Beyond the Campaign: The Evolution of Brand Activation with Denise Costello

Don’t Ignore the Elephant in the Room: AI is Reshaping Print with Harrison Bailey from Smart Elephant

In this episode of Color Bar, we sit down with Harrison Bailey, founder of Smart Elephant, to discuss how AI, automation, and next-generation talent are reshaping the print and marketing industries. Broadcasting from Vietnam while traveling across Asia, Harrison shares how businesses around the world are facing many of the same challenges — and opportunities — when it comes to adopting AI. From workflow automation and AI-powered quoting tools to GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) and AI-driven customer experiences, this conversation explores the practical ways companies can become more efficient, innovative, and competitive. The episode also dives into Smart Elephant’s unique university partnership model, connecting top-performing students specializing in AI, software engineering, and data analytics with real-world business challenges. Whether you’re curious about AI, trying to understand where the industry is headed, or looking for ways to future-proof your business, this episode delivers fresh insight, practical examples, and an inspiring perspective on the future of work. Guest: Harrison Bailey, Founder of Smart Elephant

Meet Direct Mail’s “Thoughtful Overachiever” Era with AJ Layo from Sylvamo

In this episode of Color Bar, we’re joined by AJ Layo of Sylvamo for a conversation that redefines what’s possible in direct mail when the entire ecosystem works together. From paper mills to printers, technology partners to USPS, AJ shares how true collaboration is transforming direct mail into a smarter, more measurable, and more impactful channel. We dive into Sylvamo’s investment in innovation—from their “Intelligent Paper” initiative bringing AI into direct mail, to their efforts educating brands on how to better leverage USPS promotions to drive efficiency and ROI. This episode also explores how the role of paper has evolved—from an afterthought to a strategic decision—and why sustainability, data, and performance can (and should) coexist. One of our favorite moments? AJ describes direct mail as a “thoughtful overachiever”—and honestly, it couldn’t be more accurate when done right. If you're thinking about how to create direct mail that performs, proves its value, and stands out in today’s landscape, this conversation is a must-listen.

Evolving Through Personalization: Leadership and the Power of the Pivot

This episode of Color Bar is about more than personalization—it’s about pressure, pivots, and what it really takes to evolve. Our guest, Rich Askam, a pioneer in print personalization joins us. Rich and his team were the force behind Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” campaign, where they hand-produced 1.6 million personalized bottles in just three months.  But behind that success is a story many in the print and marketing world will recognize. Rich shares what it felt like stepping into a family business—balancing legacy with the need for change—and the difficult reality that sometimes, in order to move forward, you have to let go of what came before. > “You’ve got to clear the runway sometimes to let another plane take off.”  From shutting down a long-standing business to rebuilding from nearly zero, Rich walks through the moments that defined his career—and the mindset that helped him navigate them. This episode explores: *  The emotional weight of leading a family-owned business  *  Why businesses don’t fail overnight—they fade when they stop changing  *  The fear of pivoting vs. the opportunity inside it  *  How necessity drives innovation and creativity  *  Why personalization is still underutilized—even today  *  The balance between AI, technology, and human creativity  Rich also shares insights into his upcoming book, Your Name Here, and his personalized children’s series, You Are the Star. A conversation about embracing change, thinking differently, and why the most defining moments in business often come when everything feels uncertain.

Burnout isn't a Badge of Honor - How the Next Generation of Talent Is Changing our Perspective!

What if we’ve been measuring success all wrong? In this episode of Color Bar, we sit down with Allie Watt to explore how the next generation of talent is redefining what it means to succeed—and what that means for leaders across industries. Allie offers a candid, grounded perspective shaped by real experience: this generation isn’t less committed—they’re committed differently. They’re not driven by hours logged or burnout endured. They’re driven by impact, clarity, and purpose. They want to understand the why behind the work. They expect a seat at the table. And they recognize that without a clear definition of what “winning” looks like, success becomes nearly impossible to achieve. This conversation challenges long-held assumptions about performance, leadership, and culture. It highlights a broader shift—from effort to outcomes, from hierarchy to collaboration, and from grind to intentionality. For organizations looking to attract, retain, and unlock the full potential of the next generation, the message is clear: this isn’t a trend to watch—it’s a transformation to lead. Because the future of work isn’t coming. It’s already here.

Beyond the Campaign: The Evolution of Brand Activation with Denise Costello

What makes a brand activation actually work? In this episode of Color Bar, Denise Costello joins Betsy & Kim to discuss the shift from one-time campaigns to connected brand experiences that drive memory, engagement, and long-term impact. They cover experiential marketing, pop-ups, influencer strategies, execution pitfalls, and why the best brand moments start with a clear intention.