Spikes Excitement Talk #186 with Matthew Leppanen

Spikes Excitement Talk #191 with Tatiana Shoch

In this episode, Tatiana Schoch, Head of Marketing Life & Health Re at Swiss Re, shares her journey from academia and brand management to global B2B marketing in the reinsurance industry. From Hong Kong to Zurich, Tatiana reflects on cultural differences in consumer behavior, the power of storytelling in complex industries and how insurance is evolving from reactive protection to proactive resilience. The conversation explores AI, mentorship and why meaningful communication still depends on human insight and strong copywriting. Tune in to know more about storytelling in B2B marketing, cultural insights across global markets and why the future of insurance must become more human, preventive and trusted.

Spikes Excitement Talk #190 with Yuri Ezhkov

In this episode, Yuri Ezhkov, VP Creative Centre of Excellence at The Estée Lauder Companies, shares his journey from design intern and agency founder to leading global creative transformation. Yuri reflects on the rapid evolution of AI, the importance of prompt engineering and why creativity is still deeply human. From building communities through coffee shops and cosmetics to creating global brand cultures across Asia and beyond, this conversation explores what makes brands truly memorable. Moreover why consistency, emotion and commitment are the real differentiators. Tune in for insights on creativity in the age of AI, building meaningful brands and why human connection still matters more than ever.

Spikes Excitement Talk #189 with Laura Sileo Pavat

In this episode, Laura Sileo Pavat, Global Brand Homes Director at Pernod Ricard, leading the most comprehensive network of spirit venues in the industry. With over 20 years of experience, she drives innovation, brand advocacy and guest experience across 30+ destinations worldwide, bringing energy, vision and bold approaches to the future of experiential transformative tourism. From Scottish distilleries to Champagne maisons and whiskey ranches in Texas, Laura explains why travelers today seek meaningful, transformative experiences, not just destinations. She reflects on her unexpected journey from literature professor and tour guide to global hospitality leader and why “storyliving” is replacing storytelling in modern brand experiences. Tune in for a conversation about experiential travel, human connection and why the future of tourism is all about transformation.

Spikes Excitement Talk #188 with Marketa Kristlova

Marketa Kristlova, Marketing Manager for Healthy Biscuits at Mondelēz International, joins Sandra Peat for a conversation about creativity, ambiguity, agility and what it really takes to build relevant brands today. From discovering marketing “by accident” to leading major brand turnarounds at Mondelēz and Müller UK & Ireland, Marketa shares why she’s most energized by undefined challenges, future thinking and creating work that delivers a win for brands, business and society alike. Tune in for insights on career pivots, inclusive innovation, creativity inside large corporations and to find out why marketers need space to think, not just sprint.

Spikes Excitement Talk #187 with Dicla Veliz Salce

Dicla Veliz Salce, Global Brand Director for IO Women’s Cancer at AstraZeneca, joins Gordon for a deeply thoughtful conversation about purpose, oncology, behavioral science and why innovation only matters when it changes real lives. From starting in pharma sales “by accident” in Mexico to shaping global oncology strategy, Dicla shares how understanding human behavior has become just as important as understanding science.  Tune in for a conversation that explores the future of cancer care, the meaning of well-being and why marketing must move beyond products to truly understand human experience.