In this episode of the *Fully Managed Podcast*, host Shannon Donnelly sits down with marketing leader and agency founder Janet Fenner to explore what truly drives modern brand success. Janet shares why human-centered storytelling, executive visibility, and authentic personality outperform rigid corporate messaging every time. She breaks down the power of creative risk‑taking, the importance of emotional resonance in campaigns, and why brands must highlight their people—not just their products—to build trust. With insights from 25+ years in marketing and a passion for thinking outside the box, Janet offers a refreshing, actionable perspective for marketers, founders, and teams looking to stand out in a crowded digital landscape.

In this episode of the *Fully Managed Podcast*, host Shannon Donnelly sits down with Dan Incropera, Director of Sales at Craft mix, to explore how a pocket‑sized cocktail mixer brand is shaking up the beverage industry. Dan shares his journey from finance graduate to the company’s first full‑time employee, and breaks down how Craft mix expanded into more than 2,000 retail locations—including Walmart, TJ Maxx, and hundreds of independent shops. He reveals the surprising power of small businesses, the challenges of big‑box retail, and how Craft mix built a massive online community through playful, character‑driven TikTok content. Packed with insights on sales strategy, product positioning, and creative social media experimentation, this episode is a must‑listen for CPG founders, marketers, and anyone curious about modern brand growth.

In this episode of the Fully Managed Podcast, host Shannon Donnelly sits down with Kelly Roe, Executive Creative Director at Betty, to explore her remarkable career journey across boutique agencies, global networks, and in‑house creative teams. Kelly shares how taking risks—from moving abroad to leading major accounts like Visa, Wrigley, SC Johnson, and Kraft Heinz—shaped her leadership style and creative philosophy. She discusses the importance of building safe, supportive cultures where teams feel empowered to take bold risks, and how empathy for clients and collaboration across disciplines unlock stronger creative work. Packed with insights on agency life, experiential marketing, and fostering innovation, this episode is a must‑listen for creatives, marketers, and leaders seeking inspiration to break boundaries and grow.

In this episode of the Fully Managed Podcast, host Shannon Donnelly sits down with Sam Mueller, Account Director at Squid, to explore the realities of client relationships in boutique creative agencies. From navigating tight deadlines versus tight budgets to balancing weekly check‑ins with deep dives, Sam shares candid insights on building trust, setting boundaries, and preventing burnout in the advertising industry. The conversation highlights the importance of education on both sides—agencies guiding clients through creative processes while learning from client industries. Packed with practical wisdom and real‑world anecdotes, this episode is a must‑listen for marketers, creatives, and agency professionals seeking to strengthen collaboration and thrive in fast‑paced environments.

In this episode of the Fully Managed Podcast, host Shannon Donnelly sits down with art‑driven creative director Olga Netaeva to explore her journey from early artistic curiosity to leading hybrid design‑and‑concept work at Angry Butterfly. Olga shares how childhood fascination with visuals and memorable ads shaped her path, why mentorship and collaboration matter more than the size of an agency, and how working across cultures influences her creative perspective. She reflects on the value of trying different roles early in a career, embracing both design and art direction, and learning to thrive in nimble, independent environments. This conversation is full of insights for emerging creatives, hybrid thinkers, and anyone navigating the evolving world of advertising and visual storytelling.

In this episode of the *Fully Managed Podcast*, host Shannon Donnelly sits down with Brad Friedman, former attorney and founder of The Friedman Group, to explore the challenges and opportunities of social media marketing in regulated industries. Brad shares his journey from practicing family law to building a digital agency that helps lawyers, CPAs, and financial advisors navigate compliance while standing out online. The conversation covers pitfalls like risky financial promises, strategies for building trust and credibility in saturated markets, and how ROI should be measured beyond vanity metrics. Brad also reflects on the future of social media, the role of AI in content creation, and why teaching clients to be self‑sufficient is the most sustainable approach.

In this episode of the Fully Managed Podcast, host Shannon Donnelly speaks with digital marketer Joshua Okungbaiye about the evolution of paid media and the art of connecting with audiences. Joshua shares his journey working with global brands like Nike, Financial Times, and monday.com, and explains why marketing is more than metrics—it’s the artistic side of business that humanizes brands. From the early days of Facebook’s Power Editor to TikTok’s rise and the challenges of iOS privacy updates, Joshua offers insights on adapting strategies, building emotional resonance, and future‑proofing campaigns. Packed with practical advice on organic growth, paid ads, and audience‑first thinking, this episode is a must‑listen for marketers navigating today’s fast‑changing digital landscape.

In this episode of the *Fully Managed Podcast*, host Shannon Donnelly chats with Dustin Dooling, Campaign Content Manager at ManyChat and founder of Dooling Copy. Dustin shares his journey from nightlife columnist to UX strategist and copywriting leader, highlighting how customer insights and constraints fuel stronger creative work. The conversation explores the balance between independent copywriting and institutional brand voice, the importance of listening to customers, and how constraints can sharpen messaging rather than stifle it. Dustin also opens up about creative anxiety, imposter syndrome, and why adding delight to every piece of content builds lasting brand affinity. This episode is packed with practical lessons for marketers, copywriters, and creative teams striving to connect authentically with their audiences.

In this episode of the Penji X Digital Cut Podcast, host Johnathan Grzybowski talks with branding strategist Olia Maloy about closing the authenticity gap in today’s business world. Olia shares how entrepreneurs, coaches, and solopreneurs can uncover their true voice, build trust through storytelling, and design packages that resonate with their ideal clients. The conversation explores the balance between authenticity and aesthetics, the importance of community building across platforms like Facebook and Substack, and how cultural perspectives shape business values. Packed with insights on psychology, human connection, and sustainable growth, this episode is a must‑listen for founders and creatives seeking to build brands that inspire long‑term relationships.

In this episode of the Fully Managed Podcast, Shannon and David Pfluger discuss a variety of topics ranging from innovative startup concepts to the importance of authenticity in branding. David shares his unconventional career journey from medical illustration to becoming a fractional creative director, emphasizing the significance of building community and loyalty through authentic brand narratives. They also delve into the impact of AI on creativity, the value of imperfection, and how brands can navigate trends while staying true to their core values. The conversation wraps up with a forward-looking perspective on the future of branding and the exciting opportunities for reimagining established brands.

In this episode, Jeff Simpson breaks down the blurry line between real sustainability and greenwashing. We explore why transparency matters, how brands can build authentic trust, and why consumers ultimately hold the power with their wallets. Jeff also shares how he balances commercial creative work with climate-focused storytelling, plus a behind-the-scenes look at one of his most unexpectedly impactful campaigns. If you're interested in ethical branding, climate-conscious creativity, or how companies can do better without losing their soul, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, Shannon sits down with Ana Carolina Salazar — CEO and founder of Bold Hispanic Marketing Agency — to explore how brands can show up boldly, authentically, and culturally intelligently for Hispanic audiences. Ana Carolina shares her journey from growing up around media in Venezuela to studying digital marketing in Barcelona to building a bilingual agency working with brands like Orlando Magic, AdventHealth, and United Way. We dive into the difference between translating and *transcreating*, what it really takes to create culturally relevant campaigns, and why representation and storytelling matter now more than ever. If you want to understand Hispanic marketing, brand authenticity, or how bold creative actually drives results, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Oliver, the host of the Fully Managed by Penji podcast, speaks with Nilesh, from WishUp, about the evolution of virtual assistants and the impact of remote work. They discuss the journey of WishUp, its unique services, client success stories, and the importance of effective delegation. Nilesh shares insights on the future of virtual assistants, particularly in relation to AI integration and the changing landscape of business operations.

What happens when a joke becomes your brand’s biggest asset? Shannon sit down with Justin Kramm, founder of *Shitshow Creative*, to explore how embracing chaos, owning your story, and leaning into humor can build trust, credibility, and a memorable brand. We dive into the messy, behind-the-scenes reality of creativity, why audiences love honesty over polish, and how humor can open minds and spark “aha” moments. If you’re a founder, creative, or brand builder looking to level up your storytelling and audience engagement, this episode is packed with practical insights.

On today’s episode, Shannon talks with Bill about modern PR and influencer marketing, highlighting common mistakes brands make such as relying on outdated strategies, underestimating campaign effort, and focusing on vanity metrics. They discuss the importance of timing, consistent messaging across multiple touchpoints, and targeting the right audience. Bill also shares insights on standing out in a crowded market, balancing innovation with brand authenticity, and making incremental changes to attract new customers without alienating existing ones. The conversation concludes with reflections on genuine engagement, building trust with clients and audiences, and navigating the evolving landscape of media, influencers, and brand storytelling.

On today’s episode, Shannon sits down with Rotimi Solola for a deep, insightful conversation about building a meaningful design career, navigating pivots in the creative industry, and developing the skills, mindset, and discipline needed to stay competitive in an ever-evolving field. They explore the realities of design work, how inspiration truly plays a role, and what young creatives should focus on if they want to thrive long-term.

On today’s episode, host Shannon sits down with Cory Young, to dive into how he built a thriving digital marketing agency grounded in transparency, empathy, and real human connection. From his early days working with major corporations like Comcast and Campbell’s to striking out on his own, Cory reflects on the leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship—and the mindset shifts that came with it. He shares how focusing on relationships over transactions has helped BCC Interactive grow, why authenticity is the real key to leadership, and how he’s navigating the future of marketing in the age of AI and automation. Plus, Cory gives a heartfelt look at what keeps him motivated: family, mentorship, and building a legacy for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

On today’s episode, Shannon talks with Kazuo Kubo and Lucas Ribeiro from 72 and Sunny about how creative partnerships can unlock growth across global markets. Together, they dive into the journey of scaling brands through authenticity, strategic collaboration, and cultural understanding. They also share lessons learned from building meaningful client relationships, maintaining creative excellence, and leading with empathy in an increasingly connected world.

On today’s episode, Jesse Wilks and Gerardo Agbuya, Creative Directors of Courage Inc.,talks about their journey of transforming a bold creative vision into a sustainable business rooted in courage, authenticity, and community. They dive into what it takes to stay resilient as an entrepreneur, how to balance creative integrity with business growth, and why vulnerability can actually be a strength in leadership. Together, they explore the lessons learned from scaling a creative agency while staying true to one’s values, as well as the evolving role of design and storytelling in connecting with audiences today.

On today’s episode, Adam Binder, founder of Creative Click Media, joins Shannon to share how he built a people-centered creative agency that blends design, storytelling, and digital strategy to help brands grow authentically. Adam opens up about his journey from freelancer to agency leader, the lessons he’s learned about balancing creativity with business sustainability, and why clarity, collaboration, and empathy are at the core of every successful brand partnership. He and Shannon also explore how Creative Click’s approach to scaling aligns with long-term client relationships, not short-term gains.