Marketing technology is evolving faster than most teams can keep up—but it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. In this Leader Generation episode, host Tessa Burg talks with Laura Stevenson, Mod Op’s new EVP of Data and Marketing Automation, about how to turn data chaos into clarity. Laura draws on over 20 years of experience leading at the intersection of data and technology to share how her team helps clients simplify systems, harness automation and stay ahead of the curve.
You’ll discover how to make your MarTech stack work harder for yo u, prioritize transformation without “boiling the ocean,” and build smarter, more connected customer experiences. This episode is packed with insights for marketing and business leaders ready to take control of their data, their technology—and their future.
When the Altadena fires devastated Southern California communities, two organizations came together in an extraordinary way. Binky Patrol Director, Jeanne Malgioglio found ROWW while we and Al’s Angels were looking for a way to respond and directly help the fire victims in Altadena. Susan Finch sits down with John Brotherton, Outreach and Partnership Manager for Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), to discuss how a charity founded by actor Paul Walker has evolved into a powerhouse of compassionate disaster response. From curating personalized care packages in garages to operating full-scale distribution centers, John shares the intimate story of how dignity, authenticity, and community mobilization transformed chaos into hope. This conversation reveals the unexpected ways everyday skills—from truck driving to coffee making—can save lives during a crisis.
Market Dominance Guys #TBT EP24: Would it Help if I Perform a Haka Before My Cold Calls? By any measure, you can confidently claim that the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team is the world’s most successful team in the world. Famed for starting any game with their intimidating black jerseys and dramatic and culturally symbolic Haka – which is a traditional, Maori warrior challenge to the playing opposition, they have amassed a track record that is truly unequaled by any other sporting team. In more than a century of playing – they started in 1903 – the All Blacks have won almost 75% of their 580 plus matches in history. It is often said that the All Blacks remember their defeats more than their victories! They accomplish this domination despite New Zealand having a population of only about 4 1/2 million people with their financial and player resources being dwarfed by the likes of other nations who compete at a high level like England, France, Australia, and South Africa. They truly punch above their weight class and make every match, every player, and every training session count. And just to show you that domination in your market does not have to equate to inflated egos or the proverbial “spiking of the football,” the All Blacks continue to enjoy enormous global success with their grounded sense of humility and character. And one of the most dramatic illustrations of this was at the end of the 2015 rugby world cup when New Zealand soundly beat Australia. At the end of the match Sonny Bill Williams, one of the All Blacks best players, gave his winning gold medal to a young boy named Charlie Line. Charlie had snuck onto the field at the end of the match to celebrate and was soon swarmed by security guards. Feeling sympathy young fan, Sonny stepped in and promptly gave his hard-earned medal to young Charlie – a kid he had never met before. He later said, ‘Rather than have the medal hanging up and collecting dust at home, it’s going to be hanging around that young fella’s neck and he can tell that story for a long time to come!” The players on his market-dominant team are driven not to become merely a good All Black but a GREAT All Black.
Are you losing your best people and don’t know why? In this final episode of our four-part series with Frederic Lucas-Conwell, founder of GRI.co, we tackle the most expensive problem in business: top talent walking out the door. Most companies think they understand why high performers leave. They’re wrong. From boardroom battles to manager missteps, Frederic reveals the behavioral mismatches that drive your best people away—and the surprisingly simple changes that can keep them engaged. We discuss why CEOs and boards clash despite shared goals, what “engagement” really means (hint: it’s not what most tools measure), and the one overlooked factor that matters more than perks, ping pong tables, or pizza Fridays. If you’re tired of expensive turnover, bland exit interviews, and watching talent walk to your competitors, this episode delivers actionable insights you can use this week. No fluff, no corporate speak—just honest conversation about what actually works.
This week, Laura Carabello, Principal Owner and Chief Creative Officer of CPR Strategic Marketing Communications, joins The Granite List. Live to discuss recent trends in benefit communications and publishing. Specifically, Sally and Laura dive into the importance of content creation, the evolving role of AI in communications, and the impact of private equity in the industry. In a costly and complex healthcare landscape, Laura highlights the need for your plan to have an effective, patient-centric communications strategy.
Deacon Brett gave us pause as he talked with us about the fact that we will never understand our faith in a deep way unless we’re willing to grapple with the inseparable relationship between Jesus and the poor. A familiar, comfortable, “me and Jesus” faith is never enough. If we really want to walk with the Lord – if we really want to know him – then we have to walk with the poor, on the margins. In a country as large and as affluent as ours, it takes special care not to lose sight of the Gospel’s demand that we care for the poor — and even more care to not merely lend material aid and then forget that the poor are also persons worthy of our time and respect.
We hope you enjoy this playlist of our favorite episodes of the week.
