From the aroma of freshly baked bread in a grocery store to the crisp scent of a new car, our senses play a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and evaluations of products. However, recent research has delved deeper into the relationship between visuals and olfactory sensations, uncovering fascinating insights into how pictures of scented objects can influence consumer behavior. Today, we had the privilege of speaking with Zachary Estes, Professor of Marketing, Co-Director of the...

In today's discussion, we delve into the journey of Nick Childs, a former creative leader in the advertising industry, as he shares insights into his transition to purpose-driven entrepreneurship. After unexpectedly leaving advertising, Childs faced the challenge of reinventing his career, ultimately co-founding DIRT, an AI-powered content measurement engine. Through innovative biometric neuroscience methods, DIRT democratizes audience research, providing creators with valuable insights into...

In the world of consumer behavior, word of mouth stands tall as a potent force shaping preferences and purchase decisions. But what exactly does it mean in the digital age, particularly for the discerning demographic of 13 to 39-year-olds? MaryLeigh Bliss, the Chief Content Officer at YPulse, offers invaluable insights from their latest trend report on word of mouth, shedding light on its nuances, impact, and implications for marketers eager to engage with young consumers.

”It is possible for hindsight to inform future plans.”   –  Felix Velarde, Scale at Speed   Navigating growth can be both exhilarating and challenging. To shed light on this journey, we speak with Felix Velarde, the visionary behind the groundbreaking book "Scale at Speed: How to Triple the Size of Your Business and Build a Superstar Team." With decades of experience in entrepreneurship and digital agency leadership, Felix shares invaluable insights into the strategies and mindset...

In the ever-evolving landscape of business-to-business (B2B) industries, maintaining customer relationships and ensuring customers derive maximum value from products or solutions is paramount. Customer Success Management (CSM) goes beyond traditional sales and marketing strategies. To shed light on the nuances of CSM and its significance, we had the privilege of interviewing Bryan Hochstein, an associate professor of marketing at the University of Alabama.  CSM represents a paradigm shift...

Downtown Music Holdings exemplifies a modern approach to the music industry, prioritizing artist empowerment, technological innovation, and adaptive strategies. As the industry continues to evolve, Downtown remains committed to championing artists and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem. Today, we're exploring the transformative landscape of the music industry with Downtown Music Holdings’s CEO, Andrew Bergman. With over two decades of experience in the music realm, Andrew offers...

In today's digital age, understanding tween behaviors is crucial for marketers seeking to connect with this influential demographic. Because of the legal regulations put into place to protect young children, direct surveys of 8–12-year-olds are challenging to conduct. As a result, there hasn’t been any robust survey data available – until now.  Joining us to explore this topic is MaryLeigh Bliss, Chief Content Officer at YPulse, a leading authority on Gen Z and millennial opinions and...

In marketing and advertising, technological innovations continually reshape how brands engage with consumers. Today, we explore the realm of generative AI images and their potential impact on advertising strategies. Our guest, David Schweidel, the Rebecca Cheney McGreevy Endowed Chair and Professor of Marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School, shares insightful research-based perspectives on current possibilities and future trajectories.  The integration of generative AI into...

In today's podcast interview, we delve into the complex world of business-to-business (B2B) sales dynamics with Dr. Jeff Johnson, Associate Professor of Marketing at UMKC's Henry W. Block School of Management. The focus of our discussion centers on the challenges B2B salespeople face when selling into a buying center, especially when encountering dissent among group members. His insights shed light on the intricate dynamics of B2B sales and offer practical guidance for navigating dissent...

In the realm of entertainment marketing, creativity serves as the backbone of success, yet managing creative teams to produce inventive work within business objectives, budgets, and deadlines demands a delicate balance of freedom and structure. Scott Edwards, EVP at Fox Entertainment and head of creative advertising, provides valuable insights into effectively managing creative processes, fostering innovation, and maintaining team cohesion to deliver impactful campaigns aligned with business...

Addressing the complex issue of long-term unemployment requires a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic biases, provides support networks for job seekers, and promotes policies that foster economic resilience and opportunity for all individuals. By raising awareness and working collaboratively, we can strive towards a more inclusive and supportive society for those navigating the challenges of unemployment. Today we’re speaking with Professor Ofer Sharone, a sociologist at UMass...

In today's episode, we're joined by MaryLeigh Bliss, the Chief Content Officer at YPulse, the leading authority on Gen Z and millennial opinions and behaviors. MaryLeigh provides invaluable insights into the latest trends in media consumption among young consumers and what it means for industry professionals aiming to capture their attention. From streaming preferences to the impact of diversity in content, she offers a comprehensive analysis of the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.

Today’s guest is Evan Shapiro, a prominent figure in the media industry, known for his candid insights and extensive experience. He shares valuable perspectives on the media landscape, marketing, and the need for change.  The conversation sheds light on the complexities and challenges facing the media industry today. From fostering authenticity to embracing diversity and adapting to changing consumer behaviors, Evan offers valuable guidance for navigating the evolving media landscape. As...

Today’s episode features Samuel Stäbler, an assistant professor of marketing at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, and Alexander Edeling, an associate professor of marketing at KU Leuven in Belgium. They've investigated the effects of layoff announcements on consumer brand perception. Together they discuss the multifaceted relationship between layoffs, brand perception, and corporate communication strategies. By understanding the nuances of consumer behavior and the role of...

In today’s interview Bjorn Thorleifsson, the Head of Research and Insights at amp Sound Branding, delves into the importance of sound in marketing, specifically focusing on sonic branding. He provides valuable insights into how marketers should be thinking about leveraging sound, emphasizing its emotional impact, cross-cultural relevance, and the need for a flexible and holistic approach. As technology continues to evolve, brands that invest in creating a distinctive and memorable sonic...

In today’s episode, MaryLeigh Bliss, the Chief Content Officer of YPulse, dives into the dynamics of social media and its significance for brands aiming to connect with young consumers.  Key takeaways: On Beyond TikTok. While TikTok remains a dominant force, your social media playbook isn't solely a TikTok playbook. Young consumers, on average, use six social platforms. The Next Big Thing.  Experiment with new platforms ... but don't put all of your eggs into the latest trend basket. ...

In today’s podcast, global marketing and innovation expert Professor Stefan Stremersch offers insights into a holistic ideation process, balancing customer-centric approaches, diverse ideation sources, and the evolving role of AI. As businesses navigate the innovation landscape, understanding consumer perceptions and strategically implementing generative AI tools can shape the future of ideation and market success.

In today’s episode MaryLeigh Bliss, Chief Content Officer at YPulse, delves into their latest tracking report on young consumers' gaming behaviors, challenging myths and exploring the profound impact of gaming on their lives.  Myths Busted: Gaming is a Male-Only Activity. False. Both genders engage in gaming, with 98% of young men and 92% of young women participating. Gamers Are Hardcore Enthusiasts. False. Self-identifying as a gamer doesn't necessarily correlate with how frequently...

In today’s episode William Tincup, President of Recruiting Daily, explores the realm of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and how to navigate them. He highlights the importance of customizing resumes and focusing on skills. Key Discussion Points: What an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is and how the language you use in your resume influences how you are ranked for recruiters.  How you can adjust your resume and LinkedIn profile to help lessen ageism's impact. Why you shouldn’t...

In today’s podcast marketing expert Martin Schreier, Head of the Department of Marketing at WU Vienna and Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Research in Marketing, discusses the challenges and opportunities presented by generative AI in academic research and marketing. The discussion emphasizes the need for transparency, human involvement in the creative process, and a thoughtful approach to the evolving landscape of AI in both academia and marketing.  Key Points: ...

Brands need to understand and adapt to the preferences of Gen Z and Millennials in the evolving social media landscape. YPulse’s Chief Content Officer, MaryLeigh Bliss, explores young consumers' behaviors on social media and the opportunities for brands. Key Topics: TikTok's Growth: From its beginnings as Musical.ly, TikTok's growth has been extraordinary, with user rates among young people jumping from 5% in 2019 to 53% in 2022. Generational Preferences: TikTok is the preferred...

Patrick Esposito, author and CEO, illuminates the path to entrepreneurial success. His book, "The Structure of Success," serves as a practical manual for small and mid-sized businesses. In today’s interview he flips the script, diving into failure — and how entrepreneurs can avoid it. Highlights from the interview: Factors leading to Business Failure: Esposito identifies five major causes for small and medium-sized businesses' downfall: Disputes between co-owners. Inability to evolve...

In the ever-evolving field of marketing, the challenge has always been optimizing the marketing mix. We were fortunate to discuss this complex topic with Prof. Koen Pauwels, a renowned marketing expert at Northeastern University and co-founder of the Data Initiative. His insight provided us with valuable guidance on how to approach and refine our marketing strategies. Topics discussed:  The Power of a Framework: Input, Throughput, and Output Use a basic framework for marketing mix...

In this interview, Dr. Kyle Murray details how sustainable behavior can be effectively promoted through an understanding of values, energy, and consumer experience. By leveraging these insights, we can motivate greater engagement in eco-friendly actions.   Key Points: Value and energy dynamics: Sustainable behavior hinges on consumer values and energy level. Grasping this interplay enables us to motivate eco-conscious actions. Energy-effort correlation: High energy levels combined with...