CMO Weekly

How do you take a brand synonymous with military-grade protection and evolve it into a global lifestyle powerhouse for the "prosumer"?In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Haley Clover sits down with Shawn LaRowe, the Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Pelican Products. Shawn’s career journey is as rugged as the gear he builds—from playing semi-professional baseball to spending 17 years at Nike in global product roles.Now at the helm of Pelican’s product and marketing vision, Shawn shares how he is navigating the "49-year-old startup" mentality to launch massive collections, like the 47-product Pelican TRVL series.🚀 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Nike Playbook at Pelican: How 17 years at the world’s leading athletic brand shaped Shawn’s approach to product lifecycles and global commercialization. Reactive vs. Proactive Marketing: Moving beyond just being "the case guy" to becoming a proactive partner in the consumer's journey. The Power of the Prosumer: Why Pelican’s most successful content is funded and created by its loyal community of professionals and enthusiasts. Outcome-Based Leadership: Shawn’s strategy for leading cross-functional teams by focusing on desired outcomes rather than just "talking shop". Building for the Mission: Why "Built to Protect" isn’t just a slogan—it’s a promise that spans from first responders to elite military units and everyday travelers.🕒 Timestamps: 0:00 – Welcome to CMO Weekly & Meet Shawn LaRowe. 2:10 – Pivot Points: From Pro Baseball to a Temp Job at Nike. 3:23 – The Global Perspective: Lessons from 17 Years in Beaverton and Europe. 4:04 – Joining Pelican: Stepping into the CMO/CPO hybrid role. 5:07 – The "NATO" Filter: Why Pelican favors a bias for action over endless meetings. 10:15 – Reimagining the Brand: Transitioning from reactive protection to proactive lifestyle gear. 12:40 – The "Built to Protect" Halo: Maintaining trust in mission-critical environments. 18:20 – Scaling Innovation: Insights into the massive TRVL collection launch. 25:30 – Community First: How Pelican leverages its most dedicated fans for marketing. 30:55 – Rapid Fire: Baseball skills and the future of protective gear. 33:35 – Advice to My Past Self: "Getting to do the dream work".👤 About Shawn LaRowe:Shawn LaRowe is the Chief Product & Marketing Officer at Pelican Products, Inc. With a background in outdoor apparel and action sports, he leads the creation and brand positioning of some of the world's most rugged, mission-critical gear. Most recently in 2026, Shawn unveiled the Aegis™ 25L Tactical Backpack, a testament to the brand's ongoing commitment to professional-grade durability.🎙️ About CMO Weekly:Hosted by Haley Clover, CMO Weekly sits down with the world's top marketing executives to uncover the bold moves, tough lessons, and breakthrough ideas shaping the industry.Sponsor: This episode is brought to you by OpenFortune, the only marketing company putting your brand inside of actual fortune cookies. Visit openfortune.com to reach people when they are engaged and smiling.Don't forget to Subscribe, Like, and hit the Notification Bell to stay updated on the latest in marketing leadership!#CMOWeekly #MarketingStrategy #PelicanProducts #ProductLeadership #NikeAlumni #BuiltToProtect #BrandBuilding

The first OpenFortune x CMO Weekly Roundtable Video is finally live!A few months ago, we had the idea to build something that felt like Lebron's 'The Shop' but for marketing leaders.So we got a private dining room in NYC, invited leaders from WeWork, Hard Rock Digital, Blue Apron, Wonder, and Air, and told everyone the same thing:Speak your mind on the state of the marketing industry. No Bullshit.We wanted to see what happens when you get people around a table, get them mic'd up, and let them challenge each other on what's actually working (and what's not) in 2026.By the end of the night, it didn't even feel like a business dinner.It was just a group of friends who actually give a damn about this industry, finally speaking freely.We're just getting start with these. NYC was the first, but we're taking the table to other cities next.Featuring:Carlo Palomino, President of OpenFortuneJeffrey Tousignant, Head of Marketing of AirRaina Enand, VP of Marketing of Blue ApronJoshua Egan, VP of Growth Marketing of WonderHayley Clover, Executive Producer & Host of the CMO Weekly PodcastWoozae Kim, Board of Directors of The Lower Eastside Girls Club of New YorkJoe Sancio, Director Of Marketing Partnerships of Hard Rock DigitalCourtney Warren Brown, Chief Marketing Officer at KickstarterBecky Wang, Chief Operations Officer at MetafidePetula Lucey, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at WeWork

How do you take a "billion-dollar knock" and turn it into a modern, digital-first brand? 🏠✨In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Kerry McGovern, the Chief Brand Officer at Power Home Remodeling. Kerry’s career is a masterclass in professional agility, spanning roles as a music publicist, a speechwriter for Under Armour’s Kevin Plank, and a brand-builder for the NHL and Drizzly.Now at Power Home Remodeling—ranked #14 on Fortune’s Best Companies to Work For—Kerry is leading a massive brand transformation. She discusses how she’s moving a door-to-door sales powerhouse into the digital age with the "Our Work Shows" campaign, while maintaining a "people-first" culture that believes they "sell windows to hire people".In this episode, you’ll learn: The "Eras Tour" of a Marketing Career: How Kerry pivoted from the music industry to professional sports and eventually to high-growth tech and remodeling. Rebuilding Iconic Brands: Behind-the-scenes stories of speechwriting at Under Armour and navigating the "teal horse" era of the Detroit Pistons. The Billion-Dollar Knock: How Power Home Remodeling is evolving its legendary canvassing model into a multi-channel digital brand experience. "Our Work Shows": The strategy behind Power’s first external brand platform in 15 years and how it connects with modern homeowners. Influencers & Social Strategy: Why a home remodeling company is partnering with fashion influencers like Sai De Silva to reach new audiences.Timestamps: 0:00 – Introduction: Meet Kerry McGovern. 1:40 – Career Origins: From Seattle’s music scene to the Detroit Pistons. 4:30 – Lessons from the NHL and Speechwriting for Under Armour. 8:30 – The Drizzly Risk: Moving from a 100-year-old league to a startup. 13:00 – Why Home Remodeling? Finding a "People-First" culture at Power. 16:00 – Scaling the "Billion Dollar Knock" and Brand Identity. 20:00 – Launching the "Our Work Shows" Brand Refresh. 25:00 – Revamping Social Media & Influencer Partnerships. 29:00 – Kerry’s Best Advice: "It takes longer than you want and is harder than you think." 31:37 – Baltimore Recommendations & Closing.Connect with Kerry & Power Home Remodeling: LinkedIn: Kerry McGovern Website: Power Home RemodelingAbout CMO Weekly: CMO Weekly sits down with the world’s top marketing leaders to uncover the bold moves, tough lessons, and breakthrough ideas that shape their journeys. Hosted by Hayley Clover.Sponsored by OpenFortune: Reach your audience where they’re smiling. Learn more at openfortune.com.#Marketing #CMO #BrandBuilding #PowerHomeRemodeling #CareerAdvice #DigitalTransformation #InfluencerMarketing #CMOWeekly

This episode of CMO Weekly, hosted by Haley Glover, features an in-depth conversation with Will Martin, the founder and CEO of LiveDuel. LiveDuel is a cutting-edge sports and e-sports fan activation platform that uses decentralized finance (DeFi) mechanics to prioritize fairness and user experience in the sports betting world.Will shares his unique journey—from studying economics and computer science to marketing for Beats by Dre—and explains how he leveraged creator culture to generate over 750 million organic views on TikTok.📌 Key Topics Covered The Origins of LiveDuel: How Will combined his background in arbitrage, financial trading, and product marketing to innovate the sports betting industry.The Tech Behind the Platform: Using smart contracts to remove the middleman and liquidity pools to facilitate instant, efficient trades between fans.Growth Hacking TikTok: The strategy behind building TikTok filters that empowered 600,000 creators to produce viral sports content.Building a Creator Community: Why LiveDuel started as a WhatsApp group and is evolving into a formal hub for content creators to collaborate and learn.Navigating Regulation: The challenges of building a business at the intersection of crypto and sports betting while maintaining a long-term, compliant strategy.The Future of LiveDuel: Upcoming tools for live streamers and the vision for the World Cup in North America.

In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Haley Clover sits down with Conley Downing, the Chief Marketing Officer at Archer Roose Wines, live from Adweek’s Brand Week.Conley shares her journey from "unsexy" pharmaceutical marketing to leading a disruptor brand in the declining wine category. They discuss how Archer Roose is redefining wine culture through convenience, sustainability, and high-profile partnerships with figures like Elizabeth Banks.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Disrupting Tradition: How Archer Roose is overcoming the "canned wine stigma" through scientific research with Cornell University and best-in-class quality practices.Brand Voice vs. Celebrity Voice: The strategy behind balancing the brand’s unique identity with the creative style of celebrity partner Elizabeth Banks.The Power of Partnerships: Inside the "scrappy" creative moves that turned a JetBlue placement into a viral DIY in-flight spritz campaign.Marketing for the Modern Consumer: Why the "sidecar" serving method and "better-for-you" transparency (vegan, sustainably sourced, no added sugar) are winning over today’s wine drinkers.Growth Metrics: How Archer Roose achieved a 92% increase in DTC sales this year and maintains an 88% reorder rate.About Conley DowningConley Downing is a veteran marketer with a rich background in spirits and emerging brands. Her career includes stints at major agencies working on Pepsi and Diageo accounts, as well as leadership roles with Sean Combs' brands (Ciroc and DeLeón) and the startup 21 Seeds. She joined Archer Roose a year ago to lead their brand strategy and growth marketing.

How do you market a sports team in a city with a "Championship Culture"? In this episode of CMO Weekly, we sit down with Sandra Moore, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sporting Kansas City, to discuss the evolution of fan engagement, brand loyalty, and the intersection of sports and community.Sandra shares her insights on navigating the competitive MLS landscape, leveraging data to personalize the fan experience, and how Sporting KC stays "Always On" even during the off-season. Whether you’re a sports marketer or a brand builder, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies for creating deep emotional connections with your audience.📈 Key Takeaways from this Episode: The Fan-First Philosophy: How Sandra and her team prioritize the "matchday experience" to build lifelong loyalty. Data vs. Emotion: Balancing hard analytics with the passion of a sports fanbase. Community Integration: Why Sporting KC views itself as a community asset first and a soccer team second. Growth Tactics: Lessons on scaling a brand in a mid-market city with high-level competition.

In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Haley Plummer sits down with David Plumi, the CMO of Luckia Gaming Group. Since taking the helm in 2023, David has been instrumental in scaling Luckia’s content offerings, securing high-profile partnerships like LaLiga, and leading the brand toward a top-three position in the competitive Spanish market.David shares his unique journey from professional poker player and entrepreneur to CMO of one of Europe’s rising gaming brands. We dive deep into why Luckia views itself as a "family" business, the strategy behind multi-million dollar sports sponsorships, and how to balance traditional media with a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Haley Clover sits down with Victoria Lozano, the Chief Marketing Officer of Crayola, to explore how a 120-year-old heritage brand is evolving into a full creative ecosystem. Victoria shares insights from her 16-year tenure at the company, discussing the shift from selling art supplies to fostering "creativity as a life skill" through content, experiences, and digital innovation.Key Topics Covered: Building a Creative Ecosystem: Discover how Crayola has expanded beyond physical products into Crayola Studios and location-based entertainment to showcase creativity in action.The Power of "Crayola Creativity Week": Victoria discusses the massive success of this free global program, which reached 13.2 million children in over 120 countries last year by integrating creativity into core subjects like math and literacy.Nostalgia vs. Modern Relevance: How Crayola uses emotional triggers—like the return of retired colors (Dandelion) and global color votes—to stay relevant for both children and nostalgic adults.The Adult Coloring Resurgence: Learn why 57% of Crayola purchases now come from households without children, as adults turn to coloring for relaxation and "rebalancing".The Secret to Marketing Longevity: Victoria offers advice for early-career marketers on finding passion, embracing diverse roles within a single brand, and thinking about the "bigger ecosystem".Crayon Naming Stories: A look behind the scenes at how colors like "Macaroni and Cheese" and "Tickle Me Pink" were named by fans and children.

Welcome to a groundbreaking episode of CMO Weekly, where we go beyond the headlines to explore a truly purpose-driven client-agency relationship. Host Haley Clover sits down with two of the industry's most dynamic leaders: Lina Polimeni, Chief Corporate Brand Officer at Eli Lilly and Company, and Jason White, President of Wieden+Kennedy, to uncover the secrets behind their successful two-year collaboration.In a highly regulated sector like pharmaceuticals, how do you find the opportunity for a bold, breakthrough creative idea? Lina and Jason reveal how their deep, shared sense of purpose has allowed them to move past industry norms and shift from a purely transactional model to a truly relational one.Key Topics and Breakthrough Ideas: The Power of Shared Purpose: Learn how an immediate alignment on the mission—using creativity to change the world, particularly in healthcare—became the magnet and foundation of their partnership. Creativity vs. Regulation: Lina Polimeni challenges the industry belief that regulation is a conflict to creativity, arguing that you can be compliant and creative by focusing on human truth. The "We Can Create" Initiative: Hear the details on their cultural resonance platform, which leverages the power of storytelling in the entertainment space to depict health authentically on screen. Health Inclusion in Culture: The leaders discuss the importance of health inclusion and how the accurate depiction of health in film influences culture and even medical decisions (citing examples like the Barbie movie and increased ObGyn visits, and Angelina Jolie’s public discussion of her mastectomy). Advice for CMOs: Jason and Lina offer invaluable advice for marketing leaders in any regulated space: be courageous, relentless in the pursuit of the great idea, and focus on building deep trust with your partners to navigate compliance challenges and achieve your full potential.This conversation is a masterclass in modern marketing leadership, demonstrating what is possible when a courageous client and a world-class creative agency commit to a purpose bigger than themselves

In this dynamic episode of CMO Weekly, we sit down with Erin Chin, Head of Global Brand Marketing for Logitech G. Erin discusses her incredible journey from investment banking to becoming a leader who guides the marketing and brand storytelling for Logitech G, the company’s billion-dollar gaming brand that now unites both gamers and creators under one umbrella.Previously the CMO for Logitech for Creators, Erin shares the vision behind the "Together We Create" platform and how she is leveraging her expertise in building culturally relevant brands to shape one of the most influential communities in tech and gaming.Key Discussion Points: The Non-Traditional CMO Path: Erin details her unique career evolution, starting as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs before moving into international strategy at MTV Networks, and then holding senior marketing roles at major beverage companies like Diageo and PepsiCo (Mountain Dew). The Power of Creators & Gaming: Insights into the explosive growth of content creation and gaming, where one out of every three people in the world is a gamer. Erin explains how Logitech G is dedicated to creating innovative gear for this vast audience. Building Brand Authenticity: How Logitech G's strategy focuses on building authentic relationships, leading and driving culture through storytelling and actions, rather than just chasing trends. Global Brand Strategy in Practice: A look at Logitech G's global initiatives, including orchestrating 18 IRL event activations around the globe. She discusses community engagement, masterclasses, esports tournaments, and collaborations with iconic brands like McLaren and Herman Miller.Tune in to learn what it truly takes to unify a global brand, build a massive creator community, and market products in the fast-paced world of gaming and content creation.Guest Info: Erin Chin is the Head of Global Brand Marketing for Logitech G. Connect with Erin on LinkedIn (search for Erin Strother Chin).About CMO Weekly: Every week, we go beyond the headlines to explore what it really takes to build brands, lead teams, and stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.This episode is brought to you by Open Fortune, the only marketing company putting your brand inside actual fortune cookies.

CMO Weekly: Cash is King, Gen Z, & The Future of iGaming Affiliation | Richard Dennys, CEO Game LoungeIn this candid episode of CMO Weekly, we sit down with Richard Dennys, CEO of the influential iGaming affiliate brand, Game Lounge. Since taking the helm in early 2024, Richard has been steering the global company—which operates over 130 websites across dozens of countries—through a wave of growth, innovation, and industry change.Richard offers a refreshing, straight-talking perspective on what it takes to lead a successful performance marketing business today. He dives into why the core lesson from his decades-long career is that "cash is king" and why the business philosophy of being "boring" (focused on strong fundamentals) is the key to massive, sustainable growth.The conversation goes beyond typical marketing strategy to explore: The Trust Economy: Why Game Lounge is committed to becoming the "most trusted affiliate in the sector" by embracing data transparency and moving the industry away from a "cloak and dagger" mentality in its partner relationships. The Future of the Player: How the affiliate model must fundamentally change to serve Gen Z and younger players, who trust social networks, peer-to-peer recommendations, and crypto platforms more than traditional SEO. The AI Revolution: Richard's view on how generative AI is lowering the industry's barrier to entry, forcing companies to differentiate through genuine product quality and content expertise. Culture & Productivity: His leadership philosophy of "more brains, less hands," how Game Lounge hires for attitude over skill, and the focus on productivity rather than presenteeism in their hybrid work model.

In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Haley Clover sits down with Jake Bullock, Co-Founder and CEO of Cann, the pioneering company behind the world’s leading THC-infused social tonic.Jake dives deep into how Cann is built to offer the "social lift of a drink" without conventional alcohol, positioning the brand squarely at the intersection of cannabis curiosity and sober curiosity.What You'll Learn in this Episode: From Wall Street to Cannabis: Jake shares his career journey, from a traditional business background in banking, consulting, and private equity at Bain Capital, to realizing his passion was building a "cool" global consumer brand from the ground up. The Power of Micro-Dosing: Discover Cann's core insight: why existing high-dose edibles (like gummy candies) were an inaccessible and intense experience for casual users. Jake explains how the brand's unique low-dose control and natural, bold flavor profiles were designed to create a social buzz where consumers feel great and can confidently moderate their intake, much like they would with alcohol. Competing with Alcohol: Learn about the brand’s mission to "change the way people socialize" by offering a healthier alternative to alcohol. Cann's customers report high rates of alcohol consumption before finding the product, proving its effectiveness as a true substitution in social settings. Marketing in a Regulated Industry: Jake discusses the challenges of driving creativity while navigating advertising restrictions and regulations. The Surprise of Authentic Storytelling: Hear about the brand campaign that exceeded all expectations: collecting "Cann Stories"—personal testimonials from customers. Jake shares emotional stories, including a mother who felt she was a "better parent" and an elderly couple in South Dakota who became loyal fans. The Future of Cann: The discussion covers the brand's vision to have a transformative impact on consumers' lives and the entrepreneurial lesson of not being "held back by the idea".

Join us on CMO Weekly as host Haley Clover sits down with Ethan Braden, Vice President and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Texas A&M University. Ethan leads the brand narrative and creative strategy for one of the largest and most storied public universities in the U.S., on a mission to bring the Texas A&M story to the nation and the world.In this episode, Ethan shares his incredible career journey and a masterclass in modern brand building:Key Takeaways & Discussion Points: From Corporate to Campus: Ethan discusses his career evolution, starting with a decade at Eli Lilly and Company before following his mentor to Purdue University, where he became CMO and transformed their marketing efforts into a recognized "juggernaut" in higher education. The Power of the Texas A&M Brand: He dives into the unique challenges and opportunities of marketing an institution steeped in 150 years of tradition, including the power of the Aggie Ring and the electric experience of a packed Kyle Field. Ethan emphasizes the need to take their story beyond the state to a national and global audience. The New Rules of University Marketing: Learn how Ethan's team at Texas A&M is driving impact with a commitment to excellent video storytelling and leveraging the "ABCs of YouTube" to generate millions of views, fundamentally changing the university's content strategy. The Great Marketer vs. The Expert: Ethan shares the invaluable advice that shaped his career: the importance of becoming a "great marketer" with foundational, transferable skills rather than focusing too narrowly on being a "subject matter expert." He stresses that strong marketing principles will translate across any industry—from pharma to higher education. Building a World-Class Team: Hear about the strategic priorities he set for his marketing division, including establishing a comprehensive, insight-based brand platform and cultivating a united "marketing community" to ensure a harmonious brand voice across the massive university system.This is a must-listen for marketing professionals, higher education leaders, and anyone interested in the strategy behind elevating a global brand.

Step inside the mind of a marketing visionary! In this episode of CMO Weekly, host Haley Clover sits down with Fanny Quehe, the Chief Marketing Officer at Petite Plume Luxury Sleepwear, to uncover the bold moves behind the brand's transformation from a beloved children's sleepwear label into a full-fledged lifestyle powerhouse.Fanny, who brings rich experience from high-fashion and beauty at Chanel, details her journey and the strategic approach she used to spearhead Petite Plume's expansion into new markets and categories.In this episode, you will learn: From High Fashion to Home Comfort: Fanny shares her career path, including her leadership roles at Chanel in retail innovation, and how she found her dream CMO role at Petite Plume. She redefines "retail innovation" as simply "marketing for the physical space". The Power of Memory Making: Discover the emotional core of the Petite Plume brand, which is built on "the notion of home and comfort" and creating "memories and special moments". Fanny explains how they strategically target the "memory maker" customer. Creating a "World of Petite Plume": Hear how Fanny led the brand’s successful diversification beyond sleepwear into the Home, Hospitality, and even Pet categories, including collaborations to build a cohesive "World of Petite Plume". The Hybrid Marketing Playbook: Fanny breaks down her winning marketing strategy, which blends high-level brand building with rigorous performance marketing. Learn why she considers customer retention their "Super Bowl," with a heavy focus on owned media channels like email and SMS. Leadership and Connecting the Dots: Get Fanny's insights on leadership, including her collaborative style of "managing from the back". She offers inspiring career advice by referencing Steve Jobs' famous Stanford commencement speech on the importance of "connecting the dots".Whether you're a marketing executive, an aspiring CMO, or an entrepreneur looking to turn a product into a legacy brand, Fanny Quehe’s strategic insights are essential listening.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more CMO Weekly!

Join host Haley Clover on CMO Weekly as she sits down with Matt Kerbel, Global Head of Brand Strategy at Turo, the peer-to-peer car sharing platform that is redefining mobility. Matt details his efforts to build a brand that lives beyond the transaction, driving culture, creator partnerships, and community-first growth in a traditionally functional category.The Story Behind the DisruptionMatt shares his journey from a childhood fascination with psychology and sociology to a professional career dedicated to understanding people and using creativity to solve problems. His diverse background laid the foundation for his strategic approach: Early Career: He started on the agency side before moving to client-side roles at General Mills (CPG) and Activision on the Call of Duty gaming franchise. Challenger Brands: He led Southern California marketing for Lyft during the "early battle days with Uber" and later helped mature the MeUndies brand into a purpose-driven, inclusive community based on self-expression and self-confidence. Joining Turo: Matt saw Turo as an opportunity for "necessary disruption" to the "less than remarkable, traditional car rental experiences". He came in to build the Brand Strategy function from scratch, aiming to apply rigor to track brand health and incorporate "deeply held human truths and insights" into the creative strategy.Building a Household Name and Defining SuccessTuro has scaled rapidly, growing from $150 million to "just shy of a billion" in net revenue. Matt discusses the strategic focus required to take Turo from a niche market player to a household name, especially given that its aided awareness in the US is still under 50%. The Power of Humanity: A key differentiator for Turo is the humanity of the experience, with hosts building a living—from a single car to small fleets—and providing a higher level of personal care than traditional rental counters. KPIs and Marketing Philosophy: The team focuses on the continuum of demand creation and demand capture—not Brand versus Performance. They track essential perception-based metrics like trust, safety, reliability, and value. Cultural Marketing: Matt shares innovative examples of how they drive brand awareness, including the viral, culturally relevant Zamboni (Ice Resurfacer) rental stunt in Canada and the hyper-local Philadelphia blitz campaign, which connected real-world buzz (collaborations with Tyrese Maxey and local bands) to algorithmic conversion data.This episode is a masterclass in brand building, challenger strategy, and how to scale a two-sided marketplace by prioritizing community and emotional connection over pure function.

That sounds like a great episode! Since I don't have the direct transcript or episode notes for "CMO Weekly" with Federico Saini, CCO of Vibra Gaming, I can't provide the exact details.However, based on his role, his company's focus, and the general topics associated with him, I can create a detailed, highly-probable description that you can use as a template and customize with specific quotes and segment names.🎙️ Detailed YouTube Episode Description TemplateCMO Weekly: How Vibra Gaming Conquered LatAm's iGaming Frontier with Federico SainiJoin us on CMO Weekly as we sit down with Federico Saini, Chief Commercial Officer of Vibra Gaming—a leading game and platform developer specializing in the fast-growing Latin American iGaming and regulated lottery markets.In this deep-dive interview, Federico pulls back the curtain on the commercial strategies that have established Vibra Gaming as a technological pillar in the region. He shares invaluable insights into navigating regulatory complexity, prioritizing customer-centric solutions, and the importance of localized content in a diverse market.🚀 Key Takeaways & Discussion Points: The Power of Localized Content: Why standard global content fails in the Latin American market, and how Vibra Gaming develops games and solutions that resonate deeply with local culture, themes, and player preferences. The LatAm Opportunity: A CCO's perspective on the unique challenges and massive growth potential within regulated markets like Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. Federico discusses what operators need to succeed in this dynamic landscape. Customer-Centric Commercial Strategy: How Vibra Gaming transforms its strong internal cohesion and integrated executive leadership (Werter Luna - CEO, Marcelo Blanco - CTO) into superior, agile deliveries for their operator partners. Navigating Regulation: The critical importance of compliance and auditability in iGaming, and how Vibra Solutions' platform architecture is designed to meet complex governmental and jurisdictional requirements. Strategic Partnerships: Federico discusses key collaborations (like their work with Booming Games) and the role of distribution networks in amplifying market presence and fueling mutual business growth across the continent. Vibra Solutions: The New Vertical: Insights into their versatile platform offering, designed to be a flexible, customizable, and reliable tech ally for both online and retail betting operators.Whether you're in marketing, iGaming, or simply interested in how companies master specific regional markets, this episode offers a masterclass in strategic commercial leadership.👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and ring the bell for more insights from top Commercial and Marketing leaders!

Join host Haley Glover as she sits down with Oliver Pohl Sanchez, Commercial Director and investor at Stadiobet, a fast-growing social sportsbook and casino in Mexico. Oliver shares the journey of blending a lifelong passion for sports and gaming with his expertise in commercial strategy to create a community-first betting platform.In This Episode, You'll Discover: The Origins of Stadiobet: Oliver and his partner, Eric, identified a significant gap in the Mexican market for an interactive, community-focused online casino and sportsbook. They saw an opportunity to bring value to customers by offering a platform that addresses issues like slow payments and lack of engagement. The Social Betting Concept: Learn how Stadiobet is revolutionizing the betting experience by integrating social media features (like sharing content, giving likes, and following influencers/tipsters) directly into the sports betting app. The goal is to create a unified platform—a "social sportsbook"—where users can bet and interact around sports content without the "noise" of general social media. From Fan to Operator: Oliver discusses the surprising complexity of the gaming business, contrasting the customer's mindset ("the house always wins") with the reality of running an operation. He even shares how his business perspective has changed his view on rooting for his favorite team, Real Madrid. Driving User Growth & Marketing Strategy: The Importance of Data: Oliver emphasizes a focus on marketing channels with clear, measurable data, prioritizing organic growth through affiliates, content creators, and influencers over high-cost, non-measurable sponsorships like five-second TV ads. Key Performance Indicator (KPI): Customer Acquisition Cost (CPA) is his main focus. Stadiobet aims for a CPA of $40-$50 USD for affiliates, significantly lower than the market average of $70-$120 USD for a first-time deposit in Mexico. Building Trust and Loyalty: Stadiobet focuses on key factors for the Mexican market, including fast payments and strong loyalty programs. This includes giving 10-15% of lost money back to the player weekly to foster a sense of fairness. Scaling and Innovation: Looking ahead, Stadiobet’s vision includes being the one-and-only platform for sports entertainment, focusing on new revenue streams (like localizing ads for brands) and embracing payment innovations like crypto. They also focus on providing key local payment options, like charging money through 7-Eleven stores in Mexico, which many competitors overlook. Advice for Entrepreneurs: Oliver’s core advice is to "go for it," be open for change, be skeptical of everything, and "pivot fast"—testing concepts and adapting quickly, as a small, agile organization can do more effectively than large competitors.Don't miss this insightful conversation on entrepreneurship, marketing metrics, and the future of social sports betting in Latin America!

Mazen Alawar, Head of Marketing at Cosm, joins CMO Weekly to peel back the curtain on immersive entertainment and the future of the live fan experience! Mazen is leading the charge on Cosm’s revolutionary Shared Reality venues, blending the physical and virtual worlds for live sports, concerts, and more. Hit play to learn the secrets of marketing a truly one-of-a-kind, cutting-edge brand.In this episode, host Hayley Clover sits down with marketing veteran Mazen Alawar to discuss building a brand at the intersection of entertainment, media, and technology. Mazen dives deep into Cosm's mission to redefine how we experience content by immersing fans in massive LED dome-based venues.Discover Mazen's playbook for marketing a novel, category-defining product. We explore: The Power of Shared Reality: What is the technology behind Cosm’s immersive experience and how does it create a stadium-like atmosphere for fans? Building a New Category: The unique challenges and strategies for launching and scaling a premium entertainment concept like Cosm in a new market. From MySpace to the Grammys: How his strategic and creative expertise, honed at MySpace (a true digital pioneer!) and The Recording Academy (The GRAMMYs), informs his current brand-building at Cosm. The Marketer’s Mindset: Mazen shares his bold moves and tough lessons from his career, giving you the breakthrough ideas needed to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry.🔔 Subscribe to CMO Weekly for more interviews with the world's top marketing leaders

In this insightful episode of CMO Weekly, host Hayley Clover sits down with Akshay Khanna, the Co-Founder and CEO of Jackpot.com, to explore the bold move of digitizing the $120 billion US lottery industry.Akshay, a visionary leader with a strategic background spanning StubHub, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, and private equity, discusses how his team is "reimagining how Americans experience one of their oldest pastimes—lottery—at the tap of a phone". He reveals the blueprint for building a high-growth, regulated e-commerce platform in a historically analog market where 99% of purchases are still made in-person, typically with cash.Key Takeaways You'll Learn:The Digitization Challenge: How Jackpot.com is pioneering a lottery courier platform that allows users to purchase official lottery tickets directly from their mobile devices.Building Trust & Integrity: The critical importance of prioritizing security, trust, and regulatory integrity to establish a foundation for long-term growth in the gaming space.The CMO's Role in a Regulated Industry: Strategies for successful market entry and rapid expansion across multiple US states.Responsible Gaming as a Feature: Why responsible gaming safeguards (including default spending limits) are a core part of the product and business model.Marketing Partnerships: The power of bold brand partnerships, such as the collaboration with the New York Yankees, to acquire customers and build credibility.Tune in for a masterclass on navigating complex regulatory landscapes, leveraging consumer tech experience in a legacy industry, and scaling a disruptive e-commerce business built on convenience and trust.About CMO Weekly: "CMO Weekly," hosted by OpenFortune's Hayley Clover, explores the journeys of top Chief Marketing Officers, uncovering their strategies, challenges, and success stories.

This episode of CMO Weekly features an insightful interview with Vadym Sotskov, Country Manager for JugaBet, one of Latin America's rapidly rising betting brands. The discussion covers the aggressive, locally-focused strategy that has propelled JugaBet to a leading position in key markets like Chile and Peru.Key Discussion Points Vadym Sotskov's Background and JugaBet's Genesis: Sotskov's main professional background is in data and analysis. He has been with JugaBet since its launch 2.5 years ago, initiating the brand and even creating its name for the betting platform. The core goal was to build a strong competitor to international brands by acting as a local brand. They focused on a localized approach from the beginning, including building a large, local professional team within the regions (like Chile and Peru). Rapid Market Success and Strategy: JugaBet is growing rapidly and is already positioned as the second-biggest brand in Chile within just two years. The two main factors for this quick success are: Strong Local Expertise/Presence: Unlike many competitors based in Europe or elsewhere, JugaBet has a significant local presence and team that deeply understands the nuances of the market. Massive Sponsorship Investment: They invested heavily in building a huge brand presence through sponsorships. Sponsorship and Fan Engagement: JugaBet sponsors the two biggest football teams in Chile, which together account for about 80% of the fan base. The selection strategy was to sponsor the "best of the best". They recognized that even the two top teams have different "vibes," "consumers," and connection styles to their fans, requiring a nuanced approach. Engagement is more than just a logo on a jersey. Activations include on-site presence at matches, promotional stands, giveaways, meet-and-greets, and producing hundreds of events for customers. Business Metrics and Trust: The key focus shifts with growth. Initially, it was on acquisition (new sign-ups, first deposits). Now that the customer base is large, the primary focus is on retention and engagement—keeping customers happy and increasing their lifetime value. Customer trust is paramount. Referrals (current customers inviting others) are a key performance indicator (KPI) that validates their strategy and builds long-term loyalty. Surprises and Future Plans: A major insight was the significant difference between close Latin American countries (like Chile and Peru) despite a shared language (Spanish). Accents and dialects can be so different that people sometimes don't understand each other. This confirmed the necessity of their highly localized approach. Two main future directions: Continual Expansion: They recently launched in Mexico and now hold ten licenses there. Product Improvement/Loyalty: A significant focus on loyalty features. A new feature launching is a loyalty store where active players can earn points through missions and redeem them for real, physical prizes (tickets, autographed jerseys, gym subscriptions, coupons) to create a tangible connection between the online and offline world.