What do you get when you mix one of the most iconic sporting events in the world with a masterclass in branding and personal storytelling? Episode 36 of Brand Slam.

There are iconic brands—and then there’s The Masters. In Episode 36 of the Brand Slam podcast, co-hosts Joe Kayata and (add)ventures President Mary Sadlier sit down with pro golfer Billy Andrade to talk about the power of The Masters brand and how it connects to the evolution of personal partnerships in sports marketing, Billy offers offers a unique perspective on what makes certain brands stick, both on and off the course.

With only 96 players qualifying in 2025, The Masters is one of the most exclusive events in golf. But its prestige isn’t just about who’s on the leaderboard—it’s about the experience. From the no-cell-phone policy to the limited-run merchandise that can only be purchased on-site, every detail is intentional. It’s a place where tradition reigns, branding is subtle yet powerful and the patrons are treated to an atmosphere that feels more like a once-in-a-lifetime moment than a typical sporting event.

Billy shares incredible stories from his decades-long career in professional golf, including his first time stepping onto Augusta National as an amateur—an unforgettable moment made even more surreal by playing alongside legends Arnold Palmer and playing a practice round with Jack Nicklaus. The conversation also touches on one of his most memorable career milestones: being the first player to win a PGA Tour event using the now-legendary Titleist Pro V1 golf ball.

Throughout the episode, Billy reflects on how relationships have shaped his journey both on and off the course. For him, brand partnerships have always been rooted in personal connections. Whether it’s Skechers, Dell Technologies or with Major League Baseball, he believes that strong brand relationships start with shared values and mutual respect.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in how authenticity, storytelling, and tradition can create lasting brand impact—on the green and beyond.

Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.

College sports marketing isn’t just changing—it’s evolving at warp speed. As the NCAA tournament tips off, brands are rethinking their playbooks, and we have a courtside view of what’s next. In Episode 35 of the Brand Slam podcast, co-hosts Joe Kayata and (add)ventures President Mary Sadlier sit down with Daryl Jasper, Vice President of Sports Properties at LEARFIELD, to discuss how brands are evolving their approach to collegiate sports marketing. From the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals to the growing demand for deeper, more meaningful connections between brands and fans, Daryl shares his expert take on the new era of sponsorships.

Gone are the days when a logo on an outfield billboard was enough to capture fans’ attention. Today, sports marketing—both professional and collegiate—is a year-round strategy that leverages social media, digital platforms and immersive experiences to engage audiences beyond the game. Daryl emphasizes how college sports hold a unique place in marketing because the connection to a university lasts a lifetime. Fans are not just students. They are alumni, family members and lifelong supporters, making collegiate partnerships an opportunity for brands to build relationships that extend far beyond the campus.

One of the biggest shifts in college sports marketing? The impact of NIL deals. Student-athletes have become key players in brand partnerships, opening up new opportunities—and challenges—for schools, brands and athletes alike. Daryl dives into how companies are structuring NIL partnerships, what these deals mean for the future of college athletics, and how they’re influencing sponsorship models and athlete education. As the rules continue to evolve, brands need to stay ahead of the game.

The playbook for sports marketing is being rewritten. Episode 35 has a fascinating look at how sports marketing is shifting and what lies ahead for brand partnerships in college athletics.

Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.

In Episode 34 of the Brand Slam podcast, co-hosts Joe Kayata and (add)ventures President Mary Sadlier sit down with Mark Bohen, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mass General Brigham, to discuss the strategy behind one of the most significant healthcare rebrands in recent years. This effort went beyond introducing a new logo or brand identity—it was a strategic and high-stakes initiative to unify two world-renowned hospitals, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, under a collaborative identity. Along with esteemed institutions like Spaulding Rehabilitation, McLean Hospital, and Mass Eye and Ear, the goal was to preserve their outstanding reputations while reinforcing a shared commitment to providing world-class patient care.

Mark shares what it takes to transition from a network of independent hospitals to an integrated health system, highlighting the challenges of balancing brand identity, patient experience and internal collaboration. The conversation dives into how healthcare branding extends beyond names and logos—it requires buy-in from constituencies inside and outside the organization, as well as clear communication and sensitivity. As Mark explains, the objective was not only to unite the organization but also to reinforce the quality of care and expertise that patients associate with the brand. And with an established international presence and a reputation for world-class care, its branding had far-reaching implications. By investing in strategic communication and marketing, Mass General Brigham continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in healthcare.

This episode offers an inside look at what it takes to bring a major healthcare brand into the future while staying true to its legacy.

Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.