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Marketing Vanguard
Footwear, Fashion, and the Future: Conversations with Journeys CMO Stacy Doren
Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Stacy Doren, CMO of Journeys. They discuss Stacy's transition from 24 years at Levi's to her first CMO role, Journeys' evolution as a mall-based footwear retailer, and how Gen Z is bringing malls back into cultural relevance. Stacy shares insights on differentiating in a competitive landscape, expanding consumer segmentation beyond their traditional alternative/skate audience, and prioritizing brand building after years of performance-focused marketing.
Here are the key talking points from the episode:
- The Evolution of Journeys from Alternative/Skate Focus to Broader Teen Appeal
- How Gen Z is Making Malls Relevant Again
- Journeys' Competitive Differentiation in Footwear Retail
- Transitioning from Levi's to a First-Time CMO Role
- Building a Foundation for Brand Growth After Years of Performance Marketing
- Store Refresh and New Merchandising Approach
- Innovative TikTok and Content Strategies
- Making Tough Decisions Like Eliminating the Catalog
- Early Business Results from New Strategic Direction
- Leadership Adaptation During Business Transformation
Unlocking the Creator Economy with Awin
Did you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?
Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.
With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.
Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:
- Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.
- Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.
- Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.
- Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approach.
Unlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!
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110. Creating Unified Experiences in Gaming: Jennifer Weissman on PENN Entertainment’s Strategy
27:27||Season 1, Ep. 110How do you market entertainment experiences that span physical casinos, online gaming, and sports betting?In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, Jennifer Weissman, CMO of PENN Entertainment, shares how the company creates cohesive customer journeys across 42 casinos, racetracks, and digital platforms. From a time when showing casino floors in ads was prohibited to today's gamified loyalty ecosystems, Jennifer dives into regulatory shifts, customer lifetime value, and gamification beyond traditional gaming.What You'll Learn:How regulatory evolution has transformed gaming marketing possibilitiesWhy loyalty programs are the "lifeblood" of multi-platform entertainmentHow PENN Entertainment lowered customer acquisition age by 10 yearsThe psychology behind gamification and the power of the journeyBuilding partnerships that offer real utility for customersUnlocking the Creator Economy with AwinDid you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approachUnlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!109. Engineering the Future of Marketing: Esi Eggleston Bracey’s Unilever Playbook
38:21||Season 1, Ep. 109How do you transform marketing from a cost center to a growth driver at one of the world's largest consumer goods companies?In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, Esi Eggleston Bracey, Chief Growth and Marketing Officer at Unilever, explores the evolving landscape of global brand marketing. From her engineering roots to leading 400+ brands serving 3.4 billion people, Esi shares insights on blending analytical rigor with creativity. She explains how to transform marketing from a one-to-many model to many-to-many, and how AI can be used as an enabler—not a disruptor. Whether you're steering a global brand or aspiring to lead one, this conversation offers a masterclass in purpose-driven marketing, cultural relevance, and driving growth through innovation. Discover how legacy brands like Dove stay culturally relevant and purpose-driven in today’s digital-first world.What You'll Learn:How to blend engineering discipline with creative marketing to solve complex business challengesThe shift from "one-to-many" to "many-to-many" marketing modelsWhy modern marketing requires both analytical rigor and creativityHow AI amplifies creative ideas without replacing human ingenuityThe psychology behind building desirable brands at scaleUnlocking the Creator Economy with AwinDid you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approachUnlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!108. Truth Over Trend: Christie Sclater on Clinique's Mission
24:59||Season 1, Ep. 108What does it take to lead a legacy beauty brand in a world obsessed with trends?In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, Clinique’s SVP of Global Marketing, Christie Sclater, shares how staying true to the brand’s roots in dermatological science helps it cut through the noise. From her days at Apple to her personal experience with skin conditions, Christie opens up about leading with purpose, building authentic influencer relationships, and bringing humanity to every marketing touchpoint.What You'll Learn:How to use brand heritage and consistency as strengths in crowded marketsHow Clinique makes influencer marketing real—by leading with love, not just likesWhy "truth over trend" messaging connects in today's packed beauty spaceHow to adopt new technology while keeping human connection and brand authenticityThe value of matching personal values with professional purpose for meaningful leadershipUnlocking the Creator Economy with AwinDid you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approachUnlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!107. Beyond Hardware: How Lenovo's Marketing Team Drives Tech Innovation with AI
21:17||Season 1, Ep. 107AI innovation is transforming technology marketing by creating new product categories and revolutionizing how global brands approach customer engagement and internal operations.In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Emily Ketchen, Chief Marketing Officer and SVP, Intelligent Devices Group and International Markets at Lenovo, to explore her journey from international relations student to global technology marketing leader. Discover how Lenovo is pioneering the AI PC category, implementing comprehensive AI governance across marketing operations, and driving innovation through products like solar-powered laptops and rollable screens. Whether you're navigating AI integration in your organization or seeking insights on global marketing leadership, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on embracing change and creating technology categories that don't yet exist.What You'll Learn:How to create governance frameworks for AI implementation across marketing organizationsWhy taking opportunities without being 100% ready is crucial for career advancementThe framework for educating marketing teams on AI through comprehensive training programsHow to balance in-house capabilities with agency partnerships in the AI eraThe importance of customer ownership in AI deployment and privacy considerationsUnlocking the Creator Economy with AwinDid you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approachUnlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!106. Why 60% of Power Solutions Fail—And How Generac Dominates the Category with Amanda Teder, CMO of Generac Power Systems
25:24||Season 1, Ep. 106Power marketing requires balancing fear-based messaging with positive benefit communication to drive high-stakes purchasing decisions.In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Amanda Teder, CMO of Generac Power Systems, to explore the fascinating world of power solutions marketing. Learn how Generac balances fear-based messaging with benefit-focused communication, navigates both B2B and B2C markets, and transforms customer education into sales. Amanda shares invaluable insights on driving business growth through data-driven marketing, building effective pricing ecosystems, and leading organizational transformation. Whether you're managing discretionary purchases or essential services, this conversation offers practical strategies for connecting marketing initiatives directly to business outcomes.Unlocking the Creator Economy with AwinDid you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approachUnlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!105. Immersive Technologies and the Future of Marketing: Insights from Karina Kogan, CMO of Infinite Reality
31:53||Season 1, Ep. 105Immersive technology is revolutionizing digital marketing by creating more engaging, efficient customer experiences and driving unprecedented conversion rates in e-commerce.In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Karina Kogan, CMO of Infinite Reality, to explore the evolution from consumer brand marketing to B2B innovation in immersive experiences. Discover why traditional e-commerce funnels are ready for disruption, how brands can leverage 3D environments to drive engagement, and why meeting consumers in their preferred digital spaces is crucial for modern marketing success. Whether you're navigating the transition from 2D to 3D marketing or seeking ways to create more impactful customer experiences, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of digital brand engagement and virtual commerce.What You'll Learn:How immersive experiences can increase customer acquisition by 67% through truly incremental reachWhy the transition from 2D to 3D commerce mirrors the evolution of online video advertisingThe framework for implementing immersive technology without disrupting existing customer experiencesHow to leverage gamification and loyalty programs within 3D environments to drive engagementThe importance of focusing on innovation rather than competition when building disruptive technologiesUnlocking the Creator Economy with AwinDid you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approachUnlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!104. The Undervalued Billion-Dollar Secret in Every Golf Club—Golf Pride's Hidden Edge with Eric Gibson
36:15||Season 1, Ep. 104In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Eric Gibson, Chief Commercial Officer of Golf Pride, to explore the delicate balance between heritage and innovation in sports marketing. Discover how Golf Pride is transforming from a traditional golf equipment manufacturer into a brand that champions confidence and accessibility, while maintaining its position as the grip of choice for 80-85% of the world's golf professionals. From unexpected collaborations with James Bond and Steph Curry to meeting modern golfers where they are, this conversation offers valuable insights into brand elevation, purposeful partnerships, and navigating the evolving landscape of golf culture.What You'll Learn:How to reposition a legacy brand from selling products to selling confidence and performanceThe strategy behind balancing professional endorsements with authentic product adoptionHow to leverage collaborations (like Steph Curry and James Bond) to drive brand relevance without compromising core valuesThe framework for adapting marketing approaches as golf becomes more diverse and accessibleWhy YouTube and non-traditional content are becoming more important than traditional golf mediaUnlocking the Creator Economy with AwinDid you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approachUnlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!103. Cinema Advertising Reimagined: Insights from Amy Tunick, CMO of NCM
29:53||Season 1, Ep. 103Welcome to this episode of the Marketing Vanguard podcast. Today, Jenny Rooney speaks with Amy Tunick, CMO of National CineMedia (NCM). Amy shares how NCM positions cinema as "CTV Plus" – offering advertisers guaranteed audiences without bots, fraud, or frequency issues – and discusses the company's post-pandemic revival.With experience spanning entertainment, advertising, and media, Amy explains NCM's approach to engaging audiences throughout the entire moviegoing journey, from pre-show content to in-lobby activations. She highlights current moviegoing trends, innovative branded content opportunities, and NCM's unique role as the US Representative to Cannes Lions, connecting the entertainment and advertising industries.What You'll Learn:How cinema advertising has evolved into a "CTV-plus" platform with guaranteed audiences and fraud-free viewershipWhy movie theaters are emerging as prime venues for reaching Gen Z and young millennial audiences at scaleHow brands can leverage theater lobbies and pre-show experiences for immersive marketing activationsWhy horror films and multi-generational content are driving current box office trends and audience engagementThe innovative ways brands like E.L.F. Beauty are creating custom theatrical content beyond traditional advertisingHow NCM is pioneering new advertising formats, including the first-ever 4DX advertisement with environmental effectsThe evolving relationship between theatrical releases and streaming platforms in driving audience engagementUnlocking the Creator Economy with AwinDid you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approachUnlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!102. The Stanley 1913 Effect: Matt Navarro on Creating a Lifestyle Brand That Lasts
19:04||Season 1, Ep. 102What if you could transform a 100-year-old heritage brand into a modern cultural phenomenon?In this episode of MVG - Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Matt Navarro, President of Stanley 1913, to explore the company's remarkable evolution from worksite essential to viral sensation. Learn how Stanley 1913 maintains its cultural relevance through strategic partnerships, sustainability initiatives, and lifestyle brand positioning. Whether you're a marketing leader looking to revitalize a legacy brand or seeking insights on connecting with Gen Z consumers, this conversation reveals the delicate balance between honoring heritage and driving innovation. Tune in to discover how authenticity, sustainability, and cultural connectivity can transform a traditional brand into a modern lifestyle icon.What You'll Learn:How Stanley executed a successful brand transformation by pivoting from utility to lifestyle positioningThe strategy behind building sustained momentum versus chasing viral momentsWhy genuine partnerships matter—and how a surprising lifelong fan, Lionel Messi, became part of the story.How to maintain brand relevance by staying connected to youth culture and emerging trendsThe framework for expanding into adjacent categories while maintaining brand integrityWhy sustainability should be a foundational business principle rather than a marketing trendThe importance of emotional connection in building lasting consumer relationshipsUnlocking the Creator Economy with AwinDid you know influencer marketing drives twice as many sales as display advertising, with a 37% higher retention rate?Awin helps brands harness this potential with tailored influencer management solutions that drive measurable results. Whether you're looking to grow your creator roster, foster long-term relationships, or track full-funnel performance, Awin’s expertise and platform integrations make it easy to scale campaigns and optimize impact.With partnerships across CreatorIQ, LTK, ShopMy, and more, brands gain access to powerful discovery tools and seamless tracking capabilities, ensuring transparency and efficiency at every stage.Here’s how brands can maximize their influencer marketing:Find the right creators – Access a diverse network of influencers, even in niche markets.Track performance with full transparency – Measure impact from awareness to conversions in real time.Incentivize influencers effectively – Commission-based rewards through affiliate links and coupon codes keep creators engaged.Blend influencer & affiliate marketing seamlessly – Awin’s integrations create a streamlined, results-driven approachUnlock the full potential of influencer marketing. Visit awin.link/adweek to start building high-impact partnerships today!