Welcome to The Engine - Founders' Stories Podcast. Host Donna Owen is joined by Bianca Bass, Chief Marketing Officer at Privalgo and brand consultant. Bianca shares how she helps companies grow by aligning brands with business goals. She talks about her journey from working in large companies like TripAdvisor and Selfridges to advising startups on marketing and storytelling. Bianca explains why understanding customers deeply is key and how creativity can cut through noise. She also opens up about burnout, her background, and why staying true to yourself matters in leadership.

In this episode, Bianca shares how she helps businesses grow by connecting brands with revenue. She talks about her work as CMO at Privalgo and as a consultant for startups that need clear and creative marketing. Bianca explains why brand is not just design but a key part of sales and business success. She shares lessons from working at big companies like TripAdvisor and how she moved into startups to make a bigger impact. Bianca also talks about burnout, staying well, and why being yourself is the best way to lead and connect with others.

Key Takeaways:

Bianca’s move from big brands to startups to drive real impact.
Brand is a business tool that supports sales and growth.
Great marketing starts with truly knowing your customer.
Creative, low-cost ideas can cut through noise and build trust.
Success means staying well, being yourself, and leading with purpose.

Additional Insights:

Bianca started in copywriting before moving into senior marketing roles.
Her time at TripAdvisor showed the limits of staying siloed in big companies.
She believes brands should sit at the heart of business strategy.
Bianca supports women and underrepresented groups in finding their voice.
She encourages founders to use creativity over big budgets to stand out.

Here are a few quotes from the episode:

“Brand is the golden thread in everything we do.” - Bianca Bass
“I don't like everyone, so why do I need everyone to like me?” - Bianca Bass
“My biggest motivation in my career is extending the table.” - Bianca Bass

Join Bianca as she shares how her passion for brand, storytelling, and customer insight helps founders grow their business with purpose, creativity, and a clear strategy that drives real results.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] - Teaser

[01:00] - Introduction

[01:28] - Bianca’s Role as CMO

[03:09] - Brand & Sales Alignment

[05:30] - Consulting & Customer Insight

[08:00] - Health & Wellbeing

[10:23] - Bianca’s Background

[13:50] - Career Shift to Startups

[17:58] - Impact & Authenticity

[21:59] - Future of Marketing & AI

[25:00] - Advice for Founders

FOLLOW THE GUEST & HER COMPANY:

Bianca Bass: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biancabass/
Privalgo: https://www.linkedin.com/company/privalgo/

FOLLOW THE HOST:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnalowen/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-engine-growth/
Website: https://www.theengine.uk/
Email: donna@theengine.uk