Brand Slam Podcast

In episode 13 of the Brand Slam podcast, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata dive deep into the world of the New England Patriots brand with a focus on the Apple+ documentary series, The Dynasty. They are joined by Matt Hamachek, the executive producer and director of the series, to discuss the intricacies of capturing the essence of such a storied franchise. The Roast of Tom Brady The conversation kicks off with a discussion about the unexpected humor and rawness of the Tom Brady Netflix roast, and how it impacted Tom Brady's brand and public perception. They then shift gears to explore the creative process behind The Dynasty, including the extensive amount of footage used to tell the story of the Patriots dynasty. Brand building in professional sports As they delve into the timing of the release and the criticism the series faced for its portrayal of key figures like Bill Belichick, the hosts and Matt provide valuable insights into the complexities of brand building within the world of professional sports. From personal anecdotes to reflections on the aftermath of the release, the episode offers a fascinating look at the Patriots brand. Listeners are treated to a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs of the New England Patriots brand, and the impact of documentaries like The Dynasty on public perception.  Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com. 

Episode 12 of the Brand Slam podcast features UConn men's head basketball coach Dan Hurley, who has led his team to back-to-back national championships. Hosted by (add)ventures founder + CEO Steve Rosa and brand sportscaster Joe Kayata, this episode dives into Hurley's journey, leadership style and brand building strategies. Hurley discusses the influence of his upbringing on his coaching style, the importance of attention to detail, and the pressures of leading a successful team in the competitive landscape of college basketball. The conversation also touches on the role of brands in recruiting and team building, as well as the unique superstitions and rituals that play a part in Hurley's game day routines. From bringing UConn back to its former glory to setting sights on a historic three-peat, Hurley's dedication to his team and the sport shines through in every aspect of the discussion. It's clear that Dan Hurley is not just a basketball coach, but a brand in his own right. His authenticity, drive, and leadership have not only led to on-court success but have also cemented his legacy as a respected figure in the basketball world.  Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com. 

In Episode 11 of the Brand Slam Podcast, “Victory comes from within,” we dive into the concept of Inside-Out Branding with (add)ventures Founder + CEO Steve Rosa and President Mary Sadlier. Inside-Out Branding focuses on building a strong internal brand culture first, turning employees and current customers into true brand champions. By aligning a company’s culture, internal communications, and employee engagement with the brand's core values, the brand’s authenticity shines through and influences how customers perceive and interact with the brand. We discussed how economic shifts and technological advancements have shaped Inside-Out Branding, and how brands like Patagonia exemplify this approach by integrating their commitment to environmental sustainability into every aspect of their business. Metrics such as employee engagement levels, brand consistency, and customer loyalty are crucial in gauging the success of Inside-Out Branding. And as the branding landscape evolves with AI, the human experience remains at the core of impactful branding efforts. With 35 years of expertise in the field, Steve even shared advice for CMOs looking to implement Inside-Out Branding, emphasizing the importance of truly listening to employees and customers, integrating their insights into the branding strategy, and experiencing the brand in visceral ways. Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.   

In Episode 10 of the Brand Slam podcast, we sit down with Helena Foulkes, a seasoned CEO and executive who has played a significant role in the healthcare and retail industries. With an impressive track record at CVS Health and Hudson's Bay Company, as well as a run for Governor of Rhode Island, Helena brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. One of the highlights of the episode is discussing the 10-year anniversary of the bold decision made by CVS to stop selling tobacco products, a move that took $2 billion worth of revenue off store shelves. This courageous decision to align with the company's healthcare focus rather than profit showcased the power of purpose-driven leadership. The conversation also delves into Helena's work on initiatives such as the CVS Real Beauty campaign and the creation of the ExtraCare loyalty program. Her dedication to promoting positive messages and creating value for customers shines through in these discussions. Helena's commitment to giving back to the community, both through her professional roles and personal endeavors including her run for Governor of Rhode Island, is another key theme of the episode. From her community service work to her board leadership with brands like Costco, Helena discusses the importance of purpose in all aspects of her life. Overall, Episode 10 of the Brand Slam podcast with Helena Foulkes offers valuable insights into purpose-driven leadership, the power of branding, and the importance of giving back to the community. Helena's story is a reminder that success is not just about profits, but about making a positive impact in the world. The donation from our (add)love charitable giving program for this episode is for Inspiring Minds, which is a non-profit organization that empowers students to succeed and thrive in school and life.  Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com. 

In this episode of Brand Slam, we were joined by former Patriots running back James White, who gave us insight into his incredible Super Bowl performances and leadership style on the field. Known for his standout performance in Super Bowl LI, where he scored three touchdowns and a two-point conversion, James shared his experience of playing in high-pressure situations and overcoming adversity. One of the key takeaways from our conversation with James was the importance of authentic leadership. He emphasized the value of owning your own leadership style and working with a team of dynamic and vocal leaders to achieve success. James also shared inspiration for his “Sweet Feet” brand. As we head into Super Bowl weekend, it was inspiring to hear from a three-time champion, who continues to make his mark on the game even after retirement. White now works as a Big Ten Network analyst, SiriusXM radio host and is the host of The Money Down Podcast. Don't forget to tune in to his podcast for more insider insights from this NFL great! If you enjoyed this podcast, please help Brand Slam win. Share episodes with friends, like and post episodes on your social channels. The exposure will help us keep bringing quality content to you. Thanks again from your friends at Brand Slam, the winning podcast from (add)ventures. Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.   

In Episode 8, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the remarkable former world boxing champion and current co-star on True Detective: Night Country, Kali Reis. We dove deep into Kali's journey from the world of boxing to the entertainment industry, discussing how her winning mindset has helped her transition into acting. We also explored the significance of Kali's role on True Detective, where she and Jodie Foster make history as the series first two female costars. We also delved into her heritage as a Seaconke Wampanoag and Cape Verdean, and the importance of representing her background on screen, especially as the first indigenous co-lead on an HBO series. Additionally, Kali shared her personal struggles and how she overcame them with resilience and determination, offering inspiration to young athletes and aspiring actors. It's an episode filled with incredible stories, wisdom, and insight on her brand transformation into a Hollywood star. The donation from our (add)love charitable giving program for this episode is for Protect the Sacred, which is a non profit organization that educates and empowers the next generation of Native leaders to strengthen Indigenous sovereignty.  Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com. 

Welcome to "Humankind of AI,” where we dive deep into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence and its impact on humanity. In this episode, we invite you to join us as we explore the intersection of AI and humanity with Scott Maiocchi, (add)ventures Senior Vice President, Executive Producer, and our resident AI expert. Scott brings his wealth of knowledge and experience in AI to the table, offering valuable insights into the future of AI and sharing groundbreaking ways in which we are incorporating this transformative technology into our agency. As we delve into the conversation, you'll gain a profound understanding of the potential and applications of AI, as well as its role in shaping the future of innovation. Scott provides a glimpse into the exciting developments on the horizon, giving us a sneak peek of what the future holds for AI and its profound impact on various industries. Furthermore, (add)ventures founder + CEO, Steve Rosa, imparts his wisdom and shares his vision of leveraging AI for the greater good. Steve shares his perspective on why embracing AI as a force for good and guiding its evolution to serve humanity is paramount. As Steve aptly puts it, "We always believe that technology must serve humanity, not the other way around." Tune in as we embark on a thought-provoking journey exploring the profound potential of AI to spark creativity, drive innovation, and ultimately, benefit humankind. Whether you're a seasoned AI enthusiast, a curious novice, or simply passionate about the impact of technology on our world, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the transformative power of artificial intelligence. Join us and be inspired by the endless possibilities of a "Humankind of AI.” Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.   

Join us for an engaging and informative conversation on the importance of brand reinvention. In this episode, we feature Samantha Lomow. She is best known for her 20+ years at Hasbro where she was the President of Branded Entertainment and led the company’s portfolio of Global Brands. She also played a pivotal role in building multi-billion dollar entertainment franchises of GI Joe and Transformers.  Samantha was also the Chief Customer Officer at Footlocker and is currently on the board at Claire’s and is the founder and CEO of her newest endeavor Playworks! 

Join us for an engaging conversation on the importance of building a lasting brand, emphasizing trust and longevity. In this episode, we feature Frank Carpano, a veteran sports anchor from NBC 10 in Providence, who has sustained a remarkable 43-year career at a leading TV station. We'll also reminisce with Brand Slam co-host Joe Kayata, who worked alongside Frank for 18 years and Steve Rosa who interned for Frank during college.

Join us for a conversation with Texas Rangers player development coach Kayla Baptista. She shares three big reasons why the Texas Rangers are in the World Series this year. Plus, how she has broken barriers in baseball as a 22 year-old female coach in the major leagues, by building her own brand in a male-dominated field.

Join us for a conversation on multicultural marketing about how US companies can increase business with Hispanic and Latin audiences with our Director of Marketing and Strategy in Miami, Marié Hernández. She shares more about how brands can develop successful campaigns that amplify Hispanic and Latin voices and identify with audiences through authenticity. We dig into why it’s increasingly important to understand how nuanced every identity is and why brands need to create inclusive campaigns and communications. 

This week, we’re thrilled to be joined by 3-time Super Bowl Champion and former New England Patriot Devin McCourty as our show's first guest! We’re talking all things branding – from how to create a successful personal brand to how team culture develops inside-out branding that sticks. McCourty shares stories from his time in the NFL, including some Tom Brady highlights, and digs into how he and his twin developed their long-time joint brand on and off the field. Plus, we couldn’t do a show about the NFL right now without giving our hot-takes on Taylor Swift’s impact on the league.

Join us for the first ever Brand Slam podcast, featuring our founder and CEO Steve Rosa and brand sportscaster Joe Kayata. Hear how (add)venture’s NICE culture has grown us into a successful branding and marketing agency that stands out from the crowd and scores touchdowns for our clients every day. Steve shares his personal severe Covid recovery story and his wisdom from decades of overcoming odds and expectations while building a business. He reminds us that it’s the people who truly make an organization flourish.