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Under the Brand
Hosted by Valerie Jennings — CEO, AI strategist and early tech adopter — Under the Brand explores how bold leaders and disruptors use innovation, strategy and creative risk to build standout brands and shape the future of business.
Episodes
18 episodes
Facing AI Disruption: Are You Prepared for the New Workforce? | Under the Brand
Will AI take over jobs? The truth is, we’re not actually prepared to adapt to its speed, but the key to keeping up is how we scale our workforce.→ You need futurists who can spot trends + anticipate where opportunities exist ...
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6:24
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Is AI Stealing Our Jobs? The Truth About Workforce Disruption | Under the Brand
AI isn’t just shaking industries up; it’s revealing the cracks we can’t ignore. 🚨→ Training gaps are widening.→ The middle class is at serious risk.→ Leadership in this era demands a serious overhaul.I dive into these issues...
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9:46
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How AI Changed My Skincare Routine | Under the Brand
Glow at 45+, from the inside out. 🪞✨Here’s the routine that’s kept my skin glowing through hectic days and constant travel.I focus on what I put into my body first: protein, collagen and minerals.Then, what I apply to my skin: g...
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8:18
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Why M&A Deals Are Changing with AI and Blockchain | Under the Brand
How can companies prepare for investment and M&A in a market shaped by AI, data privacy and cybersecurity?Greg Kratofil, one of the Midwest’s most influential dealmakers at the intersection of law, technology and investment and Kans...
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28:57
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From Data to Intelligence: Marketing’s Next Chapter with Kurt Ruf | Under the Brand
In this AI-first era, agencies and marketers will either thrive or get crushed if they don’t adapt. Will you survive the shift? 👀Kurt Ruf, founder of Ruf AI, joins me to talk about what it really takes to thrive through today’s disrupti...
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50:12
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Can Technology Save Us? | Dr. Trei Talks About AI, Drones and Security | Under the Brand
Is advanced technology really our biggest win… or is it becoming our biggest threat?On this episode of Under the Brand, I talk with Dr. Trei McMullen, CEO of SYOTOS Technology, about the biggest security threats emerging right now:<...
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27:51
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Global Leaders in MedTech: Innovation, Strategy + Branding | Under the Brand
What are the world’s top MedTech leaders doing to stay ahead of the curve?In this episode of Under the Brand, I’m joined by Matt Valego, chief commercial officer, and Lindsay Jankovic, director of marketing, from
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15:50
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High-Touch Hospitality in an AI World | Wael Gharib on Luxury Guest Experience & Hotel Leadership
In this episode of Under the Brand, I sat down with luxury hospitality leader Wael Gharib, Director of Guest Experience. From launching five-star properties to redefining what it means to lead with empathy, Wael shares how high-touch service st...
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19:38
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How Taekwondo Transformed My Business Mindset | Under the Brand
20 years later, I finished what I started.I began Taekwondo in college, but life pulled me in other directions. Over two decades later, I came back — and this time, I wasn’t alone. I returned to the mat with my daughter and together, we...
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3:56
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Luxury Exposed | Can Perception Beat Craftsmanship? | Under the Brand
How far can marketing hype carry a brand?Mark Mazzarese, a fifth-generation jeweler, and I cover: → When storytelling and influencers outshine real craftsmanship → Surprising lessons from luxury fakes and fails&nbs...
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31:15
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Can AI Replace Retail Leaders? | What You Need To Know | Under the Brand
Is AI taking over jobs?Join me for an honest conversation with April Sabral, a trailblazing retail leader, about AI’s role in the workplace.
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31:49
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Behind the Influencer Lens: Truth, Strategy & Luxury Collabs | Under the Brand
Discover what really drives creator-brand success with influencer Molly Kuplen & head of influencer marketing Maren Kollhus.From luxury collabs to true ROI, this is influencer marketing without the fluff.
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44:38
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Rugby, Culture & Growth: Building a Sports Brand in Miami | Under the Brand
Rugby doesn’t come to mind when you think of Miami… but the Sharks changed that. 🏉Tomas Ordonez, head of growth for the Miami Sharks, joined me to talk about launching a pro team in a city packed with sports legends, and building a fanb...
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19:40
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The AI Tool That’s Changing How We Do PR (And Why You Should Try It)
🎙️ In this new episode of Under the Brand, I reveal one of my favorite AI tools already transforming our PR strategies.We've only been using this tool for about a month and have already secured major national news coverage for clients i...
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Episode 5
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1:43
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Back to the Mic: What Inspired Me to Create My Own Podcast
Are you curious what inspired my podcast, Under the Brand? 🎙️My background in journalism sparked a love for sharing powerful stories — the people, passion and ideas behind some of the world’s most well-known brands and exciting new vent...
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Episode 4
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2:58

Beyond the Plate: Inside the journey of J Michael’s Tavern & Grille Part 2
This week on Under the Brand, I’m sharing the second part of my conversation with Kurt Holden and Jeff Groth, the founders of J Michael’s Tavern & Grille!They talk about their perspective on working with influencers, the most reward...
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Episode 2
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10:26

Beyond the Plate: Inside the journey of J Michael’s Tavern & Grille
In this week’s episode of Under the Brand, I sat down with Kurt Holden and Jeff Groth, the founders of J Michael’s Tavern & Grille, Stuart, Florida’s newest destination for refined dining, live music and sports.They share what inspi...
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Episode 1
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15:29

Marketing in Turbulent Times: Is This the Time to Pull Back or Push Forward?
With new tariffs causing uncertainty in the stock market, many businesses are feeling the pressure. 📈In the latest episode of my new podcast, Under the Brand, I share my thoughts on navigating these uncertain times by staying consist...
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Episode 3
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