Brand Story

Content That Connects ft. Darren Rayner

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Great content doesn’t come from chasing perfection — it comes from creating something people can actually feel. In this episode, Darren Rayner shares how brands can build content systems that connect, why authenticity matters more than ever, and what it takes to stand out in a world flooded with content.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/content-that-connects/

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(00:00) Introduction to Darren and Magnafire

(04:09) The Evolution of Social Media in Brand Strategy

(07:11) The Three-Step Content Process

(09:56) The Content Pyramid Approach

(17:06) The Importance of Audience Understanding

(18:24) Emotional Resonance in Content

(20:51) Hooks, Kicks, and Engagement Strategies

(27:45) Authenticity in Content Creation

(30:14) The Role of AI in Content Production

(34:39) Innovative Approaches to Content

(37:19) Common Mistakes Brands Make

(41:07) Life Lessons and Reflections

Embrace the Process ft. Peter Santana

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Careers don’t always follow the path we expect. In this episode, Peter Santana reflects on leaving a stable executive role to pursue work driven by purpose, service, and growth. His story is a reminder that meaningful leadership often begins when we stop chasing the finished product and start embracing the process.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/embrace-the-process

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(00:00) Introduction to Peter Santana's Journey

(01:44) The Leap of Faith: From CFO to Mission Aviation(07:00) The Impact of Relationships and Gratitude

(08:50) Navigating Challenges and Perspective

(14:39) Balancing Ambition and Mindfulness

(18:12) Embracing Lifelong Learning and Growth

(21:28) Overcoming Self-Doubt in Careers

(27:45) Empathy in Leadership

(34:55) Looking Ahead

(39:20) Investing and Embracing the Process

Creating Relevance ft. Carrie Willetts

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0400

Leadership isn’t about having it all figured out — it’s about staying relevant, embracing the mess, and protecting culture as you grow. In this episode, Carrie Willetts shares hard-earned lessons on leading at scale, integrating with empathy, and why confidence and community matter more than ever in healthcare.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/creating-relevance/

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(00:00) Introduction to Carrie Willetts

(02:00) The Evolution of Leadership and Culture

(05:05) The Importance of Local Presence in Healthcare

(09:44) Embracing the Messiness of Leadership

(16:09) Advice for Young Leaders

(21:11) Communication and Clarity in Leadership

(26:15) The Complexity of Integration in Healthcare

(31:30) Carrie's Leadership Purpose and Growth

(36:45) How to Find Clarity

(39:06) Defining Success in Leadership

(42:22) A Season of Community

(48:45) Working on Communication

(51:48) Advice to Your Younger Self

Engineering Brand Love ft. Rick Milenthal

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0400

What happens when marketing becomes more automated, data-driven, and efficient — but less human? In episode 102 of Brand Story, we sit down with Rick Milenthal, Chairman, Founder, and CEO of The Shipyard, to explore why emotion still matters more than technology, how fear can hold brands back, and why understanding people is the key to building brands that last.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/engineering-brand-love

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Chapters:

(00:00) – Meet Rick Milenthal and The Shipyard

(03:10) – Curiosity, fear, and adapting to change

(09:01) – Building The Shipyard

(11:59) – Engineering brand love and emotional storytelling

(23:10) – Culture, leadership, and mental health in agencies

(27:21) – Client work spotlight: EVs & Visit California

(34:47) – The future of The Shipyard

(37:00) – Fear vs adventure in leadership

(40:54) – Rick's advice to his younger self

Season 5 Favorite Moments

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0400

In this highlight episode, we revisit some of our favorite moments from Season Five of Brand Story. The conversation reflects on what it takes to build brands people believe in, how marketers should think beyond surface-level metrics in a zero-click landscape, and what it means to lead creative work with intention.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/season-five-favorite-moments/

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(1:05) Happiness Advantage — Mark Lester (Ep 90)

(4:02) Zero-Click Marketing — Rand Fishkin (Ep 91)

(6:28) Collaborative Leadership — Aya Baeshean (Ep 87)

(9:55) Brand Transformation — Simon Hill (Ep 97)

(12:51) Building Brand Loyalty — Phyllis Rothschild (Ep 95)

(15:35) Keeping Creativity Alive — Brian Thibodeau (Ep 98)

The Creative Reset featuring Scott Witthaus

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0400

100 episodes in, one thing is clear: creativity is still human at its core. For our 100th episode, editor and educator Scott Witthaus returns to reflect on the creative industry, the importance of stepping away, the rise of AI, and why our humanity is still our greatest differentiator. This episode touches on finding clarity and inspiration outside of work, the danger of an “always-on” creative culture, and how AI is changing (not replacing) creative work.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-creative-reset/

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(0:00) Mentoring and Industry Insights

(2:58) The Importance of Taking Breaks

(6:02) Travel and Storytelling

(12:33) Mentoring the Next Generation

(15:34) AI's Impact on Creativity

(18:01) Human Touch in Storytelling

(31:12) The Role of AI in Storytelling

(37:09) Human Experience Design and Its Importance

(41:45) The Inspiration Series: Human Stories in Advertising

(48:11) Giving Back: Nonprofits and Community Engagement

Marketing's Measurement Reset ft. Laura Grover

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Data is everywhere. But making sense of it? That’s where the real work begins. In episode 99 of Brand Story, Laura Grover, Senior Vice President and Head of Client Solutions at EDO, Inc., shares why traditional metrics like reach and clicks don’t always tell the full story. She also discusses how AI is reshaping search and measurement, what marketers can learn from sports audiences, and why curiosity is still the most valuable skill in a data-driven world.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/marketings-measurement-reset/

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(00:00) Introduction to Laura Grover, EDO, and Marketing Measurement

(03:06) The Importance of Meeting Clients Where They Are

(05:57) Evolution of Advertising Metrics

(09:01) The Role of AI in Search and Measurement

(11:55) Measuring NFL Advertising Effectiveness

(15:08) The Impact of Women's Sports on Advertising

(18:00) Programmatic Advertising and Client Success Stories

(20:25) Maximizing Creative and Media Efficiency

(24:12) The Evolution of Measurement in Advertising

(27:40) Confidence in Analytics and Asking Questions

(29:08) Advice for Newcomers in Measurement

(32:44) The Importance of Generalist Skills in Measurement

(34:56) Harnessing AI for Creative Analysis

(36:12) Outcomes as a New Standard of Measurement

Keeping Creativity Alive ft. Brian Thibodeau

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

When creativity hits a wall, what keeps you moving? For creative director and educator Brian Thibodeau, it’s curiosity, empathy, and a relentless drive to connect. In episode 98 of Brand Story, he and host Steve Gilman explore how art, teaching, and storytelling fuel a creative life and how empathy helps drive good design.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/keeping-creativity-alive/

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(00:00) Introduction to Brian Thibodeau

(01:52) The Quarantine Portraits Project

(08:30) Navigating the Creative Path

(11:06) Creative Collaborations and Projects

(17:00) Disney, Nissan, Rogue One, and the Nissan Rogue

(21:43) Exploring Ecotourism and Creative Assignments

(22:52) The Importance of Teaching and Mentorship

(34:18) End of Day Art: A Creative Movement

Transforming Brands ft. Simon Hill

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Here’s the truth about brand. It isn’t one-dimensional. The strongest brands create experiences across every sense, building memories that last long after a purchase. In episode 97 of Brand Story, Simon Hill, President, FutureBrand North America, shares how the best brands stand out in markets where products often look the same. We explore the frameworks FutureBrand uses to align leaders and global teams, how emotion tips decisions, and why consistency across every sense matters more than ever.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/transforming-brands

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction & Simon Hill Welcome

(01:22) Leading the London 2012 Olympic Bid

(04:50) Lessons from Global Brand Campaigns

(09:10) Shifting from Advertising to Brand Strategy

(13:05) Working Closely with CEOs & Leaders

(15:53) Making Brands Experiential & Human

(18:33) The Transformation Ladder

(23:40) The Future of Branding & Human Experience

(27:06) Being Open to The Power of Brand

(29:16) The Power of Human Insight

(32:48) Swimming the English Channel for Charity

(34:10) Fear, Adventure & Resilience

(36:30) Embracing Competition & Growth

(38:07) This Chapter of Life Investment

(38:58) Advice to My Younger Self

The Devil Emails at Midnight ft. Mita Mallick

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Bad bosses are everywhere. We’ve all worked with them, and if we’re honest, we’ve all had moments where we’ve been them. In episode 96 of Brand Story, Mita Mallick, Wall Street Journal & USA Today Best Selling Author, returns to the podcast to talk about her new book, The Devil Emails at Midnight. We explore why toxic behaviors are so persistent in the workplace, how leaders can recognize when they’re slipping into bad habits, and what it takes to build cultures that people actually want to be part of.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-devil-emails-at-midnight/

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(00:00) Introduction

(2:37) Why Write About Bad Bosses

(6:56) Owning Our Own Mistakes

(9:00) The Archetypes of Bad Bosses - Spotlight Stealer

(13:52) The Archetypes of Bad Bosses - Medusa

(19:30) The Archetypes of Bad Bosses - The Grieving Boss

(25:02) Common Behaviors of Bad Bosses - Toxic Positivity

(30:25) The Devil Emails At Midnight

(33:30) Self Awareness & Humility

(35:43) What's Next & Final Takeaways

Building Brand Loyalty ft. Phyllis Rothschild

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400

How do you stand out in a crowded market where products all look the same? By building a brand that’s authentic, consistent, and audience-first.

In episode 95 of Brand Story, we speak with Phyllis Rothschild, CMO of Pete & Gerry's Organics, to explore how she helped turn a commodity into a mission-driven brand that people trust and stay loyal to. From redefining what loyalty really means to balancing creativity with consistency, this conversation highlights the marketing principles that make any brand stronger.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/building-brand-loyalty

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(00:00) From Consulting to CMO

(04:42) The Heart of Brand Loyalty

(07:23) Mission Meets Marketing

(11:44) Packaging & Brand Identity

(13:19) Two Brands, One Family

(16:26) Consumer Experience & Health Consciousness

(18:52) Cutting Through Confusion

(21:52) Educating at Shelf

(24:25) Opportunities & Threats in Premium Eggs

(29:00) Building Loyalty Beyond Discounts

(30:34) Navigating Risk & Adventure in Marketing

(34:55) Finding Joy in the Journey

Authentic Storytelling ft. Toby Myles

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Toby Myles, Strategic Copywriter, knows the power of a good story, and she’s built her business on helping others tell theirs. In episode 94 of Brand Story, she talks about why storytelling is the most human (and effective) marketing tool we have and how to spot stories hiding in plain sight. From her Spoonful of Comfort email marketing story to her Core 8 Story Hub framework, Toby offers insight on building genuine connections, creating empathetic campaigns, and making space for the moments that matter most.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/authentic-storytelling/

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(00:00) Introduction to Toby Myles

(02:21) The Journey from Corporate to Entrepreneurship

(06:25) Storytelling Roots and the Power of Listening

(10:47) The Email That Changed Everything

(14:47) Building the Core 8 Story Hub

(20:20) Launching Her Origin Story

(25:54) Rewriting the Rules of Work and Life

(29:14) Fear, Adventure, and Doing It Her Way

(31:37) This Chapter of Toby's Life

Experience is Brand ft. John McNeil

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In episode 93 of Brand Story, we sit down with John McNeil, Founder & CEO of John McNeil Studio, for a candid conversation about what it really means to build a brand. From his early days in traditional agencies to pioneering the studio model, John shares how his team helps brands move beyond deliverables to a system where everything from strategy to media to brand experience works together.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/creativity-in-business/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmcneil/

https://www.johnmcneilstudio.com/

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(00:00) John's Early Agency Years

(04:43) Breaking into Creativity

(09:04) Founding John McNeil Studio

(11:50) Everything is Media

(16:00) Rethinking the Brand Process

(18:25) The Promise and Pitfalls of AI

(24:25) Authenticity as a Differentiator

(29:23) Strategy + Creativity as One

(48:45) The Power of Brand Labs

(51:55) Looking Ahead: The Studio Model

Branding Beyond Algorithms ft. Rand Fishkin

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In episode 92 of Brand Story, we welcome back Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO of SparkToro, to talk about brand vs. algorithm, the value of real audience research, and the dangers of chasing attention without purpose. He shares the story behind SparkToro, why so many marketers don’t actually know their audience, and how optimizing for vanity metrics can lead you astray.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/branding-beyond-algorithms/

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Chapters:

(00:00) The Birth of SparkToro: Audience Intelligence Unleashed

(08:44) Inertia in Marketing: The Resistance to Change

(21:20) Brand Over Algorithm: The Difference Between Gaming the System and Optimization

(28:37) Building Real Value vs. Surface Engagement

(35:36) Brand Story Podcast Engagement - Short vs. Long Clips

(39:48) Entrepreneurship: Risk vs. Control

(49:40) Exploring Possible Futures

Marketing in a Zero-Click World ft. Rand Fishkin

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In today’s digital landscape, marketers are being asked to do more with less—less clarity, less control, and often, less trust in what’s actually working. To explore this shift, we sat down with Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO of SparkToro, to unpack what’s changing, what’s still true, and what marketers need to relearn to build brands that actually resonate. From zero-click search to the surprising power of so-called “vanity metrics,” this episode challenges the way we think about digital success and makes the case for more thoughtful, audience-first marketing.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/marketing-in-a-zero-click-world/

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Brand Story and Rand Fishkin

(03:55) The Importance of Understanding Your Audience

(09:34) Navigating the Zero-Click Search Era

(17:45) The Shift in Marketing Attribution and Measurement

The Happiness Advantage ft. Mark Lester

Thu, 15 May 2025 05:00:00 -0400

What if happiness is the most powerful brand strategy no one’s paying attention to? Mark Lester, Co-Founder and CSO at Squint, joins us to talk about how brands can drive massive impact, not by leaning harder into industry claims or trend forecasts, but by reconnecting with something far more fundamental: joy. From reimagining Ollipop as a “happiness drink” to rebuilding brand trust one hike at a time, Mark shares how deep listening, emotional resonance, and strategic empathy can transform the way brands show up in the world.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-happiness-advantage

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Mark Lester

(01:29) Mark's Journey to Launch His Own Agency, Squint

(09:11) The Unhappiness Crisis & The Happiness Advantage in Brand Strategy

(14:10) Case Study: The Success of Ollipop

(22:57) Working with Nike on Women's Sports

(26:55) The Importance of Relationships in Business

(31:17) Empathy and Listening in the Industry

(35:44) The Role of Hospitality in Branding

(40:31) Embracing Responsibility and Peak Performance

(43:04) Advice for Younger Marketers

The Evolution of Branding ft. Troy Hitch

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Creative leadership, brand strategy, and the future of the industry—Troy Hitch, Global Chief Creative Officer at RAPP, shares how he approaches it all. From empowering teams to rethinking the role of brand in an AI-driven world, episode 89 explores what it means to lead well and build work that resonates.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-evolution-of-branding/

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(00:00) - Intro: Troy Hitch’s Path from Theater to Advertising

(01:26) - Creativity Born from Theater & Early Career Lessons

(05:01) - You Suck at Photoshop and the Dawn of Branded Content

(09:51) - The RAPP Journey: Leadership and Innovation at Omnicom

(13:02) - Leading Global Creative Teams

(14:43) - AI, Cost Pressures & The Changing Creative Landscape

(18:08) - The Ego Epiphany: Redefining Creative Leadership

(23:30) - Supporting Teams Through Change and Uncertainty

(27:36) - The Future of Brand: AI, Empathy & Individual Relevance

(31:43) - Brand as a Harmonizing Signal in a Noisy World

(41:07) - Advice to His Younger Self – Don’t Not Do That Thing

Community in Advertising ft. Gina Grillo

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Gina Grillo, President and CEO of The ADVERTISING Club of New York, joins us on episode 88 of Brand Story to talk about building community in advertising, staying relevant through change, and why it’s time to rethink who gets a seat at the table. From championing diversity to shaking up the ANDY Awards, Gina shares what it takes to lead with intention—and why bravery still matters in creative work.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/community-in-advertising

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Intro: How Gina Grillo chose a creative career over the financial industry

(04:56) - Navigating Industry Change

(07:00) - Building Diversity & Early Career Programs

(12:46) - Influential Mentors & Industry Inspiration

(15:32) - The Future of the ANDYs & Championing Creativity

(24:24) - A Personal Chapter: What’s Next for Gina

(25:46) - Advice to Her Younger Self - Take on Responsibility

Fearless Design ft. Aya Baeshean

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0400

What does it look like to lead with both intuition and intention? As Partner and Global Head of Design at Known, Aya Baeshean brings a fresh, fearless perspective to the world of branding. In episode 87 of Brand Story, Aya shares how her early experiences as a multicultural, multilingual child shaped her creative voice and ultimately her approach to leadership. She opens up about the power of immersive travel and volunteer work, the importance of emotional safety in creative teams, and how breaking down traditional structures can lead to better, faster, more human work.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/fearless-design

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:50) Aya Baeshean: Partner, VP & Global Head of Design at Known

(02:20) Exploring How Aya’s Global Background Influences Her Design

(03:30) Immerse Yourself In Things that are Different

(07:20) Art as a Tool for Communication + Connection

(10:38) Escaping Traditional Marketing through Collaboration at Known

(18:37) Catering to Collaboration with the Chef's Table Project

(22:48) Building Hospitality into the Creative Experience

(24:42) Amplifying Creativity with AI

(28:50) Aya's Design Fingerprint: Playful Simplicity

(31:20) Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Mind (Aya's Advice for Young Designers)

(33:48) Fear is Holding You Back, Shed It

(37:53) This Chapter in Aya's Life

(40:28) Advice to Younger Self

Designing Iconic Products ft. Robert Brunner

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Industrial design impacts our daily lives more than we realize. But what separates good design from great design? In episode 86 of Brand Story, we hear from Robert Brunner, Founder/Partner at Ammunition, about the philosophy behind creating industry-defining products. From game-changing innovations like Beats by Dre and Square to the balance of risk, creativity, and business strategy, we dive into the impact design has on shaping culture and brand perception.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/designing-iconic-products

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(00:00) Introduction - Robert Brunner

(02:01) Industrial Design - The Purposeful Creation of Things

(04:54) Risk Avoidance is the Road to Mediocrity

(07:26) Designing Beats By Dre

(14:57) Marketing Beats by Dre - Integrating into Sports & Music

(18:07) Great Industrial Design is Transformative

(19:18) If Two People Have the Same Gut Feeling, You Have a Brand

(24:38) Robert's work with Square - Reimagining Point of Sale

(29:42) A Commitment to Craft - Design is an Inherently Human Pursuit

(33:04) Robert's Life Chapter - Storytelling

(34:23) Empathy is an Undervalued Trait

Say It Well ft. Terry Szuplat

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0400

In episode 85 of Brand Story, host Steve Gillman welcomes back Terry Szuplat, former speechwriter for President Obama and author of the award-winning book "Say It Well: Find Your Voice, Speak Your Mind, and Inspire Any Audience." Terry shares insights on the power of storytelling in leadership and communication, emphasizing how compelling narratives can drive connection and inspire action. He discusses the core beliefs that motivate individuals to engage with organizations and the importance of effective communication.

Listen to Terry's previous episode: Episode 30 - Writing for President Obama, featuring Terry Szuplat

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/say-it-well/

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(00:00) Intro

(00:39) Terry Szuplat: World Renowned Speechwriter and one of President Obama's Longest

(02:35) Diving into Terry's New Book "Say It Well"

(06:15) There's No Such Thing as Naturally Gifted

(10:55) Speak Uniquely, Your Story is One in Eight Billion

(16:14) Great Leaders are Great Storytellers

(17:45) Public Speaking is a Performance

(20:59) Inviting the Audience to Join You

(25:08) More than Speechwriting: We All Need to be Effective Communicators

(33:41) Don't Be a Demagogue

(37:41) Choosing to Speak with Civility, Honesty and Empathy

(40:59) What's Next: Story Camp

Season 4 Favorite Moments | Brand Story Ep. 84

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0400

From content marketing and branding to creative strategy and AI, this season of Brand Story featured insights from professionals at the forefront of their industries. In this episode of Brand Story, we revisit some of our favorite moments, showcasing advice on innovation, leadership, creativity, and staying ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.

Whether you’re a new listener or a longtime fan, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiring stories to help you elevate your work and sharpen your skills—no matter your field.

Featuring guests Dana Herra, Maya Guice, Ross Martin, Alison McCauley, and Tara Lawell with host, Steve Gilman.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/season-4-favorite-moments/

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(00:00) Introduction - Season 4 Favorite Moments

(00:33) Dana Herra - Utilizing Content Marketing to Reach Your Customers

(06:38) Tara Lawall - Caring for & Nurturing Creative Ideas

(09:43) Ross Martin - Listening to Customer Expectations & Desires

(15:42) Alison McCauley - Using Storytelling to Understand AI Changes

(21:50) Maya Guice - Creating Unique Brand Experiences Through Diverse Perspectives

Customer-Centric Innovation ft. Alicia Knight

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0400

The best brands don’t become successful by standing still — they change and evolve alongside their customers. As a Senior Product Business Consultant at Southwest Airlines, Alicia has seen her fair share of change — in fact, she’s leading it. In episode 83 of Brand Story, Alicia shares insights from the airline industry and the changes she’s seen over the years. We also discuss the importance of understanding what you’re trying to accomplish as a brand and the opportunities we all have to make the customer experience better.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast

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(00:00) Intro

(00:33) Alicia Knight: Senior Product Business Consultant at Southwest Airlines

(07:27) Understanding Everyone from Pilots to Passengers

(09:31) Adapting to Process and Technology Changes

(10:58) How Much Do You Share with the Customer?

(13:36) Southwest: Branding Through Culture

(18:40) Traveling Builds Empathy

(20:59) Favorite Travel Experiences

(25:08) Understanding Who You Are Before Following Trends

(26:51) Happiness Over Titles

(29:03) This Chapter of Life

(31:16) Advice to Younger Self: Stay Present

The Creative Leader ft. Tara Lawall

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Being a successful creative leader takes three things — strong communication, a willingness to collaborate, and the ability to challenge yourself. In episode 82 of Brand Story, Chief Creative Officer at Rethink, Tara Lawall, talks about the transition from being a senior creative to a creative director and how having a supportive culture plays a role in the successful creative campaigns at Rethink. You’ll hear about the “crafts” that help lead new ideas, how to embrace different forms of creativity, and why being a teacher can be a huge benefit for new leaders.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-creative-leader/

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(00:00) Intro: Tara Lawall, Chief Creative Officer at Rethink

(01:08) MoMA Featured Ad

(03:14) Tara's Books, Creative Stamina, and Finding the Love

(10:19) Moving to Rethink (the agency)

(13:02) Pizzeria Project for the Feel Good Foundation

(16:22) Tara's Favorite Campaigns at Rethink

(20:51) Heart & Head Marketing at Rethink

(24:50) The Long Hallway

(27:32) Learning by Teaching

(31:16) Curiosity, Empathy, and Support in Company Culture

(34:53) Becoming Comfortable with Fear

(37:41) Relentlessness/Resilience

(38:56) Can She Do It?

(40:58) Advice to Younger Self: Enjoy It

Making Marketing Better ft. Ross Martin

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Are you building brand love or animosity? Whether it’s targeting the wrong people, publishing bad creative, or even oversaturating the market, there are many different ways marketing efforts can harm rather than help your brand. In episode 81 of Brand Story, Ross Martin, President and Co-Founder of Known, shares the different ways companies are wasting money and opportunity on misguided marketing practices, and how we can avoid it.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/making-marketing-better/

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Chapters:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:34) - Poetry and Marketing

(04:35) - Branding AI Tools

(06:10) - Core Values of Known

(08:42) - Brand Hate vs. Brand Love

(11:41) - Growing with Hospitality

(16:26) - Finding a Brand's Belief System

(18:26) - Known Originals

(21:57) - Longform as a Meaningful Tool

(23:34) - First Civilian Space Walk

(27:47) - Netflix's First Real-Time Docu-Series

(32:36) - Applying Scientific Method to Creativity

(38:14) - Sustainable Relationships

(39:41) - Leaving a Legacy

(44:06) - Abundance Mindset

(48:00) - Fear is Rehearsing for Failure

(51:12) - Adventure Chapter

(53:15) - Advice to Younger Self

Redefining the News ft. Tim Huelskamp

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Human first, transparency, accountability, and relentless curiosity. These are the standards that define 1440 — the daily newsletter that keeps millions of Americans informed about the latest headlines, without motives. In episode 80 of Brand Story, Co-Founder & CEO of 1440, Tim Huelskamp, shares the story of how 1440 came to be, the impact taking care of your team has on your customers, and how his company is helping redefine the news landscape.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/redefining-the-news/

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Chapters:

(00:33) Tim Huelskamp: CEO of 1440

(01:56) How 1440 Was Started

(02:42) How Mainstream Media is Letting Us Down

(05:45) How 1440 is Different

(07:54) Expert Writers

(09:35) Delighting the Reader

(10:59) People-First Culture at 1440

(15:01) How Tim's Background Supports His 1440 Work

(20:40) Presenting Unbiased Information: Content Curation

(25:10) Easy Access to Rabbit Holes

(26:26) What Great Brands Do

(27:13) Mindful & Ethical Ads

(31:43) Meaning Behind the 1440 Name

(32:54) What's Next?

(35:43) This Chapter in Tim's Life

(39:12) Learning the Impact of Iconic Branding

(40:47) Advice to Younger Self

Creative Optimism ft. Lauren Smith

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

When you hear the phrase “72 and sunny” you’re probably picturing blue skies, sunshine, and comfortable temperatures. That’s the feeling the ad agency, 72andSunny, grabs hold of every day. In episode 79 of Brand Story, Lauren shares stories from her time as Executive Creative Director of 72andSunny, including how her team tackled the United Airlines rebrand of 2020. She unpacks the work behind building a multichannel campaign, and how important it is to look ahead to build brands for the long term.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/creative-optimism/

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Chapters:

(00:00) Intro: Lauren Smith, Executive Creative Director at 72andSunny

(01:05) Meaning Behing 72 and Sunny

(03:00) Rebranding United Airlines

(08:14) United Employees' Pariticipation

(11:26) Tying Products Back to Consumer Truths

(12:36) Multi-Media 2020 Campaign

(15:46) Other Favorite Clients

(17:35) Positive Messaging for Adobe Amidst a Pandemic

(20:38) How do you keep your team focused but energized?

(21:57) Believing In & Supporting Creatives

(24:38) Client Fit & Growing at Your Company

(26:59) Changes in Leadership Style

(30:20) Power in Committed Creative Partnership

(31:33) Weakness to Strength: Being a Hummingbird

(33:05) Current Chapter: Mothering Era

(35:09) Advice to Younger Self: Change and Grow (but not all right now)

A Culture of Learning featuring Joseph McBee

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Continuous learning is a crucial aspect of organizational improvement. Just ask Senior Instructional Designer and e-Learning Specialist at Canon, Joseph McBee. When organizations encourage employees to engage in ongoing learning and development opportunities, they can stay ahead of industry trends, adapt to changing conditions, and drive innovation. In episode 78 of Brand Story, we speak with Joseph about the similarities between learning and development and marketing, ways to make learning easier, and how to create a culture of learning in the workplace.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/a-culture-of-learning/

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Chapters

(00:00) Introduction - Joseph McBee, Senior Instructional Designer

(01:18) What is Instructional Design?

(03:25) Shift in Learning Formats with Technological Changes

(05:53) The Empathy of Working in Learning & Development

(07:42) Stories as a Framework for Teaching & Marketing

(10:07) Being a Lifelong Learner

(21:56) How Can Organizations Accommodate Different Learning Styles

(23:42) Mixing Up Learning Delivery Formats

(26:48) Storytelling as a Connector of People

(28:10) The Future of Learning & Why Companies Should Value It

(33:39) The Ripple Effect of Learning

(36:26) The Call to Connect to People Through Teaching & Stories

(37:19) Joseph's Current Chapter in Life

(38:22) Advice to Younger Self

(39:17) Focusing on the Present, Not the Destination

Immersive Brand Experiences featuring Maya Guice

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Define your audience. Be genuine. Tell your story. As the Director of Strategy at BRC Imagination Arts, Maya Guice helps translate brand and cultural stories into transformative human experiences. In this episode, we hear from Maya about how she uses authentic storytelling techniques to bring stories to life, and the importance of including diverse perspectives at the table.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/immersive-brand-experiences

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(00:00) Introduction - Maya Guice, Director of Strategy at BRC Imagination Arts

(02:11) Brand Experience at Johnnie Walker in Edinburgh Scotland

(09:26) Marketers: Part Creative, Part Business Minded, and Part Anthropologist

(12:10) The Socialization of Ideas - Diverse viewpoints at the table

(14:54) Don't put the dinosaur out front - The Raider's Experience

(19:18) Find little emotional moments to help clients achieve their goals

(24:14) BRC Podcast - "Masters of Storytelling"

(30:40) Know Your Audience - Don't waste time playing a game that's not yours to play

(32:36) Be Yourself in Business

(35:48) Maya's Chapter in Life - Creating Myself

Brand Story Breakroom: Going the Extra Mile

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Think customer service only applies to your frontline employees? Think again. In this episode of Brand Story, Gravity Group's President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, take a deep dive into what makes up good (and bad) customer service and how it impacts brand experience.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/podcast/brand-story-breakroom-going-the-extra-mile/

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(00:00) Brand Story Breakroom Introduction

(00:31) Topic Introduction - Customer Service

(02:20) The Image of Customer Service

(05:10) Company Culture as a Part of Customer Service

(08:28) Brand Experience and Hospitality

(12:24) Providing a Different Level of Customer Service

(15:42) Front-of-House and Back-of-House Mentality

(20:45) Positive Customer Experiences - Lindsey Laughlin

(23:09) Positive Customer Experiences - Steve Gilman

(26:08) Breakroom Outro

Self-Doubt to Self-Acceptance featuring Lan Phan

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Everyone experiences moments of self-doubt, and Lan Phan is no exception. As the founder & CEO of community of SEVEN, Lan moved to the U.S. at a young age with her family and worked in a nail salon before climbing the corporate ladder. In this episode, Lan shares the lessons she learned and the daily habits she implemented to help create a more meaningful life for herself. The episode touches on the importance of prioritizing our mental and physical well-being, and how to cultivate a positive mindset through consistent, daily habits.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/self-doubt-to-self-acceptance/

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(00:00) Lan Phan Introduction

(01:27) Lan Phan Early Life

(08:04) Getting Rid of the Self Doubt

(12:26) Taking on Fear and Adversity

(14:43) The community of SEVEN

(20:10) Figuring Out What Matters Most

(24:56) What Inspired Lan Phan’s Book - Do This Daily

(35:32) A Daily Habit

(40:36) From Self-Doubt to Self-Acceptance

(44:40) Do this Daily Takeaways

(48:54) The Chapters of Lan Phan

(50:20) Advice to Younger Self

A Food Influencer's Life featuring Philip Tzeng

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Las Vegas has no shortage of food choices, and Philip Tzeng has them all at his fingertips. As a content creator and food marketer based in Las Vegas, Philip has gained a huge following by sharing positive restaurant reviews and building relationships within the Vegas food scene. In this episode, he’s pulling back the curtain to talk about what goes into content creation, working with restaurant brands, and the constantly changing social media landscape.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/a-food-influencers-life/

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For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing , where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction: Philip Tzeng, Food Influencer

(01:23) Las Vegas as a food destination

(04:11) How Phil got started as a food influencer

(05:25) Being positive on social media

(08:23) A day in the life of a food influencer - process, gear, & approach

(10:17) Growth, change, risk and reward in the world of content creation

(11:24) Phil's partnership with Mike Chen / Strictly Dumpling

(14:14) Balance, joy, & passion in content creation

(18:49) Partnerships and authenticity in content creation

(23:19) Food vs presentation

(27:38) What's next for Phil

(30:18) Advice for brands working with influencers

(31:53) Advice for anyone getting into content creation

Leveraging Your Humanity featuring David J.P. Fisher

Thu, 23 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Human beings are wired for connections. So how do we leverage our humanity to build those connections when technology seems to be pushing us in the other direction? In this episode, Steve speaks with David J.P. Fisher, Author of "Networking in the 21st Century" and President of RockStar Consulting, about the importance of storytelling, building trust, and the impact of technology on sales. The conversation touches on the psychology of human connection, the fear of rejection, and what it means to leverage your humanity.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/leveraging-your-humanity/

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(00:00) David Fisher Introduction

(01:25) Selling Knives and Hot Donuts

(04:16) Product is Important

(07:35) Mindset, Skillset, Toolset

(11:43) Leveraging Your Humanity

(17:20) Storytelling, Stand-up Comedy, and Sales

(24:57) Networking at vs. with

(28:14) All Sales is Not Manipulation

(31:48) Sitting Beside Vs. Across

(41:20) Commenting on LinkedIn

(45:53) Outro

Harnessing the Potential of AI featuring Alison McCauley

Thu, 09 May 2024 05:00:00 -0400

In this episode, Alison McCauley, Best-Selling Author and AI Strategist, and our president, Steve Gilman, revisit the world of AI and the importance of developing a relationship with AI tools. They discuss the acceleration of AI adoption over the past two years and how organizations and individuals can respond to make sure they aren’t left behind.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/harnessing-the-potential-of-ai/

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(00:00) - Alison McCauley Introduction

(01:30) - The Story Telling Tactic

(04:01) - The New Industry Playbook

(06:19) - The Six Dimensions of Digital Disruption

(11:07) - Developing New Mindsets: Speed to Learn

(13:29) - Defining AI’s Relationship in Your Workflow

(18:25) - Finding the “Aha Moment”

(21:47) - Sharing is Key

(23:58) - Entering the Cognitive Revolution

(32:46) - The Future of Education Alongside AI

(39:51) - The 24 Hour Personal Tutor

(42:25) - The Resurgence of Human First Experience

(47:24) - The Current Chapter of Alison’s Life

(48:16) - Advice to Younger Self

Crafting the Right Marketing Mix featuring Gina Michnowicz

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Being creative means having the courage to take risks. It means rolling with the punches, pivoting when needed, and evolving your ideas to create an end result that resonates with your audience. In this episode, Gina Michnowicz, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of The Craftsman Agency, offers her insights into creating integrated marketing campaigns for top brands such as Disney and Cisco. She shares what it’s like to be creative in the fast-paced world of marketing and how every touchpoint impacts the customer experience.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/crafting-the-right-marketing-mix/

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(00:00) - Gina Michnowicz Introduction

(01:33) - Gina’s Process: Cruella’s Integrated Campaign

(04:45) - The Art of the Pivot

(08:44) - Finding the Right Marketing Mix

(14:13) - Pairing Brands: Guardians of the Galaxy and Cisco Duo

(16:54) - Advice on Brand Activation Events

(19:46) - The Attendee Experience

(24:29) - The Customer Experience

(27:07) - Marketing to Emotional Beings

(31:04) - Business Bliss or Co-Founder Chaos?

(37:40) - The Trait Gina Values Now

(39:12) - The Current Chapter of Gina’s Life

(40:12) - Advice to Younger Self

Creating a Video Content Strategy featuring Tom Langan

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Ever wonder how a two-time Emmy nominee approaches storytelling? Tom Langan has spent his 20-year career in television keeping one thing consistent: appealing to the human side of storytelling. In this episode, Tom addresses the need for a strategic approach to content creation and putting your audience first. We hear snippets from his book, Legendeering, a guide for a video communication strategy, and the role reciprocity plays in communication strategies. His episode is full of examples of how to talk to people like people to build connections and add value to your stories.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/creating-a-video-content-strategy/

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(00:00) - Tom Langan Introduction

(01:16) - Tom's Journey into Production

(04:14) - Tom's Early Career and Transition into Storytelling

(11:53) - Tom's Approach to Finding and Telling Stories

(15:15) - Core Principle: Lead with Value

(17:25) - Why Write a Book Instead of Making a Video

(20:28) - The Power of Video in Business

(23:15) - The Importance of Audience-Centric Storytelling

(26:04) - The Role of Emotion and Context in Storytelling

(30:12) - The Importance of Video Content

(34:15) - The Power of Episodic Content

(41:04) - The Importance of Humanizing Business

(45:11) - The Current Chapter of Tom's Life

(46:46) - Advice to Younger Self

Personal Branding on LinkedIn featuring Liam Darmody

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

For brand strategist, Liam Darmody, LinkedIn is the go-to place to help build a strong personal brand. Like other social media platforms, LinkedIn has evolved over time, growing from a place to look for jobs to a place of cultivating connections. It’s a place to attract unknown opportunities – if you use it right. In this episode, Liam shares his tips for using the platform to its full potential so you can build your personal brand, and make a few friends along the way.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/personal-branding-on-linkedin/

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(00:00) - Introduction - Liam Darmody

(01:44) - Liam's LinkedIn Journey

(04:02) - Overcoming LinkedIn Posting Anxiety

(09:49) - Liam's Personal Branding Success Story

(13:10) - The Impact of Consistent LinkedIn Presence

(19:00) - The Power of Authenticity on LinkedIn

(20:23) - Imposter Syndrome and Sharing Your Personality

(22:52) - Authenticity and Integrity on LinkedIn

(26:45) - LinkedIn's New Features

(32:06) - Advice and Quotes to Live By

(34:17) - Current Life Phase: Reinvigorating

(36:08) - Advice to Younger Self

(38:53) - Conclusion

The AI Mindset featuring Conor Grennan

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

AI is software that behaves like a human, and it’s that mindset that Conor Grennan, Dean of Students and Head of Generative AI at NYU Stern, helps people understand. In this episode, we dive into what the future of AI holds and its impact across various fields and industries. Conor highlights the critical role of communication skills in an era increasingly dominated by generative AI and introduces us to his HTG format for interacting with AI.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-ai-mindset/

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(00:00) Introduction - About Conor Grennan

(01:29) Keeping Up with AI

(07:42) How to Use AI Effectively

(15:15) The Future of AI and Education

(16:11) Advice for AI Beginners

(18:13) Concerns about AI

(21:49) AI and Creativity

(24:27) AI as a Research Tool

(27:53) Future of AI and Human Creativity

(32:28) AI Proofing Your Career

(36:36) Rapid-Fire Questions

(40:06) Conclusion

Content Marketing Simplified featuring Dana Herra

Thu, 29 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0400

How do you develop a strong content marketing strategy? Dana Herra, Content Marketer, Copywriter, and Editor, would break it up into five chapters: foundation, audience, messaging, distribution, and measurement. In this episode, Dana shares her tips for creating a successful content marketing strategy, how repetition and consistency help build trust, and why your brand voice matters more than you think.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/content-marketing-simplified/

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(00:00) Introduction - Dana Herra

(01:21) Where Should a Marketing Team Start?

(02:23) Foundations of a Solid Content Strategy

(04:06) Content Vs. Ads

(07:52) Content Marketing is Emotional

(14:13) Consistency in Branding

(16:12) People Don’t Remember

(21:40) Finding Brand Voice

(27:27) What Is a Thought Leader?

(31:31) Spending Time to Make Time

(37:20) What Advice Has Stuck With You

(39:47) There Are No Hard and Fast Rules

(41:32) Advice For Your Younger Self

(43:33) Outro - Dana Herra

Brand Story with Steve Gilman Trailer

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Podcast Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast

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Brand Story Breakroom: Magic Candy and Buzzword Bingo

Thu, 15 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0400

What exactly is the difference between a marketing strategy, plan, and tactic? What’s one thing marketers should start (and stop) doing? Gravity Group’s President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, answer these questions and more while sharing stories from their favorite brands in this Q&A breakroom episode.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/brand-story-breakroom-magic-candy-buzzword-bingo

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:25) What to stop and start doing in the industry

(02:58) Writing a Book - The concept of ‘Yes, and...’

(05:43) The difference between strategy, plans, and tactics

(07:53) Brands that impacted our earliest memories

(10:29) Childhood Stories - how they influence our choices and loyalties

Empathy and Design featuring Jim Pietruszynski

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0400

70% of our decision-making is made unconsciously with our emotions, and when you lean into that power, you can create brands that truly resonate with consumers. For Jim Pietruszynski, CEO of Soulsight, that passion for weaving empathy and design together started when he was just a kid and continues to be the driving force behind his practices today. In this episode, we talk with Jim about the emotional core of branding and the importance of crafting designs that truly embody a brand's story and purpose.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/empathy-and-design/

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction - Jim Pietruszynski

(03:38) Tony The Tiger - How a Cereal Box Started Jim's Career

(05:35) Story in Design & The Finding The Reason People Make Choices

(07:06) Building Long Term Relationships

(08:18) How to Foster Long-Term Client Relationships

(09:22) Refreshing the Blue Moon and Coors Light Brand

(13:55) Being an Adaptable Agency, Focus on the Client, not on a Signature Look

(15:55) Lifelong Learning, Regret isn't Bad, & Helping Others Succeed

(19:24) Undercutting Value Hurts Everyone

(21:02) Sensitivity, Vulnerability, and New Perspectives

(22:59) The Why Question

(23:49) Hope, Beauty, & Practicing Gratitude

(25:38) Advice to Younger Self: Know Your Value

Mission-Driven Branding featuring Kathryn Tuttle

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Building a brand always comes back to being human, something Kathryn Tuttle reinforces with every brand she works with. As an Executive Advisor for CPG brands, Kathryn’s approach has always been people-first – finding ways to build those relationships to help create success. In this episode, we talk to Kathryn about her experience in building brands and scaling businesses. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the consumer's perspective and the power of branding to make a positive impact on the world.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/misson-driven-branding

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction - Kathryn Tuttle

(01:38) Career Shift - Brand Wrangler

(05:54) Don't Accept the Status Quo - Building the Fresh Pet Brand

(09:59) Strategic Planning For Mission-Driven Brands

(14:35) Competition is Rarely the Killer, Lack of Focus Is

(19:34) Marketing Metrics - Measure What Matters

(24:32) Discovering the Power & Impact Brands and Marketers Have

(27:14) Where Marketers Should Spend Limited Resources

(31:43) Positioning a New or Niche Brand For Mainstream Audiences

(34:16) Focus on Who's at the Center - Branding and Marketing at the Same Time

(39:36) Best and Worst About Being a CMO

(42:42) Season of Reinvention & Learning

(44:01) Advice to Younger Self: Check-in and Reassess

Season 3 Favorite Moments

Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:00:00 -0400

From higher education and marketing to hospitality and communication, this past season of Brand Story has brought together professionals from various industries to share what they’ve learned during their career journeys. In this episode, we take a look back at some of the standout moments from season three, featuring advice on company culture and operations, marketing, leadership, and brand.

Featuring guests Mita Mallick, Miyoko Schinner, Dr. Marcus Collins, Wade Forbes, Vanessa Patrick, and Will Guidara with host, Steve Gilman.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/season-3-favorite-moments/

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(00:00) Highlights from Season 3

(00:26) Mita Mallick - Recognizing Your Biases

(04:24) Miyoko Schinner - Redefining Success and Happiness

(07:10) Dr. Marcus Collins - Start with the Soul, End with the Sell

(10:13) Wade Forbes - The Power of Visual Communication

(13:41) Vanessa Patrick - Feeling More Empowered to Say “No”

(18:07) Will Guidara - Unreasonable Hospitality

Brand Story Breakroom: Listener Q&A - Social Media, Small Businesses, and More

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0400

How do you decide which social media platforms to use? What can small businesses to do jump-start their brand and marketing efforts? Gravity Group’s President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, answer these questions and more while sharing stories from the world of brand and marketing in this Q&A breakroom episode.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/brand-story-breakroom-listener-qa-social-media-small-businesses-and-more

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Chapters:

(00:00) Breakroom Listener Questions & Answers

(00:36) What Social Platforms Should Marketers Invest In? Think About Your Audience

(02:39) Add Value to the Social Platforms You're On

(03:21) How Can Marketers Distinguish Their Brand's Voice & Personality

(06:36) How Do You Jumpstart Your Marketing Without A Big Team

(09:15) Industry Challenges - Proof-Point Overload

(10:22) Industry Challenge: Nurturing Customers Before & After Purchases

(11:11) Limitation of Performance Marketing - Not Everything is Measurable

(14:11) Marketing Toolkit: Know & Connect With Your Audience

(15:13) Brand Toolkit: Consistency & Patience

(17:37) Marketing Toolkit: Flexible Roadmap

Assembling a Brand with Dr. Emmanuel Probst

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 05:00:00 -0400

How can we build better brands? Dr. Emmanuel Probst has a few ideas. As the Global Lead of Brand Thought-Leadership at Ipsos, Emmanuel has spent his career learning what it takes to create successful brands – and it may not be as unique of a concept as you think. In this episode of Brand Story, we discuss how to repurpose ideas for today’s consumer and unpack what it takes to assemble a brand featuring insights from Emmanuel’s new book, Assemblage: The Art and Science of Brand Transformation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/assembling-a-brand/

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We’re also on:

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Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction - Emmanuel Probst, Reconciling Academia and Practitioners in Brand Building

(03:01) Brand Assemblage - Cognac, Wine, and Building Brands

(04:28) Building Brands the Way Birds Build Nests

(07:43) 3 Dimensions of the Assemblage Method - Personal, Social, Cultural

(11:35) Brands Change Over Time - James Bond vs. Blockbuster

(17:40) Heroes, Anti-Heroes, Villains: Finding a Relatable Archetype

(22:55) Imperfection Lets the Light In: Taylor Swift's Brand

(25:24) Pharrell Williams Can't Read Music - His Talent is in Assemblage to Achieve a Vision

(29:52) Success of Smaller Brands is More Compelling

(34:44) Madison Avenue is Gone - Building Brands to Serve the Greater Good

Building Brand with Unreasonable Hospitality featuring Will Guidara

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 05:00:00 -0400

When Will Guidara took over Eleven Madison Park, it didn’t have a Michelin star to its name. But through a mix of genuine care, creativity, and a bit of unreasonable hospitality, the restaurant has held three Michelin stars since 2012 and was ranked number one on the list of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. In this episode, Will shares his career journey and the valuable lessons he’s learned in both leadership and brand experience, and how industries of all kinds can embrace unreasonable hospitality in their operations.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/building-brand-with-unreasonable-hospitality ‎

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(00:00) Will Guidara - Self-imposed Standards Cannot Impede Giving Joy

(00:29) Introduction - Will Guidara

(02:45) Growing up in an Environment of Hospitality

(06:36) Leadership - Identify Why Your Work Matters, and Share That With Those Around You

(13:04) Will's Strategy, Being Unreasonable in the Pursuit of People

(19:54) Making Moments of Fleeting Brilliance Part of the Fabric of Your Organization

(26:15) Generosity can be Your Best Marketing

(28:31) Communicating Through Stories Exponentially Increases Your Reach

(31:50) Turning the Meal Check Into a Memorable Story

(37:19) 95-5 Rule in Running a Business

(41:37) Be as Unreasonable in Pursuit of People as You Are Your Products

Brand Story Breakroom: Brands that Live their 'Why'

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Gravity Group's President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, share stories from the world of brand and marketing, bringing you insights on successful and unsuccessful campaigns, brands, and marketing tactics. In this episode, they discuss how The Shop Forward and Life is Beautiful each embody their brand purpose and lives their ‘why’.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/brands-that-live-their-why/

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We’re also on:

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(00:00) Breakroom Opening

(00:47) Brand Introduction - The Shop Forward

(02:44) The Business Has to Exist to Support Their Why

(05:50) Know Your Mission

(08:05) Brand Introduction - Life is Beautiful

(10:18) Life is Beautiful Mission Statement

(10:46) Reinforcing Their Mission of Positivity

(13:16) Consistency and Truth in Brand

(17:34) Outro

Brand Purpose Before Profit featuring Miyoko Schinner

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Miyoko Schinner knows a thing or two about fighting for what she believes in. As the founder of the successful CPG brand, Miyoko’s Creamery, she’s dedicated her life to affecting social change and sustainability through veganism and activism. In this episode of Brand Story, you’ll hear from Miyoko about the battles she’s fought, the importance of standing strong in your core beliefs, and why she believes that placing purpose before profit is integral for success in business.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/brand-purpose-before-profit/

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We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

(00:00) Introducing Miyoko Schinner

(01:37) Suing to Use The Word "Butter", And Redefining Plant-Based Food Industry

(08:03) Authenticity: Being a Mission With a Company

(13:52) Creating Community Around Food & Speaking to the Spirit, Soul & Heart

(19:10) Struggling With Imposter Syndrome, and Success by Questioning Everything

(21:55) We Need To Redefine Success

(23:49) Make a Living, Not a Killing

(28:14) The Next Chapter - Fighting for Women & People Of Color in Business

(32:02) Making a Living, Not a Killing

(37:49) Advice to Younger Self - Don't give away your authenticity

The Art of Visual Storytelling featuring Wade Forbes

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Wade Forbes is no stranger to the art of visual storytelling. As the Chief Illustration Officer of RedTale Communications, Wade helps others tell their stories through engaging visuals, finding new ways to effectively convey messages and capture attention. In this episode, Wade shares his unique perspective on the art form and how you can better use visuals to help convey your message. We discuss the impact visuals can have on communication and connection, and how to leave a lasting impression.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-art-of-visual-storytelling/

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We’re also on:

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(00:00) Introduction - Drawing

(01:24) What is a Graphic Recorder?

(07:17) The Results of Graphic Recording

(09:50) Capturing Impressions of Communication

(12:37) Wade Forbes’ Drawing A Day

(22:10) Grief, Loss, and Self-Care

(27:46) The Chapter of Reflection

(29:07) Steve’s Chapter of Appreciation

(32:35) Advice to Younger Self

(36:45) Valuing Authenticity

(38:35) Outro

The Impact of Culture featuring Dr. Marcus Collins

Thu, 10 Aug 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Culture influences more than we may realize. From what we wear, who we marry, and what we support, culture is one of the most influential forces on human behavior. Yet for as often as the word is used, it’s seldom fully understood. In this episode of Brand Story, we unpack what culture is with Dr. Marcus Collins, Marketing Professor at the University of Michigan and Best-Selling Author of the book, For the Culture, and explore the relationship it has with human behavior.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-impact-of-culture/

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction - Marcus Collins

(01:02) Marcus's Journey - Engineering graduate to Music Industry to Advertising

(04:46) Disruption in the Music Industry - Working for iTunes & Beyonce

(07:46) Transitioning to the Advertising world - Finding Innovation in Digital & Social Media

(11:54) Discovering an Actionable Definition of Culture

(16:07) Marcus's Book - How to Define Culture

(22:02) Marketers Need Endless Curiosity

(25:59) Finding the Familiar in the Strange - Lessons learned from an Islamic Boy-Band

(29:55) Marketers Need Elasticity

(32:41) Start With Soul, End With Sell - Emotional Decision-making

(37:19) Writing A Book - Merging Theory and Practice

(42:30) Favorite Advice

(42:47) Chapter of Life - Marcus's Phil Jackson Years

(43:36) It Takes Courage To Be You, So Be Brave

Brand Story Breakroom: Listener Q&A — Leadership, Threads, and More

Tue, 25 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Gravity Group's President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, share stories from the world of brand and marketing, bringing you insights on successful and unsuccessful campaigns, brands, and marketing tactics. In this episode, they answer quick-fire questions from listeners about leadership, Threads, and myths about brand and marketing.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/brand-story-breakroom-listener-qa-leadership-threads-and-more/

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We’re also on:

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Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

(00:00) Introduction - Listener Questions

(00:44) Threads - will the new social platform last?

(03:15) Leadership - What have you learned that everyone should know?

(05:13) Brand Myth Debunked: A logo or name is not your company's brand

(06:55) Marketing Myth Debunked: Marketing isn't a faucet to turn on and off

(08:12) Something New - Graphic Designers sharing their process on TikTok

(09:35) Something New - For the Culture by Marcus Collins

(10:19) If Steve were to start another business, what would it be?

(11:48) If Lindsey were to start another business, what would it be?

Brand Story Breakroom: Lifestyle Branding with YETI and Disney

Thu, 06 Jul 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Gravity Group's President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, share stories from the world of brand and marketing, bringing you insights on successful and unsuccessful campaigns, brands, and marketing tactics. In this episode, they discuss lifestyle branding with YETI and the story of Disney California Adventure Park’s brand withdrawal.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/brand-story-breakroom-lifestyle-branding-with-yeti-and-disney/

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We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Chapters

(0:00) Introduction of Episode

(1:00) Steve’s Introduction to Lifestyle Branding

(1:25) YETI’s Lifestyle Brand

(2:00) Your Brand as a Sidekick

(3:27) Creating a Community Around Your Brand

(4:50) Knowing Your Audience’s Needs

(6:18) When Lifestyle Branding Doesn’t Work

(7:56) Lindsey’s Brand Introduction - California Adventure Park

(8:33) The Jobs to Be Done Theory

(9:00) The History of California Adventure Park

(10:16) The Missing Disney Experience

(14:36) Outro

The Empowered No featuring Vanessa Patrick

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Have you ever said yes to something you wanted to say no to? Vanessa Patrick hears it all the time, which is why her new book, The Power of Saying No, is here to help reshape that mindset. In this episode of Brand Story, we talk with Vanessa about the art of empowered refusal, and how saying no isn’t a rejection. She shares personal anecdotes and tips for how you can reshape your thinking and better prioritize what’s important. Because while saying no can be difficult, it doesn’t have to be.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-empowered-no/

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(00:00) Introduction - Vanessa Patrick

(01:41) Why do we Say Yes when we Want to Say No?

(03:26) Vanessa’s Motivation for her book

(06:41) What is an Empowered No

(10:33) Preserving your Brand

(14:43) The A.R.T. of Empowered Refusal

(18:29) Why Empowered Refusal Works

(21:51) Different Types of Asks

(25:45) Hero’s Journey Asks

(27:05) Saying No to Your Boss

(31:10) This Chapter of Vanessa Patrick’s Life

(31:49) Advice for Younger Self

Reimagining Inclusion featuring Mita Mallick

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Reimagine Inclusion – a message Mita Mallick hopes we all take to heart, and also the title of her new book. As a returning guest on our podcast, Mita breaks down what inclusivity really looks like both in the workplace and our professional lives. She shares examples of real struggles she’s experienced, and provides tips to help you on your own personal journey as an ally. Because whether you were ever picked last for a sports team or left off an event list, it’s a very human thing to feel excluded, so how do we help prevent it for others?

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/reimagining-inclusion/

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We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

(00:00) Introduction - Mita Mallick

(01:53) Mita Mallick’s Writing Journey

(05:27) Why Mita Wrote Reimagining Inclusion

(06:47) Kickball - Setting the Stage

(09:57) Intention vs. Impact

(13:32) Of Course I Support Black Lives Matter, Why Are You Asking If I Have Any Black Friends?

(18:16) Media Influencing Stereotypes

(23:18) Myth 11 - Our Ad Wasn’t Racist, It Was Simply A Mistake

(30:25) Tips For Focusing On Inclusion

(35:13) What Can We Do?

(37:05) Just Sit With It

Brand Story Breakroom: Coke and Pepsi

Wed, 24 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Gravity Group's President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, share stories from the world of brand and marketing, bringing you insights on successful and unsuccessful campaigns, brands, and marketing tactics. In this episode, they discuss some of Coke’s standout marketing campaigns and the recent Pepsi visual identity rebrand.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/brand-story-breakroom-coke-and-pepsi/

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We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

(00:00) Introduction of Episode

(00:46) Lindsey’s Brand Introduction - Coca-Cola

(02:39) Share-A-Coke Campaign

(04:25) Selling Connection

(05:45) Brand Consistency

(07:39) Steve’s Brand Introduction - Pepsi

(08:13) Pepsi Changing Visual Identity

(09:53) Branding for the Digital Age

(10:44) De-Branding

(14:47) Outro

Building Brand Value featuring Carolyn Walker

Thu, 18 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

What makes a brand? Carolyn Walker would say it all boils down to the customer experience. As the CEO and managing partner of Response, an independent marketing agency, Carolyn develops creative solutions to help build brands and focus on long-term loyalty. In this episode of Brand Story, we hear from Carolyn about balancing brand building with performance marketing, and the impact your customer’s brand experience has on your brand’s reputation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/building-brand-value

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(00:00) Introduction of Carolyn Walker

(03:27) Punching Above Your Weight

(06:19) Creating Hackable

(12:30) Knowing Your Audience - Liquid Death

(13:13) Putting Brand First

(17:30) Performance Marketing vs. Brand

(25:06) Leadership is Listening

(28:37) A Experience that Shaped Carolyn Walker

(30:26) Carolyn Walker: The Sponge

(31:46) Advice to Younger Self

(33:30) Outro

Brand Story Breakroom: Consistency and Knowing Your Audience

Tue, 02 May 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Gravity Group's President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, share stories from the world of brand and marketing, bringing you insights on successful and unsuccessful campaigns, brands, and marketing tactics. In this episode, they discuss the importance of knowing and connecting with your audience and having consistency in both your internal and external messaging.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/brand-story-breakroom-consistency-and-knowing-your-audience/

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(00:00) Brand Story Breakroom Introduction

(00:47) Steve Topic Intro: Consistency

(02:18) What Consistency Really Means

(04:44) Consistency From A Leadership Perspective

(07:02) Consistency Requires Authenticity

(08:40) Lindsey Topic Intro: Knowing Your Audience

(10:25) Consumers Are Centered Around Their Needs

(12:19) Keep Focus On What Consumers Really Want

(13:01) Be Specific About Your Messaging

(15:00) Breakroom Outro

Overcoming Fear and Burnout featuring Jahmaal Marshall

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Wondering how to become a more successful leader? Jahmaal Marshall would say the key lies in self-awareness. As a certified counselor, consultant, and CEO of Listen Then Speak, Jahmaal coaches leaders on identifying their behaviors and how to lean on both their strengths and weaknesses. In this episode of Brand Story, we hear from Jahmaal about the importance of setting boundaries, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and how to find a balance with your team.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/overcoming-fear-and-burnout/

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(00:00) Introduction - Jamaal Marshall

(03:05) Unique Mental Health Services

(07:11) Understanding Where You’re Coming From

(08:16) Your Business Exposes Who You Are

(11:21) Being an Effective Leader

(13:51) How Fear Affects Productivity

(19:23) Burnout

(22:12) Let's Get Into It

(24:16) Advice That Stuck With Jamaal Marshall

(27:34) Jamaal Marshall’s Year Highlights

(30:32) Advice to Younger Self

Brand Story Breakroom: Chewy and Liquid Death

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Gravity Group's President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, share positive stories from the brand and marketing world, bringing you insights on successful and unsuccessful campaigns, brands, and marketing tactics. In this episode, hear why Chewy succeeded when Pets.com failed, and how Liquid Death's brand position speaks to their audience

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/brand-story-breakroom-chewy-and-liquid-death/

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We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

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(00:00) Brand story Breakroom Introduction

(00:41) Lindsey Laughlin talks Pets.com

(02:51) Chewy’s Brand Opportunity

(04:31) How Chewy Found Brand Success

(06:10) Chewy’s Personal Touch

(07:54) Steve Gilman Liquid Death Introduction

(09:25) Why Brand Works

(12:56) Knowing Your Audience

(14:23) Outro

Embracing Effective Communication featuring Karen Nicholas

Wed, 15 Mar 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Do you talk to people, or do you just talk at them? Karen Nicholas discusses the important difference in this episode of Brand Story. As a strategic communications professional and freelance writer, she helps others improve their communication skills to better engage with employees and ensure messaging connects. In this episode, you’ll hear from Karen about the three B’s of messaging, why stories can help your message resonate better, and how the illusion of communication can impact how we react.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/embracing-effective-communication/

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Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

(00:00) Introducing Karen Nicholas

(03:00) Communication Becoming a Lost Art

(05:16) The Importance of Internal Communication

(12:49) The Employee Brand

(19:00) Systemic vs. Systematic

(22:22) The 3 Be’s of Communication

(27:36) Talk to People, Not at People

(33:37) Crutch Words

(37:25) This Chapter of Karen Nicholas’s Life

(40:12) Upcoming Projects

(42:33) Advice to Younger Self

Developing Creative Leaders featuring Vann Graves

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Vann Graves was told early on in his advertising career — don’t fall in love with your work, respect your work. As creators, we always need to balance our visions with what the client actually needs, so being fearless and open to new ideas is paramount to finding success in the business world. As the Executive Director of the VCU Brandcenter, Vann is helping develop the next generation of critical thinkers, problem solvers, and creative leaders, and in this episode of Brand Story, he’s sharing his advice with our listeners.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/developing-creative-leaders/

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Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introducing Vann Graves

(02:27) The Brand Center at VCU - Training Students to be Creative Problem Solvers

(04:13) Developing Creative and Critical Thinkers at the Brand Center

(07:52) Vann Grave's Family History in Richmond

(11:35) Advice For Professionals in Marketing & Branding: Travel, See The World

(18:48) How Brand Agencies Need To Change

(21:32) How To Be a Leader - Vann Grave's Military Service

(26:16) Trust in Teams & Leadership

(29:58) Prerequisite Qualities For Careers in Branding & Marketing

(35:59) Vann Grave's Dad Humor Helped His Career

(38:40) Vann's Kids Give Him Fresh Perspective

(42:32) Vann's Advice to His Younger Self: Take the Leap

Building Relationships on LinkedIn featuring Tara Horstmeyer

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Tara Horstmeyer has three tips for interacting on LinkedIn. Be real. Be relatable. Be relational. As a LinkedIn professional and the owner of Happy Worlds, Tara knows the value in building relationships, and encourages others to stop lurking and create from the heart. In this episode, you’ll hear from Tara about the opportunities for connections on LinkedIn and how to get more out of the platform through authentic conversations.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/building-relationships-on-linkedin/

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We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

(00:00) Introducing Tara Horstmeyer

(02:16) Making a Career Change - Right On Time For Right Now

(05:12) From Lurker to Content Creator on LinkedIn

(08:07) Overcoming Fear of Content Creation

(09:25) Social Media As An Act of Generosity

(15:08) Overcoming Writers Block - Post From the Heart

(18:02) Types of Content to Create Connection - Know, Like, Trust

(21:18) Authenticity - We're All Humans, All The Time

(24:03) Show Up (Don't Show Off) on LinkedIn

(28:00) Your Voice In Support Of Others

(35:26) Good Things Come to Those Who Build Relationships Over The Long Haul

(36:25) What's Next For Tara

(39:01) Being Connected With Your Self - Go With Your Gut

Purpose-Based Branding featuring Laura Hutfless

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0400

For Laura Hutfless, starting FlyteVu was about more than just selling products. It was about inspiring change, and connecting people to a purpose. This mindset has led the company successfully even today, where they continue to build impactful partnerships and give back to the community. In this episode of Brand Story, you’ll hear from Laura about her career journey, as she shares what it means to embrace your brand’s purpose and lead with responsibility.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/purpose-based-branding/

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(0:00) Intro

(1:18) Laura Hutfless's Journey

(5:45) Brands Need to Stand For Something

(8:33) Purpose-Based Branding

(11:51) Super Bowl Ad with Serena Williams

(16:19) Band Together with Barefoot Wines Campaign

(21:49) Being Human at Work

(25:57) The FlyteVu Fund

(31:20) A Weakness That Became a Strength

(33:22) An Event That Has Shaped Laura Hutfless

(38:20) Advice To Your Younger Self

The Entrepreneur's Journey featuring Suzanne Bergmeister

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0400

Suzanne Bergmeister’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t a straight line. After leaving the Air Force and the corporate finance world to be a venture capitalist, she took what she learned from the investing side of the table and started teaching others about the entrepreneurial world. Now as the Executive Director of the Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship at James Madison University, she’s planting the seeds for future entrepreneurs, sharing her experience in the field, and helping others develop their big ideas. In this episode of Brand Story, Suzanne shares her insights on developing ideas and what it takes to find success.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-entrepreneurs-journey/

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Chapters

(0:00) Intro of Suzanne Bergmeister

(0:51) Suzanne Bergmeister’s Career Path

(4:59) JMU’s Gilliam Center

(8:54) Habits of Successful Entrepreneurs

(12:01) Making a Company Sustainable

(16:15) Nature Vs. Nurture

(21:19) JMU Gilliam Center

(23:55) Business Field Within Academia

(29:17) What Entrepreneurs Should Know

(36:29) Resource Recommendations for Young Entrepreneurs

(38:11) Advice to Younger Self

Playing the Long Game featuring Dorie Clark

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 05:00:00 -0400

It’s no surprise that Dorie Clark’s latest book focuses on long-term strategies for your personal goals. As we all live busier and busier lives, we tend to get stuck in the now and stop thinking about where we want to be in the future. As a top communication coach and business thinker, Dorie coaches others on how to break down the busy, optimize their lives, and be more successful both personally and professionally. This episode of Brand Story shines a light on those challenges and encourages you to reevaluate your own busy life to prioritize what matters most.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/playing-the-long-game/

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Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction - Dorie Clark

(02:19) "Better" - How Dorie started her weekly show with Newsweek on LinkedIn

(05:33) How Steve Started the Brand Story Podcast

(07:15) Why are we stuck in short-term thinking?

(08:55) Strengthening Your Strategic Thinking Muscle

(10:08) Stuck in Busyness as a Status Symbol

(12:37) Using Busyness to Cope with Grief

(15:36) Dorie Started Writing to Explore the Pursuit of Meaning at Work

(17:26) Steve's Start in Marketing - Business People Speak Human

(19:00) Understanding Yourself - If People Say "You're A Horse," Buy a Saddle

(21:49) Professional Transitions - The Boardroom Poet

(25:14) Good Internet Hygiene - Why You Should Google Yourself

(27:46) Dorie's Career - Autonomy and Deciding When to Work

(30:23) Renaissance Weekend - the Event That Shaped Dorie the Most

(32:48) Consolidate Gains & Rebalance the Portfolio - Dorie's Life Chapter

(35:09) Dorie's Dilemma - Productivity Hacks vs. Taking a Breather

(36:16) Advice For Younger Dorie Clark - Build an Email List

The Art of Social Selling featuring Steve Watt

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0400

As an accomplished marketer, sales leader, and subject matter expert in social selling, Steve Watt knows the ins and outs of LinkedIn. Gone are the days of aggressive sales pitches and company voices, now it’s all about individuality and connection. Steve’s work as the Director of Market Insights at Seismic is focused on these new tactics, both on and off LinkedIn, as he encourages others to lean into their human voice. If you’ve been wondering how to get started on LinkedIn, this episode is full of advice from Steve on the different ways to utilize the platform and how to find your voice.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-art-of-social-selling/

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We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction - Steve Watt

(00:56) LinkedIn: Better For Farming Rather Than Hunting

(03:08) Old LinkedIn vs. New LinkedIn

(04:53) Business In A Personal Way

(10:25) Empower Employees to Be On LinkedIn

(17:21) Pathway to Results on LinkedIn

(22:00) Generosity Is Best On LinkedIn (And in Real Life)

(26:05) Reciprocity on LinkedIn Is Key

(34:27) Steve Watt in the Spring of His Career

(36:58) If you weren't in social sales, what would you be doing?

(37:42) Advice For Younger Steve Watt - Speak Up and Be Confident

Adding Value with Podcasting Featuring Rich Cardona

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Rich Cardona knows what it takes to create a successful podcast. As a global top 50 podcaster and the producer of The Leadership Locker, Brown Table Talk, and Emotional Optimism among others, Rich has built his career around helping others scale their business with podcasts. In this episode of Brand Story, he’s sharing his insights around building and growing podcasts by adding value and meeting your listener’s promise.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/adding-value-with-podcasting/

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We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction - Rich Cardona

(02:17) Rich Cardona - Discovering Podcasting, Starting A Business

(06:30) Hard Times in Entrepreneurship - Keep on Serving

(08:39) Landing Huge Guests On Your Podcast

(14:39) The Listener's Promise

(18:49) Biggest Challenge In Podcasts - Is Your Show Recommendable?

(26:09) Rich Asks Steve - What Has Helped You Persevere with Brand Story?

(28:39) Simple Promotion Tips for Podcasting

(35:17) Common Goals in Podcasting

(41:34) What Surprised Rich about Entrepreneurship

(48:24) Rich's Season of Life - Addition Through Subtraction

(51:14) Rich's Advice For His Younger Self - Never Settle

The Value of Brand featuring Michael Smith

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Michael Smith compares brand to a person walking into a room. What signals are they sending? How do they come across? As an accomplished brand and creative director and the current Director of Brand & Creative Content at Fountain, Michael’s extensive work with brand strategy has helped businesses find the value of their brand and build it for the better. In this episode of Brand Story, we hear from Michael about the impact a brand’s purpose has on its value, and what it takes to build a strong brand.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-value-of-brand/

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We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction of Michael Smith

(1:42) Leadership

(3:39) Empathic Marketing

(9:04) Buying Emotionally

(14:38) Brand Purpose

(17:45) Emotional Vs. Factual Marketing

(21:50) Brand Commitment

(24:31) What a Brand Manager Does

(30:18) Marketing or Brand Missteps

(34:20) How to Keep your Brand Messaging Consistent

(40:25) Michael Smith Changing Perspective

(42:35) The Chapter of Pushing Limitations

(45:05) What Inspires Michael Smith

(47:43) Michael Smith Advice to Younger Self

Marketing Your Company Values featuring Kelsey Dean

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Kelsey Dean’s approach to marketing is simple: be authentic, be transparent, be real. As the Assistant Vice President & Marketing Director at Pendleton Community Bank, she leads the marketing efforts in the company’s three regions across Virginia and West Virginia, focusing on true stories and messaging based on their company values. In this episode, you’ll hear from Kelsey about how to connect with customers on a personal level, the importance of staying true to your brand through actions as well as words, and the different marketing strategies you can embrace to stay ahead of the competition.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/marketing-your-company-values/

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We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(0:00) - Kelsey Dean Introduction

(4:57) - Keeping Up With Rapid Growth

(7:58) - Humanizing Your Brand On LinkedIn

(13:43) - Be-Who-You-Say-You-Are Marketing

(18:25) - Highlight of Kelsey's Career

(21:27) - Your Writing Should Be Human

(22:46) - The Spirit In Which It's Done Matters Most

(25:08) - Empathic Leadership

(27:57) - Marketing Homework - Watch Movies & TV

(29:51) - Marketing Internally Is Just As Important

(31:09) - Kelsey's Advice To Her Younger Self

Cultivating Emotional Optimism featuring Claude Silver

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Claude Silver could write a book on emotional optimism, but not a lot of people are familiar with the term itself. As the first-ever Chief Heart Officer for Vaynermedia, Claude teaches others how to integrate heart into their professional lives, and in this episode of Brand Story, she’s breaking down the process and discussing the importance of leading with kindness.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/cultivating-emotional-optimism/

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Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction - Claude Silver

(1:19) Emotional Optimism

(3:34) Love in professional life

(8:21) Changing Human Resources

(13:07) Storytelling and Empathy

(19:32) Finding empathy for yourself

(25:36) Claude Silver’s Podcast

(28:35) Advice, Listening, and Learning

(34:43) Wrap-up

Lead Like a Girl featuring Dalia Feldheim

Tue, 30 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Dalia Feldheim found her purpose around people empowerment early on. As the Founder of Flow Leadership Consultancy and Author of Dare to Lead Like a Girl, Dalia first spent 17 years working for Procter and Gamble leading campaigns around women empowerment. Now she’s focusing on helping businesses empower their own people to promote a more authentic, happier, and psychologically-safe working culture. In this episode, Dalia shares insights from her new book, Dare to Lead Like a Girl, how to evolve your passion into your purpose, and the impacts of working with a positive mindset.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/lead-like-a-girl

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We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction - Dalia Feldheim

(1:19) “Like a Girl” Campaign

(3:52) Dalia Feldheim’s Journey

(13:01) Asshole Prevention

(15:47) Fear vs. Positivity in Leadership

(19:17) Psychological Safety

(23:40) The Role of Purpose and Joy in the Workplace

(31:11) Dalia Feldheim’s “ Five ‘P’” Model

(38:24) The Art of Brand Storytelling

(40:13) Dare to Lead Like a Girl

(43:29) Outro

Representation Matters featuring Mita Mallick

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Mita Mallick’s career as a marketer, storyteller, and D.E.I. champion has spanned across some of the most iconic brands including AVON, Suave, and Dove. Her focus? Diversity education and representation. Whether it’s embracing different leadership styles, creating products that work for all populations, or introducing relatable representation in mass media, she believes diversity of thought doesn’t happen without diversity of representation. In this episode, you’ll hear from Mita about what it means to lead with kindness, why diverse representation is important, and how to be a supportive ally.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/representation-matters/

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We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction - Mita Mallick

(03:46) Relate to experiences that are not our own

(07:43) If you can’t see it, how can you be it?

(10:16) Employees are your forgotten consumers

(16:28) Diversity and inclusion in media

(21:30) Portraying something in the world that is real

(23:27) Young people seeing diversity and inclusion in media

(28:14) Empathy in finding solutions

(30:08) Brown Table Talk podcast

(36:36) What allies can do

(44:54) A piece of advice that has stuck with Mita Mallick

(45:48) What would Mita Mallick name this chapter of her life?

(47:20) Biggest impact on Mita Mallick as a storyteller

(49:41) Content people should be consuming

(52:34) Advice to younger self

(52:49) Outro

A Social Media Lighthouse featuring Maayan Gordon

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Maayan Gordon’s career journey has been anything but ordinary. After surviving a gas explosion and living in an RV, she found massive success utilizing social media to grow her small businesses, and is now helping others across the U.S. do the same. With over two million TikTok followers and a growing audience on both LinkedIn and Instagram, Maayan talks with us about content creation strategies and why it’s important to market for the long-term.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/a-social-media-lighthouse/

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We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction - Maayan Gordon

(1:20) Maayan’s Story

(5:18) Conception of the HootSuite Tour

(8:09) Tying the Tour to Small Businesses

(10:33) You don’t have to scale your business

(14:41) Partnership with HootSuite

(17:12) How Maayan is Helping Small Businesses

(21:29) Marketing on TikTok

(25:33) Advice Maayan Has Been Given

(29:41) If Maayan was not a Marketer

(36:17) Advice to Younger Self

(37:27) Outro - Maayan Gordon

Mindful Community Development featuring Jay Langston

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Jay Langston has spent his career working with businesses and local communities to help improve their economic well-being. Now the Executive Director of Shenandoah Valley Partnership, he is leading efforts to expand and relocate business to the region while staying true to the Valley’s roots. In this episode, Jay talks about what it’s like working in economic development and the new priorities companies have when they’re considering a location for their business.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/mindful-community-development/

Continue the conversation on social:

We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction - Jay Langston

(1:29) Getting into Economic Development

(2:50) Doing business in the Shenandoah Valley

(6:56) Philosophy of Economic Development

(11:24) Out of the ordinary economic development

(18:18) Big wins for attracting new companies

(22:19) Balancing growth and what is best for the region

(26:11) Working with existing businesses

(28:50) Affiliation with James Madison University

(32:17) Misconceptions of economic development

(35:17) Telling the story of the Shenandoah Valley

(40:45) Being open to new things

(44:15) What is next for Jay Langston

(46:13) If you hadn’t been in economic development, what would you be doing?

(47:45) Advice to younger self

(50:52) Outro - Jay Langston

Networking in the Digital Age featuring David J.P. Fisher

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0400

David J.P. Fisher, Author of Networking in the 21st Century and President of RockStar Consulting, knows how to play the sales game. As a Keynote Speaker, Author, and Coach, he’s framed his methods around building connections that utilize the tools of the digital age. Armed with more knowledge than they know what to do with, buyers are now turning to those they trust to help them make an informed decision, which means networking is more influential than ever. In this episode, David talks about how the different opportunities of the digital age can help form relationships, the importance of networking ahead, and why the ‘pitch-slap’ is a thing of the past.

Links

David on LinkedIn

David’s Books on Networking

How to Win Friends and Influence People

Never Eat Alone

To Sell Is Human

Continue the conversation on social:

We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction - David J.P. Fisher

(01:19) Updating "Networking in the 21st Century" for LinkedIn

(03:25) Networking Happens In Multiple Places

(05:37) Interacting on LinkedIn

(09:03) Sales, Networking, and Being Empathic

(14:20) The Best Salespeople Are Guides

(24:22) Personal Development Precedes Professional Development

(27:44) How To Sell Ethically

(29:51) Networking as a Part of Your Life - Fix Your Roof When the Sun is Shining

(34:42) "Old School" Networking Tips - Be Interested In Other People

(43:28) Plan Your Work, Then Work Your Plan

(45:47) What Scared David J.P. Fisher, But He Did Anyway

(48:05) David's Highlights Of The Past Year - Survival Is The Win

(50:18) If You Hadn't Been In Sales What Would You Have Been?

(51:21) David's Must Reads

(53:59) David's Advice to His Younger Self

Writing for President Obama featuring Terence Szuplat

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Terence Szuplat had the opportunity of a lifetime at just 20 years old - a speechwriting internship in the White House. It’s what led to his passion for presentation writing, and after freelancing for many years, he returned to the White House to become one of former President Obama’s longest-serving speechwriters. In this episode of Brand Story, Terry talks about the importance of telling a story in everything you write and what it takes to connect with an audience.

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Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/writing-for-president-obama/

We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction - Terence Szuplat

(1:33) Career started as an internship

(6:22) Surviving eight years of speechwriting for President Obama

(9:43) Speechwriters as translators

(14:04) Experience writing for President Obama

(18:09) Terence Szuplat's favorite speech

(19:52) Importance of having a talented orator in-office

(23:33) Terence Szuplat's advice for business leaders

(28:15) Speechwriting for short-form media

(32:37) Advice for keynote speaking

(35:21) President Obama speaking empathetically

(41:06) Terence Szuplat's perspective on how we can listen better

(46:09) What's next for Terence Szuplat?

(47:44) Quick questions

(53:40) Outro

Dialogue and Deliberation featuring Lori Britt

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0400

There’s a difference between communicating with someone and having an intentional conversation. As a Professor of Communication and Co-Director of ICAD at James Madison University, Lori Britt has spent her career teaching others how to identify their own personal schema and the walls that may be preventing them from effectively engaging with others. Whether you’re speaking to an individual or working as a group, her insights will prove valuable in helping shape your next conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/dialogue-and-deliberation/

Continue the conversation on social:

We’re also on:

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup

Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction - Lori Britt

(03:42) - What is ICAD (Institute for Constructive Advocacy and Dialogue)

(09:39) - The approach of "Yes, And..."

(13:10) - Deliberation Before Action, And "The Groan Zone"

(21:59) - Challenges of Getting a Group to Communicate

(26:45) - Empathic Guardrails, We are All Experts, and Authentic Listening

(33:00) - Feeling Valued, and finding new possibility

(39:32) - What's something that's scared you but you did anyway

(41:54) - What's Next For Lori Britt

(44:57) - If you weren't a communications professor, what would you be doing?

(46:29) - Advice to a younger Lori Britt: Write your story, and write it boldy

Season 1 Favorite Moments

Tue, 17 May 2022 05:00:00 -0400

We’ve had many insightful conversations over the past year with a variety of guests, each one with a unique story to tell. Their experiences shine a light on the different aspects that make for successful brands, and in this episode of Brand Story, we’re revisiting some of our favorite moments. You’ll hear from expert marketers, brand strategists, and content creators as we recap key moments from past episodes that will inspire your next business move.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/favorite-moments/

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Episode Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction

(02:08) - Matt Williams & Kelly O'Keefe - Brands Being Clear About What They Stand For

(04:53) - Connie Hess - Being A Life-long Learner

(07:35) - Andy Crestodina - Fundamentals Of A Great Website or Content Marketing

(12:25) - Sarah Moore - Truly Understanding Your Consumers

(18:58) - Patricia Corsi - Brand Purpose

(27:17) - Jay Harrington - An Abundance Mindset

(36:10) - Scott Witthaus - The Healthy Skeptic

(40:00) - George Pace - Surround Yourself With People Who Add to Your Skillset

(42:30) - Callie Schweitzer - LinkedIn as a Platform of Generosity

(47:28) - Kristen Cavallo - Underestimating The Descent

Demystifying Web3 featuring Alison McCauley

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 05:00:00 -0400

As blockchain technology continues to grow, it’s become clear that this new technology is not just a passing phase. People are still experimenting with its uses and how it can impact consumers’ lives. But for a lot of us, the concept still seems like a foreign language. Alison McCauley has been working to change that. She’s spent the past five years working to demystify the space, and in this episode she breaks down the basics of what Web3 means for consumers.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/demystifying-web3/

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Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction: Alison McCauley

(04:53) - Blockchain Technology

(10:30) - What Are NFTs and How Are They Being Used?

(25:30) - When Humanity & Technology Connect

(35:08) - Web3 Impact on Organizations, Brands & Marketers

(39:15) - Where is Web3 Now?

(46:13) - What Drove Alison McCauley to be a Web 3 Translator

Running Toward Challenges featuring Kristen Cavallo

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0400

What do you do once you’ve been named Adweek’s Ad Agency of the Year? You set the next goal. As the two-time winner, The Martin Agency understands how important it is to keep that momentum going. And as the CEO, Kristen Cavallo is always running toward the next challenge. Her mission? Fight Invisibility.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/running-toward-challenges

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Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Intro - Kristen Cavallo, CEO of The Martin Agency

(01:30) - Building the leadership team at Martin

(09:37) - Fight Invisibility

(17:00) - The Odds of Failure

(21:25) - The Line Between Fear and Adventure

(25:25) - Trait You Used to Think Was a Weakness That You Now Value

(28:35) - Building a Great Leadership Team

(32:59) - Growing Up

(40:42) - Saying Yes and No

(50:23) - If you weren't the CEO of Martin, what would you be?

(53:48) - Kristen Cavallo's Advice to Her Younger Self

(57:37) - Outro

Platform of Generosity featuring Callie Schweitzer

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Keep at it. It’s a simple phrase that has stuck with Callie Schweitzer since the third grade. It’s an important reminder to keep learning and growing, to embrace feedback and constructive criticism. As the Head of Creator Programs at LinkedIn, Callie passes this advice and more to aspiring content creators. Tackling common mistakes and insider tips, Callie shares with us how to take advantage of the opportunities on LinkedIn and why finding yourself outside of work is a powerful influencer.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/platform-of-generosity

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Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Intro

(3:33) LinkedIn Is A Platform of Generosity

(12:20) Importance Of Writing Today.

(16:16) Telling Other People's Stories

(20:41) The Global Creators Program

(26:56) What Has Had The Most Impact As A Storyteller?

(33:37) What Guided Your Approach To Leadership?

(36:38) Knowing What Works For You

(40:19) What Would You Be Doing If Not At Your Current Job?

(43:34) Must Reads

(44:51) Advice To Your Younger Self

(46:00) Outro

Creating Content with Purpose featuring Andy Crestodina

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Being able to answer “what’s in it for the visitor” is one of the most overlooked aspects of website and content creation. It’s what Andy Crestodina, Chief Marketing Officer and Co-Founder of Orbit Media Studios, Inc., has spent his career teaching others to do better, and in the latest episode of Brand Story, he’s sharing his tips for content creation with listeners.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/creating-content-with-purpose/

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Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Intro

(03:12) Common Problems When Creating Content

(12:59) How Stories Come Into Brand Advertising

(16:48) The LBOW - Lifetime Body Of Work

(27:02) Creating Visuals For Your Online Content

(34:45) Putting the "Why Not" Into Stories

(36:02) Changing the Messenger

(37:30) Tips For Repurposing Content

(45:27) Why is Producing Quality Content So Important?

(48:32) If You Weren't A Content Marketer, What Would You Be?

(49:02) Advice To Your Younger Self

Turning Innovation into Strategy featuring Lindsey Laughlin

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0400

Sustaining innovation, low-end disruption, new-market disruption. Three main types of innovation discussed by Gravity’s own Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin. How and when you use each type is based on your place in the market. In this episode, Lindsey guides us through innovation opportunities and disruptive strategy, providing thought-provoking examples and advice on how to better frame your product or service for the masses.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/turning-innovation-into-strategy

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Episode Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(07:05) Customers don’t buy products, they hire products

(13:48) Being an empathic marketer

(15:47) Bring your team along with your innovative product

(18:08) Define your performance defining component

(21:42) Three phases of business growth

(28:28) Being a lifelong learner

(29:45) Career Advice

Cultivating Emotional Intelligence featuring Connie Hess

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0400

When you’re looking at hiring employees, are you considering intellectual intelligence or emotional intelligence? While it shouldn’t be one or the other, emotional intelligence can often be seen as not as important. But when you’re working to build company culture, it can sometimes mean the difference between thriving and surviving. For Connie Hess, Partner and General Manager at Valley Engineering, understanding and adapting to employee needs is one of the most important things a company should do to create an environment for employees to be proud of.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/cultivating-emotional-intelligence/

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Art of Brand Experience featuring Sarah Moore

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 05:00:00 -0400

When you think of intimate and intentional brand experiences, what comes to mind? Often, we equate those experiences with smaller, mom-and-pop shops or perhaps a local boutique hotel. In fact, for those outside the hospitality sector, rarely would a city like Las Vegas come to mind. However, MGM Resorts International’s SVP of Marketing, Sarah Moore, has made it her personal mission during and post-COVID-era to create the kind of personal experiences that resonate with their resorts' customers, ultimately turning them not only into raving fans — but avid returners.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/art-of-brand-experience/

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NFTs and Community featuring Zain Gaziani

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we hear from Zain about his journey from working for Gary Vaynerchuck on the VeeFriends launch and moderating their NFT Discord to becoming an NFT creator himself. We help break down some misconceptions of NFTs and hear more about the community aspect that makes up the digital space.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/nfts-and-community/

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Podcasts' Compounding Interest featuring Adam Conner

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Everywhere you look, it seems another podcast has popped up. While the market may feel saturated with too many podcasts to count, there’s an increasing gap between the good, the bad, and the indifferent. In fact, there’s actually an explosion of opportunity when done well. Adam Conner thinks so, too. As the founder of Authentic Avenue, Adam believes there are few media as powerful as podcasts for sharing your brand story, building genuine relationships, and connecting with your audience in a truly unique — and often vulnerable — way.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Each episode features guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/podcasts-compounding-interest/

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A Brand's Purpose featuring Patricia Corsi

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 17:00:00 -0400

Purposeful and courageous marketing is more important than ever. Yet, it’s more than simply creating buzzworthy campaigns. In fact, Bayer Global CMO/CDO Patricia Corsi sees it as giving authenticity to both your brand’s positioning and messaging in the market to create an audience-first experience. And that experience should ultimately resonate on the deepest of levels — and on the most human of levels, too.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/a-brands-purpose/

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Empowering Introverts with Daisy Simonis

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 17:00:00 -0400

When you hear “introvert” do you immediately think, “shy, quiet, likes to be alone”? If you do, you’re not alone. But there’s so much more to the story. In fact, there are a lot of misconceptions around introverted personalities and how they uniquely engage with the world and with others. Daisy Simonis, Founder of Empowered Introverts, is on a mission to help introverts tap into their superpowers on their way to impacting the workforce — and the world — in ways they are uniquely wired to. But, this impact can only come as introverts confidently step into being their unique version of themselves. One interaction at a time.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/empowering-introverts/

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The Power of Intuition with Bryn Kenney

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Ask anyone who plays and they will tell you poker isn’t for the faint of heart or the unfocused. It’s one of the most mentally-difficult, strategic games there is. Most people play purely for fun or perhaps even for a small payout and don’t have their sights set on becoming one of the most prolific players of all time. While Bryn Kenney didn’t set out to become that either, he certainly achieved it as he amassed more than $55 million in poker earnings while also holding the record for the largest single payout in a live tournament at the Triton millions event.

Whether your competition is on the poker table, in the boardroom — or in the game of life — Bryn’s approach to handling stress under pressure includes showing up as his unique self despite the obstacles that come his way. His distinctive approach has the power to teach us a thing or two about being calm under pressure and facing life with a contagious brand of positivity that ultimately touches everything around us.

This is Brand Story, a branding podcast that brings you hard-fought lessons learned from those on the front lines of brands.

Host Steve Gilman talks with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketing folks about their successes but also the challenges they’ve faced in their careers and how they’ve overcome them.

You’ll find stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from. We release new episodes twice a month, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss one.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-power-of-intuition/

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Work-Life Integration with Kedren Crosby

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0400

Creating a sustainable, successful and emotionally healthy workplace isn’t a byproduct of words on a wall. In fact, it’s much deeper than that. Kedren Crosby, President of Work Wisdom, LLC, has devoted her 25-year career to making workplaces better. In order to do better and be better, brands are realizing that successful workers also want to live better, rethinking the traditional notion of what a successful workplace looks like.

Brand Commitment vs. Conviction with Kelly O'Keefe and Matt Williams

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 17:00:00 -0400

It all comes back to Brand. That's how Kelly O’Keefe and Matt Williams from the Brand Federation see it. In this episode, we talk about how Brand is culture and culture is your competitive advantage, as long as what’s stated externally is genuinely embraced internally. We also discuss that the brands with strong, authentic convictions are the ones that aren’t just going to win more business, but are going to win more A+ talent, too.

Brands can be a positive catalyst for change and a redemptive force in society. But, it’s going to take more than what brands have historically done to step up, commit, and lead the way.

The Storyteller's Storyteller with George Tannenbaum

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 17:00:00 -0400

George Tannenbaum is an advertising icon and true veteran in the world of copywriting. Having spent nearly four decades in the world of advertising and creative direction for the world’s top brands, he shares his journey of moving from working for a renowned ad agency to now working for himself — and what he’s learned along the way.

Everyone has a story. Brand Story exists to help leaders across the country and the globe tell theirs. But, we never want it to end there. In fact, the magic of Story truly happens when you immerse yourself into the journey of another’s. It’s then you’ll find not only are you captivated by their journey, but you start to see how all of our human stories carry common themes. And it’s those very themes that ultimately connect us no matter where our story — or another’s — goes.

We invite you to find your story as you explore the ones we're sharing here on Brand Story.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-storytellers-storyteller/

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Writing is a Craft with Kate Kelly

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we talk with Kate Kelly, a talented writer, speaker, and historian, who shares how curiosity drives good storytelling, why it's important to respond to your audience, and how to get started writing people's stories.

Kate is the writer and publisher of America Comes Alive!, a website that features little-known stories of regular people who have made a difference and changed the course of history.

This is Brand Story, a branding podcast that brings you hard-fought lessons learned from those on the front lines of brands.

Host Steve Gilman talks with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketing folks about their successes but also the challenges they’ve faced in their careers and how they’ve overcome them.

You’ll find stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from. We release new episodes twice a month, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss one.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/writing-is-a-craft/

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Leading from the Ground Up with Daniel Blosser

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we talk with Daniel Blosser, President of Riddleberger Brothers, Inc., the premier mechanical systems contractor in Central Virginia. For over 30 years, Daniel has worked at RBI in several different positions and uses that experience to lead the company successfully through growth and expansion while staying true to their values.

Steve and Daniel discuss how leaders use storytelling to engage with their employees, brand culture and the importance of investing in your team, and maintaining personal connections as your brand grows.

This is Brand Story, a branding podcast that brings you hard-fought lessons learned from those on the front lines of brands.

Host Steve Gilman talks with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketing folks about their successes but also the challenges they’ve faced in their careers and how they’ve overcome them.

You’ll find stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from. We release new episodes twice a month, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss one.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/leading-from-the-ground-up/

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When Your Mission is Your Brand with Pat Craig

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 17:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we talk with Pat Craig, Founder and Executive Director of The Wild Animal Sanctuary. Pat shares his incredible journey from becoming the youngest person licensed in the industry to leading the largest carnivore sanctuary in the world.

He talks about the importance of telling your story authentically, how connecting with the right audience can advance your mission, and how taking a different perspective can solve your problem.

To learn more about The Wild Animal Sanctuary and to donate, visit https://www.wildanimalsanctuary.org.

This is Brand Story, a branding podcast that brings you hard-fought lessons learned from those on the front lines of brands.

Host Steve Gilman talks with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketing folks about their successes but also the challenges they’ve faced in their careers and how they’ve overcome them.

You’ll find stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from. We release new episodes twice a month, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss one.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/When-Your-Mission-is-Your-Brand/

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Fostering Community Through Storytelling with Andrea Dono

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 17:00:00 -0400

For Andrea Dono, it’s all about connecting with the community. When you lead a successful downtown revitalization organization, it takes teamwork to lead efforts, create events, and promote the area.

Andrea shares insights learned from her time at the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street Center and how that experience shapes how she approaches her role as Executive Director of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance. She talks with us about showing off your brand’s personality, staying true to your mission, and how storytelling builds community.

This is Brand Story, a branding podcast that brings you hard-fought lessons learned from those on the front lines of brands.

Host Steve Gilman talks with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketing folks about their successes but also the challenges they’ve faced in their careers and how they’ve overcome them.

You’ll find stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from. We release new episodes twice a month, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss one.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/fostering-community-through-storytelling/

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Scripts Are the Starting Line with Ken Marcus

Mon, 26 Jul 2021 17:00:00 -0400

How do you make a memorable spot?

Today we're talking with Ken Marcus, Senior Writer at The Martin Agency, who has played a major role in campaigns for brands like GEICO and Sling. Ken takes us through the creative process, from building strong relationships with clients, collaboration, writing for comedy, and being single-minded in your messaging.

This is Brand Story, where host Steve Gilman talks with those on the front lines of brands: business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketers. You’ll hear unique stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from — because stories are what connects us.

We release new episodes twice a month, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss one.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/scripts-are-the-starting-line/

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Be First Second with Khalil Garriott

Mon, 12 Jul 2021 20:00:00 -0400

How do you tell a story that makes an impact? Today we're talking with content creator Khalil Garriott, Director of Branded Content and Executive Editor at James Madison University, about storytelling, thinking like a journalist, and why your content should celebrate -- not sell.

We release new episodes twice a month, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss one.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/be-first-second/

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For more of Brand Story, check out our https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing/, where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

We’re also on https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup/ and https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Cultivating Social Community with Zain Gaziani

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0400

How often do you follow your gut instincts? Today we're talking with Zain Gaziani, Head of Community & Social Media for VeeFriends, about risk versus reward, the positive impact of social media, and meeting challenges with enthusiasm.

We release new episodes twice a month, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss one.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/cultivating-social-community/

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We’re also on https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup/ and https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Adopting an Abundance Mindset with Jay Harrington

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Is it possible to build successful relationships online? Today we're talking with thought leader Jay Harrington, president of Harrington Communications, about building relationships through LinkedIn, storytelling, and the importance of adopting an abundance mindset.

We release new episodes twice a month, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss one.

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We’re also on https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup/ and https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Building Authentic Connections with Judith Trumbo

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 05:00:00 -0400

Today we’re talking with Judith Trumbo, CEO of Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community, about how to build community, knowing your brand’s differentiators, and the importance of authenticity.

This is Brand Story, a branding podcast that brings you hard-fought lessons learned from those on the front lines of brands.

Host Steve Gilman talks with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketing folks about their successes but also the challenges they’ve faced in their careers and how they’ve overcome them.

You’ll find stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from. We release new episodes twice a month, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss one.

Continue the conversation on social:

For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn page, https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing/, where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

We’re also on Instagram: @gravitygroup

and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

Leadership Through Listening with George Pace

Tue, 25 May 2021 11:00:00 -0400

Steve talks with George Pace, former CEO of Rocco and founder of Shenandoah Valley Angel Investors, on why you should listen more than talk, hire people smarter than you, and realize that when you’re a leader, it’s not about you.

This is Brand Story, a branding podcast that brings you hard-fought lessons learned from those on the front lines of brands.

Host Steve Gilman talks with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketing folks about their successes but also the challenges they’ve faced in their careers and how they’ve overcome them.

You’ll find stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from. We release new episodes twice a month, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss one.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/leadership-through-listening/

Continue the conversation on social:

For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn page, where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

We’re also on Instagram and Facebook.

Your Culture is Your Brand with Carrie Willetts

Tue, 25 May 2021 10:00:00 -0400

Steve talks with Carrie Willetts, Market President (East Region) of WellSpan Health, about leadership, the effect of culture on brand, and what all brands can learn from the healthcare industry.

This is Brand Story, a branding podcast that brings you hard-fought lessons learned from those on the front lines of brands.

Host Steve Gilman talks with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketing folks about their successes but also the challenges they’ve faced in their careers and how they’ve overcome them.

You’ll find stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from. We release new episodes twice a month, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss one.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/your-culture-is-your-brand/

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For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn page, where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

We’re also on Instagram and Facebook.

The Healthy Skeptic with Scott Witthaus

Tue, 25 May 2021 04:00:00 -0400

Steve talks with Scott Witthaus, partner at Low Country Creative and professor of visual storytelling at VCU’s Brandcenter about how technology has changed storytelling, the importance of shooting to edit, and why every brand needs a healthy skeptic in the room.

This is Brand Story, a branding podcast that brings you hard-fought lessons learned from those on the front lines of brands.

Host Steve Gilman talks with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketing folks about their successes but also the challenges they’ve faced in their careers and how they’ve overcome them.

You’ll find stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from. We release new episodes twice a month, be sure to subscribe so you’ll never miss one.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-healthy-skeptic/

Continue the conversation on social:

For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn page, where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.

We’re also on Instagram and Facebook.