Shows
Attention ShiftSpeak Memorably: Bill McGowan on Breaking Out of the Conformity Zone and Transforming Workplace CommunicationHow do you stand out in a world where every meeting, memo, and message sounds exactly the same? In this episode, we talked to Bill McGowan, veteran media trainer and author of Speak Memorably, about how professionals at every level can communicate with more clarity, distinction, and impact—especially in the workplace.Bill broke down why business communication has become so numbing and forgettable, and how to escape what he calls the “conformity zone.” We explored the psychology behind memorable messages, how to actually be authentic without winging it, and why the agenda slide might be killin...2025-07-1753 min
Attention ShiftThe Indie Media Playbook: Eric Newcomer on Trust, Transparency, and the Business of Being FeistyWhat happens when a journalist ditches the newsroom and builds one of Substack’s most influential publications from scratch? In this episode, we talked to Eric Newcomer—former Bloomberg reporter and founder of Newcomer—about going independent, building trust in the chaos of modern media, and what it means to be both the reporter and the brand.Eric opened up about his transition from legacy media to solo operator, how the pandemic shaped the new media wave, and why insider-first reporting resonates so deeply in Silicon Valley. We dug into the power of showing your work, why being...2025-07-0356 min
Attention ShiftCrisis Comms, Brand Moves, and Coaching Little League with Josh EarnestIs there really a difference between political communication and corporate communication? We found out in our conversation with Josh Earnest, former White House Press Secretary and now VP of Communications and Advertising at United Airlines. Josh told us what it’s like to steer a major brand’s reputation in both political and corporate arenas. He took us behind the scenes of United’s bold decisions during the pandemic, from placing massive aircraft orders while the world stood still to quickly creating campaigns that blended PR, social media, and advertising into one powerful storytelling machine. His take? If you’re not p...2025-06-1945 min
Attention ShiftInside the Executive Mind: Shannon Brayton on Trust, Strategy, and Board-Level CommsWhat do you do when your CEO doesn’t “get” marketing—or worse, thinks they already do? In this episode, we talked to Shannon Brayton, former CMO at LinkedIn and senior comms leader at Bessemer Venture Partners, about the high-wire act of educating power players on the value of marketing and communications. Shannon shared how she’s earned the trust of executives like Jeff Weiner by learning their communication styles, staying radically transparent, and explaining in detail the strategic impact of comms. For those of us who’ve had to decode a leader’s style while pushing forward a vision, her in...2025-06-0551 min
Attention ShiftThe Good, The Bad, and The Unknown of AI with Kevin RooseWhat happens when a generation grows up with AI as a daily companion—and the rest of us are still catching up? In this episode, we sit down with New York Times journalist and podcaster Kevin Roose to unpack how artificial intelligence is already transforming the way we work, learn, and connect. From teens using AI to write essays or talk through their emotions, to companies quietly integrating it into operations while navigating public backlash, the changes are happening fast—and not always out in the open. We explore with Kevin why media outlets remain skept...2025-05-2244 min
Attention ShiftGoing Viral, Building Brands, and Betting on Founders with Ashley MayerWhat does it take to make the bold switch from a successful career in comms to venture investing? We sit down with Ashley Mayer to find out why and how she made her career transition. We talk about those early Twitter days—when social media was still uncharted territory—and how Ashley helped her then-CEO build a voice online while simultaneously growing her own presence. She even revisits that unforgettable “AirPod subway rescue” moment, a reminder of how randomness and relatability can shape what resonates online. We dig into the art of storytelling in both media and...2025-05-2252 min
Attention ShiftFrom the White House to the Classroom: Cody Keenan on Storytelling and SpeechwritingWhat does it take to write words that move a nation—and still feel deeply personal? We sit down with Cody Keenan, former chief speechwriter for President Barack Obama, to pull back the curtain on the craft of writing speeches that don’t just inform, but inspire. From Obama’s electrifying 2004 DNC address to poignant eulogies and everyday policy remarks, we explore how structure, storytelling, and emotional clarity come together to leave a lasting mark. Cody walks us through his process, emphasizing why every great speech needs a clear beginning, middle, and end—and how tapping i...2025-05-2247 min
Attention ShiftTrailer: Attention ShiftHosts Allison Braley and Sean Garrett welcome you to Attention Shift, the podcast about communications and connection, where they discuss what gets our attention and why. With industry expert interviews, in-depth explorations of how we communicate and grab focus, and investigation into what we really care about, Attention Shift keeps us on track in the shifting sands of attention. —Contact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett: MixingBoard.coLinkedIn: Allison BraleyLinkedIn: Sean GarrettLinkedin: Mixing Board—TranscriptAllison Braley: [00:00:00] Every story...2025-03-1900 min
Supra Insider#22: What founders get wrong about marketing with Allison BraleyWelcome to another episode of Supra Insider. This time, Marc and Ben sat down with Allison Braley, partner and head of marketing at Bain Capital Ventures. This episode delves into common marketing and communications mistakes made by founders, the importance of an authentic online presence, and how to build effective partnerships between product leaders and marketers. We also touched on Allison’s transition from an operational marketing leader role to supporting founders as a VC and why this new role plays to her strengths. This episode is essential for founders looking to enhance their marketing strategies and get more le...2024-08-1239 min
The Justin Brady ShowWhat should founders prioritize in their marcom efforts? Allison Braley, partner at Bain Capital Ventures answers.As the state of the economy looks shakier by the day, Allison Braley head of marketing at Bain Capital Ventures gives founders critical advice on where to spend their marketing dollars. She explains the value earned media, and how to balance spend on brand and product. It's a whole new world and although there's plenty of cash for early stage founders, late stage founders are feeling the crunch as VCs prioritize earlier profitabaility and low burn. Braley explaind the new marcom flywheel and where to focus as a founder. See the full show notes at h...2023-05-0331 min
The Rising ExecutiveThe Rising Executive Ep. 14 – Transitioning from Startups to Venture Capital I Allison Braley (Partner and Head of Marketing, Bain Capital Ventures)Allison Braley is Partner and Head of Marketing at Bain Capital Ventures. Prior to BCV, she was an Operating Partner at Playground Global. In this episode, Allison shares details about her experience transitioning from startups to venture capital. She also shares how she developed her leadership and management skills and her advice to startup leaders to improve their storytelling and improvisation abilities. This episode is presented by Execore, the premier network for emerging startup executives. 2023-02-1430 min
Tamsen and Dan Read the PaperEpisode 287: Winding DownHiding from the heat at A Little Night Music from Sondheim (Barrington Stage, Pittsfield, MA) and at the movies (Hallelujah - Leonard Cohen Documentary). Crossing the Hudson on foot. Water Polo in his 80's (Mark Braley). Lori King swims from Block Island to Montauk (the long way). George Martin and what he learned from Mary Tyler Moore. Jerry Allison and Buddy Holly.
Credits:
Talent: Tamsen Granger and Dan Abuhoff
Engineer: Ellie Suttmeier
Art: Zeke Abuhoff
2022-08-3134 min