This week we have our annual holiday episode of the On Brand podcast with the “Naughty and Nice Brands of 2024.” The smart folks at Brand Federation developed this seasonally appropriate snapshot of brand behavior looking back on this past year and the year ahead at 2025. The consultancy’s Chief Growth Officer Matt Williams joined me to discuss which brands have been naughty and nice this year.

About Matt Williams

Matt Williams is chief growth officer for Brand Federation, a brand strategy consultancy in Richmond, Va. Prior to joining Brand Federation in 2019, Williams was CEO of the Martin Agency, one of the world’s most recognized advertising agencies, where he managed strategy development for world-class brands like GEICO, OREO, UPS, Discover Financial, Walmart, and more. Williams also is Clinical Professor in the marketing department at the Mason School of Business at William & Mary. He teaches in the MBA program and is the developer and Faculty Director of the school’s Online Masters in Marketing.

As We Wrap …

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• On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.

Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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Justin Goldstein is the Founder and Lead Strategist of PR72, an integrated communications agency that helps organizations like Uber, AARP, and General Motors unlock growth and build their brands. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.

About Justin Goldstein

Justin Goldstein is an award-winning public relations and marketing expert, and the Founder and Lead Strategist of PR73. This integrated communications agency helps brands build trust and unlock growth opportunities. He has reshaped industry practices through his work with leading organizations like Uber, AARP, Clinton Global Initiative, General Motors, and many more. Justin’s mission? To empower brands to develop trust at every touchpoint. Justin’s journey and personal story testify to the power of resilience and resourcefulness.

Born with a cyst on his kidney, Justin learned early on to recognize his limits and adapt strategically—a lesson he now applies to business. Just as he used a kidney protector belt as a child, Justin advocates for understanding your bandwidth and being resourceful to avoid overextending yourself and your clients.

From the Show

What brand has made Justin smile recently? Justin shared the consistent smiles he gets from real estate brokerage SERHANT.

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn and the PR73 website.

As We Wrap …

• Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS.
• Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show.
• Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.
• On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.

Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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Siew Ting Foo is a transformational growth leader who builds businesses and brands with soul. Building Brands with Soul is also the title of her new book. During her 25-year career, she's worked with brands including Unilever, Mars Inc, Diageo, and HP. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.

About Siew Ting Foo

Siew Ting  Foo is a transformational growth leader who builds businesses and brands with soul. She has focused most of her 25-year career on this mission by infusing human-centric growth strategies into brands including Unilever, Mars Inc. Diageo, Fonterra, and, most recently, HP Inc. As a female leader who has worked in global business and marketing roles, Siew Ting shares her experiences in her new book: Building Brand with Soul — from creating value for shareholders, humanizing growth strategies for global brands or leading groundbreaking initiatives that set industry benchmarks.

Siew Ting has received recognition as a transformational business leader across the region who helped build businesses and brands with soul.  She was named consecutively 6 times as Asia’s most purposeful and influential CMO and named Asia/China top women leader. The book is her continuous commitment to inspire and nurture the next generation of marketing leaders.

From the Show

What brand has made Siew Ting smile recently? Siew Ting shared two — e.l.f. Cosmetics and Jaguar!

Connect with Siew Ting Foo on LinkedIn and her website.

As We Wrap …

• Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS.
• Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show.
• Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.
• On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.

Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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Katie Cabanas has been called the Bilingual Brand Builder. In a career spanning diverse organizations such as AT&T, Coca-Cola and the University of Miami, Katie specializes in strategic planning and implementation of branding, marketing, and philanthropic campaigns. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.

About Katie Cabanas

Katie Cabanas is the founder of Cabanas Consulting and has a rich history of connecting people to brands and causes, creating lasting value. Her journey includes pivotal roles at AT&T, Coca-Cola, the University of Miami, and A-ROD CORP., where she served as Vice President of Operations, overseeing strategic planning and implementation of branding, marketing, and philanthropy. Katie's experience also encompasses major fundraising initiatives, such as launching the University of Miami's $1.6 billion Momentum campaign, and working with global marketing firm Golin, specializing in U.S. Hispanic accounts and crisis management.  Fluent in Spanish and holding an MBA from Florida International University, Katie is a seasoned professional whose expertise continues to drive impactful results.

From the Show

What brand has made Katie smile recently? Katie pointed us to Martha Stewart — the person and the brand that was authentically revealed in the new documentary on Netflix.

Connect with Katie on LinkedIn and the Cabanas Consulting website.

As We Wrap …

• Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS.
• Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show.
• Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.
• On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.

Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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Cliff Ettridge is Director at The Team, where he leads their employee experience strand. His work for clients such as IBM and the BBC helps bring brand strategies to life internally and externally. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.

About Cliff Ettridge

Since joining the agency in 2002, Cliff Ettridge has led their employee experience strand, delivering projects for brands such as IBM, RBS, Three, and the BBC. With over 25 years of experience developing employee engagement strategies, Cliff’s expertise lies in developing ideas that bring basic business concepts to life and attract and retain talent. Today he leads a team delivering work for BP, the Open University, and Centrica. He designs employer brands, creates internal communication plans, and develops campaigns to bring business strategies and messages to life.

From the Show

What brand has made Cliff smile recently? Cliff shared a recent smile from shoe brand ASICS for their brilliant new ad featuring Succession's Brian Cox in-character as Logan Roy in running shorts and shoes!

Connect with Cliff on LinkedIn and team.co.uk.

As We Wrap …

• Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS.
• Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show.
• Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.
• On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.

Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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Jane McCarthy is co-author of the new book The Goddess Guide to Branding. Through stories of female entrepreneurs and business leaders (including Argent's Sali Christeson), Jane lays out a brand strategy framework useful to organizations of all shapes and sizes. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.

About Jane McCarthy

Jane McCarthy works with companies to define their foundational brand strategy. Collaborating with entrepreneurs and marketing teams, she helps clarify a brand’s essential archetype, core motivation, and intended customer impact. Bringing her 15 years of advertising experience to the table, she inspires strategic brand blueprints that are both authentic to who companies really are as well as ultra-compelling to customers. Along with her sister and business partner Kate McAndrew, Jane is co-author of the new book The Goddess Guide to Branding: Your Blueprint for Building an Abundant & Authentic Feminine Brand.

From the Show

What brand has made Jane smile recently? Jane loves the Starface pimple patches she sees out and about. “That's a great example of branding.”

Connect with Jane on LinkedIn and the Goddess Office website.

As We Wrap …

• Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS.
• Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show.
• Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.
• On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.

Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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Chris Eifert is the agency principal at B2B marketing agency TriComB2B. With an unconventional background as an engineer, he brings a unique and useful skillset to the B2B branding and marketing landscape. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.

About Chris Eifert

Chris Eifert has more than 30 years of sales, marketing and management experience in a variety of technical industries. He joined TriComB2B in 2002 and held several management positions before purchasing the company in 2006. Prior to joining TriComB2B, Chris served in product and marketing management roles for SmartWorks, a strategic business unit of Standard Register (now Taylor Communications). Before that, he held a variety of engineering, sales, product development and marketing roles at two industrial manufacturers, Flowserve Corporation and Watlow Electric Company. His experience also includes training and business development support in Europe, Asia and South America.

From the Show

What brand has made Chris smile recently? Chris shared how both he and his daughter's are obsessed with Liquid Death.

Connect with Chris on LinkedIn and the TriComB2B website.

As We Wrap …

• Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS.
• Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show.
• Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.
• On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.

Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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Jim Pietruszynsk is the CEO of Soulsight, a brand design agency with 30+ years of experience in building emotive brands that move. His work with global giants like Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, and Pfizer has earned recognition in the industry and beyond. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.

About Jim Pietruszynsk

Jim Pietruszynsk is the CEO of Soulsight, a brand design agency with 30+ years of experience in building emotive brands that move. Jim’s work spans iconic brands and channels, driven by creativity and a deep understanding of human needs. He’s fostered breakthrough innovation through collaboration and honesty. Jim draws inspiration from human truths and an empathetic approach, offering compelling creative thinking. He’s worked with global giants like Kraft Heinz, Coca-Cola, and Pfizer, earning recognition from prestigious awards.

From the Show

What brand has made Jim smile recently? Jim shared his love of the Manscaped brand for their creative and engaging copy which moved him.

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn and the Soulsight website.

As We Wrap …

• Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS.
• Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show.
• Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.
• On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.

Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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Robert Brunner is Lead Designer for Beats by Dre and the Founder and Partner of design firm Ammunition. With over 40 years of experience, his experience includes working with brands like Apple, Lyft, and Square on creating design that connects and communicates. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast.

About Robert Brunner

An early designer at Apple and Lead Designer of Beats by Dre, Robert is a globally acclaimed product designer with over 40 years of experience. Robert built the pioneering internal corporate design organization, Apple IDg, for Apple and was a partner at the world’s largest design consultancy, Pentagram. Under his leadership, Ammunition has developed iconic products such as Lyft's in-car icons, the Square Stand, and Polaroid's latest digital photography line. Robert has been named one of Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business” and is the co-author of the book “Do You Matter? How Great Design Will Make People Love Your Company.”

From the Show

What brand has made Robert smile recently? Robert literally smiled at the Terra Kaffe coffee maker across the room from him during our interview. The team at Ammunition developed the product design, which meets Robert's definition of good design as it makes him “feel good.”

Connect with Robert on the Ammunition website, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

As We Wrap …

• Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS.
• Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show.
• Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.
• On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.

Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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Tamsen Webster was one of my very first guests when this podcast launched in 2015. She's been busy over the past nine years — including writing two books. The latest is Say What They Can't Unhear. We discussed how you can do just that on this week's episode of the On Brand podcast.

About Tamsen Webster

Part message designer, part English-to-English translator, part magpie, Tamsen Webster helps leaders craft their case for large-scale change. In addition to her work in and for major organizations such as Harvard Medical School, Fidelity Investments, and Klaviyo, she’s a judge and mentor for the Harvard Innovation Labs, a professional advisor at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, and has spent over 10 years as the Idea Strategist for one of only nine legacy-level TEDx events in the world. She was named to the Thinkers50 Radar in 2022 and is the author of two books, Find Your Red Thread: Make Your Big Ideas Irresistible and Say What They Can't Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting Change. She lives in Boston with her husband, two sons, and two brindle Greyhounds, Hazel and Walnut.

From the Show

Feel like going back in time? Here's Tamsen's first appearance on the On Brand podcast back in 2015!

What brand has made Tamsen smile recently? Diane von Furstenberg, of course! In addition to this classic Tamsen smile, she also gave a shoutout to Jones Road Beauty. Founder Bobbi Brown is trying to “change the way women interact with their own faces. There's a red thread of preserving the strength and beauty of what's already present.”

Connect with Tamsen on her website and on LinkedIn, learn more about the Message Design Institute, and check out her book, Say What They Can't Unhear.

As We Wrap …

• Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS.
• Rate and review the show—If you like what you’re hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show.
• Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you’d like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show.
• On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.

Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!

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It's launch day for Tippie Leads, my new podcast from the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business. Each season will focus on a challenge in today's changing world of work. Season one is all about employee engagement with groundbreaking faculty research, student and alumni stories, actionable insights, and more. The first three episodes are out now with new episodes following on Wednesdays. As a special treat for listeners of the On Brand podcast, I thought I'd share the first episode here in it's entirety. It features productivity tips from astronauts and a story of a burnout from Nike. If you like what you hear, head to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you like to listen, subscribe, rate, and review the show to help others find it. And now, the first episode of the Tippie Leads podcast ...

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