The Gutsiest Brands podcast is a show dedicated to truly understanding how bold, empathetic, and pioneering brands find their way in a hyper-competitive world.In every episode we speak to a different innovative brand leader to learn about what makes them successful, what brands they think are gutsy, and to learn a little bit about who they really are.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/10/2/20/684752b7-77a9-4558-9a27-dc2accdc4058__new_rochelle_wainer.mp3

In today’s episode, the doctor is in, Jess Gaedeke sits down to chat with Rochelle Wainer, the Senior Vice President of Global Insights &amp; Analytics for Kids 2 where she works with brands such as Ingenuity, Bright Starts, and Baby Einstein. Rochelle has a Ph.D. in Child Developmental Psychology and more than 25 years of experience with retail channels and brands including Mattel and PepsiCo. She has a history of developing actionable consumer and shopper insights and a passion for child development. Listen in while Jess and Rochelle discuss how empathy plays an integral role in building products for children and families, what the future of work looks like for today’s children and how parents can prepare them for it, and what Kids2 is doing to help with their future. Rochelle’s Bio: Rochelle Wainer is currently the Senior Vice President of Global Insights and analytics for Kids2. She leads a team that represents the voice of the consumer and shopper and delivers marketplace trends for all cross-functional teams. Rochelle is the author of the learning theories and white papers for each of the Kids2 brands and has co-hosted Instagram live sessions as an expert on tummy time and play.   Rochelle is a strategy and insights leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning industries, retail channels and brands. She has first class research knowledge and expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods as well as moderating. Rochelle is skilled at using research to answer complex problems and story-telling with strategic insights. She has a history of developing actionable consumer and shopper insights that lead to successful programs, new products and opportunities.   Rochelle has worked in insights leadership roles for Mattel and PepsiCo and started her own consulting business, Real World Insights, Inc. Her role at Kids2 allows her to incorporate her love of toys and consumer products with her expertise in child development. Rochelle began her career as a trained child and developmental psychologist, earning a Bachelor of Arts from University at Albany and both a Master’s and Ph.D. from The University of Connecticut. She is an experienced presenter and recognized for her expertise in families (kids, teens, parents), generational theory and consumer psychology. Her research passion is applying family psychology to the real world.  Rochelle is from New York but currently resides in Alpharetta, GA with her husband, 3 boys and 2 beagles.    The Baby Einstein whitepaper Rochelle references, Sparking Children&#39;s Curiosity is in Baby Einstein&#39;s DNA, can be found <a href="https://bit.ly/3PDB1Bt" rel="nofollow">here</a>.

Tiny Wins with Rochelle Wainer, Ph.D.

In today’s episode, the doctor is in, Jess Gaedeke sits down to chat with Rochelle Wainer, the Senior Vice President of Global Insights & Analytics for Kids 2 where she works with brands such as Ingenuity, Bright Starts, and Baby Einstein. Rochelle has a Ph.D. in Child Developmental Psychology and more than 25 years of experience with retail channels and brands including Mattel and PepsiCo. She has a history of developing actionable consumer and shopper insights and a passion for child development. 

Listen in while Jess and Rochelle discuss how empathy plays an integral role in building products for children and families, what the future of work looks like for today’s children and how parents can prepare them for it, and what Kids2 is doing to help with their future. 

Rochelle’s Bio: 

Rochelle Wainer is currently the Senior Vice President of Global Insights and analytics for Kids2. She leads a team that represents the voice of the consumer and shopper and delivers marketplace trends for all cross-functional teams.  Rochelle is the author of the learning theories and white papers for each of the Kids2 brands and has co-hosted Instagram live sessions as an expert on tummy time and play.  

 Rochelle is a strategy and insights leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning industries, retail channels and brands. She has first class research knowledge and expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods as well as moderating. Rochelle is skilled at using research to answer complex problems and story-telling with strategic insights. She has a history of developing actionable consumer and shopper insights that lead to successful programs, new products and opportunities.   

Rochelle has worked in insights leadership roles for Mattel and PepsiCo and started her own consulting business, Real World Insights, Inc. Her role at Kids2 allows her to incorporate her love of toys and consumer products with her expertise in child development.  

Rochelle began her career as a trained child and developmental psychologist, earning a Bachelor of Arts from University at Albany and both a Master’s and Ph.D. from The University of Connecticut.  She is an experienced presenter and recognized for her expertise in families (kids, teens, parents), generational theory and consumer psychology.  Her research passion is applying family psychology to the real world.  

Rochelle is from New York but currently resides in Alpharetta, GA with her husband, 3 boys and 2 beagles.    

The Baby Einstein whitepaper Rochelle references, Sparking Children's Curiosity is in Baby Einstein's DNA, can be found at  https://bit.ly/3PDB1Bt 





https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/9/5/20/93d8d88f-b4ea-4da7-b918-f51e89110d5c_attica_jacques.mp3

Welcome to season two of the Gutsiest Brands podcast!  We are back with more guts and more brands, and we are delighted to bring you a new collection of engaging stories and lessons from some of the world’s leading brands and brand leaders.  In today’s episode, Jess Gaedeke sits down to chat with Attica Jaques, a brand marketing leader who has worked with some of the gutsiest brands in the business. Attica has worked for global icons like Google, Under Armour, Gap, and PRADA.  Listen in while Jess and Attica discuss how including diverse perspectives can help build a successful and lasting brand, how people are the center of everything, and how the beauty industry has set the standard for diversity, equity, and inclusion.  Attica Bio: Attica Alexis Jaques is a game-changing brand marketing leader with 20+ years of experience driving growth for global icons such Google, Under Armour, Gap Inc, and PRADA. A sought-after thought leader, Attica drives business results while putting people first. She sits on the Board of Brilliant Earth and is a Founding Member of Chief NY and San Francisco. At Google, she led Brand Marketing across Consumer Apps with award-winning campaigns for Google Search. As Under Armour’s SVP of Global Brand Marketing, she managed brand strategy across all sports divisions worldwide. Attica is a global citizen having worked in San Francisco, Tokyo, Milan, and New York. She holds an MC from Columbia University and BA from UCLA. Go to the <a href="https://tolunacorporate.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands website</a> for more information on the Gutsiest Brands podcastCheck out the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?si=bface9ec3f594c71" rel="nofollow">Gustiest Brands playlist on Spotify</a> to hear the songs selected by our season 1 guests, this season the playlist is only getting better.

Listen, Learn, and Take Action with Attica Jaques

Welcome to season two of the Gutsiest Brands podcast!  We are back with more guts and more brands, and we are delighted to bring you a new collection of engaging stories and lessons from some of the world’s leading brands and brand leaders.  

In today’s episode, Jess Gaedeke sits down to chat with Attica Jaques, a brand marketing leader who has worked with some of the gutsiest brands in the business. Attica has worked for global icons like Google, Under Armour, Gap, and PRADA.  

Listen in while Jess and Attica discuss how including diverse perspectives can help build a successful and lasting brand, how people are the center of everything, and how the beauty industry has set the standard for diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Attica Bio: 

Attica Alexis Jaques is a game-changing brand marketing leader with 20+ years of experience driving growth for global icons such Google, Under Armour, Gap Inc, and PRADA. 

A sought-after thought leader, Attica drives business results while putting people first. She sits on the Board of Brilliant Earth and is a Founding Member of Chief NY and San Francisco. 

At Google, she led Brand Marketing across Consumer Apps with award-winning campaigns for Google Search. As Under Armour’s SVP of Global Brand Marketing, she managed brand strategy across all sports divisions worldwide. 

Attica is a global citizen having worked in San Francisco, Tokyo, Milan, and New York. She holds an MC from Columbia University and BA from UCLA. 

Go to the Gutsiest Brands website for more information on the Gutsiest Brands podcast

Check out the Gustiest Brands playlist on Spotify to hear the songs selected by our season 1 guests, this season the playlist is only getting better. 




https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/9/5/20/df6bc11a-f436-4061-ab1d-be971c37bfe8_gutsiest_brands_promo_9.4.23.mp3

This season we’re back with more guts and more brands, and are delighted to bring you a new collection of engaging stories and lessons from some of the world’s leading brands and brand leaders.  Subscribe to Gutsiest Brands and tune in every 3 weeks to hear a new interview with a dynamic guest.Season two kicks off Thursday, August 31st  with the brilliant Attica Jaques, a brand marketing leader who has worked at global icons such as Google, Under Armour, Gap, and PRADA.  For a little inspiration before it airs, check out the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?si=bface9ec3f594c71" rel="nofollow">Gustiest Brands playlist on Spotify</a> to hear the songs selected by our season 1 guests. This season the playlist is only getting better!

Season 2 Teaser

This season we’re back with more guts and more brands, and are delighted to bring you a new collection of engaging stories and lessons from some of the world’s leading brands and brand leaders.  Subscribe to Gutsiest Brands and tune in every 3 weeks to hear a new interview with a dynamic guest.

Season two kicks off Thursday, August 31st  with the brilliant Attica Jaques, a brand marketing leader who has worked at global icons such as Google, Under Armour, Gap, and PRADA.  

For a little inspiration before it airs, check out the Gustiest Brands playlist on Spotify to hear the songs selected by our season 1 guests. This season the playlist is only getting better!

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/4/19/21/2ec702c9-9445-4d77-880c-4d334d61ab16_miguel_garcia_castillo.mp3

In today’s episode GutCheck’s CRO Jess Gaedeke sits down to chat with Miguel Garcia Castillo, named one of Forbes The Next 1000 in 2021. He’s also the founder and principal at c/olabworks an independent venture and brand studio specialized in emerging categories and cultural trends. Listen in while Jess and Miguel discuss what’s important to Gen Z, how market research plays an essential role in his business, and his role in helping founders and brands evolve, change, and improve. Miguel’s Bio Miguel Garcia Castillo is the founder and principal at <a href="https://colabworks.co/" rel="nofollow">c/olabworks (colabworks.co),</a> an independent venture and brand studio specialized in emerging categories and culture trends.  Miguels was highlighted in the Forbes 2021 The Next 1000, entrepreneurs redefining the American Dream. He is an executive-level leader with experience in brand development, marketing, and customer experience for Fortune 500 companies and purpose-led ventures. Miguel and c/olabworks consider themselves right in the intersection between culture, community, and purpose. Brands discussed in today’s episode: <ul><li><a href="https://www.pipelinehealth.us/" rel="nofollow">Pipeline Health</a>, a community-based hospital system </li><li><a href="https://discoverwoo.com/products/aftercare-kit" rel="nofollow">WOO Tattoo After/Care Treatment</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.werenotreallystrangers.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiA3pugBhAwEiwAWFzwdV_rPG20VU_Qpxqwn1-oa2K2sSb5-w5SaCMunc_TFNeleaHVqO6hexoCLkMQAvD_BwE" rel="nofollow">We’re Not Really Strangers.</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.rarebeauty.com/" rel="nofollow">Rare Beauty</a> </li><li><a href="https://shop.serendipitybrands.com/collections/all" rel="nofollow">Serendipity Brands</a> </li><li><a href="https://www.nike.com/" rel="nofollow">Nike</a> </li></ul>Check out the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands Playlist on Spotify</a> to hear Miguel’s song choice and all of the songs recommended by the guests of our show.

Permission to Evolve with Miguel Garcia Castillo

In today’s episode GutCheck’s CRO Jess Gaedeke sits down to chat with Miguel Garcia Castillo, named one of Forbes The Next 1000 in 2021. He’s also the founder and principal at c/olabworks an independent venture and brand studio specialized in emerging categories and cultural trends.  

Listen in while Jess and Miguel discuss what’s important to Gen Z, how market research plays an essential role in his business, and his role in helping founders and brands evolve, change, and improve. 

Miguel’s Bio 

Miguel Garcia Castillo is the founder and principal at c/olabworks (colabworks.co), an independent venture and brand studio specialized in emerging categories and culture trends.  

Miguels was highlighted in the Forbes 2021 The Next 1000, entrepreneurs redefining the American Dream. He is an executive-level leader with experience in brand development, marketing, and customer experience for Fortune 500 companies and purpose-led ventures. Miguel and c/olabworks consider themselves right in the intersection between culture, community, and purpose. 

Brands discussed in today’s episode: 

Pipeline Health, a community-based hospital system 

WOO Tattoo After/Care Treatment 

We’re Not Really Strangers. 

Rare Beauty 

Serendipity Brands 

Nike 

Check out the Gutsiest Brands Playlist on Spotify to hear Miguel’s song choice and all of the songs recommended by the guests of our show.

Permission to Evolve with Miguel Garcia Castillo (colabworks.co)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/3/29/22/7774deff-febd-493d-8934-941ab5115c64_grace_jeon.mp3

In today’s episode GutCheck’s CEO Rob Wengel sits down with Grace Jeon the founding CEO of <a href="https://justwater.com/" rel="nofollow">JUST Goods, Inc</a>, Jaden Smith’s eco-friendly company, former SVP of <a href="https://www.fijiwater.com/pages/product-landing?gclid=Cj0KCQjwlPWgBhDHARIsAH2xdNeu9H6tf_UnXNVVVOxGq0dy-av5CFviZ4xObivSfswhjFEF5MYAKmAaAs5nEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&mkwid=swwKhryRU_dc&mslid=&pcrid=650247365475&pgrid=138321561001&pkw=fiji+water&pmt=e&product=&ptaid=kwd-179584222&utm_content=adcpy-delivery23&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google" rel="nofollow">FIJI Water</a>, current Head of New Ventures at <a href="https://keepcoolbags.com/" rel="nofollow">KeepCool</a>, a company dedicated to protecting the environment through reusable shopping bags, and an advisor for <a href="https://www.srve.co/" rel="nofollow">SRVE</a> and <a href="https://www.sweetwater.us/" rel="nofollow">Sweetwater Energy</a>.   Listen in while Grace walks us through her journey of taking amazing ideas and bringing them to life during her experience navigating the waters of two major ventures: Just Water and Fiji Water. She proves that success doesn’t just come from a unique product idea, it takes hard work and a little of scrappiness for it to reach its full potential. We also get to learn more about her passion for working with sustainable products and her secret hobby, spoiler alert it has to do with URLs. Oh, and what is the sexy side of marketing? – tune in and Grace will tell you.

Authenticity Always Wins with Grace Jeon

In today’s episode GutCheck’s CEO Rob Wengel sits down with Grace Jeon the founding CEO of JUST Goods, Inc, Jaden Smith’s eco-friendly company, former SVP of FIJI Water, current Head of New Ventures at KeepCool, a company dedicated to protecting the environment through reusable shopping bags, and an advisor for SRVE and Sweetwater Energy.   

Listen in while Grace walks us through her journey of taking amazing ideas and bringing them to life during her experience navigating the waters of two major ventures: Just Water and Fiji Water. She proves that success doesn’t just come from a unique product idea, it takes hard work and a little of scrappiness for it to reach its full potential. We also get to learn more about her passion for working with sustainable products and her secret hobby, spoiler alert it has to do with URLs. Oh, and what is the sexy side of marketing?  – tune in and Grace will tell you.

Authenticity Always Wins with Grace Jeon (JUST Goods, Inc)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/3/8/16/e59ea494-2a64-49e3-bf09-e439491cb547_rob_volpe.mp3

In today’s episode GutCheck’s CRO Jess Gaedeke sits down to chat with Rob Volpe, the CEO of Ignite 360, a market research company founded on the principles of curiosity and empathy. Listen in while Jess and Rob discuss how incorporating empathy into their core offerings helped Ignite 360’s clients break through and genuinely connect with their consumers, how leaning into innovation even in uncertain economic times is essential, and how to have more than just a transactional relationship with your client partners through the art of simply asking questions. Rob’s Bio: Rob Volpe is an astute observer of life and a master storyteller who brings empathy and compassion to the human experience. As CEO of Ignite 360, he leads a team of insights, strategy, and creative professionals serving the world’s leading brands across a range of industries. He is the author of Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time. As a thought leader in the role of empathy in marketing and the workplace, he is a contributor to Entrepreneur’s Leadership Network and frequently speaks on the topic at conferences, corporations, colleges, podcasts and with the media. He is a graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and lives in San Francisco with his husband and 3 cats.

Tell Me More About That with Rob Volpe

In today’s episode GutCheck’s CRO Jess Gaedeke sits down to chat with Rob Volpe, the CEO of Ignite 360, a market research company founded on the principles of curiosity and empathy.  

Listen in while Jess and Rob discuss how incorporating empathy into their core offerings helped Ignite 360’s clients break through and genuinely connect with their consumers, how leaning into innovation even in uncertain economic times is essential, and how to have more than just a transactional relationship with your client partners through the art of simply asking questions. 

Rob’s Bio: 

Rob Volpe is an astute observer of life and a master storyteller who brings empathy and compassion to the human experience. As CEO of Ignite 360, he leads a team of insights, strategy, and creative professionals serving the world’s leading brands across a range of industries. He is the author of Tell Me More About That: Solving the Empathy Crisis One Conversation at a Time. As a thought leader in the role of empathy in marketing and the workplace, he is a contributor to Entrepreneur’s Leadership Network and frequently speaks on the topic at conferences, corporations, colleges, podcasts and with the media.  He is a graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and lives in San Francisco with his husband and 3 cats.

Tell Me More About That with Rob Volpe (Ignite 360)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/2/14/20/917a7ea8-6cc4-4533-ad28-df95fe663a0a_anouck_gotlib.mp3

In today’s episode GutCheck CEO Rob Wengel sits down with Anouk Gotlib, the CEO of Belgian boys to discuss how she went from a career in fashion design to CEO of a tasty treat and breakfast company, how one plane ride changed her life, and how truly understanding how your audience feels about your product can help change your trajectory. Anouck’s Bio Anouck Gotlib, CEO of <a href="https://www.belgianboys.com/" rel="nofollow">Belgian Boys</a>, is on a mission to turn up the happy - one sweet treat and delicious breakfast at a time. Launched in 2015, Belgian Boys is in the business of fun, offering their delicious products in 5000 stores and online. She leads a passionate team dedicated to growing more than just a revenue-driven business - creating joy for customers and spreading sweetness in people&#39;s lives. Anouck was born in Antwerp, Belgium and studied fashion design before working at fashion houses including Zac Posen and Natan. Anouck spent long nights and weekends working with her husband Greg to launch the brand before stepping away from fashion and into entrepreneurship full time. In 2019 she became the company’s CEO. Anouck was named an EY Woman in 2021 and Belgian Boys has made the INC 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list in both 2020 and 2021. Anouck and Greg live in Brooklyn, NY with their two sons who start each day with Belgian Boys mini pancakes. To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>    Check out Anouck’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>. Be sure to like, follow and share!

Life is Hard, Eat a Cookie with Anouck Gotlib

In today’s episode GutCheck CEO Rob Wengel sits down with Anouk Gotlib, the CEO of Belgian boys to discuss how she went from a career in fashion design to CEO of a tasty treat and breakfast company, how one plane ride changed her life, and how truly understanding how your audience feels about your product can help change your trajectory.  

Anouck’s Bio 

Anouck Gotlib, CEO of Belgian Boys, is on a mission to turn up the happy - one sweet treat and delicious breakfast at a time. Launched in 2015, Belgian Boys is in the business of fun, offering their delicious products in 5000 stores and online. She leads a passionate team dedicated to growing more than just a revenue-driven business - creating joy for customers and spreading sweetness in people's lives. 

Anouck was born in Antwerp, Belgium and studied fashion design before working at fashion houses including Zac Posen and Natan. Anouck spent long nights and weekends working with her husband Greg to launch the brand before stepping away from fashion and into entrepreneurship full time. In 2019 she became the company’s CEO. 

Anouck was named an EY Woman in 2021 and Belgian Boys has made the INC 5000 Fastest Growing Companies list in both 2020 and 2021. Anouck and Greg live in Brooklyn, NY with their two sons who start each day with Belgian Boys mini pancakes. 

To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.    

Check out Anouck’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.  Be sure to like, follow and share!

Life is Hard, Eat a Cookie with Anouck Gotlib (Belgian Boys)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/1/25/0/b586b441-293a-4210-a4a0-1f43f4b26cc0_sudha_ranganathan.mp3

On this week’s episode, <a href="https://gutcheckit.com/" rel="nofollow">GutCheck</a>’s CRO Jess Gaedeke had the chance to speak with Sudha Ranganathan, the Director of Product Marketing on the Talent Solutions business at LinkedIn.  Listen in while Jess and Sudha discuss the importance of compassionate leadership, why making room for internal mobility is essential, and what exactly the recipe for a great leader is. Kick back and enjoy another episode of the Gutsiest Brands podcast.  Sudha’s Bio: <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sudha-ranganathan/" rel="nofollow">Sudha</a> has 17+ years of experience in marketing organizations at companies like P&amp;G, Nielsen and PayPal. She is currently a Director of Product Marketing on the Talent Solutions business at LinkedIn where her team helps employers across the world hire and develop strong talent in a new world of work. She is an advocate for Customer Centric marketing thanks to her early career in Consumer Insights before she transitioned to Product Marketing. She has a strong track record as a leader who develops high performing, psychologically safe teams. She is also a trained CTI (Co-active Training Institute) coach with a passion for unlocking the highest potential within individuals and teams. Links referred to in episode: <ul><li>Stripe <a href="https://stripe.com/newsroom/news/ceo-patrick-collisons-email-to-stripe-employees" rel="nofollow">layoff email</a> </li><li>LinkedIn <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?data=05%7C01%7Cemily.eichelberger%40gutcheckit.com%7Ce529d3a8b5454eaad0d808dabe8f8f6a%7C03220ae862e3405b8576b5b450cbac73%7C0%7C0%7C638031821050048637%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&reserved=0&sdata=A3JAXe%2F6DBL7x0xYDnU4Dh%2Byi9hcefiGjr4jmp7C020%3D&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.linkedin.com%2F2021%2Fdecember%2F21%2Fredefining-what-it-means-to-be-professional%23%3A~%3Atext%3DAnd%2520we%26%2339%3Bve%2520seen%2520these%2Cwe%2520can%2520bring%2520our%2520unique" rel="nofollow">&#34;What does it mean to be professional&#34; campaign</a> </li><li>Ariel <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?data=05%7C01%7Cemily.eichelberger%40gutcheckit.com%7Ce529d3a8b5454eaad0d808dabe8f8f6a%7C03220ae862e3405b8576b5b450cbac73%7C0%7C0%7C638031821050048637%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&reserved=0&sdata=233VHRnP5QYrJe4pcef0srNirrxoq1e3JdGrjEhpyn0%3D&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DvwW0X9f0mME" rel="nofollow">&#34;Share the Load” campaign</a> with subtitles </li><li><a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?data=05%7C01%7Cemily.eichelberger%40gutcheckit.com%7Ce529d3a8b5454eaad0d808dabe8f8f6a%7C03220ae862e3405b8576b5b450cbac73%7C0%7C0%7C638031821050204859%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&reserved=0&sdata=PgJk7Igsro4ATXrJtx778IAkYGm90rSW7UkDpmPpe%2F4%3D&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DHUubrI-h1ss" rel="nofollow">Jeff Weiner on Compassionate Leadership</a> </li></ul> To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>   Check out Sudha’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>. Be sure to like, follow and share!

Embrace the Tension with Sudha Ranganathan

On this week’s episode, GutCheck’s CRO Jess Gaedeke had the chance to speak with Sudha Ranganathan, the Director of Product Marketing on the Talent Solutions business at LinkedIn.  

Listen in while Jess and Sudha discuss the importance of compassionate leadership, why making room for internal mobility is essential, and what exactly the recipe for a great leader is. 

Kick back and enjoy another episode of the Gutsiest Brands podcast.  

Sudha’s Bio: 

Sudha has 17+ years of experience in marketing organizations at companies like P&G, Nielsen and PayPal. She is currently a Director of Product Marketing on the Talent Solutions business at LinkedIn where her team helps employers across the world hire and develop strong talent in a new world of work. She is an advocate for Customer Centric marketing thanks to her early career in Consumer Insights before she transitioned to Product Marketing. She has a strong track record as a leader who develops high performing, psychologically safe teams. She is also a trained CTI (Co-active Training Institute) coach with a passion for unlocking the highest potential within individuals and teams. 

Links referred to in episode: 

Stripe layoff email 

LinkedIn "What does it mean to be professional" campaign 

Ariel "Share the Load” campaign with subtitles 

Jeff Weiner on Compassionate Leadership 

To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.   

Check out Sudha’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.  Be sure to like, follow and share!

Embrace the Tension with Sudha Ranganathan (LinkedIn)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2023/1/12/5/b99d5c8d-9e31-446d-821a-f48be7c58a58_fredreric-charles_petit__1_.mp3

In today’s episode <a href="https://gutcheckit.com/" rel="nofollow">GutCheck</a>’s CEO Rob Wengel and <a href="https://tolunacorporate.com/" rel="nofollow">Toluna</a>’s CEO Frédéric -Charles Petit discuss the history of Toluna, how Frédéric tackles innovation, and how he tells the difference between a sign and a signal.  Frédéric’s Bio: Frédéric’s mission is to revolutionize the way brands and consumers engage with one another, with the ultimate objective of transforming the market research industry into a real-time, mass market, and social experience. Today, Toluna helps companies anywhere in the world make clearer business decisions by bringing brands and people together through its end-to-end research platform, Toluna Start, and the world’s largest social voting community, Toluna.com. To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>   Check out Frédéric’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>. Be sure to like, follow and share!

When Signs Become Signals with Frédéric Charles Petit

In today’s episode GutCheck’s CEO Rob Wengel and Toluna’s CEO Frédéric -Charles Petit discuss the history of Toluna, how Frédéric tackles innovation, and how he tells the difference between a sign and a signal.  

Frédéric’s Bio: 

Frédéric’s mission is to revolutionize the way brands and consumers engage with one another, with the ultimate objective of transforming the market research industry into a real-time, mass market, and social experience. Today, Toluna helps companies anywhere in the world make clearer business decisions by bringing brands and people together through its end-to-end research platform, Toluna Start, and the world’s largest social voting community, Toluna.com. 

To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.   

Check out Frédéric’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.  Be sure to like, follow and share!

When Signs Become Signals with Frédéric-Charles Petit (Toluna)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/12/21/0/797b9c08-9e16-48ca-a60f-f83245d45b08_angie_tebbe.mp3

In today’s episode, <a href="https://gutcheckit.com/" rel="nofollow">GutCheck</a>’s CRO Jess Gaedeke speaks with Angie Tebbe (Teh-bee), the co-founder and CEO of <a href="https://raewellness.co/" rel="nofollow">Rae Wellness.</a> Jess and Angie discuss her transition into the wellness world and why Angie thinks you could call her a “Chief Listening Officer”. Take a listen to learn all about Angie, Rae Wellness, and how Angie associates Drake with entrepreneurship. Angie’s Bio Angie Tebbe is the co-founder and CEO of Rae Wellness. A fruitful 13-year career at one of the world&#39;s most recognizable retailers, a lifelong commitment to well-being, and an endless thirst for knowledge led Angie to start Rae Wellness, a holistic wellness company that is committed to well-being for all by providing natural supplements at affordable price points. The North Dakota native grew up in a humble and holistic home. Angie&#39;s mother worked as a nurse, and her father had a deep passion for Eastern medicine. At a young age, Angie learned how to meditate and developed a curiosity for wellness. In 2018, a period of reflection sparked the idea of Rae Wellness. She gave up her title-holder role at Target, dusted off her father&#39;s books, and decided to pursue a new path.  Within a year of starting Rae, Angie launched 20 new products and orchestrated distribution in every Target location. Speaking directly to her consumer base, Angie emphasized the importance of wellness for women. Rae has reached nearly two million customers in the first two years of business, with 68% of customers falling in the 24-35 age range. Rae’s products are available at Amazon, Anthropologie, CVS Pharmacy, Target, Thrive Market, Standard Dose, Whole Foods Market, and more. Before co-founding Rae Wellness, Angie spent over a decade at Target. As a leader in merchandising, Angie spearheaded the introduction of new brands and designer collaborations while managing P&amp;L and personnel.  Outside of Rae Wellness, Angie loves traveling, cooking, and entertaining. Most importantly, she is a wife and mother of three children ranging in age from 7 years to 6 months. To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>    Check out Angie’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>. Be sure to like, follow and share!

The Anti-Silver Bullet with Angie Tebbe

In today’s episode, GutCheck’s CRO Jess Gaedeke speaks with Angie Tebbe (Teh-bee), the co-founder and CEO of Rae Wellness.  Jess and Angie discuss her transition into the wellness world and why Angie thinks you could call her a “Chief Listening Officer”. Take a listen to learn all about Angie, Rae Wellness, and how Angie associates Drake with entrepreneurship. 

Angie’s Bio 

Angie Tebbe is the co-founder and CEO of Rae Wellness. A fruitful 13-year career at one of the world's most recognizable retailers, a lifelong commitment to well-being, and an endless thirst for knowledge led Angie to start Rae Wellness, a holistic wellness company that is committed to well-being for all by providing natural supplements at affordable price points. 

The North Dakota native grew up in a humble and holistic home. Angie's mother worked as a nurse, and her father had a deep passion for Eastern medicine. At a young age, Angie learned how to meditate and developed a curiosity for wellness. In 2018, a period of reflection sparked the idea of Rae Wellness. She gave up her title-holder role at Target, dusted off her father's books, and decided to pursue a new path.  

Within a year of starting Rae, Angie launched 20 new products and orchestrated distribution in every Target location. Speaking directly to her consumer base, Angie emphasized the importance of wellness for women. Rae has reached nearly two million customers in the first two years of business, with 68% of customers falling in the 24-35 age range. Rae’s products are available at Amazon, Anthropologie, CVS Pharmacy, Target, Thrive Market, Standard Dose, Whole Foods Market, and more. 

Before co-founding Rae Wellness, Angie spent over a decade at Target. As a leader in merchandising, Angie spearheaded the introduction of new brands and designer collaborations while managing P&L and personnel.  

Outside of Rae Wellness, Angie loves traveling, cooking, and entertaining. Most importantly, she is a wife and mother of three children ranging in age from 7 years to 6 months. 

To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.    

Check out Angie’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.  Be sure to like, follow and share!

The Anti-Silver Bullet with Angie Tebbe (Rae Wellness)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/11/29/17/e796436d-8d3b-4ca3-bfe6-6cf7957e362a_todd_kaplan__1_.mp3

In today’s episode, <a href="https://gutcheckit.com/" rel="nofollow">GutCheck</a>’s CRO Jess Gaedeke chats with Todd Kaplan, the CMO of <a href="https://www.pepsico.com/" rel="nofollow">PepsiCo</a>. They discuss Pepsi’s empathetic strategy, the bold moves Pepsi has made with their initiatives, and how Todd never accepts that something can’t be done.  Todd’s Bio: Todd Kaplan is Pepsi’s Chief Marketing Officer, overseeing marketing for the Pepsi brand in North America, where he is responsible for all creative communications, brand strategy, product innovation, and commercial execution across the entire Pepsi trademark.   Recognized by Business Insider as one of the “Top 25 Most Innovative CMOs in the World”, Todd has brought a disruptive, unapologetic, and culture-forward perspective to Pepsi that has been foundational to re-energizing the brand. Since Fall of 2018, he has infused a challenger mindset into Pepsi and has brought the brand back into the cultural zeitgeist – from reinvigorating the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show platform with historic performances from JLo &amp; Shakira, Dr Dre, Snoop, Eminem, The Weeknd and many more, to developing disruptive new products like Nitro Pepsi, to putting out some of the boldest and most talked about brand creative the Pepsi brand has ever seen. Todd has also been instrumental in establishing Pepsi as an industry leader around the development of new content models, pushing the brand into new spaces including the creation of multiple television shows, long form films, and NFT projects. To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>   Check out Todd’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>. Be sure to like, follow and share!

Creativity in Constraints with Todd Kaplan

In today’s episode, GutCheck’s CRO Jess Gaedeke chats with Todd Kaplan, the CMO of PepsiCo. They discuss Pepsi’s empathetic strategy, the bold moves Pepsi has made with their initiatives, and how Todd never accepts that something can’t be done.  

Todd’s Bio: 

Todd Kaplan is Pepsi’s Chief Marketing Officer, overseeing marketing for the Pepsi brand in North America, where he is responsible for all creative communications, brand strategy, product innovation, and commercial execution across the entire Pepsi trademark.   

Recognized by Business Insider as one of the “Top 25 Most Innovative CMOs in the World”, Todd has brought a disruptive, unapologetic, and culture-forward perspective to Pepsi that has been foundational to re-energizing the brand. Since Fall of 2018, he has infused a challenger mindset into Pepsi and has brought the brand back into the cultural zeitgeist – from reinvigorating the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show platform with historic performances from JLo & Shakira, Dr Dre, Snoop, Eminem, The Weeknd and many more, to developing disruptive new products like Nitro Pepsi, to putting out some of the boldest and most talked about brand creative the Pepsi brand has ever seen. Todd has also been instrumental in establishing Pepsi as an industry leader around the development of new content models, pushing the brand into new spaces including the creation of multiple television shows, long form films, and NFT projects. 

To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.   

Check out Todd’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.  Be sure to like, follow and share!

Creativity in Constraints with Todd Kaplan (PepsiCo)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/11/15/18/6fd82816-1ed6-465e-829d-565fa83f71a4_tracey_halama.mp3

In today’s episode, Gutcheck’s CRO Jess Gaedeke speaks with Tracey Warner Halama, the CEO of Vital Proteins. Listen in as they discuss building a brand using digital tactics, how leveraging personal experience can help you keep a consumer perspective, how being in the right place at the right time helped Vital Proteins create a brand-new category and why having strong female leadership is important. Tracey’s Bio: Tracey Warner Halama currently serves as the CEO of Vital Proteins, overseeing the day-to-day business operations, and growth strategy of a high growth billion-dollar brand, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nestle Health Science who is proud to count Jennifer Aniston as their Chief Creative Officer.  Tracey has been with Vital Proteins since the inception of the company in 2014 first serving as a board member, then as Senior Vice President of Sales, Chief Revenue Officer, President and now CEO of the trendy Wellness brand that grew over 100% year on year in 2021. Prior to Vital Proteins, she spent 20 years in management in the technology industry working for Fortune 100’s like IBM, Dell, as well as several Silicon Valley startups. Tracey graduated with a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan and did post graduate work at Michigan Ross, University of Chicago Booth School of Business and recently completed Accelerated CEO Program at University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business. She is a founding member of Chief, the women’s empowerment and networking organization, is an active speaker on both leadership and consumer products topics and serves on multiple boards, including wellness/beauty brands and a Chicago based nonprofit organization.   In her free time, Tracey enjoys hiking, gardening, spending time with her two teenage daughters (the oldest is a Sophomore at the University of Michigan) and their Mini Goldendoodle and Vital Proteins Chief Puppy Officer, Ollie. To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>   Check out Tracey’s song selection, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>.

Unicorn Brand with Tracey Halama

In today’s episode, Gutcheck’s CRO Jess Gaedeke speaks with Tracey Warner Halama, the CEO of Vital Proteins. Listen in as they discuss building a brand using digital tactics, how leveraging personal experience can help you keep a consumer perspective, how being in the right place at the right time helped Vital Proteins create a brand-new category and why having strong female leadership is important. 

Tracey’s Bio: 

Tracey Warner Halama currently serves as the CEO of Vital Proteins, overseeing the day-to-day business operations, and growth strategy of a high growth billion-dollar brand, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nestle Health Science who is proud to count Jennifer Aniston as their Chief Creative Officer.  

Tracey has been with Vital Proteins since the inception of the company in 2014 first serving as a board member, then as Senior Vice President of Sales, Chief Revenue Officer, President and now CEO of the trendy Wellness brand that grew over 100% year on year in 2021. Prior to Vital Proteins, she spent 20 years in management in the technology industry working for Fortune 100’s like IBM, Dell, as well as several Silicon Valley startups. 

Tracey graduated with a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan and did post graduate work at Michigan Ross, University of Chicago Booth School of Business and recently completed Accelerated CEO Program at University of California Berkeley Haas School of Business.  She is a founding member of Chief, the women’s empowerment and networking organization, is an active speaker on both leadership and consumer products topics and serves on multiple boards, including wellness/beauty brands and a Chicago based nonprofit organization.   

In her free time, Tracey enjoys hiking, gardening, spending time with her two teenage daughters (the oldest is a Sophomore at the University of Michigan) and their Mini Goldendoodle and Vital Proteins Chief Puppy Officer, Ollie. 

To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.   

Check out Tracey’s song selection, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.

Unicorn Brand with Tracey Halama (Vital Proteins)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/10/28/21/d323d983-e350-42e2-8726-c33be0303db0_orion_brown.mp3

<a href="https://gutcheckit.com/" rel="nofollow">GutCheck’s</a> CRO Jess Gaedeke, a former Leader at Nielsen, had the chance to speak with Orion Brown, the Found and &amp; CEO <a href="https://theblacktravelbox.com/" rel="nofollow">BlackTravelBox</a>, a premium clean beauty targeting women of color. Orion is a brand strategy consultant with over fifteen years experience leading cross-functional teams across multiple industries. She combined her expansive expertise of consumer insights, brand strategy, and product and packaging innovation with her passion for travel, to create a product line that truly impacts peoples’ lives. In today’s episode, Jess learns from Orion all about the adventure of building a business, how her personal experience helped identify a huge opportunity in the personal care space, and why being “exclusive” isn’t always a bad thing. Orion’s Bio:  Orion Brown, Founder &amp; CEO of BlackTravelBox®, a premium clean beauty brand targeting women of color. She is a brand strategy consultant by day with over fifteen years’ experience dynamically leading cross-functional teams across multiple industries. Her areas of deep expertise include consumer insights, brand strategy, product and packaging innovation, operations, and portfolio management. Before becoming an entrepreneur, she led brand strategy for Oracle, led consumer brand marketing efforts for the Transformers and My Little Pony digital brands at Hasbro, and she spent the bulk of her brand career at Kraft Foods. There she led marketing, management, and operations initiatives across several beloved global brands. She received her Bachelor of Arts from The University of Chicago and holds an MBA from Duke University. Orion is a lover of travel and food, spending most of her free time outside of career pursuing the best of both. To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>   Check out Orion’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>. Be sure to like, follow and share!

She Deserves More with Orion Brown

GutCheck’s CRO Jess Gaedeke, a former Leader at Nielsen, had the chance to speak with Orion Brown, the Found and & CEO BlackTravelBox, a premium clean beauty targeting women of color. Orion is a brand strategy consultant with over fifteen years experience leading cross-functional teams across multiple industries. She combined her expansive expertise of consumer insights, brand strategy, and product and packaging innovation with her passion for travel, to create a product line that truly impacts peoples’ lives. 

In today’s episode, Jess learns from Orion all about the adventure of building a business, how her personal experience helped identify a huge opportunity in the personal care space, and why being “exclusive” isn’t always a bad thing. 

Orion’s Bio:  

Orion Brown, Founder & CEO of BlackTravelBox®, a premium clean beauty brand targeting women of color. She is a brand strategy consultant by day with over fifteen years’ experience dynamically leading cross-functional teams across multiple industries. Her areas of deep expertise include consumer insights, brand strategy, product and packaging innovation, operations, and portfolio management. 

Before becoming an entrepreneur, she led brand strategy for Oracle, led consumer brand marketing efforts for the Transformers and My Little Pony digital brands at Hasbro, and she spent the bulk of her brand career at Kraft Foods. There she led marketing, management, and operations initiatives across several beloved global brands. 

She received her Bachelor of Arts from The University of Chicago and holds an MBA from Duke University. 

Orion is a lover of travel and food, spending most of her free time outside of career pursuing the best of both. 

 To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.   

Check out Orion’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.  Be sure to like, follow and share! 




She Deserves More with Orion Brown (BlackTravelBox)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/10/11/15/6ecbf1f3-1bca-4836-aacd-4b5a39108f27_ellen_bradley.mp3

In today’s episode GutCheck CEO Rob Wengel sits down to chat with Ellen Bradley, the Chief Brand Officer and SVP Marketing &amp; Communications for National Marine Manufacturers Association, the leading trade association for the North American recreational boating industry. Listen in while Rob and Ellen discuss how she found her way from a degree in journalism to manning the helm in the boating industry and how she tackles selling a lifestyle versus a product. Ellen’s Bio: Ellen Bradley is the Chief Brand Officer and SVP Marketing &amp; Communications for National Marine Manufacturers Association, the leading trade association for the North American recreational boating industry. A creative strategist and brand storyteller, on behalf of NMMA’s 1,300 member companies, Bradley leads the Discover Boating brand, oversees marketing and communications for its 12 boat shows across the United States, and helps share the recreational boating industry’s voice as it engages with its many audiences – from boaters to investors to policy makers. She recently led the re-brand of Discover Boating and creation of its new campaign, “See You Out Here”, working with current boaters to invite the next generation to experience the joy of life in, on and under the water.  Bradley volunteers her time across the outdoor community and sits on the boards of directors for the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the Water Sports Industry Association. She is the Communications Chair for the Center for Sportfishing Policy and a member of the Corporate Leadership Council for the non-profit College to Congress. Bradley holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two small children and can be found boating on and running along Lake Michigan. To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>   Check out Ellen&#39;s song choice, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>. Be sure to like, follow and share

Sail Away with Ellen Bradley

In today’s episode GutCheck CEO Rob Wengel sits down to chat with Ellen Bradley, the Chief Brand Officer and SVP Marketing & Communications for National Marine Manufacturers Association, the leading trade association for the North American recreational boating industry. 

Listen in while Rob and Ellen discuss how she found her way from a degree in journalism to manning the helm in the boating industry and how she tackles selling a lifestyle versus a product. 

Ellen’s Bio: 

Ellen Bradley is the Chief Brand Officer and SVP Marketing & Communications for National Marine Manufacturers Association, the leading trade association for the North American recreational boating industry. A creative strategist and brand storyteller, on behalf of NMMA’s 1,300 member companies, Bradley leads the Discover Boating brand, oversees marketing and communications for its 12 boat shows across the United States, and helps share the recreational boating industry’s voice as it engages with its many audiences – from boaters to investors to policy makers. She recently led the re-brand of Discover Boating and creation of its new campaign, “See You Out Here”, working with current boaters to invite the next generation to experience the joy of life in, on and under the water.  

Bradley volunteers her time across the outdoor community and sits on the boards of directors for the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation and the Water Sports Industry Association. She is the Communications Chair for the Center for Sportfishing Policy and a member of the Corporate Leadership Council for the non-profit College to Congress. Bradley holds a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She lives in Chicago with her husband and two small children and can be found boating on and running along Lake Michigan. 

To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.   

Check out Ellen's song choice, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.  Be sure to like, follow and share

Sail Away with Ellen Bradley (National Marine Manufacturers Association)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/9/20/15/c1e43a43-6d8d-43f7-8fae-9e67ea0165f3_todd_smith.mp3

On today’s episode, GutCheck CRO Jess Gaedeke speaks with and Todd Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at Traeger Grills. Jess and Todd discuss Traeger’s fascinating campaigns that put consumers in the driver seat, how inclusivity plays a role in marketing, and why Todd feels like he can relate to Forrest Gump. Todd’s Bio Todd Smith is the Chief Marketing Officer at Traeger Grills and former Chief Marketing Officer at EXOS and Group Brand Director, vitaminwater/glaceau at The Coca-Cola Company. Traeger Grills has been revolutionizing BBQ grilling and outdoor cooking for over 30 years with one simple, all-encompassing cooking solution. Todd is a results oriented and experienced brand marketer with expertise in brand strategy/positioning, CPG, youth/lifestyle marketing, product &amp; packaging innovation, design, advertising &amp; communications, interactive/social media, field marketing, and sports &amp; entertainment marketing. To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>   Check out Todd’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>. Be sure to like, follow and share!

Live the Brand with Todd Smith

On today’s episode, GutCheck CRO Jess Gaedeke speaks with and Todd Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at Traeger Grills. Jess and Todd discuss Traeger’s fascinating campaigns that put consumers in the driver seat, how inclusivity plays a role in marketing, and why Todd feels like he can relate to Forrest Gump. 

Todd’s Bio 

Todd Smith is the Chief Marketing Officer at Traeger Grills and former Chief Marketing Officer at EXOS and Group Brand Director, vitaminwater/glaceau at The Coca-Cola Company. Traeger Grills has been revolutionizing BBQ grilling and outdoor cooking for over 30 years with one simple, all-encompassing cooking solution. Todd is a results oriented and experienced brand marketer with expertise in brand strategy/positioning, CPG, youth/lifestyle marketing, product & packaging innovation, design, advertising & communications, interactive/social media, field marketing, and sports & entertainment marketing. 

To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.   

Check out Todd’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.  Be sure to like, follow and share!

Live the Brand with Todd Smith (Traeger Grills)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/8/30/23/51a1548e-83b8-4114-841f-e58a200c2b86_irena_todd.mp3

Jess Gaedeke, CRO of <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/" rel="nofollow">GutCheck,</a> a former Leader at Nielsen, speaks with Irena Todd, the CO-CEO and CO-Founder of <a href="https://freshmonster.com/" rel="nofollow">Fresh Monster</a>. Fresh Monster was born out of the belief that there shouldn’t be tradeoffs when it comes to keeping kids clean. Their natural plant-based products are designed and formulated for kids. In today’s episode, Jess and Irena dig into to exactly what it takes to build a brand, and spoiler, it takes a village, from women supporting women, to a work environment that empowers parents and promotes a work life balance that isn’t just balanced, but blended. Irena’s Bio Irena Todd is CO-CEO &amp; CO-Founder of Fresh Monster, a fast-growing personal care brand with a mission to get kids clean without toxins, tears or breaking the bank. Fresh Monster was selected for the Telluride Venture Accelerator, Burt’s Bees Launchpad, was featured in CNBC, Fast Company and The Wall Street Journal among others, and most importantly is universally loved by kids and parents.  Before diving into the entrepreneurship waters, she managed some of the world’s largest personal care brands such as Axe Hair, TRESemmé and Degree. She also spent several years in strategy consulting at Deloitte advising brands in the tech, food and personal care space.  Irena has an MBA from the University of Michigan, and a BS in Business from University of California at Berkeley. She is a symphony junky, surfing enthusiast and avid reader. To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>   Check out Irena’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>. Be sure to like, follow and share!

Light Bulb Moment with Irena Todd

Jess Gaedeke, CRO of GutCheck, a former Leader at Nielsen, speaks with Irena Todd, the CO-CEO and CO-Founder of Fresh Monster. Fresh Monster was born out of the belief that there shouldn’t be tradeoffs when it comes to keeping kids clean. Their natural plant-based products are designed and formulated for kids. 

In today’s episode, Jess and Irena dig into to exactly what it takes to build a brand, and spoiler, it takes a village, from women supporting women, to a work environment that empowers parents and promotes a work life balance that isn’t just balanced, but blended. 

Irena’s Bio 

Irena Todd is CO-CEO & CO-Founder of Fresh Monster, a fast-growing personal care brand with a mission to get kids clean without toxins, tears or breaking the bank. Fresh Monster was selected for the Telluride Venture Accelerator, Burt’s Bees Launchpad, was featured in CNBC, Fast Company and The Wall Street Journal among others, and most importantly is universally loved by kids and parents.  

Before diving into the entrepreneurship waters, she managed some of the world’s largest personal care brands such as Axe Hair, TRESemmé and Degree. She also spent several years in strategy consulting at Deloitte advising brands in the tech, food and personal care space.  

Irena has an MBA from the University of Michigan, and a BS in Business from University of California at Berkeley. She is a symphony junky, surfing enthusiast and avid reader. 

To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.   

Check out Irena’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.  Be sure to like, follow and share!

Light Bulb Moment with Irena Todd (Fresh Monster)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/8/9/21/0ac67f3f-7c19-435a-a571-18f66a556255_paul_howarth.mp3

In this episode, Rob Wengel the CEO of <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/" rel="nofollow">GutCheck,</a> sits down with Paul Howarth, CEO at Akuman &amp; <a href="https://pansensic.com/" rel="nofollow">Pansensic</a>. Paul, who one might call a “non-marketing CEO”, dives into his belief that the perseverance of personal struggle can lead to improved human understanding which can help us unlock innovation in new and exciting way. Paul’s Bio Through his company, Pansensic, Paul helps clients understand and gain insights into their qualitative information. This includes the analysis of feedback, complaints, comments, opinions, blogs, tweets and more.  Paul has spent his lifetime finding ways to do things better. He is passionate about making a difference, and not just in data analysis. Through his extreme beach cleaning project ‘Healthy Oceans’, Paul spends his spare time removing pollution from inaccessible areas of coastline. His technology aims to combine/ harness data with the physical efforts of individuals actively assisting beach clean-ups, to create a healthier world. Let’s listen in and hear a totally new perspective on what it means for a brand to have guts! Listener discretion is advised as there are a few references to suicide in today’s episode. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact the <a href="https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/" rel="nofollow">Suicide Prevention Lifeline</a> at 1-800-273-8255 or by using the Lifeline chat on their website. To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>   Check out Paul’s recommended song, and other songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>. Be sure to like, follow and share the playlist!

Live Together with Paul Howarth

In this episode, Rob Wengel the CEO of GutCheck, sits down with Paul Howarth, CEO at Akuman & Pansensic. Paul, who one might call a “non-marketing CEO”, dives into his belief that the perseverance of personal struggle can lead to improved human understanding which can help us unlock innovation in new and exciting way. 

Paul’s Bio 

Through his company, Pansensic, Paul helps clients understand and gain insights into their qualitative information. This includes the analysis of feedback, complaints, comments, opinions, blogs, tweets and more.  

Paul has spent his lifetime finding ways to do things better. He is passionate about making a difference, and not just in data analysis. Through his extreme beach cleaning project ‘Healthy Oceans’, Paul spends his spare time removing pollution from inaccessible areas of coastline. His technology aims to combine/ harness data with the physical efforts of individuals actively assisting beach clean-ups, to create a healthier world. 

Let’s listen in and hear a totally new perspective on what it means for a brand to have guts! 

Listener discretion is advised as there are a few references to suicide in today’s episode. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or by using the Lifeline chat on their website. 

To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.   

Check out Paul’s recommended song, and other songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.  Be sure to like, follow and share the playlist!

Live Together with Paul Howarth (Pansensic)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/7/19/21/b18effab-74d5-48d8-96c4-41c9c9ac474b_joel_bines__1_.mp3

In today’s episode GutCheck CEO and Springsteen superfan, Rob Wengel sits down to chat with Joel Bines. Let&#39;s listen as Rob and Joel discuss The METAIL Economy, and dig into what the me-centric consumer revolution actually is. We’ll learn what kind of changes brands need to make in order to thrive in this revolution. Joel’s Bio: Joel Bines is managing director and co-head of the global Retail practice at the business consulting firm <a href="https://www.alixpartners.com/" rel="nofollow">AlixPartners</a>. He is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading operational strategists with a 30-year track record of improving performance at retailers, brands and consumer companies. Among the media that look to him for analysis are The New York Times, Business Insider, CNBC and the Wall Street Journal, among others. Joel is the author of <a href="https://metaileconomy.com/" rel="nofollow">The METAIL Economy</a>, a book on business strategies to thrive in the me-centric consumer revolution. To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>   Check out Joel’s song selection, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>.

The METAIL Economy with Joel Bines

In today’s episode GutCheck CEO and Springsteen superfan, Rob Wengel sits down to chat with Joel Bines. 

Let's listen as Rob and Joel discuss The Metail Economy, and dig into what the me-centric consumer revolution actually is. We’ll learn what kind of changes brands need to make in order to thrive in this revolution. 

Joel’s Bio: 

Joel Bines is managing director and co-head of the global Retail practice at the business consulting firm AlixPartners. He is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading operational strategists with a 30-year track record of improving performance at retailers, brands and consumer companies. Among the media that look to him for analysis are The New York Times, Business Insider, CNBC and the Wall Street Journal, among others. Joel is the author of The Metail Economy, a book on business strategies to thrive in the me-centric consumer revolution. 

To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.   

Check out Joel’s song selection, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.

The METAIL Economy with Joel Bines (AlixPartners)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/6/29/14/f27f988f-44b9-4d59-8a56-7d434afce0a0_nick_graham___brigette_wolf.mp3

In today’s episode we learn what it really means to be a strong leader, what the “Empathy Illusion” is, and we discuss fantastic marketing campaigns such as the groundbreaking and memorable <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpfLklSG2dQ" rel="nofollow">Oreo campaign</a> and the innovative and clever way Cadbury India leveraged AI to help hundreds of local businesses. Nick’s Bio: Nick is the Global Head of Insights &amp; Analytics for <a href="https://www.mondelezinternational.com/" rel="nofollow"> Mondelēz International, Inc. </a> (makers of brands such as Oreo, Cadbury Dairy Milk, LU, Milka, Toblerone, Sour Patch Kids and Trident) where his team uses a blend of data science and deep human insight to drive better business decisions. He has over 20 years’ experience in insights &amp; analytics and prior to joining Mondelēz in 2021 spent almost a decade with PepsiCo in both global and local market leadership roles Brigette’s Bio: Brigette Wolf serves as Vice President, Global Head of <a href="https://www.snackfutures.com/" rel="nofollow">SnackFutures</a>, Mondelēz International’s innovation and venture hub which launched in 2018 as part of the global snack leader’s growth agenda. SnackFutures focuses on building and growing well-being and premium brands through a model of Invent and Venture. In her role, Brigette is responsible for fueling the company’s innovation pipeline by creating and launching SnackFutures brands as well as identifying and solidifying strategic investment opportunities. Brigette also oversees the new start-up engagement program CoLab, which launched in 2021 to discover and collaborate with emerging entrepreneurs. Brigette has been with Mondelēz International for 7 years, and in that time served as the senior director of Global Platform Innovation for the Gum &amp; Candy and Biscuits categories as well as the senior brand manager for Global belVita innovation. Prior to this Brigette was with Kraft Foods for almost 10 years having served as the Global Innovation Manager for Oreo and the Brand Manager of several of the pizza and meal brands. To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>   Check out Nick and Brigette’s recommended songs, and songs picked by our previous guests, visit the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>.

A Story Behind Every Number with Nick Graham and Brigette Wolf

In today’s episode we learn what it really means to be a strong leader, what the “Empathy Illusion” is, and we discuss fantastic marketing campaigns such as the groundbreaking and memorable Oreo campaign and the innovative and clever way Cadbury India leveraged AI to help hundreds of local businesses. 

Nick’s Bio: 

Nick is the Global Head of Insights & Analytics for  Mondelēz International, Inc.  (makers of brands such as Oreo, Cadbury Dairy Milk, LU, Milka, Toblerone, Sour Patch Kids and Trident) where his team uses a blend of data science and deep human insight to drive better business decisions. He has over 20 years’ experience in insights & analytics and prior to joining Mondelēz in 2021 spent almost a decade with PepsiCo in both global and local market leadership roles 

Brigette’s Bio: 

Brigette Wolf serves as Vice President, Global Head of SnackFutures, Mondelēz International’s innovation and venture hub which launched in 2018 as part of the global snack leader’s growth agenda. 

SnackFutures focuses on building and growing well-being and premium brands through a model of Invent and Venture. In her role, Brigette is responsible for fueling the company’s innovation pipeline by creating and launching SnackFutures brands as well as identifying and solidifying strategic investment opportunities. Brigette also oversees the new start-up engagement program CoLab, which launched in 2021 to discover and collaborate with emerging entrepreneurs. 

Brigette has been with Mondelēz International for 7 years, and in that time served as the senior director of Global Platform Innovation for the Gum & Candy and Biscuits categories as well as the senior brand manager for Global belVita innovation. Prior to this Brigette was with Kraft Foods for almost 10 years having served as the Global Innovation Manager for Oreo and the Brand Manager of several of the pizza and meal brands. 

To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.   

Check out Nick and Brigette’s recommended songs, and songs picked by our previous guests, visit the Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.

A Story Behind Every Number with Nick Graham and Brigette Wolf (Mondelēz International, Inc.)

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2022/6/8/4/9051c8b0-fd29-45a9-95ae-be46b2cd8fc8_denise_woodard.mp3

Jess Gaedeke, CRO of <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/" rel="nofollow">GutCheck,</a> a former Leader at Nielsen, speaks with Denise Woodard, the founder and CEO of <a href="https://partakefoods.com/" rel="nofollow">Partake Foods</a>. In this episode, Denise talks all about the non-glamorous side of starting a business, about being the first black woman to raise $1M for a food and beverage company, and the steps she’s taking to ensure the door is help open for other people of color who are interested in the food and beverage industry. Denise’s Bio Denise is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, a natural food company that was inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Launched in 2017, Partake’s first product — delicious, better for you, allergy-friendly cookies — can now be found in more than 8,000 retailers including Target, Trader Joe&#39;s, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market.  In 2021, Partake released a line of Baking Mixes—Brownie Mix, Blondie Mix, and a Pizza Crust Baking Mix—all available on <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?data=04%7C01%7Cemily.eichelberger%40gutcheckit.com%7C65309cb0146043c4d19508da18229b2b%7C03220ae862e3405b8576b5b450cbac73%7C0%7C0%7C637848834912220605%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000&reserved=0&sdata=BcSSDVK11n6QNXZ%2BgYVCkQQNxjGaWVoxZXmKnd%2FGJzk%3D&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpartakefoods.com%2F" rel="nofollow">partakefoods.com</a>. In January 2022, Partake introduced Pancake &amp; Waffle Mixes in Classic &amp; Confetti flavors available at select Target stores nationwide. Denise is the first Black woman to raise more than $1 Million publicly for a CPG food startup. To date, the company has raised over $7.5M from investors including HER, Rihanna, CircleUp Growth Partners, FF2032 and Marcy Venture Partners.  Prior to launching Partake, Denise spent a decade in consumer packaged goods at various Fortune 100 companies, most recently as the Director of National Sales for Coca-Cola&#39;s Venturing &amp; Emerging Brands division. She lives in New York City with her husband, Jeremy, and daughter, Vivienne. She graduated with her BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from Arizona State University. To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the <a href="https://www.gutcheckit.com/gutsiest-brands/" rel="nofollow">Gutsiest Brands webpage.</a>   Check out Denise’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3vgwGTJ7lODuxooWOOcA9q?nd=1&si=871badb1a9614bee" rel="nofollow">Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist</a>. Be sure to like, follow and share!

Holding the Door Wide Open with Denise Woodard

Jess Gaedeke, CRO of GutCheck, a former Leader at Nielsen, speaks with Denise Woodard, the founder and CEO of Partake Foods. In this episode, Denise talks all about the non-glamorous side of starting a business, about being the first black woman to raise $1M for a food and beverage company, and the steps she’s taking to ensure the door is help open for other people of color who are interested in the food and beverage industry. 

Denise’s Bio 

Denise is the Founder and CEO of Partake Foods, a natural food company that was inspired by her daughter’s experience with food allergies. Launched in 2017, Partake’s first product — delicious, better for you, allergy-friendly cookies — can now be found in more than 8,000 retailers including Target, Trader Joe's, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market.  

In 2021, Partake released a line of Baking Mixes—Brownie Mix, Blondie Mix, and a Pizza Crust Baking Mix—all available on partakefoods.com. In January 2022, Partake introduced Pancake & Waffle Mixes in Classic & Confetti flavors available at select Target stores nationwide. 

Denise is the first Black woman to raise more than $1 Million publicly for a CPG food startup. To date, the company has raised over $7.5M from investors including HER, Rihanna, CircleUp Growth Partners, FF2032 and Marcy Venture Partners.  

Prior to launching Partake, Denise spent a decade in consumer packaged goods at various Fortune 100 companies, most recently as the Director of National Sales for Coca-Cola's Venturing & Emerging Brands division. She lives in New York City with her husband, Jeremy, and daughter, Vivienne. She graduated with her BA from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MBA from Arizona State University. 

To learn more about what it means to be gutsy, check out the Gutsiest Brands webpage.   

Check out Denise’s recommended song, and songs picked by our previous guests, by visiting the Spotify – Gutsiest Brands Podcast Playlist.  Be sure to like, follow and share! 



Holding the Door Wide Open with Denise Woodard (Partake Foods)

Gutsiest Brands

The Gutsiest Brands podcast is a show dedicated to truly understanding how bold, empathetic, and pioneering brands find their way in a hyper-competitive world.

In every episode we speak to a different innovative brand leader to learn about what makes them successful, what brands they think are gutsy, and to learn a little bit about who they really are.