Nuts & Bolts: ACE Hardware CMO Kim Lefko Retools a 100-Year-Old Brand

In this special episode of The Speed of Culture live from Possible 2025, Suzy Founder & CEO Matt Britton joins 3C Ventures’ Michael Kassan to discuss themes from his new book, Generation AI. Together, they explore the rise of Gen Alpha, the future of work, and how brands can adapt to an AI-powered consumer culture.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Matt Britton on LinkedInFollow Michael Kassan 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.

This week, The Speed of Culture presents a special episode featuring Matt Britton in the guest seat with On_Discourse’s Toby Daniels. Matt discusses his new book Generation AI, diving deep into how AI is shaping childhood, education, identity—and the future of work. From parenting in the age of machine learning to how brands must evolve to stay relevant, this conversation offers a raw, personal, and future-forward take on what it means to grow up—and lead—in a world run by algorithms.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Matt Britton 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 Jeremiah Owyang, General Partner at Blitzscaling Ventures, to discuss the rise of AI agents, the shift in digital advertising, and why human agency and empathy are the real power skills in an AI-driven world.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Jeremiah Owyang 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 talks with Wade Foster, CEO and Co-Founder of Zapier, about the rise of AI-driven automation, innovative strategies behind Zapier’s massive growth, and why empowering creativity with technology is reshaping the business landscape.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Wade Foster 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 talks with Marian Salzman, SVP at Philip Morris International. Marian shares her insights on PMI’s shift towards a smoke-free future, the transformational impact of AI in market research, and essential lessons from her fearless approach to career growth and innovation.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Marian Salzman 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 Arielle Gross Samuels, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at General Catalyst. They explore how VC firms are rebranding for the AI era, why applied AI is reshaping industries, and what founders—and marketers—need to know about agility, brand, and building what's next.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizArielle Gross Samuels 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 Doug Martin, Chief Marketing Officer at General Mills, to unpack the evolving role of brand building in a world of AI, cultural noise, and shifting consumer expectations. From Cheerios to Progresso, Doug shares how legacy brands can stay relevant, human, and future-ready.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Doug Martin 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 Christina Wootton, Chief Partnerships Officer at Roblox, about the evolution of virtual communities, the future of digital branding, and how Roblox is helping brands unlock new revenue streams through immersive experiences.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Christina Wootton 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 Kim Lefko, Chief Marketing Officer at ACE Hardware, to explore how the century-old brand is evolving through personalization, tech-powered loyalty, and a neighborhood-first mindset. Discover how ACE is driving growth with a new subscription model, boosting app engagement, and staying true to its brand values in an increasingly noisy marketplace.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Kim Lefko 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, Ken Muench, Chief Marketing Officer at Yum!, dives into the strategy behind iconic brands like Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut. He discusses digital transformation, balancing automation with human connection, and building culturally resonant brands at scale.Follow Suzy on Twitter: @AskSuzyBizFollow Ken Muench 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.