S06.EP11 - Inside DixonBaxi: Building Brands That Matter with Simon Dixon

In this episode, we go inside the mind of Simon Dixon, co-founder of the global brand and design consultancy DixonBaxi. » Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast  Known for shaping bold, human brands for some of the world’s most iconic companies, Simon shares how his team builds what they call Intelligent Identities™—living systems designed for scale, emotion, and relevance. We cover: • The DixonBaxi Way: principles, process, and creative culture • Why emotion—not aesthetics—is the foundation of powerful design • How to build brand systems that stay flexible without losing clarity • What SuperFutures is, and how it’s reshaping the future of brand innovation • Lessons from decades of creative risk, leadership, and reinvention This is a must-listen for designers, strategists, and creative leaders who want to push beyond surface-level branding and build brands that actually matter.

In this episode of JUST Branding, we’re joined by the brilliant and delightfully unconventional Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK, TED speaker, and author of Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don’t Make Sense. Rory takes us deep into the world of problem framing, a powerful technique that flips business challenges on their head to reveal bold, creative brand solutions hiding in plain sight.

In this episode of JUST Branding, we sit down with Michael Bungay Stanier (MBS), the best-selling author of The Coaching Habit, The Advice Trap, and How to Work with (Almost) Anyone, to explore how coaching can become your secret weapon in branding and business. Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast If you’re a creative shifting into strategy, leading workshops, or simply trying to manage client relationships without losing your mind, this one’s for you.

In this episode of JUST Branding, we sit down with hybrid creative leader Cyril Louis who is Creative Partner at The Royals and the mind behind campaigns for Beats by Dre, EA Games, and Heineken to unpack how brands can become culturally relevant and commercially effective. We explore:     •    What “brands in culture” really means (hint: it’s more than just riding trends)     •    The difference between cultural resonance and “culture-washing”     •    How to authentically engage with cultural movements without getting burned     •    Practical frameworks to align your brand with the right cultural moments     •    Why the future of branding depends on understanding global and local nuance     •    The role of emerging tech (like AI & Web3) in shaping brand relevance

In this episode of JUST Branding, we unpack Account-Based Experience (ABX) which is a strategic approach that unites marketing, sales, and customer success to drive focused, sustainable brand growth. Learn more at justcreative.com/podcast  Our guest walks us through their 7 Steps to ABX Success, offering a clear, practical framework to move from scattered tactics to shared results. Together, we explore: • Why ABX is more than a rebrand of ABM—and why it matters • How to align company strategy with marketing strategy • The power of a well-defined Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) • How to build a target account list that fuels real opportunities • Ways to create content that resonates (and converts) • How to run omnichannel campaigns that feel intentional, not intrusive • What metrics matter when it’s time to measure and scale If you’re tired of misaligned teams, generic marketing, or chasing leads that go nowhere, this episode will shift your thinking and sharpen your strategy.

Is creativity the key to unlocking innovation? In this episode of JUST Branding, we sit down with Melissa Dinwiddie — innovation strategist, keynote speaker, and author of The Creative Sandbox Way. Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast Melissa’s journey from calligraphy and jazz to corporate consulting has given her a unique perspective on creativity in business. She shares her Create the Impossible™ framework, a game-changing three-step process designed to help teams embrace play, imperfection, and rapid learning. We’ll explore why play isn’t just for kids, how artistic thinking fuels innovation, and how to bust through creative blocks that hold businesses back. Get 50 Free Pages of the The Creative Sandbox Way Book If you’re looking to boost creativity, enhance collaboration, and drive innovation—this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Buckle up—this is our most unfiltered episode yet. Mark Ritson joins us for a no-BS conversation on branding, marketing myths, and why so many marketers still miss the point. 👉 Learn more: https://justcreative.com/podcast/ No fluff. Just straight-up marketing truth from one of the sharpest minds in the game. We discuss:   ▶︎ Marketing Myths & Industry Bullsh*t ▶︎ The Biggest Problem with Brand Education (and why it’s broken) ▶︎ Branding vs. Performance Marketing (Are marketers still missing the point?) ▶︎ Positioning & Brand Strategy (+ Mark’s deep love for Kit-Kat) ▶︎ The ROI of Branding (Can you actually measure it?) ▶︎ AI & Branding—Beyond the Hype (Including the rise of RitBot) ▶︎ Mark’s Take on Branding Thought Leaders ▶︎ Differentiation AND Distinctiveness (Why the debate still won’t die) ▶︎ Rapid-fire Q&A madness Warning: If you’re easily offended, maybe sit this one out. Tune in now!

With the rise of the social justice movement, the debate over if, when, and how brands should engage with politics has never been more relevant. In this episode, we sit down with Jeroen Reuven Bours, founder of Darling Agency in New York, to break down this complex and high-stakes topic. We explore: ✅ The pros and cons of brands getting involved in political discourse ✅ Real-world examples of brand activism—both successful and catastrophic ✅ How companies can navigate political engagement without alienating their audience ✅ Jeroen’s expert take on when it makes sense for brands to take a stand

With over 50 years (!!) of experience and a track record of building one of the US’s most successful mid-sized branding firms, Brandon shares his passion for helping entrepreneurs unlock the transformative power of brand alignment. We explore what it means to be “Brand ON,” why alignment is critical for growth, and practical strategies to achieve it.

We sit down with Lida Citroën, an award-winning expert in reputation management, renowned keynote speaker, and author of The New Rules of Influence. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or a leader in the making, this episode is packed with tips to help you step into your full leadership potential. Key Topics: • The shift in influence: Why traditional authority isn’t enough anymore • Lida’s 10-step process for building influence and why “why” matters • How storytelling can help leaders build trust and connection • Practical advice for increasing confidence and authenticity as a leader Tune in to learn how to lead with purpose and influence in today’s rapidly changing world!