Edward H. Muñoz rose from humble beginnings as a first-generation Mexican American in a South Texas border town to build a 33-year career at Celanese, where he played a key role in transforming the company into a global leader in engineering materials. After earning a chemistry degree from the University of Texas at Austin, he joined Celanese during its pivot from fibers to high-value engineering resins and helped establish its polyacetal product as a serious competitor to industry giants like DuPont and GE. His journey included navigating corporate takeovers, leading multinational teams, confronting cultural bias, and accepting personal sacrifices, particularly the strain his ambition placed on family life. A near-fatal car accident that killed a close friend became a defining turning point, propelling him into international leadership roles and reshaping both his career trajectory and personal life.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Edward Muñoz reflects on his legacy through his memoir Challenges, Triumphs, and Heroes: Memoirs of My Celanese Odyssey, which honors the people behind corporate success while capturing the human cost of leadership. He discusses his work in Germany and Mexico, his commitment to inclusive leadership, and the lessons learned from balancing ambition, culture, and responsibility. Now living with Parkinson’s disease, he remains active through photography, travel, and leadership within the arts community, helping an organization not only survive the pandemic but grow significantly. Key takeaways include the importance of resilience, values-driven leadership, preserving personal history, and leaving something meaningful behind for future generations.



Quotes:



“The hardest challenge was balancing ambition with family. You gain a career, but you pay a price, and you have to decide what you are willing to give up.”



“I am an American. That moment taught me how perception works and how easily people define others before they listen.”



“You are not going to be around forever, so you have to leave something behind that others can learn from.”



“When I think I might get fired, I remember this: I was looking for a job when I got here.”



Resources:




Connect with Edward H. Muñoz on LinkedIn



Discover Edward H. Muñoz’s journey from first-generation roots to global leadership.



Get Challenges, Triumphs, and Heroes: Memoirs of My Celanese Odyssey on Amazon.

Thuy Reed is a Vietnamese American author whose life was shaped by war, loss, displacement, and resilience. Born in a small village in Vietnam during the war, she witnessed firsthand the devastation inflicted on families and communities, including the death of her brother, who was killed by a sniper at the age of 21. She left Vietnam as a young woman, believing she would return, only to have South Vietnam fall months later, permanently altering the course of her life. After immigrating to the United States, she navigated profound cultural shifts, built a new life, raised a family, and transformed her painful experiences into a lifelong commitment to peace, civic responsibility, and honoring the true cost of freedom.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Thuy Reed shares how her experiences motivated her to write Dear America: From Vietnam with Love, a memoir written as both a personal reflection and a message to her adopted country. She discusses her 12-year effort to help lift the U.S. trade embargo on Vietnam, her deep concerns about political violence and civic disengagement, and her belief that democracy requires education, participation, and accountability. Through her story, she emphasizes that war leaves generational wounds, violence does not win hearts or minds, and freedom must be protected through informed action rather than fear. The key takeaways center on valuing democracy, rejecting violence, staying engaged, and remembering the human cost behind political decisions.



Quotes:



“I do not like war, because the bullet that killed a boy on the battlefield went straight into his mother’s heart.”



“You cannot win hearts and minds with guns and bullets. You cannot.”



“This is America. If you want change, you work hard, you vote, and you stay engaged. You do not tear it down.”



“I love America with all my heart, because this is where everything that is me and mine is found.”



Resources:




Follow Thuy Reed on Facebook



Grab Dear America: From Vietnam with Love on Amazon.



Learn more about Thuy Reed and her story.

 Jill Lublin is a longtime publicity strategist and media expert with more than 25 years of experience helping entrepreneurs, authors, and professionals gain visibility without paying for advertising. Throughout her career, she has focused on demystifying publicity and removing financial and emotional barriers that keep people from sharing their message. Her work addresses common challenges, such as fear of visibility, unclear messaging, and the misconception that publicity requires expensive PR agencies. By reframing publicity as a skill that anyone can learn, she has helped clients turn personal stories, setbacks, and unique perspectives into compelling media features that drive credibility, trust, and business growth.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jill Lublin explains how she helps people become their own publicity machine by focusing on clear messaging, consistency, and practical weekly actions. She emphasizes spending as little as 30 minutes a week on real visibility-building activities such as Google Alerts, responding to media requests, and booking podcast interviews, rather than relying solely on social media. She shares examples of clients who transformed their stories into primary media coverage, book sales, and consulting revenue, reinforcing that publicity multiplies reach and monetizes expertise over time. Key takeaways include saying yes to opportunities, using all parts of your story, starting local, and viewing publicity as a long-term asset that builds authority, trust, and lasting influence.



Quotes:



“Publicity does not have to be expensive or complicated. When you make it accessible, it becomes a powerful tool for every entrepreneur.”



“Consistency and persistence create publicity. When you stay focused and keep showing up, visibility follows.”



“Spend 30 minutes a week on real visibility-building activities, and you will see momentum. Publicity rewards action, not perfection.”



“Publicity is a gift that keeps on giving because it multiplies you, monetizes you, and maximizes your message.”



Resources:




Connect with Jill Lublin on LinkedIn



Get Guerrilla Publicity: Hundreds of Sure-Fire Tactics to Get Maximum Sales for Minimum Dollars on Amazon.



Explore Jill Lublin’s strategies for gaining visibility and credibility.

Larry Dodd is an executive coach and founder of Open Playbook with more than 35 years of experience helping leaders and teams reconnect to what drives real performance. His journey includes navigating career choices that were initially misaligned with his natural strengths, an experience that forced him to work harder than necessary and ultimately sparked deeper self-examination. Through setbacks, reflection, and disciplined personal growth, he developed a strengths-based methodology rooted in understanding innate talents, building confidence, and turning self-awareness into effective leadership. His career includes high-impact roles such as working with the San Francisco Giants, where a pivotal opportunity reinforced the importance of confidence, preparation, and offering value without fear of failure.
In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Larry Dodd explains how Open Playbook helps individuals and organizations rebuild connection in a disconnected, post-pandemic world. His work centers on three core concepts: the playbook you are given, the playbook you develop, and the playbook you give away. By using tools such as CliftonStrengths alongside deep, human-centered coaching, he helps people align roles with strengths, build engaged teams, and create cultures where leaders invest in others rather than operate in isolation. Key takeaways include the importance of connection over convenience, confidence built through repetition and guided reflection, and viewing setbacks as catalysts for growth. His current work focuses on developing strengths-based leaders who create lasting impact by sharing their experiences, mentoring others, and building teams that thrive rather than merely perform.

Joshua Adams is a serial entrepreneur, EOS implementer, and former branding agency founder dedicated to helping visionary leaders gain clarity, traction, and freedom in their organizations. After transforming his own business using the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)—and selling it after twenty-four years—Joshua now coaches executive teams to break through chaos, foster alignment, and build healthy, sustainable companies. He draws on rich experience in agency leadership, fractional CMO work, and his passion for empowering people to operate in their unique strengths.

In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Joshua Adams returns to join Robert Plank, sharing the personal and professional pivots that set him on his current path. Joshua exposes the pitfalls of goal procrastination, the energizing power of “artificial urgency,” and why so many businesses need—not just more software—but an operating framework like EOS to truly thrive. Listeners will learn about the importance of shared language, how consistency in leadership systems prevents organizational drift, and why, ultimately, professional success is built atop lessons learned from failure. Joshua also highlights the fulfillment he discovers daily by coaching leadership teams and empowering them to do their best work.

Kelly O’Neil is a futurist, award-winning entrepreneur, market maverick, and the strategic architect behind the Fusion Paradigm. As the world’s leading authority on marketing to millionaires and a master brand strategist, Kelly partners with visionary CEOs to redefine, scale, and lead category-defining businesses in the new economy. She is renowned for helping elite entrepreneurs align their business models with core purpose, genius, and evolving desires, enabling high-profit, high-freedom enterprise without the grind. Kelly’s expertise lies in crafting harmonized, strategy-first frameworks to help leaders achieve unprecedented impact and growth while living on their own terms.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Kelly O’Neil returns to join Robert Plank and share her vision for entrepreneurial transformation in today’s ever-changing economic landscape. Kelly details the limitations of outdated business models and the urgent need for a new, harmonized approach that goes beyond tactics to focus on purpose, intuition, and strategic clarity. She reveals the importance of recognizing misalignment, architecting a business around personal genius and evolving desires, and why strategy must precede tools and tactics. Listeners will learn how Kelly guides clients through deeply personalized business realignment, helping high-performing leaders redesign their companies for lasting profit, freedom, and fulfillment. Packed with actionable wisdom, the conversation covers overcoming self-sabotage, the true meaning of growth, and the merging of masculine and feminine business practices for sustainable, category-defining results.



Quotes:



“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory, but tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.”



“If you did nothing else but the things that you are meant to do and thrive at, all day long every day, how would that change the trajectory of your business?”



“We need a harmonized business approach where we are actually pulling from both the masculine—strategy and structure—and the feminine—intuition and flow.”



Resources:




Connect with Kelly O'Neil on LinkedIn



Five Strategic Moves. One Intelligent Evolution.

Todd Westra is a leadership alignment expert, founder of the Growth and Scaling Podcast, and creator of the Growth Readiness Framework. Renowned for guiding CEOs, COOs, and CFOs to align strategy and execution, Todd helps mid-sized organizations unlock smarter, sustainable growth. With a deep understanding of leadership dynamics and operational challenges, Todd partners with firms at inflection points, unraveling misalignment and cultivating clarity. His process-driven approach empowers teams, clarifies decision-making, and transforms companies from stagnation to forward momentum enabling leaders and their organizations to reach ambitious new milestones.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Todd Westra joins Robert Plank to uncover the crucial role of leadership alignment in business growth and scaling. Todd shares actionable insights from his journey as a founder, consultant, and podcast host, illustrating how divergent leadership visions can quietly stall progress even in successful, well-funded teams. He describes his signature alignment exercises and deep-dive assessments, revealing how honest conversations, data-driven strategies, and a willingness to detach from old patterns can create breakthrough results. Through lively discussion and memorable stories, Todd demonstrates how to move a company from launch mode through realignment, toward true operational excellence. Listeners will learn why self-awareness, role clarity, and robust feedback loops are essential for building sustainable growth, strong exits, and lasting team harmony.



Quotes:



"Most growth is stifled not because they have a bad idea, not because they don't have market fit, but because the leadership is not aligned on which path they're going down."



"If you want to be market leaders, if you want a strong exit, you've got to align, and then it works out better for everybody."



"No success can compensate for failure in the home."



Resources:




Connect with Todd Westra on LinkedIn



Is YOUR Company Growth Ready?

Santiago Cortez is a process-driven transformation specialist, founder of labcortex.com, and a trusted advisor for compliance-focused, mission-driven organizations. Renowned for his ability to turn tangled, manual workflows into organized, auditable systems, Santiago partners with firms in highly-regulated industries to drive sustainable growth. He champions a process-first mindset, helping businesses clarify their goals, align teams, and eliminate inefficiency—empowering both organizations and individuals to reclaim time, reduce stress, and achieve lasting improvement.

In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Santiago Cortez joins Robert Plank to demystify the world of compliance, workflows, and operational excellence. Santiago shares his unique approach to consulting, emphasizing that tools should serve existing processes—not the other way around. Listeners will hear how Santiago and his team dive deep into their clients’ day-to-day realities, uncovering the misalignments between written policies and practical actions. He reveals the communication pitfalls that stall progress, the importance of small wins, and why embedding continuous improvement into company culture is critical. Through practical examples and actionable insights, Santiago explains how focusing on people, clarity, and collaboration drives

Karl Hughes is an agency acquisition entrepreneur, business builder, and advocate for thoughtful leadership in the digital services sector. Best known for scaling Draft.dev to seven figures and then acquiring and growing agencies such as Podcast Consultant, Karl specializes in buying, improving, and uniting niche service companies to unlock their potential. Drawing on years of hands-on entrepreneurship, personal coaching, and navigating rapid industry shifts, Karl empowers business owners with actionable strategies for growth, resilience, and financial clarity—whether they’re scaling for the first time or preparing for acquisition.

In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Karl Hughes joins Robert Plank to share his journey from building content agencies from the ground up to orchestrating successful business acquisitions. Karl breaks down how the pandemic changed agency work, what it really takes to buy and scale small companies, the realities of leadership, and why mental stability is crucial for entrepreneurs. Listeners will learn about the hidden challenges behind running multimillion-dollar agencies, the importance of financial literacy, and the lifelong work of separating personal self-worth from business performance.

Matt Rieck is the Chief Human Resources Officer at End Zone Insurance and author of "The Employee Retention Bible." Focused on practical strategies that reverse turnover and elevate morale, Matt specializes in teaching leaders how to foster cultures of appreciation, strengthen management, and deliver measurable HR results. From hands-on consulting with major enterprises to building loyalty-driven workforces, Matt’s passion lies in blending culture, communication, and data to help companies retain their very best talent.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Matt Rieck joins Robert Plank to decode the real reasons behind employee turnover and reveal how businesses can nurture loyalty, drive engagement, and transform company culture without breaking the bank. Matt shares the hidden costs of losing great employees, actionable tactics for implementing company-wide appreciation, and insights on developing managers into true leaders. The discussion covers leveraging social media for internal recognition, organizing effective team meetings, and the importance of training managers beyond their initial promotion. Matt also highlights how recognizing and leveraging individual strengths—and transparently addressing weaknesses—can set both teams and organizations apart.



Quotes:



“Most businesses underestimate the cost of losing good people—when you show real appreciation, culture shifts and people stay.”



“Training managers doesn’t end with the promotion. Ongoing development is the missing link at most companies.”



“Recognition isn’t expensive. Internal emails, social posts, and simple appreciation systems can change everything.”



Resources:




Connect with Matt Rieck on LinkedIn



Order “The Employee Retention Bible” on Amazon.



Matt Rieck teaches leaders how to boost morale and reduce turnover.

 Charles Gragg is an accomplished healthcare benefit solutions strategist, consultant, and author with over four decades of experience inside the American health insurance industry. Having worked in virtually every aspect of health insurance claims management, brokering, risk, and employer consulting, Charles is renowned for guiding CEOs and HR leaders to reclaim control over one of their company’s largest operating expenses: employee health insurance. His bestselling book, “Get Off the Hamster Wheel: An Employer’s Guide to Controlling His Second Largest Operating Expense,” is transforming how business owners approach group health plans for long-term savings and better employee outcomes.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Charles joins Robert Plank to expose the myths and hidden costs plaguing employer health insurance. Drawing on his unique vantage point as an industry insider turned transparency advocate, Charles unpacks actionable strategies to shift from overpriced, opaque insurance models to self-funded, outcome-driven plans. He explains how employer ignorance, market consolidation, and entrenched carriers (“the cartel”) conspire to keep costs high and what leaders can do to fight back. Discussion covers stepping away from traditional carriers, hiring independent third-party administrators, leveraging technology and analytics, educating employees, and how reference-based pricing benchmarks real savings. Charles shares riveting success stories, practical challenges, and the essential mindset shift required for sustainable change.



Quotes:



“Employers must know where every dollar is going and I will account for it for you.”



“The only way to control the cost is to control owning the business.”



“You can't just keep doing what you've been doing and expect a different result. That’s insanity.”



Resources:




Connect with  Charles Gragg on LinkedIn



Grab “Get Off the Hamster Wheel” on Amazon.

 Sandra and Greg Mundis are the resilient couple behind the inspirational real-life account, “Patient Number One: Embracing Hope in Times of Despair.” Greg, a global leader as Executive Director of Assemblies of God World Mission, and Sandra, a gifted storyteller and founder of Europe’s Children ministry, have spent decades impacting lives across 195 countries. Their new book chronicles Greg’s harrowing journey as the first COVID-19 intubation patient at his hospital—given little chance to live—and Sandra’s fierce faith-fueled advocacy, demonstrating the miraculous power of hope, family, and community in the darkest times.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Sandra and Greg join Robert Plank to share their journey from devastation to hope. They candidly detail Greg’s critical illness, the emotional and physical ordeal of prolonged hospitalization and rehabilitation, Sandra’s steadfast persistence, and the profound role faith and global prayer played in recovery. The conversation highlights themes of family unity, the psychological toll of crisis, finding purpose beyond suffering, and the decision to turn their collective trauma into a published story of inspiration. Listeners will learn about the importance of documenting miracles, building a support network, and how adversity can lead to deeper connection and renewed mission.



Quotes:



“If it wasn’t for Jesus, I wouldn’t be sitting here talking to you.”



“God’s word was like my food... There’s power in those words, and it truly brought me through.”



“If I take him home, it’s the best thing I can do for him... But if I leave him, I want to receive the glory.”



Resources:




Buy “Patient Number One” on Amazon.



Learn more about how they turn challenges into opportunities for change on their website



Follow  Sandra and Greg Mundis on Facebook

Jon Bassford is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and the driving force behind a movement transforming co-parenting through intentionality, respect, and child-centered strategies. As the author of "The Co-Parenting Secret: It’s Not About You," Jon empowers parents, whether divorced, separated, or in parallel parenting situations, to let go of animosity, nurture genuine relationships, and build supportive environments where children thrive. Drawing on his personal journey and coaching expertise, Jon helps entrepreneurs, business owners, and families turn the challenges of separation into opportunities for growth, clarity, and lasting connection.




https://youtu.be/_G0kN7fqg_w




In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jon Bassford joins Robert Plank to reveal the mindset shifts and practical steps that make co-parenting successful even in high-conflict or complex family situations. Jon explains why focusing on the child’s experience (rather than parental scorekeeping) is the key to reducing conflict and fostering deep, lasting relationships. He discusses the initial discomfort of building new co-parenting routines, overcoming external skepticism, and strategies for letting go of the past to create a positive future. Listeners will hear actionable advice on communication, adapting business skills to parenting logistics, and the transformative power of small, intentional choices like beginning with just one "yes" or "of course."



Quotes:



“If you don’t have a reason to say no, you should always say yes in this type of environment.”



“It’s not about you. It’s about what’s best for the kids: let go of animosity, remove your ego, and focus on their time.”



“Start with one yes. Or, even better, of course, and let it snowball into something more positive for everyone.”



Resources:




Connect with Jon Bassford on LinkedIn.



The Co-Parenting Secret: It’s Not About You on Amazon



Operational clarity for leaders who want disciplined execution and dependable growth.

 Dr. Lyman Montgomery is a renowned clarity and culture strategist, author, coach, and business leader with decades of experience empowering organizations and individuals to turn chaos into clarity. As the architect of the “5S Framework” and a globe-trotting consultant, Dr. Montgomery has guided over 60,000 leaders, built multiple businesses, and become a powerful voice for faith, focus, and cultural transformation. His latest work, "Sacred, Not Sinful," explores the intersection of Greek life and Christian discipleship, while his digital hub, CoachLyman.com, serves as a gateway for leaders seeking personal and professional growth.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Dr. Lyman joins Robert Plank to unpack his actionable 5S Framework Structure: Systems, Strategies, Simplicity, and Sustainability, which helps businesses and individuals thrive amidst distraction and overwhelm. The conversation traces Dr. Lyman’s journey from humble beginnings to global influence, explores how leaders can overcome resistance to new tools and documentation (including leveraging AI for business efficiency), and examines the shift from an “I can’t” to an “I will” mindset. Discussion topics include building strong foundational systems, driving business results with clarity, embracing collaboration, leveraging automation, and nurturing the habits that support sustainable growth both in the boardroom and at home.



Quotes:



"Simplicity drives business... The more simplistic you can make it, the more users will use it."



"Everything we do is designed to get a result within 24 to 48 hours—otherwise, it's too complicated."



"There's a difference between an 'I can't' mentality and an 'I will' mentality. Which are you choosing?"



Resources:




Connect with Dr. Lyman Montgomery on LinkedIn



Transform chaos into clarity—grab Dr. Montgomery’s book on Amazon.



Learn more about how to navigate complex compliance challenges on their website



Follow  Dr. Lyman Montgomery on Facebook

Christopher S Mahan is a transformational speaker, family coach, and result-driven mentor who has spent over a decade empowering parents, teens, and young adults to break cycles of dysfunction and build thriving, resilient families. As the creator of the “Empowerment to Employment” app, author of "Parental Leadership: Seven Principles to Lead Your Teen in the Digital Age," and host of the "Lead Your Teen" podcast, Christopher brings deep experience in leadership, parent-child dynamics, and personal development. His work has directly impacted thousands, providing tools and strategies to overcome adversity and find purpose.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Christopher joins Robert Plank to share his powerful journey—from recognizing alarming spikes in teen suicides in his Florida county to building a movement around parental leadership and family empowerment. Christopher reveals how his early struggles and career pivots fueled his mission, the challenges of getting essential messages into schools and communities, and the transformation that comes from facing fear, developing soft skills, and putting passion into action. Discussion topics include leadership versus parenting, breaking out of old patterns, the impact of technology on youth, resilience, personal responsibility, and how families can cultivate effort, passion, and purpose (EPP) for real-world results.



Quotes:



"Obstacles aren’t in your way to stop you—they beg the question, how badly do you want it?"



"If the home is broken, society is broken, because what the home puts out is a reflection of that home."



"Preparation is part of leadership. You have to be ready for the hard work and not look for an easy out."



Resources:




Connect with  Christopher S Mahan on LinkedIn



Get Christopher S. Mahan’s book Parental Leadership: Seven Principles to Lead Your Teen in the Digital Age on Amazon



Explore actionable strategies from Christopher S. Mahan.

Glenis Gassmann is a seasoned business strategist, mentor, and result-driven coach with over 35 years of real-world experience helping business owners turn insight into action. As the founder of several successful ventures, including a high-performing accounting and coaching firm, Glennis brings unmatched expertise in building, scaling, and intentionally exiting businesses. Her forthcoming audiobook, "Why Knowing Isn't Enough: The No Fluff Guide to Building a Business that Finally Turns Actions into Profits," is the centerpiece of today’s conversation.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Glenis joins Robert Plank to break down the actionable steps behind moving from knowledge to consistent execution, especially in a world overloaded with information and technology. Glenis details her personal and professional journey, explaining why so many business owners get stuck, the value of self-awareness, and the importance of building systems that support action rather than overwhelm. Discussion topics include cultivating discipline, prioritizing high-impact tasks, delegating for growth, leading by example, and the essential role of mentors and community in driving sustainable business results. Glenis shares transformative lessons from her own “school of hard knocks,” as well as insight on how leaders can develop both themselves and their teams for long-term success.



Quotes:



"Success doesn't come from knowing more. It comes from doing what matters consistently."



"You actually have to be kind to yourself... we don't have to keep up with all the information as fast as it comes to us."



"It's not about strategy. This is all about tactics, having that belief in yourself, having a vision bigger than yourself, and taking the actions."



Resources:




Connect with  Glenis Gassmanni on LinkedIn



Get Glenis Gassmann’s audiobook Why Knowing Isn't Enough on Amazon



Get expert guidance from Glenis Gassmann.

 Jonathan Grzybowski is an entrepreneur, storyteller, and the co-founder of Pengy.co, a creative subscription service transforming how businesses access top-tier creative talent. With leadership spanning over 81 countries, Jonathan brings a unique blend of hands-on strategy, authenticity, and a customer-first mindset to internal and external creative solutions. In addition to running Pengy.co, Jonathan is the host of “Dear Dads,” a heartfelt platform fostering genuine conversations around fatherhood and providing a support network for new fathers and content creators alike.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jonathan joins Robert Plank to reflect on entrepreneurship’s evolving landscape—from early days of Amazon Merch and “t-shirt crazes” to leveraging AI and scaling global creative operations. Jonathan shares Pengy’s journey into managing in-house creative teams, the value of AI-assisted content creation, and why delegating and collaboration matter more than ever. He opens up about balancing business growth with personal priorities like family, building communities around honesty and vulnerability, and lessons from launching his “Dear Dads” podcast to support other fathers. The discussion touches on the importance of authenticity, customer engagement, and continuous self-improvement as keys to success in business and life.



Quotes:



“The problem we solve as a business is, if you don't want to do it yourself, then you hire somebody to do it for you. That problem will forever exist no matter what AI comes in.”



“You have to be a face, and you have to be more than just a person working at a desk. You can't hide anymore if you want to move forward in this future world.”



“Job’s not done. Just because you do a good job or find a little success—job’s not done.”



Resources:




Connect with  Jonathan Grzybowski on LinkedIn



Engage with Johnathan Grzybowski on Facebook



Ideas are cheap. Execution creates results. Start here.



Start your unlimited design subscription with Penji now

 Pat Butkus is the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Growth at Acast, the world’s largest independent podcast company. With a background in building global marketing strategies, Pat helps brands reach deeply engaged podcast audiences through innovative advertising technology and personalized targeting solutions. Under his leadership, Acast bridges creators with advertisers and pursues the mission of democratizing podcast advertising at scale.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Pat Butkus joins Robert Plank to demystify the podcast advertising world. Pat explains how Acast supports over 140,000 shows worldwide, enabling creators to monetize with sophisticated ad tech and advertisers to harness the unmatched loyalty of podcast listeners. The conversation uncovers the evolution and current power of podcast targeting, the unique bond between podcasters and their audiences, the seamless transition for creators onto Acast, and AI-powered features like Smart Recommendations that streamline finding the perfect audience. Pat shares strategic advice for both advertisers and podcasters on maximizing growth, revenue, and influence through consistency, community-building, and embracing new tech in the audio world.



Quotes:



“Podcasting audiences are unlike any other; the listeners consider hosts their friends, making advertising deeply impactful.”



“Our AI-driven Smart Recommendations take the guesswork out of finding your brand’s ideal podcast audience, reducing planning time by 80%.”



“Switching platforms can be daunting, but with Acast it’s seamless and opens up global monetization without disrupting your loyal listeners.”



Resources:




Connect with Pat Butkus on LinkedIn

Kathleen Gage is the founder of Vegan Visibility and the author of “Power Up for Profits: The Smart Woman's Guide to Online Marketing.” After decades of business success, she transitioned to align her life and work with her values, focusing on plant-based advocacy and animal rescue. With over 30 years of experience as a professional speaker, Kathleen empowers purpose-driven experts to grow their reach through effective speaking and podcasting. She hosts the “Plant Based Eating for Health” podcast and manages a self-funded animal sanctuary, promoting veganism, animal welfare, and vibrant living.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Kathleen Gage joins Robert Plank to discuss the power of aligning your career with your core values. Kathleen shares her journey from traditional business success to becoming a leading voice for vegan visibility and animal welfare. She dives into the distinctions between animal rescues and sanctuaries, the challenges of funding advocacy work, and the transformative power of speaking and podcasting for building a movement. Kathleen also discusses her upcoming book “Speak Out,” healthy lifestyle shifts, and practical strategies for making an impact with your message.



Quotes:



“You can make money doing what you love, and that allows you to fund the things you care about.”



“Vegan is a philosophy. Plant-based eating is the diet.”



“You don't have to go it alone. Surround yourself with the right people, and you will change for the better.”



Resources:




Buy Kathleen Gage’s book Power Up for Profits: The Smart Woman's Guide to Online Marketing on Amazon.



Connect with Kathleen Gage on LinkedIn



Follow Kathleen Gage on Facebook



Vegan Visibility Productions

 Brad Hoos is a data-driven influencer marketing leader and the CEO of The Out Loud Group. He helps high-growth and enterprise brands achieve real business results by building authentic partnerships with top creators. With nearly two decades of expertise, Brad specializes in managing influencer marketing campaigns across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and podcasts. His agency’s client portfolio features recognized brands like GrubHub, SimpliSafe, Fiverr, KitchenAid, and Magic: The Gathering. Under Brad’s leadership, campaigns are fueled by deep analytics, creative collaboration, and a strong focus on measurable outcomes.



In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Brad Hoos speaks with Robert Plank about his evolution from engineering labs to becoming an industry leader in influencer marketing. Brad reveals how The Out Loud Group systematically brings order to the chaos of the modern creator economy by aligning brand strategy and leveraging historical performance data. He details the agency’s comprehensive process, from identifying marketing objectives and selecting top-performing creators to overseeing execution and conducting in-depth analytics. Brad candidly addresses organizational challenges, especially around campaign measurement and attribution. Listeners gain insight into real-world brand success stories, like Chomps Meat Sticks, and practical strategies for building trust, adapting to digital change, and achieving sustainable marketing growth.



Quotes:



"People just hate to be sold to... what we do want is people that we know, like, and trust."



"One of Out Loud Group’s secret sauces: we identify not just creators with strong engagement, but those who have proven they can deliver real sales."



"The most important question brand marketers need to be asking is: how do you handle attribution?"



Resources:




Visit Brad Hoos's Website



Connect with Brad Hoos on LinkedIn