Share

Marketing Vanguard
Unveiling the Heart of Marketing: A Conversation with Marisa Thalberg
•
On this week's episode of Marketing Vanguard, Jenny sits down with Marisa Thalberg, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at SeaWorld.
During the conversation, Thalberg discusses the multifaceted essence of marketing leadership, the importance of creativity beyond traditional bounds, and having a holistic approach to business strategy.
This conversation was recorded in January during Adweek Outlook 2024.
More episodes
View all episodes
115. From Barbie to Building Sets: How Mattel's CBO Transforms Legacy Brands Through Bold Storytelling with Lisa McKnight
33:35||Season 1, Ep. 115From Toys to Entertainment: How Mattel is Transforming Legacy Brands for Modern AudiencesIn this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer at Mattel, to explore the art and science of managing over 100 active brands. From the billion-dollar success of the Barbie movie to the strategic evolution of Fisher-Price, discover how to make bold brand decisions, lead through purpose, and create positive cultural impact. Whether you're managing heritage brands or building new ones, this conversation offers invaluable insights on taking calculated risks, embracing inclusivity, and transforming your company from a house of brands to a branded house.What You'll Learn:How Mattel balances digital transformation with the enduring value of "analog play" in child developmentThe power of diverse voices and perspectives in weighing risky opportunitiesWhy leading with positivity creates lasting cultural impactHow to balance inclusivity with commercial viability across brand portfoliosThe strategic shift from toy company to IP and entertainment powerhouseWhy co-owning P&L makes marketing a profit center, not a cost centerHow to navigate difficult organizational decisions while maintaining team moraleUnlocking 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!114. Culture, Commerce & Community: How BET Transformed from Media Company to Movement with Kimberly Paige
21:48||Season 1, Ep. 114In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Kimberly Paige, CMO of BET, to explore the intersection of content, culture, and community in modern media. From judging at Cannes Lions to celebrating BET's 45th anniversary, Paige shares how her extensive experience at P&G, Coca-Cola, and Coty shaped her approach to authentic storytelling and brand evolution. Learn how BET is pioneering change through strategic brand partnerships, streaming innovation, and a commitment to meaningful content that drives both cultural impact and commercial success. A must-listen for marketing leaders seeking to understand how heritage brands can stay relevant while maintaining their core mission.What You'll Learn:How BET transformed from being "the only place" for Black content to a platform focused on changing community outcomesWhy cultural credibility is the foundation for commercial viability in media and entertainmentThe strategy behind BET's successful entry into streaming as the first Paramount Global brandHow to modernize a legacy brand while maintaining authentic connections with core audiencesThe principles behind successful brand identity redesign that inspire internal innovationUnlocking 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!113. Purpose-Driven CMO: How Dara Treseder Transformed Autodesk's Brand Strategy
20:39||Season 1, Ep. 113What if you could transform your marketing leadership journey through purpose and passion? In this special Cannes edition of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Dara Treseder, CMO of Autodesk, to explore the intersection of purpose-driven marketing and technological innovation. Discover how to build a meaningful career in marketing leadership, navigate the evolving B2B and B2C landscape, and harness AI's potential in creative industries. Whether you're a seasoned CMO or an aspiring marketing leader, this conversation offers invaluable insights on authentic brand building, the importance of believing in your product, and why leading with purpose is crucial for success.What You'll Learn:How to break down B2B vs B2C silos through emotional connectionThe Three P's Framework for making career decisions with purposeWhy AI skills requirements have exploded 640% since 2022 in marketingHow to transform from a house of brands to a branded house strategyThe power of technology to improve human existence globallyWhy "main intern energy" keeps you curious and growingUnlocking 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!112. Building 200-Year Old Brands in a 24-Hour World: AG1's Marketing Revolution with Paulie Dery
28:51||Season 1, Ep. 112Creative leadership and strategic risk-taking are essential ingredients for building transformative brands in today's marketing landscape.In this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with Paulie Dery, CMO of AG1 (formerly Athletic Greens), for a masterclass in brand building and creative leadership. Drawing from his impressive journey through R/GA, Uber, and YETI, Paulie shares invaluable insights on why running toward challenges breeds creativity, how to maintain brand authenticity in a rapidly evolving market, and why great products paired with strong storytelling create a lasting impact. Whether you're navigating industry disruption or building community-driven brands, this conversation offers a candid look at how creativity remains the driving force behind successful marketing in today's landscape.What You'll Learn:How to identify brands with great products but underutilized storytelling Why community-first marketing beats performance marketing every time The secret to maintaining creative magic in an AI-driven world How AG1 plans to become one of America's next great brandsThe critical role of CEOs and leadership in enabling creative brand buildingUnlocking 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!111. Why B2B Marketing Needs a Human Revolution—EY CMO John Rudaizky Reveals Why
34:39||Season 1, Ep. 111The Evolution of Brand Leadership in Professional Services: From Creative Agency to Global ConsultancyIn this episode of Marketing Vanguard, host Jenny Rooney sits down with John Rudaizky, Global CMO of EY, to explore the evolving landscape of marketing in professional services. From pioneering brand transformation in consultancy to navigating the intersection of AI and creativity, discover how EY is reshaping client experiences through their new Studio Plus initiative. Whether you're a CMO looking to drive organizational change or a marketing leader interested in the future of brand building, this conversation offers valuable insights on leading through disruption and maintaining human connection in an increasingly tech-driven world.What You'll Learn:Why brand success starts from within—by inspiring employees firstHow EY’s “Better Questions” campaign reshaped its brand identityThe strategy behind EY’s transformation and “Shape the Future with Confidence”How Studio Plus blends creative and consulting for better customer experiencesWhy social media, PR, and marketing must now work as oneHow to keep human connection at the heart of brand building—even in an AI worldThe growing role of creativity in professional servicesUnlocking 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!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!