Permission to Seek

17. Maha Abouelenein on Self-Reliance

In this special episode, Lauren Douglass sits down with long-term friend Shannon Pruit, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Stagwell, and powerhouse communicator and author Maha Abouelenein to unpack one of the most transformational mindset shifts we can make: self-reliance.
Maha shares the inspiration behind her book, The Seven Rules of Self-Reliance, and how these principles can help anyone stop waiting for permission and start building the life they want. From building your personal brand to ditching the “waiter” mindset (think: stop waiting, start doing), Maha shares how to invest in yourself and take control of your future. The three women also unpack the challenges of speaking up as a woman, navigating imposter syndrome, and getting out of your own way to actually move forward.
Whether you’ve ever felt stuck, unseen, or like you’re just waiting for your next opportunity, this episode is your invitation to stop waiting and start doing.Link to Maha's book: 7 Rules of Self-Reliance

16. LA Rams’ Blake Corum on How Financial Freedom Fuels His Passion for Giving Back

In this episode, Lauren Douglass sits down with Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams running back, former University of Michigan standout, and co-founder of Peak NIL. Blake opens up about his journey from small-town roots to college football fame and how the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) changed his life. They dive into how Blake turned brand deals into long-term investments, why he co-founded a platform to empower other athletes, and how his upbringing and family shaped his values.
Tune in for a quick convo about purpose, financial empowerment, and what it means to give back.

15. Raj Register on Betting Big on Yourself

This week, Lauren Douglass sits down with Raj Register, CMO of Stellantis (the auto giant behind Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and more) for a conversation that’s equal parts leadership masterclass and personal reflection.
Raj opens up about her unexpected journey from mechanical engineer to marketing exec, how a stint in Istanbul helped spark her pivot, and why building a career you love means trusting your instincts and doing the hard work. She shares what it’s like leading six distinct brands under one roof, how she creates space for younger voices on her team, and why her mantra these days is: “Not every ball is glass, some can bounce.”
It’s one of those episodes that makes you want to bet on yourself a little more. Let’s get into it.

14. Kristine Segrist on Canva's Social Media Magic

This week, Lauren Douglass sits down with Kristine Segrist, Global Head of Consumer Marketing at Canva, to chat about leadership, creativity, and how to build teams that aren’t afraid to take big risks. But beyond the strategy and marketing genius, Kristine opens up about the myth of balance—how being a leader and a mother means learning to lean into one area at a time and accepting that there will always be some compromises.
We also dive into the Enneagram, a personality framework that Kristine and Lauren both use to understand themselves and their teams better. Plus, Kristine gives us a peek behind the curtain at Canva’s innovative social media strategy and how they connect with their community in a fun, authentic way.
This conversation isn’t just for marketers—whether you're in leadership, parenting, or personal growth, Kristine's insights will inspire you to lead with authenticity, embrace your strengths, and accept the ebbs and flows of life.

13. CMO Paulie Dery on Big, Bold Creative Ideas

What do coolers, rideshares, and green powders have in common? In this episode of Permission to Seek, Lauren Douglass sits down with Aussie marketing powerhouse Paulie Dery, CMO of AG1 and former brand whisperer at YETI and Uber. With his signature laid-back vibe and razor-sharp insight, Paulie makes a compelling case that creativity isn’t just nice to have, it’s the lifeblood of brand-building and business success.
From winning over left-brained execs with right-brained ideas to treating vibe as a legitimate KPI, this episode is packed with wisdom for marketers, creatives, and anyone tired of playing it safe. Paulie shares why boring brands need big wallets, how to arm customers to defend their purchases, and what he’d tell his 22-year-old self.
Tune in for a candid, energizing conversation that proves great storytelling is not fluff. It’s strategy.

12. Courtney Johnson on Ditching the Cringe and Owning Your Brand

This one’s for the creators, the founders, the quiet rebels, and anyone who's ever hesitated to hit "post."
What if the fear of being “cringe” is really just the fear of being seen? In this episode of Permission to Seek, host Lauren Douglass sits down with Courtney Johnson, personal brand strategist and unapologetic truth-teller, to explore how we can all move past the fear of judgment and show up more boldly and honestly—online and in life.
Courtney breaks down why personal branding isn’t just for influencers, how to climb “Cringe Mountain,” and why your story—messy, weird, vulnerable—is actually your superpower. From the psychology of confidence to navigating layoffs, algorithms, and spiritual awakenings, this is an open, honest, and empowering conversation about stepping fully into your voice.
If you’ve ever held back from sharing your truth, doubted your uniqueness, or felt stuck in perfectionism, this episode is your permission slip to hit post anyway.

11. Swan Sit on Walking Away from Corporate Life—and Thriving

What happens when the title you’ve worked your entire career for is suddenly gone? Who are you beyond the job, beyond the success, beyond the identity that’s been wrapped up in what you do?
In this deeply personal and thought-provoking conversation, Lauren Douglass sits down with Swan Sit, a powerhouse in digital transformation who has led some of the world’s biggest brands. But this episode goes far beyond marketing.
Swan opens up about the emotional weight of leadership, the identity crisis that can come with losing a job, and the journey of rediscovering self-worth beyond a title. She shares her own experience of navigating uncertainty, questioning her value, and ultimately emerging stronger, more grounded, and more in control of her future.
This is a conversation about growth, change, and stepping into your power—even when you’re not sure what comes next. If you’ve ever found yourself at a crossroads, wondering how to pivot or what really matters in the long run, this episode is for you.

10. Dr. Marcus Collins on Why Most Brands Fail to Matter

What makes a brand truly resonate with people? Why do some brands inspire deep loyalty while others struggle to stay relevant?
In this episode, host Lauren Douglass sits down with Dr. Marcus Collins, a marketing professor, best-selling author, and one of the brightest minds in the world of branding.
Dr. Collins takes us on a deep dive into how brands have evolved from simple marks of ownership to powerful identity markers that reflect who we are and what we believe. We explore why the most successful brands go beyond just selling products—they create communities, foster belief systems, and build deep emotional connections with their audience.
From his work with Beyoncé and Nike to his cutting-edge theories on culture and branding, Dr. Collins shares how brands can move from being transactional to truly transformational. He also discusses the importance of conviction over convenience and why brands need to take a stand, even if it means losing customers along the way.
If you’re curious about how to make your brand not just seen but deeply felt, this episode is packed with insights and thought-provoking ideas you won’t want to miss. 

9. Damaune Journey on Shaping Culture Through Creativity

This week, Lauren Douglass chats with Damaune Journey, Chief Growth Officer at 72andSunny, about his non-linear path to leadership, how his background has shaped his approach to creativity, and why he believes human ingenuity is more important than ever in an AI-driven world. They also dive into why diversity in media and messaging matters, and Damaune’s commitment to ensuring that future generations see positive role models and inclusive narratives in the content they consume.Tune in for a candid, insightful conversation that goes beyond the surface—because the best stories happen in the messy middle. Listen now.

8. Big Game, Bigger Stakes: Vinny Rinaldi on The Battle for Super Bowl Ad Space

What does it take to pull off a Super Bowl ad? This week on the Brand Innovators Podcast, Lauren Douglass sits down with Vinny Rinaldi, Head of Media & Analytics at Hershey’s, to uncover the strategy, creativity, and chaos behind Reese’s latest big game moment. From meticulous planning to multi-agency collaborations, Vinny reveals the highs and headaches of executing one of the year’s most anticipated marketing plays.
But it’s more than just ads—Vinny’s relentless curiosity and passion have fueled his career across agencies, platforms, and now back at Hershey’s. Tune in for an energetic deep dive into what makes a campaign truly successful, why integration is key, and how a well-placed Super Bowl spot can send sales skyrocketing overnight.
You don’t want to miss this one.