4Ps in a Pod
Trying to break into a Marketing career is tough. It’s a mix of awkward networking circles, unnoticed LinkedIn requests, and a sea of stereotypes (no, marketing is not just advertising!).
To get a real look into the world of Marketing and the people who are shaping it - listen to 4Ps in a Pod. In every episode, Jeevs & JP (two CPG marketers) have a chat with a Canadian marketer from a different industry, company, and point in their career. Together, we’ll hear their coming-of-age story, get an unfiltered look at what they do, and gain valuable advice on how to carve out a successful Marketing career.
This podcast is a must-listen for students looking for their first Marketing gig, seasoned vets looking for a change, and everyone in between.
4Ps in a Pod
#1: "My Job Is To Be An Explorer" | David Berdock (Riverside)
In our first-ever episode, we chat with David Berdock. Dave is the Director of Incubator Brands at Riverside Natural Foods (best known for the healthy snack brand MadeGood). He leads a team that is tasked with identifying new growth pockets for the company to innovate against. Prior to his current role, Dave worked in various brand management & innovation-centric roles at General Mills and in a partnership accounts role at A&C.
When Dave isn't changing the food space - you can find him changing diapers (he has two beautiful kids) & watching/playing basketball.
In this episode - we chat with him about charting out a career in innovation, how he likens his role to the history's greatest explorers, overcoming imposter syndrome & why Paw Patrol helped his career/personal life.
More specifically, Dave shares his thoughts on the following questions:
- What sparked your interest in marketing? (4:50)
- Were you looking to work on a specific product line within CPG? (7:25)
- What is a bigger priority - seeking a business problem you're interested in solving or working with a brand that you're passionate about? (8:25)
- What has kept you in marketing for this long? (10:31)
- Can you tell us how your view on marketing has changed since you started your career? (12:42)
- If you had to use an analogy to describe your current role - what would that be? (14:52)
- How does marketing and innovation differ a larger organization vs. a smaller one? (18:35)
- Can you speak to the art/magic of identifying white space? (22:47)
- Can you tell us about how you evangelize & build a sense of belief around an unproven idea? (24:55)
- How have you dealt with imposter syndrome? (30:18)
- Can you tell us what you're looking for from upcoming talent? (33:45)
- Anything else that you would like to share with someone thinking about a career that is innovation-focused? (36:53)
- Rapid fire - we put Dave in the hot seat! (40:10)
