YES, BRAND with Hersh Rephun

Hersh Rephun
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YES, BRAND features lively conversations about what happens right before an idea starts to spread. Not after it’s built. Not once it’s polished. Right at the point where it’s still being understood, misread, or shaped in real time. Each episode engages with founders, operators, creatives, and public thinkers who are actively putting something into motion — and looks at how it’s actually landing. Because the difference between traction and friction usually isn’t the idea. It’s what people THINK it is. Hosted by Hersh Rephun, Chief Coherence Officer, working at the point where perception gets set.

  1. Your Product Isn't the Problem. Your Positioning Probably Is. | Nik Hall

    4d ago

    Your Product Isn't the Problem. Your Positioning Probably Is. | Nik Hall

    In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Nik Hall, founder of Revive Marketing Partners and former CPG founder, to talk about scaling brands, building teams, and what separates sustainable growth from expensive mistakes. After building and exiting an eight-figure consumer products company, Nik turned his attention to helping brands navigate one of the world's most competitive marketplaces: Amazon. But as Hersh and Nik explore, success on Amazon isn't really about Amazon. It's about understanding customers, creating meaningful differentiation, hiring the right people, and building businesses around sound fundamentals rather than hype. Together, they discuss: Why founders often struggle after early tractionThe difference between product innovation and product-market fitHow to identify whether a product can actually succeed on AmazonWhy hiring values-aligned people matters more than résumésThe dangers of building for an exit instead of building a great businessWhat founders misunderstand about competition and customer behaviorAnd why clear communication often beats clever marketing Nik also shares lessons learned from scaling his own company, including costly mistakes around valuation thinking, growth strategy, retail expansion, and leadership. Practical, candid, and packed with hard-earned wisdom, this episode is a masterclass in building businesses that work in the real world, not just on spreadsheets. https://revivemarketingpartners.com/home -- Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image. You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix. Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

    28 min
  2. Your Brand Story Isn’t About You: John Elbing Explains Why

    5d ago

    Your Brand Story Isn’t About You: John Elbing Explains Why

    In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with business storytelling consultant John Elbing, creator of the Story Building methodology, for a lively conversation about empathy, narrative, marketing, and why so many companies tell the wrong story. With a background spanning software engineering, project management, startups, digital marketing, finance, and improv comedy, John brings an unusual blend of analytical thinking and creative intuition to the challenge of brand positioning. His core belief is simple but often overlooked: The strongest brand stories are built from the customer’s perspective, not the company’s. Hersh’s conversation with John explores what happens when organizations become so focused on their products, features, and expertise that they lose sight of the emotions, motivations, and experiences of the people they serve. They dive into: Why empathy is the foundation of effective storytellingThe connection between improv comedy and marketingHow businesses can identify the right audience fasterThe difference between storytelling and business storytellingWhy niche positioning creates stronger brandsHow customers mentally rehearse buying decisionsAnd why recognition always comes before persuasion John also shares insights from his book Story Building, including practical ways companies can clarify their messaging, improve conversions, and create stronger customer engagement without resorting to gimmicks or buzzwords. Funny, thoughtful, and highly practical, this episode is a reminder that great stories don't start with the company. They start with the audience. -- Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image. You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix. Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

    37 min
  3. Peter Thomas on Mortality, Momentum, and Why Reinvention Can’t Wait

    May 30

    Peter Thomas on Mortality, Momentum, and Why Reinvention Can’t Wait

    In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Peter Thomas, Head of Higher Education at the Conversation Design Institute and advisor to AI coaching platform DignifyX, for a thoughtful conversation about reinvention, technology, relationships, and what happens when time stops feeling theoretical. Over a career spanning academia, innovation, research, conference design, and emerging technologies, Peter has built a reputation for helping organizations navigate change while staying focused on what matters most: people. But this conversation moves beyond AI and innovation. Following a life-changing kidney cancer diagnosis, Peter found himself confronting the one constraint every person shares but rarely acknowledges: time. Hersh’s conversation with Peter explores how that experience sharpened his decision-making, deepened his relationships, and accelerated his willingness to say yes to meaningful opportunities and no to distractions. They discuss: Why the people you work with matter more than the work itselfHow AI is reshaping learning, coaching, and communicationThe surprising connection between mortality and clarityWhy execution matters more than authorityHow to eliminate catastrophic risk and move fasterThe role of community in conferences, education, and innovationAnd what it means to build a legacy through people rather than accomplishments Peter also shares insights from his work in conversational AI, performance coaching, nonprofit leadership, and higher education, along with reflections on friendship, intentionality, and living with urgency without losing perspective. Wise, deeply human, and unexpectedly energizing, this episode is a reminder that reinvention isn't something that happens someday. It's something we choose now. -- Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image. You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix. Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

    39 min
  4. From Disney to Carpet Cleaning: Vance Morris on Turning Customers Into Lifelong Fans

    May 29

    From Disney to Carpet Cleaning: Vance Morris on Turning Customers Into Lifelong Fans

    In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with former Disney leader and customer experience strategist Vance Morris for a conversation about loyalty, systems, culture, and why customer experience is never accidental. After rising through leadership roles at Disney, Vance found himself starting over from scratch after bankruptcy and career collapse. Instead of chasing glamorous industries, he applied Disney-level operational thinking to “unglamorous” businesses like carpet cleaning, home services, and local service companies — transforming ordinary customer interactions into memorable brand experiences. Hersh’s conversation with Vance explores what actually creates loyalty at scale, and why emotional consistency matters far more than flashy branding. They dive into: Why Disney runs on systems, not magicThe hidden operational discipline behind memorable experiencesHow small businesses can create premium customer loyaltyWhy customer experience is an identity decision, not a tacticThe difference between “selling” and building relationship glueHow onboarding protects culture as companies growAnd why brands break when employees lose connection to the story Vance also shares practical examples from both Disney and his own businesses, including how a simple welcome gift increased sales dramatically, why “friends knock, salespeople ring the bell,” and how brands can create experiences even inside routine transactions. Funny, tactical, and surprisingly philosophical, this episode is a masterclass in turning ordinary businesses into unforgettable ones. https://www.vancemorris.com https://www.deliverservicenow.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/vancemorris/ https://www.youtube.com/@Deliverservicenow -- Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image. You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix. Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

    29 min
  5. Kian Saneii on Aging, Technology, and Why Independa Is Rebranding Care Around Connection

    May 26

    Kian Saneii on Aging, Technology, and Why Independa Is Rebranding Care Around Connection

    In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Kian Saneii, founder and CEO of Independa, for a powerful conversation about aging, technology, trust, and the emotional infrastructure of caregiving. After more than 25 years leading major technology companies including WebSense, AT&T Bell Labs, and FileNet, Kian shifted his focus toward something deeply personal: helping families stay connected to aging loved ones without sacrificing dignity, independence, or humanity. That mission became Independa, a platform designed to help older adults remain socially engaged, medically supported, and emotionally connected using familiar devices like televisions, tablets, and phones. But as Hersh and Kian explore, this conversation goes far beyond technology. Together, they dive into: Why aging has been culturally branded around decline instead of wisdomThe difference between independence and isolationHow simplicity creates trust in technologyWhy healthcare often prioritizes longevity over quality of lifeThe emotional role technology can play inside familiesAnd how brands earn permission to become part of people’s lives Kian also shares how Independa rejected invasive “Big Brother” monitoring models in favor of respectful engagement, connection, and empowerment, allowing families to preserve memories, communicate effortlessly, and support loved ones with greater peace of mind. Thoughtful, moving, and deeply human, this episode reframes aging technology not as emergency response, but as a tool for dignity, connection, and belonging. https://independa.com/ -- Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image. You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix. Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

    27 min
  6. Justin Giuffrida: Why Smart Founders Slow Down Before They Scale

    May 22

    Justin Giuffrida: Why Smart Founders Slow Down Before They Scale

    In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Justin Giuffrida, founder of Citizens, for a conversation about growth, culture, mentorship, and the hidden risks of scaling too fast. Citizens has grown rapidly in a hospitality industry where culture is often the first thing sacrificed in the race to expand. But Justin has taken a different approach, one rooted in a simple philosophy: earn the right to grow. Hersh’s conversation with Justin explores what happens when a founder chooses long-term integrity over short-term momentum, and why protecting the soul of a business can require slowing down when everyone else is speeding up. They dive into: Why scaling before you’re ready creates hidden instabilityThe danger of growing for optics instead of substanceHow mentorship shaped Justin’s evolution as a founderWhy preparation and self-awareness matter in leadershipThe difference between passion alone and strategic alignmentAnd how Citizens built a roadmap toward 40 locations without sacrificing culture Justin also shares how his thinking evolved from “opening one location” to building a multi-market hospitality brand with intentional systems, growth pipelines, and long-range planning. Grounded, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest, this episode is a masterclass in sustainable growth and founder maturity. https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-giuffrida-02187769/ -- Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image. You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix. Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

    21 min
  7. Jennifer Dalton: Why Your Personal Brand Matters More Than Your Resume

    May 21

    Jennifer Dalton: Why Your Personal Brand Matters More Than Your Resume

    In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with Jennifer Dalton, founder and CEO of BrandMirror, to unpack what personal branding really means in today’s rapidly changing professional world. With more than 20 years of experience in brand and business strategy, Jennifer helps executives, entrepreneurs, and emerging leaders clarify their value, increase visibility, and communicate with greater confidence and authenticity. But her path into personal branding started long before BrandMirror, from growing up in an entrepreneurial household to leading marketing initiatives at Capital One and later launching her own business after earning her Executive MBA from Georgetown. Hersh’s conversation with Jennifer explores the growing importance of self-awareness, visibility, and thought leadership in a world where traditional career paths are disappearing almost as quickly as new ones emerge. They dive into: Why personal branding isn’t personal braggingHow young professionals can stand out before they know exactly what they want to doThe difference between visibility and authenticityWhy feedback is essential for understanding how you’re perceivedThe role of AI in personal branding and where human authenticity still mattersAnd how consistency, curiosity, and generosity build long-term trust Jennifer also shares practical insights on helping leaders articulate their value, build meaningful professional visibility, and avoid burnout while staying top of mind. Thoughtful, energizing, and grounded in real-world experience, this episode is a reminder that personal branding isn’t about ego. It’s about contribution, clarity, and connection. https://brandmirror.com/ -- Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image. You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix. Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

    32 min
  8. The Heated Kilt? Charlie Schertz and Stephanie Yeager on Building Mosey From 41 Failed Designs

    May 16

    The Heated Kilt? Charlie Schertz and Stephanie Yeager on Building Mosey From 41 Failed Designs

    In this episode of YES, BRAND, Hersh Rephun sits down with inventor Charlie Schertz and marketing strategist Stephanie Yeager to talk about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the challenge of bringing an entirely new product category to market. Charlie, a seasoned medical device engineer with more than 20 years of experience and over 50 patents, created Mosey after watching parents and grandparents freeze through outdoor sports games. Applying his background in thermodynamics and heat transfer, he developed a wearable, weatherproof thermal wrap designed to keep people dramatically warmer than traditional blankets, without batteries or external heat sources. But inventing the product was only half the battle. Hersh’s conversation with Charlie and Stephanie explores what happens when a product is so original that people don’t even have language for it yet, and why branding, messaging, and customer psychology become critical in helping the market understand what it is. They dive into: The 41 design iterations behind MoseyWhy innovation requires relentless testing and refinementThe challenge of naming and positioning a completely new productHow marketing language shapes customer perceptionWhy “a confused mind never buys”And how rapid ad testing helped uncover Mosey’s real audience Stephanie also shares the company’s scientific approach to marketing experimentation, using fast, low-cost click testing to refine headlines, messaging, and customer targeting before scaling ad spend. Funny, practical, and full of entrepreneurial insight, this episode is about persistence, invention, and learning how to communicate something the world hasn’t seen before. https://www.getthemozy.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Get-The-Mozy-106071994234683/ https://www.instagram.com/get_the_mozy/ https://www.tiktok.com/@get.the.mozy -- Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image. You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix. Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/

    29 min
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About

YES, BRAND features lively conversations about what happens right before an idea starts to spread. Not after it’s built. Not once it’s polished. Right at the point where it’s still being understood, misread, or shaped in real time. Each episode engages with founders, operators, creatives, and public thinkers who are actively putting something into motion — and looks at how it’s actually landing. Because the difference between traction and friction usually isn’t the idea. It’s what people THINK it is. Hosted by Hersh Rephun, Chief Coherence Officer, working at the point where perception gets set.

Information

  • Creator
    Hersh Rephun
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    161
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 YES, BRAND with Hersh Rephun
  • Show Website
    YES, BRAND with Hersh Rephun