Shows
Opinion Party | The Marketing PodcastThe Myth of the Global Brand w/Peter EverettIn this episode of Opinion Party, hosts Laura Jones and Jason Gaikowski explore the myth of global brands, discussing how brands can appear differently across markets and the challenges of maintaining a consistent brand promise. They are joined by Peter Everett, who shares his extensive experience in building brands globally, emphasizing the importance of local insights and cultural nuances. The conversation covers the definition of a global brand, strategies for entering new markets, and the balance between global consistency and local adaptation. Additionally, they touch on the role of social responsibility and sustainability in branding.Takeaways...
2025-07-1645 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastOpinion Party: Season 1 GuestsOpinion Party, the marketing podcast, examines the most pervasive myths in modern marketing through the cold, cruel lens of data. Season 1 features hosts Laura Jones (CEO, BAV Group) and Jason Gaikowski (Chief Transformation Officer, VML) as they welcome guests from across the branding and marketing spectrum. Don't miss any of our season 1 Guests: John Sabine - Merriam-Webster Social Media Guru Jason Falls - Winfluence Tina Cartwright - Rebranding Motherhood Fumi Abe - Comedian/Ex BAV-er Kimberly Whitler - UVA Darden School of Business Peter Everett - Global CMO General MillsSamuel Monnie - Purpose Hive
2025-06-2400 min
Breakthrough InnovationThe Courage to Lead: Rethinking Vulnerability in Innovation with Jason GaikowskiIn this episode of Breakthrough Innovation, we’re joined by Jason Gaikowski, Chief Transformation Officer at VML, endurance athlete, and neurodivergent leader. Jason challenges the popular narrative of vulnerability as the ultimate leadership trait, arguing that true innovation and growth come from courage, not vulnerability.Key Lessons Covered in This Episode: From Vulnerability to Courage: Jason dives into why courage, not vulnerability, is the core trait leaders need to inspire innovation and lead with confidence.The Power of Purposeful Vulnerability: While vulnerability has its place, Jason explains how leaders ca...
2025-06-1916 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastThe Brand Purpose Pivot w/Samuel MonnieIn this episode of Opinion Party, hosts Laura Jones and Jason Gaikowski explore the concept of brand purpose and its significance in modern marketing. They discuss the evolution of purpose-driven businesses, the challenges faced by legacy brands, and the importance of measuring purpose effectively. Guest Samuel Monnie shares insights on how to implement purpose in organizations and the economic benefits of empathy in business. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balance between purpose and profitability, encouraging marketers to embrace a more human-centered approach.TakeawaysPurpose-driven brands can outperform their peers over time.The definition of...
2025-06-1758 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastPreview: The Brand Purpose Pivot w/Samuel MonnieIn this 3 minute version episode 8 of Opinion Party, hosts Laura Jones and Jason Gaikowski explore the concept of brand purpose and its significance in modern marketing. They discuss the evolution of purpose-driven businesses, the challenges faced by legacy brands, and the importance of measuring purpose effectively. Guest Samuel Monnie shares insights on how to implement purpose in organizations and the economic benefits of empathy in business. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balance between purpose and profitability, encouraging marketers to embrace a more human-centered approach.
2025-06-0902 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastShould Brands Take a Stand? w/Kimberly A. WhitlerIn this episode of Opinion Party, hosts Laura Jones and Jason Gaikowski engage in a deep discussion about whether brands should take a stand on social issues. They explore the data behind brand loyalty, the complexities of consumer reactions to activism, and the role of CEOs in navigating these challenges. Professor Kimberly Whitler joins the conversation, sharing her insights on the impact of marketing on corporate governance and the importance of authenticity in brand activism. The episode concludes with best practices for marketers and the significance of understanding consumer perspectives.Key TakeawaysBrands face significant fragmentation...
2025-06-0356 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastPreview: Should Brands Take a Stand? w/Kimberly A. WhitlerIn Season 1, Episode 6, of Opinion Party, hosts Laura Jones and Jason Gaikowski engage in a deep discussion about whether brands should take a stand on social issues. They explore the data behind brand loyalty, the complexities of consumer reactions to activism, and the role of CEOs in navigating these challenges. Professor Kimberly Whitler joins the conversation, sharing her insights on the impact of marketing on corporate governance and the importance of authenticity in brand activism. The episode concludes with best practices for marketers and the significance of understanding consumer perspectives.Find us at https://www.theopinionparty...
2025-05-2802 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastLaughs or Liability w/Fumi AbeIt's S1 E5 of Opinion Party! Hosts Laura Jones and Jason Gaikowski explore the intersection of brand humor and marketing with comedian @thefumiabe . They discuss the evolving role of humor in advertising, the importance of authenticity, and the creative processes behind comedy. The conversation delves into the effectiveness of comedic characters in advertising, the challenges of cultural identity in humor, and the implications of AI in the creative industry. The episode wraps up with insights on how brands can effectively use humor to connect with audiences while maintaining their identity.Find us at https://www.theopinionparty.co...
2025-05-2153 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastPreview: Laughs or Liability with Fumi AbeA three minute version of S1 E5 of where Opinion Party, where hosts Laura Jones and Jason Gaikowski explore the intersection of brand humor and marketing with comedian Fumi Abe . They discuss the evolving role of humor in advertising, the importance of authenticity, and the creative processes behind comedy. The conversation delves into the effectiveness of comedic characters in advertising, the challenges of cultural identity in humor, and the implications of AI in the creative industry. The episode wraps up with insights on how brands can effectively use humor to connect with audiences while maintaining their identity.⭐️ Full...
2025-05-1302 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastThe Authenticity Trap w/Tina CartwrightIn this episode of Opinion Party, hosts Laura Jones and Jason Gaikowski delve into the concept of authenticity in branding, particularly in the context of motherhood. They discuss the challenges and realities of motherhood, the disconnect between societal expectations and actual experiences, and the importance of creating authentic imagery in marketing. Guest Tina Cartwright shares her journey of rebranding motherhood and the need for community support, education, and resources for mothers. The conversation highlights the potential for brands to shift their approach to authenticity, moving from aspirational marketing to genuine support for mothers.Opinion Party is...
2025-05-0658 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastPreview: The Authenticity TrapIn this episode of Opinion Party, hosts Laura Jones and Jason Gaikowski delve into the concept of authenticity in branding, particularly in the context of motherhood. They discuss the challenges and realities of motherhood, the disconnect between societal expectations and actual experiences, and the importance of creating authentic imagery in marketing. Guest Tina Cartwright shares her journey of rebranding motherhood and the need for community support, education, and resources for mothers. The conversation highlights the potential for brands to shift their approach to authenticity, moving from aspirational marketing to genuine support for mothers.⭐️ Full episode drops 5/05/2025, wherever you...
2025-04-2902 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastThe Downside of Fame w/Jason FallsIn this episode of Opinion Party, hosts Laura Jones and Jason Gaikowski explore the complexities of fame in marketing, discussing the pitfalls of pursuing fame for its own sake versus focusing on genuine influence. They introduce Jason Falls, who shares insights from his book 'Winfluence' and emphasizes the importance of strategic influence over mere celebrity endorsements. The conversation delves into the impact of influencer culture on youth, the necessity of building trust with customers, and the future of marketing in an oversaturated digital landscape.Key TakeawaysFame does not guarantee brand strength or relevance.Brands should...
2025-04-2254 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastPreview: The Downside of Fame w/Jason FallsA preview of Season 1, Episode 3 of Opinion Party, where hosts Creators & Guests
Laura Jones - Host
Jason Gaikowski - Host
Jason Falls - Guest
explore the complexities of fame in marketing, discussing the pitfalls of pursuing fame for its own sake versus focusing on genuine influence. They introduce Jason Falls, who shares insights from his book 'Winfluence' and emphasizes the importance of strategic influence over mere celebrity endorsements. The conversation delves into the impact of influencer culture on youth, the necessity of building trust with customers, and the future of marketing in an oversaturated digital landscape....
2025-04-1502 min
Human CenteredQuestions Are the Future: Redefining Creativity in an AI WorldOn this episode of Human Centered, host Nick Brunker welcomes Jason Gaikowski, VML's Chief Transformation Officer, to explore how AI is transforming creativity in marketing. Jason describes our industry's "engagement addiction" as creating "junk food for the soul" and argues we're experiencing an "event horizon" - a profound shift comparable to the industrial revolution. They discuss how AI might democratize creativity beyond creative departments, why questions will become more valuable than answers in an AI world, and the imperative to ensure machines work for us rather than the reverse. This conversation challenges us to reimagine our relationship with technology...
2025-04-1039 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastTrust Me, I'm a Marketer w/John SabineIn this conversation, Laura Jones, Jason Gaikowski, and John Sabine discuss the critical role of trust in branding, particularly focusing on Merriam-Webster's unique position as a trusted brand in a low-trust environment. They explore the historical significance of Merriam-Webster, the importance of authenticity and engagement in building trust, and the challenges brands face in maintaining trust in the digital age. The discussion also touches on the evolution of language, the significance of spelling bees, and the future of brand trust in a rapidly changing landscape.Click here to watch a video of this episode.
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2025-04-0852 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastPreview: Trust Me, I'm a Marketer w/John SabineA sneak peek into episode 2 with Laura Jones, Jason Gaikowski, and John Sabine of Merriam-Webster where discuss the critical role of trust in branding, particularly focusing on Merriam-Webster's unique position as a trusted brand in a low-trust environment. Full episode available on 4/8/2025.They explore the historical significance of Merriam-Webster, the importance of authenticity and engagement in building trust, and the challenges brands face in maintaining trust in the digital age. The discussion also touches on the evolution of language, the significance of spelling bees, and the future of brand trust in a rapidly changing landscape.
2025-04-0202 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastOpinion Party: TrailerIntroducing Opinion Party and your hosts Laura Jones and Jason Gaikowski who will delve into the pervasive myths in modern marketing, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making across eight episodes this season.Find us at https://www.theopinionparty.com Opinion Party is brought to you by:BAV Group, the world’s leading authority on data-driven branding. ™️Our strategic consulting services transform brand growth into brand = growth. Whether you need to analyze, transform, or grow your brand, our team provide solutions based on 30 years of proven methodology and results.Learn more at htt...
2025-03-1901 minOpinion Party | The Marketing PodcastWelcome to Opinion Party w/Laura Jones and Jason GaikowskiIn this episode of Opinion Party, hosts Laura Jones and Jason Gaikowski delve into the pervasive myths in modern marketing, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making. They discuss the balance between brand fame and meaningful differentiation, the evolving nature of brand identity, and the critical role of customer experience in building brand equity. The conversation also touches on purpose-driven marketing and the need for collaboration between internal and external brand perspectives. The episode concludes with thoughts on future guests and the evolving landscape of marketing.Click here to watch a video of this episode.
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2025-03-1946 min
Human CenteredThe Importance (and Challenge) of Delivering Ethical CXEpisode 11: The Importance (and Challenge) of Delivering Ethical CXOn this episode of Human Centered, host Nick Brunker chats with VMLY&R's Global Lead, Human Centered Design & Executive Director of CX Transformation, Jason Gaikowski, about the importance (and the challenge) of delivering ethical CX. They discuss why it's a challenge worth tackling along with a simple, acronym-based framework to consider when approaching the work. Plus, they share some tips on ensuring leaders are being truly empathetic when building meaningful, useful customer personas.Host: Director, Experience Strategy, VMLY&R - Nick BrunkerGuest: VMLY&R Global Lead, Human...
2021-11-0425 min