What happens when you mix a pro triathlete, rock musician, and rebel brand builder who’s survived seven car accidents—but keeps coming back stronger?
In this episode of the (un)conversations® podcast, Dr. Alison Schmidt sits down with Michael Marckx, Chief Branding Officer at Digital Union Marketing, endurance athlete, musician, and visionary brand strategist. They explore how the “(UN)word Effect” fuels authentic leadership, creative risk-taking, and lifelong growth.
Michael shares his remarkable journey—from creating the world-famous Belgian Waffle Ride to leading global brand transformations at Spy Optic, Adidas, and Ocean Pacific. He unpacks what it means to be (un)usual, (un)reasonable, and (un)finished, and how these mindsets drive innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial success.
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🔥 In This Episode:
🚴 The origin of the Belgian Waffle Ride—one of cycling’s most unconventional events.
💡 How being (un)usual builds real confidence and authentic connection.
👓 Why taking (un)reasonable risks sparks breakthrough ideas like Spy Optic’s Happy Lens.
🗝️ How staying (un)finished keeps leaders and brands evolving.
📘 Secrets behind the Brand Bible Method and iconic brand turnarounds.
🛹 The guerrilla campaign at the Sydney Opera House that reshaped the skateboard culture.
🧘 How flow, belief systems, and a metaphysical mindset fuel creativity and leadership.
Michael also opens up about resilience and recovery—from surviving seven car accidents to rebuilding his purpose through mentorship, creativity, and authenticity.
💬 A must-listen for marketers, entrepreneurs, creative leaders, and change-makers ready to embrace the power of being unusual, unreasonable, and unfinished.
Defy the usual: subscribe, review, and rate—your voice fuels the (un)conversation.
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Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Disruption and Innovation
02:50 The (UN)word Effect: Embracing Unusual Paths
06:11 The Power of Being Unusual
09:04 Unreasonable Leadership: Challenging the Norms
11:56 The Journey of Being Unfinished1
14:46 Unconventional Excellence in Athletics and Business
18:04 The Impact of Unreasonableness in Business
20:59 The Psychic's Prophecy: A Shift in Career
23:53 Guerrilla Marketing: Thinking Outside the Box
37:09 Choosing Optimism in Adversity
38:36 Unconventional Paths to Success
42:06 The Importance of Branding
45:28 Uncompromising Brand Integrity
49:18 The Role of Personal Branding
52:14 Thinking Big: The Sydney Opera House Story
01:01:03 Finding Flow in Life and Work0
01:05:36 Ask Dr. Alison
01:13:52 The (UN)wrap up & Podcast Outro
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Founder and host of (un)conversations®, Alison L. Schmidt, Ph.D., empowers leaders and organizations to unlearn what no longer serves them—and lead with authenticity, courage, and purpose.Website: https://www.unconventionllc.com/
Michael Marckx is the Chief Branding Officer of Digital Union Marketing. Michael specialize in resuscitating, transforming, and strategically guiding brands—whether they need a full reset, a repositioning, or the right roadmap for long-term success.
Website: https://www.digitalunionmarketing.com/introduction
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Thanks for watching S1.E21!
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