In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Sarah Crockett, CMO of DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse), to discuss the art of reviving a retail giant.

With eight months in the role, Sarah shares her strategy for repositioning DSW, tapping into consumer insights, and creating an emotional connection with customers across generations.

She explores the challenge of bringing back the brand's "heat", navigating multi-channel retail, and adapting to cultural shifts. Plus, she reveals why physical stores remain her #1 marketing channel, the power of storytelling in marketing, and the biggest myth about retail's future.

- What does your shoe choice say about you?

- How do brands stay relevant in a fast-changing world?

- Why does Sarah hate big campaign reveals?

If you care about brand strategy, consumer psychology, or marketing innovation, this episode is a must-listen.

What makes Jack in the Box one of the most crave-worthy fast-food brands? In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Ryan Ostrom, Chief Customer Officer at Jack in the Box, to uncover the bold marketing strategies, digital innovations, and brand positioning that keep them ahead of the competition.
Ryan reveals how Jack in the Box stays relevant in a rapidly changing industry—leveraging celebrity collaborations with icons like Snoop Dogg, expanding into new markets, and mastering the art of digital loyalty. He also shares insights into the "Crave Strategy," a framework that drives everything from menu innovation to social media engagement.
Whether you're a marketing enthusiast, a fast-food fan, or just curious about how brands build cult-like followings, this episode serves up valuable lessons on staying competitive, connecting with customers, and making a lasting impact.

In this episode, Ben Kaplan sits down with Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, to explore the fascinating intersections of behavioral science, marketing, and human psychology.

Rory shares his insights on how small, seemingly insignificant changes can drive massive consumer behavior shifts and why reframing is essential in marketing strategy. The conversation touches on Jaguar’s rebranding, the role of humor in advertising, and the unexpected power of irrationality in decision-making.

Rory also discusses the importance of seeking out opportunity costs, the value of curiosity in creativity, and how brands can differentiate themselves by leveraging unconventional thinking.

Packed with humor, real-world examples, and sharp observations, this episode is a masterclass in creative problem-solving and the surprising power of ideas that defy logic.