BRANDED

Ben Kaplan and TOP Thought Leader
  • 5,0 (5)
  • MARKETING
  • SEMANAL
BRANDED

BRANDED is the podcast where bold ideas meet brilliant minds. From the unconventional marketing of Liquid Death to the visionary leadership of Nike’s former CMO, we uncover the stories behind the world’s most iconic brands. Hosted by top industry leaders, BRANDED takes you behind the scenes to explore the strategies, risks, and creative sparks that make brands stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer, a business enthusiast, or just curious about the magic behind the labels, BRANDED delivers insights and inspiration in every episode.

  1. Doughlicious vs. The Giants: The Sweet Story of a Brand’s Global Rise

    HÁ 6 DIAS

    Doughlicious vs. The Giants: The Sweet Story of a Brand’s Global Rise

    Host Ben Kaplan sits down with Kathryn Bricken, the powerhouse behind Doughlicious, to uncover how she took her passion for baking from school events to Whole Foods shelves across the U.S. Kathryn shares the highs and lows of scaling a global brand, disrupting the frozen snack industry, and making bold moves in a competitive market. But that’s not all—this episode also features insights from Liquid Death and Campbell’s, as we explore what it takes to build a brand that stands out. From shaking up the beverage world to reinventing legacy food giants, Ben Kaplan leads the conversation on innovation, strategy, and the art of brand disruption.

    36min
  2. Inside a Billion-Dollar Turnaround: How Mark Bertolini Saved Oscar Health

    28 DE FEV.

    Inside a Billion-Dollar Turnaround: How Mark Bertolini Saved Oscar Health

    Ben Kaplan sits down with Mark Bertolini, CEO of Oscar Health and former head of Aetna, to break down one of the biggest healthcare turnarounds in recent history. Oscar Health was bleeding cash, fully dependent on the Affordable Care Act, and struggling to turn a profit. Within just 10 weeks, Mark uncovered $1.4 billion in hidden opportunities, restructured the business, and set it on a path to profitability for the first time ever. In this episode, Mark reveals: Why Oscar’s original founders avoided hiring healthcare experts—and how that nearly doomed the company.How AI and large language models cut costs by 1400 basis points.The high-stakes reality of running a company that depends entirely on the U.S. government.His no-nonsense approach to leadership, from fixing broken businesses to out-negotiating industry giants like CVS.What most CEOs get wrong about running a business—and why courage and curiosity matter more than anything else.This is a must-listen for anyone in business, tech, or leadership, as Mark and Ben break down what it really takes to transform an industry built to resist change.

    41min
  3. Healthcare Marketing Under Pressure: Trust, Disruption & the Future of Engagement

    21 DE FEV.

    Healthcare Marketing Under Pressure: Trust, Disruption & the Future of Engagement

    Healthcare marketing is evolving fast—legacy brands are fighting to stay relevant, disruptors are reshaping the industry, and consumers are more skeptical than ever. In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan explores what it takes to stand out, build trust, and drive engagement in this competitive space. We hear from Katelyn Watson, CMO of Talkspace, on how the company pivoted its brand and made virtual mental health care more accessible. Robert Krane, co-founder of Talkiatry, shares how he tackled one of the biggest challenges in psychiatry—access to care. And Pam Morrisroe of Breakthrough T1D discusses the nonprofit approach to building credibility and deepening audience trust. From brand refreshes to social impact marketing, partnerships, and storytelling, this episode is packed with insights for anyone navigating the healthcare industry. Whether you're in marketing, healthcare, or brand strategy, this conversation delivers valuable lessons on standing out and making an impact.

    43min
  4. From $16B to $160B: The Branding Playbook Behind S&P Global

    14 DE FEV.

    From $16B to $160B: The Branding Playbook Behind S&P Global

    What does it take to build a $160B brand in a world driven by data and trust? In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Alice Cherry from S&P Global to reveal the branding strategies that transformed a legacy name into a financial intelligence powerhouse. Discover how a bold rebrand, a high-stakes merger, and a relentless focus on essential intelligence helped S&P Global stand out in a crowded market. Alice shares the challenges of uniting diverse teams under one mission, the power of familiarity over awareness, and why even B2B brands need emotional connections to grow. Whether you're crafting your own brand strategy or just fascinated by how global giants stay relevant, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

    28min
  5. How Chuck E. Cheese Went from Bankruptcy to a $350M Reinvention

    7 DE FEV.

    How Chuck E. Cheese Went from Bankruptcy to a $350M Reinvention

    Chuck E. Cheese isn’t just a childhood memory—it’s a brand that faced bankruptcy, a pandemic, and a struggling reputation. But instead of fading into nostalgia, it pulled off one of the boldest brand transformations in entertainment history. In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with David McKillips, President & CEO of CEC Entertainment, to unpack the $350 million reinvention of Chuck E. Cheese. From wiping out $700M in debt to revamping every location in the U.S., McKillips shares how the company evolved to stay relevant for a new generation. How did they pivot from crisis to comeback? Why did they ditch the animatronics? And what’s next for Chuck E. Cheese as a global entertainment brand?Find out in this deep dive with Ben Kaplan on Branded!

    30min
  6. KFC’s Biggest Threat Isn’t McDonald’s—It’s You

    31 DE JAN.

    KFC’s Biggest Threat Isn’t McDonald’s—It’s You

    In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Katherine Bond Debicki, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Digital Officer of KFC Canada, to explore how one of the world’s most iconic brands stays relevant in a rapidly changing food landscape. Katherine breaks down the three major waves of disruption that have shaped the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry—from the invention of the drive-thru to the rise of digital ordering and now, the shift toward experience-driven marketing. She shares how KFC leverages its legendary brand assets, like the 11 herbs and spices, the Colonel, and the bucket, while modernising the customer experience to engage new generations of consumers. We also dive into the power of consumer insights, discussing how KFC stays ahead of the competition by focusing on what matters to customers today—from viral food trends to cultural relevance, like their recent Taylor Swift campaign.Finally, we explore what QSR brands can learn from other industries, how earned media and strategic data are shaping marketing, and why the future of fast food isn’t just about value—it’s about offering a moment of escape, excitement, and personalisation. And stay tuned—later in the episode, we explore the world of customisable, sugar-free indulgence with Dana Paris, Chief Commercial Officer of Jordan’s Skinny Mixes, a brand redefining how we enjoy our favourite drinks.

    34min
  7. What Your Shoes Say About You – And Why Brands Need to Pay Attention

    24 DE JAN.

    What Your Shoes Say About You – And Why Brands Need to Pay Attention

    In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Sarah Crockett, CMO of DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse), to discuss the art of reviving a retail giant. With eight months in the role, Sarah shares her strategy for repositioning DSW, tapping into consumer insights, and creating an emotional connection with customers across generations. She explores the challenge of bringing back the brand's "heat", navigating multi-channel retail, and adapting to cultural shifts. Plus, she reveals why physical stores remain her #1 marketing channel, the power of storytelling in marketing, and the biggest myth about retail's future. - What does your shoe choice say about you? - How do brands stay relevant in a fast-changing world? - Why does Sarah hate big campaign reveals? If you care about brand strategy, consumer psychology, or marketing innovation, this episode is a must-listen.

    29min
  8. The Secret Sauce Behind Jack in the Box’s Success – With Ryan Ostrom

    17 DE JAN.

    The Secret Sauce Behind Jack in the Box’s Success – With Ryan Ostrom

    What makes Jack in the Box one of the most crave-worthy fast-food brands? In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Ryan Ostrom, Chief Customer Officer at Jack in the Box, to uncover the bold marketing strategies, digital innovations, and brand positioning that keep them ahead of the competition.Ryan reveals how Jack in the Box stays relevant in a rapidly changing industry—leveraging celebrity collaborations with icons like Snoop Dogg, expanding into new markets, and mastering the art of digital loyalty. He also shares insights into the "Craved Strategy," a framework that drives everything from menu innovation to social media engagement. Whether you're a marketing enthusiast, a fast-food fan, or just curious about how brands build cult-like followings, this episode serves up valuable lessons on staying competitive, connecting with customers, and making a lasting impact.

    25min
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Sobre

BRANDED is the podcast where bold ideas meet brilliant minds. From the unconventional marketing of Liquid Death to the visionary leadership of Nike’s former CMO, we uncover the stories behind the world’s most iconic brands. Hosted by top industry leaders, BRANDED takes you behind the scenes to explore the strategies, risks, and creative sparks that make brands stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer, a business enthusiast, or just curious about the magic behind the labels, BRANDED delivers insights and inspiration in every episode.

Informações

  • Criado por
    Ben Kaplan and TOP Thought Leader
  • Anos de atividade
    2022 - 2025
  • Episódios
    126
  • Classificação
    Livre
  • Copyright
    © Ben Kaplan and TOP Thought Leader
  • Site do podcast
    BRANDED

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