In this episode of Brand Story, our president, Steve Gilman, and Rick Milenthal, Chairman, Founder, and CEO of The Shipyard, explore why emotion beats automation, how fear holds marketers back, and what it takes to build brands people love.
What happens when marketing becomes more automated, more data-driven, and more efficient — but less human?
In this episode of Brand Story, we sit down with Rick to explore why emotion, not technology, is still the most powerful force in branding. Together, we unpack why data should be a tool for understanding people, not intimidating them, and why fear is often the biggest barrier to curiosity, creativity, and growth.
The conversation touches on leadership, agency culture, and the realities marketers face today — from pressure to prove ROI to navigating rapid change brought on by AI. It’s a reminder that while tools and platforms will continue to evolve, the brands that win are the ones that understand people first.
