How does one come up with great ideas? Some may think they?re random strokes of genius, but Rob Reilly knows it takes a mix of hard work and creativity?the truest embodiment of math and magic. Now the Chief Creative Officer of WPP, Rob built his stunning reputation on work that is memorable and buzzy, from campaigns for companies like American Express and Burger King to the ?Fearless Girl? statue that still stands in Manhattan?s Financial District. These works weren?t strokes of genius. They emerged from decades of Rob tirelessly logging ideas and learning his business inside and out. Listen to hear Rob explain his creative process and reflect on some of the most important moments of his career, from the college party that landed him his first advertising job to the time he took a demotion and pay cut to improve his craft. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Country music is the biggest radio music format and Nashville?s Scott Borchetta knows the genre inside and out. He?s the founder, president, and CEO of Big Machine Label Group and the founder of Big Machine Distillery. Scott has signed deals with artists like Tim McGraw, Jewel, Lady A, Zac Brown Band, Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, and many others.  Scott sits down to talk about his impressive career, from how he discovered his place in the music industry to when he knew it was the right time to go out on his own. His optimism, strategic thinking, and competitive spirit has helped him master music promotion and he feels more energized than ever to take on the next big thing. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Audiences love a spectacle, and Kenneth Feld knows better than anyone how true this is. As the Chairman and CEO of Feld Entertainment, he?s an acclaimed visionary when it comes to live, family friendly theatrics. He took over the business from his father, who founded it back in 1967 when he discovered the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Kenneth sat down with Bob to describe how he maintains the company?s core principles, from valuing families above all else to championing live entertainment as a way of bringing people together?even during a global pandemic.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kellyn Smith Kenny was born to innovate. From her early years, she was a textbook over-achiever, thriving as both an athlete and a mathlete and joining any additional club she could squeeze her way into. Growing up, she watched her mom run a hospital and her dad contribute to groundbreaking work at Bell Labs, inspiring her to dedicate herself to meaningful work. This well-rounded foundation has taken Kellyn far in the world of marketing. Her resume is stacked with giants of business like Microsoft, Hilton, Capital One, and Uber, where she learned to approach work like she?s captain of a sports team. Knowing the game inside and out and fostering a diverse, cohesive team is of the utmost importance. Currently, as the Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at AT&T, she has continued making bold moves to breathe new life into an iconic brand. She sat down with Bob to explain just how she does it. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman for the new season of Math & Magic: Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing, starting Thursday, February 29th. This season, Bob sits down with leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries across music, film, live entertainment, marketing, and more. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech pioneer Ted Leonsis is never one to shy away from a challenge. He?s an uncanny trend spotter, from his beginnings at companies like Wang Laboratories and AOL to his current role as Founder and CEO of Monumental Sports and Entertainment. He?s also the ambitious co-founder of investment group Revolution Growth and even did a stint as mayor of a small Florida town. But before college, Ted was a self-described ?lazy? student who would just get by. So, what changed? In this conversation, Ted tells Bob about the monumental event that changed the trajectory of his life and ignited his passion for technology. He also explains how a near death experience propelled him to create a list of 101 things to do before he died ? a list that guides and motivates him in all aspects of his life to this day. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Howard Makler knows how vital small and medium-sized businesses are to the economy. But he also knows not everyone appreciates their value. A successful serial entrepreneur and CEO of Innovation Refunds, Howard is working to make sure smaller businesses are no longer ignored. Innovation Refunds helps small businesses gain access to government funding, along with the knowledge, resources, and technology to succeed. Howard started small too?he founded his first company out of his bedroom at 13 years old?and knows that paths to success aren?t always traditional. Bob sat down with Howard to hear how he went from opting out of college to teaching classes at Wharton. Howard also shares what big businesses can learn from small businesses ? and why taking care of your employees should be a priority for every company, regardless of size.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world of media is ever-changing ? and no one has played it quite like Jacki Kelley, CEO of the Americas and Global Chief Client Officer of advertising giant, Dentsu. Jacki has been at the center of media and advertising for the last 25 years, with leadership roles at USA Today, Yahoo, Martha Stewart Living, and Bloomberg. Her deep understanding of the media landscape has put her in a valuable position to both manage Dentsu?s global portfolio of clients and lead a team that is always looking to where to go next, from exciting ways to use AI, to more precise messaging that powerfully connects with individuals. But what people may not know is that Jacki comes from a fifth generation cattle ranching family and has been a foster parent for more than 20 children. Bob sits down with Jacki to find out how these experiences have shaped her approach to business, leadership, and company culture.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Bon Jovi is so well known that when his songs play, everyone can sing along ? even those born well after they first hit the radio. That kind of success is rare in the music business and a lot of artists would stop there. Yet Jon has tackled a number of ventures, bringing a magic touch to everything he?s involved in, from entrepreneurship to philanthropy. With Hampton Water, he turned a family joke into a top rosé brand. With Soul Kitchen, he created a first of its kind community restaurant for those in need. Live from Miami at the POSSIBLE conference, Jon tells Bob about his secret to remaining timeless ? which he credits to ignoring trends and staying true to himself. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At its core, radio is a community service. No one knows that better than Angela Yee. She?s been on the airwaves for over a decade as a founding member of The Breakfast Club, host of her midday show, Way Up, and now the podcast, Lip Service. Angela is a friend and mentor to her listeners and she?s no different off the air. As an entrepreneur, she finds creative ways to help others. From juice bars, to coffee, to open conversations about finance, she spreads the wealth of her successful career to communities in need. Recording live from the NAB Show (National Association of Broadcasters) in Las Vegas, Angela recounts this journey to Bob. Listen to hear how she went from Wu-Tang Clan?s assistant to a respected voice in hip hop and beyond. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For so long, Paris Hilton?s story was told for her ? in tabloids, through her persona on The Simple Life, and in the context of her legendary family. Now, Paris has taken the reins. She?s used her power as the original influencer to show her true self on social media, through entrepreneurship, and as an activist. From documentaries to podcasts to successful brands, there?s now so many ways to get to know the real Paris. She sat down with Bob to share how she helped build influencer marketing into the phenomenon it is today, and how she learned to use her voice in every facet of her success. Listen to hear how she went from running a lemonade stand in Malibu to building a successful brand ?while becoming a world-renowned DJ along the way. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These days, a lot of actors double as entrepreneurs. Yet no one has had their finger on the pulse quite like Gwyneth Paltrow. Before everyone else was doing it, the Academy Award winner started a newsletter with personally curated recipes, travel tips, beauty items, and more. That grew into the lifestyle brand Goop. From its clothing line to its podcast, Goop?s offerings have captivated customers who are just as obsessed with health and wellness as its founder. Gwyneth sat down with Bob to discuss how she came into her own as a CEO. When she became an entrepreneur, a retail job at Penny Whistle Toys was one of the few non-acting gigs on Gwyneth?s resume. Listen to hear how that early experience, plus belief in service to others and staying true to herself have been among the keys to her success. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allen Grubman is a legend in the music business, but he?s not a musician. He?s an entertainment lawyer who for over 50 years has been making deals for superstars in music and media. He?s a trusted advisor to Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, and, of course, Bob Pittman. Bob sat down with his longtime friend and confidante to learn how he went from Brooklyn kid to Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. All it took was a stint singing on NBC?s Children?s Hour, an infectious personality, and a keen attention to the business of music. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Boom Supersonic, Blake Scholl is reaching for the impossible. When the Concorde was grounded in 2003, dreams of a profitable model for supersonic aviation were abandoned. It took an introverted kid obsessed with aviation to prove skeptics wrong. Today, Boom has orders to make over 100 supersonic aircrafts for the US Airforce, United Airlines, and more, ensuring that supersonic travel is about to make a comeback. Of course, Blake didn?t achieve this overnight. He sat down with Bob to relay how his time in the early days of tech at Amazon and Groupon taught him the do?s and dont?s of startups and how he realized that above all else, it?s passion that makes a business soar. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join iHeartMedia Chairman and CEO Bob Pittman for the new season of Math & Magic: Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing.

This season, Bob sits down with leaders across various fields ?from A-list entrepreneurs to a supersonic aviator and everyone in-between?to learn how they?ve used data and creativity to push their businesses into the future. There?s nothing these visionaries can?t teach us about how to find success in our ever-changing world.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You might be surprised to learn that legendary sportscaster Colin Cowherd rarely checks his ratings. As he puts it: checking your ratings doesn?t make your ratings better. Instead, Colin has some other tried-and-true ways to build an engaged audience? and it shows. With his program on Fox Sports and two podcast networks in partnership with iHeartPodcasts, Colin hasn?t just built an audience, he?s built an empire. Colin joins Bob to share insights on audience growth, his advice for advertisers and what lessons from pro athletes we can apply to any industry.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout the tumultuous pandemic, Christian Juhl kept a steady hand at the helm of GroupM at WPP?the world?s largest advertising and media investment company. The key to Christian?s powerful leadership lies within his early experiences in the eye of the dot com boom and bust. The memories of wondering whether his paychecks would cash have not faded, and neither have the corresponding lessons. Listen as Christian shares those lessons with Bob; plus, how Christian and his team are leveraging GroupM?s size to change the industry, and the world, for the better.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a brief stint as a Blackjack dealer, Mike Meldman thought he?d try his hand as a real estate developer. Cut to the present: Mike and his team at Discovery Land Company have created over thirty luxury communities worldwide. But Mike is not just providing four walls and a roof: he?s providing community. Bob sits down to find out how Mike has achieved that? and where Casamigos, the award-winning tequila brand Mike co-founded, fits in.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although Byron Sharp grew up on a sheep farm, he?s spent his career defying herd mentality. As Director of the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science, Byron has debunked marketing conventions and helped brands stick to what works. Along the way, he wrote the seminal book ?How Brands Grow,? which you can find on any CMO?s desk who is worth their salt. In today?s special episode of Math & Magic, Bob shares the mic with iHeart?s CMO Gayle Troberman for a conversation with Byron on the marketing strategies backed by science.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It?s impossible to make good business decisions with bad information. That?s where truth-seeking reporters like Stephanie Ruhle come in. Host of the 11th Hour on MSNBC and Senior Business Analyst for NBC News, Stephanie has brought truth and accountability to power by breaking momentous stories like the London Whale loss. Bob talks to Stephanie about how she navigated a major career pivot, the surprising role New York City restaurants played in her career advancements, and how companies can get media coverage (spoiler alert: it?s easier than you think!).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2019, the Black Information Network? a full-time news service by and for the black community? was in the early stages of planning at iHeartMedia. But when George Floyd was murdered, Tony Coles, one of iHeart?s Division Presidents who had been overseeing BIN?s development, knew the platform needed to launch immediately. Tony, now President of BIN, reflects on how he and his team were able to spring into action so effectively, some stories that have made the biggest impact, and why triumphs deserve as much coverage as tragedies.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Bewkes started at HBO as something of a traveling salesman; his job was to urge motels to add HBO to their properties and their marquees. Later, Jeff would become the last CEO of Time Warner, and engineered the company?s sale to AT&T. Jeff shares the original programming gambles that paid off, what television in the 90s teaches us about the streaming wars and how spending childhood summers on a farm shaped his business sense. Plus, Bob and Jeff give their intersecting stories from the historic Time Inc. / Warner Communications merger.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do Enron, Warner Music Group and Krispy Kreme have in common? ?King of the Turnaround? Steve Cooper?s guiding hand during key transitions. Bob sits down with the business legend to talk about the possibilities of web3, Steve?s upcoming departure from WMG and why we should all rewatch Disney?s ?Wall-E.?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you think a neuroscientist couldn?t lead a master class in marketing, you haven?t met Dr. David Eagleman. Professor of Brain Plasticity at Stanford, best-selling author, TV host and CEO of neurotech company Neosensory, David has a passion for applying neuroscience to topics beyond academic science. In fact, Bob considers David?s book ?Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain? as one of the most important marketing books ever written. In this episode, we find out why.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suzy Deering has been preparing to take the business world by storm since the second grade, and she certainly has. She?s shaped powerhouse brands like Verizon and eBay, and now serves as the Global CMO of Ford. Learn how Suzy?s experience shepherding landline customers to wireless is informing her marketing strategy around electric cars, and why your car isn?t just a car? it?s a lifestyle.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Bob Pittman for the new season of Math & Magic.

This season, Bob sits down with visionaries?from CEOs, to neuroscientists, and everyone in-between?to hear how they?ve used data and creativity to successfully adapt to the biggest changes of our time: the metaverse, fake news, remote work, championing stories that matter, and more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Bob goes from podcast host to podcast guest and sits down with actor Minnie Driver for her iHeartRadio podcast, Minnie Questions. Bob shares why he?s grateful for a childhood injury, lessons from growing up in the South during the Civil Rights Movement, and why plans are sometimes bad for business.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do start-up founders and hip hop artists have in common? According to Ben Horowitz: a lot! Since his teenage years, Ben has been inspired by hip hop artists? ability to create something from nothing-- and he took that guiding ethos with him to Silicon Valley. So even when industry giants shrugged off what would become the internet as we know it, Ben always saw it for what it could be? and in his roles at Netscape and Opsware, Ben actualized it. Learn how at his VC firm Andreessen Horowitz, Ben is helping entrepreneurs actualize their big ideas. Plus, Bob and Ben travel in time to look at the future of some of today?s biggest topics: remote work, video streaming platforms, biotech, and, of course, audio.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of the 40th anniversary of MTV, we?re rereleasing a fan-favorite episode: the real story of MTV, as told by the founders. Today MTV is a cultural institution, but people forget what a long shot it was to get the channel off the ground. Bob Pittman led the team that created MTV. In this special episode, he reminisces with co-founders and friends John Sykes, Judy McGrath, Fred Seibert, Tom Freston and Jarl Mohn about what it was like to create the '80s version of a start-up and lead a TV revolution by dreaming up the rules as they went along. From why the first MTV logo was designed on crinkled paper (it spent a little time in a trash bin), to how a tiny record store in Tulsa helped save the business, to why you should really think twice about going on a Lost Weekend with Van Halen... all the way to how a terrible cereal inspired one of the greatest ad slogans of all time: ?I want my MTV,? we?ve packed this episode full of stories that marketers, fans and entrepreneurs will all want to hear. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Remi Kent?s first job as a library page, she discovered her love of stories. Now, as CMO of 3M, Remi is crafting stories for countless consumers across the globe! Despite this massive audience, Remi stays focused on making individual, human connections with 3M customers. Learn how this framework has helped Remi shepherd 3M through major shifts: from taking Post-it digital, to mass producing N95 masks during the pandemic. Plus, learn how Remi?s focus on human connection has helped her act as a strong leader for her team, and a powerful advocate for anti-racism.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After dropping out of school and struggling with homelessness, a young Christian Navarro was rejected by his top-choice job and accepted a gig sweeping floors at a wine shop. There, Christian fine-tuned his precocious palate and client partnership savvy. The rest is history! What felt like the second-best job offer at the time, actually put Christian on fast-track to where he is now: President, Principal and ?Wine Therapist to the Stars? at the iconic one-stop-shop for all things delicious, Wally?s Wines and Spirits. Listen as Christian shares how lessons from his tumultuous childhood helped him brave the COVID-19 pandemic, why brick-and-mortar institutions are here to stay, and what?s in Christian?s glass right now. Plus, Bob learns how far Christian will go for his customers (hint: it?s literally across oceans!).  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Brad Gerstner, a ?simple kid from Indiana? set out to build a brand-new investment firm in the swirl of the 2008 financial crisis, his friends and advisors told him he was nuts. But that company, Altimeter Capital, has become an incredibly successful vehicle-- not just for profits, but also for enabling entrepreneurs to do good. In this week's conversation, Bob learns why Brad needed to build Altimeter (it comes down to some advice from Jeff Bezos), how a conversation with his kids inspired him to establish the Board Challenge-- an initiative to quickly diversify corporate boards, and how watching his dad rally a small town to take on a goliath inspired his faith in politics. Plus, Brad shares a lesson from Burning Man... and how it changed his worldview might surprise you!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before Jack Donaghy, before Jack Ryan and SNL, Alec Baldwin was studying to be a lawyer and interning on Capitol Hill. This episode, Alec sits down with Bob to share why he changed course, and how he made it as an actor. From nights working as a busboy at Studio 54, to his Emmy-award-winning performance in 30 Rock, Alec shares behind-the-scenes stories, including: how Soap Operas informed his work ethic, what he's learned from Lorne Michaels, and why he chooses projects based on his collaborators. Plus, Alec reveals one of the early inspirations for his podcast (spoiler: it's Howard Stern!)  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No one's story captures the spirit of the American Dream better than Gary Vaynerchuk. Fresh from the USSR, Gary?s earliest memories are of his family of eight crammed into a studio apartment in Queens. But he's been focused on turning lemons into literal lemonade from the very beginning: Gary launched his own lemonade stand at age seven?and he's been an entrepreneur ever since! From his early adventures selling wine on the internet, to the triumphs of VaynerMedia, learn why Gary sees Seinfeld's process as the key to better ad creative, what he'd go back and tell his 20-year old self, and why his mom remains his hero. Plus, Gary tells Bob what he's planning for next ? including why he might buy the New York Jets!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Any good student of advertising and marketing should know Sir Martin Sorrell?s name! From his rising to star status as Saatchi & Saatchi?s CFO, to his building and shaping of WPP? growing it from a shopping cart maker to the world?s largest advertising holding company, Sir Martin is as well known for his legendary insights as his headstrong opinions. Listen as he and Bob discuss why you need to employ dissenters, how his father?s drive and work ethic shaped his career, and how a sabotaged memo almost prevented him from working with David Ogilvy. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Chief Marketing Officer of American Express, Elizabeth Rutledge has a rare superpower... she's an introvert. And the way she wields it is impressive! Learn how she harnesses the power of small, nimble teams (it has something to do with pizza!); how she's used her introversion to foster a culture of empathy and respect, and why she still draws inspiration from her stint as a 9th grade biology teacher. Plus, Elizabeth reveals how she empowered her teams to give small businesses across the country relief while leading American Express through the pandemic. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It?s hard to imagine what this pandemic would look like without the internet to keep us all connected, and we have Jan Brandt?s marketing genius to thank for that technological revolution. As the CMO of AOL in the 1990s, she grew their subscription base by being keenly attuned to customers? desires?and to the potential for home internet access to transform their lives. Listen to Jan explain why she loves being ?the queen of no,? why she?d never fire someone for making a mistake, and how her drive comes from the ?moxie? she?s admired since she was a kid watching her mother deftly navigate tough negotiations as a small business owner.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's not just about marketing for Brad Hiranaga. As the Chief Brand Officer, North America for General Mills, Brad has been helping the company realize its potential as a force for good: from encouraging families to connect around the dinner table, to fighting the hunger gap with the No Kid Hungry initiative. In fact, he's been working tirelessly to improve food security and accessibility during this pandemic. Learn why he was so committed to brands as a 5-year old (hint: it had something to do with living so close to Nike!), how a landscaping gig played an outsized role in his understanding of business, and how he's harnessed teams and research to modernize legacy brands. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, MTV is a cultural institution. But people forget what a long shot it was to get the channel off the ground. Bob Pittman led the team that created MTV. In this special episode, he reminisces with co-founders and friends John Sykes, Judy McGrath, Fred Seibert, Tom Freston and Jarl Mohn about what it was like to create the '80s version of a start-up, and lead a TV revolution by dreaming up the rules as they went along. From why the first MTV logo was designed on crinkled paper (it spent a little time in a trash bin), to how a tiny record store in Tulsa helped save the business, to why you should really think twice about going on a Lost Weekend with Van Halen... all the way to how a terrible cereal inspired one of the greatest ad slogans of all time: ?I want my MTV,? we?ve packed this episode full of stories that marketers, fans and entrepreneurs will all want to hear.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Estee Lauder to Taco Bell to now EVP, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Lowe?s, Marisa Thalberg hasn?t had the most obvious career path. But when you?re as creative as she is, it?s easy to connect those dots! (Did you realize that Taco Bell markets like a fashion brand?) Tune in to hear Marisa and Bob discuss how writing plays as a second-grader shaped her schooling, why she started the ?Executive Moms? blog, and the simple reason she?s been championing audio as a vital marketing tool for years. Plus, discover how she?s ushered Lowe?s through a period of growth during this pandemic while showcasing the company?s spirit.  

[Interview recorded on May 19.]

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For anyone struggling to lead their company through the current climate, Dave Cote has some advice for you. The legendary former chairman and CEO of Honeywell ushered his company through two big recessions while growing it from a $20 billion business to a $120 billion one. Tune in as Dave tells Bob how he marshaled his company's leadership in a storm, what he learned from Jack Welch, and how his rural New Hampshire upbringing shaped his independent streak. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this Special Edition of Math and Magic, Bob sifts through his favorite graduation speeches from Commencement: The Podcast, to share lessons for aspiring leaders. Learn why Google X's Astro Teller thinks you need to embrace your inner ?weirdo? to solve the world's biggest problems, what Abby Wambach thinks you need to know about teamwork, and why Tim Cook thinks reading Lincoln might be the perfect inspiration for these times. Plus, advice from Sienna Miller, Guy Raz and David Chang! 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Though the world has stopped, we've been able to text with friends, video conference relatives, check e-mails and stream content. It's easy to take for granted. But that incredible access is possible thanks to executives like Verizon?s Chairman and CEO, Hans Vestberg. How did Hans prepare the Verizon network to respond so effectively to something so unpredictable? How has he transitioned his team to working remotely? And how does he manage to exercise and spend time with family while doing his job? (Spoiler: it comes down to spreadsheets!) Listen to Bob and Hans as they discuss how handball shaped Hans' leadership, what having a family of police officers means for his worldview, and why he's championed 5G from the earliest stages.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world has changed a lot in the last week. We?re dealing with a pandemic that?s shaken us in unimaginable ways. But how should CMO's shepherd their brands through these times? Join Bob as he calls three marketing experts?and favorite former guests?for guidance. Listen to how CVS Health?s CMO, Norm de Greve led his team to ?market with humanity,? learn how Amazon's culture helped them adapt quickly to the crisis from board member and former MTV CEO, Judy McGrath. And listen in as Bob chats with iHeart?s own CMO, Gayle Troberman, as she discusses "brand empathy" and the opportunity to build trust right now. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's hard to imagine an exec with a more colorful background than IPG's Chief Operating Officer and EVP Philippe Krakowsky. Hailing from Mexico City, Philippe grew up speaking three languages. He paid for college by debugging Atari games. And though he studied linguistics and comparative lit, his first job after school was founding an AI startup...that he later sold to Apple! Learn how Philippe got bit by the advertising bug, how he uses data to build credibility with consumers, and why he advises his colleagues and clients to focus on 2 or 3 things, instead of "trying to boil the ocean." Plus, learn why Philippe thinks diversity and working with people you respect are two of the most powerful assets in building a team. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The way Shazi describes it, she had a magical childhood. Living in the motel her family owned and operated, she had no shortage of things to keep her busy-- from hanging out with cooks to watching new customers to adopting a pet duck. But how did someone who always dreamed of being a painter end up founding Happy Baby, the number one organic baby food company in the world? Shazi and Bob discuss how her parents' drive and optimism led her to believe anything was possible; how she was able to pivot once she realized her grand idea wasn't in the right supermarket aisle; and why listening to your gut really matters when it comes to VCs. Plus, Bob gets a sneak preview of Shazi?s new company healthynest!  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a kid, Macy's CMO Rich Lennox had two dreams: to be the next Chuck Yeager, or to be a veterinarian. But after a ?bizarre series of accidents,? he took a different path: joining J. Walter Thompson before leading a series of incredible brands. Listen to Rich as he discusses why hypnotizing a focus group might be a good idea (spoiler: it helped him crack an entirely new diamond market for De Beers!); why he's been so effective at turnarounds at places like Zales ("you have to be the type who runs towards fires rather than away"), and what it means to be responsible for not only the Macy's brand, but also one of America's most beloved traditions: the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All Judy McGrath wanted to do when she grew up was to write for Rolling Stone. Instead, the storied CEO of MTV Networks now sits on the board of Amazon. Discover how the creative giant got seduced by management, why she learned to love a P&L (spoiler: it was to make room for wildly creative programming like Rock the Vote, and South Park), and how she convinced advertisers to get behind The Daily Show. Plus, learn why you probably need to recruit a knife thrower/improv comedian to your staff.  

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From The Breakfast Club to Nickelodeon, Bobbi Brown to CoverGirl, there?s no question these brands and personalities have shaped culture. But how did they get their big breaks? And how did they turn opportunities into success stories? Tune in to learn why Charlamagne tha God?s passion for radio probably saved his life; how Gerry Laybourne transformed Nickelodeon into the top network for tweens -- while proving herself as one of TV?s first female executives; and how makeup industry mogul Bobbi Brown created her own luck. Plus, hear Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer of Proctor & Gamble, discuss how his daughters helped him realize the importance of keeping your marketing true to your core values.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BusinessWeek once called him ?the James Bond of the media world.? The Columbia Journalism Review declared ?No other reporter has covered the news communication business as thoroughly.? And the truth is, there?s a lot about the world that we wouldn?t understand if it wasn?t for journalist Ken Auletta?from his profiles of powerful people to his keen instincts for industry reporting. But how did working in politics lead him to journalism? Why does he think the press can be such a motivator for good? And what?s his trick for landing so many high-profile interviews? Tune in as Bob and Ken discuss.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.