Humans & Brands

14. Canva's Social Media Magic with Kristine Segrist, Canva Global Head of Marketing

This week, host 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. Big, Bold Creative Ideas, with Paulie Dery, CMO of AG1

What do coolers, rideshares, and green powders have in common? In this episode of Humans & Brands, 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 how to not be mid. 
Tune in for a conversation that proves great storytelling is not fluff, it's strategy. Let's get into it. 

12. Ditching the Cringe and Owning Your Brand, with Courtney Johnson, Social Media Mastermind

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 Humans & Brands, 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 a superpower. From the psychology of confidence to navigating layoffs, algorithms, and spiritual awakenings, this is an open, honest conversation about finding your voice and owning it. 
If you’ve ever held back from sharing your truth, doubted your uniqueness, or felt stuck in perfectionism, this episode is your permission to hit post anyway.

11. Walking Away from Corporate Life - and Thriving, with Swan Sit

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 chat on Humans & Brands, host 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 have no idea what comes next. f 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. Let's get into it. 

10. Why Most Brands Fail to Matter, with Dr. Marcus Collins

What makes a brand truly resonate with people? Why do some brands inspire deep loyalty while others struggle to stay relevant?
In this episode of Humans & Brands, 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 felt, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 
Link to Dr. Collins' book: For the Culture: The Power Behind What We Buy, What We Do, and Who We Want to Be
 

9. Shaping Culture Through Creativity, with Damaune Journey, CGO of 72andSunny

This week, host 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 conversation that dives into the real stuff: the challenges, the lessons, and the moments that don’t make the highlight reel but shape everything. Let's get into it. 

8. Big Game, Bigger Stakes: The Battle for Super Bowl Ad Space, with Vinny Rinaldi, Hershey's

What does it take to pull off a Super Bowl ad? This week on Humans & Brands, host 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 at the iconic chocolate brand. 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.

7. Flipping the Script: AdTechGod on Hype, Mystery, and the Future of Marketing

He’s usually the one asking the questions, but this time, we’re turning the tables.
On this special crossover episode of Humans & Brands, host Lauren Douglass sits down with the one and only AdTechGod: the anonymous, meme-wielding, insight-dropping voice that’s been shaking up the adtech industry. Known for his hot takes and making ad tech actually interesting, he’s built a massive following while keeping his identity a secret.
In this rare role reversal, AdTechGod opens up about why he stays anonymous, whether he’ll ever reveal himself, how B2B marketing lost its edge, and what it takes to make it exciting again. He breaks down the death of traditional PR, the rise of LinkedIn personalities, and the battle between the open web and walled gardens. Plus, he shares his take on why ad tech marketing is so often boring, what brands need to do to stand out.
If you follow AdTechGod, you know this is a must-listen. And if you don’t? Well, now’s the time to get on board. Hit play and let’s get into it.

6. Inside the NFL: Leadership, Mentorship & Marketing’s Biggest Stage, with Marissa Solis, NFL

We've got an exciting episode for you today! In this episode of Humans & Brands, host Lauren Douglass sits down with Marissa Solis, SVP of Global Brand and Consumer Marketing at the NFL. From her roots in Mexico to leading brand strategy for one of the most iconic sports leagues, Marissa shares the real story behind her career moves: what it took, what she learned, and what she’d tell her 23-year-old self. They get into risk-taking, vulnerability in leadership, the evolving role of diversity in the league, and the ground-breaking artistry behind this year’s Super Bowl branding. Fresh off the excitement of Super Bowl LIX, don’t miss this insightful conversation on leadership, resilience, and the impact of authentic storytelling in sports and beyond.

5. Being Unapologetically Yourself, with Angela Clark, VP Digital of Patagonia

In this episode, host Lauren Douglass sits down with Angela Clark, VP of Digital at Patagonia, to explore her journey through the marketing world and how she landed at one of the most iconic brands out there. Angela dives headfirst into the bold, unconventional strategies reshaping the brand’s online presence: from pushing boundaries in e-commerce to redefining customer engagement, she shares how Patagonia is leveraging digital innovation while staying true to its mission-driven ethos. They discuss the challenges of balancing sustainability with scale, the future of ethical retail in a digital-first world, and why breaking the rules might just be the key to lasting impact.
Angela covers the importance of steering your own ship, and how finding the right workplace fit is a lot like dating. If you’re looking for inspiration on navigating your career, making bold moves, and working for a company that aligns with your values, this one’s it. Let's get into it.