TOP CMO

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan speaks with Jennie Platt, the Chief Marketing Officer of TD Bank US. With a career spanning American Express, Citi, and now TD, Jennie shares her unique perspective on how large financial institutions can remain genuinely connected with their customers.She dives into TD's Unexpectedly Human brand promise, explaining how it’s more than just a tagline, it’s a company-wide commitment to understanding and anticipating customer needs. Jennie discusses the power of data-driven marketing, why personalization matters more than ever, and how TD is blending digital innovation with old-school human touch to redefine banking experiences.From dog-friendly ATMs to real-time data insights, Jennie reveals the strategies behind TD's growth and how they're staying ahead in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Whether you’re in marketing, finance, or just curious about how big brands build real connections, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

How do you scale a beloved burger brand without losing the heart that made it special?In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Chris Dull, President and CEO of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Chris opens up about the balancing act of fast growth and genuine hospitality—sharing how Freddy’s has expanded into 37 states, reimagined its digital experience, and stayed laser-focused on franchisee success.From caramelized steakburgers to post-pandemic innovation, this conversation dives into the power of brand consistency, listening to your guests, and creating “one-of-a-kind moments” in everyday life.If you’re in branding, franchising, or just trying to grow something the right way—don’t miss this one.

How does a global giant like IKEA stay affordable, sustainable, and deeply personal—all at once? In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Belen Frau, a senior global leader at IKEA who’s helped shape the brand from the inside out. With over 20 years at the company, Belen shares how IKEA's democratic design philosophy drives everything from flat-packs to climate impact. From launching secondhand platforms to redefining what it means to be “for the many,” this is a masterclass in brand purpose, strategy, and resilience.

What does it take to make a 150-year-old bank feel like a startup?In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan talks with Shruti Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer for Business Banking at US Bank, about reinventing customer experience in one of the most regulated industries on the planet.From AI-powered tools to embedded financial products, Shruti shares how US Bank is transforming the way it serves small businesses—while still staying grounded in trust, compliance, and community. It’s a conversation about balancing innovation with responsibility, and how big banks can stay nimble in a FinTech-first world.

What do you ask a man who’s helped shape the future of both education and technology?In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with John Hennessy—former President of Stanford University and current Chairman of Alphabet (yes, the Google one)—for a rare conversation about leadership, innovation, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.From founding tech companies to guiding the next generation of Silicon Valley leaders, Hennessy shares what separates good ideas from great ones, why humility beats hype, and how to stay grounded when you're building for the stratosphere.This isn’t just a conversation about tech. It’s about legacy.

In this episode of Branded, hosted by Ben Kaplan, we sit down with Camilla Matias, COO of Brex, to unpack the bold decisions, hard-earned lessons, and unconventional thinking behind one of FinTech’s most remarkable scale-ups.Camilla joined Brex when it was a scrappy startup solving one problem: helping fellow founders get access to corporate credit. Today, Brex is a global financial platform used by both startups and Fortune 500 giants.We explore:How Brex went from “do everything” chaos to ruthless focusWhy scaling down was key to scaling upThe power of building your own infrastructure—and your own brandHow a Brazilian mindset shaped Brex’s adaptability and cultureWhat most leaders get wrong about growth, AI, and simplificationWhether you're a founder, operator, marketer, or just obsessed with how great companies grow—this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

In this powerful episode of BRANDED, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Maryam Banikarim—former Global CMO at Hyatt Hotels, co-founder of NYC Next, and the visionary behind The Longest Table. Maryam shares her inspiring journey, navigating a non-linear career path defined by pivots, purpose, and resilience, ultimately becoming a passionate advocate for community-building in New York City.Discover how Maryam leveraged purpose-driven leadership, brand storytelling, and authentic relationships to drive tangible impact. She emphasizes the importance of brands genuinely understanding and committing to their values, particularly during times of crisis, and provides valuable insights for marketers and leaders eager to foster meaningful community, loyalty, and brand strength.Whether you're managing career transitions, seeking to fortify your brand, or striving to build enduring communities, this conversation offers indispensable advice from one of today's most influential leaders.

Trust isn’t just a marketing buzzword—it’s the foundation of every successful brand. But how do you measure it? How do you build it? And how can businesses turn trust into a real competitive advantage?In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Dana Bodine, VP of Marketing at Trustpilot, to explore how brands can leverage customer reviews as more than just testimonials—they’re a powerful intelligence tool that shapes reputation, drives conversions, and builds long-term credibility.Ben and Dana dive into: Why trust scores matter more than you think—and how just a 0.1% increase can boost conversion rates by 8x The psychology of reviews—why customers actually trust a 4.8-star rating more than a perfect 5.0 The real impact of responding to customer feedback (even negative reviews can become your biggest asset!) How Trustpilot is shaping brand perception in industries like finance, insurance, and e-commerce The fine line between using reviews for marketing and ensuring authenticityIf you’re in marketing, branding, or business growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Because in today’s world, trust isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a must-have.

In this episode of Branded, Ben Kaplan sits down with Michael Costello, CEO of GNC, to unpack how a 90-year-old health and wellness brand is adapting to today’s fast-changing market.With supplements available everywhere—from Amazon to your local grocery store—why would anyone still choose to shop at GNC? Michael shares how GNC is redefining its consumer experience, using data, personalization, and trust to set itself apart from the competition. He breaks down GNC’s Five C’s strategy, talks about what really matters to today’s customers, and explains how the brand is evolving without losing what made it successful in the first place.Key topics include: Why in-store experiences still matter in an online-first world How GNC is using data and loyalty programs to better serve customers The biggest shifts in health and wellness trends right now The challenges of leading a legacy brand in a crowded marketWhether you’re into fitness, business, or just curious about how brands stay relevant, this conversation offers a fascinating inside look at the future of GNC—and what other companies can learn from it.

Host Ben Kaplan sits down with Kathryn Bricken, the powerhouse behind Doughlicious, to uncover how she took her passion for baking from school events to Whole Foods shelves across the U.S. Kathryn shares the highs and lows of scaling a global brand, disrupting the frozen snack industry, and making bold moves in a competitive market.But that’s not all—this episode also features insights from Liquid Death and Campbell’s, as we explore what it takes to build a brand that stands out. From shaking up the beverage world to reinventing legacy food giants, Ben Kaplan leads the conversation on innovation, strategy, and the art of brand disruption.