Podcast
CMO Weekly
Hosted by OpenFortune · EN
"CMO Weekly," hosted by OpenFortune's Hayley Clover, explores the journeys of top Chief Marketing Officers. Each episode features in-depth conversations with influential marketing leaders, uncovering their strategies, challenges, and success stories. The podcast offers insights into marketing innovation, leadership, and brand-building for both aspiring and seasoned professionals. Clover delves into the career-defining moments and philosophies that shape marketing excellence, providing a unique insider's view of the industry's most brilliant minds.
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Episodes
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Josh Redel of Central Bank: The Introvert’s Guide to Marketing Leadership
1w ago00:34:06Tap to summarizeHow do you stay at one company for your entire career and help it double in size while being named a Forbes Best Bank 18 years in a row?In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Josh Redel, Senior Vice President and Director of Corporate Marketing at Central Bank. Josh shares his journey from an advertising copywriter to leading brand strategy for a multi-state financial institution that recently went public on the NASDAQ. We dive deep into the "secret sauce" behind Central Bank’s legendary consistency, their unique approach to community-based marketing, and a fascinating "unintentional case study" on why brand awareness is the ultimate driver of growth. Whether you are a marketing professional or a business leader, Josh’s insights on modernization, strategic partnerships (like the St. Louis Cardinals), and the importance of public speaking are not to be missed. Key Takeaways from This EpisodeBreaking the "Bank" Mold: Why Central Bank focuses on being "different" through wild creative testing and financial education rather than traditional sales-focused mailers. The Power of Consistency: The three-pillar philosophy that has kept Central Bank on the Forbes Best Banks list for nearly two decades. A Brand Awareness Case Study: A raw look at what happens when one market leans into a brand rollout while another pulls back—and how those results look 11 years later. Going Public: How Central Bank transitioned to a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ without losing its 120-year-old core values. Advice for Modern Marketers: Josh discusses why young marketers must embrace AI, take risks, and master the art of public speaking. Episode Timestamps0:00 – Intro: Welcome to CMO Weekly 1:17 – Meet Josh Redel: A career built at Central Bank 2:41 – The early days: Managing 13 brands and websites 5:51 – The secret to 18 years as a Forbes "Best Bank" 8:51 – Standing out in a competitive, "sea of sameness" landscape 14:01 – Modernizing a brand that started in 1902 15:33 – Being a "fast follower" in social media (TikTok & more) 20:17 – Case Study: The massive impact of brand awareness (KC vs. St. Louis) 23:31 – Strategic partnerships with the St. Louis Cardinals 26:11 – The "Closing Pitch": Josh's go-to baseball strategy 27:15 – Going Public: Central Bank on the NASDAQ 29:44 – Career Advice: Risks, AI, and the power of public speaking About Our GuestJosh Redel is the SVP and Director of Corporate Marketing at Central Bank. Having spent his entire career within the organization, he has been a driving force behind the bank’s digital evolution, analytics strategy, and overall brand growth. Central Bank is an 18-time Forbes Best Bank, now publicly traded on the NASDAQ. Sponsored By OpenFortune: The only marketing company putting your brand inside actual fortune cookies. Reach millions of customers in a moment of surprise and attention that no banner ad can match. Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to CMO Weekly for more interviews with the world’s top marketing executives!
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Shachar Scott of Sunbit: How to Humanize Your Brand in the Age of AI
2w ago00:35:48Tap to summarizeWelcome to another episode of CMO Weekly! This week, host Hayley Clover sits down with Shachar Scott, the first-ever Chief Marketing Officer of Sunbit, to discuss her journey from leading massive teams at Big Tech giants to building a brand from the ground up in the fintech space. Shachar is one of the most decorated brand builders in the industry, having played pivotal roles at Apple, Snap, Bumble, and Meta. In this episode, she reveals her strategies for "zero-to-one" brand building, the distinction between managing and leading, and why she views every customer interaction as a deposit in a "brand bank". 🕒 Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Meet Shachar Scott, CMO of Sunbit. 02:31 – A 25-year career: Launching the first-ever YouTube and Facebook campaigns. 04:23 – Lessons from the early days of Apple and Snap. 06:16 – Redefining intimacy at Bumble during a global pandemic. 07:44 – Transitioning from Meta's Reality Labs to Fintech. 10:01 – Why Sunbit hired its first CMO after 10 years of growth. 12:37 – The First 90 Days: Listening, frameworks, and the "Future Positive" model. 25:08 – Management vs. Leadership: Being a "shit umbrella" for your team. 29:38 – The Brand Bank: Making deposits and avoiding withdrawals. 34:23 – Human-centric Fintech: Why Sunbit blames itself when a payment is late. 💡 Key TakeawaysThe "Zero-to-One" BuildDespite Sunbit being a Series D/E company, Shachar is leading a "zero-to-one" marketing build. While the company grew through merchant partnerships (now in 60% of auto dealerships), Shachar is now evolving the brand to have a direct-to-consumer (B2C) emotional connection. Managing vs. LeadingShachar draws a sharp distinction between these two roles. Managing is about accountability, career growth, and acting as a "shit umbrella" to protect the team from distractions. Leading requires vulnerability, a clear vision, and the ability to inspire others to follow. The Brand Bank PhilosophyShachar treats brand loyalty like a bank account. Deposits: Magical, frictionless experiences that surprise and delight. Withdrawals: Broken links, poor customer service, or hidden fees. To build long-term value (LTV), a brand must ensure it is constantly making more deposits than withdrawals. Disrupting Fintech with EmpathyIn an industry often viewed as cold, Sunbit focuses on the "whole person". Shachar highlights Sunbit’s unique culture where, if a payment is late, the company looks at how they can better serve the customer rather than immediately charging late fees. Connect with CMO Weekly:Don't forget to Subscribe to stay updated on the bold moves and breakthrough ideas from the world’s top marketing executives!
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Joe Nayquonabe of Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort: Servant Leadership in the Gaming Industry
2w ago00:23:36Tap to summarizeHow does a math-driven marketer rise to become the "Most Admired CEO"? In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Joe Nayquonabe, CEO of Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort and a 22-year veteran of the Indian Gaming industry.Joe shares his unconventional path—from knocking on doors in Washington, D.C., to leading a massive $600 million tribal business portfolio. We dive deep into the "data revolution" in gaming, exploring how the shift from traditional hospitality to sophisticated data mining has redefined the industry. Joe also provides a masterclass on servant leadership, mission-driven business, and how tribal gaming funds critical community services like healthcare and education.Watch to learn: How a single Harvard Business Review article changed Joe's career trajectory. The strategy for leveraging first-party data to compete with digital giants like DraftKings and FanDuel. Why a marketing background is the "best equipment" for a modern CEO. The cultural and economic mission behind the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s business ventures.🎧 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to CMO Weekly: Meet Joe Nayquonabe 01:52 – The "Stumble" into Gaming: Leaving D.C. for a Minnesota internship 03:10 – "Diamonds in the Data Mining": The HBR article that changed everything 05:45 – Mission-Driven Marketing: How tribal gaming supports the community 10:15 – Brick-and-Mortar vs. Digital: Navigating the online gaming boom 15:30 – Leadership Philosophy: Transitioning from Marketing Executive to CEO 19:45 – Celebrating 45 Years: What’s next for Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort 22:30 – The Future of Consumer Engagement and Relationship Marketing👤 ABOUT THE GUESTJoe Nayquonabe is the CEO of Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort and the former CEO of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures. An enrolled member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, he holds an MBA and a Master of Tribal Administration. He has been recognized as the "Most Admired CEO" and is a member of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO).Special thanks to our sponsor, OpenFortune!#CMOWeekly #MarketingStrategy #TribalGaming #Leadership #DataMining #CEOInterview #SoaringEagleCasino
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Paul Burns of Canadian Gaming Association: How AI is Changing Player Protection
3w ago00:24:43Tap to summarizeThis episode of CMO Weekly features an in-depth conversation with Paul Burns, the President and CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association. With over two decades of experience in government affairs and gaming policy, Burns has been a primary architect in transitioning Canada’s gaming landscape from a "gray market" into a regulated, multi-billion-dollar industry.Host Hayley Clover dives into the evolution of sports betting, the massive success of the Ontario market, and why player protection is no longer just a "checkbox"—it’s the foundation of long-term sustainability.🎧 What’s In This Episode? The Origin Story: Paul shares how he transitioned from the world of politics to helping establish the CGA in 2005. The Ontario Blueprint: A look at how Ontario’s regulated market grew to include over 50 companies and why other provinces (like Alberta) are looking to replicate its success. Player Protection 2.0: Moving beyond basic tools to active behavioral monitoring and the importance of financial literacy for younger players (legal gambling age is 19 in most of Canada, but 18 in Alberta). Industry Modernization: Why the gaming industry must "meet people where they are" to stay relevant in a digital-first world. The 2030 Vision: Paul predicts the state of Canadian gaming over the next five years, including his hope for at least two more regulated provinces.⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and a word from our sponsor, Health and Fortune. 00:51 – Introducing Paul Burns, CEO of the Canadian Gaming Association. 01:31 – Paul’s journey: From politics to the "fun file" of gaming. 03:06 – The struggle of establishing a regulated market in Canada. 05:00 – Ontario’s billion-dollar success and the shift in consumer protection. 07:17 – Alberta’s move toward regulation and the "Ontario model". 11:51 – What "Player Protection" actually looks like today. 13:21 – Monitoring player behavior: Escalation and intervention. 16:28 – The gambling age in Canada and the need for youth education. 20:20 – The evolution of provincial lottery models vs. commercial operators. 23:03 – Future Outlook: Innovation, harmonization, and predictions for 2030.About CMO Weekly:We sit down with the world's top executives to uncover the bold news, tough lessons, and breakthrough ideas that have shaped their journeys.Support the Show:Check out OpenFortune, the only marketing company putting your brand inside actual fortune cookies. Keep an eye out for their latest campaign with MrBeast! #CanadianGaming #SportsBetting #OnlineGaming #ExecutiveInterview #CMAWeekly #PaulBurns #OntarioGaming #PlayerProtection
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John Meacham of Cache Creek Casino Resort: Applying a Startup Mindset to Global Gaming Brands
3w ago00:26:17Tap to summarizeWelcome to CMO Weekly! In this episode, host Hayley Clover sits down with John Meacham, the VP of Marketing at Cache Creek Casino Resort. With over 20 years of experience across industry giants like MGM and Caesars, John brings a unique, analytical perspective to the world of gaming and hospitality.From his early days as a pet product entrepreneur to leading multi-million dollar rebrands and high-level sports partnerships, John shares the "bold moves" and "tough lessons" that have defined his career.In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The Entrepreneurial Edge: How starting a pet product business taught John the fundamentals of growth and marketing. Tribal vs. Corporate Gaming: The strategic freedom of working with a single, tribally-owned property compared to the rigid "playbooks" of major corporations. The "Escape" Brand: How Cache Creek leverages its location in Northern California’s Capay Valley to market "sophisticated fun" and a unique guest escape. Loyalty Program Innovation: Insights into Cache Creek’s 2026 rewards program relaunch, including how they reduced guest wait times by 100,000+ face-to-face transactions. Premier Partnerships: Why Cache Creek values its founding-level partnership with the San Francisco 49ers and other Bay Area icons like the Giants and Warriors. The Future of Marketing: How AI is beginning to influence website optimization and the "tip of the spear" for digital technology. Ticketing Strategy: How changing the way tickets are released for the resort’s entertainment venue led to a consistent 95% capacity.Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to CMO Weekly 01:31 – John Meacham’s career path: From pet products to gaming 03:06 – Transitioning from math and operations into marketing 05:09 – The differences between Tribal and Corporate gaming 07:40 – Creating a brand around "The Escape" and natural beauty 09:25 – Relaunching the Cache Creek Loyalty Program in 2026 11:54 – Solving the "food comp" line problem with automation 14:48 – Strategic partnerships with the 49ers, Giants, and Warriors 17:58 – Balancing traditional advertising with AI and digital trends 22:09 – A lesson in guest perspective: Reforming the entertainment ticketing model 25:49 – Final thoughts and where to visit This episode is brought to you by OpenFortune, the marketing company putting your brand inside actual fortune cookies. Check out their latest campaign with MrBeast and Feastables in restaurants nationwide! Connect with us:🔔 Subscribe for more interviews with the world’s top executives.🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform.#CMOWeekly #MarketingStrategy #CasinoMarketing #JohnMeacham #CacheCreek #TribalGaming #LoyaltyPrograms #BusinessLeadership #49ers
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Andrew Pink of Play’n GO: Why One-Size-Fits-All Marketing is Dead
4w ago00:19:47Tap to summarizeIn this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Andrew Pink, the Head of Brand and Communications at Play’n GO, to discuss his fascinating transition from professional sports to the heights of the AI, gaming, and entertainment industry.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Olympic Mindset: Andrew shares how his experience representing Great Britain in volleyball at the 2012 London Olympics shaped his competitive approach to global brand strategy. Navigating Regulated Markets: Discover why Play’n GO is actively lobbying for more regulation in the gaming industry to ensure long-term sustainability and player safety. High-Volume Content Strategy: Andrew explains the logic behind producing multiple new game titles every month and how to maintain brand consistency when your audience ranges from grandmothers to hardcore gamers. Bold Marketing Stunts: Get the inside scoop on sending game characters into space and leveraging high-profile partnerships like Formula 1 to build trust and scale in the North American market. Leadership & Career Advice: Andrew discusses his "high-performing team" leadership style and why he believes "reading everything" is the most underrated tool for anyone looking to break into the gaming industry today.About Our Guest:Andrew Pink leads global brand strategy for Play’n GO, a world leader in gaming and entertainment. With a unique background as a former Olympic athlete, he brings a disciplined, data-driven, and competitive edge to one of the most dynamic sectors in tech.Episode Highlights: [01:21] Andrew’s journey from the volleyball court to the boardroom. [04:07] Why Play’n GO wants a "safer place to play" through regulation. [08:16] The "out of this world" marketing behind their latest campaigns. [14:27] Why sponsoring F1 makes sense for a global entertainment brand. [18:09] Essential advice for the next generation of marketing leaders.This episode is brought to you by Open Fortune, the marketing pioneers putting brands inside actual fortune cookies to capture a moment of surprise no banner ad can match.#CMOWeekly #MarketingStrategy #GamingIndustry #PlaynGO #Leadership #BrandBuilding #OlympicMindset #Formula1
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Chris Garrow of Prairie Band Casino & Resort: How Design and Data Keep Guests in Their Seats
Apr 1400:21:50Tap to summarizeIn this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Chris Garrow, the Gaming Operations Director at Prairie Band Casino & Resort. With nearly 30 years of experience spanning corporate giants like MGM in Las Vegas to tribal gaming in Kansas, Chris shares an insider's look at how the gaming industry is evolving through technology, psychology, and a deep commitment to community.Chris dives into the complexities of launching the first tribal sportsbook in Kansas, the surprising psychology behind casino floor layouts, and how Prairie Band uses AI and data analytics to stay ahead of the competition. Whether you're a marketing professional, a gaming enthusiast, or looking to climb the corporate ladder, this episode offers a masterclass in operational excellence and leadership.🕒 Key Moments in This Episode: 00:00 – Introduction & Sponsor Spotlight: Open Fortune 01:24 – Launching the first Tribal Sportsbook in Kansas 02:07 – Chris Garrow’s Journey: From Boston to the MGM University in Vegas 04:09 – The Real Impact: How Tribal Gaming supports local communities 06:01 – Staying Competitive: Marketing a rural destination in a digital world 07:52 – The Role of Innovation: Mobile apps and forward-thinking tech 09:45 – Data vs. Emotion: Using AI to optimize the gaming floor 12:03 – The Bricks-and-Mortar Advantage: The craving for in-person interaction 14:02 – Casino Psychology: Why ergonomics and chair comfort drive revenue 15:26 – The "Yellow Brick Road": Designing the flow of a gaming floor 17:32 – The Future Floor: Adapting from Boomers to the younger generation 19:05 – Commitment to Responsible Gaming: Setting limits via technology 20:13 – Career Advice: The power of patience and mentorship 💡 Highlights from the Episode: Community First: Chris explains how tribal gaming revenue directly funds health clinics, social services, and tribal government. The Science of Comfort: Learn why the height of a slot machine and the "swing" of a poker chair are critical to the guest experience. AI Before It Was Cool: Discover how Prairie Band has been using predictive models since 2018 to determine game placement and uplift. Retail Sportsbooks: Why a 16-seat boutique sportsbook can offer a more intimate, "watch party" vibe than the massive books in Vegas.About Chris Garrow:Chris Garrow is the Gaming Operations Director at Prairie Band Casino & Resort, where he oversees slots, table games, and bingo. His career highlights include leading major gaming technology initiatives, sportsbook launches, and data-driven revenue optimization.Connect with CMO Weekly:Don't forget to Subscribe for more interviews with the world's top executives uncovering the old rules and breakthrough ideas shaping the industry.#CMOWeekly #GamingIndustry #CasinoMarketing #SportsBetting #TribalGaming #DataAnalytics #LeadershipAdvice #PrairieBandCasino
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Nilofer Vahora of amika: Unlocking Next-Level Growth through Community Loyalty
Apr 700:36:18Tap to summarizeThis podcast episode of CMO Weekly, hosted by Hayley Clover, features an in-depth conversation with Nilofer Vahora, the Chief Marketing Officer of amikaIn this episode, Nilofer Vahora discusses her career journey, the evolution of the amika brand, and its strategic expansion into the body care category. She shares insights on building community, maintaining cultural relevance for a 20-year-old brand, and the importance of the professional stylist community to amika’s success.Key Highlights Career Journey: Nilofer details her transition from a finance background at Wharton to leading marketing for major brands like Bare Minerals, Kate Spade, Rebecca Minkoff, and Milk Makeup. Joining amika: As amika's first-ever CMO, Nilofer explains her approach to joining a well-established brand: listening to its history and identifying how to unlock the next wave of growth without alienating its loyal community. Expansion into Body Care: Nilofer describes the brand's first move beyond hair care as an "emotional expansion". Driven by community demand, amika launched its Aura Hair and Body Mist followed by a full body care line, extending its core ethos of "all hair and all bodies are welcome". The Power of Community: A significant portion of the discussion focuses on amika's roots in the professional salon community. Nilofer highlights that amika is the #1 recommended brand by stylists, which drives the brand's authenticity and high customer repeat rates. Brand Philosophy: Nilofer emphasizes amika's identity as a "friend" (the meaning of its name) that prioritizes inclusivity, performance, and joy in daily rituals.Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction to CMO Weekly and guest Nilofer Vahora. 01:58 – Nilofer’s background: From finance to the "beauty bug". 04:40 – Nilofer’s "sweet spot" in marketing: Unlocking scale for established brands. 06:50 – Becoming amika’s first CMO and honoring the brand's 20-year history. 09:49 – The strategic "why" behind amika’s new body care line. 12:56 – Launching the Aura Hair and Body Mist: A community-first success story. 16:44 – Extending "Hair is Welcome" to "All Bodies are Welcome". 19:23 – Why the professional stylist community is the core of amika’s DNA.
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Kim Chappell of Bobbie: Why Bold Cultural Moves Pay Off for Startups
Mar 2400:39:33Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to flip the table on a multi-billion dollar industry monopolized by giant corporations for decades? In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Kim Chappell, the Chief Brand Officer at Bobbie, to explore how a team of moms built a "challenger brand" that redefined the infant formula category.Kim shares her "wild ride" from a decade-long career as an award-winning broadcast journalist to leading marketing at one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S.. We dive deep into the reality of "startup years," overcoming crushing imposter syndrome, and why the most powerful marketing tool isn't a flashy ad—it’s radical transparency.In this episode, we discuss: The Journalism Edge: How a background in news reporting built the "content muscle" and storytelling skills needed to scale a brand. Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Kim’s honest reflection on nearly saying "no" to the CBO role and how she found the confidence to lead. The Community-First Model: How Bobbie used direct-to-consumer subscriptions and Zoom sessions with real parents to build a relationship-driven brand. The Power of Transparency: From the "Transparency Tracker" to investing $100M in their own manufacturing facility to ensure quality and trust. Bold Moves & Cultural Conversations: The strategy behind the "Not Guilty" campaign with Cardi B and why Bobbie only uses real customers in its marketing. Advice for Working Moms: Why "balance is bullshit" and the importance of showing the "mess" of being a leader and a parent simultaneously.Episode Highlights: [02:15] Kim’s transition from journalism to tech and startups. [06:35] Joining Bobbie in a basement and selling out a million cans in six weeks. [10:56] The "toxic mindset" for marketing leaders and the importance of hiring experts. [17:25] Why trust is the non-negotiable foundation of brand building. [24:43] Going behind the scenes of the Cardi B "Not Guilty" campaign. [34:25] Honest advice on career, motherhood, and building a support ecosystem.About Kim Chappell:Kim Chappell is the Chief Brand Officer at Bobbie, the organic infant formula company. An award-winning journalist turned marketing leader, Kim heads Bobbie’s brand, creativity, and communication strategy, driving bold storytelling and advocacy campaigns that empower modern families.Sponsor:This episode is brought to you by OpenFortune, the marketing company putting brands inside actual fortune cookies. Reach millions of customers in a moment of surprise and undivided attention. Learn more at openfortune.com.Subscribe to CMO Weekly for more conversations with the world's top marketing leaders!
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Liza Suloti of SHADOW: Culture is the Key to Authentic Brand Relevancy
Mar 1700:37:24Tap to summarizeThis podcast episode of CMO Weekly features Liza Suloti, co-founder of the creative marketing agency SHADOW. In a wide-ranging conversation with host Hayley Clover, Liza details her journey from a native New Yorker and English major at BU to becoming a leader of a powerhouse agency with over 20 years of experience.She provides a "behind-the-scenes" look at what it takes to execute high-stakes marketing moments, including e.l.f. Beauty’s iconic Super Bowl campaigns featuring Jennifer Coolidge and Judge Judy.Key Highlights From the Episode The Power of "Yes": Liza discusses how being open to non-linear career paths and saying "yes" to challenges—like shifting from journalism to PR—led to the creation of SHADOW.Building Buzz Through Culture: She explains why SHADOW remains diversified across fashion, beauty, hospitality, and wellness, treating these industries as a snapshot of culture to drive authentic brand relevancy.Super Bowl Strategy: Liza breaks down the strategic thinking behind e.l.f. Beauty’s viral big-game ads, revealing that the first Jennifer Coolidge spot was pulled together in a staggering three weeks.The "Brick by Brick" Approach: A deep dive into why long-term client relationships (some spanning 15 years) are the foundation for the trust needed to take massive creative risks.Agency vs. Brand Life: Advice for early-stage marketers on choosing between the fast-paced, multi-brand environment of an agency and the deep narrative ownership of working in-house.About Liza SulotiLiza Suloti is a PR and marketing communications veteran who oversees SHADOW’s beauty and wellness division. She has guided high-profile clients such as Amika, Estée Lauder, Dove, and Supergoop. A multiple Webby and Shorty Award winner, she is a frequent expert voice in Business of Fashion and Adweek.
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