Spark Sessions | Public Label Agency Podcast with Summer DuBois

Summer DuBois-Lenderman
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Marketing

Welcome to Spark Sessions, the Public Label Agency podcast with Summer DuBois. We explore the latest in shopper marketing, retail media, experiential activations, AI, and brand strategy. From e-commerce to immersive brand experiences, each episode unpacks the trends shaping how brands connect and grow. No fluff...just bold ideas, sharp insights, and real strategies that spark results.

  1. Episode 16: Performance Over Funnels: Rethinking Retail Media with McCord Chapman and Michael

    Feb 3

    Episode 16: Performance Over Funnels: Rethinking Retail Media with McCord Chapman and Michael

    The conversation explores the evolving landscape of retail media networks, focusing on the strategic choices and challenges faced by brands in navigating platforms like Amazon and Walmart. It delves into the importance of measurement, the impact of retail media networks on brands, and the nuances of vendor relationships. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities in retail media, the impact of AI on consumer behavior, and the need for a coordinated strategy across in-store and online channels. It also highlights the importance of data-driven decision-making and the role of storytelling in brand success. Takeaways Retail media networks require brands to make strategic choices and understand the unique dynamics of platforms like Amazon and Walmart.Measurement and attribution are crucial for brands to assess the impact of retail media networks and make informed decisions. Retail media requires a shift in internal capability and a focus on consistent storytelling.AI tools are changing consumer behavior and require brands to adapt their content and strategies.A coordinated strategy across in-store and online channels is essential for success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Retail Media Networks07:24 Amazon vs. Walmart: E-commerce Strategies13:13 Performance and Measurement19:00 Measurement and Attribution25:50 Challenges and Opportunities in Retail Media32:20 Impact of AI on Consumer Behavior38:05 AI Tools and Content Strategy49:53 Coordinated Strategy Across Channels

    36 min
  2. Episode 15: Decoding Consumer Behavior: Why Measurement Needs a New Mindset with Sayf Sharif

    Jan 20

    Episode 15: Decoding Consumer Behavior: Why Measurement Needs a New Mindset with Sayf Sharif

    Summary In this episode, Summer DuBois engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Sayf Sharif, co-founder and president of Three Bears Data. They explore the intersection of data, marketing, and human behavior, with Sayf sharing his unique journey from archaeology to digital marketing. He emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior through data, likening it to the archaeological process of uncovering human history. The discussion delves into the challenges marketers face with data overload, the misconceptions surrounding measurement, and the need for a shift in mindset towards more effective data utilization. Sayf critiques the traditional linear marketing funnel, arguing that it oversimplifies the complex consumer journey. He advocates for a more nuanced understanding of consumer behavior, suggesting that marketers need to embrace a more dynamic approach to measurement and decision-making. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in marketing, the importance of clean data, and how marketers can leverage insights to drive better business decisions. Ultimately, Sayf expresses his passion for problem-solving and helping brands navigate the evolving landscape of marketing and data.

    34 min
  3. Episode 14: Turning Mission into Traction: How Early Stage Brands Scale with Hannah Robbins

    12/09/2025

    Episode 14: Turning Mission into Traction: How Early Stage Brands Scale with Hannah Robbins

    Mission driven brands are everywhere, but most never reach scale. In this episode, fractional CMO and operator Hannah Robbins breaks down what separates the brands that grow from the ones that stall. She explains how founders should define a real consumer value proposition, why early stage companies misunderstand their audience, what proof of concept actually means, and how to avoid bad channel decisions that kill momentum. Hannah also gets into the realities of fractional leadership, the difference between passion and commercial discipline, and the operational rigor required to turn a mission into traction. If you work inside an emerging CPG brand or support one, this is a sharp look at what it takes to grow with intention.

    28 min
  4. Episode 13: The Power of Community: How Forum for Naturals Unites the Next Wave of CPG Leaders

    11/11/2025

    Episode 13: The Power of Community: How Forum for Naturals Unites the Next Wave of CPG Leaders

    In this episode of Spark Sessions, Summer DuBois talks with Ted Ning, founder of Forum for Naturals, a collective of marketing and sustainability leaders from some of the most innovative natural and organic brands in North and South America. What began as a check-in during the early days of COVID has evolved into a thriving peer network that helps brand leaders share challenges, swap insights, and build smarter, more connected businesses. Ted and Summer explore how the natural products industry continues to grow faster than conventional CPG, why leaders are shifting focus from rapid expansion to sustainable profitability, and what’s fueling the next wave of innovation across the category. They discuss the value of peer learning, the importance of vulnerability in leadership, and how collaboration—not competition—is reshaping the playbook for modern brands. The conversation also touches on how consumers are redefining “better-for-you,” what sampling and experiential still mean in a digital world, and how authentic storytelling builds trust in an era of noise and skepticism. Whether you’re leading a challenger brand or navigating growth inside an established organization, Ted’s perspective offers a reminder that community might just be the most underrated growth strategy in CPG today. Forumfornaturals.com

    32 min
  5. Episode 12: The Evolution of Loyalty and Retail Innovation with Ken Fenyo

    10/30/2025

    Episode 12: The Evolution of Loyalty and Retail Innovation with Ken Fenyo

    In this conversation, Ken Fenyo shares his extensive experience in the retail industry, focusing on the evolution of loyalty programs, the importance of data in understanding shopper behavior, and the innovations driven by AI and automation. The discussion highlights the need for collaboration between brands and retailers, the significance of integrating media into the shopping experience, and the human element in navigating these changes. Key takeaways emphasize the importance of understanding customer needs and investing in change management to adapt to new technologies.

    36 min
  6. Episode 11: The Craft of Connection: How the Field Team Powers XM

    10/13/2025

    Episode 11: The Craft of Connection: How the Field Team Powers XM

    In this episode of Spark Sessions, Summer DuBois sits down with Ashley Tschiggfrie and Stephanie Rakos to explore what it really takes to lead experiential marketing in the spirits industry. From recruiting and training brand ambassadors to managing activations across diverse markets, they break down the systems, people, and precision that make XM work in the field. The conversation digs into the human side of event marketing—how connection drives conversion, why training matters as much as creativity, and how AI is reshaping operations without replacing authenticity. Whether you’re in brand marketing, field execution, or agency leadership, this episode offers a candid look at what modern experiential marketing actually requires to succeed.

    23 min
  7. Episode 10: Marketing, AI & The Future of Shopping with Chuck Aikens

    09/22/2025

    Episode 10: Marketing, AI & The Future of Shopping with Chuck Aikens

    In this conversation, Chuck Aikens shares his journey through the marketing and technology landscape, emphasizing the transformative power of AI. He discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with embracing AI, the importance of collaboration, and how AI is reshaping shopping behaviors. The dialogue also touches on the partnership between Shopify and OpenAI, the concept of a six-minute shopping journey, and the tools that can enhance productivity in the age of AI. takeaways Chuck Aikens has a rich background in marketing and technology.AI presents both opportunities and challenges for marketers.Embracing AI can lead to increased productivity and reduced stress.The fear surrounding AI adoption is common but can be overcome.AI should be viewed as an assistant rather than a replacement.Building capabilities in AI is essential for knowledge workers.The co-pilot philosophy emphasizes collaboration with AI.AI is changing consumer shopping behaviors significantly.The partnership between Shopify and OpenAI is set to revolutionize e-commerce.Understanding AI's impact on work and collaboration is crucial for success.

    31 min
  8. Episode 9: The Intersection of Creativity and Commerce with Candie Velasco

    09/10/2025

    Episode 9: The Intersection of Creativity and Commerce with Candie Velasco

    In this episode of Spark Sessions, Candie Velasco, the group creative director at Public Label, shares her creative journey from childhood to her current role. She discusses the importance of women in leadership positions within the creative industry, the iterative process of creativity, and how AI tools are changing collaboration. Candie also emphasizes the significance of emotional connections in experiential marketing and the strategies behind building brand loyalty. Takeaways Candie's creative journey began in childhood with art and entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of women in creative leadership roles. The iterative process of creativity involves constant brainstorming and refinement. AI tools like ChatGPT serve as valuable collaborators for creatives. Experiential marketing creates emotional connections that drive brand loyalty. Understanding the target audience is crucial for effective marketing strategies. Creatives often need to step back and find inspiration in their surroundings. Balancing desk work with real-world experiences is essential for creativity. The right creative talent should be able to articulate their process and connect it to strategy. Emotional connections in marketing lead to brand loyalty and consumer engagement.

    27 min
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Welcome to Spark Sessions, the Public Label Agency podcast with Summer DuBois. We explore the latest in shopper marketing, retail media, experiential activations, AI, and brand strategy. From e-commerce to immersive brand experiences, each episode unpacks the trends shaping how brands connect and grow. No fluff...just bold ideas, sharp insights, and real strategies that spark results.

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