Have you ever wondered how great communicators drive real change? In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I have the pleasure of interviewing Sally Susman, a powerhouse in the world of communications and leadership whose career journey has taken her through C-level roles at Estee Lauder, American Express, and now as Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Pfizer. We dive deep into her extensive experience and bestselling book 'Breaking Through: Communicating to Open Minds, Move Hearts, and Change the World.' Sally shares invaluable insights into effective communication, leadership, and nurturing a strong organizational culture. We discuss her crisis communications strategies in navigating through the pandemic, the significance of intentionality and kindness, tackling misinformation, transitioning between industries, and practical ways to tackle these issues while staying true to one's purpose. This episode is an inspiring conversation for those at any career stage, with actionable advice from a renowned leader on personal and professional growth.

There are certain people who progress at a feverish pace. My friend Dave Kerpen is a serial entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, visionary, and man of many, many traits. You could also say he’s a hustler that never stops learning.

Fun fact: Dave was one of the only “Twitter friends” that I met in real life early on as my former social media personality, DKNY PR GIRL. I trusted him with my secret, and he was the one that convinced me I should come out from behind the curtain. A friendship began that expanded to include his wife Carrie Kerpen, also a stellar Leave Your Mark guest! I was honored to have Dave write the forward to Leave Your Mark’s paperback edition.

This episode is long overdue, but its timing assures that you will get the most out of his long, illustrious career and knowledge! We dive into his signature orange as a unique personal branding trait, how to overcome emotional barriers like fear and control, and so much more. Dave shares his favorite efficiency tools and introduces Apprentice, a platform connecting college students with entrepreneurial opportunities, and his approach to delegation. We also explore his new venture into public service. This episode is brimming with actionable advice on career growth, personal branding, and balancing work and personal life.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I sit down with marketing executive Dina Fierro. With over 15 years of experience in driving digital marketing for luxury brands like Christian Louboutin, NARS, and Shiseido Americas. Dina’s career is all about taking bold steps and navigating through unexplored territories, particularly in digital innovation. She has a knack for seeing what’s next and is fearless in making those leaps. That’s something many are too cautious to embrace, especially in today's corporate America, where playing it safe often feels like the more reinforced path.

In this episode, Dina shares her career journey and insights on embracing curiosity and risk. One of the things Dina is particularly adept at is building influence within an organization before pitching innovative ideas. She values relationships and understands the importance of having those connections when leading significant change. By spending time with colleagues and stakeholders, she shapes her pitches, making them more aligned with the broader business goals and grounded in real data and consumer insights.

The discussion delves into the importance of personal branding, the evolution of consumer engagement through emerging technologies, and the shift towards more immersive and personalized marketing strategies. Tune in to learn from Dina's fearless and forward-thinking career path.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I interview Keyaira Boone, an accomplished writer, columnist, and co-author recognized for her work across multiple prominent media outlets. Keyaira shares her journey from aspiring full-time journalist to thriving freelance writer, offering invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of journalism. She discusses the stigmas and challenges associated with freelance work, practical tips on managing time and finances, and how to navigate the complex dynamics between freelancers and editors. Keyaira also emphasizes the importance of personal branding, staying connected with true friends for mental well-being, and understanding media literacy. This episode provides actionable advice for anyone considering a freelancing career and highlights the resilience and strategic thinking required to succeed in the media industry.

In this episode, I delve into the workplace trend of ‘task masking,’ where employees appear busy without being productive, particularly among Gen Z. With the return to office mandates, this phenomenon has become more noticeable. Is this solely a Gen Z issue or a symptom of outdated workplace expectations? But hold that thought- what about the rise of workplace surveillance technologies and their potential impact on employee trust? I explore how companies can create more meaningful, engaging work environments to counteract these trends.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I chat with Melody Wilding, an award-winning executive coach and author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge and Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work. Melody dives into her journey of coaching highly sensitive professionals and shares actionable advice on navigating relationships with higher-ups, managing workplace emotions, and strategically advancing your career. We discuss the nuances of 'managing up' for both introverts and extroverts and highlight the importance of proactive career management. Melody also introduces the concept of 'sensitive strivers,' explaining how to turn sensitivity into a workplace strength.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I break down the recent controversy surrounding Poppi, the prebiotic soda brand, following a bold marketing stunt gone wrong. The campaign, which involved sending 32 custom Poppi branded vending machines to top influencers, sparked backlash over elitism, wastefulness, and detachment from loyal customers. I delve into the two main areas of criticism: alienating a core customer base and concerns over sustainability and execution. Tune in to hear my strong take on influencer marketing, the founder apology, and why I believe Poppi will ultimately be just fine. Plus, get my insights on the importance of brands being bold and creative in their marketing efforts.

00:26 The Poppi Soda Brand Controversy

00:49 Backstory and Marketing Stunt Breakdown

02:01 Backlash and Core Customer Alienation

03:07 Environmental Concerns and Execution Issues

03:51 Founder and Company Response

05:05 Broader Implications of Influencer Marketing

05:37 Host's Perspective on the Controversy

09:10 Final Thoughts and Marketing Insights

11:27 Conclusion and Call to Action

Who is really to blame? In this episode of 'Leave Your Mark,' I discuss the controversial marketing strategy of the film 'It Ends With Us,' directed by Justin Baldoni and starring Blake Lively. The promotional campaign faced criticism for being tone-deaf, especially considering the movie's sensitive themes of domestic violence. I reveal new evidence that shifts the focus of responsibility away from Sony. I also share actionable marketing tips to avoid such pitfalls in the future, emphasizing sensitivity and stakeholder inclusion. Tune in to learn valuable lessons on responsible and effective marketing.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I review an article from Quartz on the emerging concept of a 'hybrid hierarchy' in the workplace. I discuss how some companies offer flexible schedules to high-performing employees while others are required to adhere to strict in-office attendance. I debate the challenges and implications of this approach, touching on issues of fairness, transparency, and potential workplace tension.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark, I focus on navigating mental health challenges in high-performing workplaces. Drawing from my background in public relations, I share valuable insights on maintaining productivity while safeguarding mental well-being. I discuss real-world examples like Simone Biles prioritizing her mental health and tech leaders addressing burnout. I provide essential tips for high performers, such as prioritizing tasks with the 80/20 rule. I also offer actionable advice for employers and leaders on modeling healthy behaviors, promoting work-life balance, spotting burnout, and fostering a culture of psychological safety.

In this episode of Leave Your Mark podcast, I engage in a compelling conversation with Anjli Raval, the management editor at the Financial Times. We discuss Anjli's article 'Women shouldn't face a penalty for promoting themselves', her experiences interviewing female CEOs, and the challenges women face in self-promotion. Our discussion highlights the importance of personal branding, cultural differences in perceptions of success, and actionable advice for professionals to effectively amplify their voices. Anjli also shares her journalistic approach and how thoughtful engagement can lead to greater professional opportunities.

00:00 Introduction to Leave Your Mark

00:26 Meet Anjli Raval: Management Editor at Financial Times

01:36 The LinkedIn Post That Sparked a Conversation

02:07 Challenges Faced by Female CEOs

03:09 The Importance of Personal Branding

12:52 Cultural Differences in Personal Branding

21:33 Advice for CEOs and Professionals

24:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts