From tennis rackets to Beyoncé, Microsoft to Apple…brand legends David Aaker and Marcus Collins have seen it all, and they’re here to close out our series with a masterclass on brand-led leadership.

In the final episode of this season of The Brand Builder’s Playbook, hosts Jim Stengel and Ryan Barker reflect on the journey through our previous seven episodes before welcoming two of the biggest voices in marketing: David Aaker, often called the “Father of Modern Branding,” and Marcus Collins, award-winning marketer, author, and cultural expert. Together they dig into what it takes to get true buy-in for brand inside organizations, the traps of short-termism, and why culture, conviction, and clear differentiation are the ultimate energizers for growth

From the evolution of brand equity to the five B’s framework, from the lessons of Steve Jobs to the rise of cultural resonance, this finale ties the whole playbook together, offering both inspiration and practical tools for brand builders at every level.

Closing thought: great brands don’t just sell, they lead. And the smartest leaders put brand at the center of every decision.th David Aaker and Marcus Collins

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If you’ve enjoyed this series, please share it with your team, your friends, or anyone passionate about building brands. Join in the conversation below…tell us what you’ve learned and what you’d love to hear in Season 2!

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When you think about brands that have truly reshaped an entire category, few have done it as quickly or as effectively as Chipotle Mexican Grill, a brand that turned fast food into fast casual, and purpose into a powerful growth engine.

Jim’s guest this week is Chris Brandt, the President and Chief Brand Officer of Chipotle and one of the most respected marketers in the industry. Since joining the company in 2018, Chris has helped transform Chipotle into a purpose-driven lifestyle brand; making it more visible, relevant, and culturally resonant than ever before. Under his leadership, Chipotle has doubled in size, launched some of the industry’s most creative campaigns, and become one of the most admired brands in the world.

Before joining Chipotle, Chris built his marketing foundation at three of the great brand academies--General Mills, Coca-Cola, and Yum! Brands--where he helped launch legendary platforms like Taco Bell’s “Live Más” and Doritos Locos Tacos. Today, he brings that same mix of creative courage, data-driven insight, and cultural intuition to Chipotle, where purpose and performance go hand in hand.

Tune in for a conversation with a Chief Brand Officer who truly loves his job!

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Recorded live at the ANA Masters of Marketing in Orlando, powered by TransUnion. Here we go.

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Learn more, request a free pass, and register at iab.com/alm (utm: https://www.iab.com/events/annual-leadership-meeting-2026/?utm_source=ad&utm_medium=The+CMO+Podcast)

Promo Code for $500 of ticket prices: ALMCMOPOD26

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This week's episode is brought to you by Deloitte, TransUnion and the IAB.

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Brand building or performance? TV or TikTok? Data or gut? Every marketer wrestles with how to spend smarter, not just more.

In the seventh episode of The Brand Builder’s Playbook, hosts Jim Stengel and Ryan Barker, along with guest co-host Kate Lamberton, dig into the art and science of the marketing mix. They explore how brands can cut waste, make every dollar work harder, and balance the short-term demand for results with the long-term need for brand strength

Joining the conversation is Damon Berger, Head of Consumer Digital Engagement at Gap Inc., who shares his perspective on building a culture that embraces both measurement and creativity. From MMM (marketing mix modeling) to cultural relevance, Damon breaks down how Gap is revitalizing iconic brands by staying true to their DNA while staying agile in a fast-changing market

The takeaway: when you put the consumer at the center, smart spending isn’t about choosing between brand and performance…it’s about making both work harder together.

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Download this week’s worksheet: https://bit.ly/3JI5FdV

Read about upcoming episode topics and guests here: https://bera.ai/podcast/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.