Brand Story

Steve Gilman

This is Brand Story, where host Steve Gilman talks with those on the front lines of brands: business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketers. Our guests represent a wide variety of roles and industries, but the lessons learned break through those walls, connecting us on shared themes of brand experience, leadership, storytelling and understanding your audience. You’ll hear unique stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from — because stories are what connects us.

  1. JUL 31

    Creativity in Business ft. John McNeil

    In episode 93 of Brand Story, we sit down with John McNeil, Founder & CEO of John McNeil Studio, for a candid conversation about what it really means to build a brand. From his early days in traditional agencies to pioneering the studio model, John shares how his team helps brands move beyond deliverables to a system where everything from strategy to media to brand experience works together. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/creativity-in-business/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmcneil/ https://www.johnmcneilstudio.com/ Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing (00:00) John's Early Agency Years (04:43) Breaking into Creativity (09:04) Founding John McNeil Studio (11:50) Everything is Media (16:00) Rethinking the Brand Process (18:25) The Promise and Pitfalls of AI (24:25) Authenticity as a Differentiator (29:23) Strategy + Creativity as One (48:45) The Power of Brand Labs (51:55) Looking Ahead: The Studio Model

    1h 2m
  2. JUL 17

    Branding Beyond Algorithms ft. Rand Fishkin

    In episode 92 of Brand Story, we welcome back Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO of SparkToro, to talk about brand vs. algorithm, the value of real audience research, and the dangers of chasing attention without purpose. He shares the story behind SparkToro, why so many marketers don’t actually know their audience, and how optimizing for vanity metrics can lead you astray. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/branding-beyond-algorithms/ Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing Chapters: (00:00) The Birth of SparkToro: Audience Intelligence Unleashed (08:44) Inertia in Marketing: The Resistance to Change (21:20) Brand Over Algorithm: The Difference Between Gaming the System and Optimization (28:37) Building Real Value vs. Surface Engagement (35:36) Brand Story Podcast Engagement - Short vs. Long Clips (39:48) Entrepreneurship: Risk vs. Control (49:40) Exploring Possible Futures

    54 min
  3. JUN 26

    Marketing in a Zero-Click World ft. Rand Fishkin

    In today’s digital landscape, marketers are being asked to do more with less—less clarity, less control, and often, less trust in what’s actually working. To explore this shift, we sat down with Rand Fishkin, Cofounder & CEO of SparkToro, to unpack what’s changing, what’s still true, and what marketers need to relearn to build brands that actually resonate. From zero-click search to the surprising power of so-called “vanity metrics,” this episode challenges the way we think about digital success and makes the case for more thoughtful, audience-first marketing. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/marketing-in-a-zero-click-world/ Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Brand Story and Rand Fishkin (03:55) The Importance of Understanding Your Audience (09:34) Navigating the Zero-Click Search Era (17:45) The Shift in Marketing Attribution and Measurement

    24 min
  4. MAY 15

    The Happiness Advantage ft. Mark Lester

    What if happiness is the most powerful brand strategy no one’s paying attention to? Mark Lester, Co-Founder and CSO at Squint, joins us to talk about how brands can drive massive impact, not by leaning harder into industry claims or trend forecasts, but by reconnecting with something far more fundamental: joy. From reimagining Ollipop as a “happiness drink” to rebuilding brand trust one hike at a time, Mark shares how deep listening, emotional resonance, and strategic empathy can transform the way brands show up in the world. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-happiness-advantage Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Mark Lester (01:29) Mark's Journey to Launch His Own Agency, Squint (09:11) The Unhappiness Crisis & The Happiness Advantage in Brand Strategy (14:10) Case Study: The Success of Ollipop (22:57) Working with Nike on Women's Sports (26:55) The Importance of Relationships in Business (31:17) Empathy and Listening in the Industry (35:44) The Role of Hospitality in Branding (40:31) Embracing Responsibility and Peak Performance (43:04) Advice for Younger Marketers

    45 min
  5. APR 24

    The Evolution of Branding ft. Troy Hitch

    Creative leadership, brand strategy, and the future of the industry—Troy Hitch, Global Chief Creative Officer at RAPP, shares how he approaches it all. From empowering teams to rethinking the role of brand in an AI-driven world, episode 89 explores what it means to lead well and build work that resonates. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/the-evolution-of-branding/ Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing (00:00) - Intro: Troy Hitch’s Path from Theater to Advertising (01:26) - Creativity Born from Theater & Early Career Lessons (05:01) - You Suck at Photoshop and the Dawn of Branded Content (09:51) - The RAPP Journey: Leadership and Innovation at Omnicom (13:02) - Leading Global Creative Teams (14:43) - AI, Cost Pressures & The Changing Creative Landscape (18:08) - The Ego Epiphany: Redefining Creative Leadership (23:30) - Supporting Teams Through Change and Uncertainty (27:36) - The Future of Brand: AI, Empathy & Individual Relevance (31:43) - Brand as a Harmonizing Signal in a Noisy World (41:07) - Advice to His Younger Self – Don’t Not Do That Thing

    48 min
  6. APR 10

    Community in Advertising ft. Gina Grillo

    Gina Grillo, President and CEO of The ADVERTISING Club of New York, joins us on episode 88 of Brand Story to talk about building community in advertising, staying relevant through change, and why it’s time to rethink who gets a seat at the table. From championing diversity to shaking up the ANDY Awards, Gina shares what it takes to lead with intention—and why bravery still matters in creative work. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/community-in-advertising Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing Chapters: (00:00) - Intro: How Gina Grillo chose a creative career over the financial industry (04:56) - Navigating Industry Change (07:00) - Building Diversity & Early Career Programs (12:46) - Influential Mentors & Industry Inspiration (15:32) - The Future of the ANDYs & Championing Creativity (24:24) - A Personal Chapter: What’s Next for Gina (25:46) - Advice to Her Younger Self - Take on Responsibility

    28 min
  7. APR 1

    Fearless Design ft. Aya Baeshean

    What does it look like to lead with both intuition and intention? As Partner and Global Head of Design at Known, Aya Baeshean brings a fresh, fearless perspective to the world of branding. In episode 87 of Brand Story, Aya shares how her early experiences as a multicultural, multilingual child shaped her creative voice and ultimately her approach to leadership. She opens up about the power of immersive travel and volunteer work, the importance of emotional safety in creative teams, and how breaking down traditional structures can lead to better, faster, more human work. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/fearless-design Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing Chapters: (00:00) Introduction (00:50) Aya Baeshean: Partner, VP & Global Head of Design at Known (02:20) Exploring How Aya’s Global Background Influences Her Design (03:30) Immerse Yourself In Things that are Different (07:20) Art as a Tool for Communication + Connection (10:38) Escaping Traditional Marketing through Collaboration at Known (18:37) Catering to Collaboration with the Chef's Table Project (22:48) Building Hospitality into the Creative Experience (24:42) Amplifying Creativity with AI (28:50) Aya's Design Fingerprint: Playful Simplicity (31:20) Don't Be Afraid to Change Your Mind (Aya's Advice for Young Designers) (33:48) Fear is Holding You Back, Shed It (37:53) This Chapter in Aya's Life (40:28) Advice to Younger Self

    42 min
  8. MAR 13

    Designing Iconic Products ft. Robert Brunner

    Industrial design impacts our daily lives more than we realize. But what separates good design from great design? In episode 86 of Brand Story, we hear from Robert Brunner, Founder/Partner at Ammunition, about the philosophy behind creating industry-defining products. From game-changing innovations like Beats by Dre and Square to the balance of risk, creativity, and business strategy, we dive into the impact design has on shaping culture and brand perception. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/designing-iconic-products Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing (00:00) Introduction - Robert Brunner (02:01) Industrial Design - The Purposeful Creation of Things (04:54) Risk Avoidance is the Road to Mediocrity (07:26) Designing Beats By Dre (14:57) Marketing Beats by Dre - Integrating into Sports & Music (18:07) Great Industrial Design is Transformative (19:18) If Two People Have the Same Gut Feeling, You Have a Brand (24:38) Robert's work with Square - Reimagining Point of Sale (29:42) A Commitment to Craft - Design is an Inherently Human Pursuit (33:04) Robert's Life Chapter - Storytelling (34:23) Empathy is an Undervalued Trait

    38 min
4.6
out of 5
18 Ratings

About

This is Brand Story, where host Steve Gilman talks with those on the front lines of brands: business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketers. Our guests represent a wide variety of roles and industries, but the lessons learned break through those walls, connecting us on shared themes of brand experience, leadership, storytelling and understanding your audience. You’ll hear unique stories you can relate to, be inspired by, and learn from — because stories are what connects us.

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