Join Wendy Coulter as they dive deep into the power of branding and its surprising impacts, with special guest Mike Ganey—a marketing veteran with experience at Anheuser-Busch, Balson, and House-Autry Mills. In this episode, Mike shares insights on the importance of developing a strong brand, the value of customer-focused innovations, and how marketing fits into the broader company strategy. From his unique experiences in marketing non-alcoholic products at Anheuser-Busch to pioneering innovations in commodity products, Mike presents invaluable lessons for business leaders looking to make a profound impact. Tune in for real-world examples of successful marketing tactics, the significance of taking a holistic view of marketing, and why marketers should always be in love with their target audience.

00:00 Introduction to the Power of Branding

00:52 Meet the Team: Wendy and Hanna

02:01 Special Guest: Mike Ganey's Journey

02:46 Marketing Insights and Career Highlights

11:41 The Hummingbird Effect in Action

19:14 International Marketing and Consumer Understanding

23:22 Innovative Product Development Strategies

33:11 The Fear of Price Increases

33:39 Unarticulated Consumer Needs

35:46 Innovation in Product Development

37:02 Observational Research at House Autry

40:21 New Product Concepts

46:42 The Role of Marketing Leaders

47:33 Staying Competitive in a Changing Market

53:52 The Value of Market Research

01:01:20 Simplifying Marketing Strategies

01:05:05 Final Thoughts and Takeaways