ( pgalums.com/40 ) is a great way for P&G Alumni under 40 doing amazing work in their careers and communities. Nominations remain open until September 30th, and winners will be recognized* at the P&G Alumni Global Conference (Nov 11+12). Nominate someone - or yourself (self nominations welcome) - at pgalums.com/40 - deadline is September 30th,...

“Seek out experiences and not titles, because that's where you’ll get the most value at the end of the day.” Matt Story is VISA’s Vice President of Global Marketing Partnerships & Advocacy - where he leads strategy for marketing partnerships and the company’s approach to uplifting underrepresented audiences through marketing initiatives. Matt has also held senior marketing roles @ Intel, Razor...

“Honestly, if you could describe what you needed to a P&G technologist - it could be done.” Gordon Brunner, was P&G’s Chief Technology Officer leading the company’s technical community, and even serving on P&G’s Board of Directors. Gordon initially joined the Company's Food Division in 1961 as a Process Engineer, progressing through R&D assignments with increasing responsibility an...

“Entrepreneurship is high risk, high reward - the ability to solve problems others haven’t been able to figure out.” Kristi Zuhlke is Founder and former CEO of KnowledgeHound, a Chicago-based startup with a mission to build the largest database of consumer data in the world.  Since founding her company 6+ years ago, Kristi has raised $5 million in funding with Fortune 1000 companies as client...

“Overcome inhibition and introversion. Get prepared, but don't get intimidated by roles, personal equities, or styles.” Julio Nemeth is Procter & Gamble’s Chief Product Supply Officer, where he leads P&G’s global product supply organization, including procurement, engineering, manufacturing, and more. Julio joined P&G in 1990 as a site engineer for the Beauty business in Brazil and thr...

“Connecting diversity, equity, inclusion and engagement to the business allows everybody to see themselves playing a role.” Kevin Clayton is Cleveland Cavaliers VP of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement. Kevin leads the diversity, inclusion and engagement strategies, business imperatives which affect all areas of the team’s business and basketball operations. Prior to joining the Cavs, K...