Good Company with Michael Kassan: Recent Episodes
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Marketing, media, entertainment and tech are intersecting and transforming faster than ever. How are its power players influencing change and navigating trends across these industries? Join MediaLink Chairman and CEO Michael Kassan in the company of the strongest leaders in the industry, who are building great companies from the ground up. It’s “all good.”
Michael Nyman has spent decades operating at the crossroads of entertainment, media, and culture. He built one of Hollywood's most respected communications businesses inside the traditional holding company world, then set out to do it differently, founding Acceleration Community of Companies, a network of specialized firms spanning PR, experiential, data, and talent. In this episode, he joins Michael Kassan to unpack why speed and courage now beat scale, why great brands can survive bad products, and what it takes to lead through multiple business cycles without losing your edge.
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Christine Cook has navigated nearly every major shift in modern media, from early digital days at The New York Times, to to the rise of mobile and social at Flipboard, the scale and speed of CNN, and now Bloomberg Media, where she serves as Chief Commercial Officer overseeing one of the most influential audiences in the world. In this episode, she joins Michael Kassan to explore why trust and context are reasserting themselves in an AI-saturated media landscape, and what it means that audiences are gravitating toward human-curated sources precisely when algorithmic convenience is at its peak. They unpack Bloomberg's multidimensional evolution across video, live events, data, and original content, and why the live experience business is most powerful when it's built around journalism first, not sponsorship dollars.
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As media, commerce and technology converge, Nili Klenoff is helping shape one of the most consequential shifts in modern marketing. She joins Michael Kassan to explore commerce media, AI-powered decision-making, consumer trust, and the challenge of driving innovation at global scale, offering a rare look inside the systems increasingly influencing how people discover, choose and buy.
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Bill Wise and Zvika Netter have spent decades building the invisible machinery that powers modern advertising — and now, with Mediaocean and Innovid under one roof, they’re creating a rare alternative to the industry’s increasingly closed ecosystems. In this candid conversation, the two architects of modern ad tech unpack the collapse of the traditional marketing funnel, the AI revolution reshaping media and creativity, and how they’re positioning advertisers to reclaim greater control, transparency, and independence in a market increasingly dominated by big tech.
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Don Kurz has lived enough lives for three careers - from championship lacrosse fields to Studio 54 dance floors to Wall Street trading desks to the boardrooms of modern advertising - and in this candid conversation with Michael Kassan, he reflects on the chaos, reinvention, and hard-earned instincts that shaped them all. With the release of his new book, Do the Hustle, Don opens up about resilience, risk, leadership, and why the most valuable lessons rarely come from the wins, but from the moments when everything veers off script.
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Music is no longer just something we listen to... it’s something we interpret, share, and use to make sense of the world around us. In this episode, Michael Kassan sits down with Jackie Vignone, CRO of Genius, to explore how the platform has evolved from a lyrics destination into a powerful meeting point for artists, fans, and brands. Together, they unpack what music reveals about culture, why context now carries as much weight as content, and how the relationship between artists and audiences is evolving in a more participatory world.
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Christian Muche has built his career on a contrarian instinct: when the world pulls back, he builds opportunities that bring people together. From co-founding DMEXCO during the 2008 financial crisis to launching POSSIBLE in the middle of COVID, Christian has consistently bet on one idea: real progress happens when the right people are in the same room.
In this episode, he joins Michael Kassan to unpack the limitations of the traditional conference model, why scale is no longer the defining metric of success, and how curated connections, not crowded stages, drive business forward. They explore what makes POSSIBLE different, the growing complexity of the marketing ecosystem, and why in a world of AI, remote work, and constant digital noise, showing up in person may be more valuable than ever. At the center of it all is a simple idea: “POSSIBLE” It is so much more than the name of an event, it’s a mindset. One that reframes complexity as opportunity and focuses the industry on what can be built, together.
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What if the most powerful growth strategy isn’t another ad, but a simple “thank you”? Nift Founder and CEO, Elery Pfeffer, joins Michael Kassan to unpack why gratitude may be the most overlooked engine in modern commerce, how AI can create meaningful discovery instead of digital noise, and why the brands that recognize customers as people (not just wallets) will win the future.
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Serge Matta, President of Global Ad Sales at LG Ad Solutions, is turning the TV from a passive box in the corner into the most valuable real estate in media - an interactive command center where content, data, and commerce meet in real time. In this episode, he joins Michael Kassan to talk candidly about making connected TV accountable to real business results, why independent measurement and true partnerships matter, how smarter TV operating systems could reshape how we shop and watch, and the same grounded values that drive his philanthropy off-screen.
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Childhood friends turned Cognitiv co-founders, Jeremy Fain and Dr. Aaron Andalman, went from zebrafish brains and ad-tech trenches to rewiring how brands predict human behavior in an AI-saturated marketplace. Together, they draw a sharp line between predictive and generative AI, show what first-party data can really do, and demystify context and “agents” so marketers can push performance further without losing the plot ... or their customers’ trust.
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Lynnwood Bibbens isn’t chasing viewers; he’s owning the traveler. While most brands struggle to capture this high-intent audience, he built ReachTV around winning that moment. From “dreaming-only” sessions that reshaped the company to rewiring the travel ecosystem with live sports, precision data, and relentless service, he lays out his entrepreneur’s code: bet on what others ignore, turn relationships into resilience when everything’s on the line, and stay fiercely disciplined about what matters.
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Tom Freston turned a bohemian streak, entrepreneurial hustle, and serious wanderlust into one of the most consequential runs in modern media. He co-founded MTV, busted through gatekeepers with an original DTC playbook, and built a creative-first house of brands that reshaped music, fashion, art, politics, and advertising. In this episode, the legendary architect of the MTV generation joins Michael to unpack losing it all and rebooting with a single self-help book, what it really takes to empower brilliant misfits and wield cultural power with humility, and what his journey from building a business in South Asia to steering a global media empire to helping fight extreme poverty reveals about balancing instinct, responsibility, and relentless curiosity in an age of disruption.
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Recorded at the 3CV Villa in the heart of CES 2026, this special episode curates standout insights from executives shaping how people watch, shop, pay, and belong. They unpack the biggest themes of CES, reflect on broader industry shifts, and share what they’re prioritizing as the year ahead takes shape.
Along the way, they share practical insights for marketers navigating a world where media, commerce, and community are increasingly connected. It’s a thoughtful look at where the market is moving, and how to stay ahead.
Featured Voices Include:
- Ali Miller, GM, Ad Products, Instacart
- Nili Klenoff, EVP, Mastercard Commerce Media
- Jeremi Gorman, Chief Revenue Officer, Fanatics
- Dan Robbins, Head of Growth & Strategy, PayPal
- Bethany Eppner, VP, Global Business Marketing, Fandom
- Jeff Lucas, Chief Revenue Officer, Tubi
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Ajit Mohan, Chief Business Officer at Snap, joins Michael Kassan to unpack how a “middle child” platform can outmaneuver giants by protecting sacred consumer spaces and betting on deeper connection over infinite scroll. From reimagining advertising inside messaging to challenging marketing leaders to confront inertia, Ajit shares a clear-eyed vision for building relevance, growth, and humanity in the next era of media.
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Entertainment industry veteran Charlie Collier joins Michael Kassan to unpack how Roku is transforming fragmentation into advantage – emerging as the modern “lead-in to all television,” proving interoperability beats walled gardens, and turning the home screen into a vibrant cultural canvas in its own right. Along the way, they dive into leadership philosophies, creative risk-taking, and the seismic shifts that will define who wins the next era of streaming.
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Michael sits down with Tim Armstrong - Google trailblazer, AOL reinventor, and Flowcode founder - to decode the next frontier of marketing: turning every real-world interaction into a high-impact, data-rich connection. It’s sharp, surprising, and packed with the kind of insights only a true transformation architect can deliver.
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From Enchanted to Bones to Kiss of the Spider Woman, Barry Josephson has mastered the art of turning imagination into impact. From overseeing a slate of Hollywood hits as President of Production at Columbia to producing culture-shaping stories at Josephson Entertainment, he joins Michael Kassan to unpack the alchemy of storytelling in a tech-driven world where creativity, courage, and curiosity collide to shape the future of entertainment
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From the Air Force to the frontlines of cybersecurity, HUMAN CEO Stu Solomon has built a career around one mission: protecting what’s human. In a world where AI bots increasingly outnumber people online, he joins Michael Kassan to explore how leaders can safeguard digital integrity, build trust, and lead with humanity in the next era of digital transformation.
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From Ask.com to Tinder to CBS Interactive, Jim Lanzone has spent his career redefining how we connect online. In this episode, he joins Michael to share how he’s reimagining a 30-year-old internet icon for a new era, leading Yahoo through a bold new chapter defined by innovation, trust, scale, and cultural impact.
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Stephen Upstone has spent two decades proving that AI isn’t just a tool, it’s the new operating system for brand advertising. In this episode, the LoopMe Founder and CEO joins Michael to reveal why mobile apps and gaming are marketing’s most undervalued frontiers, how the mid-funnel is becoming the next big battleground, and what it takes to turn disruption into lasting competitive advantage.
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From Disney to Condé Nast, Lisa Valentino has helped shape some of the most iconic media businesses. And now, as President of Best Buy Ads, she’s turning a trusted retailer into a modern media powerhouse. In this episode, Lisa and Michael unpack how scale, data, and creativity are transforming retail media, why storytelling still matters in a metrics-obsessed world, and how AI, culture, and commerce are colliding to redefine the future of media.
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Buckle up as Jordan Zimmerman reveals how “brand-tailing,” hyperlocal precision, and AI-powered innovation fueled the rise of one of the world’s largest agencies. In this episode, Jordan proves that outcomes beat accolades and leaves listeners with actionable insights on grit, growth, and reinvention.
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From music to media to fintech, Frank Cooper has built a career by seeing around corners, and now as CMO of Visa, he’s redefining what it means to build a global brand in a borderless, tech-driven world. In this episode, Frank shares how culture drives commerce, why AI must serve human creativity, and what it takes to lead through complexity with clarity.
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Edgar Hernandez is turning cultural intelligence into business growth and building the infrastructure to scale it. In this episode, he joins Michael to share how he’s redefining growth audience marketing, producing culture-shaping content, and helping brands lead with purpose, empathy, and long-term relevance in an increasingly diverse world.
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James Rooke, President of Comcast Advertising, is leading a bold transformation of the TV ad marketplace, making premium video more accessible, more measurable, and far less complicated. In this episode, he unpacks how he's breaking down industry silos, simplifying access for marketers, and challenging Big Tech’s dominance with a powerful call for transparency, consistency, and next-gen innovation in media.
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Laura Correnti isn't waiting for permission; she’s building the new power structure in women’s sports from the ground up. In this episode, she joins Michael to unpack how she's turning under-leveraged markets into power plays, architecting culture-shifting brand deals, and proving that when you own the game, you don’t have to play by the old rules.
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Alicia Tillman, the force redefining modern travel, unpacks how she’s turning Delta into a global brand powerhouse, where heritage meets innovation and every moment is engineered for impact. From shaping culture at 30,000 feet to building a marketing engine that inspires loyalty and leads with purpose, this is a high-altitude blueprint for transformational leadership.
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Philip Thomas has redefined what it means to bring an industry together, turning Cannes Lions, Money20/20, and more into global stages where bold ideas drive transformation and shape culture. In this episode, he joins Michael to unpack the power of live experiences, the art of reinvention, and why the future belongs to those who build platforms with purpose, not just presence.
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Forget vanity metrics, David Croyé is rewriting the rules of entertainment marketing with a data-powered model built for results. From bootstrapping his business to outpacing agency giants, he unpacks how JustWatch is helping Hollywood get smarter, faster, and more accountable.
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Ross Martin has built a career on challenging norms and delivering results—and today, he’s helping the world’s biggest brands do the same. As President and Co-founder of Known, he’s fusing creativity with science to reimagine how marketers connect with culture, cut through noise, and stop wasting money on outdated thinking. This episode unpacks how Ross is reshaping the marketing playbook and proving that brains reign over brawn — one bold, data-backed idea at a time.
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Under her decisive leadership, she has transformed Tubi from a once-underdog platform into a record-breaking force, redefining the streaming landscape with its free, ad-supported model. From leveraging cutting-edge data-powered advertising, to launching fan-fueled initiatives like STUBIOS, to pioneering shoppable moments that merge the worlds of entertainment and commerce… she’s transforming the rules of engagement. This episode unpacks how Anjali is not just keeping pace but setting the tempo for the future of streaming.
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At a time when AI is redefining how we create and measure content, these two are at the forefront, turning what many see as a disruptive threat into a powerful tool that amplifies human creativity. As trusted partners for marketers, they are now setting their sights on helping them prove the real-time value of brand storytelling and bridging the gap between art and analytics.
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Under Tim's leadership, the NFL has entered what many are calling a true renaissance. At a time when other leagues are fighting to retain viewers, the NFL is expanding its reach across the globe, deepening its connections with younger, more diverse fans, and forging powerful partnerships across fashion, music, gaming, and tech. This conversation will dive deep into how he’s humanizing the NFL brand, the bold moves being made to engage new audiences, the future of fan culture - and what’s next for flag football worldwide.
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Good Company is back! Join host Michael Kassan, Founder & CEO of 3C Ventures, as he sits down with the pioneers and fearless disruptors that are redefining business, media, tech, and culture. In this new season, hear from NFL CMO Tim Ellis on how football goes beyond the game, Tubi CEO Anjali Sud on the power of niche storytelling, and Hollywood legend Jeffrey Katzenberg on AI's creative revolution. New episodes drop starting April 23 — Tune in for candid insights in leadership and ingenuity only on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Getting into the consumer mindset is something that Laura Jones is familiar with. In this episode, we talk with the Instacart CMO on the company’s recent innovations around their data-driven holiday campaign and AI-powered search experience. Plus, Laura walks us through how shoppable ads enhance the customer experience and the strengths of co-marketing campaigns.
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Starting a company at 26 can be intimidating, but Daniel Gilbert was up for the challenge. In this episode, we talk to the Brainlabs’ founder and CEO about what it takes to start your own business, the rise of “brandformance” and the art of authentically engaging in culture.
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K-content has taken the world by storm and continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. In this episode, we sit down with CJ ENM’s Chief Global Officer & CEO of America, Steve Chung, discussing the globalization of content and the impact of Netflix’s $2.5 billion investment into South Korean movies and television shows.
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There isn’t anyone who knows the benefits of marketer-creator collaborations quite like Patrick Harris. In this episode, we talk with Snap’s President of Americas and Partnerships about bridging the gap between brands and creators. Plus, Patrick takes us through Snap’s most recent AI integration with more than 200 million users and 20 billion messages – the chatbot named My AI.
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Instant gratification is a concept that Lucas Herscovici is well acquainted with. And the demand for it in the beverage space is higher than ever. We talk to AB InBev’s Global Chief Direct to Consumer Officer on how he’s transforming the way beer enthusiasts buy their beloved brew, making it as easy to order online as pizza at supermarket prices. Plus, he shares how the storied brand is leveraging DTC products to disrupt the market, captivate audiences and create memorable brand experiences.
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Revitalizing iconic legacy brands for the modern era isn’t a simple feat, but Eden Bridgeman Sklenar is up for the task. In this episode, we talk to the owner, chairwoman, and CEO of EBONY and JET to hear how she came to helm the storied publications and her plans for exploring media reinvention and inclusive marketing.
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Finding each other through similar experiences with grief from the deaths of their brothers to overdose, Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs shared an immediate bond, a sense of hope, and a deep motivation to help “make life suck less” for others. From there, the idea of Lemonada Media was born. We sat down with the podcasting network’s CEO and Chief Creative Officer on their personal journeys and what goes into developing multiple top-performing shows.
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Back in the days of Web2’s infancy, budding The Wall Street Journal reporterJessica Lessin had a hunch about how a few Silicon Valley newcomers could turn the business landscape on its head – when others didn’t want to believe it. That instinct proved to be right and eventually inspired her to build the technology publication The Information, which nine and a half years in boasts a fiercely dedicated subscriber base. We sit down with the founder to talk about how she’s creating stories to serve the next 50 years, the state of reporting in an era of disinformation, and the female founder conundrum.
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According to Suzy Deering, we’re in a transformational leadership crisis. In this episode, we chat with the prolific CMO on what she’s learned about fostering trust at the helm of major brands like Ford, eBay and Verizon and why fear can paralyze change in organizations. We also break down the art and science of building and maintaining customer relationships in a recessionary environment and why marketers need to create a love language with chief technology and data officers.
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Today in the UK, it’s Red Nose Day – the beloved annual fundraising campaign to end child poverty – and we’re all smiles to be joined by its legendary organizer, Richard Curtis, the co-founder and vice chair of Comic Relief. Many will know him for his screenwriting and directing credits on some of the most memorable comedies of our time, like Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’ Diary and Love Actually. But Curtis’ superpower isn’t just generating laughs – it’s convening the most brilliant minds in entertainment and business around a movement. We talk to him about how he’s made the campaign so successful and the iconic red nose’s new look.
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If there’s anyone who deeply understood the power of bringing together brand and performance marketing well before its time, it’s Howard Draft. We talk to the visionary entrepreneur about building DraftFCB (today known as the powerhouse global advertising agency FCB), lessons he’s learned from the highs and lows of running a company, and how he’s betting on democratizing access to experiences using the metaverse through his newest venture, Vysical. We also talk about the art of changing behavior and how that’s played out at companies like Peloton and HBO.
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At a time when technology is often in the headlines for the grip it has on consumers, Jen Wong offers a sign of hope: technology can, in fact, be additive, not addictive. We chat with the COO of Reddit about the rules of engagement in the platform’s communities and why brands should be paying more attention to context. She also fills us in on her favorite subreddits.
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As the automobile industry increasingly works towards greater adoption of electric vehicles, Steven Majoros has an important piece of advice: consumers don’t want EVs to be science projects. We talk to the CMO of Chevrolet about how the storied brand is getting closer to a zero-emissions future and how it’s building on decades of consumer trust and brand love to offer a broad line-up of vehicles that resonate with Americans’ daily lives. We also touch on how the brand navigated the challenges of the supply chain crisis and the importance of nostalgia and emotion in marketing.
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Linda Ong and Sarah Unger are on a mission to help brands become “insiders” to subcultures and audiences—and according to them, it all starts with empathy and meeting people halfway. We chat with the co-founders of cultural insights and strategy venture CULTIQUE on everything from the elusive goal of understanding Gen Z to purpose “BS detectors” to where the metaverse can really shine when it comes to fandom.
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As the co-founder of Hotwire and Zillow and a prolific entrepreneur for companies like Pacaso, Recon Food, dot.LA, Supernova and 75 and Sunny, Spencer Rascoff clearly has a knack for following his instincts when it comes to making bets on big ideas. We talk to him about what it takes to find the white space that could kick-start a successful company. Plus, he fills us in on Queue—his latest project to tackle the problem of keeping up with streaming’s golden age—and why having a personal connection to a problem is so important for founders.
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Ahead of the Upwardly Global Gala Equity in Action: Beyond Welcome on October 12th, we sit down with the organization’s CEO & President Jina Krause-Vilmar and Board Member Tony Goncalves to talk about their mission of eliminating employment barriers for immigrant and refugee professionals and advancing the inclusion of their skills in the U.S. economy. The two also share personal stories of their families’ journeys and talk about the importance of diversity of background and experience in the workplace.
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According to Mark Zagorski, the death of the cookie is so 2021. Instead, marketers have a new digital advertising challenge to obsess over – the value of attention as the metric du jour. We chat with the DoubleVerify CEO about the importance of captivating consumers at a moment when time is at a premium and data is ubiquitous, the rise of the “math people,” and fostering trust and transparency in Adland. He also fills us in on DoubleVerify’s recent acquisition of OpenSlate and the ambition to give marketers a better solution for measuring and targeting in the fragmented world of social video and connected TV.
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The digital media landscape is ripe for disruption by diversification – and Kristi Argyilan is betting big on retail media networks to fill the void. We sit down with the Albertsons vice president of retail media to discuss why retailers sit in a unique position to understand their customers and provide high quality data; how the medium has evolved since the early days of in-store marketing; and how marketers and agencies are capitalizing on the benefits and working to understand the nascent space. She also touches on how retailers are managing the current challenge of delicately balancing inventory, pricing and promotion.
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KLUTCH Sports Group Founder & CEO Rich Paul is on a rocket ship, growing a powerhouse sports agency with over $1 billion in negotiated contracts and star clients including the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and John Wall. We chat with the entrepreneur about the upbringing that’s shaping his current success and his partnership with UTA. Plus, he talks about driving the reversal of the NCAA’s so-called “Rich Paul Rule” and what he really looks for in talent.
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If you think you know Edward Norton, think again. The Academy Award-nominated actor and filmmaker has a second act that’s captivating the business community – ad tech disrupter. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of EDO, as well as President & CEO Kevin Krim, to talk about how their company (which recently raised $80 million from Shamrock Capital) is changing the TV measurement game for brands with its powerful grasp of consumer search data and analytics.
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A few months ago, Meta – née Facebook – surprised the world with a rebrand and a stated intention to play a major role in building the next version of the internet. In this episode, we sit down with VP Global Business Group Nicola Mendelsohn, who sheds light on the name change and shift in business strategy as she takes on a new global role within the company. Mendelsohn also gives her take on defining the elusive term “metaverse” and how marketers can begin to dip their toes in a medium that’s still in the making. We also discuss the ongoing privacy conundrum in advertising and how the company is hoping to build guardrails in the future.
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Precarious conditions and a little bit of discomfort are par for the course for Wendy Clark – and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Her latest thrill: making the leap from senior marketer to CEO. In this episode, we talk to the global CEO of dentsu international and former Coca-Cola executive about the transition, including the massive challenge of leading an organization of 45,000 people and why “micro-knowing” is more effective than micromanaging. She also reflects on why the Great Resignation has really become “the Great Reckoning” for leaders and outlines how she’s building a more diverse workforce that considers a fully-lived life a high priority for better business.
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Travis Montaque is optimistic that one day, a dream scenario will unfold across the media, marketing and general business community: he calls it the “inclusion age,” a utopian time when DEI initiatives are so firmly and seamlessly integrated into daily life that they no longer become necessary. That’s the vision and ambition of Group Black, the media collective and accelerator focused on the advancement of Black-owned media properties, of which he’s co-founder and CEO. We sit down with him to discuss how he believes we can build a more inclusive corporate America. Plus, he talks to us about Holler, the messaging technology company he founded which focuses on conversational media; we also touch on mentorship and his path to entrepreneurship.
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Cristina Ferrare knows the secret to creating a booming career out of wearing many hats – from supermodel to The New York Timesbestselling author to TV host to entrepreneur. Her advice: if you have belief in something, you’ll flourish. She’s even named her new business venture accordingly. We chat with Cristina about FLOURISH Body, Mind, Soul, a company focused on the impact food has on the body and diseases that stem from unhealthy eating habits, which she founded inspired by both a lifetime love of cooking and a new perspective on food-as-medicine after overcoming cancer.
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When it comes to the future of education, Steven Wolfe Pereira fancies himself a prognosticator. It’s a title he’s earned rightfully, having set his sights on reforming ed-tech all the way back in 2016 when he formed Encantos, a direct-to-consumer creator platform that helps kids learn. In this episode, we sit down with the co-founder and CEO to discuss how he disrupted the fragmented world of kids’ apps by bringing video, audio, books and games together in one place; why entertainment had never been truly factored into ed-tech previously; and why getting learning right is so important for the future of the workforce. He also muses on his experiences growing up bilingual and putting connection with multicultural audiences at the center of business.
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Artis Stevens has an important message for America: providing youth access to the positive adult relationships that they need to thrive shouldn’t be nearly as daunting as many assume it is – often, the act of being present for one kid can be enough. In this episode, we sit down with the President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters America to discuss the organization’s goals to make access to mentorship more equitable for young people of diverse backgrounds, as well as his experience as the organization’s first Black CEO and why that sets an important example for youth on what their opportunities can be. We also discuss the future of technology in mentorship and the massive opportunity for corporate America to get involved and benefit their own pipelines.
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To Allison Statter, authenticity isn’t a buzzword – it’s a lifestyle and a raison d’être for her business. We sit down with the co-founder and CEO of creative marketing and communications agency Blended Strategy Group to talk about how she went from spending 17 years in traditional talent management for stars like Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Lopez to building a business from scratch that would fill the wide gap between the modern needs of brands and talent. She also discusses her predictions for the future of influencer marketing, collaborating with best friend Kim Kardashian, and why women should take a chance on the burgeoning cannabis market.
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Laura Desmond has great expectations for the advertising industry and for its ability to return to an era of glory. It’s for good reason – as a former operator who ran Starcom MediaVest Group for years and eventually moved over to the investment side, she’s seen every perspective of the marketing industry, its opportunities and its challenges. We sit down with the operating partner of Providence Equity and founder and CEO of Eagle Vista Partners to chat on being both an intrapreneur and entrepreneur, why ads should never become scarce and why she’s bullish on the retail media space.
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Satan meets a perfect Match in 2020. The Peloton Wife drowns her sorrows with Aviation American Gin. Ryan Reynolds and his agency Maximum Effort have created some of the buzziest advertising over the past two years, capitalizing on what they like to call “fastvertising.” From selling low-cost premium wireless to blockbuster films, Reynolds and his agency have found a way to continuously create attention-grabbing campaigns and have become one of the creative agencies to watch. In this episode, Reynolds talks through the creative process, how difficult it is to deliver viral hit after hit, and how he deals with his most difficult client: himself.
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Reese Witherspoon is one of the most beloved and accomplished actors and producers, having earned an Academy Award, SAG, BAFTA, Emmy awards and numerous other nominations and accolades throughout her career. She was inspired to transform her role in Hollywood—at times, trading in scripts for business plans and advocacy. Since forming her media company Hello Sunshine, Reese has become one of the most prolific names in creative content, not only due to groundbreaking films like Wild and Gone Girl and high-end television shows such as Big Little Lies, The Morning Show and Little Fires Everywhere, but also because of the business’s values: inclusive stories that celebrate all women, both onscreen and behind the camera. In this episode, Reese shares how her love of reading books coupled with her passion for acting influenced the media empire she’s built, how she views the creative landscape today and how empowered women empower women.
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Reddit caught lightning in a bottle earlier this year when it debuted a viral five-second Super Bowl ad – so much so that it won a Grand Prix at Cannes Lions last week. In this bonus episode, we sit down with Chief Marketing Officer Roxy Young to discuss the magic that went into making the spot in less than a week, how she’s been building a brand based on the power of passionate communities, and why the platform so uniquely serves as a crystal ball for trends and purchase behavior. Plus, she talks WallStreetBets and separating Reddit from many of the challenges technology platforms face in the public eye.
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Consumers and advertisers alike are flocking to the world of audio in droves, and iHeartMedia’s own Bob Pittman and Rich Bressler have a front row seat to what’s behind the broad appeal of a medium that stands out for both its simplicity and its flexibility. We sit down with the duo to unpack audio’s multifaceted role as a companion to the masses, a unique source of information in a crisis, a bastion of diverse voices and potentially as an answer to the cookieless future.
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If there’s anyone with a plan to bring New York back, and to do it with fanfare, it’s Tribeca Enterprises Co-Founder and CEO Jane Rosenthal. In this episode, we talk to the Oscar and Emmy-nominated producer on how she’s reimagining the Tribeca Film Festival as it kicks off a global wave of re-openings for large-scale events. She also talks to us about storytelling through new mediums like gaming and VR, as well as the organization’s work with brands to put the spotlight on diverse artists and creators.
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Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz is riding high coming off the best quarter in 25 years. Three years in to taking the top post at the storied toy company, he discusses transforming the organization through a focus on its instantly recognizable IP, encompassing beloved brands like American Girl, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price. Plus, he fills us in on Mattel’s film pursuits, like Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots, starring Vin Diesel; and we get an update on Barbie, who just celebrated her 62nd birthday – and her huge influence on the company’s success as a symbol of social progress.
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NBCUniversal’s Chairman of Global Advertising and Partnerships, Linda Yaccarino, is betting big on the power of partnership – whether that’s colleagues coming together again in the workplace or competitors coming up with solutions to their industry’s thorniest issues. In this episode, we talk to her about the media company’s plans to do just that, like unveiling at its ONE21 event numerous partnerships across content and tech to help marketers build a new experience for viewers across its platform. Linda also fills us in on Olympics plans, Upfronts, and why trust is the hardest thing to build and the easiest thing to lose.
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Creative powerhouse Keith Cartwright launched an agency during one of the most challenging moments in history and isn’t looking back. We talk to him about the alluring draw of entrepreneurship and the lessons about process he’ll take with him into the future. Plus, he elaborates on the power of creativity in combating racial bias and helping brands understand how they can use business to shift, shape and mold what happens in society.
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Anna Malaika Tubbs is on a mission to change the narrative around the value of a woman’s role as a mother – and of caregivers at large. In this special Mother’s Day episode, we sit down with the writer to discuss her new book, The Three Mothers, which unveils the story of the women who raised three civil rights movement leaders – Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin. She also tells us about her nomadic childhood moving around the world and how it influenced a deep appreciation for human differences; and predicts the sociological impact of the past year on family life.
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For a “relationship person” like Horizon Media President, CEO & Founder Bill Koenigsberg, the pandemic’s drastic impact on the natural daily rhythms of business felt especially painful. But Koenigsberg did not let limitations prevent him from keeping the culture of his 2,700-person organization – and the familial style of his dealings with clients – intact. In this episode, he gets to the heart of why the concept of “business is personal” has never rung truer. Plus, he discusses adapting to an e-Commerce-centric world and gives his predictions on the future of the Upfronts.
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CNN anchor and “Reliable Sources” host Brian Stelter is feeling optimistic, despite four years fighting an uphill battle against disinformation in the news. We talk to the media critic and author of bestseller Hoax about how to uphold the integrity of the news in a post-Trump world and what’s to become of the symbiotic relationship between the press and the White House. Plus, he gets candid on the upsides and downsides of “news as the new sports” and shares his hopes for a long-term ripple effect of getting more people informed on the facts.
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The Female Quotient’s CEO, Shelley Zalis, has earned a reputation on the conference circuit as “Chief Troublemaker” – and she’s definitely not sorry about it. In this episode, we talk to the equality trailblazer about how she’s working to rewrite the rules to close the gender pay gap and what leadership traits are behind the undeniable success of female heads of state in battling COVID-19. Plus, she tells us how she’s recreating the communal magic of TFQ’s Equality Lounges in a socially distant world and offers some frank advice on DEI pipelining.
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Condé Nast’s new Global Chief Marketing Officer, Deirdre Findlay, spent only six weeks on the job before having to tear up the rulebook when the world shut down. In this episode, we sit down with her to hear how she laid out a strategy for the storied media brand to cater to the needs of its newly homebound readers and double down on audience insights and loyalty. We also discuss why the company’s portfolio publications like Vogue, GQ and others are riding the eCommerce wave beautifully; and the importance of sensitive messaging towards a global audience that’s experiencing widely varying levels of crisis at the same time.
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McCann Worldgroup Global Creative Chairman Rob Reilly knows a thing or two about brand ideas that both stand the test of time and reinvent themselves for the cultural zeitgeist. His company did, after all, put the “Fearless Girl” in front of the New York Stock Exchange and help Mastercard evolve its “Priceless” campaign with a feature for transgender and nonbinary people to use their chosen name on cards. In this episode, Reilly dives into this work and reflects on the role of marketing in a time of a crisis. He also tells us what he really thinks about making lightning-in-a-bottle creative over Zoom and why he’s bullish on in person connection for the future of young talent.
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Applebee’s President John Cywinski likens the early days of the pandemic to the terror of an aborted mission: “We literally woke up in the middle of March having to Apollo 13 the whole thing.” In this episode, we talk to the casual dining executive – whose company enjoyed a significant bounce back in Q3 despite being in one of the hardest hit categories – about the long road back to business after dining rooms were shut in the spring. We also dive into the challenging marketing decisions the brand had to make this year and what went into the delightful comeback of its ads over the summer.
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Legendary investor Alan Patricof and wellness entrepreneur Abby Miller Levy have teamed up on a new venture, Primetime Partners, that’s focused on investments in products, services, technologies and experiences for a wildly underserved cohort: older adults. In this episode, we sit down with the duo to discuss why they’re betting big on a generation that controls 60% of our country’s net worth. Plus, hear how they’re working to change the narrative around aging, what they envision the older adult consumer to look like five to 10 years down the road, and how to service them.
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Recently dubbed “a calm voice in the political storm” by Town&Country, longtime political journalist Jessica Yellin is on a mission to banish disinformation with her Instagram-based news feed, #NewsNotNoise. In this episode, the former CNN Chief White House Correspondent discusses how she’s built and is catering to an audience that craves a different kind of news delivery – one that diverges from the way most media outlets speak by sorting fact from fiction and drama. Plus, we dive into what it really means to be authentic and to establish trust with people in an environment fraught with distractions.
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This week on C-Inside: Holding Company Titans, we sit down with IPG Chairman and CEO Michael Roth. He fills us in on the holding company’s longstanding history of taking bold steps on diversity and inclusion efforts and his advice for making an impact that focuses on action over talk. Plus, we hear his prognosis for consolidation in the ad industry, why he’s betting on the company’s deal to acquire Acxiom as a major competitive advantage, and his take on the future of agencies in a post-COVID world.
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This week on C-Inside: Holding Company Titans, we talk to WPP CEO Mark Read, who’s hitting his two-year milestone at the helm of the world’s largest advertising holding company. Mark fills us in on how he’s evolved the organization to fit what modern marketers want, from creativity to technology to simplicity; and why companies need to demonstrate purpose first through action before they can talk about it in an ad campaign. He also muses on the future of work and why he’ll still be traveling when the pandemic ends.
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In this episode, we sit down with Janet Fitzgerald, master instructor at SoulCycle beloved by Hollywood, and her confidante and fellow former instructor Eliza Cohen. They fill us in on turning their podcast, Witch & Famous, into a docuseries that takes them on a journey across the country meeting with healers, psychics and spiritual teachers. Plus, hear their thoughts on the future of fitness in the “new normal,” and why a focus on spirituality is so compelling during difficult times.
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Prolific author and lauded New Yorker columnist Ken Auletta is known for his incredible ability to dig deeply into the stories of major public figures and media moguls. In this episode, we sit down with him to understand the magic behind his craft and share stories from some of his most fascinating interviews. We also get his prognosis on the ad and media businesses after writing Frenemies and discuss his upcoming book on Harvey Weinstein.
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Todd Smith, the legendary hip hop artist, producer, actor, author and entrepreneur more commonly known as “LL Cool J,” is on a mission to pay homage to classic hip hop while bringing it into the future. In this interview, he talks to us about how he’s doing so through his Rock the Bells venture, a platform for fans to read, shop, listen, and find exclusive audio curated specifically around the genre. We also hear why thinks success comes with an obligation to do good in your community, as well as his thoughts on eliminating systemic racism in the educational system.
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As CEO Nancy Dubuc tells it, digital media company Vice Media“has never been one to reflect culture, but one to make culture.” We sit down with her to discuss why the Vice brand is in such an influential position in the current moment, thanks to its core demographic – young people – and why honest, in-the-field journalism is more critical than ever. Plus, hear her take on issues like creating a transparent and inclusive culture in the workplace and the challenges of big tech.
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Senator Nikema Williams of the Georgia State Senate is embarking on the ride of her career, launching a Congressional campaign to replace the late John Lewis. We sit down with her shortly after her announcement – the same day of the 55th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act – to hear her plans to champion mail-in voting and end voter suppression, as well as her goals to uplift the marginalized in Washington. Plus, she reflects on growing up black in the South and succeeding, as well as how she hopes to pave the way for other black women to thrive.
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As Chief Non-Alcohol Beverage Officer, Lucas Herscovici leads a fast-growing category within Anheuser-Busch InBev, the largest brewer in the world. In this interview, Lucas discusses what’s behind the uptick in health and wellness-focused drinks, AB InBev’s plans for cannabis, and how it’s building a sustainable business. Plus, he shares how beverage consumption has changed during the pandemic and discusses how the company’s famed Corona brand has fared.
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This week in our new series, C-Inside: Holding Company Titans, we sit down with Mark Penn, President & Managing Partner of The Stagwell Group and Chairman & CEO of MDC Partners. Mark, whose experience and innovation in polling spans back decades, talks about the latest Harris Poll findings and how brands are faring in the COVID moment; as well as what’s behind the rise in image of American corporations. Plus, he weighs in on the role that marketing will play in recovery after the crisis, what’s on the minds of voters and consumers ahead of the election, and why content standards will be more important than ever for social platforms.
(Recorded on July 30)
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Welcome to a new series, C-Inside, where we take you inside the C-suite spanning the marketing and media landscape one segment at a time. Volume one focuses on reimagining the modern agency holding company in the 2020s. The top few holding companies collectively move a massive percentage of the flow of ad dollars through the $530 billion global ad market; and new entrants, fast-moving tech and changing consumer habits are forcing them to innovate at every turn. Hear the stories of how their leaders are keeping the engines of advertising humming during rapid change.
First up is Publicis Groupe CEO Arthur Sadoun, who opens up about how its proprietary technology platform, Marcel, is changing the way 80,000 global employees work; the importance of building accountability into diversity & inclusion initiatives; and why CMOs must focus on personalization at scale.
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In this special bonus episode, hear an important conversation on what the marketing, media and entertainment industries must do to put in place the long-term strategies required for systemic change. We’ll sit down with two tireless and passionate advocates for racial advancement, equality and justice: Steve Stoute, the founder and CEO of Translation and UnitedMasters, and Rita Ferro, the President of Advertising Sales and Partnerships for the Walt Disney Company.
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As Chief Creative Officer of Friends at Work, Rob English sits at the intersection of management, entertainment and social impact, and has run creative direction for the likes for Lady Gaga and John Mayer. In this episode, we’ll dive into how he merges purpose with culture. Hear about Rob’s work with John Legend and Adam Levine for the infamous Super Bowl spot, “Stinky Booty Duty,” and why it resonated with dads across America. Plus, we discuss how he helped drive cultural change around criminal justice reform with Legend’s FREEAMERICA initiative.
Note: Interview recorded before March 2019.
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In this episode, we’ll sit down with business luminaries exploring what the future might hold as we navigate the “transitional normal” together. Hear S4 Capital Executive Chairman Sir Martin Sorrell discuss a V-shaped recovery, Snap Chief Business Officer Jeremi Gorman on technology’s role in relief, Unilever Chief HR Officer Leena Nair on employee well-being and the World Health Organization Ambassador for Global Strategy Ray Chambers on battling the virus as a community.
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At 91 years young, legendary sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer is having an epic year. In this episode, we dive in to some of the highlights, like getting personal about her incredible life experiences with the release of the documentary Ask Dr. Ruth on Hulu, as well as an animated short to accompany her book, Roller Coaster Grandma. Plus, hear what she thinks about the loneliness epidemic and her advice to millennials, as dispensed in her fourth edition of Sex For Dummies. We’ll also get her take on why she’s optimistic for 2020 and why her role as an educator has never been more important.
Note: Interview recorded before March 2019.
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As Chief Marketing Officer of Deloitte Digital, Alicia Hatch is on a mission to reorient the CMO role as the central point of leadership for customer-focused businesses. Tune in to hear how she feels CMOs can best leverage their superpowers, particularly when it comes to purpose and the sustainability of companies, as well as collecting “emotional data sets” to better connect with people.
Note: Interview recorded before March 2019.
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Carla Hassan, Citi’s Chief Brand Officer, knows a thing or two about strong leadership through difficult times. Hear why she decided to leave a comfortable, fulfilling job at Pepsi for the challenge of leading marketing at Toys “R” Us; and later, why Citi’s transparent stance around pay equity drew her to take the top brand role there. She also fills us in on the importance of being a decisive leader, managing with empathy, and building purpose and authenticity into your culture. Plus, she invites us into a deeply personal experience that’s given her valuable lessons for both life and work.
Note: Interview recorded before March 2019.
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Marketing, media, entertainment and tech are transforming rapidly. Join MediaLink’s Michael Kassan in the company of leaders building great companies from the ground up.
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As a face of Facebook, the world’s largest social media platform’s VP of Global Marketing Solutions, Carolyn Everson, takes us inside her reality and what’s in her charge. Hear about how travel has changed the way she views what Facebook means to people in other parts of the world, and how it’s impacted her parenting. Plus, we discuss how Facebook handled the dramatic shift to mobile, the cultural change at the company post 2016 election, and the gravity of responsibility that comes with being a modern-day sounding board for everyone. We also tackle the merging of brand marketing and performance marketing in a world where direct-to-consumer rules.
Note: Interview recorded before March 2019.
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Marc Pritchard helms marketing duties at the world’s largest advertiser, Procter & Gamble. In this episode, we’ll discuss how this powerful position has allowed P&G brands to change the narrative around topics that are important to its consumer base, such as gender quality (including how Always completely shifted the meaning of the phrase “Like a Girl.”) Plus, hear how P&G is preparing for a future with less interruptive advertising by experimenting with artificial intelligence for brands like Olay and diving into content partnerships with media and entertainment powerhouses like Katie Couric and Reese Witherspoon.
Note: Interview recorded before March 2019.
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