In today’s podcast Cortney Harding provides valuable insights into the metaverse, its potential, and the ethical considerations that come with AI, making it a fascinating conversation for anyone interested in the future of technology and virtual experiences.

Topics include:

• Futurist Timeframes: Think in terms of a 5-to-10-year time horizon. Further spans lapse into the realm of science fiction due to unpredictability.
• Ethical Considerations: Explore ethical implications of recreating loved ones or past relationships within the Metaverse, highlighting the need for protocols and consent mechanisms.
• AI Assistance: AI could potentially alleviate mundane tasks and facilitate more efficient customer service. The key to implementation, according to Courtney, lies in consent and proper management.
• AI Verification: the necessity of consent and verification in AI use, highlighting issues arising from unverified and unauthorized information scrapings.
  
• Measuring Metaverse Success: For effective engagement in the Metaverse, take a community-first, sales-second approach. Successful implementation involves ongoing investment and proper resource allocation.
  
• Generational and Cultural Perspectives: There are notably different attitudes towards the Metaverse based on geographical location, with developing countries showing more excitement than developed nations.

Gabriella Mirabelli interviews Dr. Nadia Abou Nabout, an expert in interactive marketing and social media, about the challenges marketers face in digital advertising and practical guidance for assessing the effectiveness of various targeting strategies in today's dynamic landscape.

Click here for the show notes - where you can find a link to the research paper, published in the IJRM, that holds the formula you need to assess your targeting's true potential! 

In the competitive landscape of brand marketing, understanding and harnessing authenticity is the key to capturing the hearts and loyalty of Gen Z consumers. As our interview with Anastasia Pelot from YPulse reveals, authenticity isn't just a buzzword; it's a potent strategy for connecting with the next generation of consumers.

Takeaways include:

• Authenticity Assessment: To determine brand authenticity, YPulse surveyed a staggering 75,000 people aged 13 to 22. This data was collected over the past year, from July to July, giving us a snapshot of how authentic brands were perceived during that time.
• Components of Brand Authenticity: Authenticity, as Anastasia explains, is multifaceted. It primarily hinges on a brand being true to its personality, which includes traits like honesty, transparency, and a genuine passion for their products.
• Notable Brands and Rankings: The interview shares the top five ‘most authentic’ brand rankings in North America as well as the top five in Western.
• Tips for Authenticity on a Budget: Practical advice for marketers on a budget. Engaging authentically on social media, understanding platform cultures, and ensuring consistent messaging can all enhance brand authenticity.

”… leadership intelligence and its eight related essentials are not some fuzzy, high-level concepts. Leadership intelligence is about taking deliberate, concrete action steps. That is why we call leadership intelligence an “action sport.”  

–  Doug Lennick & Chuck Wachendorfer, Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It

In today’s podcast Doug Lennick and Chuck Wachendorfer discuss their new book, Don’t Wait for Someone Else to Fix It, and some of the essential things people need to do to enhance their impact at work, home and anywhere else that they need to show up.

Topics include:

1. Self-Awareness and Leadership Logic Chain: The importance of self-awareness and how it forms the foundation of the leadership logic chain, leading to effective decision-making, self-management, and ultimately, successful leadership.

2. The Role of Feedback and Trust: How trust is essential for open and honest feedback within an organization, and the importance of leaders building trust to create an environment where employees feel safe providing feedback.

3. Moral Intelligence and Responsibility: The significance of integrating integrity and responsibility into leadership. These qualities contribute to high-performing organizations and inspire others.

4. Quantifiable vs. Being Goals: The difference between quantifiable goals and state-of-being goals, highlighting the importance of both in personal and professional growth. Setting KPIs for being goals is also discussed.

5. Continuous Improvement and Goal Setting: The idea that goal achievement is a part of life's journey, not an endpoint.

”It was electrifying. It was wonderful. But it was also anxiety-provoking. It was stress-inducing. It was hell. It was wonderful. And it was hell. … I was in Wonderhell”  

–  Laura Gassner Otting, Wonderhell

In today’s podcast Laura Glassner Otting discusses her new book, Wonderhell.

Topics include:

• Who defines success.
• The importance of practice.
• The benefit of burning bridges.
• The power of accountability.

Click link to purchase the book   https://www.amazon.com/Wonderhell-Success-Doesnt-Should-About/dp/1646871227

Anthropomorphic products are items or objects that exhibit human-like characteristics, either in appearance, behavior, or personality. These products often feature human traits, such as faces, expressions, or even names, making them relatable and engaging to consumers. 

In today’s conversation, Dr. Rhonda Hadi, describes her research into anthropomorphic products and what she and her colleagues found regarding how certain cultural traits influence consumer preferences, shedding light on why we see more anthropomorphic products in particular markets.

Key items explored:

• Cultural Influence: How cultural traits play a significant role in shaping consumer preferences for anthropomorphic products. 
• Marketing Strategies: Understanding the power collectivism and individualism is a valuable tool for marketers when making targeting decisions and deploying anthropomorphic marketing, packaging, or communications.  

“The marketing people are the ones in a position to be the idea originators, the concept builders, the ones who put the “start” in “startup.” Marketing people understand the marketplace, they understand consumers and they know what those consumers like and don’t like about the way things are going at any given time.”   –  Allen Adamson, Seeing The How 

In today’s podcast Allen Adamson, a renowned branding expert, co-founder of MetaForce and author of Seeing The How, brings his unique insights to the forefront, shedding light on how marketers can thrive in today's dynamic landscape. 

Key topics discussed in this episode:

Rethinking Innovation: Why it's not about creating a better mousetrap but rather understanding and adapting to changing consumer needs.

The Role of Marketing: How marketers are in a prime position to drive innovation within their organizations by closely interacting with consumers and recognizing emerging trends.

Ethnographic Thinking: Customers can't see around corners are rarely predict their future desires, but if you come to the conversation with an ethnographer’s heart, there are some strategies marketers can use to truly connect with consumers and unlock innovative growth opportunities.

“What ultimately makes the difference is you and the intentional steps you take to move beyond your comfort zone into your growth zone; be a bridge between people that would otherwise remain separated; and get comfortable with being uncomfortable. The true solution to a better tomorrow is what lies within you today.”  

–  Dr. Randal Pinkett, Data-Driven DEI

In today’s podcast Dr. Randal Pinkett discusses his new book, Data-Driven DEI, and some of the practical steps businesses and leaders can take to improve their organization’s culture, climate, policies, and practices.

Topics include:

• The importance of data in DEI efforts.
• The business case for DEI and advice for people interested in initiating efforts with senior leadership at their own companies.
• How to address employee resistance and fatigue in DEI initiatives.

In this podcast Antonin Facatier, Editorial Director for Western Europe at YPulse, discusses the attitudes and behaviors of young consumers across Western Europe.

Topics include:

• The staggering impact of climate change on consumer consciousness and behavior.
• What happens when economic challenges dovetail with environmental concerns.
• The nature of racism and social unrest in Western Europe and the lingering impact of World War II.
• Why, in Western Europe, sabbaticals aren’t just for academics.

In this interview with Christopher Volk, author of The Value Equation, we learn valuable insights into the world of business and wealth creation. As a seasoned entrepreneur and author, Volk sheds light on key aspects that contribute to business success, ranging from value creation and cash flow management to the evolving landscape of industries.

Topics include:

• The importance of a well-defined business model.
• Why cash flow management is so crucial for business success.
• Three business efficiencies and how they are levers for success.

From the foundational importance of strong business models to the critical role of cash flow management and the often-underestimated significance of capital and asset efficiency, these key takeaways provide a roadmap for entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come their way. By incorporating these lessons into their endeavors, individuals can position themselves for long-term success in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Today we’re speaking with Annetta Grant, an assistant professor of markets, innovation, and design at Bucknell University, about crowdsourcing and its impact on consumer experience and innovation. The interview delves into the definition of crowdsourcing, its benefits and risks, and its connection to organizational justice and community dynamics within crowdsourcing initiatives. 

The conversation interview sheds light on the complexity of crowdsourcing initiatives, the significance of fairness in maintaining community engagement, and the delicate balance required to ensure successful and ethical crowdsourcing practices.

Topics include:

1. Definition of crowdsourcing and how it is distinct from, for example, user-generated entertainment content.   

2. The benefits and risks of crowdsourcing and the importance of managing the crowdsourcing community to avoid negative repercussions.

3. The dynamics found withing crowdsourcing communities and importance of perceived fairness to the success of the crowdsourcing effort.

The impact of inequity in access to capital is a perpetuation of socioeconomic disparities, hindering the growth and success of marginalized individuals and communities. This systemic imbalance further widens the wealth gap, limiting opportunities for upward mobility and stifling overall economic progress.

In today's episode, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Meralis Hood, the CEO of Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll), a non-profit organization with a mission to accelerate economic and social impact through inclusive entrepreneurship. Our exploration centers around how reshaping the execution of business investment can empower small businesses, creating a positive impact on communities.

Topics include:

• Why an accelerator program is at the core of EforAll’s efforts. 

• Why coachability and a dynamic mindset is so important for entrepreneurial success.

• Why EforAll's theory of change leads them to focus on small businesses.

• Why the EforAll’s success metrics are so much better than the US average

In today’s episode Dan Coates, YPulse’s CEO, delves into how, two years post pandemic, young consumers are feeling about IRL and virtual experiences.

Topics include:

• Why in-person experiences are back with a vengeance.
• What phigital means and why it’s an opportunity for brands.
• The mindset shift that’s behind where young consumers are spending their money.

Effective communication plays a critical role in navigating the complexities of interpersonal relationships, business transactions, and crisis management.

In today’s podcast Michael Maslansky, CEO of maslansky + partners, delves into the importance of effective communication and the challenges it poses in various contexts.

Topics include:

• The gap between what we say and what they hear.
• Why aligning to your audiences’ perspective can help you overcome communication challenges.
• Why context and word choice are so important.

In a world where sponsorship can play a vital role in brand building, marketers often fail to understand how to maximize its effectiveness. Today we’re speaking with Marc Mazodier, Professor of Marketing at ESSEC Business School, whose academic research focuses on brand management and marketing communication efficacy. 

Our conversation explores how sponsorship works, why it works, and how to make the most of it. 

Topics include:

•  Why sports sponsorship delivers a lot of bang for the marketing buck. 
• Why making consumers work a little bit can capture attention and positively influence consumer reactions. 
• The difference between brand positioning and brand image and how to use them when selecting the right sponsorship opportunity for your brand.

In the realm of fan engagement, SuperQuickQuestion, created by Dave Benson, has revolutionized the way fans interact with their favorite teams and players. Through their unique platform for one-on-one video chats, they have redefined fan engagement, offering a direct and unparalleled level of communication and connection.

Key Issues Discussed in the Interview:

• Discovering the gold mine in solving business frustrations.
• The transformative power of truly listening in an initial sales meeting.
• The competitive advantage of doing less but doing it exceptionally well.
• SuperQuickQuestion's branding and revenue model, providing teams and sponsors with a branded experience and a mutually beneficial revenue stream.
• The significance of creating ephemeral, synchronous shared moments for fostering closer connections and genuine communication.

In today’s episode Tori D’Amico, YPulse’s editorial coordinator, analyzes their latest survey on young consumers, news consumption, and trust. She delves into where young consumers source their news and the factors that drive their preferences.

Topics include:

• Why 'pivot to video' shouldn't be an industry punch line.

• Why your SEO team is so important.

• Why journalists are so important for the marketing of news brands.

• Why local appeal might be less about geography and more about consumer identity.

• Which consumers are more likely to pay for subscriptions … and how to appeal to them. 

In today’s podcast Peter Sisson discusses the ever-increasing prevalence of digital misinformation and what he hopes his latest company, CertifyIt, can do to help stop it.

Topics include:

• How CertifyIt is developing advanced technologies, leveraging artificial intelligence and blockchain, to verify the authenticity and integrity of digital content.
• Why providing a way to verify the content we consume will restore trust in the digital realm and contribute to a more reliable and transparent information ecosystem.

Personal.ai offers a unique and personalized communication experience, driven by individual data and user control. With a focus on privacy and the ability to adapt and expand its capabilities, Personal.ai is set to revolutionize the way we interact with AI technology and our own digital personas.

In our interview Suman Kanuganti, CEO of Personal.ai, explores the fascinating realm of personal artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential impact on communication. Here are the key highlights:

1. Personalized AI Training: Personal AI is trained on individual data, allowing it to mimic an individual's voice and provide tailored responses based on personal thoughts and experiences.

2. Ownership and Control: Users retain complete ownership and control over their conversations and personal data in the Personal.ai platform, ensuring privacy and security with the help of blockchain technology.

3. Future Potential: Personal AI can draft content, generate quick responses, and even, perhaps, allow you to reminisce with relatives after they pass.

Today, we're speaking with Alex Marthews, an expert in blockchain technology and privacy. In this interview, we dive into the intersection of blockchain, privacy, and data ownership, unraveling the challenges and implications that arise from the use of blockchain in marketing and beyond. 

Topics include:

1. Trust, Disintermediation, and Incentives:
   • Blockchain's potential to revolutionize industries and remove intermediaries sparks excitement, but the 'last mile' problem creates limits.
2. Privacy Implications in Marketing:
   • Delving into the world of marketing, we uncover concerns about data privacy and the potential for intrusive profiling.
   • The immutability of blockchain exacerbates these issues, as personal information becomes permanently exposed, making individuals wary of expressing their preferences.
3. Blockchain as a Tool in Context:
   • Evaluating the practicality of implementing blockchain, we discuss specific contexts where blockchain can be a valuable tool.
   • We delve into the considerations that firms must address, including privacy laws, long-term consequences, and the expense of handling privacy and persistence issues.

Today we’re speaking with Ethan Song, the founder and CEO of Rare Circles, a new company in the experiential loyalty space.

Listeners may know him better as the co-founder and CEO of Frank and Oak a leading apparel brand focused on sustainability and climate change that won the Technology Fast 50 and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Company in Retail.

Our conversation explores engaging with consumers and how starting with a core fandom can be very powerful way to grow your business.

Topics include:

• Why paid acquisition is seductive to marketers, but slow and steady organic community growth can win in the long term.
• How and why social media platforms’ business models impact your business.
• Where and how to differentiate your consumer experience.

In the podcast, Laura Barajas, YPulse's Head of Strategic Services, delves into the current trends of media consumption among young consumers.

Topics include:

• Young consumers’ top ranked entertainment platform for video content.

• How young consumers feel about the value of paying for streaming subscriptions.

• Which glass surface (TV, tablet, laptop or smart phone) young consumers turn to when they want to watch video content.

”In a business culture that values doing (execution) and thinking (strategy), we need to evolve toward feeling – a part that remains ignored in the world of business.”  

–  Mahendra Ramsinghani, The Resilient Founder 

In today’s podcast Mahendra Ramsinghani discusses his book, The Resilient Founder, and some of the practices that listeners can use to build resilience. 

Topics include:

• The truth about internal darkness and the entrepreneurial experience.
• Why it might be time to develop a ‘Psychological Quotient’.
• Why an unstoppable 24/7 attitude is often counter-productive.

The prices and value of cryptocurrency and NFTs have swung wildly over the past few years.  

Leaving many to ask, “How much is it actually worth… and why?

Today we’re speaking with Professor Z. John Zhang. His research focuses on targeted pricing and other pricing strategies, competitive strategies, market entry and channel and retail management.

Our conversation seeks to answer this question and explores the value of cryptocurrency and NFTs from a marketing perspective and examines how collective belief influences perceived value and pricing.

 Topics include:

• How marketers look at value and why it’s a bit different from the way economists think it.
• The greater fool theory and how it does (and doesn’t) apply to cryptocurrency and NFTs.
• Why the value of a Birkin handbag might be useful when thinking about the value of an NFT.

In today’s podcast Dominic Young, long-time newspaper strategist and founder of Axate, discusses how our collective experiences with the digital disruption in the past can be used to inform how to approach regulating generative AI going forward.

Topics include:

• Why we shouldn’t be rushing legislation or regulation around generative AI.

• Why today is a good time to reexamine how copyright works on the internet.

• Why inefficiency … is good for creativity.