Brand Character with Michele Blazier

Is your brand feeling a little stale or corporate—and you’re not sure if you should lean into a quirky mascot or a more human-focused approach? In this episode of Cover Brand, Ethan Decker welcomes Michele Blazier from Bishop Fox to break down the art and science of refreshing your brand. Together, they explore engaging marketing tactics and debate the merits of mascots versus human-centric branding. You’ll discover why character (not just “characters”) is essential, hear lessons from iconic mascots like the Geico Gecko and Duolingo Owl, and get proven tips on testing new branding ideas with clients. Tune in for lively examples, strategic guidance, and inspiration for your company’s next creative leap. If you want your brand to connect, stand out, and actually mean something to your audience, this episode is a must-listen.

Main Topics Covered:

• The debate: Mascot branding vs. human-centric branding
• Avoiding stale, corporate vibes in B2B marketing
• Injecting authentic character into your brand (not just using “a character”)
• Iconic mascot examples (Geico Gecko, Aflac Duck, Michelin Man, Duolingo Owl, Pixar’s Wall-E)
• How to authentically leverage street art, Easter eggs, and playful branding
• Why testing and feedback are critical for successful rebrands
• Staying true to your company culture while evolving your visual identity
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Links to Additional Resources:

• Bishop Fox – Offensive Security Experts
• Pixar’s Wall-E Character Analysis
• Duolingo Mascot Story
• Salesforce Astro Character

Ready to energize your brand? Listen to this episode for actionable insights that balance personality with professionalism—and start testing new ideas that break through the noise. Embrace experimentation, stay true to your brand DNA, and don’t be afraid to let your character shine.

Subscribe to Cover Brand for more insights into the world of branding and marketing. Share this episode with a friend who could benefit from these strategies, and head over to appliedbrandscience.com to dive deeper into the principles of brand science. Your success starts here!

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