The MadMen Pod The MadMen Pod

Sameer welcomes special guest Varun Jindal, a seasoned marketer who has seen all sides of social marketing - from community management to brand partnerships - formerly at Dentsu, PepsiCo and TikTok. Varun and Sameer dive in on how far influencer marketing has come, and share some predictions of the future. 

This week on the podcast, we delve into "Rebrands Due to Social Pressures," highlighting significant changes organizations have made in response to evolving societal values. The episode focuses on the recent rebrand of Boy Scouts to Scouting America, aiming for greater inclusivity. We discuss other impactful rebrands, including Aunt Jennie's, Eskimo Pie's transition to a more culturally sensitive brand identity, and L’Oréal's decision to remove terms like “whitening” from their products to promote racial equality. Join us as we explore how these brands have navigated the pressures and the implications of their actions. Plus, we'll touch on highlights from the Met Gala.

Navigating New Horizons: Brand Movements and Refreshes
 
In this week's episode, we explore the dynamic shifts in the marketing landscape and the rejuvenation of brand identities. Our discussions are segmented into three insightful parts:
 
Segment 1 - Brands on the Move: Dive into what's currently trending in the marketing world. From the intriguing Umax app to Zillow's engaging Bluey ad and the strategic pivot of Hollister from brick-and-mortar to online, we cover a spectrum of brands making significant moves. We also delve into the influential power of reviews with a look at MKBHD's take on Humane & Fisker Ocean.
 
Segment 2 - Recent Brand Refresh: We analyze and share our thoughts on the latest brand refreshes that are reshaping perceptions and reinvigorating consumer interest. Discover the transformations of Bumble, Liquid IV, and the transition from Lifetime Fitness to simply Lifetime, along with other notable refreshes.
 
Segment 3 - In-Person vs. Online Engagement: In this discussion, we assess the shifting strategies of companies as they navigate the balance between online presence and in-person engagements. This segment focuses on how both B2C and B2B entities are adapting to a world where physical presence is becoming increasingly valued alongside digital interactions.
 
Join us as we unpack these developments, providing unique insights into how brands are adapting, transforming, and thriving in today's fast-evolving market.

Pioneers of Innovation: Crafting Markets from Scratch
In this compelling episode dive into the fascinating world of 'Category Creation.' Join our hosts as they unravel stories of brands that didn't just enter the market—they created it! From Lululemon's yoga pants revolutionizing fitness wear to Tesla's charge into electric vehicles, discover how these companies shaped consumer culture and established thriving markets where none existed.
Episode Highlights:
Yoga Pants by Lululemon: How Lululemon turned athletic wear into a lifestyle statement.Electric Dreams by Tesla: Tesla's bold venture into making electric cars a mainstream choice
The Energy Burst by Red Bull: Detailing how Red Bull created and dominated the energy drink market.
 Chilling Innovation by Plunge: Delve into how Plunge is making waves with its cold plunge tubs.
As we explore these groundbreaking innovations, learn about the strategies these pioneers used to create demand, captivate early adopters, and scale their ventures into global phenomena. Tune in for a dose of inspiration and insight into the art of creating a category!

Rooted in Green: Unpacking Sustainability in Marketing
In this Earth Day special, we delve deep into how brands are integrating sustainability into their DNA and the broader implications beyond environmental stewardship. Join Sameer, Adeel, and Salim as they explore compelling examples of companies making a real impact, and scrutinize those whose efforts might not be as green as they appear.
What's Inside:
Sustainability in Brand DNA: Discover how companies like Patagonia, Fab Brick, and Microsoft are embedding eco-conscious practices into the core of their business strategies, setting benchmarks for industry peers.
Social Sustainability: We go beyond the environment to discuss how brands like Ben & Jerry’s, Lego, and Airbnb are addressing social sustainability, championing community initiatives, and fostering inclusive practices that contribute to societal well-being.
Eco-Fails: A critical look at brands accused of greenwashing. We examine Amazon, H&M, and Volkswagen to understand where companies may fall short in their eco-friendly promises, shedding light on the thin line between marketing and reality.
This episode strips back the green facade to reveal the true colors of sustainability in marketing. Tune in as we start with Sameer's introduction, immediately diving into how these brands are crafting a more sustainable future or merely painting a greener picture.
 

 
In this week’s episode of we delve into the latest headlines that are shaping the business and tech landscapes. From Google’s strategic acquisition of HubSpot to the economic impact of the recent eclipse, we cover the biggest stories in "What’s Trending." We analyze the fallout from Trump Social's challenges and discuss the creative and possibly controversial new tagline from Papa John’s, "Better get you some." Plus, we look into which brands capitalized on the eclipse event to boost their visibility and impact.
In our "Up and Coming Brands" segment, we spotlight innovative companies making waves across industries. We take a closer look at Frida Uncensored, a bold initiative tackling reproductive health education, explore the eco-conscious fashion offerings of Tender Co., and dive into the unique world of Gentle Monster, a brand redefining style with its avant-garde eyewear.
Wrapping up with "Market Insights," we shift focus to the burgeoning field of artificial intelligence. Amidst all the buzz, we break down what AI tools like ChatGPT and Adobe Firefly really offer to businesses and consumers today, providing a clearer understanding of their capabilities and potential.
Tune in to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the ever-evolving worlds of marketing and technology. Don’t miss out as we explore these dynamic topics, shedding light on how they're reshaping industries and consumer experiences.