CMO Weekly

OpenFortune

"CMO Weekly," hosted by OpenFortune's Hayley Clover, explores the journeys of top Chief Marketing Officers. Each episode features in-depth conversations with influential marketing leaders, uncovering their strategies, challenges, and success stories. The podcast offers insights into marketing innovation, leadership, and brand-building for both aspiring and seasoned professionals. Clover delves into the career-defining moments and philosophies that shape marketing excellence, providing a unique insider's view of the industry's most brilliant minds.

  1. Kim Chappell of Bobbie: Why Bold Cultural Moves Pay Off for Startups

    24 DE MARÇ

    Kim Chappell of Bobbie: Why Bold Cultural Moves Pay Off for Startups

    What does it take to flip the table on a multi-billion dollar industry monopolized by giant corporations for decades? In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Kim Chappell, the Chief Brand Officer at Bobbie, to explore how a team of moms built a "challenger brand" that redefined the infant formula category. Kim shares her "wild ride" from a decade-long career as an award-winning broadcast journalist to leading marketing at one of the fastest-growing startups in the U.S.. We dive deep into the reality of "startup years," overcoming crushing imposter syndrome, and why the most powerful marketing tool isn't a flashy ad—it’s radical transparency. In this episode, we discuss: The Journalism Edge: How a background in news reporting built the "content muscle" and storytelling skills needed to scale a brand. Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Kim’s honest reflection on nearly saying "no" to the CBO role and how she found the confidence to lead. The Community-First Model: How Bobbie used direct-to-consumer subscriptions and Zoom sessions with real parents to build a relationship-driven brand. The Power of Transparency: From the "Transparency Tracker" to investing $100M in their own manufacturing facility to ensure quality and trust. Bold Moves & Cultural Conversations: The strategy behind the "Not Guilty" campaign with Cardi B and why Bobbie only uses real customers in its marketing. Advice for Working Moms: Why "balance is bullshit" and the importance of showing the "mess" of being a leader and a parent simultaneously. Episode Highlights: [02:15] Kim’s transition from journalism to tech and startups. [06:35] Joining Bobbie in a basement and selling out a million cans in six weeks. [10:56] The "toxic mindset" for marketing leaders and the importance of hiring experts. [17:25] Why trust is the non-negotiable foundation of brand building. [24:43] Going behind the scenes of the Cardi B "Not Guilty" campaign. [34:25] Honest advice on career, motherhood, and building a support ecosystem. About Kim Chappell: Kim Chappell is the Chief Brand Officer at Bobbie, the organic infant formula company. An award-winning journalist turned marketing leader, Kim heads Bobbie’s brand, creativity, and communication strategy, driving bold storytelling and advocacy campaigns that empower modern families. Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by OpenFortune, the marketing company putting brands inside actual fortune cookies. Reach millions of customers in a moment of surprise and undivided attention. Learn more at openfortune.com. Subscribe to CMO Weekly for more conversations with the world's top marketing leaders!

    40 min
  2. Liza Suloti of SHADOW: Culture is the Key to Authentic Brand Relevancy

    17 DE MARÇ

    Liza Suloti of SHADOW: Culture is the Key to Authentic Brand Relevancy

    This podcast episode of CMO Weekly features Liza Suloti, co-founder of the creative marketing agency SHADOW. In a wide-ranging conversation with host Hayley Clover, Liza details her journey from a native New Yorker and English major at BU to becoming a leader of a powerhouse agency with over 20 years of experience. She provides a "behind-the-scenes" look at what it takes to execute high-stakes marketing moments, including e.l.f. Beauty’s iconic Super Bowl campaigns featuring Jennifer Coolidge and Judge Judy. Key Highlights From the Episode The Power of "Yes": Liza discusses how being open to non-linear career paths and saying "yes" to challenges—like shifting from journalism to PR—led to the creation of SHADOW. Building Buzz Through Culture: She explains why SHADOW remains diversified across fashion, beauty, hospitality, and wellness, treating these industries as a snapshot of culture to drive authentic brand relevancy. Super Bowl Strategy: Liza breaks down the strategic thinking behind e.l.f. Beauty’s viral big-game ads, revealing that the first Jennifer Coolidge spot was pulled together in a staggering three weeks. The "Brick by Brick" Approach: A deep dive into why long-term client relationships (some spanning 15 years) are the foundation for the trust needed to take massive creative risks. Agency vs. Brand Life: Advice for early-stage marketers on choosing between the fast-paced, multi-brand environment of an agency and the deep narrative ownership of working in-house. About Liza Suloti Liza Suloti is a PR and marketing communications veteran who oversees SHADOW’s beauty and wellness division. She has guided high-profile clients such as Amika, Estée Lauder, Dove, and Supergoop. A multiple Webby and Shorty Award winner, she is a frequent expert voice in Business of Fashion and Adweek.

    37 min
  3. Jeff Mavros and Abby McClain: Why Small Moments Win Big in Recruitment

    12 DE MARÇ

    Jeff Mavros and Abby McClain: Why Small Moments Win Big in Recruitment

    In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover explores the fascinating intersection of experiential marketing and life-altering decisions. We dive into how something as simple as a fortune cookie can influence where a student-athlete chooses to spend their next four years and how universities are breaking through the digital noise to reach the next generation. The Story Behind the Cookie Abby McLean, a student-athlete at Idaho State University, shares her unique recruiting journey. Facing the high-pressure world of college sports recruitment, a chance lunch at Panda Express provided the "sign" she needed. We discuss how a simple message—"You'll find satisfaction near you"—sparked a critical family conversation that led to her commitment to Idaho State. Marketing Beyond the Screen Jeff Mavros, Executive Director of Admissions at Illinois State University, provides the marketer’s perspective. With Illinois State seeing record-breaking freshman enrollment, Jeff discusses why he took a "big swing" on non-traditional channels like Open Fortune. We explore: The Emotional Decision-Maker: Why 17-year-olds (and their parents) respond more to "nudges" and emotional triggers than purely logical data. The Power of the Dinner Table: Why 82% of important family decisions happen over a meal. Differentiation in a Crowded Market: How to stop the "delete-delete-delete" cycle of student emails by being approachable, tactile, and unexpected. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Impact of Experiential Touchpoints: How real-world, tactile marketing creates lasting brand awareness. Recruiting the Gen Z Athlete: Understanding the pressure of the recruiting process and what actually resonates with students. Engaging the "Hidden" Influencers: Why marketing to parents is just as critical as marketing to students. Risk vs. Reward in Higher Ed: Why taking creative risks is essential for institutional growth

    30 min
  4. Kim Dao of Every Man Jack: Using Deep Human Insight to Build Brand Loyalty

    10 DE MARÇ

    Kim Dao of Every Man Jack: Using Deep Human Insight to Build Brand Loyalty

    In this episode of CMO Weekly, hosts Hayley Clover and Yoni sit down with Kim Dao, the Vice President of Marketing at Every Man Jack. With over 20 years of experience at powerhouse brands like Neutrogena and Clif Bar, Kim is currently steering Every Man Jack through its most significant brand transformation in nearly two decades. Kim shares her fascinating transition from financial consulting and socio-cultural anthropology to becoming a "modern-day anthropologist" in the world of marketing. We dive deep into how a 19-year-old "challenger brand" stays relevant in an increasingly crowded natural grooming market and why the brand is shifting its focus toward grit, perseverance, and identity-led marketing. Key Topics Discussed: The Evolution of a Challenger Brand: How Every Man Jack is moving beyond "clean and natural" to embrace a positioning built for "men who put in the work". The "Baker Mayfield" Effect: The strategy behind choosing the Buccaneers QB as a brand ambassador and why his story of grit aligns perfectly with the brand's DNA. Innovation vs. Tradition: Why modern men are moving away from "3-in-1" products toward high-performance, benefit-specific grooming routines like separate shampoos and conditioners. Building Community: Connecting with consumers beyond the shelf through athlete-led workouts, trade shows, and social media ambassadors. Leadership & Career Growth: Kim’s advice for early-stage marketers on staying curious and viewing career paths as non-linear journeys. About Our Guest: Kim Dao is the VP of Marketing at Every Man Jack. She is a seasoned CPG leader known for building culturally resonant brands through deep consumer insights. Throughout her career, she has specialized in mission-driven brands that bring joy and utility to consumers' daily lives. Episode Sponsored By: Open Fortune: The only marketing company putting your brand inside actual fortune cookies. Reach millions of customers in a moment of pure surprise. Learn more at openfortune.com.

    35 min
  5. Brian Murphy of Loeffler Randall: Building a Lifestyle Brand Without Following Trends

    6 DE MARÇ

    Brian Murphy of Loeffler Randall: Building a Lifestyle Brand Without Following Trends

    In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Brian Murphy, the Co-Founder and CEO of Loeffler Randall, the New York-based fashion brand famous for its design-forward footwear and accessories. Brian shares the incredible 20-year journey of scaling a "cult favorite" label into a global lifestyle brand while maintaining the deep emotional connection that defines the company. From the "rocky" early days in a Brooklyn basement to managing a brand that spans multiple generations, Brian offers a masterclass in building a business with authenticity and "product-level excellence". In this episode, we discuss: The Origin Story: How Brian and his wife, Jessie, launched the brand in 2003 from their Brooklyn apartment and navigated early challenges, including an office situated in the back of an olive oil warehouse. Scaling the Brand: The specific products that served as "benchmarks" for growth, including the iconic flat boot and the globally recognized pleated fabric program. The Power of "Self-Reference": Why Loeffler Randall avoids looking at outside stimulus or competitors, instead focusing on Jessie’s personal creative vision and what she feels is missing from her own wardrobe. The Core Consumer: How the brand targets confident, self-sufficient women who dress for themselves rather than for others. Cross-Generational Appeal: Connecting with a diverse audience, from "millennial moms" to Gen Z daughters and beyond. Marketing Strategy: Why Loeffler Randall prioritizes physical retail spaces in cities like Charleston and Nashville as vital brand touchpoints. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to CMO Weekly & Guest Welcome 02:36 – The 20-Year Origin Story of Loeffler Randall 04:22 – Starting in a Brooklyn Basement and Early Struggles 08:46 – Transitioning to a Household Name & Lifestyle Brand 11:17 – Quality and "Product-Level Excellence" as Marketing 12:47 – Staying Power: Avoiding Trends and Trusting Creativity 15:36 – Marketing Across Generations: From Millennials to Gen Alpha 18:23 – Defining the Loeffler Randall Woman Subscribe to CMO Weekly for more deep dives with the world's top marketing leaders and executives. #Marketing #FashionBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CMOWeekly #LoefflerRandall #BrandBuilding #DirectToConsumer

    45 min
  6. Career Roadmapping with Casey Rosett

    3 DE MARÇ

    Career Roadmapping with Casey Rosett

    In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Casey Rosett, a veteran senior marketing leader who has navigated some of the world’s most complex global organizations. Having lived and worked in major international hubs like Hong Kong and Germany, Casey brings a deeply practical perspective on building a marketing career with intention. Whether you are an early-stage marketer wondering how to reach the C-suite or a mid-career professional feeling stagnant, this conversation is a masterclass in "playing chess, not checkers" with your career. Casey breaks down why a nonlinear journey can be your greatest competitive advantage and why "balanced marketing" is the key to long-term leadership. Key Topics Discussed: The Foundation: Why brand management and integrated marketing are the best places to start to understand the "engine" of an organization. The Global Perspective: The importance of gaining both global/central and regional/commercial experience to build credibility. Diversifying Your Skills: How to balance analytical data-mining with emotionally resonant storytelling. Emerging Roles: Exploring niche career paths like "Brand Archivist" and the rise of Omnichannel marketing structures. Strategic Growth: How to maximize your current role through stretch assignments and "now vs. next" planning. The Power of Mentorship: Why seeking mentors outside of the marketing function (GMs, Finance, Supply Chain) can open new doors. About Our Guest: Casey Rosett is a senior marketing leader with extensive experience across brand management, international distribution, and analytics. She has led teams through massive shifts in retail and distribution, working with global giants like Walmart, Amazon, and Target. Casey is also a passionate mentor to Gen Z and early-career marketers. Brought to you by Open Fortune: The only marketing company putting your brand inside actual fortune cookies. Visit openfortune.com to learn more! Subscribe to CMO Weekly for more insights from the world's top marketing leaders.

    37 min
  7. Kristen Lauria of Wheels Up: Prioritizing Experiences Over Traditional Ads

    26 DE FEBR.

    Kristen Lauria of Wheels Up: Prioritizing Experiences Over Traditional Ads

    In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Kristen Lauria, the Chief Marketing Officer at Wheels Up. Kristen shares her unconventional journey from aerospace engineer to marketing leader, illustrating how a background in logic and structured problem-solving can be a secret weapon for navigating the "chaos" of modern marketing.The conversation dives deep into how Wheels Up is disrupting the private aviation industry through its "aviation solutions" model. Kristen discusses the company's strategic partnership with Delta, their innovative approach to customer experience, and why they prioritize experiential marketing over traditional advertising to reach their niche audience.Key Highlights & Timestamps [02:08] From Engineering to Marketing: Kristen explains how her MIT business degree and engineering background help her bring structure to complex market challenges.[06:41] Redefining Private Aviation: A look at the "aviation solutions" platform and how Wheels Up facilitates seamless journeys by combining private and commercial travel.[08:58] The Delta Partnership: Insights into why Delta is a strategic lead investor and how their operational excellence influences Wheels Up.[11:30] Authentic Athlete Ambassadors: Why partnerships with stars like Fernando Mendoza and Ben Griffin are built on real-world use cases rather than just "pretty pictures".[14:58] Meeting Customers Where They Are: The power of experiential marketing at events like the Masters and the Cayman Cookout to build trust and drive advocacy.[18:43] The Future of Wheels Up: Kristen’s vision for the next few years, focusing on global growth and category-defining thought leadership.About Kristen Lauria:Kristen is a transformation-led marketing executive with deep expertise from roles at IBM, Cigna, and Akamai. At Wheels Up, she leads brand strategy, loyalty, and customer acquisition, helping to redefine luxury travel for today's flyers.

    35 min
  8. Jissan Cherian of PetIQ: Disrupting the Pet Health Industry

    24 DE FEBR.

    Jissan Cherian of PetIQ: Disrupting the Pet Health Industry

    In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Jissan Cherian, the Chief Marketing Officer at PetIQ. With a career spanning three continents—including leadership roles in Vietnam and Poland—Jissan shares his unique perspective on leadership, global marketing, and the evolving world of pet care. In This Episode, We Discuss: Navigating Career Risks: Jissan opens up about the mindset required to move overseas for new opportunities, from the beaches of Vietnam to the cold winters of Poland. Leadership & Team Building: The importance of a strong supporting cast and why "failing forward" is a critical part of professional growth. The PetIQ Strategy: How Jissan approached his first 90 days in a new industry and how his team is using experiential marketing and emotional storytelling to connect with pet parents. Innovative Campaigns: A look behind the scenes at PetIQ’s latest marketing initiatives, including clever holiday-themed campaigns. Future of Pet Care: Where the industry is headed in the next five years and how PetIQ aims to become a household name for pet health. Advice for the Next Gen: Jissan shares his top marketing advice for the next generation of leaders and discusses his upcoming book. About Our Guest: Jissan Cherian is the CMO of PetIQ, where he oversees marketing, innovation, and insights. He is a seasoned marketing executive with extensive experience leading global brands and is passionate about improving the lives of pets and their owners. Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by OpenFortune. Tired of banner ads? Open Fortune puts your brand message inside actual fortune cookies, reaching millions of people in thousands of restaurants nationwide. Check out their latest campaign with Mr. Beast! Learn more at openfortune.com. Subscribe for more interviews with the world's top marketing leaders. Follow us for weekly insights into bold moves and breakthrough ideas. #CMOWeekly #MarketingLeadership #PetIQ #PetHealth #MarketingStrategy #GlobalMarketing #JissanCherian

    36 min

Informació

"CMO Weekly," hosted by OpenFortune's Hayley Clover, explores the journeys of top Chief Marketing Officers. Each episode features in-depth conversations with influential marketing leaders, uncovering their strategies, challenges, and success stories. The podcast offers insights into marketing innovation, leadership, and brand-building for both aspiring and seasoned professionals. Clover delves into the career-defining moments and philosophies that shape marketing excellence, providing a unique insider's view of the industry's most brilliant minds.