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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.