Great Minds: People and Culture

Redefining Indulgence: How Tatyana Jones Is Challenging a $27 Billion Category with DEFI Snacks Jul 29, 2026 2270 Our host Ren Akinci sat down with Tatyana Jones, Founder and CEO of DEFI Snacks, a multi-award-winning brand challenging the $27 billion chocolate category with high-protein, superfood-infused bites rooted in her Ukrainian heritage. A former Mars Wrigley brand manager, Tatyana, shares what it really takes to build a brand from scratch; navigating the risks of first-time founding, defining an iden

Kate Isichei of Where to Look Communications: From Mom to Neuroinclusion Navigator Jun 10, 2026 1590 When Kate Isichei's children were diagnosed with Autism and ADHD, it didn't just change her family — it transformed her career. Now, as Founder of Where to Look Communications and as Neuroinclusion Navigator, Kate helps organizations rethink how they hire, communicate, and lead. In this episode of Great Minds: People & Culture, she joins Ren Akinci for a candid conversation about what companie

Kimberle Lau, Bake Me Healthy: Raising a Brand and a Family Apr 29, 2026 1716 Kimberle Lau didn't set out to become a food founder, but a health crisis changed everything. From beauty executive to CEO of Bake Me Healthy, she built a women- and Asian-owned brand from the ground up while raising a family and navigating the unique hurdles that come with it. In this episode of Great Minds: People & Culture, she sits down with Ren Akinci to talk business, identity, and the l

Carolina Lopez of BEJOU Building a Brand Through Discipline Transparency and Grit Apr 15, 2026 2036 Our host Ren Akinci is joined by BEJOU founder Carolina Lopez for a candid conversation on leadership, brand building, and resilience. Carolina shares how personal health challenges revealed critical gaps in the skincare industry and pushed her to build a trust driven brand in a crowded market. They discuss navigating rejection, leading with discipline and transparency, and making the hard decisio

Justin Thomas-Copeland, CEO of the 4As, on Modernizing Agency Support in Real Time Feb 4, 2026 2203 Host Ren Akinci is joined by Justin Thomas-Copeland, CEO of the 4As, for a conversation on what matters most as the advertising and marketing industry enters its next phase. Together, they unpack the shifts reshaping agencies, what a modern trade association must deliver in real time, and how the 4As is redefining its role, tools, and member experience. Justin shares how he’s thinking about agilit

The Data Behind Belonging: What Leaders Get Wrong About Culture — with Carissa Romero, Co-Founder of Paradigm Jan 21, 2026 2347 In this episode, Ren Akinci sits down with Carissa Romero, Ph.D., co-founder of Paradigm, for a conversation about what actually changes behavior at work and what quietly undermines it. Drawing from her roots in Stanford research and years advising leaders, Carissa breaks down why many well-intentioned culture efforts fail, how data often contradicts leadership narratives, and what it really takes

Vision, Structure, and the Future of Experiential Marketing with Kim Lawton, Founder & CEO of Enthuse Marketing Jan 7, 2026 1922 What happens when an agency is built on teaching and not just executing? In our latest episode, Ren Akinci sits down with Kim Lawton, founder & CEO of Enthuse Marketing, to break down the non-negotiables behind sustainable creativity, the traps experiential teams keep falling into, and what agency leaders need to unlearn heading into 2026.

Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerMedia: What It Really Takes to Be Yourself at Work Dec 10, 2025 3059 In this Episode Ren Akinci sits down with Claude Silver to discuss her new book Be Yourself at Work. Together, they explore the moment Claude knew this book needed to be written, the healing and emotional bravery behind it, and the parts of herself she once hid but now embraces.

Grit in Action: Erin Fabio on Founder Reality, Resilience, and Reinvention Nov 19, 2025 1997 Erin Fabio joins Ren Akinci for a candid conversation on what it takes to build and scale a marketing agency as a woman in an industry still catching up. They get into early barriers, pivots, leadership evolution, and the unfiltered realities facing female founders today

The Future of Loyalty and Customer Experience with Morana Bakula of Bond Oct 15, 2025 2011 In this episode Ren Akinci speaks with Morana Bakula, President and CEO of Bond Brand Loyalty. In this conversation, Morana shares what sets Bond apart in the loyalty and customer experience space, offers an inside look at The Loyalty Report — the agency’s annual industry benchmark — and reflects on how brands can evolve to meet rising customer expectations. She also opens up about her journey as

Defending Free Speech, Defining Leadership Madeline Krasno on Founding Justify and Leading Change in Science Oct 1, 2025 1569 Is deleting social media comments just “good housekeeping”? Madeline Krasno didn’t think so. Her alma mater, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, deleted her posts about animal testing, leading her to file a lawsuit in 2021. Though a district court initially dismissed the case, the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the decision in 2025, ruling the censorship unconstitutional. In this episo

Thinking Differently, Buying Differently: Why Brands Can’t Ignore Neurodivergent Consumers — with Nathan Friedman, CMO of Understood.org Sep 17, 2025 1568 In this episode, Ren Akinci sits down with Nathan Friedman, Co-President and Chief Marketing Officer of Understood.org, to explore the intersection of creativity, inclusion, and business strategy. Nathan shares how his personal journey with learning and thinking differences shaped his career and fuels his passion for building a more inclusive world. We dive into insights from Understood’s recen

Bridging the Workforce Divide with Harvard’s Joseph Fuller Jun 17, 2025 2942 This Week on Great Minds: People & Culture Ren Akinci is joined by Professor Joseph Fuller, a leading expert on workforce strategy from Harvard Business School. Together, they dive into why so many companies still treat talent like a spot-market transaction, how employers can reframe community colleges as strategic partners, and what it will take to move from degree-based to skills-based hirin

Redefining Parental Leave with Allison Whalen, Founder & CEO of Parentaly May 21, 2025 2569 After returning from her own parental leave to find her team struggling and her career momentum stalled, Allison Whalen knew this wasn’t just a personal challenge—it was a systemic issue. That insight led her to launch Parentaly, a company helping employers turn parental leave into a strategic advantage rather than a career disruption. In this episode, Allison joins, Ren Akinci, to talk about what

The Courage to Nourish: Ground-Up Leadership with Natalie Flores of NourishLA May 7, 2025 2058 For Earth Day, Ren Akinci sat down with Natalie Flores, founder of NourishLA, a community-powered nonprofit tackling food waste, hunger, and local sustainability in Los Angeles. In this episode, Natalie shares how she turned a crisis into a catalyst—launching NourishLA during the pandemic to connect surplus food with families in need. We talk about what it takes to lead during natural disasters

Rethinking Sleep: The Leadership Advantage You’re Overlooking Apr 30, 2025 3692 If you’re constantly running on empty, pushing through stress, or telling yourself you’ll “catch up on sleep later”—this episode is for you. This week, Ren Akinci is joined by Ahna de Vena, a Sleep and Performance Specialist who has spent over 20 years helping high-performing leaders and teams rethink their relationship with rest. We explore how sleep impacts executive decision-making, emotiona

What Companies Miss When They Require Degrees: A Conversation with OneTen’s Debbie Dyson Apr 17, 2025 1861 On this Episode of Great Minds: People & Culture, Ren Akinci speaks with Debbie Dyson, CEO of OneTen, about how the organization is helping employers break away from outdated hiring practices by removing four-year degree requirements and focusing on skills. They talk about what it really takes to drive change inside companies, how to get leadership aligned, and the role of upskilling and commu

Success, Status & Starting Over: Melani Dziire on Finding Meaning in Work Mar 20, 2025 1737 In this episode of Great Minds, Ren Akinci sits down with Melani (Walker) Dziire, who made the bold decision to leave behind a high-powered executive career to pursue a completely different path. Melani shares what inspired her to take the leap, the biggest obstacles she faced, and how she prepared—both practically and mentally—for such a major transition. We discuss the emotional and professional

Unlocking the Power of Inclusive Marketing with Lisette Arsuaga Feb 26, 2025 1983 In this episode of Great Minds, Ren Akinci sits down with Lisette Arsuaga, co-founder of AIMM and Co-CEO of DMI Consulting, to explore how brands can drive meaningful impact through cultural authenticity and inclusive marketing. They discuss AIMM’s role in providing guidance and data to help marketers remain competitive, the importance of equity in investment and metrics-driven strategies, and how

Diana Brooks, Founder and CEO of THE 3RD EYE, on Leadership, Innovation, and Empowerment Feb 10, 2025 2196 In this episode, our host Ren Akinci speaks with Diana Brooks, founder and CEO of THE 3RD EYE, who, at a young age, was told that women couldn’t succeed in her career choice. Taking those words to heart, Diana shifted her path, ultimately finding her place as a trailblazer in the advertising industry. She shares how she built a company rooted in innovation and inclusivity, the challenges she faced

Gender Specialist Rebecca Minor on Supporting Trans and Gender-Expansive Kids Jan 23, 2025 1214 In our latest podcast episode, we speak with Rebecca Minor, MSW, LICSW (she/her/they), a queer clinician, consultant, and educator specializing in the intersection of trauma, gender, and sexuality. As the founder of Prism Therapy Collective and adjunct faculty at Boston University School of Social Work, Rebecca shares insights on developing inclusive policies, addressing privacy concerns, and supp

Retaining Talent in a High-Turnover Industry: Lessons from GALE’s Brad Simms Nov 20, 2024 2617 The advertising industry faces an annual turnover rate of 27%, costing companies their talent, creativity, and momentum. On this episode, Ren Akinci speaks to Brad Simms, Founder & CEO of GALE, about how his agency has tackled this challenge with investing $1M dollars in learning, training and development initiatives. From dedicated career coaches to an in-house training platform and accelerat

Creating Safe Workplaces Amid Societal Challenges: Insights from Dr. Lori Watson Oct 31, 2024 2781 On this episode, Ren Akinci and Dr. Lori Watson discuss how leaders can effectively respond to societal incidents that impact employees, creating a safe and inclusive workplace. They explore essential strategies for open discussions on race, balancing inclusivity with free speech, and building a lasting commitment to racial equity in organizations.

Redefining Inclusive Leadership in Advertising Oct 16, 2024 1803 On this episode Ren Akinci speaks to Kumi Croom, the first Managing Director at Duncan Channon. Kumi has been a trailblazer in leading the agency’s equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts, building initiatives to recruit and retain BIPOC talent and creating a culturally conscious approach to their creative work. From launching the EDI Group to establishing a Black/African American Culture Practic

Shaping Political Campaigns and Company Culture: Lessons from the CEO of SKDK Sep 11, 2024 3417 In this episode, Ren Akinci speaks with Doug Thornell, the CEO of SKDK, one of the top political advertising and public affairs agencies, about shaping political campaigns and building company culture. As the election year heats up, we discuss the challenges of creating impactful political ads, staying agile, and fostering equity and inclusion within the firm. Tune in for insights on leadership, i

From First Employee to CEO: Leadership Lessons at 72andSunny Jun 18, 2024 1521 On today’s episode, Ren Akinci is joined by Evin Shutt, the CEO of 72andSunny, as they celebrate a major milestone: 72andSunny 20th anniversary. Evin was the first hired employee at 72andSunny 18 years ago and has been leading the brand as CEO for the past four years. Tune in as Evin shares her journey from delves into the leadership values that have guided her career and helped shape 72andSunny i

Creating Belonging: LGBTQ+ Allyship Beyond Pride Week May 29, 2024 2044 In this episode, Ren Akinci is joined by Ben Cicchetti, Vice President of Corporate Marketing at InfoSum and a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Together, they discuss the importance of fostering true LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace and explore how support for LGBTQ+ colleagues must extend beyond Pride Week.

Innovate, Engage and Disrupt: Shaping a Dynamic Culture at Movers + Shakers Apr 24, 2024 1760 In this episode, Ren Akinci is joined by Geoffrey Goldberg, a Broadway performer and director, and Evan Horowitz, a marketing expert, founders of Movers + Shakers. This agency champions the motto of spreading joy through innovative advertising. Learn how they navigate calculated risks for success, create a joyful work culture, and empower their team in a fast-paced industry.

Resilience, Joy, and Leadership: Navigating Challenges with Positivity Apr 10, 2024 1539 In this episode of Great Minds: People & Culture, Ren Akinci and Mercy for Animals CEO Leah Garcès delve into the world of resilient leadership and the pursuit of joy in advocacy. Join us as we explore strategies for fostering morale, sustainability, and well-being within organizations striving for meaningful change.

Managing with Adult ADHD Mar 26, 2024 2537 This week on Great Minds: People & Culture we’re pleased to welcome Brooke Schnittman, MA, BCC, PCC, an esteemed expert in the field of ADHD management and support, renowned for her unwavering dedication to empowering individuals with ADHD to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

Having a Seat at the Table Mar 11, 2024 1576 Christine Guilfoyle, President of SeeHer, joins Ren for this episode of Great Minds: People & Culture. In this episode, Christine discusses what it means to have a seat at the table.

Management During National Crisis Feb 20, 2024 1995 On this episode of Great Minds: People and Culture, we speak with Sergii Denysenko, CEO of MGID, Inc., an innovative global pioneer in native advertising. Based in Ukraine, Sergii discusses the challenges of running a 750+ employee business during a time of national crisis.

Trailblazing in the Legal Cannabis Industry Feb 6, 2024 1883 On this episode of Great Minds: People & Culture we’re pleased to welcome Dr. Chanda Macias, who connects, educates, inspires and empowers the next generation of women in the cannabis industry through her multiple roles.

The Significance of Mentorship at Every Career Stage Jan 23, 2024 2387 In this episode of Great Minds People & Culture, Ren Akinci is joined by Sarah Engel, a passionate advocate for mentorship. Together, they talk about the significance of mentorship at every career stage. Sarah shares invaluable insights on accessing this crucial experience, even in the absence of a formal program within your company.

Putting ‘Mother’ on a Resume Jan 9, 2024 1941 In today’s episode, Ren Akinci and Rebecca Coleman dive into the crucial yet often overlooked aspect of putting ‘mother’ on the resume. Listen in as they explore how women deserve rightful credit for honing indispensable skills while navigating the rewarding journey of motherhood. It’s time to reshape the narrative and acknowledge the powerhouse of capabilities that mothers bring to the workforce.

Fair Chance Hiring Practices Nov 28, 2023 1700 In this episode, Ren Akinci is joined by Alex Love of Alex Love Consulting. Alex is an advocate for fair chance hiring practices. But what exactly is fair chance hiring? It’s a transformative approach that emphasizes giving individuals with a criminal record a fair opportunity to reintegrate into the workforce. It’s about second chances, breaking down barriers, and fostering inclusivity. Join u

Harnessing AI’s Power for Good Nov 7, 2023 3012 In our latest episode, Ren Akinci sits down with Shelly Palmer, a renowned AI expert, who shares invaluable insights on harnessing AI’s power for good, while also shedding light on the burning question: Will AI replace jobs? Discover the secrets of AI with our expert guest and gain the knowledge you need to navigate the AI landscape. Tune in now to stay ahead in this era of technological transfor

Leading Through Tough Times Oct 24, 2023 2382 Our new episode is an inspiring conversation with Rafat Ali, CEO of a Skift. Ren and Rafat talk about leading a global team through tough times and how to balance parenthood with a CEO’s role. Join us for valuable insights and personal anecdotes in this week’s episode of Great Minds People & Culture Podcast.

The Workplace Anxiety Monster Oct 10, 2023 1764 In this episode, Melissa Swift talks to Ren Akinci about the Work Anxiety Monster, how companies can leverage data to improve the everyday work experience, including the best place to send that engagement survey! And which untapped demographic employers should build a program to help with the labor market shortage.

How Advertising Week Approaches DEI Through Attitude and Action Sep 26, 2023 1518 Despite industry efforts, a recent Wave II of Global DEI Census shows no improvement in inclusion; in fact, 1 in 7 people say they’d consider leaving the advertising industry due to a lack of diversity and inclusion. Today, we talk to Ruth Mortimer, Global President of Advertising Week (AW), on how AW approaches DEI through the two “A”s – Attitude and Action.

Mental Health in the Workplace Sep 12, 2023 1656 In our debut episode, host Ren Akinci speaks with Natasha Bowman, author and a champion for workplace equity, as well as a top voice for mental health. Natasha is Founder and President of Performance ReNEW, a talent management and leadership development firm committed to helping organizations cultivate their most valuable asset: people. https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashabowmanjd https://www

Great Minds: People and Culture Trailer Sep 6, 2023 55 Advertising Week is proud to present Great Minds People and Culture, a podcast dedicated to exploring the art of intentional leadership during times of change. The goal of Great Minds People and Culture is to provide our audience with practical strategies, reliable data, and tangible advice as we look to empower leaders seeking to make a positive impact.

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