TOP CMO

In this episode of TOP CMO, Ben Kaplan sits down with Karen Budell, CMO of Totango, to explore the challenges and opportunities of navigating a high-speed merger with competitor Catalyst. Karen shares her journey from journalist to marketing leader, offering insights on aligning teams, crafting compelling brand narratives, and integrating diverse marketing strategies. Discover how Karen’s background in storytelling and content marketing informs her approach to customer success and growth, and learn why she champions non-traditional career paths. Whether you're a marketing enthusiast or a business leader, this episode is packed with actionable advice on building stronger teams, driving customer retention, and leveraging thought leadership.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Courtney Weis, Managing Director of Brand Marketing at FP Movement, Free People's activewear brand. Courtney shares her journey from talent management to leading a brand that celebrates diverse forms of movement. Discover how FP Movement thrived during the pandemic, leveraging influencer partnerships, community engagement, and a strong brand identity to achieve remarkable growth. In this episode, we dive into: How FP Movement built a community-first approach during the pandemic.The balance between influencer creativity and brand alignment.Key traits every marketer needs for success.Courtney's career advice for aspiring marketers. Get ready to be inspired by Courtney's vision, adaptability, and passion for creating authentic connections with customers. Perfect for marketers, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone looking to build a brand that stands out.

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Dustin Godsey, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the Milwaukee Bucks, to discuss how a basketball team transforms into a global content and entertainment powerhouse. Dustin shares insights into building fan engagement across local and international audiences, launching innovative content initiatives like the Bucks' podcast network, and leveraging superstar players like Giannis Antetokounmpo as influencers. Discover how the Bucks combine data-driven strategies, cultural relevance, and creative storytelling to super-serve their local market while expanding their reach to a worldwide fanbase. Plus, hear behind-the-scenes stories of turning championship wins into marketing milestones and how the Bucks stay resilient beyond their "championship window."

In this episode, we dive into the audacious and hilarious world of Liquid Death with Greg Fass, the brand's VP of Marketing. Discover how this water company defied industry norms with a bold, comedy-first approach, turning a healthy beverage into a cultural phenomenon. Greg shares insights on Liquid Death’s viral marketing strategy, unexpected collaborations, and the power of earned media to "win the internet" on a budget. From corpse paint to casket coolers, Liquid Death isn’t just selling water—it’s redefining what a brand can be. With host Ben Kaplan.

In this episode of Top CMO, Ben Kaplan sits down with Melody Lee, the Chief Marketing Officer of Mercedes-Benz USA, to explore how one of the world’s most iconic luxury brands is staying ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Melody shares insights on balancing the brand’s storied heritage with cutting-edge innovation, from embracing electrification and autonomous driving to reaching new, diverse audiences in the U.S. market. Drawing from her impressive career—spanning roles at Cadillac, Shiseido, and Herman Miller—Melody reveals how she’s navigating the challenges of redefining luxury, building brand relevance, and leveraging multicultural marketing to shape the future of Mercedes-Benz. Plus, she opens up about her biggest lessons as a marketing leader, the best advice she’s ever received, and the one headline that changed her perspective on messaging forever. Whether you’re a marketer, a car enthusiast, or someone curious about how global brands adapt to a changing world, this episode is packed with valuable insights and candid reflections. Don’t miss it!

In this episode, Amy Halford, CMO of Thrive Pet Healthcare, shares how she’s redefining pet healthcare marketing by blending trust, innovation, and customer-centric strategies. From building emotional connections with pet owners to leveraging digital transformation, Amy reveals the unique challenges of marketing services over products, lessons from her time at Best Buy and General Mills, and how Thrive is shaping the future of veterinary care. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a trusted brand in the healthcare industry, this is the episode for you.

Discover how The RealReal's CMO, Sri Batchu, is redefining luxury resale marketing with host Ben Kaplan. From leveraging AI and diversifying marketing bets to building passionate customer loyalty, this episode dives into the strategies driving $2 billion in sales annually. A must-watch for marketers, innovators, and anyone curious about the future of e-commerce!

In this episode of TOP CMO, Jackson Carpenter speaks with Janelle Hanley, CMO at the Hospital for Special Surgery, to uncover the art of marketing healthcare without it feeling like marketing. From leveraging short-form video to building trust through patient stories, Janelle shares how her consumer-brand approach revolutionizes orthopedic care. Dive into the strategies that blend creativity, consumer insight, and purpose to meet patients where they are and guide them toward the best care choices. Whether you're in healthcare or marketing, this conversation is a masterclass in meaningful engagement.

In this episode of Top CMO, we sit down with Noha Abdalla, the Chief Marketing Officer of Choice Hotels, to explore what it takes to market a portfolio of 22 hotel brands, including Comfort Inn, Cambria, and the recently acquired Radisson Hotels Americas. Noha shares her journey from rebranding Animal Planet to leading marketing innovations in the hospitality industry, and how she balances the needs of consumers, franchisees, and investors. We dive into the challenges of creating emotional connections with guests, the role of AI in modern marketing, and the art of making every dollar count. Whether you’re a marketer, a business leader, or simply curious about what drives success in the competitive world of hospitality, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

On this episode of TOP CMO, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Adrienne Ingoldt, Chief Marketing Officer at Pilot Company—the largest network of roadside travel centers in North America and a key part of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway portfolio. Adrienne reveals how she’s leading a monumental shift from a B2B-focused strategy to creating a consumer-first brand that resonates with everyone from professional truck drivers to road-tripping families. Explore the innovative ways Pilot Company is breaking out of a commoditized category, using data-driven personalization, loyalty programs, and emotional storytelling to win over hearts (and wallets). Adrienne shares exclusive insights into building brand awareness in a historically overlooked industry, balancing B2B and B2C priorities, and driving customer loyalty with cutting-edge marketing techniques. If you’re a CMO or marketing leader eager to learn how to create consumer loyalty in competitive markets—or just fascinated by how marketing can transform entire industries—this is an episode you can’t miss.

In this insightful episode of TOP CMO, Jackson Carpenter chats with Dave King, CMO at HeyGen, to explore the cutting-edge world of AI-powered video creation. Discover how Heygen is revolutionizing video production by making it faster, more personalized, and accessible to businesses of all sizes. Dive into the challenges of marketing to a global audience, the impact of AI on content creation, and strategies for building trust and safety in digital storytelling. Gain inspiration from Dave's rich career spanning Salesforce and Asana, and learn how to adapt and thrive in a fast-evolving marketing landscape.

In this episode, we dive into the heart of what makes Ace Hardware a beloved and resilient brand with Kim Lefko, Chief Marketing Officer of Ace Hardware. Kim shares insights into how Ace celebrates 100 years of service and community through initiatives like its new documentary series, which captures heart-warming stories of "Red-Vested Heroes" going above and beyond for their customers. Discover how this co-op retailer keeps a local focus while growing to over 5,000 stores nationwide, stays true to its three pillars of service, convenience, and quality, and continually reinvents its brand to stay relevant in the digital era. Kim’s candid take on customer trust, the power of authenticity, and why staying rooted in a brand's ethos matters—especially in today’s crowded retail space—make this a conversation brimming with lessons for marketers and business leaders alike. Tune in to be inspired by the legacy and future of the “helpful place.”

In this episode of TOP CMO, Ben Kaplan sits down with Rowan Tonkin, CMO of Planful, to discuss the evolving landscape of financial planning and how companies can achieve profitable growth in today’s market. Rowan shares insights on shifting from a "growth at all costs" mindset to a more controlled, sustainable approach. They dive deep into the challenges of staying industry-agnostic while tailoring marketing strategies to diverse personas, and how marketers can foster stronger relationships with CFOs by aligning on commercial and financial metrics. Tune in to explore how Rowan navigates the balance between short-term wins and long-term value in a dynamic business environment.

Join us on TOP CMO as we sit down with Wendy Wu, CMO of SailPoint, to explore her journey from Microsoft to Google and beyond. Wendy shares key insights into navigating the evolving landscape of marketing, the importance of being data-driven, and her experience shaping SailPoint into a leader in identity security. Whether you're interested in SaaS, leadership, or crafting a winning marketing strategy, this episode delivers actionable takeaways for aspiring CMOs and seasoned professionals alike.

In this episode, Eric Hanson, CMO of Mitel, shares insights on repositioning a long-established company to navigate industry shifts and challenge modern market hype. Eric dives into strategies for aligning sales, marketing, and product teams, overcoming the pandemic's impact, and ensuring long-term success in a hybrid business communications landscape. Tune in to learn how to redefine a brand’s story while maintaining core values in a dynamic market environment.

In this episode, Ben Kaplan sits down with Kristen D’Arcy, Chief Marketing Officer at True Religion, to explore how the iconic denim brand reinvented itself. Kristen shares insights on maintaining authenticity, connecting with urban culture, and co-creating with customers to keep the brand relevant. From navigating turnarounds and embracing digital-first strategies to executing 360-degree holiday campaigns, she offers a candid look at how True Religion is resonating with new audiences while staying true to its roots. Tune in to hear about the exciting collaborations, bold moves, and what’s next for this legendary brand.

In this episode of TOP CMO, Jackson Carpenter sits down with Nate Chang, CMO of CycleBar—the world's largest indoor cycling franchise with over 200 locations globally. Nate shares his experience navigating the challenges of maintaining brand consistency while adapting to the unique needs of franchisees. From his days leading the rebrand of Yoga Six to expanding CycleBar's presence, Nate dives into the strategic insights that help franchise marketers empower local owners, stay relevant, and evolve in a competitive fitness industry. Tune in to hear how customer feedback, adaptable marketing, and a strong brand vision have shaped CycleBar’s continued growth and success​.

In this episode of TOP CMO, Ben Kaplan interviews MariCarmen Ribes, Chief Marketing Officer of Kyndryl UK and Ireland, who shares the inside story of how Kyndryl emerged from its IBM legacy to become a bold, independent brand. With over 25 years of experience, MariCarmen dives into what makes the “Kyndryl Way” unique—a culture built on being restless, empathetic, and devoted. She explains how these core values are not just internal principles but are infused into every customer interaction, redefining how Kyndryl builds trust and strengthens relationships post-spin-off. From creating a distinctive identity to implementing a comprehensive account-based marketing strategy, MariCarmen provides a masterclass in modern marketing, leadership, and the power of culture. She also explores Kyndryl’s strategic use of AI, shares lessons learned from navigating damaged customer relationships, and offers her perspective on achieving work-life balance as a leader.

In this episode of TOP CMO, we sit down with Melissa Waters, CMO of Upwork, to explore the evolution of remote work, the power of AI in talent acquisition, and the challenges of rebranding a global freelancing platform. Melissa shares insights on how Upwork is shifting the narrative from a transactional marketplace to a long-term staffing solution, while navigating the rise of AI and maintaining a strong company culture in a remote-first environment. Tune in to hear her strategies for driving brand awareness and fostering a community of innovation and high-quality talent.

In this episode, Ben Kaplan sits down with Elisa Padilla, the dynamic CMO of the New York Red Bulls. With over 20 years of marketing leadership across top brands like HBO, Apple, and the Miami Marlins, Elisa shares her insights on how to create unforgettable fan experiences and build community through sports. From youth programs to influencer marketing and the "Messi Effect," Elisa dives deep into what it takes to engage audiences in one of the world's most competitive markets. Tune in to hear her winning strategies for connecting with fans and elevating a brand's true potential.