IN CLEAR FOCUS: Strategic advertising executive Chantal Sagnes discusses the future of advertising and marketing agency leadership and her career spanning top agencies like GSD&M. She shares insights on transitioning from independent shops to global holding companies, the nuances of running high-stakes pitches, and her current role as a fractional Managing Director. Chantal also explores the "pitch crew" model and offers advice for aspiring leaders navigating the evolving industry.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Brand strategist John Elbing of Standpoint explains why people don't care about your story, they care about how you fit into theirs. John introduces his "Storybuilding" methodology, a canvas-based approach that helps companies find their foundational story before crafting marketing messages. He breaks down the three stages of encountering a brand—Recognition, Perception, and Projection—and shares how to use AI as a sparring partner to achieve authentic customer-centricity.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: In our first episode of 2026, B2B marketer Devin Bramhall discusses why traditional content playbooks are failing. The former CEO of Animalz, Devin argues for a "human-centered" reset, moving away from keyword-stuffing and toward community-driven growth. Sharing insights from her new book, "B2B Content Marketing Strategy," Devin details how to align message, messenger, and channel. Learn how to develop living profiles and "CEO-proof" your strategy to earn executive buy-in.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Guest Robyn Jackson Malone, CEO of RJ Communications, joins us to discuss the increasingly important role of trust in health communications. Robyn argues that brands have a responsibility to fill the widening information gap authentically. She critiques "window dressing" diversity efforts, advocates for genuine equity, and highlights the critical role of patient advocacy. We also discuss the "You Don't Know Jack About MS" initiative and Pfizer's "I Can Do Both" campaign.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Jean-Pierre Lacroix, co-founder of Shikatani Lacroix Design, and the author of "ThinkBlink Manifesto," reveals why consumers decide emotionally and validate rationally. He explains the "BLINK Factor" and why incremental marketing fails. Jean-Pierre also outlines his seven-tenet framework for moving from features to feelings and building sustainable emotional brand advantages. Learn how to use strategic design, behavioral science, and AI to win the critical moment of purchase.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: In a zero-click world, reputation can shift instantly. Our guest, Kathleen Lucente, CEO of Red Fan Communications, reveals how to turn PR into a measurable revenue driver. She details the "crisis trinity" of speed, transparency, and messaging, and how to avoid the "announcement trap" during M&A. We discuss why brands need an authority reality check to survive in the AI era, and how to identify hidden thought leaders to help build credibility and weather social media storms.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Our guest this week is strategy consultant Kyle Austin Young, who discusses his new book, "Success is a Numbers Game." Kyle explains Probability Hacking: a framework to systematically de-risk goals. We also explore Kyle's 'Success Diagram,' discuss why "Bic For Her" pens failed, and hear how to use keyword research to validate market needs. Learn how to identify potential bad outcomes and tilt the odds in your favor, whether you're launching a product or training for a marathon.

IN CLEAR FOCUS: Jon-Stephen Stansel, the author of the Bigeye Book Club selection, "The 10 Principles of Social Media Marketing," explains why human judgment remains essential: "AI can do a lot, but it doesn't have taste." Jon also discusses timeless principles for effective social media, drawn from his work on franchises such as "The Lord of the Rings." Learn why social media is not a one-person job, how to create a consistent brand voice, and why there's no such thing as a boring brand.