Duct Tape Marketing

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Duncan Wardle, former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Disney. Duncan, who played a transformative role at Disney Imagineering, Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm, shares how he fostered a culture of innovation that reshaped the guest experience, resulting in breakthroughs like the Magic Band. As the author of The Imagination Emporium: Creative Recipes for Innovation, Duncan unveils powerful tools for unlocking creativity, tackling challenges, and building "yes, and" cultures in organizations. Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Introduction to Duncan Wardle [01:00] Defining Innovation and Embedding a Culture of Creativity [03:12] Embracing Innate Creativity [04:48] The Future of Employability [09:38] Collaborative Brainstorming Exercise [12:43] Unlocking Creativity through Playfulness and Collaboration [17:01] River of Thinking and Innovation More About Duncan Wardle Duncan Wardle's website - https://theimaginationempor

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Robert Glazer, founder of Acceleration Partners, a global partner marketing agency, and author of the bestselling book Rethinking Two Weeks Notice. Robert is an expert in workplace culture, employee retention, and leadership. His work challenges outdated corporate practices and offers fresh strategies for creating thriving workplace environments. During our conversation, Robert shared powerful insights on why the traditional "two weeks' notice" practice is no longer effective and how companies can replace it with the Open Transition Program. By fostering psychological safety, improving communication, and rethinking job exit strategies, businesses can enhance employee retention, protect workplace culture, and build long-term loyalty. Robert Glazer’s fresh perspective on employee transitions offers actionable strategies for improving employee retention, workplace culture, and corporate reputation. By replacing outdated practices like the two week

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Jay Papasan, a bestselling author, VP of strategic content at Keller Williams Realty International, and co-creator of The One Thing. Jay has dedicated his career to helping individuals and businesses achieve extraordinary results by simplifying priorities and mastering the art of focus. His expertise spans habit formation, goal setting, and purposeful decision-making, all aimed at fostering clarity and productivity in a world filled with distractions. During our conversation, Jay shared powerful insights from his book and personal experiences, highlighting how small shifts in mindset and behavior can lead to transformational outcomes. From adopting effective morning habits to aligning decisions with core values, Jay broke down actionable strategies to help you navigate competing priorities, improve time management, and achieve sustainable business growth. Today we discussed: [00:00] Opening [00:09] Welcoming Jay Papasan [01:44] The Longevity an

This episode is from the vault! In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Amanda Holmes, CEO of Chet Holmes International, and a maestro in the realm of sales strategy. We dived into the fascinating world of unconventional marketing tactics and the transformative power of the Dream 100 strategy. In this eye-opening discussion, Amanda Holmes, a trailblazer in sales strategy, reveals the unconventional yet highly effective methods she employed to revolutionize the sales game. As the CEO of Chet Holmes International, Amanda inherited a multimillion-dollar enterprise and doubled its sales by 1176% in the first year. Holmes emphasizes the significance of the Dream 100 strategy, a potent approach that originated from her father's work with billionaire Charlie Munger. By targeting a select group of high-value prospects, Amanda explains how this strategy, rooted in old-school principles, became the fastest and least expensive way to double sales for numerous companies. Amanda's unorthodox appr

This episode is from the vault! In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Kate Bradley Chernis, former rock and roll DJ turned founder and CEO of a revolutionary content AI tool, Lately AI. With over two decades of experience in media and marketing, Kate brings a unique perspective to the table and shares her insights on the evolution of content marketing and the intersection of aesthetic versus functional answers. Key Takeaways In this episode, Kate and I chat about useful strategies for cutting through the content clutter, leveraging AI to boost engagement, and understanding the symbiotic relationship between humans and machines in content creation. You'll learn how to harness the power of collaborative AI to enhance your marketing efforts, navigate the challenges of data privacy, and stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing digital landscape. Kate's expertise provides a roadmap for marketers to adapt, evolve, and thrive in the dynamic world of content marketing. More About Kate

This week's episode is from the vault! In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Marketing Hall of Famer and frequent guest, Seth Godin. A renowned expert in marketing, entrepreneurship, and strategic philosophy, Seth shares his invaluable insights once again on our show. With over 30 years of experience and multiple bestselling books to his name, Seth and I dive into my favorite topic—STRATEGY. In this episode, we explore how both businesses and individuals can transform their strategic approach for greater success. In his latest book, This is Strategy: Make Better Plans, and a little anecdote about a chef, an electric car, and 30 years of veganism, he defines strategy as a philosophy of becoming and explains how understanding systems, the art of choosing customers, and competition can lead to long-term success. Seth Godin challenges conventional strategy ideas, emphasizing empathy and awareness of the systems influencing customers and competitors. His thoughts on

This episode is from the vault! In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Ryan Deiss, a serial entrepreneur, author, and the founder of digitalmarketer.com. Our discussion begins with his latest book, "Get Scalable: The Operating System Your Business Needs to Run and Scale Without You." and pivots to invaluable insights on breaking free from the Founder's Curse and unlocking business value beyond yourself. Key Takeaways Embark on a transformative journey with Ryan Deiss in this Duct Tape Marketing Podcast episode, where he unveils strategies unlock scalable business growth, gain insights into the power of value engines, strategic rhythms, and high-output teams. Learn the art of overcoming founder indispensability, mapping value creation flows, and implementing a meeting rhythm that actually works. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, Ryan's actionable insights will empower you to build a thriving business that stands the test of time. More About Ryan Deiss: Conne

This week's episode is from the vault! In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Hortense le Gentil, a world-renowned executive leadership coach, speaker, and author. With over 30 years of experience across various industries, including media consulting and advertising, Hortense guides CEOs and senior executives on their journey from hero leaders to human leaders. Key Takeaways Join Hortense le Gentil on a transformative journey as she discusses the evolution of leadership in today's world. Learn to identify and overcome mental obstacles, embrace authenticity and vulnerability, and lead with empathy. Gain actionable insights into unlocking your true leadership potential and thriving in both your personal and professional life. Whether you're a seasoned executive or an aspiring leader, Hortense's expertise will empower you to inspire and connect with others on a deeper level, driving sustainable growth and success in today's rapidly changing landscape. More About Hortense le Gentil:

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Tommy Mello, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of a $220 million home services business operating across 20 states. As the author of Elevate: Build a Business Where Everybody Wins and host of The Home Service Expert podcast, Tommy has dedicated his career to helping others achieve business success by focusing on recruiting top talent, optimizing branding strategies, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. During our conversation, Tommy shared his journey of scaling a business from a small operation to an industry leader in the home services space. He emphasized the importance of investing in training, aligning core values, and leveraging performance pay systems to build a thriving team and long-term customer loyalty. Today we discussed: [00:00] Who is Tommy Mello? [02:14] Optimizing Recruitment and Service Quality [04:05] Branding Goes Beyond Your Logo [07:26] Motivating Employees to Perform [12:37] Recruiting vs. Creating A-Players

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I tackle a critical topic that small businesses face today: the marketing leadership gap. Many small businesses struggle with disconnected marketing efforts, scattered strategies, and stagnant growth, not due to a lack of tactics but because they lack marketing leadership to tie it all together. As we look ahead to the future of marketing in 2025, I dive into why traditional solutions—like hiring agencies or fractional CMOs—often fall short and what businesses must do to implement a long-term marketing strategy that drives sustainable business growth. This episode uncovers how a marketing system combined with leadership can transform small businesses into scalable, successful enterprises. Today we discussed: [0:00] Opening [01:50] The Leadership Gap in Marketing [02:57] Why Marketing Leadership Matters [03:39] Steps to Fix Marketing Leadership Gap [08:48] Marketing Leadership as a Service Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate a

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Nick Bennett, a pioneering expert in B2B influencer marketing who's reshaping how companies approach digital marketing strategies. As a co-founder of TACK and author of B2B Influencer Marketing: Work With Creators to Generate Authentic and Effective Marketing, Bennett reveals the transformative power of authentic creator partnerships in today's competitive business landscape. The conversation uncovers a critical shift in B2B marketing: moving from traditional, corporate-driven approaches to a more human-centric, creator-powered strategy that drives real business results. Bennett's insights demonstrate how the right creators can become powerful catalysts for brand awareness, lead generation, and revenue growth. Today we discussed: [01:02] Who is Nick Bennett? [01:40] Defining Influencer Marketing in B2B vs B2C [03:51] Best Practices for B2B Marketing and Influencer Integration [06:48] Challenges and Misconceptions in B2B Influencer Marketing

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Stephanie Chung, a bestselling author and transformative leader with over 30 years of experience driving growth and building high-performing teams. Stephanie, a trailblazer in private aviation as the first African American woman to lead a private jet company, shared insights from her book, Ally Leadership: How to Lead People Who Are Not Like You. Our conversation explored the evolving dynamics of modern workplaces, the importance of building bridges across differences, and actionable strategies leaders can use to foster inclusion and trust. Whether you’re managing diverse teams, navigating generational divides, or seeking tools to lead empathetically, Stephanie’s advice is a game-changer for today’s leaders. Today we discussed: [0:00] Opening [01:03] Who is Stephanie Chung? [01:40] Introduction to ALLY Leadership [03:12] Diversity in Leadership: Broadening the Conversation [05:09] Cultivating Cultural Intelligence and Effective Leadership

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Jon Acuff, a New York Times bestselling author of nine books, including All It Takes Is A Goal. Known for his humor and actionable insights, Jon has addressed audiences worldwide, from Microsoft to FedEx, helping people unlock their potential and achieve lasting success. Our conversation dives deep into the pitfalls of goal setting, the common reasons people abandon their goals, and the proven strategies to overcome these challenges. Whether you're struggling to take the first step or sustain momentum, Jon's practical tips will inspire you to set achievable goals and make steady progress. Today we discussed: [01:02] Who is Jon Acuff? [03:36] Unique Approach to Goal Setting [05:11] Understanding and Utilizing Regret for Positive Change [07:07] Building Achievable Goals and Addressing Unequal Opportunities [10:39] Balancing Aspirational and Realistic Goals [10:29] Why You Should Unitask Instead of Multitask [14:58] Prioritizing Goals and E

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I discuss the marketing landscape heading into 2025. With years of experience helping businesses grow through strategic marketing approaches, I reviewed five transformative trends poised to disrupt how marketers, agencies, and organizations connect with audiences in 2025. These trends highlight the increasing role of AI, hyper-personalization, decentralized communities, and authenticity in crafting impactful strategies. I shared actionable insights on leveraging generative AI, exploring platforms like Reddit and Bluesky, and embracing customer-centric values to build trust and loyalty. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a marketing agency, these predictions offer a roadmap for navigating the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem in 2025. I Talk About: [00:48] Hyper-Personalization Powered by Generative AI [02:45] Decentralized Communities and the Shift Away from Traditional Social Media [04:43] Generative AI-Led Creative Production [07:50] AI

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interviewed Michael Chad Hoeppner, a political communications expert, CEO of GK Training, and author of Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life. Hoeppner is known for his work with high-profile leaders, including Andrew Yang, and as an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School. Our conversation dives deep into the art of effective communication, uncovering actionable public speaking tips and exercises to transform average speakers into confident, expert communicators. Whether you want to eliminate filler words, speak with intentionality, or learn how to engage an audience effortlessly, Hoeppner’s insights offer practical tools for anyone looking to become a better speaker and communicator. Today we discussed: [00:00] The Power of Questions [03:06] Feeling Seen and Self-Awareness [05:54] The Art of Listening [09:02] Engaging in Business Conversations [12:06] Intrapersonal Communication and Self-Reflection [15:03] Naviga

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jeannie Walters. Jeannie Walters is an award-winning customer experience expert, international keynote speaker, and Founder of Experience Investigators, a firm that helps companies increase sales and customer retention through elevated customer experiences. Trailblazing the movement from “Reactive Customer Service” to “Proactive Customer Experience,” Walters is the leading authority for improving employee and customer relationships. Walters is a founding member of the Customer Experience Professionals Association and a trusted advisor to numerous Fortune 500 companies, including Orangetheory Fitness, SAP, Comcast, and JPMorgan Chase. As an educator, her LinkedIn Learning courses have inspired over 500,000 learners worldwide. A Certified Speaking Professional and proud Professional Member of the National Speakers Association, Jeannie has captivated audiences of tens of thousands across three continents with her expertise and

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Amber Wright. Dr. Wright is a communication expert, coach, facilitator, and former communication professor. She empowers organizations to enhance the way people feel recognized, understood, and appreciated. As an executive coach and speaker, she guides leaders to express their highest selves with authentic authority and grace. Her popular TEDx Talk, “Ask Better Questions to Build Better Connections,” has inspired people around the world to become stronger communicators in their everyday lives. Dr. Wright has been featured in Fast Company, Essence, and Mashable, and is the creator of Can We Talk? Cards – 50 questions designed to take the guesswork out of small talk. We talk about the importance of asking the right questions to foster better connections and how self-awareness and active listening are crucial in effective communication, especially in business settings. Dr. Wright's emphasis on making others feel seen and h

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Chase Jarvis. Chase Jarvis is an award-winning artist, entrepreneur, and one of the past decade’s most influential photographers. He’s created campaigns for major brands like Apple, Nike, and Red Bull, and directed Portrait of a City, earning an Emmy nomination. His fine art has been showcased globally, and he contributed to the Pulitzer-winning Snowfall story in The New York Times. As a tech innovator, Chase created Best Camera, the first photo-based social networking app, and wrote the bestseller Creative Calling. He also founded CreativeLive, an online learning platform acquired by Fiverr in 2021, where over 50 million students have honed their creative skills. In his new book 'Never Play It Safe'. We discuss the concept of Safety, strange as it may sound and the importance of attention in achieving success, overcoming self-doubt, the role of play in life, and the necessity of practice in mastering any skill. Chase emphasizes that the best exp

In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing Brandy Burch, CEO and co-founder of BenefitBay, a company innovating the employee health benefits industry through Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs). With a vision to make health benefits more accessible and customizable, Brandy has rapidly expanded BenefitBay and helped redefine how employers approach employee health coverage by ensuring fair and equal purchasing power. We discuss the evolution of employee health benefits, the advantages of ICHRAs for employers and employees, and the complexities involved in implementing these arrangements. From Tech-first inexperienced health benefit startups to the burden of having too many choices, Brandy Burch explains that DIYing health benefits internally is not all it's cracked up to be and giving employees a say in what benefits they choose from pets to fertility can be an enormous BENEFIT to seeking talent, as an agency. Brandy Burch also shares insigh

In this episode of the Duck Tape Marketing Podcast, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Sara Nay. Sara Nay is the COO of Duct Tape Marketing. She oversees day-to-day operations to support the growth of Duct Tape Marketing and the Duct Tape Marketing Consultant Network. She focuses on strategic planning, goal setting, and directing the company's operations in support of its goals. And on a personal note, she’s also my daughter—which makes me “Pop Pop” to her kids! In this episode, we change it up a bit as I become the interviewee. We explore my journey into entrepreneurship, why I started my own business, why I didn’t work for someone else (the answer will surprise you), my passion for small businesses, and the evolution of marketing over the years. I reveal lessons from my polar opposite parents and my former fears about running a business. We also dive into my favorite topic: the impact of AI on small businesses, the opportunities and challenges they face, and the importance of curiosity and innovatio