That's What I Call Marketing

In this festive episode of 'That's What I Call Marketing,' I review the top Christmas ads of 2024 alongside three guest experts:*Una Herlihy, co-founder of The Indie List; *Alma Birbilaite, Brand and Communications Manager at Cairn Homes; and *Ciara Reilly, Director at Red C Research. Sponsored by RedC, this episode dives into exclusive insights from Red C's ad review, exploring the top 10 ads and their creative strategies. The discussion spans emotional storytelling, the impact of technology, and how brands like Lidl, TK Maxx, and John Lewis performed. Learn about the evolving role of AI in advertising, the importance of brand consistency, and discover which ads struck a chord this Christmas. Tune in for expert insights, industry trends, and a comprehensive look at what makes a Christmas ad memorable.01:59 Red C's Christmas Ad Review04:07 Top 10 Christmas Ads Countdown06:34 Discussing the Top Ads07:19 Vodafone and Emotional Ads11:31 Humor in Christmas Ads13:43 Lidl's Winning Strategy17:01 Kevin the Carrot: A Beloved Character22:04 On Post's Emotional Impact24:42 John Lewis: The Pioneer of Christmas Ads25:07 Analyzing This Year's John Lewis Ad27:04 Public Reaction to John Lewis Ad28:44 Comprehension Challenges in Advertising29:24 Nostalgia Meets Technology: Coca Cola's AI Ad29:53 The Future of AI in Advertising30:47 Mixed Reactions to Coca Cola's AI Ad31:27 The Role of Nostalgia in Advertising33:21 Localized Advertising with AI36:10 Borrowed Assets in Ads: Success and Failures37:02 Humor and Celebrities in Ads38:09 Surprising Ad Performances40:07 Heartfelt Ads of the Year41:56 Innovative Campaigns and Predictions52:33 The Power of Jingles in AdvertisingLinks to research: https://redcresearch.com/Test Your Ad: https://redcdirect.com/

2024 is nearly over us so a perfect time to look ahead to 2025. In today's episode I delve into the future of marketing with Imaad Ahmed, Head of WARC Advisory for EMEA and the Americas. This special episode focuses on the highly anticipated WARC 2025 Marketers Toolkit, exploring pivotal themes that will shape the marketing landscape in the upcoming year. Discover the key strategies around the economic reset and how stability might impact proactive planning, the importance of bridging the experience gap, and the potential of a solid 'promise to the customer' to enhance brand loyalty and effectiveness. The discussion also covers the challenging digital dilemma that pits brand safety against the allure of performance marketing, and the rising trend of atomization with more people living alone and its implications for consumer spending. Dive into the rich insights on how marketers need to navigate through AI developments, leverage synthetic data, and prepare for a future where content and commerce converge. This episode is packed with expert advice, data-driven insights, and strategic recommendations to help you stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or new to the field, this episode will equip you with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in 2025 and beyond. Don't miss out on this deep dive into the future of marketing!00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview00:48 Guest Introduction: Imaad Ahmed from WARC01:13 Exploring WARC and Its Benefits01:40 Marketing Headwinds and Insights04:46 Imaad Ahmed's Role and WARC's Impact07:08 Reflecting on 2024 and Looking Ahead to 202511:32 Economic Reset and Marketing Strategies18:57 The Experience Gap and Customer Promise23:09 The Power of Customer Promises in B2B23:49 Examples of Effective Customer Promises25:11 Simplifying Brand Communication for the C-Suite28:26 Trend 3: The Digital Dilemma30:44 The Rise of AI in Media Planning34:58 Trend 4: The Age of Atomization42:47 The Importance of Customer Insight45:49 Looking Ahead to 2025

November 2024 was a whirlwind in the marketing world, full of headline-grabbing moments, and lessons you can’t afford to ignore. If you’re looking to sharpen your strategies, decode what worked (and what didn’t), and understand the trends shaping the industry, this episode is your go-to guide. We’ll break down the big stories and extract insights that will make you rethink your own campaigns.Some Of The Big Stories This Month:🔥 Trump’s Winning Formula: Donald Trump’s presidential campaign leaned on micro-influencers and a consistent, emotive brand identity. What can marketers learn from his ability to connect with his audience and keep his messaging simple yet effective?🎄 Christmas Ad Season is Here: Brands are spending billions to capture hearts and wallets. From John Lewis to Marks & Spencer, we explore the hits, the misses, and the enduring ROI of a great Christmas campaign.🏀 LeBron and Bronny’s Big NBA Moment: How Nike turned a father-son milestone into a cultural marketing masterstroke.🎤 Parkinson AI Podcast: The launch of a virtual Michael Parkinson raises tough ethical questions about legacy, AI, and consumer acceptance.🏎️ Kit Kat in Formula 1: A clever partnership that finds the sweet spot between product relevance and market expansion.Some Of The Key Lessons for Marketers:Fit Matters More Than Reach: Trump’s campaign showed that aligning with the right influencers can resonate more than casting a wide net. Are you choosing partners based on values or vanity metrics?Consistency Wins Over Time: Whether it’s Trump’s instantly recognisable red caps or John Lewis’s emotional Christmas ads, a strong brand identity pays off. Are your brand assets as clear and memorable?AI is Everywhere, But is it Enough? From Mango’s AI avatars to the Parkinson podcast, AI is helping brands move faster, but it’s also raising questions about authenticity and trust. How will you balance efficiency with humanity?Cultural Moments Create Opportunity: LeBron and Bronny’s game proved the power of timely, authentic storytelling. What cultural conversations could your brand tap into?Fresh vs Familiar: Jaguar’s rebrand and the Tropicana redesign show the risks of change. Sometimes, the key isn’t reinvention—it’s refining what already works. How well do you know the line between evolution and alienation?The stories and lessons in this episode will inspire, challenge, and prepare you for what’s next. Listen now to dive deeper into the campaigns, controversies, and creative breakthroughs shaping the future of marketing.

In this episode of 'That's What I Call Marketing,' host Conor Byrne meets Sarah Higgins, a seasoned marketing professional with over 25 years of experience in marketing communications both in agencies and in-house. Sarah shares her vast knowledge on various aspects of B2B marketing, including her current role at State Street Global Advisors, where she navigates the complex landscapes of EMEA and APAC markets. Sarah was chair of the B2B judges panel at this years Eurobest awards.What you will get from this episodeEffective B2B Marketing: Sarah delves into how to creatively approach B2B marketing, making it engaging within the confines of regulation and compliance. Global Marketing Nuances: We discuss the challenges of adapting marketing strategies across different cultures and markets, with fascinating examples from Japan and Europe.Important Metrics: Learn about the significance of choosing the right metrics that resonate with stakeholders and how they can influence campaign success.Craft and Creativity Discover why craft is becoming increasingly important in B2B marketing and how it can differentiate your campaigns. Tips for Award-Winning Campaigns Get tips on writing compelling award submissions and understand the impact of winning awards on team morale and business development.Future Trends: Sarah and Connor discuss predictions for B2B marketing in 2025, with an exciting focus on the evolving talent landscape and the intersection of AI and human creativity. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or new to the field, this episode offers valuable guidance and inspiration to help you navigate and succeed in the ever-evolving world of B2B marketing. Tune in to gain actionable insights and elevate your marketing strategies.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:09 Sponsorship and Community Engagement00:59 Introducing Today's Guest: Sarah Hagans02:06 Sarah's Background and Experience02:13 Marker - Outro02:37 Challenges in B2B Marketing03:51 Marketing Strategies and Campaigns07:49 Global Marketing Insights11:55 Local Market Customisation15:42 Focus Groups and Feedback20:08 The Evolution of B2B Marketing24:54 Playfulness in B2B Marketing25:27 Storytelling and Impact in Campaigns26:32 Challenges of Information Overload26:56 Simplicity and Elegance in Campaigns28:14 Navigating Feedback and Sign-Off Processes29:59 Importance of Data-Driven Marketing34:59 Effective Award Submissions38:49 Impact of Winning Awards43:46 Predictions for B2B Marketing in 202545:46 The Role of Craft in the Age of AI

Recorded in front of a live audience, 'That's What I Call Marketing' in association with Neon Agency explores the transformative power of play in the world of branding. Host Conor Byrne welcomes Jane Parlon from C&C Group, Gavin Downes from Neon Agency, and Aisling Quigley from Movember to discuss the vital role of playful engagement in creating memorable brand experiences. The panelists share their insights on various topics, including the importance of understanding and connecting with consumers, the challenges of balancing fun and responsibility, and the impact of creative solutions in standing out at festivals and events. Aisling highlights how Movember uses playfulness to address serious topics like men's health, while Jane discusses the balance between play and responsibility in alcohol marketing. Gavin provides a perspective on the critical role of research and metrics in evaluating the success of playful campaigns. The episode emphasises the need for collaboration between agencies and clients and offers practical advice for brands looking to incorporate play into their marketing strategies. Play can be a strategic tool to engage audiences and build emotional connections, ultimately driving brand successTake the Power of Play Survey: https://neonpowerofplay.typeform.com/to/xsCVxMFq00:56 Introducing Neon Agency01:24 The Power of Play in Branding02:31 Panel Introduction03:04 Jane Parlin on C&C Group03:52 Aisling Quigley on Movember05:18 Gavin Downs on Brand Experiences06:56 Playful Brands and Their Impact11:18 The Role of Agencies in Brand Play16:11 Future of Brand Experiences29:49 Taking Risks in Marketing30:06 Embracing Imperfection30:40 Balancing Budgets and Creativity31:20 Understanding Your Audience32:21 The Power of Research and Data34:17 Navigating Organizational Culture37:00 The Role of Metrics in Marketing40:01 Creative Campaigns and Brand Experiences42:47 The Importance of Playfulness46:58 Q&A58:40 Concluding Thoughts and Insights

Nishma Patel Robb is a dynamic leader with a career spanning over 30 years, focused on innovation, marketing, and social impact. Her tenure at Google, where she was Senior Director of Brand and Reputation Marketing, showcased her commitment to human-centred design through initiatives like Digital Skills Garage and campaigns such as "Dear Local" and "It's OK to Ask." She is a dedicated advocate DEI & served as the 101st President of WACL, where she supported women in the advertising industry. As the founder and CEO of Glittersphere, she champions economic opportunities for female creators and entrepreneurs, promoting cultural change and investment in creative women. Nishma is celebrated for her insights on creativity and brand identity, earning her Fellowships with both the IPA and The Marketing Society. Nishma shares her incredible journey through the realms of marketing, DJing, and beyond. We delves into her early passion for music and how it shaped her career. She discusses her fascinating role at Teletext, transitioning to marketing from a sales position, and the innovative leaps in technology she witnessed there. Nishma also provides deep insights into her time at Google, where she led B2B marketing, launched YouTube commercially in the UK, and emphasised the importance of emotional storytelling when she was responsible for Brand and Reputation. We talk about how Direct Mail became a key component of the marketing mix for google and the power it has as a channel for marketers today. We also chat about Nishma's latest venture, 'Glittersphere,' aimed at empowering women in branding and business by building personal brands and fostering investment. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with career-defining moments, marketing wisdom, and the power of storytelling in both digital and real-world spaces.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:46 Nishma's DJing Passion03:25 Career Beginnings at Teletext06:41 Transition to Marketing08:53 Embracing Change and Technology16:15 Joining Google28:59 Discovering Your Superpowers31:15 The Power of Direct Mail33:41 Creative Marketing Strategies35:12 The Evolution of Direct Mail44:35 Measuring Marketing Effectiveness53:20 Introducing The Glitter Sphere