Brand New

Hi Again Feb 18, 2025

Marisa and Steven are back! With big (brand) new professional chapters underway, the co-hosts catch up on their respective journeys over the past few weeks: Marisa in the midst of a big corporate merger and Steven back as an entrepreneur in the dynamic AI landscape. With those developments as a backdrop, get caught up with them on what professionals - including boards - should be doing now about AI, and why the role of brands, and human creativity in building them, has never been more important.

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Get Cultured Dec 10, 2024

Marisa and Steven close out 2024 with the inimitable Dr. Marcus Collins, award-winning marketer, cultural translator, and bestselling author of “For The Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be.” If you agree with Marcus’ thesis that “culture is the operating system of humanity,” what does that mean for how brands connect into culture - the right ways? Who does it well, and who is just “sucking the tailpipe?” Stay tuned for reflections on the year in an episode that will inspire you to think differently in the year ahead.

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Ball’s in Your Court (with guest Shane Battier) Nov 26, 2024

Back in 2009, famed author Michael Lewis wrote a profile of basketball player Shane Battier in which he dubbed him “the no stats all star.” What would make someone a no stats all star? An individual whose game play puts the team above himself (how rare is that)? It just took some deeper analytics to realize that how the TEAM performed (Sven even how the competition underperformed) came down to this one unassumingly shrewd variable. In this conversation with Marisa and Steven, Shane shares how those instincts from the court have translated into really meaningful lessons in leadership for all of us. Wondering if the only route to big leadership is big ego? This episode is for you.

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(Election) Campaign Post-Mortem Nov 12, 2024

Businesses that learn forward know that - after a big campaign, whether a big success or big failure - it’s wise to conduct a post-mortem to understand what happened and their implications. In that spirit, and just a few days after a resounding presidential win for Donald Trump, Marisa and Steven offer their view of 5 major learnings for all marketers and brands that we can draw from this election outcome. No (well, almost no) political pontificating - just a smart, objective take that should incite everyone to think a little differently.

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Private Equity, Meet Brand Equity (with guest Joshua Schultz) Oct 22, 2024

Marisa and Steven continue their recurring series on building understanding between the Marketers and the Money, when they sit down with private equity leader and former CEO Joshua Schultz to tackle this burning question: do finance leaders truly understand the value of marketing? Together they get real about the tension between short-term financial performance and long-term brand building, and volley on marketing as an essential investment vs. just another cost to be managed. It’s the kind of conversation that needs to happen more in boardrooms around the country - and one you won’t want to miss.

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Try it On Oct 08, 2024

In the course of just one week, Marisa and Steven each announced major career news. For Marisa, it was the return to serving as the brand and marketing chief for a big American retailer (but doing it her way, which she wrote about on LinkedIn in a piece called “Try it On”). For Steven, it is also about doing it his own way by launching a new company (Alpha & Co) to help brands, boards, and business leaders navigate the complexities of growth in the AI era. With true candor, insight and humor these two executives share what was behind these decisions, and what everyone might consider from them in their own career choices.

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When You’re The Brand (with guest Bobby Berk) Sep 17, 2024

One of the recurring questions on “Brand New” has been to what extent should everyone think of themselves as a “brand.“ When it comes to celebrities, it’s not a question; they know they are brands. On this episode, Marisa and Steven talk with renowned interior designer, lifestyle expert and star of Netflix’s “Queer Eye” about his journey of creating a brand first as an entrepreneur, and then experiencing its transformation through the fame of a hit TV show.Bobby’s life story is interesting in and of itself (how many people do you know who started out in he Amish Bible Belt, lived out of their car as a teenager and managed to work their way up the ranks of home decor retail). But this conversation will go beyond to give you a rare, thoughtful view of how to think about helming a brand, when that brand is… you.

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Marketing, the Media... and the MONEY (Part 1) with guest Rich Greenfield Sep 10, 2024

As summer winds down and everyone gets back to business, Steven and Marisa are talking the business of marketing and the media in a multi-part series tackling the divide that exists (but shouldn't!) between those who control the purse strings ,and those who control the brand and audience string. Joining them on this episode is one of the most prominent analysts in media and technology: Rich Greenfield. Covering everything happening across the worlds of media, tech and entertainment, from whether we will still be buying the same bundles to the drama around Paramount, pass the popcorn and join in a conversation, made as always for experts and casual observers alike.

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Are We Doing This Right Aug 27, 2024

With Steven recording from Spain, the co-hosts take this moment in the heat of August to talk about the importance of taking breaks, comparing American culture with regards to work and vacations versus Europe and many other parts of the world. (Spoiler: the U.S. ranks LAST). Both Marisa and Steven riff on the brands of both of the political parties in the wake of the DNC and RNC… and cover some recent business / CEO change headlines. This episode ends with a great listener question on knowing when and how far to rebrand.

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Click Here, Buy Now (with guests Sarah Hofstetter and Rachel Tipograph) Aug 13, 2024

It’s back to school time with Steven and Marisa, as they bring on fellow podcasters Sarah Hofstetter and Rachel Tipograph, co-hosts of Brave Commerce, and each well-known CEOs in the world of digital commerce. When these four industry leaders who have known each other for years get into it with each other, you know the discussion is dynamic on where commerce is going. From debating whether “personalization” is all it was hyped to be, to how AI is changing shopping, there’s a lot to learn on this episode (including what’s it’s really been like for two women CEOs in the world of tech).

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Going for the Gold (with guest: Kathy Carter) Jul 30, 2024

The Olympic Games are more than the ultimate in sports; they are the ultimate execution of an event involving billions of dollars in stakes (invested and potentially made) for brands, countries, athletes and more. In this episode, Steven and Marisa invite sports legend Kathy Carter, most recently CEO of the LA2028 Games, to share a unique insider’s perspective on the business of the Olympics. What does it take, really? Which brand sponsors should we be watching “compete” this time? What’s ahead for when the summer games return to the U.S.? And… were those Opening Ceremonies in Paris brilliant… or bananas?

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Can This Brand be Saved: America Jul 23, 2024

At this historic moment in American electoral politics, Marisa and Steven put a brand new lens on the two major political parties, and U.S. politicians. In this very timely conversation, they are joined by Congressman Jeff Jackson (NC), who shot to national prominence in the most unexpected of ways: after entering office last year and finding the actual experience of serving in the House so different than what he imagined, he wanted to simply share that. The result? His videos - which he makes himself - have made him the most popular Congressperson on TikTok.

Is it possible that a political “brand” built on authenticity vs. outrage can actually prevail in the U.S. today? And what does a sitting U.S. Congressman actually think about AI for campaign speeches, political advertising, and the Supreme Court? Amidst all the noise, this is a perspective guaranteed to be refreshing.

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Kicking into High Gear Jul 16, 2024

It’s no secret that Steven is passionate about futbol! But of course he is not alone. The moment of soccer becoming a major part of mainstream American culture is here, and in this episode Steven and Marisa bring on longtime media executive Jason Wagenheim, who is now the North American CEO of Footballco, to talk about what that means for brands. Do you know why soccer has been such a phenomenon in most other parts of the world? What’s the difference between youth sports here and everywhere else and how does that shape the creation of American stars? Whether you are a casual fan or never leave your house without wearing your team’s jersey, in this summer of Copa America, the Euro Cup and more… we think you’ll find this conversation pitch perfect.

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Promise This Episode Cannes Surprise You Jul 02, 2024

If you think you’ve heard all the definitive recaps of the Cannes Lions, put that thought aside and join Marisa and Steven as they talk to the person who is the Chairman of it all: Philip Thomas. Just some of what will interest and likely surprise you (in a conversation intended at least as much for those who did NOT attend as for those who did):

- What the real lead story of the festival was (which barely made a headline)

- The true mission of the Cannes Lions, that marketers should really appreciate

- Why “AI” was all over Cannes - except for in the jury room

- What Russia’s invasion of Ukraine taught about what keeps some people from going to the Cannes Lions

- The weirdest thing that happened all week (it involves Elon)

And … what did Phil, Marisa and Steven think was Cool or Cringe from it all? Tune in and share your thoughts back!

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Make it Work Jun 18, 2024

With our world in a state of rapid change, Steven and Marisa talk about what it all means (or might mean, or should mean) through the lens of work. Joining in for the conversation is Jessi Hempel, Senior Editor at LinkedIn and host of the award winning podcast Hello, Monday. Together, they discuss the big themes we can glean about our collective relationship with work together, and how, especially in these industries, to approach our evolving careers with practical optimism. Should the words “networking” and “dream job” be considered Cool, or Cringe? Listen in and find out!

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Day Trading Attention Jun 04, 2024

On this episode, get ready to get provoked in your thinking about using social media, as Marisa and Steven are joined by industry icon Gary Vaynerchuk, better know to most as “GaryVee.” Having known each other from the early days of social, there is unique insight and candor across this fast-paced conversation about how social media has evolved for marketers, along with practical ways to be tapping it today. Listen for: what is the big advantage social advertising has over all other ads? What platforms right now are “underpriced” for attention? Why should marketers stop calling what they do in social “posts?” And what does Gary think is cool, or cringe?

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Getting Upfront May 21, 2024

It’s all about the conversation between our two co-hosts this episode, because they had a lot of ground to cover! From why that Apple iPad commercial struck such a nerve that Apple issued a rare apology … to talking about the TV/Media “Upfronts” and the arrival this year of tech companies like Amazon and Netflix into a territory they previously scoffed at… to talking technology versus (and?) creativity… it’s possible that what’s old is new again. Listen in as Steven and Marisa get passionate about all of this and more! Stay on for this episode’s “Cool or Cringe.” And in “What’s On Your Minds,” the question is, is it true that DEI is losing its corporate focus? Tune in!

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AI Marketing for “Dummies” May 07, 2024

Continuing on last episode’s pursuit of happiness, Steven and Marisa reflect on the groundswell around the new book “The Anxious Generation,” and its conclusion that: we have overprotected children in the real world and underprotected them online. Should there be new guardrails around digital use for kids? It’s an important question as the Hot Topic of this episode is a deeper dive into AI, with friends of the hosts and author of the upcoming “Marketing with AI for Dummies” Shiv Singh. As the applications of Artificial Intelligence explode, this episode will give listeners thoughtful and practical views of how to think about it, and how to get started.

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The Secret to Happiness Apr 23, 2024

Steven and Marisa are at the 2nd annual Possible conference in Miami, which has quickly become a major industry gathering - and they’ve pulled out a few of their favorite nuggets for you. The bigger gold: a conversation with fellow conference guest Dr. Laurie Santos, whose Yale class: “Psychology and the Good Life,” is the most popular course in the university’s 300 year history, and her own podcast “The Happiness Lab” has had over 100 million downloads. As marketers, and simply as humans, you will not want to miss hearing what most of us get wrong about happiness…. And how we can get it right.

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They’re Just (Not) Like Us? Apr 09, 2024

Steven and Marisa are back, and kicking off season 2 with 2 great guests: actor and producer Wilmer Valderama and iHeart President and CMO Gayle Troberman. Together, the four talk about a landmark study on how American consumers think… compared to how marketers think. A teaser example: every marketer knows the show “Succession.” The rest of America? Not so much. With some important discussion led by Wilmer and Steven on cultural bias particularly when it comes to Hispanic Americans, come back for Brand New Season 2 and enjoy this wide-ranging conversation and play along during a speed round of: Cool, or Cringe?

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Lessons Learned Oct 31, 2023

In this final episode of Season 1, Marisa and Steven share a few of the things they’ve learned from YOU about Brand New. One of the things they’ve learned: a favorite aspect of the podcast is getting an honest, inside look at the industry. With that in mind, the co-hosts riff on what they took away, what they talked about, what they loved - and even what they didn’t agree with - after coming back from being in the company of thousands of other marketers, advertisers and media executives at the ANA (Association of National Advertisers) annual Masters of Marketing conference. Teaser note: some of the inside scoop involves Jon Bon Jovi.

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Tell You a Story Oct 17, 2023

After the hosts open the episode reflecting on current world events from the lens of when to speak out corporately or individually, Marisa brings on one of her favorite personal mentors, Robyn Castellani, an expert in helping enterprises and teams who are stuck - reset their narrative. It turns out there are some common and unexpected lessons we can all draw from:

- What people usually do wrong when lost in the woods
- Surviving being a prisoner of war in Vietnam
- The consistent conditions of work environments that will motivate people to work hard
- The singular focus that has determined whether companies facing major crises overcame them

Want to know what those lessons are? Listen in and find out…

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What Matters Most Oct 03, 2023

Marisa and Steven hit the road for the Forbes CMO Summit, an invitation-only event for some of the industry’s top marketers and colleagues. As an homage to the theme: What Matters Most, the co-hosts invite friend and Managing Director of the Forbes CMO Network to “pre-game” the conversation with a lively (semi) speed round on what does matter most on a range of topics, from brands to technology to leadership. Listen all the way through for this episode’s answer to “what’s on your minds” with another great audience question about shifting from agency to client roles (or maybe the other way).

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Throw Your Hat Over the Wall Sep 19, 2023

In a conversation that will have meaning for just about everyone, Marisa and Steven invite on a long-standing industry friend Lisa McCarthy, whose coaching company, Fast Forward Group, has helped over 100,000 professionals take ownership of their entire lives. This one is about how to have a brand new perspective on our ambition, our fears and our careers. This one is about the stories we tell about ourselves… to ourselves. Take the time to give this episode a listen (because hint: it’s also about finding time for what matters)!

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Back to Office; Backing On Promises? Sep 05, 2023

As heated conversations ensue about what the “right” work environments should be in this post-pandemic era: remote, in-office, hybrid: Marisa and Steven look at this issue through the lens of how these decisions can impact corporate and brand reputation. In their most highly charged hot topic yet, the two talk about companies that were absolute in their directive to employees that they could be remote and then did a total reversal: is that simply a company’s right and responsibility to change with circumstances… or in representing one clear thing and then revoking it, have they committed the fatal flaw of breaking brand trust? And what happens when a company whose entire brand and product is about virtual work — aka Zoom —
tells people they need to work in-person? As always, the co-hosts want to know: what do you think?

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Back to School, Part II: from A to (Gen) Z Aug 22, 2023

Picking up on last episode’s theme of continuous learning, Marisa and Steven debate understanding Gen Z as this rising generation becomes increasingly important as consumers… and employees. Joining them for the conversation is a true Gen Z wunderkind: 24-year-old social entrepreneur Ziad Ahmed, Founder and CEO of JUV Consulting and an inaugural Obama USA Leader via the Obama Foundation. Stay to the end for “What’s on YOUR Minds,” where the hosts answer a listener’s question about how can you best pivot your career. (Hint: it’s not about the title).

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(It’s Always) Back-to-School Aug 08, 2023

On this episode, Steven and Marisa talk about each of their recent work trips, which spins into a conversation or why “brand” matters and needs to be measured better, why “short term-ism” is a problem, and how their industries have an uncommon magic of “community.” Then the hot topic: in honor of Back-to-School, the co-hosts discuss the importance in this dynamic business world of being continuous learners. (And teachers… and learners). Give a listen and learn a little too!

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Launching a Brand New MEDIA BRAND Jul 25, 2023

In a world where so much of our information come through our social feeds and the brands that provide us with that information are in frequent turmoil, we wanted to know: what does it take to launch a new brand, in NEWS, from scratch, especially one looking to bring back a more transparent, global view? Steven and Marisa chose this topic to welcome their first guest (friend?) to the conversation: Justin Smith, former CEO of Bloomberg Media Group and now co-founder and CEO of Semafor. As always, stay on to hear their thoughts on: “what’s on your minds?”

https://www.semafor.com/

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Summer Planning (And We Don’t Mean Vacations) Jul 11, 2023

Tune in as Steven and Marisa give their first take on Threads… and then move into a big Hot Topic of business during the summer yet one that rarely gets discussed externally: managing current business while immersing in planning for the upcoming year. They cap it off by taking on a great (and hard) listener question!

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Cannes Do! Jun 29, 2023

Marisa and Steven kick off the Brand New podcast with the first episode! They share why they came together to host this new podcast, and then dive into the show’s “Hot Topic” with a candid post-mortem on Cannes Lions. Was it really all about AI or was there something more to the festival this year? Plus, they answer the “What’s On Your Mind?” question and share valuable advice for early career professionals. Send us your questions at ideas@brand-new.com

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Introducing: Brand New Jun 26, 2023

Welcome to Brand New, a podcast from two of the most dynamic and well-connected leaders in business: Marisa Thalberg and Steven Wolfe Pereira. The co-hosts, award-winning c-suite executives, and close friends keep it real as they tackle the most important and timely topics in marketing, tech, culture, careers, and more, through the lens of brands, and the people powering them.

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