He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jaci Russo
The He Said, She Said, Razor Branding™ Podcast is hosted by Jaci and Michael Russo, covering topics like entrepreneurship, B2B marketing, messaging for your target audience, and of course, building your brand. Together, they provide branding insight, tips, and best practices from their combined 40+ years of experience. Special guests from various industries are welcomed to the podcast regularly to share their stories and how branding played a pivotal role in their success.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jaci and Michael sit down with Linda Richardson, a values-driven marketing executive leading Blue Stream Fiber’s expansion from Florida into Texas.
Blue Stream isn’t a traditional internet provider—they partner directly with HOAs, developers, boards, and property managers through bulk fiber agreements. That means Linda isn’t marketing to everyone. She’s marketing to the right people. And when the company decided to enter Houston, she had to build brand awareness, education, and trust from the ground up.
Linda shares how her team approached a completely new market, how Texas audiences differ from Florida audiences, why tracking data matters more than marketing opinions, and how to build true partnership between marketing and sales.
If you’re expanding into new regions, selling to multiple stakeholder groups, or trying to build a data-driven brand, this episode is a masterclass in doing it the right way.
In our conversation, you’ll hear:
- What it takes to enter a new market where no one knows your name
- The dramatic difference between Florida HOA boards and Texas HOA boards
- How Linda built a marketing department from scratch
- How to test traditional media the right way
- How to track ROI in hard-to-measure channels
- Why marketing and sales alignment is non-negotiable
Guest BioLinda Richardson is a proactive, values-driven marketing executive known for leading transformative integrated marketing programs that build brands, deepen community engagement, and drive real business growth.
As the leader behind Blue Stream Fiber’s expansion efforts, Linda specializes in entering new markets with precision—aligning data, messaging, and local insight to build credibility fast. She’s known for developing systems, processes, and best practices that empower cross-functional teams, strengthen sales alignment, and deliver measurable ROI. With a career spanning leadership, strategy, media relations, and community engagement, Linda has appeared as a spokesperson on both national and local TV. She’s built a reputation for perseverance, partnership, and helping teams rise to the challenge of complex B2B decision-making.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jaci and Michael talk with Jason Gough, a 25-year marketing veteran who went from supplements and nutraceuticals to stone, surfaces, and seriously big kitchens.
After decades in traditional B2C products, Jason now leads marketing for Bedrock Quartz, navigating the unique challenge of serving both homeowners and custom home builders. Bedrock lives in that space where B2C retail, B2B relationships, and big-ticket decisions all collide—and Jason’s job is to keep the brand clear, consistent, and growing across every channel.
They dig into what changes (and what doesn’t) when you switch industries, how to brand for multiple audiences without losing your core, and why listening to customers beats guessing every time.
In our conversation, you’ll hear:
- How Jason went from “this tastes terrible but it works” supplements to high-end stone and surfaces—and what carried over from one industry to the other in terms of branding, positioning, and trust.
- How Jason uses research and real customer conversations to compare internal assumptions with external reality—and what happens when those two don’t match.
- Why Bedrock still invests in traditional media (like billboards) alongside digital and social, and how they think about ROI and brand presence across both worlds.
- How marketing and sales collaboration shows up in the field, and why being out with the reps and in the showrooms matters more than just reading reports.
It’s a sharp, funny, practical conversation for anyone trying to grow a brand that has more than one audience—and more than one way to win.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jaci and Michael sit down with Andrew Burton—founder and President of Creekside Homes—who has spent decades turning custom home building into a brand of high-performance, beautifully designed homes in Northwest Oregon.
Andrew’s story begins on a carpentry crew in high school, evolves into building his first business at age 19, and leads into founding Creekside Homes in 2003—driven by a commitment not just to build houses, but to build homes that stand the test of time and deliver real value.
In our conversation, you’ll hear:
- Why strategic marketing beats “random acts of marketing” — and how Creekside committed to a 5-year disciplined plan instead of reactive tactics.
- The branding challenge of shared names (when “Creekside Homes” exists in multiple states) and how SEO, clarity, and geography help them win the right traffic and avoid the wrong clients.
- Why clear communication changes construction experiences—from weekly calls to photo updates—and what happens when homeowners refuse to engage in the process.
- The emotional side of custom home building, and why trust, transparency, and brand personality matter as much as design and craftsmanship when buyers are investing seven figures into their dream home.
- Andrew’s biggest insight: that small businesses succeed by focusing on direct marketing, not mass marketing—and why hyper-targeting is the only smart path when your potential annual audience is 150 people, not 150,000.
If you lead a service-based business, design practice, or any brand that involves complex deliverables and high trust, Andrew’s insights will help you think differently about how you build—and how you brand what you build.
What do you do when your product makes people pause, laugh—or even cringe?
In this episode, Jaci and Michael talk with Rochelle Paulet, Marketing Director for Evolve Rat and Mouse Birth Control (yes, really), about the art of branding something the world didn’t know it needed.
Rochelle shares what it takes to launch a category-defining product, manage B2B and B2C messaging at once, and build collaboration between marketing and sales that actually works. From reimagining packaging to developing proof-driven storytelling, she’s rewriting what it means to market a breakthrough.
You’ll hear:
- How to create belief in something brand new
- Why differentiation means embracing discomfort
- The power of data-driven storytelling in skeptical industries
- How to align sales and marketing to accelerate adoption
- Why good branding is always unorthodox
If you’ve ever had to sell an idea people didn’t yet understand, this episode is a masterclass in courage, creativity, and clarity.
Rochelle Paulet is the Marketing Director for Evolve, a company using science to solve one of the world’s oldest problems—rodent overpopulation—through innovation instead of poison. With decades of experience in brand strategy, B2B marketing, and consumer engagement, Rochelle specializes in transforming complex, technical products into clear, compelling stories that connect.
This week, Jaci and Michael sit down with Liz Brooks, VP of Client Services at Interview Valet, to talk about how brands can use podcasting to build credibility and connection in a crowded market.
From her roots in PR to helping hundreds of brands land on the right shows, Liz knows how to turn conversation into conversion. She shares insights on storytelling, authority marketing, and the art of being a great guest (the kind hosts actually want back).
You’ll hear:
- Why podcasts are the new front door for your brand story
- How to turn guest appearances into leads and loyal followers
- The difference between pitching and positioning your expertise
- Tips for creating content that cuts through the clutter in B2B marketing
- Why authenticity on mic matters more than any press release
If you’ve ever wondered how to get your brand’s voice heard (literally and figuratively), Liz’s advice will help you show up smarter, sound better, and build authority that lasts.
Guest Bio:
Liz Brooks is the VP of Client Services at Interview Valet, the industry leader in podcast interview marketing. With a background in public relations and a career spent amplifying thought leaders, Liz helps brands turn conversations into credibility and visibility into value. Under her guidance, Interview Valet has connected hundreds of executives, authors, and entrepreneurs with high-impact podcasts, bridging the gap between earned media and authentic storytelling. When she’s not behind the mic (or the strategy board), Liz is a champion for helping B2B marketers find their voice and use it well.
In this episode, Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with Zach Schleien, CEO and Co-Founder of Filteroff, the video speed dating app changing how people meet and connect online.
Zach shares how building authentic relationships, whether in love or in business, comes down to one thing: authenticity. From creating a more honest dating experience to building multiple successful brands, Zach’s story is a masterclass in how to earn trust in a filtered world.
They discuss what it takes to brand for connection, why human matchmaking beats algorithms, and how the same principles behind meaningful relationships apply to meaningful marketing.
You’ll hear:
- Why authenticity is the new currency of both dating and branding
- How video builds trust faster than text or photos ever could
- What every business can learn from the psychology of matchmaking
- Why segmentation is key to clarity, whether you’re finding love or your ideal audience
- The role of human connection in scaling digital brands
If your brand is more “swipe left” than “love at first sight,” Zach’s insights will help you rethink how to create real relationships that last.
This week, Jaci and Michael sit down with David Feinman, Co-Founder and CEO of Viral Ideas, to talk about the art (and science) of video that actually gets watched.
From building The Zombie Run in college to leading a global video-editing agency today, David’s entrepreneurial journey is all about turning big ideas into scalable systems without losing creativity. He shares how Viral Ideas has grown from a $200 experiment into a seven-figure operation—and why the best videos don’t just look good, they make you feel something.
You’ll hear:
- Why simplicity beats flash when it comes to video and branding
- The formula behind viral moments (and how brands can “hook hack” attention)
- How to balance AI tools with human creativity without losing the magic
- The surprising ways team culture drives creative output
- What companies misunderstand most about making video content that works
Whether you’re leading a marketing team or just tired of making videos that fall flat, David’s insights will inspire you to rethink what “viral” really means.
Guest Bio:David Feinman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Viral Ideas, a Philadelphia-based agency that makes creativity simple, impactful, and scalable. With a decade of experience building ventures, from organizing a national 5K “Zombie Run” in college to producing thousands of videos for brands like eBay and Johnson & Johnson, David knows how to blend storytelling with systems. Today, his global team helps companies transform raw footage into scroll-stopping content at speed, all while keeping the heart of the story intact.
In this episode, Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with Charlie Grinnell, CEO of Right Metric, to unpack how marketers can stop drowning in data and start using it to make smarter decisions.
Charlie shares how Right Metric helps brands cut through the noise, focusing on what people do rather than what they say. From uncovering the hidden truths in customer behavior to leveraging AI responsibly, this conversation blends strategy, creativity, and humor (yes, even about insurance ads).
You’ll hear:
- Why too much data can be just as dangerous as not enough
- How to spot the gap between what customers claim and what they actually do
- Why research is the most overlooked step in launching products or campaigns
- The surprising role of creativity in making analytics actionable
- A candid take on advertising hits and misses (looking at you, emu)
Whether you’re building a brand from scratch or leading campaigns in a noisy marketplace, Charlie’s perspective will help you move past guesswork and into informed, strategic decisions that actually connect.
Guest Bio: Charlie Grinnell is the CEO of Right Metric, a strategic research company that helps marketing teams make smarter, data-driven decisions. With a background spanning digital strategy, marketing analytics, and leadership, Charlie is passionate about turning overwhelming amounts of data into actionable insights. He’s worked with brands across industries to help them see past the clutter, focus on what matters, and drive results with clarity and confidence.
In this special creative team takeover episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Michael Russo steps in with brandRUSSO’s designers and developers for a candid conversation about the role of design in branding—and why it matters more than ever.
They delve into the invisible impact of design, why people often only notice when it’s bad, and how brand touchpoints (from logos to typography to campaign visuals) shape the customer experience. The team also weighs in on the controversial Cracker Barrel rebrand, explores how AI is changing the design landscape, and emphasizes why shortcuts or templates can’t replace authenticity and craftsmanship.
Listeners will walk away with insights on:
- Why good design is 99% invisible but 100% essential
- The risks brands take when they modernize without honoring their audience
- How AI can be a helpful tool—but not a replacement for human creativity
- Best practices for working with creative teams and building trust in the process
- Why consistency across design and messaging is critical for brand success
If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of brand building, this episode offers a raw, creative perspective from the people who design, code, and craft it every day.
In this special host-only episode, Michael and Jaci Russo pull back the curtain on what’s really holding brands back—and it’s not just budget or competition.
From the dangerous “If we build it, they will come” mindset to the overreliance on social media as a silver bullet, they explore why so many marketing efforts fail to connect. They also delve into the critical role of touchpoints, the underestimated value of internal culture, and why every team member—regardless of their title—is part of building the brand.
Key themes include:
- Why great branding requires more than “checking the social media box”
- How to maintain consistency across every touch point—physical and digital
- The seven business pillars that impact your brand’s success
- Why agency-client trust and collaboration are the foundation for results
- The difference between marketing noise and marketing that converts
Whether you’re running a large enterprise or a small business, this conversation will challenge how you approach branding and customer experience.
In this episode, Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of the iconic Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, to explore how culture, values, and vision shape brands from the inside out.
From dishwashing to deli ownership to thought leadership, Ari shares his unorthodox journey into entrepreneurship—including lessons in humility, the importance of visioning, and why leadership isn’t about hierarchy.
You’ll hear:
- Why every “small” detail—like the salt level in soup—impacts your brand experience
- How writing a personal and professional vision can change your business trajectory
- The difference between managing for success vs. managing for headlines
- How Ari’s belief in anarchism has helped him build empowered teams and authentic company culture
- Why staying rooted in your values can be the most strategic branding move of all
Whether you run a growing brand or lead a small team, Ari’s perspective on intentional business, service, and leadership will leave you inspired to rethink what real branding looks like.
On this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with Mike Barton, VP of Corporate Communication & Content Marketing at AudioEye, to discuss what it truly means to make your brand accessible.
From his 14 years at Adobe to his current role at AudioEye, Mike has seen firsthand how often marketers unintentionally leave people out of the conversation. That’s where digital accessibility comes in.
Together they explore:
- How inclusive design improves UX for all audiences
- Why accessible websites aren’t just about compliance—they’re about connection
- What marketers need to know about alt text, screen readers, and usability
- How accessibility can increase brand trust, loyalty, and market reach
Whether you lead a national brand or run a small business, Mike shows how better branding starts with building for everyone, not just those who look, move, or read like you.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with Ryan Chute, founder of Wizard of Ads Essential Services, to talk about the kind of branding that sticks—not because it sells fast, but because it builds trust.
Ryan’s background in transactional sales gave him the grit. However, it was his experience at Wizard Academy that provided him with the insight to shift from high-pressure tactics to a long-term brand strategy built on storytelling, customer connection, and emotional resonance.
They dig into:
- Why great branding starts with empathy, not algorithms
- How emotional storytelling drives sales better than product specs
- Why most B2B brands get it wrong (and how to fix it)
- The difference between noise and true brand messaging
Whether you’re selling diamonds or ductwork, this episode proves that relational branding isn’t just good strategy—it’s good business.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo welcome global brand leader Fernando Andreazi for a dynamic conversation about what it really means to build brand equity in a global market.
Fernando shares insights from his international career in brand management, marketing strategy, and consumer engagement—unpacking the nuances of branding across cultures, the importance of local relevance, and how to build emotional connections at scale. With experience spanning Latin America, North America, and Europe, Fernando brings a perspective rooted in adaptability, empathy, and strategy.
Whether you’re leading a global brand or just trying to grow your message beyond your zip code, this episode is filled with takeaways for brand leaders who want to think—and act—bigger.
Fernando Andreazi is a global marketing executive and brand strategist with decades of experience driving growth and transformation for international brands. With a deep understanding of cross-cultural engagement, he has led teams in Latin America, Europe, and North America—focusing on brand equity, emotional storytelling, and scalable strategy.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, brand experts Jaci and Michael Russo talk with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, about the power of using press releases for brand awareness and earned media coverage.
With over 25 years of experience in public relations and media strategy, Mickie breaks down how small businesses and startups can use PR to increase visibility, boost credibility, and drive real results. He shares insights on writing effective press releases, understanding how journalists choose stories, and how to get picked up by outlets, even without a huge budget.
Whether you’re launching a product, building your reputation, or looking to increase online visibility for your brand, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to get your name in the news.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with Daale Carter, Managing Director of energy BBDO and a standout voice in the global advertising world. With a career that started in entertainment law and moved through experiential marketing, strategy, and media, Daale brings a rare blend of experience, empathy, and leadership to the conversation.From her early days producing music events to now leading teams for one of the most respected agencies in the world, Daale shares insights into what makes great brands connect—and why the client-agency relationship is everything. The conversation dives into creative strategy, team dynamics, consumer-centric thinking, and the evolving role of AI in the branding process. This episode is filled with smart takes, real talk, and plenty of inspiration for marketers and businesses at every level.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, it’s just the hosts—Jaci and Michael Russo—going deep on what it really takes to make an agency-client relationship work.No guests. No filters. Just 25 years of experience packed into one conversation about collaboration, communication, and what happens when trust breaks down. From misaligned expectations and territorial marketing teams to the misuse of AI and the trap of Frankenstein feedback, Jaci and Michael talk candidly about the red flags, the success stories, and the reason agencies should always be invited in like vampires (yes, there’s a reference).Whether you work with an agency, are part of one, or just want to understand how branding actually works, this episode is a masterclass in the reality behind the process.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo talk with Robert J. Pelletier, CEO of Pacific Hardwood, about how he turned a traditional manufacturing business into a $20M industry leader through storytelling, relationship-building, and relentless content creation. From using Instagram to drive $8M in sales to embracing AI for content planning, he offers a blueprint for how even the most “unsexy” businesses can build powerful, profitable brands—without selling out or sounding like robots.Whether you’re building custom floors or scaling your startup, this conversation will shift how you think about brand-building, personal voice, and the future of marketing.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with Cairo Marsh, Founder and Executive Partner of relativ, a marketing consultancy known for crafting brand experiences rooted in empathy and human connection.Cairo brings a global perspective—shaped by his upbringing in the Bronx and his time living and working in Tokyo—to the conversation. He shares how cultural experiences and customer service roots shaped his approach to marketing, branding, and what he calls “Relationshipnomics”: the business value of building meaningful relationships between brands and people.If you’re looking for ways to create deeper impact through branding and strategy, this episode delivers a fresh perspective that’s both practical and powerful.Cairo Kenan Marsh is the founder of relativ, a marketing consultancy focused on relationship-driven brand strategies. With a career spanning the U.S. and Asia, Cairo blends cultural insight, customer service philosophy, and strategic marketing expertise to help brands foster authentic, lasting connections. He’s passionate about helping companies deliver value through empathy, innovation, and purpose.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo welcome Stewart Cohen, an award-winning photographer, filmmaker, and creative entrepreneur. Stewart shares his insights on the evolution of content creation, the power of authentic storytelling, and how brands can stand out in a fast-moving digital world. Whether you're a marketer, creative, or business leader, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on leveraging high-quality visuals to elevate your brand.As the owner of Stewart Cohen Pictures, he has built a career capturing compelling visual stories for Fortune 500 brands, advertising agencies, and editorial clients. He also leads SuperStock, a visual licensing company managing over 22 million assets, blending the art of production with the science of distribution.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael are joined by Dave Behar, entrepreneur, Chief Executive Athlete, and two-time Amazon bestselling author. Dave shares insights on leadership, branding, and the power of collaboration. From his work with NIL programs to his approach to building brands through strategic partnerships, Dave offers a fresh perspective on what it takes to create a culture of winning—both in business and in life.Key TakeawaysThe Chief Executive Athlete Mindset:Dave’s approach blends athletic discipline with leadership to drive success in business.He emphasizes the importance of staying ready and adaptable, much like an athlete on the field.Collaboration is Key:Success often comes from helping others succeed first. Dave discusses the value of collaboration and investing in relationships.The Power of NIL Programs:Dave shares his thoughts on the evolution of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) programs and the need for clearer guidelines to ensure fairness and long-term sustainability.Branding Starts with Purpose:Dave’s branding philosophy focuses on aligning a brand’s personality, purpose, and messaging to create authentic connections.Winning Through Peak Performance:As a two-time bestselling author, Dave talks about his Peak Performance book series and how developing a winning mindset is key to both personal and professional growth.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with Matt Mathison, entrepreneur, investor, and founder of MBL Partners. Matt shares insights from his new book, Leadership Orbit, a guide to redefining leadership and creating momentum through consistent micro habits. From building strong company cultures to mastering time management, Matt breaks down the key elements of successful leadership that go beyond titles and authority. Whether you’re a business owner, team leader, or someone looking to develop your personal brand, this episode is filled with practical takeaways and thought-provoking strategies.Matt Mathison is a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and operator with nearly 25 years of experience spanning sectors like financial services, technology, real estate, and energy. As the co-founder of MBL Partners, Matt focuses on problem-solving and empowering leaders to thrive through innovative solutions. His dynamic career has included leadership roles at Fifth Partners, where he helped build, fix, and scale businesses globally. A former collegiate athlete, Matt brings grit and determination from his athletic background into the business world. He holds a finance degree from Brigham Young University.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo are joined by William Vanderbloemen, CEO of Vanderbloemen and author of Be the Unicorn. William shares his incredible journey from pastoral ministry to building a successful executive search firm for faith-based organizations. With humor and wisdom, he dives into how focusing on human-to-human (H2H) skills, creating niche marketing strategies, and embracing change have been the cornerstones of his success. Packed with actionable insights, this episode is a must-listen for leaders, marketers, and anyone striving to make an impact.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with Dr. Mechelle Roberthon, a dynamic leader in professional development and workplace culture. Dr. Roberthon shares her inspiring career journey, from discovering her passion for teaching adults to becoming a sought-after consultant in employee engagement and organizational growth. Together, they explore the critical connection between workplace culture and branding, highlighting how every employee interaction shapes your brand. This conversation is filled with practical advice for leaders looking to create a thriving workplace that attracts and retains top talent.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo are joined by Elissa O’Dell and Mia Pokriefka, the innovative minds behind Huxly, a creative tech agency redefining how brands engage with their audiences. Elissa and Mia share their journey into the world of AI-powered chat experiences and how they’ve moved beyond traditional chatbots to create personalized, story-driven interactions that resonate.Listeners will discover:How Huxley uses interactive storytelling to forge meaningful connectionsWhy Instagram DMs are the next frontier for building customer relationships.The ethical considerations and mental health impacts of chat-driven interactions.How brands can embrace emerging technology to build trust If you’re curious about the future of marketing and how technology can create authentic, human-like conversations, this episode is a must-listen!
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo welcome Sarah Segal, founder of Segal Communications, for an engaging conversation about her transition from broadcast journalism to PR and what it takes to succeed in today’s evolving communications landscape. Sarah shares insights from her career, including the art of storytelling, the challenges of earned media, and how PR intersects with marketing in a rapidly changing world.Listeners will learn:The growing overlap between PR and marketing—and why it mattersTips for businesses to get the most out of PR and influencer marketingWhy adaptability and authenticity are the keys to lasting successWhether you’re a business leader looking to amplify your message or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of modern communications, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring stories.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with direct mail expert Wilson Zehr, CEO of Zairmail, to explore why traditional marketing tactics like direct mail are resurging in today’s digital-first world. Wilson shares his expertise, explaining how direct mail cuts through the digital noise and remains a highly effective tool for building memorable, personal connections with customers.Listeners will gain insight into:How direct mail stands out in a crowded digital landscapeTactics for crafting memorable mail that avoids the trash pileThe science of targeting the right audience with high precisionCombining direct mail with digital touchpoints for a powerful, multi-channel approachWhether you’re curious about reviving old-school marketing methods or finding new ways to connect with your audience, this episode contains strategies to make traditional methods work for modern business.Wilson Zehr is an accomplished entrepreneur, academic, and thought leader in the fields of marketing, innovation, and business strategy. With over 25 years of experience in the technology and telecommunications industries, he has founded or participated in 6 large-scale technology startups, raising over$60 million in venture capital funding in his career.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo dive into a crucial topic for business leaders and marketers: adaptability. The discussion explores how companies can evolve and adapt their strategies without abandoning the core brand values that have driven their success. They break down when to stay the course and when to embrace change, using examples from their own experience working with clients who struggle with both stagnation and impulsive decision-making.If you’re a business leader or marketer wondering how to navigate change in today’s fast-moving environment, this episode is packed with insights to help you adapt and thrive.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding Podcast, hosts Jaci and Michael Russo sit down with Dan Regard, CEO of iDiscovery Solutions (iDS), to explore the challenges of leading a global team in a hybrid work environment. Dan shares his insights on how IDS has leveraged technology to maintain reliable internal communication while building trust and culture across continents. The conversation delves into integrating branding with company culture, emphasizing how branding begins within the organization. Dan also discusses the role of AI in the legal and eDiscovery sectors, offering his take on the opportunities and risks presented by emerging technologies. With candid anecdotes and strategic advice, this episode provides valuable lessons for CEOs, marketing leaders, and anyone interested in how technology shapes modern business practices. Listeners will gain actionable insights into the importance of clear communication, internal branding, and the evolving role of AI in the professional world.
Dan Regard is an electronic discovery and computer science consultant with 20 years of experience consulting legal and corporate entities. A programmer and an attorney by training, Mr. Regard has conducted system investigations, created data collections, and managed discovery on over 1,000 matters. He is responsible for developing and implementing case and matter strategies that leverage technology in litigation and investigations. Mr. Regard has national and international experience advising on issues such as electronic discovery, computer forensics, structured data, and information management. He is a frequent speaker, teacher, and publisher in electronic discovery matters.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said, Razor Branding podcast, Jaci and Michael Russo discuss the critical components of strategic brand planning, focusing on their Razor Branding™ process. They explore the four essential elements: Focus (understanding your audience), Promise (why people should care), Connection (the messaging), and Harmony (where to reach your audience).
Jaci and Michael address the confusion between branding and marketing, highlighting the importance of creating an emotional connection with your audience. They emphasize that branding is about laying a long-term foundation for success, not just quick-fix marketing tactics. Authenticity is crucial, and businesses must be honest with themselves to build a strong and lasting brand.
The episode is packed with practical insights for building a brand that resonates, stands out in a crowded market, and fosters loyalty. Please tune in to hear their expert advice and relatable experiences.
In this episode of the “He Said, She Said” Razor Branding™ Podcast, hosts Jaci and Michael Russo welcome Chris Hutchinson from Trebuchet Group. Chris dives deep into the importance of leadership in building effective teams, sharing insights from his experience as an Air Force officer and a “recovering mechanical engineer.” Discover how great leadership can be learned and why every team member plays a crucial leadership role. If you’re looking to elevate your team’s performance and foster a thriving work environment, this episode is a must-listen!
Chris Hutchinson is the CEO of Trebuchet Group, a company he founded in 2002 to help organizations and executive leaders achieve remarkable results through building effective teams. With a background as an Air Force officer, Chris gained firsthand experience in how leadership impacts the success of teams and individuals. As a “recovering” mechanical engineer, he understands the importance of designing systems that serve the people using them, fostering success and collaboration. Chris is also the author of “Ripple: A Field Manual for Leadership that Works”, where he shares practical, field-tested strategies for improving leadership impact.
In this episode of the He Said, She Said Razor Branding™ Podcast, hosts Michael and Jaci Russo continue their conversation with Dr. Tricia Groff, focusing on advanced empathy and its application in marketing and leadership. Following their previous discussion, this episode delves into how understanding people can enhance marketing strategies, foster better relationships with clients, and lead to more effective business practices – including the concept of “advanced empathy,” which involves inferring what others are feeling without explicitly stating it.
Dr. Tricia Groff is a licensed psychologist who provides executive coaching and consulting for high achievers and their organizations. With a PhD from Ball State University and a counseling and business psychology background, she specializes in optimizing human factors to drive tangible business results. Passionate about challenging the status quo, Dr. Groff helps clients navigate complex organizational dynamics and improve leadership effectiveness. When not in business mode, she enjoys living well, finding happiness in small things, and driving fast.
In this episode of the “He Said, She Said” Razor Branding Podcast, Michael and Jaci Russo are joined by Brett Townsend, Senior Vice President of Strategy at Questor Strategy and Insights. The discussion dives into market research, consumer insights, and the importance of empathy in branding and marketing. Throughout the conversation, Brett shares anecdotes from his time at PepsiCo, illustrating the impact of empathy-driven market research on real consumer lives. He stresses the importance of narratives in consumer insights and how brands can harness these stories to better connect with their audiences. In addition, he also discusses his book, “Insights on the Brink,” co-written with Tim Hoskins, which aims to revitalize the market research and analytics industry.
Join Jaci and Michael Russo as they welcome David C. Barnett to the podcast. As an accomplished author, speaker, educator, and consultant, David brings a wealth of knowledge on buying and selling businesses, entrepreneurship through acquisition, and the current business landscape influenced by trends like the “silver tsunami” and internet “influencers.”
Tune in to learn why business is tough, why it’s important to be realistic about business opportunities, and how to navigate the ever-changing landscape of buying and running a business. Don’t miss David’s practical advice and candid insights that could help you make better business decisions.
_______
David Barnett graduated from the Williams School of Business and Economics at Bishop’s University in 1998 and from UNBSJ’s Electronic Commerce Management Program in 1999. Since the late ‘90s, Mr. Barnett has been building his profile as an expert in small and medium-sized enterprises.
In this episode of the Razor Branding Podcast, hosts Jaci and Michael Russo welcome Dr. Tricia Groff, a licensed psychologist specializing in executive coaching and consulting for high achievers. The conversation delves into the critical intersection of psychology and branding, exploring how understanding human behavior can enhance business strategies. Dr. Groff shares insights on the importance of emotional connections in branding, the challenges of breaking away from herd mentality, and the need for businesses to communicate their unique competitive edges. Don’t miss this engaging episode that promises to leave listeners with thought-provoking ideas and practical takeaways for their own branding journeys.
Dr. Tricia Groff is a licensed psychologist who provides executive coaching and consulting for high achievers and their organizations. With a PhD from Ball State University and a counseling and business psychology background, she specializes in optimizing human factors to drive tangible business results. Passionate about challenging the status quo, Dr. Groff helps clients navigate complex organizational dynamics and improve leadership effectiveness. When not in business mode, she enjoys living well, finding happiness in small things, and driving fast.
In this episode of the “He Said She Said Razor Branding” podcast, hosts Michael and Jaci Russo dive into the intricate connections between branding and relationships, using their daughter’s recent wedding as a backdrop. The discussion explores how marriage is a powerful metaphor for brand relationships, emphasizing the importance of commitment, trust, and understanding in personal and business contexts. The Russos also reflect on the legacy of Dutch Kepler, a key influence in their professional journey, and the evolving role of technology in branding and advertising. This episode offers valuable insights into the strategic and emotional aspects of building and maintaining strong brand connections.
Joining Jaci and Michael on this episode of the He Said She Said, Razor Branding Podcast is Jason Friedman, a theater nerd turned serial entrepreneur. Jason’s passion lies in coaching, supporting, and championing other entrepreneurs in growing and scaling their businesses. His involvement in national theater tours helped him realize that the same principles used in show business to command standing ovations could be applied to every business (on or offline), regardless of industry or location.
Currently, Jason is the CEO of CXFormula, working with fast-growing, entrepreneurial companies to help them grow and scale businesses that give them stability, purpose, and energy to work smarter and live better using his proprietary Kinetic Customer Formula. He is also CEO of Spotlight Brand Services, a marketing and brand management agency, helping e-commerce businesses crush it on Amazon and other online marketplaces. His clients have ranged from Fortune 100’s to solopreneurs in industries as diverse as retail (Foot Locker, Adidas, Nike), hospitality (W Hotels, Universal Studios, Disney, Burger King), financial services (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Fidelity), higher education (Stanford, Yale, Duke & Harvard Universities) and online services/information products such as ClickFunnels, Product Launch Formula, and ASK Method Company.
In this episode of the “He Said She Said Razor Branding” podcast, hosts Michael and Jaci Russo delve into the complexities of rebranding – clarifying that rebranding encompasses far more than just a new logo; it involves a comprehensive assessment of a company’s visual identity, messaging, and audience. They discuss the importance of maintaining consistency and emotional connection in branding, emphasizing the significance of thorough research, strategic planning, and selecting experienced partners to avoid common pitfalls in the rebranding process. They also their new eBook, “Rebranding Made Simple,” providing expert insights and actionable strategies to ensure your brand stays competitive, relevant, and razor sharp. Ideal for CEOs, marketing directors, and brand managers. Download your FREE copy of “Rebranding Made Simple.” here.
The He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast is hosted by Jaci and Michael Russo, covering topics like entrepreneurship, B2B marketing, messaging for your target audience, and of course, building your brand. Together, they provide branding insight, tips, and best practices from their combined 40+ years of experience. Special guests from various industries are welcomed to the podcast regularly to share their stories and how branding played a pivotal role in their success. Subscribe to the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast and learn more about brandRUSSO at brandrusso.com.
Greg Brooks joins Jaci and Michael on this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast to talk about the current and future state of SEO, and how businesses can thrive in an ever evolving digital marketing landscape. As Partner and CMO at SearchTides, a forward-thinking SEO agency, Greg provides his insight into how businesses can take advantage of technology, as well as tips on how to get the most out of AI.
Greg Brooks is a leader and prominent figure in the digital marketing landscape, serving as a partner at SearchTides, a forward-thinking SEO agency. His role is pivotal in shaping the future of effective SEO, leveraging Large-Language Models (LLMs), and navigating the AI-driven era of the internet. With an impressive track record, Greg has successfully collaborated with industry giants such as Home Depot, Zillow, Western Union, and FanDuel.
Joining Jaci and Michael on this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast is Rachel Hernandez, Director of Brand Strategy at Next Net Media. Known for her deep insights into brand strategy and SEO, Rachel discusses the evolution of digital marketing, emphasizing the impact of AI and the internet’s dynamic landscape. Tune in to gain expert knowledge on enhancing your brand’s digital footprint and leveraging AI for marketing growth and success.
Rachel Hernandez is the Director of Brand Strategy at Next Net Media. In this role, she spearheads the world’s largest global network of trusted media outlets, link partners, and global news websites, catapulting clients to online retailing success with high-authority backlinks and targeted organic visitors.
With a decade-long career in digital content creation and strategy, Rachel initiated Next Net Media’s content department in 2016, overseeing in-house teams and a vast network of 700+ freelancers, generating thousands of premium content pieces weekly. Recognized as a finalist for Woman in Content Marketing of the Year, Rachel is a sought-after guest on marketing podcasts and an esteemed speaker at international events, sharing her expertise in content marketing, brand strategy, and SEO.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jaci and Michael are joined by Brandon Leibowitz, the founder and operator of SEO Optimizers, to talk about the often discussed, but rarely understood topic of SEO, and the importance it plays in branding.
Brandon Leibowitz runs and operates SEO Optimizers, a digital marketing company that focuses on helping small and medium-sized businesses get more online traffic and transform that traffic into leads. Brandon’s journey in digital marketing began in 2007, right after he graduated from college with a degree in Business Marketing. With limited digital marketing knowledge, Brandon dedicated himself to learning and mastering this new type of marketing. Today, Brandon and SEO Optimizers work with a wide variety of clients, ranging from small local businesses to Fortune 100 companies. Learn more about Brandon and SEO Optimizers at: https://seooptimizers.com/about/brandon-leibowitz/
Greg McDaniel, a partner in McDaniel/Callahan Real Estate Team in Northern California, joins Jaci and Michael on this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast to talk about the importance of authenticity – both in branding and in life.
As a real estate agent known for his authenticity and unique perspective on life and business, Greg McDaniel shares his insights on the importance of being genuine and treating people well across all industries. Greg shares his journey, emphasizing hard work, genuine connections, and prioritizing others’ value over his own. In this episode, Jaci, Michael, and Greg explore the balance between professionalism and authenticity, the evolution of communication in the digital age, and the significance of understanding clients’ needs. Greg’s philosophy highlights the power of honesty, supportive relationships, and authenticity in building meaningful connections and achieving success.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jaci and Michael talk about their recent attendance at the 21 Hats Conference in Fort Worth, TX. They highlighted the pivotal role that the 21 Hats founder, Loren Feldman, has played in the continued growth of their business in addition to providing insights gained from their participation at the conference. One of the biggest takeaways was having the opportunity to interact with like-minded entrepreneurs and business leaders and the difficulty of stepping back and viewing your business from an outsider’s perspective. The importance of authenticity in branding was also discussed, emphasizing the significance of peer support and lifelong learning in the professional journey.
Founded by Loren Feldman, the mission of 21 Hats is to build a community of business owners who compare notes, share their wins and losses, and learn from each other. Before 21 Hats, Loren worked as a senior editor at Forbes, was small-business editor of The New York Times, and editor of the Web sites at both Inc. and FastCompany. In addition, Loren was a top editor and writer for Philadelphia, Manhattan, Inc., the American Lawyer, Money, and George. He has also written for GQ, The New York Times Magazine, and The New York Times Sunday Business section. To learn more about 21 Hats, and subscribe to their blog, podcast, and newsletter, visit: https://21hats.com. You can also find 21 Hats on the following platforms: TWITTER: @21-hats, LINKEDIN: @21-hats, FACEBOOK: @21hatsmedia
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we’re joined by Mark Donnigan, founder of Growth Stage Marketing, to discuss the shift from traditional marketing to virtual marketing, understanding your audience, and the importance of who’s on your marketing team.
Mark Donnigan, founder of Growth Stage Marketing, builds technology companies as a virtual chief marketing officer and business consultant. Starting his career as a seller and advancing to sales leadership while bridging to marketing and business strategy functions, Mark is a revenue-first marketer who has produced $500 million in revenue and enterprise value for the companies he’s worked with. Listen to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast as Mark shares his experiences with navigating the shift from traditional print to digital marketing over the years and how regardless of the medium, he always keeps his focus on the target audience.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we’re joined by Jeff Bartsch, visionary storyteller and founder of Story Greenlight, to discuss the power of storytelling in branding and how to reach your audience in the age of AI by creating authentic content with human connection.
Jeff Bartsch is a visionary storyteller and founder of Story Greenlight, a coaching company that helps accounting executives and advisors become better communicators. He sharpened his storytelling ability as a television editor for major media outlets like ABC, NBC, Universal, Disney, and Apple. On this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jeff shares the power storytelling has in branding and how to create authentic human connection in an age of increasingly artificial content.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we’re joined by Kyle Geers, CPA, CEO and co-founder of Zeroed-In Consulting, to discuss the importance of financial literacy for small business owners and how embracing new financial technology can help streamline personal accounting tasks, while at the same time, protect and improve your brand.
Kyle Geers is a licensed CPA based in Los Angeles, CA. With 10+ years of public accounting experience, Kyle has worked with financial statement audits of both public and private businesses in a wide range of industries and company sizes. In 2021, he co-founded Zeroed-In Consulting, an accounting advisory firm helping businesses with their accounting and finance issues using technology and future-focused solutions. Listen to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™Podcast as Kyle shares his previous experiences as a CPA and why he decided to dedicate his career to helping small businesses understand and take charge of their financial situations.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jaci and Michael reflect on the past year and what they believe we can expect in 2024 – providing their insight on emerging technology and trends as they relate to branding and businesses working in B2B spaces.
The He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast is hosted by Jaci and Michael Russo, covering topics like entrepreneurship, B2B marketing, messaging for your target audience, and of course, building your brand. Together, they provide branding insight, tips, and best practices from their combined 40+ years of experience. Special guests from various industries are welcomed to the podcast regularly to share their stories and how branding played a pivotal role in their success. Subscribe to the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast and learn more about brandRUSSO at brandrusso.com.
On this bonus episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we are joined by Rick Caballo, a designer, artist, creative director, and co-founder of the Nashville, Tennessee, and Australian-based Dead Horse Branding. On the podcast, Rick provides his insight on branding for musicians and personalities, in addition to the importance of building relationships for the long-term success of any brand.
Rick Caballo, self-proclaimed “renaissance man” and co-founder of Dead Horse Branding, is an accomplished singer-songwriter, artist, photographer, and designer whose creativity and adaptability have allowed him to create many concepts in the worlds of music, art, fashion, and design. Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast as Rick shares his experiences as a creative rarity in the performing and branding spaces and how maintaining relationships has remained the key to his successes.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we’re joined by Levi Lascsak, an author, real estate agent, video creator, and co-founder of Passive Prospecting, to discuss how mastering the art of creating quality content helps generate inbound leads for your brand.
Levi Lascsak is a real estate agent, video creator, author, and co-founder of Passive Prospecting. He is also an Iraq combat veteran and a frequent speaker and entrepreneurial expert who has led new companies to seven figures in less than two years. Listen to this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, as Levi shares the concept of “Passive Prospecting” and the value of creating quality content to generate leads for your business without chasing clients.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we’re joined by Serial Entrepreneur and Author Jeremy Delk to discuss embracing failure, learning from adversity, and gaining a deeper understanding of your brand through emotional and quantitative data.
Jeremy Delk is a self-made entrepreneur, author, investor, and speaker. Since 2001, his businesses have earned hundreds of millions in revenue and created hundreds of high-paying American jobs. Today, he uses his experience to advise fellow entrepreneurs on their journeys as a speaker and author. Listen to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast as Jeremy shares his experiences as an entrepreneur and discusses the importance of resilience, good communication, and adaptability in business.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we’re joined by Becky Lawlor, the Founder and Chief Research and Content Officer at Redpoint, to discuss the challenges of using data meaningfully and the importance of effective survey design when creating and implementing marketing strategies. Becky Lawlor is the Founder and Chief Research and Content Officer at Redpoint, a boutique original research and content marketing agency renowned for its work with major brands like Adobe, IBM, and Samsung. She has over a decade of experience in B2B tech content creation and a passion for data-driven storytelling and original research. Listen to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, as Becky shares this passion and provides helpful insight for collecting and sorting through data efficiently to develop effective marketing strategies.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we’re joined by Lori Haller, founder of Designing Response, to talk about the challenges of staying relevant, creative problem solving, and the importance of being adaptable to different audiences. Lori Haller is an extremely in-demand creative strategist, speaker, author, and coach whose agency has been creating award-winning, sales-generating direct mail, online promotions, space advertising, and design for over 20 years. Her clients have included such prestigious names as Hyatt Hotels, Kay Jewelers, Forbes, The Motley Fool, Oprah Winfrey’s O’s Big Book of Happiness, The Agora Companies, Procter & Gamble, TurboTax, and National Geographic. Lori is a member of AWAI’s Program Advisory Board, and the author of their Ultimate Guide to Building a Highly Profitable Graphic Design Business. Global design is one of her specialties, and in addition to the U.S. including Hawaii and Canada, she has worked with and coached clients in Singapore, Bonn, China, Germany, Italy, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, London, and Colombia. Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast as Lori shares her experiences as a creative strategist and how over the years, she has consistently followed her curiosity to yield the best results for her clients.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we’re joined by Shachar Meron, Partner and Creative Strategist at Bluegreen Branding, to discuss the importance of education, research, and collaboration - both creatively and strategically - for B2B branding to yield better results for your brand. Shachar Meron has 20 years of experience as a branding, advertising, and marketing executive and has worked on 100+ brands, including well-known brands like TransUnion, Boeing, McDonald's,Intuit, Johnson & Johnson, Nordstrom, Cars.com, Motorola, and Abbott Labs. He currently serves as a Partner and Creative Strategist at Bluegreen Branding, where he helps brand and marketing leaders, primarily from tech and finance companies, create brands that stand out from all the noise. In his early years, Shachar co-founded BatesMeron Design, an indie agency focused on branding and marketing, where he helped grow the business to 30 clients and $1M in billings. He also founded Redacted, which became Chicago's largest copywriter association in its first year. Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast as Shachar shares his experiences working in the B2B branding industry and how over the years, he’s learned to appreciate the importance of education, research, and collaboration for B2B branding and marketing.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we’re joined by Kurt Uhlir, a globally recognized marketer, operator, and speaker, to talk about how establishing systems and processes early on leads to building better businesses and better brands. Preview Caption: As a popular keynote speaker, podcast guest, and author, Kurt Uhlir wants to help people and create environments where people can flourish as themselves. Kurt has given hundreds of speeches across the United States and Europe, including presenting at prominent industry events such as PPAI, GDC, EXPCON, the White House, and private company/team workshops. He has also appeared on national television shows and periodicals including Wired, TechCrunch, Thrive Global, USA Today, Business 2 Community, WGN Radio, NBC, and ABC, along with many others. He recently finished a multi-year engagement as VP, Marketing & Operations for eXp Realty (an eXp World Holdings company) where he oversaw the growth of eXp Realty’s Integrated Platform of portals and agent tools. Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast as Kurt shares his experiences advising start-up and corporate companies alike with his personalized approach to business, management, and brand culture.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we are joined by Jonathan Sachs, Chief Revenue Officer at iDiscovery Solutions, and our very own Molly Daigle, President of Client Success at brandRUSSO, to celebrate International Podcast Day and to talk about their experiences hosting podcasts for their respective brands.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we are joined by Katrina McKinnon, an Australian content writing expert, to talk about the value of storytelling in marketing and how combining creativity and strategy creates strong, compelling, and lasting brands. (Sound familiar?) Katrina McKinnon founded one of Australia’s first web development agencies in 1996 and pioneered innovative practices now standard in eCommerce, including off-shoring and content marketing. She is the founder of CopySmiths.com, a charter member and one of the 50 founding members of eCommerce Fuel, and a well-known speaker in the eCommerce community. Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast as Katrina shares her expertise from years of experience in the web development and marketing industries and how she leveraged that to establish CopySmiths.com to help her clients increase their organic engagement and expand their overall online presence.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast,we are joined by Gil Allouche, founder of Metadata, to discuss the role of automation in marketing and how it can benefit both productivity and happiness. Michael, Jaci, and Gill also spent time talking about the idea of bringing a B2C mentality to a B2B world, and the potential for changing the rules of B2B marketing. Together, they emphasized the need for creativity and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Gil Allouche is the founder of Metadata –a marketing platform for B2B that sets lead generation on auto-pilot using data enrichment and multi-channel targeted ads. Prior to Metadata Gil was the VP Marketing at Qubole – a Big Data cloud company. Previously Gil ran marketing at Karmasphere (Acquired by FICO). Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcastas Gil shares his insights on how he helps his clients bring automation to their marketing efforts.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we are joined by David Deutsch, copywriter, marketing strategist, author, and copywriting coach, to discuss the changing landscape of advertising and how some traditional advertising methods can still be a secret weapon in modern B2B branding. David also shares some of his experience while working for the great David Ogilvy at Ogilvy & Mather on Madison Avenue.
David Deutsch is a world-renowned direct response copywriter, marketing strategist, author, and copywriting coach. David started at Ogilvy & Mather on Madison Avenue, working with clients such as Merrill Lynch, General Foods, and American Express. Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast as David shares his insights on the changing landscape of B2B branding and how sticking to the basics can still yield strong results.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we are joined by Dan Chamberlain, Senior Director of Marketing (Americas) at ENGIE Impact, to talk about B2B marketing, specifically how identifying your target industries with the right strategies and aligning your sales and marketing teams can take your efforts to the next level.
A highly engaging and successful leader, Dan has over 25 years of B2B marketing across multiple industries including professional services, technology, industrial supply, and telecommunications. He has developed and executed effective marketing programs for clients from venture-backed startups to Fortune 100 multinationals. Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast as Dan shares his insights on all things B2B marketing and his experiences as a marketing director for a global consulting firm.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we are joined by Sean Schnipper, Director of Marketing at Transervice, to talk about the challenges and strategies involved in managing a brand for a national logistics company, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, authenticity, and trust in building a successful brand.
Sean Schnipper is the Director of Marketing at Transervice, bringing with him nearly 20 years of experience in all aspects of marketing communications. In his current role, he handles the day-to-day marketing activities of the company and develops strategies for its social media platforms and industry engagement. Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, as Sean shares what it’s like being the marketing director for a national B2B company and his experiences - both positive and not so positive, that go along with it.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we’re joined by Nathan Yeung, Vice President of CMO Services at Find Your Audience Marketing Partner, to discuss his thoughts about the progression of AI tools, the need for alignment within organizations, and his experiences as a marketer in an ever-evolving industry.
Nathan Yeung is an experienced marketing strategist with over 10+ years of expertise in advising B2B businesses, helping numerous companies build their marketing teams from scratch, delivering successful go-to-market deployments, and launching new products into the market. Trained in marketing, he has also worked in finance and management consulting, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of business operations and strategy. Nathan's ability to think outside the box has helped his clients to stand out in their industries, and his expertise has been recognized by numerous organizations over the years. Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast as Nathan shares his insight on well, finding your audience.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we’re joined by Brian Will, a serial entrepreneur, industry-leading business and sales management consultant, and two-time Wall Street Journal best-selling author, to talk about the importance of accepting and efficiently adapting to change in the business and branding industries.
Brian Will is an industry expert in sales and management consulting, a two-time Wall Street Journal best-selling author, and a serial entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience. Today, Brian is a visionary business leader, owning restaurants in Atlanta, an insurance and technology company in Denver, and a real estate business in Georgia and Florida. His expertise in turnaround projects and driving billions in sales make him a sought-after consultant and speaker. Listen to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, as Brian shares his insights and experiences about the importance of accepting and adapting to whatever changes are thrown your way.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jaci and Michael are sans guest, so they decided to divulge into one of their many areas of expertise: building brands - specifically, how to build your brand from the inside out. From forging solid relationships and developing a strong culture to investing in your internal team, Jaci and Michael share the key components of creating a kick-ass brand, inside and out.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we are joined by Eric Quanstrom, Chief Marketing Officer at CIENCE, to talk about his work in B2B marketing and how leveraging AI tools has helped him stay ahead of the game.
Eric Quanstrom is the Chief Marketing Officer at CIENCE, a B2B lead generation service, where he focuses his expertise on growth, sales, and marketing strategies to develop programs with quantifiable objectives to measure results. During his time at CIENCE, Eric built the inbound and outbound programs that helped grow the company into a 4x winner of the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America. Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ as Eric shares about how he and his team have figured out how to work with – not against – AI tools to boost their productivity and results.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we are joined by Adam Warner, Director of Field Marketing at GoDaddy, to take a closer look at how artificial intelligence (AI) is affecting marketing and branding strategies (but not the way you might think).
Adam Warner is the Director of Field Marketing at GoDaddy. In his role, Adam raises brand awareness through events and community discussions. His expertise and experience allow him to speak to the ins and outs of field marketing, best practices for engaging various communities, and website building. Listen in on this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ as he shares his thoughts about the direction AI is taking marketing and branding efforts.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we are joined by Jodi Daniels, a privacy/security specialist and author, to discuss how to protect your brand and your brand’s reputation from privacy and security threats online.
Jodi is the founder & CEO of Red Clover Advisors, co-host of the She Said Privacy/He Said Security podcast, a national keynote speaker, and co-author of the Wall Street Journal Best Selling Book, Data Reimagined: Building Trust One Data Byte At A Time. Jodi understands the challenges of building and managing a business or brand. That’s why she’s dedicated her career to working with businesses to help them better understand and stay compliant with the ever-changing privacy regulations so they can get back to doing what they love. Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ as Jodi shares her expertise in security and privacy matters and explains how you can keep them from holding you back.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jaci and Michael are joined by, well, themselves. Due to a last-minute rescheduling, Jaci and Michael were left to their own devices, and they decided to share about how they’ve learned to adjust to change over the years – specifically, how they’ve managed work-life balance, transitioned into a hybrid work environment, and navigated continued growth.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we are joined by Jason Berkowitz, SEO extraordinaire, to learn about search engine optimization (SEO), how to properly use SEO, and how to “break the web” to make sure you’re at the top (where you deserve to be). Jason Berkowitz is the founder and SEO Director of Break the Web, a search marketing agency that specializes in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising. Jason has been sharing his expertise in SEO and digital marketing since 2009 through interviews, podcasts, lectures, and feature writing for a variety of industry sites. Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ as Jason shares with us why SEO is so important to your brand and how you can use SEO tactics to your advantage.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, we’re joined by Jonathan Pritchard, a mentalist turned consultant, to learn how applied psychology (aka mind reading) can help you create better systems within your company and change how you view branding and sales. Jonathan Pritchard is the founder of ZAVANT enterprises and the author of multiple books focused on the power of applied psychology. Prior to founding ZAVANT, Jonathan toured the world for 15 years as a Mentalist – a type of entertainer specializing in reading minds, predicting the future, instant hypnosis, and other impossible skills. Jonathan realized his talents could do more than just entertain, and that’s when he switched to consulting for some of the world’s largest companies where he shares his secrets with sales teams, delivery teams, and anyone else who needs to deliver results in high-stake environments. Listen in to this week’s episode He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast as Jonathan shares how to use applied psychology to achieve better results with your brand.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jaci and Melissa Bowen take over for a special “She Said, She Said” episode to talk about their newest endeavor: Brand State U’s Women’s Summit at Sea. Melissa Bowen is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Coach, and a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator. Her work revolves around the belief that lives, relationships, and leadership can be transformed by developing a stronger sense of self and living a more authentic, vulnerable, connected, and courageous life. Melissa has experience working with companies like GSK, KADN TV15, The United Way, Family Missions Company, brandRUSSO, and Chamber of Commerce organizations. Tune in to this week’s episode as Jaci and Melissa share how the Women’s Summit at Sea came to be and how their areas of expertise blend seamlessly together to create an unforgettable “education vacation.”
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast,we are joined by Dr. Jean Oursler to discuss all things Caveman Brain – from what it actually is, to how to keep your Caveman Brain from preventing growth in your business. Dr. Jean Oursler is a business psychologist, author, performance coach, speaker, organizational development consultant, and the creator of The Caveman Brain Business Growth System™. Dr. Jean’s mission “to leave you better than I found you” motivates her to help her clients understand what their Caveman Brain is, how to prevent it from holding them back, and instead use their Caveman Brain to propel them toward better results for their business. Listen in to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast,as Dr. Jean teaches us about what your Caveman Brain is, how to get better results, and how to focus on that one “thing” that is holding you back from successful business growth.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast,we are joined by Mila Grigg, the founder and CEO of MODA, one of the most reputable branding agencies in the country, to discuss the importance of personal branding and how building a strong personal brand can change the way you do business. With over 20 years of experience, Mila is an expert in building personal brands, growing leadership equity, and creating marketing and social media strategies. She has worked with a wide range of organizations – from Fortune 100s executives to first-time entrepreneurs – and helped them all create, communicate, and profit from their brands. Listen to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast,as Mila shares her experiences helping people develop their own personal brands and the lessons she has learned over the years.
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast,we are joined by Tony Rubleski to discuss “Discovering the Missing Elements in Your Brand” – and why things like employee retention and professional development are vital to creating and maintaining your brand. Tony Rubleski is a bestselling author, business consultant, keynote speaker, and the president of the Mind Capture Group. Tony has over 25 years of experience in the personal development industry and has been featured in Toastmasters International Magazine, The Detroit Free Press, the FOX TV network, ABC, NBC, CNN Radio, NPR, and Entrepreneur Magazine Radio. Listen to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast,as Tony shares powerful messages about all of the things that really go into creating a brand that most people overlook.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Tony’s new book “It’s a Cop-Out.”
On this week’s episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast we are joined by Steven Bugg to discuss “Building a Brand from the Inside Out” and how to use progressive marketing and advertising to connect in the ever-changing world. Steven Bugg is the President and CEO of Great Lakes Credit Union who believes that his role as “chief enthusiasm officer” is a job where one must utilize tools and resources to create clear messaging. Throughout his career, Bugg has taken on executive leadership positions, marketing/strategic planning, P&L management, public relations, and retail operations. Listen to this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, as Jaci and Michael converse with this seasoned executive leader on branding success.
Chris Bond joins He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast to talk about the importance of hiring and keeping the right people to not only build a strong company, but also a stronger brand.
Chris Bond, CEO and Founder of Bluewater, is equipped with 30+ years of experience in Learning and Talent Management, sharing his knowledge through articles, speaking, and consulting. He strongly believes that companies should focus on relationships, impact, and flexibility to improve processes, reduce expenses, and drive bottom-line revenues. Join this episode of He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast to “grow a business for the future,” as Bond would say.
Leslie Gibbs joins the He Said She Said: Razor Branding*™ Podcast to talk about her experience in developing brand strategies and the importance of having a strategy for every brand.Leslie Gibbs is a career marketer with a passion for helping brands discover and implement strategic plans. Her time as a Chief Strategy Manager, with companies like Modern Vascular, has provided her with a unique insight into the best practices, what to look out for, and what to avoid. She specializes in brand strategy, marketing infrastructure, strategic alliances, and direct-to-consumer customer acquisition. With discipline and strategy as her top priority, Gibbs is ready to share her insights on this episode of He Said She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast*.
Nick Gray joins the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast to talk about building relationships, and how relationships play such a big role in not only branding, but in life.
Nick Gray is an entrepreneur and author living in Austin, Texas. He started and sold two successful companies: Flight Display Systems and Museum Hack. Nick is the author of The 2- Hour Cocktail Party, a step-by-step handbook that teaches you how to build big relationships by hosting small gatherings. Over 75,000 people have watched his TEDx talk about why he hates most museums. He’s been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and New York Magazine called him a host of “culturally significant parties.”
Kevin Maney joins the He Said She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast to discuss Category Design, and how he helps companies dominate new market categories.
Kevin is a journalist who has been covering tech and society for 30 years, and is the author of Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate Markets. Kevin is a partner at Category Design Advisors where he and his team guide leadership teams to help them define, develop, and ultimately dominate new categories of business.
On this episode of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast, Jaci and Michael welcome Dave Snyder to talk about Content Marketing, and how to best use it and manage it in today’s ever-changing digital world.
It’s a problem all businesses face as they try and keep up with demand, while also protecting the integrity of their brand. Dave provides great insight on this topic, in an entertaining and enlightening conversation.
Dave Snyder is the CEO of CopyPress. His background in SEO, social media, and content marketing led Dave to look for a better way to scale and create content. That search led to the formation of CopyPress. Today, CopyPress is one the most trusted content providers online working with brands like Stitchfix, Fanatics, and LinkedIn. With help from CopyPress, his clients are able to increase their organic web traffic, improve their search engine rankings, and build their brand awareness.
Join Jaci and Michael Russo on this addition of the He Said, She Said: Razor Branding™ Podcast as they discuss, "What is a Brand?"
At first glance, it sounds like a silly question. After all, the term branding has become part of our everyday vernacular. But with so many interpretations and uses, it’s important to bring some clarity to what it means for practical usage.
In this episode, Jaci and Michael Russo share what they’ve learned over their combined decades of experience working in branding and with each other - providing their insight and best practices on not only how to define what brand is, but how to use branding to improve your business.
In our “5 R’s of Branding," the first principle is probably the most important – REALIZE; The consumer owns the brand, and the only way to help influence perceptions and encourage loyalty and trust, comes from the relationships you build over time.
Rob Kessler, the inventor and co-founder of Million Dollar Collar, knows a few things about relationship building and joins us on the He Said, She Said, Razor Branding™ Podcast.
Before Million Dollar Collar, Rob built a screen printing and embroidery business from a spare bedroom in his house to over $1,000,000 in revenue before selling the company. Rob's sales experience in several high-dollar industries including Diamonds, Real Estate, and Automotive Sales, provided a unique blend of backgrounds to transition him into the fashion world. His ability to look at the world through a different set of lenses than most people led to his success in every sales job and with both of his businesses.
At RUSSO, we talk a lot about consumer behavior and the importance of consumer insight to develop messaging that not only resonates but also inspires.
Today, we welcome Professor Aaron Ahuvia, Ph.D., the world’s leading expert on brand love, i.e. how love works when we love a brand, product, or anything else that isn’t a person. In his new book, The Things We Love: How Our Passions Connect Us and Make Us Who We Are (published by Little, Brown), Professor Ahuvia takes a deep dive into our mysterious, tangled relationships with loved objects and activities, including loved brands and products. He is also a leading expert on the psychology of happiness, focusing on how money, shopping, and spending influence our wellbeing. Also, he has co-authored a United Nations report on happiness and public policy.
A lot of people are talking about storytelling these days, but what does that mean exactly, and how do you go about telling yours?
Joining us on the He Said, She Said Razor Branding podcast to discuss this is Lindsay Pinchuk, an award-winning entrepreneur, consultant, community builder, connector, storyteller, expert marketer, social media maven, spokesperson, on-air expert, small business champion, and Mom.
Lindsay’s lent her expertise to 200+ television segments, given interviews on 40+ podcasts, and has been featured or contributed to stories in Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Parents.com, Babycenter.com, “The Doctors,” “Access Live,” The Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago Business, Chicago Magazine and many more as both a parenting/lifestyle expert AND as an entrepreneur/small business expert.
Today, Lindsay works with individuals, brands, and companies, both large and small, to tell their brand’s story, grow the communities who support them, and ignite their success both on and offline. She offers both coaching and consulting services including business growth, branding, community growth, marketing, content, and social media strategy.
You can also find Lindsay behind the mic interviewing some of the most incredible entrepreneurs she knows during her weekly podcast, Dear FoundHer.
Joining us on the He Said, She Said Razor Branding™ Podcast today to discuss Entrepreneurial Branding is Travis Rosbach. Capt. Rosbach has spent the last three decades enhancing his entrepreneurial skills. Throughout the years, Mr. Rosbach has been proud to invent and found Hydro Flask®, work as a business broker, fly as an Airline Pilot, is an active Professional Speaker, and start The Tumalo Group, providing sourcing, advising, and consulting. His clients include various industries, celebrities, individuals, and even countries. He not only shares his tradecraft with others but also practices it in the many startups in which he is currently involved. Besides Entrepreneurship, Mr. Rosbach's Experience Includes: - SCUBA Dive Master/Instructor (PADI 158190) - US Merchant Marine Boat Captain (50 Tons) - Commercial Airline Pilot (ATP) - Oregon Contractors License - Hawai'ian REALTORS License - Yoga Instructor (500 Hour Hatha and Kundalini (NOT 3HO) - Reiki Master - Member of The Explorers Club - Fellow at the Royal Geographical Society.
B2B branding can be a challenge for most, particularly when you are more familiar with a B2C approach that, on the surface, provides more opportunities for emotional connections.
Truth is, B2B branding provides the same opportunities; you just have to know where to look.
Rob Kirkpatrick, Head of Brand and Communications for Airspace, joins us to discuss his experience with B2B branding and how to connect with businesses on an emotional level. While Rob's current role is guiding marketing efforts for an international tech company, he is no stranger to storytelling. His professional background includes time at CNN, Fox Television, and Townsquare Media. He is the ultimate critical consumer of media and has seen the very best and, unfortunately, the very worst in marketing and advertising. Rob is based in Lafayette, Louisiana, but works directly with teams in Carlsbad, California, and Amsterdam, The Netherlands. He's married and living the #dadlife with two young daughters.
Choosing the right agency is one of the first, and often most important steps in building a strong brand.
Joining us to discuss his insight and experience is Jonathan Sachs of iDiscovery Solutions (iDS) – an international eDiscovery firm specializing in solving complex data problems. With over 15 years of consultative sales experience in the areas of eDiscovery, managed review, forensics, cyber, and expert consulting, Jonathan is responsible for all aspects of the iDiscovery Solution’s sales and revenue strategy, brand awareness and competitive positioning, and service promotion marketing programs. As iDS’s brand manager, Jonathan worked directly with the IDS leadership team to find the right agency for their unique needs.
Focus, or The Who of your brand, is the first of four primary elements RUSSO uses in the RazorBranding™️ process to change the conversation and better position clients within their marketplace.
Focus helps define who you are and who your audience is through the use of consumer insight, demographics, psychographics, and personality profiles. Helping to provide some insight on how research plays a large part in finding your audience, is the Associate Director of Marketing for AAAASF, Jen Swanson, MNA CAE. For the last 15 years, Jen has worked to advance the mission of healthcare associations. In her current position, she combines her years of customer service experience with data-based insights and marketing best practices to increase the awareness of AAAASF accreditation while working to enhance and advance internal processes. She enjoys spending time with her husband and her house full of pets, visiting as many zoos as possible, and running an animal education and conservation nonprofit with her husband.
Joining us on the Razor Branding™ is Maureen Dugas Foster, who has developed a superpower she calls manifesting abundance.
Joining the Razor Branding™ Podcast is Leigha T. Porter, founder and artistic director of F.I.R.E. Expressions Performing Arts Conservatory.
Joining us on Razor Branding™ Podcast LIVE is Michael Frugé, owner and operator of Parish Rice.
Join us as we visit with Michael Murdoch and Robbie Dale, founders of The House and Story Cube.
Joining us on Razor Branding LIVE are Stephen Ortego with SO Studio and Peter DeHart with Make Made to discuss Downtown Lafayette's new wayfinding system.
Joining us on Razor Branding LIVE are Stephen Ortego with SO Studio and Peter DeHart with Make Made to discuss Downtown Lafayette’s new wayfinding system.
Joining us are Stephanie Hilton and Bayleigh Frickey, creators of the new dating app called The Meetery.
Joining us are Stephanie Hilton and Bayleigh Frickey, creators of the new dating app called The Meetery.
Internet sensation, Greg Salazar, joins us on the Razor Branding™ Podcast to discuss how his YouTube channel turned into his full-time career as a content creator. Tune in as he shares how he made his big dreams came true with hard work and perseverance.
Internet sensation, Greg Salazar, joins us on the Razor Branding™ Podcast to discuss how his YouTube channel turned into his full-time career as a content creator. Tune in as he shares how he made his big dreams came true with hard work and perseverance.
Park Howell is known as The World’s Most Industrious Storyteller helping leaders of purpose-driven brands grow by as much as 600 percent. His 35 years in brand creation includes 20 years running his own ad agency Park&Co. Park consults, teaches, coaches and speaks internationally. He has guided hundreds of brands and grown thousands of leaders and their people in such organizations as Dell, Hilton, Cummins, American Express, Walgreens, Banner Health and the United States Air Force.
Joining us is Rob Wise – CEO and co-owner of ITinspired. In eight years, ITinspired has been honored with the Inc 5000, Inc.’s Best Places to Work, Louisiana Growth Leader, and LSU’s Top 100 Tiger Led Businesses awards.