TOP CMO

TOP Thought Leader
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TOP CMO

TOP CMO features interviews with Chief Marketing Officers of some of the world’s biggest brands, fastest growing companies, and most disruptive startups. Hosted by Ben Kaplan, whose TOP agency works with many of the world’s top marketing leaders, the TOP CMO podcast reveals the surprising stories and data-driven decision-making behind some of the year’s most high profile, groundbreaking, and world-changing campaigns.

  1. Marketing Mastery: Lessons from Choice Hotels’ Chief

    6 DAYS AGO

    Marketing Mastery: Lessons from Choice Hotels’ Chief

    In this episode of Top CMO, we sit down with Noha Abdalla, the Chief Marketing Officer of Choice Hotels, to explore what it takes to market a portfolio of 22 hotel brands, including Comfort Inn, Cambria, and the recently acquired Radisson Hotels Americas. Noha shares her journey from rebranding Animal Planet to leading marketing innovations in the hospitality industry, and how she balances the needs of consumers, franchisees, and investors. We dive into the challenges of creating emotional connections with guests, the role of AI in modern marketing, and the art of making every dollar count. Whether you’re a marketer, a business leader, or simply curious about what drives success in the competitive world of hospitality, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

    30 min
  2. The Billion-Dollar Truck Stop Strategy! with Adrienne Ingoldt, CMO at Pilot Company

    NOV 8

    The Billion-Dollar Truck Stop Strategy! with Adrienne Ingoldt, CMO at Pilot Company

    On this episode of TOP CMO, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Adrienne Ingoldt, Chief Marketing Officer at Pilot Company—the largest network of roadside travel centers in North America and a key part of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway portfolio. Adrienne reveals how she’s leading a monumental shift from a B2B-focused strategy to creating a consumer-first brand that resonates with everyone from professional truck drivers to road-tripping families. Explore the innovative ways Pilot Company is breaking out of a commoditized category, using data-driven personalization, loyalty programs, and emotional storytelling to win over hearts (and wallets). Adrienne shares exclusive insights into building brand awareness in a historically overlooked industry, balancing B2B and B2C priorities, and driving customer loyalty with cutting-edge marketing techniques. If you’re a CMO or marketing leader eager to learn how to create consumer loyalty in competitive markets—or just fascinated by how marketing can transform entire industries—this is an episode you can’t miss.

    20 min
  3. Reimagining Video Creation: Dave King on Making AI Work for Your Brand

    NOV 1

    Reimagining Video Creation: Dave King on Making AI Work for Your Brand

    In this insightful episode of TOP CMO, Jackson Carpenter chats with Dave King, CMO at HeyGen, to explore the cutting-edge world of AI-powered video creation. Discover how Heygen is revolutionizing video production by making it faster, more personalized, and accessible to businesses of all sizes. Dive into the challenges of marketing to a global audience, the impact of AI on content creation, and strategies for building trust and safety in digital storytelling. Gain inspiration from Dave's rich career spanning Salesforce and Asana, and learn how to adapt and thrive in a fast-evolving marketing landscape.

    37 min
  4. Heart of the Neighborhood: How Ace Hardware’s 100-Year Legacy Thrives on Trust and Local Stories

    OCT 25

    Heart of the Neighborhood: How Ace Hardware’s 100-Year Legacy Thrives on Trust and Local Stories

    In this episode, we dive into the heart of what makes Ace Hardware a beloved and resilient brand with Kim Lefko, Chief Marketing Officer of Ace Hardware. Kim shares insights into how Ace celebrates 100 years of service and community through initiatives like its new documentary series, which captures heart-warming stories of "Red-Vested Heroes" going above and beyond for their customers. Discover how this co-op retailer keeps a local focus while growing to over 5,000 stores nationwide, stays true to its three pillars of service, convenience, and quality, and continually reinvents its brand to stay relevant in the digital era. Kim’s candid take on customer trust, the power of authenticity, and why staying rooted in a brand's ethos matters—especially in today’s crowded retail space—make this a conversation brimming with lessons for marketers and business leaders alike. Tune in to be inspired by the legacy and future of the “helpful place.”

    29 min
  5. Bridging Marketing and Finance: Strategies for Profitable Growth

    OCT 18

    Bridging Marketing and Finance: Strategies for Profitable Growth

    In this episode of TOP CMO, Ben Kaplan sits down with Rowan Tonkin, CMO of Planful, to discuss the evolving landscape of financial planning and how companies can achieve profitable growth in today’s market. Rowan shares insights on shifting from a "growth at all costs" mindset to a more controlled, sustainable approach. They dive deep into the challenges of staying industry-agnostic while tailoring marketing strategies to diverse personas, and how marketers can foster stronger relationships with CFOs by aligning on commercial and financial metrics. Tune in to explore how Rowan navigates the balance between short-term wins and long-term value in a dynamic business environment.

    30 min
  6. Wendy Wu Unveils the Marketing Tactics That Drove Microsoft and Google

    OCT 16

    Wendy Wu Unveils the Marketing Tactics That Drove Microsoft and Google

    Join us on TOP CMO as we sit down with Wendy Wu, CMO of SailPoint, to explore her journey from Microsoft to Google and beyond. Wendy shares key insights into navigating the evolving landscape of marketing, the importance of being data-driven, and her experience shaping SailPoint into a leader in identity security. Whether you're interested in SaaS, leadership, or crafting a winning marketing strategy, this episode delivers actionable takeaways for aspiring CMOs and seasoned professionals alike.

    40 min
  7. Rebranding a 50-Year-Old Giant: How Mitel Stays Ahead in a Cloud-Driven World

    OCT 11

    Rebranding a 50-Year-Old Giant: How Mitel Stays Ahead in a Cloud-Driven World

    In this episode, Eric Hanson, CMO of Mitel, shares insights on repositioning a long-established company to navigate industry shifts and challenge modern market hype. Eric dives into strategies for aligning sales, marketing, and product teams, overcoming the pandemic's impact, and ensuring long-term success in a hybrid business communications landscape. Tune in to learn how to redefine a brand’s story while maintaining core values in a dynamic market environment.

    48 min
  8. Reinventing an Icon: How TRUE RELIGION stays true and stands out with Kristen D’Arcy

    OCT 4

    Reinventing an Icon: How TRUE RELIGION stays true and stands out with Kristen D’Arcy

    In this episode, Ben Kaplan sits down with Kristen D’Arcy, Chief Marketing Officer at True Religion, to explore how the iconic denim brand reinvented itself. Kristen shares insights on maintaining authenticity, connecting with urban culture, and co-creating with customers to keep the brand relevant. From navigating turnarounds and embracing digital-first strategies to executing 360-degree holiday campaigns, she offers a candid look at how True Religion is resonating with new audiences while staying true to its roots. Tune in to hear about the exciting collaborations, bold moves, and what’s next for this legendary brand.

    35 min
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About

TOP CMO features interviews with Chief Marketing Officers of some of the world’s biggest brands, fastest growing companies, and most disruptive startups. Hosted by Ben Kaplan, whose TOP agency works with many of the world’s top marketing leaders, the TOP CMO podcast reveals the surprising stories and data-driven decision-making behind some of the year’s most high profile, groundbreaking, and world-changing campaigns.

Information

  • Creator
    TOP Thought Leader
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2024
  • Episodes
    108
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © TOP Thought Leader
  • Show Website
    TOP CMO

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