The JUST Branding Podcast, hosted by Jacob Cass & Matt Davies, is the only podcast dedicated to helping designers & entrepreneurs grow brands.
Each episode goes deep into the details of the brand building process, with professional insights, actionable tips and resources to help you build better brands.
The focus is on helping designers & entrepreneurs bridge the gap between strategy and design. Branding professionals from around the world join Jacob & Matt in discussing the benefits of brand strategy, top tools, how to sell strategy, brand purpose, brand positioning, neuroscience, brand personality, messaging, storytelling, brand naming, tag lines, logo design, brand identity design and brand experience.
ABOUT JACOB CASS
Jacob Cass is a Sydney-based designer & strategist who runs JUST Creative (http://justcreative.com/), an award-winning branding & design firm that doubles as an industry leading blog. Jacob helps brands grow & get results by crafting distinctive logos & brand identities that are backed by a solid brand strategy.
He recently rebranded San Francisco and Puerto Rico, and also branded New York's Digital District. Other clients have included the likes of Disney, Nintendo and Jerry Seinfeld. Jacob has spoken at TEDx, been featured in Forbes, Entrepreneur and has been awarded LinkedIn’s “Best of” for branding.
For him, design is a lifelong journey of continuously honing his craft, as well as educating other fellow designers & business owners to build on theirs, which has allowed him to build a large and loyal following, including his website which has been been viewed over 50 million times. Jacob is an avid traveler and has traveled to 87 countries.
ABOUT MATT DAVIES
Matt (https://www.mrmattdavies.me/) is a brand strategy specialist working with leaders to align around their brand and get it ready to connect deeply with those inside and outside of their organisations. His work enables you to grow your business faster and easier. Matt solves a variety of brand challenges, from strategy and positioning to naming and identity right through to company culture and product innovation.
S05.E16 - Brand & Performance Marketing with Tom Roach
In this episode of JUST Branding, we are thrilled to welcome Tom Roach, Vice President of Brand Strategy at Jellyfish and one of the most respected figures in the advertising world. With over 20 years of experience at top agencies like BBH, Leo Burnett, and AMV BBDO, Tom has become a leading voice in the fusion of brand and performance marketing.
Join us as Tom shares his journey from traditional agencies to his current role at Jellyfish, where he’s reshaping the future of branding in a digital-first landscape. We’ll dive deep into his unique approach to bridging the often-divisive gap between brand strategy and performance marketing, explore the power of creativity for long-term brand growth, and hear his vision for the future of brand planning.
Whether you’re in branding, marketing, or advertising, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to build sustainable, high-performing brands. Tune in!
10/22/2024 • 45 minutes, 53 seconds
S05 EP15 - Brand Positioning Models with Magdalena Adamska
In this episode, we sit down with Magdalena Adamska, founder of BrandStruck and a seasoned freelance strategist, to explore the world of brand positioning.
We’ll start by getting to know Magda and how she founded BrandStruck, a platform dedicated to brand strategy insights. Then, we dive into the essentials of brand positioning—what it is, why it’s crucial for businesses, and how it helps shape a company’s market presence.
Magda shares insights into popular brand positioning models, weighing their pros and cons, and offering practical tips for selecting the right approach. We also discuss common mistakes businesses make when positioning their brands and how to avoid them.
Whether you’re building a brand or refining an existing one, this episode provides actionable strategies to position your brand effectively. Tune in to learn from an expert and discover where you can follow Magda for more branding wisdom!
10/9/2024 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 10 seconds
S05.EP14 - Brand Management with Raitis Velps
In this episode, we tackle the often-overlooked challenges of brand identity asset management and explore why traditional style guides might not be enough.
Joined by Raitis Velps, we dive into the common pitfalls brands face, from outdated assets to inconsistent branding across platforms.
Discover how these issues can dilute brand perception and hurt performance in competitive markets.
We also examine where static brand guidelines fall short and introduce innovative tools like Corebook Studio, which offer dynamic, real-time solutions for modern brand management.
Learn how digital-first brand guidelines can streamline consistency, improve collaboration, and elevate your brand’s value.
Whether you’re an agency or a brand leader, this episode provides actionable insights to rethink how you manage brand assets in today’s fast-paced world.
Tune in and explore the future of brand management!
9/18/2024 • 51 minutes, 45 seconds
S05.EP13 - Building Brands with Soul with Maria Brasil
What is Conscious Capitalism?
Conscious Capitalism is a business philosophy that emphasizes the importance of aligning business practices with social and environmental responsibilities. It advocates for a business model that serves all major stakeholders, including customers, employees, investors, communities, suppliers, and the environment, rather than solely focusing on maximizing shareholder value. The concept is built on four core principles:
Higher Purpose: Businesses should exist for reasons beyond profit. They should aim to make a positive impact on society, enhancing the well-being of people and the planet.
Stakeholder Orientation: Success is defined by creating value for all stakeholders. Businesses should consider the interests and needs of everyone affected by their operations, not just the shareholders.
Conscious Leadership: Leaders should be driven by a higher purpose and a commitment to creating value for all stakeholders. They should inspire and foster a culture of trust, care, and cooperation.
Conscious Culture: A company's culture should promote positive values and practices, encouraging ethical behavior, transparency, and accountability.
Who is Maria?
Passionate about building Brands with Soul.
Founder of Essence Branding, a B Corp of brand strategy focused on synchronising brand positioning and organisational culture.
She was the first woman President of the National Confederation of Young Entrepreneurs and is currently the President of the entity’s Advisory Council.
She is a TEDx Speaker and a speaker at international conferences.
She's an author! She published her book, “The Defendant's Speech,” which deals with topics such as Marketing and Conscious Capitalism.
She lives in London, United Kingdom, and she is finishing a Master’s in Brands, Communication, and Culture at Goldsmiths University of London. She also teaches postgraduate classes in Brazil.
8/20/2024 • 46 minutes, 43 seconds
S05.EP12 - Secrets of Logo Design with Ian Paget
In this episode of JUST Branding, we unlock “Logo Design Secrets” with the esteemed Ian Paget, the creative mastermind behind Logo Geek. Ian, a celebrated logo designer and author, has made a notable impact in the branding world through his visually stunning and memorable logo creations.
Our conversation begins with Ian sharing his journey into logo design, then we delve into the intrinsic value of logos, their role in business success, and examine real-world examples of impactful logos.
Ian provides insights into the attributes of a good logo, common pitfalls, and how to choose the right logo designer for your business.
We explore the logo design process, current trends, and touch on the future of logo design, including Ian’s thoughts on AI’s role in the field.
Finally, the episode offers practical advice for entrepreneurs on leveraging logos for brand success and for designers on building a successful career and personal brand in the industry.
Join us for this insightful discussion that bridges the perspectives of both business owners and designers in the world of logo design.
8/4/2024 • 59 minutes, 48 seconds
S05.EP11 - The No BS Guide to Strategy with Alex Smith
In this episode, we dive deep into the world of strategy with Alex Smith, the author of the insightful book “No BS Strategy.”
We start by exploring Alex’s background and what inspired him to write “No BS Strategy.”
Alex then defines strategy and branding in his unique, straightforward style.
We then discuss what makes a great strategy and the typical processes involved in creating one, plus Alex shares invaluable tips to sense check your strategy and highlights common pitfalls to avoid.
Tune in for practical insights and no-nonsense advice on crafting a winning strategy with Alex Smith!
7/16/2024 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 27 seconds
S05.EP10 - Brand Naming: How to Create Great Brand Names with Alexandra Watkins
In this episode, Alexandra Watkins, a renowned naming expert and author of ‘Hello, My Name Is Awesome: How to Create Brand Names That Stick,’ shares her insights .
Alexandra emphasizes that anyone can create memorable brand names with the right approach.
She discusses the emotional impact of names, the pitfalls of overly descriptive ones, and the importance of testing using the SMILE & SCRATCH method which outlines key brand naming principles.
Alexandra also delves into challenges like trademark availability, domain names and the future of brand naming in the age of AI.
Tune in for practical tips on how to create brand names that stick!
6/25/2024 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 15 seconds
S05.EP09 - Rebranding Strategy: How to Rebrand Like a Pro with ShannaRea Dennis
ShannaRea Dennis is an expert in "rebranding".
In this episode, we tuck into the subject of what a rebrand is, why a business might need a rebrand, what that entails and what the benefits are.
We also review what business leaders should expect from a strategy led rebrand and what pitfalls they should avoid.
This episode is a must for anyone involved in or seeking to undertake a rebrand soon.
6/5/2024 • 57 minutes, 39 seconds
S05.EP08 - How to Use Strategic Narrative for Brand Growth with Andy Raskin
In this episode Matt and Jacob sit down with the master of 'Strategic Narrative' Andy Raskin.
Andy walks through how to create a narrative which positions your brand as the front runners in a movement and how this cuts through noise and galvanises companies around a powerful purpose.
If you want help punching up your brand positioning, this episode is not to be missed.
5/21/2024 • 46 minutes, 37 seconds
S05.EP07 - Experiential Branding (Light & Atmosphere) with Matt Clutterham
Level up your understanding of experience design with this enlightening episode.
Brands are more than just logos and fonts.
They are experiences from which consumers formulate meaning.
In this episode we sit down with Matthew Cluttingham who has been creating experiences for global brands for over 20 years.
We pick his brains to discuss the power of lighting to effect mood and how using it can enhance the way brands are experienced by customers.
5/4/2024 • 32 minutes, 26 seconds
S05.EP06 - B2B Marketing with Jade Tambini
How does brand interact with the discipline of marketing?
In this insightful episode, we're joined by Jade Tambini, a B2B marketing expert and course leader at B2B Breakthrough Academy.
With a rich background in consulting and 17 years of experience in B2B, Jade has not only worked her way to director-level positions at DS Smith PLC but has also served as the Chair of the Chartered Institute of Wales.
Jade takes us on a journey through the evolution of B2B marketing, highlighting the seismic shift from traditional person-to-person sales to the current digital landscape.
In this new era, online platforms have become pivotal, transforming customer expectations from simple sales support to a demanding need for leads.
Contrary to common belief, Jade observes that online competition in B2B isn't as saturated as one might think, presenting untapped opportunities for businesses to establish their presence in the digital space.
Jade generously shares her expertise by unveiling the four pillars of B2B marketing, offering a robust framework for businesses navigating the intricate world of B2B Marketing. Not to be missed!
4/13/2024 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 8 seconds
S05.EP05 - Brand Frameworks with Sarah Robb
What are the strategies propelling the world’s top 181 brands to the pinnacle of global success?
In this enlightening episode, we delve into the comprehensive research conducted by our esteemed guest, Sarah Robb.
She has meticulously analyzed 181 leading global brands, uncovering the strategic nuances that drive their market dominance.
Plus, we explore her revolutionary “Unselfish Framework,” a tool designed to empower brand builders.
This framework demystifies the complex questions of brand development and provides a structured approach to finding the answers.
If you're seeking clarity in branding and wish to cut through the BS, this episode is must-listen!
Tune in for a deep dive into the art and science of brand building, guided by the expertise of Sarah Robb!
—
**Limited Time Offer**
Sarah has generously offered our listeners 10% off her Brand Strategy Academy, a clear, practical online course that breaks through the jargon and equips you with the process and tools you need to develop world-class brand strategies.
Visit the link below and enter code ‘JUSTBRANDING’ for 10% off.
https://justcreative.com/go/bss
Enjoy!
In this captivating episode of JUST Branding, we welcome back Rob Meyerson, making history as our first returning guest.
Rob, a distinguished brand consultant and co-author of the latest edition of Alina Wheeler’s seminal work, "Designing Brand Identity," leads us through a poignant tribute to Wheeler's legacy and a deep dive into the essence of Brand Identity, with a special emphasis on Brand Architecture.
We explore the book's 6th edition and unpack the critical components of brand identity, from visual and verbal elements to the reemerging sonic dimension, articulating how a well-structured brand identity is pivotal for standing out in today's competitive landscape.
Delving into Brand Architecture, we clarify the various models—branded house, house of brands, endorsed brands, and hybrids—highlighting their significance in aligning with a company's overarching business strategies.
This episode is a treasure trove for anyone passionate about the craft of branding, offering deep dives and practical tips for building brands that resonate and last.
3/5/2024 • 44 minutes, 10 seconds
S05.EP03 - How to Launch a Brand in 10 Days with Brand Sprints (w/ Eden Videl)
Sick of long winded brand building processes that take months and loose momentum?
Then you need to know about "Brand Sprints"!
In this 'scrappy'(!) episode we jump into the magical world of sprinting.
We speak with the brilliant Eden Videl, founder of Under. His studio helps businesses define their strategy, positioning and identities in just 10 days.
We tuck into how this is achievable, the benefits of sprints, how to conduct them, where the pitfalls lie and how to overcome them.
Get ready to reframe your thinking, reimagine your process, push the boundaries and embrace the scrappy nature of brand sprinting!
2/21/2024 • 48 minutes, 54 seconds
S05.EP02 - How Brands Grow with Byron Sharp
In this thought-provoking episode of JUST Branding, we're thrilled to host Professor Byron Sharp, a leading figure in marketing science and the Director of the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute, the world's premier center for marketing research.
Byron, renowned for his groundbreaking book "How Brands Grow," which has significantly influenced the marketing sphere over the last decade, joins us to unravel the scientific principles behind brand growth.
Our conversation kicks off with Byron's inspiration for exploring consumer buying behavior and brand expansion, setting the stage for an enlightening discussion on the essence of his work.
Delving into "How Brands Grow," Byron sheds light on the book's key insights, including the pivotal concepts of Mental & Physical availability, the synergy between Distinctiveness and Differentiation, and the power of distinctive brand assets in forging lasting brand memories.
Tackling prevalent myths in brand growth, such as the overemphasis on brand loyalty and the crucial need for broad market reach, Byron emphasizes the role of continuous brand exposure in shaping consumer preferences.
He offers practical advice on how listeners can apply these insights, highlighting the balance between innovation and consistency in brand strategy.
For designers, Byron discusses the creation and rapid adoption of distinctive brand assets, providing a blueprint for branding success.
Tune in for an episode packed with invaluable insights for growing better, more recognizable brands, based on rigorous scientific research.
2/7/2024 • 53 minutes, 30 seconds
S05.EP01 - State of Brand 2024 with Jacob Cass & Matt Davies
Prepare to embark on an insightful exploration of the branding industry's ever-changing landscape in State of Brand 2024, hosted by Jacob Cass and Matt Davies. This special episode promises to provide a deep dive into the core of the branding world as it stands today.
Facing the influences of AI integration, post-COVID market dynamics, and current economic challenges, Jacob and Matt tackle these issues head-on, addressing the crucial questions:
- How are branding professionals navigating these rapid shifts?
- What obstacles are they encountering along the way?
- What visions do they hold for the future of the industry?
This episode goes beyond just identifying challenges; it delves into actionable strategies and effective solutions.
Our hosts will guide you through vital topics such as ground-breaking pricing strategies, overcoming industry hurdles, mastering client acquisition in the modern era, and understanding the significant role of AI in shaping the future of branding.
Jacob and Matt also illuminate the essential tools of the trade, keeping you updated with the latest trends in learning and development.
Packed with seasoned insights and pragmatic advice, this episode is a must-listen for anyone in the branding sphere. I
It's an opportunity for both veteran professionals and newcomers to gain valuable insights into how the industry is adapting to AI, discover advanced tactics and crucial metrics driving brand success, and learn about the resources empowering today's brand leaders.
Tune in to "State of Brand 2024" and ride the wave of change with Jacob Cass and Matt Davies.
