Podcast
BRANDED Leaders
Hosted by Ben Kaplan and TOP · EN
In-depth conversations and actionable insights with the branding and marketing leaders who influence our attention economy.
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Fail Fast, Negotiate Hard: The Layla Kasha Playbook
Jun 16, 202500:35:49Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode, Layla Kasha, Chief Marketing Officer at Grocery Outlet, joins Ben Kaplan to discuss how immigrant grit, entrepreneurial roots, and fearless marketing have shaped her unique leadership style. Layla dives into Grocery Outlet’s “extreme value” model, selling branded products at deep discounts, and explains the brand’s bold pivot from traditional paper ads to fully digital campaigns.She shares her powerful personal story, from growing up in a Middle Eastern immigrant family and working in her father’s Michigan party store as a child, to running her own restaurant and eventually becoming a CMO. Layla breaks down her approach to ruthless (yet win-win) negotiation, how failure became her greatest teacher, and why betting on yourself matters, especially when the stakes are high.You’ll hear candid lessons about leadership, gender dynamics in the corporate world, and why she keeps Chris Voss’s Never Split the Difference in her car door. Plus, the surprising pet project she and her husband run on the side.Whether you're an aspiring marketer, a fan of founder stories, or just someone trying to stretch a dollar at the grocery store, this episode delivers plenty of value.
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The No-Code Revolution: How Quickbase is Changing the Game | BRANDED+
Feb 24, 202500:31:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode of BRANDED+, Ben Kaplan speaks with Ed Jennings, CEO of Quickbase, about how no-code technology is transforming industries like construction and manufacturing—and why focusing down, not broadening out, is the real key to scaling.With experience leading tech companies through private equity-backed growth and market transformations, Ed shares: How no-code platforms empower non-developers to create software solutions. The biggest blockers to scaling a SaaS business—and how to overcome them. Why getting hyper-focused on a vertical is often more valuable than trying to serve everyone. How Quickbase is evolving to meet the needs of enterprise clients while staying agile. The future of enterprise SaaS, and why simplification and consolidation are the next big trends.Ed breaks down hard-earned lessons on leadership, market strategy, and execution, offering practical insights for CEOs, founders, and business leaders.Subscribe to BRANDED+ for more industry-leading conversations.
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How Zarina Stanford is Redefining the CMO Role | BRANDED+
Feb 24, 202500:40:54Tap to summarizeIn this episode of BRANDED+, Jackson Carpenter sits down with Zarina Stanford, CMO of Bazaarvoice, to discuss how user-generated content is transforming marketing, why consumer trust is more powerful than ever, and how modern CMOs must think like business leaders—not just marketers.With over 25 years of experience, including leadership roles at IBM, SAP, and Rackspace Technology, Zarina shares:How Bazaarvoice helps brands leverage authentic consumer voices.The evolution of the CMO role—from marketing expert to business strategist.Why brands must embrace consumer-generated content (even the critical feedback).How to bridge the gap between sales and marketing for better business outcomes.The biggest marketing trends CMOs should focus on beyond social media.Zarina’s insights offer a masterclass in leadership, authenticity, and innovation in marketing. If you’re a marketing professional, aspiring CMO, or brand leader, this episode is a must-listen.Subscribe to BRANDED+ for more industry-changing conversations.
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Reinventing Food Tech with Adam Melonas, CEO of Chew | BRANDED+
Feb 24, 202500:38:25Tap to summarizeIn this episode of BRANDED+, Jackson Carpenter sits down with Adam Melonas, CEO of Chew, a trailblazer in food technology and conscious capitalism. From running a car wash empire at eight years old to launching a revolutionary food incubator, Adam's journey is anything but ordinary.Together, they explore:How early entrepreneurship shaped Adam’s approach to business.His game-changing innovations in consumer packaged goods, including his work with Unreal Candy.The power of doing good by doing well—balancing profit with social impact.Navigating massive industry shifts, from pandemic disruptions to changing leadership in global food corporations.Why big food companies struggle with innovation and how Chew is solving the problem.Adam shares hard-earned lessons on leadership, risk-taking, and the future of food innovation. If you’re looking for inspiration to take risks, lead with purpose, and disrupt an industry, this episode is for you.Subscribe to BRANDED+ for more insights from leaders redefining their industries.
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