#036 - Igniting Organizational Change Through Trust

Brand-building at Allbirds began with a clear purpose: “to reverse climate change through better business.”In this week’s episode, we welcome Julie Channing, former CMO and Global VP of Marketing at Allbirds, to explore the fundamental principles behind Allbirds’ exceptional branding success since its launch in 2016. Julie recounts her early days at Allbirds, from joining as the first full-time employee to helping the brand craft a compelling narrative and marking its territory in a competitive landscape dominated by giants like Nike and Adidas. The conversation covers crucial steps in building a brand, including establishing a clear purpose, engaging PR and social media strategies, and staying true to the brand’s core values.A brand builder at heart with a digital backbone, Julie Channing has spent nearly 25 years building and nurturing beloved world-class brands and marketing teams. She spent the first half of her career on the agency side, predominantly working at AKQA where she led client relationships with Gap Inc., McDonald’s and Palm Pilot. Her brand-side experience spans legacy businesses to early stage start-ups across a breadth of industries, including Levi’s, Google Nest and Allbirds – where she was the first hire and responsible for building the brand and marketing organization from the ground up. Today, Julie has her own marketing consultancy and advisory practice, working with consumer-led, purpose-motivated brands looking to scale their business and elevate their team.Timestamps:0:03 Julie Channing's Journey from AKQA to Marketing Leadership3:54 Building Allbirds from Scratch: A Leap of Faith12:56 Allbirds' Mission to Reverse Climate Change Through Better Business17:47 Crafting a Powerful Brand Story for Allbirds22:30 Making Better Things in a Better Way26:26 Early Wins and Strategic Breakthroughs for Allbirds’ Brand30:40 Embracing Authenticity and Experimentation in Social Media Marketing36:51 Consumer Feedback Drives Allbirds' Gender-Neutral Color Strategy38:51 The Importance of Authenticity and Purpose in Brand Communication43:05 Building Brand Loyalty Through Local Community Engagement51:29 City Collaborations and a Major Partnership with Shake Shack53:24 Creative Collaboration Between Shoe and Burger Brands55:19 Building Brands with Purpose and Navigating Social Media Evolution59:41 Building World-Class Brands Through Purpose, Edutainment, and Common EnemiesEpisode References:Julie Channing | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rei answers questions from Alice Kumagami, a graphic designer who recently relocated from London to Tokyo. This AMA segment dives into the challenges and rewards of navigating different cultural and working environments while touching on identity crises, how Alice’s Japanese background influences her design approach, and how she’s adapting to corporate Japan.Alice Kumagami has taken the chance to relocate to Japan to build her career and comes on our show with questions as a graphic designer at On.Episode References:Alice Kumagami | PortfolioAlice Kumagami | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why design apps like Canva don’t make us better designers, as read by AI.The Intersection is Rei’s weekly newsletter, exploring what the future holds at the intersection of creativity and technology. Subscribe to The Intersection to receive his latest editions directly in your inbox.Episode References:Democratization of Design | ArticleRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever struggled to help your clients change? A North Star is crucial for guiding client companies, but it’s meaningless without the underlying trust and supported by tangible practices.For this week’s episode, we welcome back Ana Andjelic, the acclaimed brand executive and author of the popular newsletter “The Sociology of Business.” With extensive experience in transforming and growing brands, Ana offers insights on what it takes to drive meaningful change within established companies and underscores the importance of “dumbly believing” in the possibility of transformation to initiate significant changes. Rei also complements her insights with examples of I&CO’s relationships with clientele leadership.Ana Andjelic is a global brand executive, author of “The Business of Aspiration” and has been recognized two times by Forbes for her CMO work. Ana specializes in building brand-driven modern businesses. She earned her doctorate in sociology and is a widely read columnist, speaker and advisor. Subscribe to her newsletter, The Sociology of Business.Timestamps:0:03 Transforming Legacy Brands Through Creativity and Technology6:34 Bridging Abstract Business Goals with Tangible Creative Solutions15:18 Challenges and Realities of Driving Organizational Change22:03 Lightning Questions26:04 The New Rules of Brand MarketingEpisode References:Ana Andjelic | NewsletterAna Andjelic | InstagramAna Andjelic | LinkedInAna Andjelic | Online PortfolioRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reviving brands requires understanding their origin stories, injecting fresh imagination, and “an orchestrated push”, according to Ana Andjelic.On this week’s episode, we welcome the acclaimed brand executive Ana Andjelic. As the former global chief brand officer of iconic fashion brands such as Banana Republic and Esprit, Ana shares powerful strategies for reviving brands and emphasizes the importance of aligning product propositions with overarching brand concepts. The discussion also delves into the divide between brand and performance marketing and the influence of technology on perception.Ana Andjelic is a global brand executive, author of “The Business of Aspiration” and has been recognized two times by Forbes for her CMO work. Ana specializes in building brand-driven modern businesses. She earned her doctorate in sociology and is a widely read columnist, speaker and advisor. Subscribe to her newsletter, The Sociology of Business.Timestamps:0:03 Reviving Brands with Ana Andjelic1:50 Balancing Productivity Between New York and Miami4:12 Reviving Brand Identity Through Founders' Original Intentions6:46 The Imaginative Origins and Evolution of Banana Republic8:25 Reviving Banana Republic's Brand Through Strategic Decisions9:32 Imagined Worlds and Functional Maximalism in Banana Republic11:23 Balancing Brand Vision and Designer Creativity in Fashion Marketing17:39 Defining New American Sportswear Through Urban and Creative Lenses21:22 The Intersection of Performance Marketing and Brand Marketing28:49 The New Rules of Brand Marketing in a Changing Landscape32:21 The Evolution of Technology and Its Impact on Perception35:07 The Interplay of Technology, Culture, and Society in Innovation45:05 Three TakeawaysEpisode References:Ana Andjelic | NewsletterAna Andjelic | InstagramAna Andjelic | LinkedInAna Andjelic | Online PortfolioRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The framework for deploying generative AI for brands and corporations as read by Simon Osmont.The Intersection is Rei’s weekly newsletter that explores what the future holds at the intersection of creativity and technology. Subscribe to The Intersection to receive his latest editions directly in your inbox.Episode References:How to AI | ArticleSimon Osmont | WebsiteRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do smaller AI companies stand against giant corporations with more significant resources?On this week’s episode, we welcome back Sho Rust, the Founder & CEO of SHO.AI, to discuss the future of AI-based services in an increasingly competitive industry, the intricacies of scaling a business, and how AI can enhance the work of professionals.  Sho Rust, an entrepreneur with a deep commitment to AI and design in brand content generation, has a rich professional background marked by significant contributions to the industry. His career includes roles at the United Nations, B-Reel, co-founding RAREFORM, and impactful work for brands like Disney, Google, and Nike. At the Boston Consulting Group's Digital Ventures Division, he excelled as a Lead Brand Technical Designer, skillfully blending AI with design. In 2018, he launched SHO.AI, a Generative AI platform that predates ChatGPT. This platform has been embraced by universities, global agencies, and Fortune 100 brands, revolutionizing their creative processes. Additionally, Sho dedicates his Saturday mornings to teaching at the same college he graduated from, sharing his knowledge and passion for AI and design. Timestamps:0:04 Exploring AI's Impact on Creativity and Content Creation1:25 Balancing Startup Growth, Culture, and Leadership Challenges6:03 Innovating Brand Management with AI-Driven Design8:51 Challenges and Successes in AI-Augmented Branding12:23 Empowering Humans With AI: The Superpower Synergy13:23 Harnessing AI Tools Requires Skill and Patience14:43 ChatGPT's Impact on Perception and Business Practices17:55 AI Platform Scrutiny and Competitive Pressures Intensify20:26 Tech Giants and Nations Invade the AI Island21:19 Agility and Innovation in AI Product Development24:23 Lightning Questions28:00 Three TakeawaysEpisode References:SHO.AI | Corporate SiteSho Rust | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Opportunities are everywhere. It’s just a matter of recognizing them and bringing those ideas to life.On this week’s episode, we welcome Sho Rust, the Founder & CEO of SHO.AI, to hear about his journey from studying design to starting his own AI platform for content creation. Sharing Sho’s challenges in building his own company, the discussion highlights the importance of passion, execution, and recognizing opportunities for success.Sho Rust, an entrepreneur with a deep commitment to AI and design in brand content generation, has a rich professional background marked by significant contributions to the industry. His career includes roles at the United Nations, B-Reel, co-founding RAREFORM, and impactful work for brands like Disney, Google, and Nike. At the Boston Consulting Group's Digital Ventures Division, he excelled as a Lead Brand Technical Designer, skillfully blending AI with design. In 2018, he launched SHO.AI, a Generative AI platform that predates ChatGPT. This platform has been embraced by universities, global agencies, and Fortune 100 brands, revolutionizing their creative processes. Additionally, Sho dedicates his Saturday mornings to teaching at the same college he graduated from, sharing his knowledge and passion for AI and design. Timestamps:0:04 Exploring AI's Impact on Content Creation with Sho Rust1:24 Bridging Design, Technology, and Entrepreneurship3:20 From Art to AI: A Designer's Evolution6:52 From AI Projects to Disruptive Startups at BCG9:51 Rapid Growth and Japanese Expansion10:33 Scaling Design Systems With AI Across Global Brands14:11 Early Experiments with Language Models Transforming Brand Management15:31 From Cushy Jobs to Grandma's Basement Startup18:13 Startup Challenges and the Importance of Simplification20:21 Rapid Growth and Strategic Focus in Tech Startups24:58 Three TakeawaysEpisode References:SHO.AI | Corporate SiteSho Rust | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A campaign worth numerous advertising awards doesn’t necessarily mean your community of customers will like the idea.On this week’s episode, we welcome Ginny Golden, the Executive Creative Director at YETI, to hear about YETI’s rapid revenue growth and the importance of staying true to the brand’s authenticity. Ginny shares her experience transitioning from agency-side to in-house at YETI, insights on building an in-house agency, and the value in cultivating a strong community of dedicated customers.Timestamps:0:03 From Agency Creative to Executive Director at Yeti2:38 Transitioning to Yeti for a Broader Creative Experience3:36 Transforming an In-House Creative Agency at Yeti5:26 Challenges of Onboarding and Brand Stewardship at Yeti8:12 Yeti's Multidimensional Brand and Community Authenticity11:46 Embracing Outdoor Lifestyles: From Casual to Hardcore12:33 Tensions Between Creativity and Capitalism in Corporate Culture13:32 Yeti's Growth: Brand Heart and Founders' Spirit17:32 Nike's Ethos and History Through Maxims and Booklets19:26 Crafting Artifacts to Preserve a Rapidly Growing Company's Story21:10 Yeti's Brand Growth and Marketing Strategy Discussed22:51 Unlocking Yeti's Growth Through Authenticity and Versatility25:41 Innovative Brand Building and Community Engagement at Yeti29:40 Turning Lost Gear Into Delightful Surprises30:28 Cultivating Authentic Community Connections in Marketing32:55 A Surfer, Skater, and Pitmaster's Old World Hog Hunt33:24 Authenticity as a Brand's Defining Characteristic35:52 Balancing Short-Term Demands With Long-Term Brand Strategy37:11 Lightning Questions41:51 Three TakeawaysEpisode References:YETI | Corporate SiteGinny Golden | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rei answers questions about hiring in the creative industry with guest Roy Husada. This AMA segment dives into challenges that small studios face when competing with big agencies and tech companies for talent, the importance of codifying a company’s operational principles, and practical tips such as the strategic use of in-house recruiters who understand the company’s DNA.Roy Husada comes on our show with questions as Founder & Managing Director at Rival Schools Japan, a creative agency specializing in brand localization for the Japanese market.Episode References:Rival Schools Japan | Corporate SiteRoy Husada | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate SiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.