Being creative means having the courage to take risks. It means rolling with the punches, pivoting when needed, and evolving your ideas to create an end result that resonates with your audience. In this episode, Gina Michnowicz, CEO and Chief Creative Officer of The Craftsman Agency, offers her insights into creating integrated marketing campaigns for top brands such as Disney and Cisco. She shares what it’s like to be creative in the fast-paced world of marketing and how every touchpoint impacts the customer experience.

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/crafting-the-right-marketing-mix/

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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.

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(00:00) - Gina Michnowicz Introduction 

(01:33) - Gina’s Process: Cruella’s Integrated Campaign

(04:45) - The Art of the Pivot

(08:44) - Finding the Right Marketing Mix

(14:13) - Pairing Brands: Guardians of the Galaxy and Cisco Duo

(16:54) - Advice on Brand Activation Events 

(19:46) - The Attendee Experience 

(24:29) - The Customer Experience 

(27:07) - Marketing to Emotional Beings

(31:04) - Business Bliss or Co-Founder Chaos?

(37:40) - The Trait Gina Values Now

(39:12) - The Current Chapter of Gina’s Life

(40:12) - Advice to Younger Self

Ever wonder how a two-time Emmy nominee approaches storytelling? Tom Langan has spent his 20-year career in television keeping one thing consistent: appealing to the human side of storytelling. In this episode, Tom addresses the need for a strategic approach to content creation and putting your audience first. We hear snippets from his book, Legendeering, a guide for a video communication strategy, and the role reciprocity plays in communication strategies. His episode is full of examples of how to talk to people like people to build connections and add value to your stories.

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/creating-a-video-content-strategy/

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:

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Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

(00:00) - Tom Langan Introduction

(01:16) - Tom's Journey into Production

(04:14) - Tom's Early Career and Transition into Storytelling

(11:53) - Tom's Approach to Finding and Telling Stories

(15:15) - Core Principle: Lead with Value

(17:25) - Why Write a Book Instead of Making a Video

(20:28) - The Power of Video in Business

(23:15) - The Importance of Audience-Centric Storytelling

(26:04) - The Role of Emotion and Context in Storytelling

(30:12) - The Importance of Video Content

(34:15) - The Power of Episodic Content

(41:04) - The Importance of Humanizing Business

(45:11) - The Current Chapter of Tom's Life

(46:46) - Advice to Younger Self

For brand strategist, Liam Darmody, LinkedIn is the go-to place to help build a strong personal brand. Like other social media platforms, LinkedIn has evolved over time, growing from a place to look for jobs to a place of cultivating connections. It’s a place to attract unknown opportunities – if you use it right. In this episode, Liam shares his tips for using the platform to its full potential so you can build your personal brand, and make a few friends along the way.

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/personal-branding-on-linkedin/

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 - Liam Darmody

(01:44) - Liam's LinkedIn Journey

(04:02) - Overcoming LinkedIn Posting Anxiety

(09:49) - Liam's Personal Branding Success Story

(13:10) - The Impact of Consistent LinkedIn Presence

(19:00) - The Power of Authenticity on LinkedIn

(20:23) - Imposter Syndrome and Sharing Your Personality

(22:52) - Authenticity and Integrity on LinkedIn

(26:45) - LinkedIn's New Features

(32:06) - Advice and Quotes to Live By

(34:17) - Current Life Phase: Reinvigorating

(36:08) - Advice to Younger Self

(38:53) - Conclusion

AI is software that behaves like a human, and it’s that mindset that Conor Grennan, Dean of Students and Head of Generative AI at NYU Stern, helps people understand. In this episode, we dive into what the future of AI holds and its impact across various fields and industries. Conor highlights the critical role of communication skills in an era increasingly dominated by generative AI and introduces us to his HTG format for interacting with AI.

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-ai-mindset/

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 - About Conor Grennan

(01:29) Keeping Up with AI

(07:42) How to Use AI Effectively

(15:15) The Future of AI and Education

(16:11) Advice for AI Beginners

(18:13) Concerns about AI

(21:49) AI and Creativity

(24:27) AI as a Research Tool

(27:53) Future of AI and Human Creativity

(32:28) AI Proofing Your Career

(36:36) Rapid-Fire Questions

(40:06) Conclusion

How do you develop a strong content marketing strategy? Dana Herra, Content Marketer, Copywriter, and Editor, would break it up into five chapters: foundation, audience, messaging, distribution, and measurement. In this episode, Dana shares her tips for creating a successful content marketing strategy, how repetition and consistency help build trust, and why your brand voice matters more than you think.

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/content-marketing-simplified/

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:

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Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing

(00:00) Introduction - Dana Herra

(01:21) Where Should a Marketing Team Start?

(02:23) Foundations of a Solid Content Strategy 

(04:06) Content Vs. Ads

(07:52) Content Marketing is Emotional 

(14:13) Consistency in Branding

(16:12) People Don’t Remember

(21:40) Finding Brand Voice

(27:27) What Is a Thought Leader?

(31:31) Spending Time to Make Time

(37:20) What Advice Has Stuck With You 

(39:47) There Are No Hard and Fast Rules 

(41:32) Advice For Your Younger Self

(43:33) Outro - Dana Herra

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 Podcast Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast

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

What exactly is the difference between a marketing strategy, plan, and tactic? What’s one thing marketers should start (and stop) doing? Gravity Group’s President, Steve Gilman, and Vice President, Lindsey Laughlin, answer these questions and more while sharing stories from their favorite brands in this Q&A breakroom episode.

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/brand-story-breakroom-magic-candy-buzzword-bingo

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

(00:25) What to stop and start doing in the industry

(02:58) Writing a Book - The concept of ‘Yes, and...’

(05:43) The difference between strategy, plans, and tactics

(07:53) Brands that impacted our earliest memories 

(10:29) Childhood Stories - how they influence our choices and loyalties

70% of our decision-making is made unconsciously with our emotions, and when you lean into that power, you can create brands that truly resonate with consumers. For Jim Pietruszynski, CEO of Soulsight, that passion for weaving empathy and design together started when he was just a kid and continues to be the driving force behind his practices today. In this episode, we talk with Jim about the emotional core of branding and the importance of crafting designs that truly embody a brand's story and purpose.

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/empathy-and-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 - Jim Pietruszynski

(03:38) Tony The Tiger - How a Cereal Box Started Jim's Career

(05:35) Story in Design & The Finding The Reason People Make Choices

(07:06) Building Long Term Relationships

(08:18) How to Foster Long-Term Client Relationships

(09:22) Refreshing the Blue Moon and Coors Light Brand

(13:55) Being an Adaptable Agency, Focus on the Client, not on a Signature Look

(15:55) Lifelong Learning, Regret isn't Bad, & Helping Others Succeed

(19:24) Undercutting Value Hurts Everyone

(21:02) Sensitivity, Vulnerability, and New Perspectives

(22:59) The Why Question

(23:49) Hope, Beauty, & Practicing Gratitude

(25:38) Advice to Younger Self: Know Your Value

Building a brand always comes back to being human, something Kathryn Tuttle reinforces with every brand she works with. As an Executive Advisor for CPG brands, Kathryn’s approach has always been people-first – finding ways to build those relationships to help create success. In this episode, we talk to Kathryn about her experience in building brands and scaling businesses. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the consumer's perspective and the power of branding to make a positive impact on 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: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/misson-driven-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

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction - Kathryn Tuttle

(01:38) Career Shift - Brand Wrangler

(05:54) Don't Accept the Status Quo - Building the Fresh Pet Brand

(09:59) Strategic Planning For Mission-Driven Brands

(14:35) Competition is Rarely the Killer, Lack of Focus Is

(19:34) Marketing Metrics - Measure What Matters

(24:32) Discovering the Power & Impact Brands and Marketers Have

(27:14) Where Marketers Should Spend Limited Resources

(31:43) Positioning a New or Niche Brand For Mainstream Audiences

(34:16) Focus on Who's at the Center - Branding and Marketing at the Same Time

(39:36) Best and Worst About Being a CMO

(42:42) Season of Reinvention & Learning

(44:01) Advice to Younger Self: Check-in and Reassess

From higher education and marketing to hospitality and communication, this past season of Brand Story has brought together professionals from various industries to share what they’ve learned during their career journeys. In this episode, we take a look back at some of the standout moments from season three, featuring advice on company culture and operations, marketing, leadership, and brand.

Featuring guests Mita Mallick, Miyoko Schinner, Dr. Marcus Collins, Wade Forbes, Vanessa Patrick, and Will Guidara with host, Steve Gilman.

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/season-3-favorite-moments/

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) Highlights from Season 3

(00:26) Mita Mallick - Recognizing Your Biases

(04:24) Miyoko Schinner - Redefining Success and Happiness

(07:10) Dr. Marcus Collins - Start with the Soul, End with the Sell

(10:13) Wade Forbes - The Power of Visual Communication

(13:41) Vanessa Patrick - Feeling More Empowered to Say “No”

(18:07) Will Guidara - Unreasonable Hospitality