On Brand with Nick Westergaard

Nick Westergaard
  • 4.8 (99)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

On Brand helps you tell stronger stories and build better brands. Each week, host Nick Westergaard, author of Get Scrappy and Brand Now, interviews marketing and communication thought leaders and innovators from brands like Ben & Jerry’s, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Meta, Crayola, Beats by Dre, Southwest Airlines, Reddit, Spotify, and MailChimp. Watch the full, in-depth conversations and get actionable insights to help you and your brand stand out in a crowded, distracted world. For show notes and more, please visit http://onbrandpodcast.com.

  1. 1d ago

    Why Confidence Is a Habit, Not a Trait

    What happens to an organization when people stop believing in themselves? Dr. Cindra Kampoff is a confidence researcher and performance psychology expert who has worked with Minnesota Vikings players and Olympic athletes. Her new best-selling book, The Confidence Habit, explores the surprising connection between confidence, performance, leadership, and even employee retention. On this episode of On Brand, we're gonna talk about why confidence is more than just a personal trait. It may be one of the most important forces shaping how we show up   What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow confidence directly shapes employee retention and business growthThe crucial difference between authentic confidence and egoWhy two thirds of employees would take a pay cut for supportive leadershipThe three step framework elite athletes use to overcome mistakes fastSimple questions to interrupt self doubt and regain clarityEpisode Chapters(00:00) Intro(01:29) Why confidence is an organizational issue(03:11) What a confidence crisis looks like at work(04:30) What employees want from supportive leaders(07:54) The learn burn return framework(10:18) Accelerators and killers of organizational confidence(11:12) Lessons in letting go from elite athletes(17:16) How to train confidence as a habit(19:04) Authentic confidence versus arrogance(21:37) Reframing automatic negative thoughts(26:18) A brand that made Dr. Cindra Kampoff smile(27:53) Where to connect with Dr. Cindra KampoffAbout Cindra KampoffDr. Cindra Kampoff is a recognized confidence researcher, performance psychology expert, and author of The Confidence Habit. She has coached High-performance leaders, Olympic athletes, and players for the Minnesota Vikings, helping them build resilience and mental strength. Through her research and work at the Mentally Strong Institute, Dr. Kampoff provides actionable tools to help individuals and teams transform self-doubt into authentic self-belief. What Brand Has Made Cindra Smile Recently?Cindra smiled recently because of Good Morning America. Following an appearance to discuss her book, she praised the brand for its incredible care, seamless preparation, and welcoming environment during a major career milestone. Resources & LinksConnect with Cindra on LinkedIn.Learn more at Cindra’s website and her new book, The Confidence Habit.Listen & Support the ShowWatch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart.Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show.Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode.Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips.On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  2. Sep 28

    Amplifying Your Voice to Lead Others

    What happens to your voice when everyone has AI helping them find the right words? Gina London, an Emmy-winning former CNN correspondent and author of Amplify You, has coached tens of thousands of professionals around the world on communicating with greater intention. Her message is simple: great communication isn't about becoming louder or becoming someone else. It's about making who you are on the inside come through more powerfully on the outside. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to align your internal values with external behaviors for meaningful impactWhy practicing communication techniques creates a new, authentic baselineHow to use AI tools for writing without losing your distinct personal voiceWays to adapt tone and energy to build trust across different audiencesThe key to balancing professional competence with approachable warmthEpisode Chapters(00:00) Intro(00:51) Amplifying Who You Are(03:26) The Misconception of Natural Talent(05:41) Closing the Perception Gap(10:14) Exercising Communication Muscles(14:11) Lessons on Dialect and Enunciation(19:13) Redefining True Authenticity(23:43) Protecting Your Voice in the AI Era(26:33) Brand That Made Gina SmileAbout Gina LondonGina London is an Emmy Award-winning former CNN correspondent and author of Amplify You. She has coached tens of thousands of executives and professionals worldwide on intentional communication, media strategy, and leadership presence. Drawing on her extensive background in broadcast journalism and international executive coaching, she helps leaders align their internal values with their external behaviors to build authentic connections and drive impact. What Brand Has Made Gina Smile Recently?Haribo gummy candies recently brought a smile to Gina's face. While she does not personally enjoy the taste or texture, picking up a bag serves as a warm reminder of her daughter, who recently moved away to college and loves the whimsical shapes. Resources & LinksConnect with Gina on LinkedIn.Learn more at Gina’s website.Check out his book, Amplify You.Listen & Support the ShowWatch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart.Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show.Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode.Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips.On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  3. Sep 21

    Ron Johnson on Steve Jobs & Building the Apple Store

    Before the first Apple Store opened, the experts said it would fail within a year. But Ron Johnson saw a different story. As the retail pioneer who worked directly alongside Steve Jobs to build the Apple Store from scratch, Ron transformed retail from a simple transaction into an immersive experience. He also pioneered Target's famous high design partnerships and founded Enjoy. In this episode, we take a look at what it really takes to build a physical space and leadership lessons learned directly from Steve Jobs. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Apple delayed its retail launch six months to redesign around the digital hub How Steve Jobs applied Pixar storytelling principles to physical store design Why total trust and customer experience matter more than online transaction speed What direct-to-consumer brands get wrong when attempting physical retail expansion Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:08) Challenging the Dot-Com Retail Consensus (05:07) Co-Creating Space in a Secret Warehouse (09:31) Designing for Ease of Use and Tactile Discovery (12:07) The Digital Hub Rewind (17:23) Focus and Execution Lessons from Steve Jobs (21:50) The Reality of Modern Omnichannel Retail (28:39) A Brand That Made Ron Johnson Smile About Ron Johnson Ron Johnson is a retail pioneer best known for co-creating the Apple Store alongside Steve Jobs, where he served as Senior Vice President of Retail Operations. Throughout his career, he has transformed customer experiences across major brands, pioneering Target’s famous high-design partnerships, leading JCPenney, and founding Enjoy. His upcoming book, Shop Different, details the leadership, design, and innovation principles behind some of the world’s most iconic physical spaces. What Brand Has Made Ron Smile Recently? Ron Johnson highlighted Sixt, the European car rental company, for its energetic branding, bright orange store design, and clever marketing that consistently features a subtle, engaging wink. Resources & Links Connect with Ron on LinkedIn. Learn more at Ron’s website. Check out his book, Shop Different. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Listen & Support the ShowSign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  4. Sep 14

    Can You "Rewild" the Corporate Mind?

    What if the biggest threat to your organization isn't disruption from the outside, but the way you operate inside? Tom Dennis argues that many companies have become overcontrolled and disconnected from the things that make organizations resilient: trust, adaptability, and human connection. A former Royal Marines officer, he's the founder and CEO of Serenity and Leadership and author of Rewilding the Corporate Mind. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why relying on rigid control creates hidden organizational fragility How Nelson’s naval strategies offer a modern template for leadership trust What self-awareness reveals about your unconscious management habits Why psychological safety drastically reduces costly operational mistakes How setting up the right environment allows you to step back and let go Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (01:17) Rewilding as a Business Metaphor (03:33) Military Strategy and Delegated Initiative (07:52) The Power of Leadership Self-Awareness (10:46) Overcoming the Urge to Micromanage (13:27) Cultivating Psychological Safety (19:34) Navigating Cultural Resistance at the Top (24:40) A Brand That Made Him Smile About Thom Dennis Thom Dennis is a former Royal Marines officer and the founder and CEO of Serenity in Leadership. With over 30 years of experience helping executives rethink how they lead, Thom is the author of Rewilding the Corporate Mind. He specializes in helping organizations move away from rigid command-and-control structures toward cultures built on adaptability, psychological safety, and trust. What Brand Has Made Thom Smile Recently? Thom smiled thinking about Cadbury’s classic gorilla drum-solo commercial set to Phil Collins. While he laments how corporate acquisitions changed the company’s original Quaker-led approach to caring for people, the pure joy of that iconic campaign still stands out. Resources & Links Connect with Thom on LinkedIn. Learn more about Serenity in Leadership. Check out his book, Rewilding the Corporate Mind. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  5. Sep 7

    Great Technology Isn't Enough

    AI may be everywhere, but Brian Herr says the technology itself isn't the competitive advantage. The real moat, he argues, is data, distribution, and trust. As founder and CEO of Starting Blocks and managing partner at HHI Advisory Group, Brian helps startups, scale ups, and portfolio companies grow while also advising organizations on secure adoption. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How data distribution and trust serve as true competitive moats in the AI era Why software wrappers fail without core business fundamentals and strategy How transparent, auditable AI processes protect brand credibility and trust How agile small teams leverage AI augmentation to outperform larger competitors How shared AI knowledge networks accelerate cross-functional team velocity Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:55) Defining the AI Moat (03:11) SAAS-pocalypse and Business Fundamentals (05:53) Building Trust in Technology (09:30) Responsible AI in Practice (12:28) Balancing Speed and Trust (17:23) Effective AI Startup Strategies (21:45) What We Overestimate in AI (24:18) Brand That Made Brian Smile About Brian Herr Brian Herr is the founder and CEO of Starting Blocks and managing partner at HHI Advisory Group. With extensive experience as an operator, executive, advisor, investor, and scout, Brian guides startups, scale-ups, and portfolio companies through growth and secure technology adoption. What Brand Has Made Brian Smile Recently? Filmlink, a Detroit-based company, made Brian smile recently by solving distribution and visibility challenges for the independent film industry. Their scrappy, enthusiastic approach to building a brand that connects independent filmmakers with audiences creates authentic support and excitement. Resources & Links Connect with Brian on LinkedIn. Learn more about ⁠HHI Advisory Group⁠ and ⁠Starting Blocks⁠. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  6. Aug 31

    Emergent Leadership Beats Overwhelm

    Leaders have more advice, tools, and resources than ever. So why are so many still overwhelmed? Don Gregori says we've been missing the bigger picture. He's the COO of First Factory and author of The Emergent Leader, a book about leadership, self-mastery, and building a strong brand. We're talking about what it takes to become a leader and build something that really lasts. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How building yourself and building a brand are the exact same project Why empathy needs to be treated as a hard skill for managers What separates "emergent" leadership from static management models How to avoid getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of new tech tools Why AI should serve the individual rather than replace human judgement Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:46) Building Yourself vs Building a Brand (04:30) Empathy as a Core Management Skill (06:08) Defining the Emergent Leader (09:34) Navigating Modern Information Overload (12:32) Managing Stress and Fear in Leadership (18:33) The Theater and Business Connection (22:34) Managing AI and the Human Element (28:44) A Brand That Made Don Smile About Don Gregori Don Gregori is the Chief Operating Officer of First Factory, a nearshore software development firm, and the author of The Emergent Leader. With a background spanning technology, strategy, and the performing arts, he focuses on self-mastery, organizational culture, and navigating rapid industry change through empathetic leadership. What Brand Has Made Don Smile Recently? During a recent trip to Maine, Don was brought a smile by Gelato Fiasco—a local favorite in Brunswick—and Middle East Coast, a regional brand making exceptional tahini-forward hummus. Resources & Links Connect with Don on LinkedIn. Check out his book, The Emergent Leader. Learn more on his website. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Listen & Support the Show Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  7. Aug 24

    The Woman Behind the Aflac Duck

    What can happen in 30 seconds? For Linda Kaplan Thaler, quite a lot. She’s the creative force behind some of the advertising world’s most unforgettable ideas, from the Aflac duck to “I don’t want to grow up, I’m a Toys R Us kid.” Now, in her new book, My Life in 30 Seconds, Linda looks at the small moments that can change a career or even a life. She’s here to talk about creativity, resilience, leadership, and why sometimes the smallest ideas can make the biggest impact. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How distilling complex messages into 30-second constraints drives massive brand awareness Why adopting an improv “yes, and” mindset unlocks breakthrough team creativity How taking bold, fearless pitches to conservative clients can rescue dying brands Why replacing standard networking with “nice working” yields long-term career returns How human creativity retains its edge in an era of rapid AI adoption Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:49) Welcome Linda Kaplan Thaler (02:42) The Power of 30-Second Distillation (03:43) Pitching Herbal Essences and Bold Ideas (06:46) Writing the Iconic Toys R Us Jingle (10:55) Applying Improv Rules to Business Creativity (11:51) Creating the Aflac Duck (16:23) Building Agency Culture Through Kindness (18:13) Human Creativity in the Age of AI (23:12) The Difference Between Networking and Nice Working (24:28) A Brand That Made Linda Smile About Linda Kaplan Thaler Linda Kaplan Thaler is a legendary advertising executive, author, and speaker responsible for some of the most iconic pop-culture campaigns in history, including the Aflac duck and the Toys R Us jingle. As the co-founder of the Kaplan Thaler Group, she helped build one of the fastest-growing agencies in the United States, scaling it from scratch to over a billion dollars in billings. A master of message distillation and creative leadership, her latest book, My Life in 30 Seconds, explores how micro-moments and rapid insights shape extraordinary careers. What Brand Has Made Linda Smile Recently? Recently, Linda has been smiling at Progressive Insurance for their long-running campaign warning homeowners not to turn into their parents. She loves the humor and stand-up performance driving the spots, pointing out that even when an ad makes you laugh before you remember the exact name, the sheer joy and entertainment value make it stand out in a low-interest category. Resources & Links Connect with Linda on LinkedIn. Check out her book, My Life in 30 Seconds. Learn more on her website. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Aug 17

    Why AI Is a Mirror and Not a Tool

    Most conversations about AI focus on the technology. David Dean thinks we're looking in the wrong place. In his new book, An Inbox Between Us, AI and the Reality of Modern Work, he argues that AI is acting like a mirror, revealing the hidden workarounds, decision-making, and human judgment that have always kept organizations running. Today, we're talking about what leaders can learn from that reflection. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why AI functions as an organizational mirror that exposes hidden workarounds and human judgment How the majority of workers operate as AI survivalists rather than power users The hidden cost of the retry tax when over-relying on automated outputs Why human intuition and lived consequence remain irreplaceable in critical decision-making How to avoid industrializing existing workplace dysfunction with new technology Episode Chapters (00:00) Intro (00:36) AI as an Organizational Mirror (05:11) Navigating the Productivity Maxing Trait (09:01) The AI Survivalist and Adoption Realities (11:19) Understanding the Hidden Retry Tax (13:21) How Organizations Rely on Workarounds (17:20) Tech Problems versus Behavioral Problems (19:56) Why Human Judgment Outlasts Automation (23:40) Authenticity as the Ultimate Leadership Skill (25:19) A Brand That Made Him Smile About Bill Sherman David Dean is an author, productivity solution designer, and change management practitioner focused on the intersection of human behavior and emerging technology. In his book, An Inbox Between Us: AI and the Reality of Modern Work, he examines how enterprise technology impacts ground-level teams across HR, finance, and operations. Drawing on years of experience analyzing workplace workflows, David helps organizational leaders navigate digital transformation by focusing on human judgment, authentic leadership, and practical operational discovery. What Brand Has Made David Smile Recently? A brand that made David smile recently is Marvel. After taking his son to see the newest Spider-Man movie, he appreciated how the brand continues to craft engaging experiences that bring families together and build lasting memories. Resources & Links Connect with David on LinkedIn.Learn more on his website. Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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On Brand helps you tell stronger stories and build better brands. Each week, host Nick Westergaard, author of Get Scrappy and Brand Now, interviews marketing and communication thought leaders and innovators from brands like Ben & Jerry’s, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Meta, Crayola, Beats by Dre, Southwest Airlines, Reddit, Spotify, and MailChimp. Watch the full, in-depth conversations and get actionable insights to help you and your brand stand out in a crowded, distracted world. For show notes and more, please visit http://onbrandpodcast.com.

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