Hype check: How Complex stays youth-first and culturally relevant

In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton sits down with Jessica Murphy, Vice President of Global Marketing Strategy & Operations at Hasbro, to explore how play fuels connection in an increasingly digital world. Jessica unpacks the loneliness epidemic, the role of tactile and imaginative play in child development, and how Hasbro is modernizing iconic IP like My Little Pony and Peppa Pig while experimenting with AI-driven possibilities. She also shares how the toy giant is adapting its marketing playbook for YouTube, gaming, and creators, while reminding leaders why adaptability is the most critical skill in a changing marketplace.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Jessica Murphy on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton sits down with Moksha Fitzgibbons, President of Complex, to explore how the brand became one of the most trusted voices in youth culture. From surviving the 2008 crash by pivoting to digital, to launching ComplexCon and building deep ties with creators, Moksha shares how Complex keeps its edge by focusing on what young audiences actually care about.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Moksha Fitzgibbons on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton sits down with Hannah Dray, Chief Marketing Officer at Lagunitas Brewing Company, to explore how beer brands are navigating seismic cultural shifts. From reviving iconic packaging to launching functional and non-alcoholic innovations, Hannah shares how Lagunitas is reconnecting with its roots while steering the brand toward the future. She also dives into the “American party crisis,” Gen Z’s evolving relationship with alcohol, and why challenger brands must think differently to stay relevant.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Hannah Dray on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton sits down with Linda Bethea, Chief Marketing Officer at Danone North America, to unpack how brands are navigating disruption in the food and beverage industry. From the rise of GLP-1 drugs to the creator economy and AI-powered marketing, Linda shares how Danone is balancing science-backed credibility with cultural relevance. She also reveals her “four C’s” of leadership, curiosity, compassion, courage, and conviction, and why brand-building fundamentals matter more than everFollow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Linda Bethea on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton sits down with Laura Desmond, CEO of Smartly, to explore how advertising is being reshaped by AI and why the next decade won’t be about producing more ads, but creating intelligent creative that adapts in real time. From her leadership philosophy to Smartly’s industry forum “Advance,” Laura shares why leading at algorithm speed requires fearless execution, a strong mission, and the courage to get things done.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Laura Desmond on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton sits down with Victoria Lozano, Chief Marketing Officer at Crayola, to unpack why creativity is a life skill that prepares people for whatever lies ahead. Victoria shares how Crayola has expanded beyond crayons into products, experiences, and content, why more than half of purchases now come from households without kids, and how the Campaign for Creativity is reframing creative expression as a cultural movement.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Victoria Lozano on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton sits down with Aleco Azqueta, Global VP of Marketing at Grey Goose Vodka, to explore how a brand rooted in French luxury has built cultural currency at the US Open, created enduring consumer rituals, and reframed time itself as modern luxury. Aleco explains why brand fit matters more than fame, how experiential activations beat passive impressions, and why young marketers need to stop “chopping wood” and start “sharpening the axe.”Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Aleco Azqueta on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton sits down with Andrew Robertson, Chairman at BBDO Worldwide, to unpack what makes great work, how AI is transforming creativity, and why managing risk, not chasing certainty, is key to bold brand storytelling. From emotional resonance to strategic simplicity, Andrew shares hard-won insights from his decades leading one of the world’s most decorated creative agencies.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Andrew Robertson on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton speaks with Jenna Lebel, CMO of US Retail Markets at Liberty Mutual Insurance, about AI’s role in modern marketing, connecting with Gen Z, and how jingles and data-driven creative keep Liberty top of mind.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Jenna Lebel on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Speed of Culture, Matt Britton sits down with Julie Haddon, former Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer at the National Women’s Soccer League, to explore the league’s explosive growth. They discuss athlete-led storytelling, breakthrough brand partnerships, and how the NWSL is changing the game for women’s sports.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Julie Haddon on LinkedInSubscribe to The Speed of Culture on your favorite podcast platform.And if you have a question or suggestions for the show, send us an email at [email protected] episode was recorded in May 2025, prior to Julie’s departure from the league in July 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.