Disruptive Influence: The Business Storytelling & Brand Communication Podcast

Why Most Companies Get Purpose Wrong (And How to Fix It) with Ron Tite

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400

Agency owner, speaker, and author Ron Tite breaks down why most companies get purpose completely wrong - and how to turn it into a real driver of growth, decision-making, and differentiation.

Ron is the author of The Purpose of Purpose and has worked with leading brands to help them align what they believe with how they actually operate and grow.

In this episode, Ron explains:

-Why most purpose statements are performative (and why people can feel it)
-The shift from “sounding good” to actually driving business results
-The “We believe → so we do” framework
-Why founders need to think beyond the product
-How short-term thinking kills long-term brand value
-The role of storytelling in uncovering what’s actually true
-How leaders can make clearer, more confident decisions

This is a grounded, honest look at purpose - not as a buzzword, but as something that should actually guide how a business operates and grows.

Chapters

00:00 – Purpose vs reality in business
00:45 – Why Ron wrote The Purpose of Purpose
01:40 – The problem with purpose statements
03:20 – Purpose as a decision-making tool
05:00 – Where purpose went wrong
06:00 – “We believe → so we do”
07:50 – Is purpose manipulative?
10:15 – Art vs commercial creativity
12:30 – The social responsibility trap
13:30 – Founders: beyond the product
16:40 – The danger of short-term thinking
17:30 – Belief over product
19:45 – Leadership in service of others
21:00 – Fixing purpose in established companies
22:30 – Collaboration vs decision-making
24:10 – Finding courage as a leader
25:00 – Using stories to uncover truth
27:40 – Why stories beat data
29:00 – Brands getting it right
29:30 – Savannah Bananas case study
31:40 – Differentiation through experience
33:00 – Final takeaway: it’s all figureoutable

Connect with Jeff Abracen on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/]

If you are or know a disruptive influencer who would make a great guest, we'd love to hear from you.

Every Like, Share, Subscription and Review means a lot.

Cover art by Daniel Devoy
Music by Stephen Voyce

©2024 The Disruptive Influence Podcast - Jeff Abracen

Why Your Brands Needs to Build Out Loud with Jake Karls

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500

Jake Karls, Co-Founder & Rainmaker at Mid-Day Squares, joins Jeff Abracen for a fast, fun, and deep conversation on building brands by building out loud. Jake breaks down the origin story behind Mid-Day Squares' “act like a boy band” strategy, why story > features, and how humanization is an unfair advantage in a world obsessed with scale.

They also unpack the behind-the-scenes reality of growth: therapy as a non-negotiable founder practice, the emotional swing from “nothing to lose” to “everything to lose,” and how a cocoa price crisis pushed MDS to innovate into a new category with their No Bread PB&J - complete with character-driven storytelling (hello, Trudy & Chip).

In this episode, you’ll hear:

Why “building out loud” expands your luck + opportunity surface area
How Mid-Day Squares modeled their brand like the Backstreet Boys / Spice Girls
Why the best brands sell feelings, not features
The real role of attention: getting trial in a 30-40k item grocery store
How “serendipity” becomes a growth strategy (show up and good things happen)
Therapy as a business system for alignment, trust, and conflict prevention
The cocoa crisis, the margins reality, and the innovation leap to No Bread PB&J
Creating characters to scale storytelling beyond founders
Jake on fear, pressure, loneliness, and shifting back to “play to win”
Plus, a live taste test!

00:00 The boy band brand model
00:24 Intro
00:41 Montreal energy and Jake’s travel rhythm
02:37 First advice to founders build out loud
04:13 Showing up and serendipity
06:07 Finding Mid-Day Squares DNA and the deal that changed everything
09:27 Story over product features
11:45 Cocoa crisis and category expansion
13:05 Humanization is the advantage
14:25 Innovation as the escape hatch
15:25 The No Bread PBJ origin
18:09 Packaging storytelling and characters
22:11 Product must hit and story gets trial
25:10 Founder lanes and trust
28:37 Therapy communication and avoiding founder conflict
30:04 Fear pressure and playing not to lose
33:06 Stage mode elevated Jake
34:28 The down days and recovery
37:52 What would make younger Jake proud
39:10 Life after Midday inspiring entrepreneurship
42:13 Serendipity story fraternity to investor
43:35 Live taste test outro

How to Turn Everyday Moments Into Customer Loyalty Machines with David Brier

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 10:00:00 -0500

Most brands aren’t failing.
They’re just fading into the background.

In this episode, Jeff sits down with David Brier, one of the sharpest and most unapologetic minds in branding, to talk about why so much marketing today feels polished, competent… and completely forgettable.

David calls it the Wall of Beige: what happens when brands optimize for speed, safety, and scale - but quietly lose their nerve, their taste, and their point of view along the way.

We get into why “meeting expectations” is actually a trap. Why pumping out more content won’t save you if it costs you differentiation. And why loyalty isn’t built through clever tactics - it’s built through intention.

From the ritual of opening an iPhone box, to handwritten notes, to small human moments most brands overlook, this conversation breaks down how everyday interactions - when handled with conviction - become the reason people come back, talk about you, and choose you again.

This isn’t a conversation about trends.
It’s a conversation about standards.

If you’re a founder, executive, or brand leader who’s tired of sounding like everyone else - and wants people to stop saying “that’s nice” and start saying “I want more of that” - this is the episode for you.

What we explore

Why so many brands blend in (even when they’re doing “everything right”)
The difference between convenience and care
How fanatical intention turns moments into loyalty
Why anticipation beats persuasion
Where authenticity actually comes from - and where it doesn’t

Chapters

00:00 — Turning Ordinary Into Amazing
00:44 — AI, Speed & the Wall of Beige
04:42 — Why Playing It Safe Is Riskier
06:23 — Freshness, Familiarity & Surprise
10:14 — The iPhone Box Lesson
12:03 — Practitioner vs Professional vs Genius
18:23 — Fanatical Intention
22:39 — Why Meeting Expectations Is a Failure
27:05 — Human Effort Creates Loyalty
30:32 — Apple vs Microsoft: DNA Matters
36:40 — Refusing to Let Ordinary Be Ordinary
41:58 — Curiosity Beats Confusion
44:07 — Why Meaning Beats Marketing
55:17 — The Next 4 Years vs the Next 40
58:44 — “I Want More of That”

How to Design an Inbound Business with Nick Broekema

Sun, 30 Nov 2025 21:00:00 -0500

In this episode, I sit down with designer, educator, founder, and category creator, Nick Broekema, the mind behind the booming discipline of Content Design and one of the most recognizable visual brands on LinkedIn™.

Nick has built something rare: a business that’s 100% inbound. No outreach. No cold emails. No chasing. Just magnetic, systematic content that compounds.

We go deep on:

How Nick built an audience of 80k+
How Content Design became a category, and how he's leading it
The exact steps he took to turn random posting into a business
What most creators get wrong on LinkedIn™
Why alignment beats hustle
The role of clarity, positioning, and ICP refinement
His pivot from Done-For-You to Cohorts + Community
And the mindset shifts required to scale a highly creative business sustainably

This is a masterclass in positioning, design, systems, and treating content as a strategic asset - not decoration.

Whether you're a founder, a coach, a designer, or someone reinventing their career on LinkedIn, this is a conversation you will want to save.

Chapters:

00:00 - Teaser Intro

00:41 - Re-Framing, Re-Building

01:08 - The Early Days & Becoming a Category of One

02:50 - From Crickets to Clarity

04:10 - The Coach Who Sparked a Category

05:23 - Why LinkedIn™? Why Now?

07:41 - Quitting, Drifting, and Rediscovering Entrepreneurship

09:20 - Choosing LinkedIn™ Over Instagram

09:53 - What a Carousel Really Is (and Why It Works)

11:30 - Why Visuals Must Be Simple, Clear, and Fast

13:49 - How to Build Leads on LinkedIn From Scratch

15:44 - Compounding Through Conversation

17:05 - The Turning Point: Selling Through Content

18:38 - The Three-Month Danger Window

19:45 - Quantity → Quality (No Other Shortcut Exists)

22:16 - Why You Should Post BEFORE You Need To

26:15 - The Multiple Facets of Content Design

28:21 - Nick's Design Rules (And Why They Work)

30:30 - How His Client Grew 8k Followers and 80k in Revenue

32:22 - Trim the Offer: Why Less > More

34:28 - The 60% Rule for Positioning

36:22 - D.F.Y → D.I.Y: A Pivot That Scales

37:52 - Nick’s Current Business Model

40:10 - Why He’s Leaving Done-For-You Behind

42:53 - The Rise of In-Person Events

44:58 - Why Build a Community?

46:32 - Screen-Sharing, Transparency, and “Winging It”

48:06 - Jeff’s POV on Clarity, Story, and Power of Voice

52:02 - Reframing Stage Nerves into Excitement

53:36 - Nick’s Public Speaking Trauma (And How He Overcame It)

55:54 - Expertise + Stories = Unshakeable Confidence

57:15 - The Anchor of Inbound-Only

58:10 - Jeff on Remembering Your Own Value

59:41 - Jeff’s Storytelling Background & Business Model

01:02:52 - Naming, Positioning & Not Getting “Too Cute”

How to Thrive Through Business Burnout with Louis Butterfield

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:00:00 -0400

This is a conversation about what it really takes to build a business, stand out in a sea of sameness, and recover when the hustle turns into burnout.

Louis Butterfield is the co-founder of Awesome Business Videos & Video Heroes, an agency, program & community helping founders create videos that actually get watched on LinkedIn. Known for his playful “videos in the park” format, Louis has carved out a reputation for making content that’s ungeneric, entertaining, and rooted in values. Alongside his wife Jenna Sipponen, he’s built a six-figure business and a fast-growing community - while also confronting the realities of burnout and balance.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

How Louis went from living in a yurt and failing five businesses to launching a thriving video company
Why ungeneric videos beat polished but forgettable content every time
The park video formula: mix silly settings with serious value
How partnerships and podcasts became rocket fuel for authority
The hidden cost of 70-hour weeks and the truth about burnout
Why stories that sell are really about shared values, not just hooks
The mantra Louis lives by: Punch above your weight class

Takeaways

Stand out by changing the setting - not watering down the message
Trust compounds when you borrow audiences through collaboration
Community brings accountability and consistency
Shared values build stronger bonds than formulas ever could

Chapters

00:00 – The role of story: why we’re drawn to people like us
00:25 – Welcome to the Disruptive Influence Podcast
00:40 – Meet Louis Butterfield: ungeneric videos for ungeneric brands
01:10 – From yurts to five failed businesses → stumbling into video
02:00 – Why high-end video no longer works & the shift to LinkedIn
03:45 – The rise of “videos in the park” (and why they work)
07:20 – Behind the scenes: outtakes, swings, and slides
09:15 – From client work to community → launching Video Heroes
13:20 – Building authority: showing wins & stacking trust through partnerships
17:30 – Podcasting as rocket fuel for growth
23:00 – The hard truth: burnout behind the six-figure launch
27:30 – Guardrails, recovery, and avoiding future burnout
31:30 – Purpose & fuel: love vs. fear, family, and the housing dream
36:40 – Finding Ikigai & designing the long game
39:20 – Crafting stories that sell: values over hooks
46:20 – Imposter syndrome, client pain points & the mantra: Punch above your weight class

Why You Need to Stop Performing and Start Believing with Annelise McCarthy

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 08:00:00 -0400

What does it really take to stand out as a speaker in a noisy world?

The zesty and unapologetically real, Annelise McCarthy, founder of Her Speaking Coach, joins Jeff to explore what speaking with confidence really means.

From overcoming a childhood lisp to building a thriving global coaching business, Annelise shares powerful and counterintuitive lessons on communication, presence, and self-belief. This episode isn’t about tips and tricks, it’s about transforming the way you see yourself, so your voice carries the weight it deserves.

We dive into:

Why being brilliant isn’t enough if you can’t communicate it memorably.
The myth that you need to be “serious” to be taken seriously.
How self-love becomes the ultimate speaking skill.
The spotlight effect, and why nobody notices your mistakes as much as you do.
The shift from performance to presence that changes everything.

Whether you’re a founder, leader, or simply someone who wants to use their voice more powerfully, this conversation will remind you: it’s never too late to claim your voice and step into the spotlight on your own terms.

🎧 Tune in and get ready to stop performing - and start connecting.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

01:40 Journey into Public Speaking

10:25 The Importance of Communication in the Age of AI

12:01 Memorable Moments in Speaking

18:05 The Impact of Empowering Voices

24:14 Self-Love and Communication

27:54 Embracing Anxiety as a Superpower

29:35 The Journey of Self-Discovery

31:27 The Impact of COVID on Personal Growth

34:08 The Mirror Moment: A Turning Point

36:40 Building a Relationship with Self-Love

38:07 The Power of Vulnerability in Storytelling

40:07 From Performance to Authenticity

44:14 Shifting Focus from Self to Audience

48:00 The Foundation of Compassion in Public Speaking

51:21 The Challenges of Entrepreneurship

Finding Your Sugar Factor with Priya Chopra

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Priya Chopra reveals the secret ingredient behind her cross-border PR and creator agencies - a blend of vibes, intuition, and a relentless Momentum Mindset that keeps brands, and teams, sweetly winning.

Priya Chopra is the founder & CEO of 1Milk2Sugars and double shot, where she mixes her “Sugar Factor” - a unique recipe of psychic intuition, empathy, and entrepreneurial grit - to help brands and creators amplify impact, loyalty, and growth.

In this episode, she joins Jeff to break down:
◽️ How a quirky coffee-order name became a client-magnet launchpad
◽️ The daily “Sugar Factor” rituals that turn good vibes into sticky brand wins
◽️ Why “your 80 is someone’s 100” is the mindset hack to ditch perfectionism
◽️ Real-world tactics for sustaining momentum when the buzz fades
◽️ The surprising role of intuition (yes, she’s psychic!) in storytelling and leadership
◽️ Her blueprint for scaling from Canada to the U.S. without losing culture
◽️ Tactical tips for juggling agency hustle with family, fitness, and self-care

Chapters
00:00 – Winning Mindset (Intro Teaser)
00:32 – Meet Priya Chopra
01:33 – 1Milk2Sugars Origin
03:52 – Birth of double shot
05:49 – Championing Creators
08:10 – Lessons for Entrepreneurs
11:22 – The Sugar Factor
15:08 – Psychic Intuition Moment
17:03 – Vibes & Storytelling
20:11 – Manifesting Momentum
21:50 – Leading with Empathy
36:05 – PR’s Resurgence
41:39 – U.S. Expansion
49:02 – Your 80 Is Someone’s 100
53:24 – Work-Life Blend
55:04 – Word of the Year: Momentum
56:48 – Wrap up

Why You Need to Put Gas on Your Strengths with Curtis Matsko

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0400

Curtis Matsko turned a pink diary and a garage startup into a $180 million leather-goods empire - then doubled it year after year by unleashing what he calls “founder magic.” He shares how leaning into your strengths and embracing the unknown can turn every setback into a launchpad for growth.

Curtis Matsko is the CEO and co-founder of Portland Leather Goods, one of North America’s fastest-growing DTC and retail brands. A self-described “over-educated jerk” who never held a real job beyond three days, he’s built his business on pattern recognition, calculated risks, and unapologetic authenticity.

Mariana Patiño, PA/EA at Portland Leather Goods, jumps in to share what it’s like being Curtis’ right hand - juggling the logistics, capturing his lightning-fast ideas, and turning his wild energy into every project’s secret sauce.

We talk about:
◽️ Why “10× is easier than 2×”—and how big-vision thinking sidesteps incremental bottlenecks.
◽️ How to pour gas on your strengths instead of wasting time fixing weaknesses.
◽️ The profit math behind scaling both direct-to-consumer and a 30-store footprint.
◽️ Why the clearest path isn’t yours - and how to find magic in uncharted territory.
◽️ How founder-led storytelling becomes your ultimate competitive advantage.
◽️ The secret role of Mariana, his “energy multiplier,” in rapid iteration and team chemistry.

Whether you’re launching your first venture or leading a mature organization, you’ll walk away with a new playbook for bold growth, real-talk storytelling, and the magic that happens when you refuel your superpowers.

Chapters

00:00 – Focus on Your Strengths (Intro Teaser)
00:21 – Podcast Intro & What to Expect
00:35 – Meet Curtis Matsko, CEO of Portland Leather Goods
01:39 – From Garage Origins to a $180M Business
03:22 – The Three-Day Box Boy Job & Pivot to Lifeguarding
07:04 – Authenticity in Founder-Led Storytelling
10:15 – The Disruptive Influence Backstory
13:15 – Balancing “Rush” vs. “Long-Haul” Vision
16:49 – Pattern Recognition & On-the-Fly Problem Solving
20:00 – Why 10× Is Easier Than 2× (Mindset Shift)
23:49 – Scaling Online & Retail: Profit Math Revealed
26:24 – Crafting Compelling Presentations (55-Minute Talks)
31:13 – Calculated Risk: Worst-Case Scenarios & Learning Fast
37:48 – Double Down on Strengths & Team Synergy
40:54 – Introducing Mariana Patiño!
44:37 – Surprises, Gratitude & Final Takeaways

How to Build a Brand That Sells Itself with Jasmin Alic

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:00:00 -0400

Jasmin Alić, LinkedIn's king of comments, content & community, shares how to turn content into conversations, stories into sales, and profile views into paying clients. We dive into warm outreach, offer alignment, and why connection beats content every time.

Jasmin is a brand strategist and community builder who’s helped thousands of creators turn personal brands into real businesses. As the founder of LinkUp and LinkBound, he teaches people how to grow with clarity, integrity, and a little bit of swagger.

Chapters

00:00 Opening Teaser - Low reach? Comment harder.
00:32 Intro – Disruptive Influence Podcast #30
03:22 Two new businesses: LinkUp & LinkBound
07:40 Why most paid communities trap their founders
10:00 Inside LinkUp: 3 in-house experts, daily feedback
12:29 Bosnia trip giveaway
14:10 “Build community, not a cage” – the mindset
18:55 2025 blind spot: Story > Tips
21:15 Storytelling 101: share what you think, not just what you know
24:55 Offers: choose an intro offer, then craft content
29:15 Starter-offer pricing & positioning
33:45 Warm-outreach playbook (+ LinkedIn’s new viewer data)
40:10 Limiting belief: “DM sales feel sleazy”
44:25 Coach’s proudest moments – client self-awareness
53:05 Surprise fun fact about Jasmin
54:45 Biggest LinkedIn opportunity: comments dominate
1:00:05 Reddit: LinkedIn Lunatics & blocking negativity

How to Lean Into Your Big Founder Energy with Aaron Spivak

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Aaron Spivak co-founded Hush, turning a weighted blanket into a Kickstarter smash and selling to Sleep Country for eight figures - all before his 26th birthday. He joins Jeff to unpack the real juice behind:

Filling Your Four Buckets – his health / friends & family / business / integrity framework

Giving Before You Take – the counter-intuitive first rule powering his invite-only Founders Club

Cooling the Market – How hundreds of customer calls flipped Hush from summer slump to record-breaking demand

Story > Specs – how truly speaking to their audience turned their Dragons’ Den pitch into Canadian TV lore

Reps, Results, Reality Checks – why Aaron treats entrepreneurship like a full-contact sport

..and how Aaron Spivak Sold Hush, but kept his soul.

Chapters

0:00 Intro “Everything is war”
1:24 Why Founders Club exists & who it’s for
4:36 The first rule of Founders' Club and the “give first” philosophy
5:48 Defining a “successful founder” - The Four Buckets of Life
7:59 The loneliness factor & why community beats the island
10:28 Storytelling, customer calls & the $4,000 runway
14:42 "Make it cooling!” - the hundred call insight
17:33 Kickstarter blows up: $700K to $10M
19:59 “People buy magic” - best story wins philosophy
22:24 Vulnerability, emotion & why design alone can’t win
26:51 Dragons’ Den prep: spray-tan mishaps & thousands of reps
33:00 Business as war: Kobe, LeBron, and out-working talent
35:03 Right reps vs. first reps - tailoring for your stage
38:58 Momentum, niche audiences & getting the right views
44:08 The Range Rover promise to mom - entrepreneurship’s best payoff
49:24 Launching the Founder-to-Founder podcast (and the “double-F” hat)
51:33 How to join Founders Club, - cities, retreats and more
53:12 Outro & Jeff’s CTA

Useful Links

Find the Founders Club: https://www.foundersclubofficial.com/

Connect with Aaron Spivak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-spivak1/

Connect with Jeff Abracen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/

Designing Your Ideal Life, Style, and Business with Shoaib Ahmed

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Shoaib Ahmed, Founder, Brand Storyteller, Ghostwriter, and Digital Nomad, joins Jeff to talk about building a business that actually works for you.

We get into personal branding that drives results, solopreneur freedom, the reality behind it, and how Shoaib curates what he calls his “little life”, for more freedom, flow, and focus. He shares how he approaches content, and what it’s like to ghostwrite for everyone from global execs to Gen Z founders, how numbers and narratives go hand in hand, fashion, power bowls, and how to win over your barista and batch create content in a coffee shop.

And surprise! Bestie Karla McNeilage, Personal Brand Strategist and Owner at Wave Socials, crashes the pod with surprise questions, unhinged chaos, and some real talk about growth, friendship, confidence, and how far they’ve come -together.

If you’re a executive, founder, coach, creator, consultant, or anyone building something that’s both personal and powerful, this episode slaps.

00:00 Intro

00:38 Meet Shoaib Ahmed

01:37 Curating a Stylish Life and Content

02:57 The Concept of 'My Little Life'

03:52 Business Retreats and Collaborations

05:04 Building Meaningful Connections

07:15 The Importance of Complementary Relationships

08:29 Navigating Business Partnerships

10:09 The Journey of a Digital Nomad

11:23 Finding Balance in Health, Wealth, and Happiness

12:46 The Evolution of a Solopreneur

14:56 Self-Discipline and Awareness

16:46 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact

18:27 The Role of a Ghostwriter

20:35 The Art of Context Switching

22:05 Automation and Systems in Business

23:41 The Challenges of Solopreneurship

25:08 The Intersection of Storytelling and Data

27:53 Proving Value Through Metrics

29:50 The Joy of Numbers and Analytics

30:58 Content Creation Rituals

32:38 Daily Routines and Coffee Rituals

37:11 Coffee Shop Strategies for Productivity

39:15 Client Relationships and Boundaries

41:31 The Importance of Trust in Branding

43:11 From Nerd to Rebel: Embracing Change

46:26 Unhinged Questions and Fun Dynamics

54:21 Reflections on Personal Growth and Identity

Why Growth is All About Mind, Body, and Business with Mike Fata

Mon, 12 May 2025 14:00:00 -0400

Mike Fata is a founder, investor, health advocate, and builder of movements. After losing 100 pounds, he co-founded Manitoba Harvest and grew it into a $100M+ hemp foods powerhouse, later guiding its $419M sale to Tilray. He’s now the CEO of Fata & Associates, host of the Founder to Mentor podcast, and an advisor to world-class natural product brands. Whether he’s mentoring founders or plunging into ice baths, Mike is all about growth - with purpose.

He joins Jeff to talk about the discipline behind transformation, how to pitch in 60 seconds, why personal branding matters more than ever in 2025, and what it really means to live with purpose after the exit. From health to storytelling to deep work, this conversation goes way beyond business.

We cover:

Why discipline > motivation
Building your personal brand without faking it
The power of a 60-second pitch
Letting your story sell
Sleep, hydration, and health as your unfair advantage
What burnout taught him after the $100M exit
How to find your purpose (and stop lying to yourself about it)
And so much more!

Connect with Mike:

Chapters

00:00 Intro
04:10 The Importance of Storytelling
09:24 Flipping the Switch: Discipline Over Motivation
14:20 Spiritual Growth and Healing the Self
20:01 Abundance, Flow, and the “Treasure Hunt” Mindset
23:36 Rest, Recovery, and the Myth of Busy
26:32 Life After Exit: Redefining Freedom and Fulfillment
31:12 How to Actually Find Your Purpose
34:32 Building a Healthy Body: Sleep, Hydration, and Movement
39:09 Daily Routines, Electrolytes, and “Showering the Inside”
42:52 Business Lessons: When It Is Personal
46:28 Disrupting the Hemp Industry: From Niche to Mainstream
48:06 Building a Personal Brand in 2025
53:51 Connection, Community, and Showing Up Online
55:34 The 20-Year Dream: Restoring His Westfalia Van
57:18 Growth, Grit, and What He’d Tell His 13-Year-Old Self

How to Be Courageously You with Aransas Savas

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Aransas Savas, motivational strategist and coach, joins Jeff to explore the real drivers behind creativity, influence, and personal growth.

They dive into why healthy conflict is essential for innovation, how to transition from chasing positional power to embodying personal power, and why authenticity, not conformity, is the real superpower.

Aransas shares how embracing play, curiosity, and even our perceived limitations can unlock new possibilities in leadership, creativity, and life. This conversation reminds us that growth isn’t about fitting in - it’s about showing up as your truest self and finding the people and opportunities that see your value.

Key Topics:

Why healthy conflict and tension fuel creativity
Challenging societal norms to uncover your truth
The shift from fitting in to standing out
How to use play to solve problems and get unstuck
Turning perceived weaknesses into your greatest strengths
Finding community, courage, and personal power
How emotional storytelling drives real-world influence

Connect with Aransas Savas:

Connect with Jeff Abracen:

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:36 Understanding Wellbeing and Leadership Coaching

02:20 Embracing Authenticity and Personal Truth

04:43 Challenging Societal Norms and Personal Beliefs

08:50 The Struggle Between Fitting In and Standing Out

10:46 Transitioning from Positional to Personal Power

12:08 Finding Value in Uncommon Skills

17:04 The Role of Purpose in Professional Life

21:10 Navigating Acceptance and Impact

24:33 Defining the Ideal Customer and Job to Be Done

27:35 The Complexity of Superpowers and Insecurities

30:04 The Value of Diverse Perspectives

35:27 The Power of Play in Problem Solving

40:09 Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs

42:25 Transforming Limitations into Strengths

48:21 Using Struggles to Help Others

54:11 Defining Your Unique Influence

01:01:14 The Impact of Stories on Courage

Lifelong Learnings from 10,000 Conversations with Rob Lawless

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Rob Lawless set out to meet 10,000 strangers for one hour each. 7,000+ conversations in, the project has become more than a social experiment - it's a masterclass in empathy, presence, and the untold power of human connection.

In this conversation, we go deep into what drives Rob, how he turned a bold idea into a global movement, and what he's learned from spending thousands of hours truly listening. From growing up in a big family, coffee shop chat and international stages, we unpack not just Rob’s journey, but our shared humanity.

And in a twist, Rob flips the mic and interviews me for part of the episode, bringing out personal stories I rarely get to share on air. It's a conversation full of curiosity, surprises, and reminders of what really matters.

In this episode:

Why Rob started meeting strangers for one hour at a time
The “Friend” framework for finding what connects us
What 10,000 hours of presence can teach you about being human
Rob’s storytelling superpowers — and how he discovered them
The discipline, empathy, and mindset behind long-term vision
My pie chart of identity — and what’s shifted since becoming a dad
What’s next for Rob after 10,000 people
Why being present is the ultimate superpower

Connect with Rob:

Instagram: @robs10kfriends
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rob-lawless-robs10kfriends/

Connect with Jeff:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeffabracen/

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Chapters

00:00 – Intro

01:30 – How the 10,000 People Project Started

04:54 – From Coffee Shops to Cruise Ships

09:56 – The “Friend” Framework

15:07 – The Art of Conversation

20:03 – Post-10,000 Vision

26:47 – Jeff’s Creative Roots

29:48 – Life as a Timeline: Curiosity, Memory, and Storytelling

32:55 – Natural Gifts and Learned Superpowers

37:23 – The COVID Pivot That Changed Everything

42:48 – The Real Influences: Family, Friends, and Gratitude

44:21 – Books, TV Shows, and Staying Relevant (or Not)

46:43 – Presence Over Performance

48:00 – If We’re Popping Champagne Next Year...

50:00 – A Masterclass in Presence

51:57 – Mutual Gratitude and the Power of Saying Yes

Why You Need to Be Selling with Elegance featuring Richard Moore

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Sales and communication expert & founder of the Art of Sell, Richard Moore, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into why most people are selling the wrong way, how to stop chasing vanity metrics, and what really drives business growth in 2025.

They discuss why content and engagement won’t pay the bills, how to ditch the spray-and-pray approach to sales, the power of deep, meaningful conversations over mass outreach, why client acquisition is the only metric that matters, the art of handling objections like a professional, and how self-worth plays a bigger role in closing deals than you might think.

If you’re stuck in the loop of posting, scrolling, and hoping for inbound leads - this episode is a wake-up call. Learn how to sell with elegance, build a business that lasts, and turn connections into clients.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

04:46 Follower Count vs. Follower Quality

09:57 Competency Over Volume in Sales

15:02 Finding Your Niche and Testing Ideas

20:06 The Role of Feel in Business

25:10 Intentionality in Engagement

30:13 The Reality of Selling on Social Media

34:33 The Art of Selling Elegantly

40:27 Overcoming Sales Inertia

47:01 Embracing Your Superpowers

54:07 The Intersection of Sales and Psychology

01:01:24 The Importance of Individual Interactions

How and Why You Need to Stop Reading Slides with Ben Levy

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Presentation Coach, Creative Director, and Author, Ben Levy joins Jeff Abracen to break down the art of creative agency presentations, why the best idea doesn’t always win, and how to structure a story that sells.

Dig into the biggest mistakes people make in presentations (and how to fix them), why reading slides out loud is killing your pitch, how confidence in public speaking is built through preparation—not personality, the power of pacing meetings to avoid information overload, why agencies need to ditch templates and start answering the right questions, how to create conversations instead of monologues, and how Ben overcame social anxiety and became a presentation coach…and so much more!

Find Ben Levy Here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sellitgreat/

https://www.sellitgreat.com/

https://www.sellitgreat.com/shop

https://schoolofastonishingpursuits.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro

05:42 Overcoming Presentation Anxiety

12:52 The Importance of Storytelling in Presentations

21:09 Building Trust Through Effective Communication

25:05 Teaching and Learning in the Creative Industry

33:25 The Power of Storytelling in Presentations

35:20 Influence of Family on Communication Skills

37:54 Overcoming Presentation Challenges

40:09 Learning from Industry Leaders

42:40 The Importance of Authenticity in Presentations

46:30 Lessons from Presentation Failures

50:27 Understanding Client Expectations

52:59 Competing for Attention in a Noisy World

54:13 Disruptive Presentation Techniques

57:18 Building Strong Client Relationships

59:05 The Role of Mentorship in Growth

How to Live, Laugh, Brand with Alana Sparrow

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0500

Albany-based Alana Sparrow, Brand Strategist, Visual Storyteller, Founder of The VIB, and Chief Brand Officer & Co-Founder of The Foundry for Art, Design + Culture, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into why storytelling is the ultimate tool for branding success, the rapid rise of personal brands in corporate spaces, how confidence is built through action, scaling a business without sacrificing freedom, the impact of authenticity on trust and growth, embracing Ikigai to align work and life, why entrepreneurs need to stop sprinting and start sustaining, shining a light on your strengths to unlock your full potential, how personal brands will shape the future of business in 2025…and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 – Intro
00:32 – Alana's Path to Brand Strategy
03:15 – Leaving Higher Ed for Entrepreneurship
05:21 – COVID’s Impact and Business Pivot
07:23 – Personal Branding for High Earners
09:21 – Authenticity in Branding and Marketing
11:15 – Early Influences on Entrepreneurial Mindset
15:26 – From Fine Art to Brand Strategy
17:21 – Time Freedom vs. Hustle Culture
18:30 – Slazy™ – A Smarter Work Approach
22:31 – Finding Purpose and Profit with Ikigai
28:23 – How Personal Branding Drives Growth
32:26 – Confidence, Mindset, and Taking Up Space
36:59 – Client Breakthroughs and Business Shifts
38:45 – The Future of Personal Branding in 2025
43:09 – LinkedIn vs. Instagram for Brand Growth
45:00 – Quality vs. Quantity in Social Media
46:56 – Connect with Alana Sparrow

How to Dominate Your Niche with Darren Lee

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 13:00:00 -0500

In this extended episode, Darren Lee, Founder & CEO of Voics, and Podcast Host of Kickoff Sessions, joins Jeff Abracen to dig into how he built a 7-figure podcasting business from scratch, the importance of creating your own universe, how focus fuels success, learning through failure, why you should sell before you build, the importance of trust, the power of metrics, niching down and mastering simplicity, monetizing small audiences, leaning into your superpowers and overcoming the odds, why Bali is a haven for creators, personalized tips for my own business…and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 Intro
04:56 The Journey of Focus and Discipline
10:10 From Sports to Startups: A Reflective Shift
14:55 Building Connections and Trust
19:45 The Circle of Safety in Leadership
25:04 Generational Perspectives on Work Ethic
29:53 The Evolution of Entrepreneurship
33:09 Learning Through Experience
36:01 Mastering the Process
38:55 Building Skills for Success
42:13 The Importance of Measurement
46:01 Simplicity in Business
51:45 Selling Before Building
56:10 Finding Your Niche
01:00:01 Staying in the Market
01:02:57 Disrupting the Podcasting Industry
01:06:49 The Rise of Video Content on LinkedIn
01:11:59 Short-Form Video: A New Discovery Tool
01:12:56 Influences and Inspirations in the Podcasting Journey
01:16:15 Building Genuine Connections in Podcasting
01:18:09 Why Bali is the New Hub for Creators
01:22:03 Guidance for Emerging Podcasters
01:28:50 The Importance of Clarity in Communication Offers
01:31:13 The Impact of Helping Others Through Content Creation

When Entrepreneurs Feel Like They're on a Solo Mission with Kasey Jones

Mon, 16 Dec 2024 20:00:00 -0500

Kasey Jones, Growth Strategist, Personal Brand Coach, Founder & CEO at The Solo CEO, joins Jeff Abracen to talk about how self-compassion is a superpower, turning hardship into strength and opportunity, how finding your ‘One Thing’ brings clarity and magnetism to your brand and business, why your insecurities might be your biggest differentiator, how personal branding creates meaningful connections, why Kasey is a mix between Jocko Willink & Mr. Rogers, the ‘F*ck Yes’ principle…and so much more!

00:00 Intro
03:01 Evolving Solopreneurs into CEOs
05:57 Finding Your One Thing
08:54 Navigating Personal and Professional Trauma
12:02 The Journey of Self-Discovery
14:46 The Role of Empathy in Coaching
18:07 Post-Traumatic Growth and Healing
20:59 Where Personal Growth and Business Success Meet
23:55 Uncovering Your Unique Value
27:05 The Balance of Tough Love and Kindness
29:54 The Evolution of Personal Branding
31:43 Embracing Personal Transformation
34:33 Identifying and Owning Your Superpowers
38:49 The Role of Hardship in Shaping Success
41:39 Leveraging Unique Skills for Business Growth
45:21 The 'F*ck Yes' Principle in Client Relationships
49:38 Experimentation as a Path to Clarity
55:21 The Emotional Side of Entrepreneurship
01:00:57 Self-Compassion and Personal Systems for Neurodivergence

How to Have Creative Courage with Dhaval Bhatt

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Dhaval Bhatt, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Courage Inc., joins Jeff Abracen to share how he co-built Courage into one of Canada’s top and most awarded in under three years - crafting work for clients like KFC, CIBC, Kit-Kat, Taco Bell and Skip.

They chat about treating clients as collaborators, how to present big ideas & moving at the speed of culture, why the human-to-human approach matters more than ever, the people who have inspired him, the lessons that keep him and his team pushing for better work every day - and the culture behind it all.

And of course, working on big budget productions with celebrities like Jon Hamm (aka Don Draper).

Chapters

00:00 Intro
03:02 Building Courageous Client Relationships
05:53 Human-to-Human Communication in Marketing
08:46 The Importance of Being Proactive
12:08 Promises of Courage: A Unique Agency Approach
15:01 Selling the Sizzle: The Art of Presentation
17:52 The Pursuit of Perfection in Advertising
21:11 Founding Courage
24:03 Collaboration in High-Stakes Production
28:27 Adapting to Client Needs
30:22 The Role of Celebrity in Advertising
34:10 Creative Connections with Calendar Events
37:58 The Customer Experience
41:47 Behind the Scenes of Agency Work
44:07 The Pursuit of Perfection in Creativity
48:45 Influences on Creative Growth
52:36 The Human Element in Professional Relationships
54:27 Guiding the Next Generation of Creatives

Why You Need To Do Bold Sh*t! with Robb Gilbear

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Robb Gilbear, Coach & Founder of Growth Habit and author of Die Before They Do, joins Jeff Abracen to share how fear can spark breakthroughs, decoupling learning from school, how accountability transforms goals, using storytelling as a tool for connection, the clarity found in digital detoxes, and the power of forgiveness and empathy in healing. Robb also opens up about the personal growth behind his heart tattoo, why adaptability fuels success, how fear-setting can crush limitations, and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 Intro
01:13 The Bold Move: Hosting a Conference
05:01 The Power of Vulnerability and Connection
08:48 From DJ to Business Coach
13:02 The Importance of Attitude Over Credentials
17:10 Finding Meaning Through Struggles
21:02 The Role of Accountability in Growth
25:51 Experiencing Flow and Celebration After the Event
32:01 The Evolution of Coaching
35:51 Personal Growth and Family Dynamics
41:31 Empathy and Understanding in Coaching
45:23 Finding Joy and Humor in Life's Challenges
49:18 Fear Setting: Confronting and Overcoming Fears

How to Run a Fearless Business with Robin Waite

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Robin Waite, Business Coach & Founder of Fearless Business, joins Jeff Abracen to share why a 'boring business' might be for you, the 7/11/4 concept for building trust, simplifying offers for better outcomes, how fewer clients can mean better service, why giving away books is a winning strategy, how guesting on podcasts is one of the best marketing moves you can make...and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 Intro
02:37 The Strategy Behind Quick Reads
05:54 Understanding 7/11/4
10:02 The Importance of Marketing Assets
12:50 Building Trust Through Value
17:06 The Power of Podcasting and Partnerships
22:11 Pricing Strategies for Business Growth
26:55 Harnessing Superpowers and Professional Passion
29:15 Coaching from the Stage
30:10 Passion vs. Profit in Business
32:02 The Balance of Pricing and Philanthropy
33:00 The Importance of Implementation
35:19 Personal Transformation and Resilience
39:21 Recognizing Unfulfillment and Taking Action
41:46 The Power of Intuition in Coaching
45:28 Screening Clients for Coaching Success
49:14 Refining Offers and Simplifying Business
52:36 Overcoming Overwhelm in Business
55:00 Disruptive Coaching Techniques
57:46 Influential Books and Final Thoughts

How to Start Podcasting with Purpose with Ben Albert

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 20:00:00 -0500

Ben Albert, Founder of Real Business Connections and Balbert Marketing, joins Jeff Abracen to discuss the journey from accidental entrepreneur to podcasting expert, the power of local connection and how to build genuine business relationships, the essential role of gratitude, the importance of commitment and consistency in podcasting, the art of storytelling, monetizing a podcast beyond sponsorships...and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 The Path to Full-Time Creation
01:44 Accidental Entrepreneurship
05:58 Authenticity in Podcasting
09:47 From Local to Global
15:23 Perseverance in Podcasting
19:10 Equipment and Preparation
25:50 Engaging Conversations
30:32 Weaving Narratives in Podcasting
34:19 Monetization Strategies
40:56 Thinking Beyond the Podcast

The Magnitude of Authenticity with Erica Rankin

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Erica Rankin, Personal Branding Coach, Entrepreneur, Founder, and Host of the ‘You're Not a Bad Person’ Podcast, joins Jeff to talk about entrepreneurship, resilience and reinvention, navigating hustle culture, overcoming self-doubt, the importance of authenticity, the influence of mentorship, the impact of personal branding, her new course "The Magnitude Method"…and so much more!

Chapters

02:59 Resilience and Reinvention
05:49 The Importance of Rest
08:56 Navigating Hustle Culture
12:02 The Power of Quitting
15:12 The 12-Hour Walk Challenge
18:01 Impact of Personal Branding
24:00 Small Town Roots and Big Dreams
29:34 The Power of Vulnerability
31:24 The Magnitude Method
32:21 Building a Personal Brand
34:37 The Importance of Authenticity
37:28 Creating Impact Over ROI
43:47 Disrupting Personal Narratives
51:11 Influence of Mentorship

How to Build Relationship Capital with Eric A. Brooker

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 21:00:00 -0400

Eric A. Brooker, Keynote Speaker, Podcast Host, Bestselling Author & Coach, joins Jeff to discuss the transformative power of vulnerability, navigating personal struggles to find "enough," the impact of small gestures in building relationship capital, the importance of positivity in personal growth, resilience when facing disruption and change, keynote speaking, personal branding, embracing AI...cool glasses, Nike Blazers, and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Little Things
03:10 Journey to Authorship
05:56 The Power of Vulnerability
08:45 Understanding 'Enough' and Personal Struggles
12:11 Building Relationship Capital
15:05 Creating a Positive Work Culture
17:53 Overcoming Skepticism in Leadership
21:12 Empathy and Common Courtesy in Leadership
26:50 The Power of Human Connection
31:39 The Impact of Keynote Speaking
35:30 Building Relationships Through Coaching
39:43 Branding and Finding Your Audience
44:56 Positivity and Personal Growth
48:53 Embracing Disruption and Change

Why and How You Should Write the Book with Chris Stanley

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 21:00:00 -0400

Chris Stanley, Mini-Book Coach, 27x Author & Amazon Bestseller, joins Jeff to talk about the rise of mini books and the mini book model, building credibility through writing, overcoming writing challenges, finding your voice and audience, influences and inspirations (check out category pirates), running a life and business from a sailboat...and so much more!

Chapters

00:00 The Rise of Mini Books
03:08 Chris Stanley's Journey to Mini Book Coaching
06:03 The Mini Book Concept Explained
08:57 Building Credibility Through Writing
11:51 The Mini Book Model and Its Framework
14:46 Overcoming Writing Challenges
18:08 Creating Accountability in Writing
20:59 The Importance of Structure in Writing
23:55 Finding Your Voice and Audience
26:49 The Role of Discipline in Writing
30:05 Testing Ideas Through Mini Books
32:56 The Power of Being an Author
35:49 Disruption in the Industry
39:10 Influences and Inspirations
42:03 The Surprising Impact of Writing

How Some Executives are Driven to Lead with Stefania Mancini

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Stefania Mancini, Vice-President, Product Management & General Manager Consumer Group Canada at Intuit, joins Jeff to talk about feedback and personal growth, innovative marketing, product management, lifelong learning and professional development, radical candor, catering to diverse consumer needs, keys to driving growth and innovation, mentorship and team leadership...and why she runs her group like a Formula 1 team.

Chapters

00:00 Unlocking Personal Growth Through Feedback
02:02 Innovative Marketing Strategies in Taxation
09:09 The Transition from Marketing to Product Management
11:56 Curiosity as a Catalyst for Lifelong Learning
17:08 Creating a Safe Space for Radical Candor
21:55 Building Intuitive Products for Diverse Consumers
27:12 Driving Growth Through Team Belief and Innovation
33:54 Transforming Tax Anxiety into Positive Experiences
40:03 The Future of Taxation: Embracing AI and Change
43:13 Influences of Personal Background and Mentorship

How to Become a Considered Creator with Sam Browne

Sun, 08 Sep 2024 19:00:00 -0400

Sam Browne, New Zealand-based LinkedIn Creator & Coach, Entrepreneur, and former Rock Musician, joins Jeff to talk about growing his audience from zero to 100K+, the crossover between music and LinkedIn, the 80/20 rule for LinkedIn success, creating and promoting digital products, embracing identity shifts in the face of burnout, the story behind his famous dinosaur emoji 🦖 ...and more!

The Language of Legacy and LinkedIn with Jasmin Alić

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 22:00:00 -0400

Jasmin Alić, LinkedIn Coach, Corporate Trainer, Copywriter, Brand Strategist & one of the most influential LinkedIn Creators in the world, joins Jeff to talk about the power of writing, building trust by sharing 100%, creating a community for greater impact, growing up in a war-torn city and his external influences, handling the pressures of being a top creator, leaving a legacy to be proud of, how he likes his burgers 🍔 …and so much more!

Also be sure to check out Jasmin's new community, Link Up, coming soon!

Chai for the Shy with Mahfuz Chowdhury

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Mahfuz Chowdhury, author, international TEDx speaker, and Director of Strategy at Candybox Marketing, joins Jeff to talk about his journey from introversion to storytelling success, how he overcame his "mental chatterbox," the significance of resilience and adaptability, and the key traits of thriving business leaders.

How to Amplify Yourself! with Nausheen I. Chen

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 20:00:00 -0400

Public Speaking Coach, Podcaster, 3-time TEDx Speaker & LinkedIn Top Creator, Nausheen I. Chen, talks about overcoming nerves and improving your speaking skills, how visualisation can get you through awkward moments, the importance of video for your personal brand, why being yourself is the key to effective public speaking, what it's like to speak on a TEDx stage…and so much more!

Ding-Dong! Who's There? A Conversation about Creative Copywriting with Dan Nelken

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 17:00:00 -0400

Dan Nelken, creative director, copywriter, speaker, author of ‘A Self-Help Guide for Copywriters’, and creator of the ‘Writing Under Pressure’ course, talks overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, the importance of creating something of your own, building audience and community around your work, the creative value of collaboration and relationships, building confidence through craft…and so much more (like getting the one of the craziest commercials ever produced for Nintendo Canada on air)!

Want to get in touch with Dan? Write him a line of copy here: dan@nelkencreative.com

Mentoring Madness with Jason Bagley

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Jason Bagley, former Executive Creative Director at Wieden+Kennedy Portland, and founder of the Audacious School of Astonishing Pursuits (ASAP), talks about the importance of pushing ideas to the edge of madness, the critical role of empathy in client relationships, the impact of mentoring, and the disruptive work of brands like Liquid Death and Burberry.

How to Build a Creator Culture with Roger Figueiredo

Tue, 28 May 2024 21:00:00 -0400

#Paid Chief Marketing Officer Roger Figueiredo talks about the creator economy, the role of creators in shaping culture, pricing predictability, team leadership, hiring talent, and how brands can be present in key creator life moments.

How to Empower People and Process with Greg Kihlstrom

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 12:00:00 -0500

Digital transformation thought leader Greg Kihlstrom talks about being a speaker and author, implementing process at scale, empowering employees, great customer experiences, what do to with your data, and predictions on AI.

Whipped Queen Dreams with Tracy Luckow

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 15:00:00 -0500

Whipnotic co-founder Tracy Luckow talks about whipping up a CPG brand from scratch, essential qualities of entrepreneurs, embracing the ask, building a business with family, and more.

How to Wear Loud Shirts and Deliver Louder Strategy with Julian Cole

Mon, 22 Jan 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Strategy guru Julian Cole talks about the role of the strategist, overcoming overwhelming imposter syndrome, creative collaboration with AI, memorable brand campaigns, why he wears loud shirts, and more.

The Mysterious 5% with Mitch Joel

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:00:00 -0500

Decoder of the Future Mitch Joel talks technology, AI eating your job for breakfast, the mystery of soul in the work, CMOs vs Chief Advertising Officers, the need for brands to carve their own path, and the overdue onus on marketers and advertisers to deliver results.