Jessica Kogan wants women to tune out the naysayers and trust themselves. She's a firm believer that we're never limited to one path, and that staying open (and brave) can lead to the most unexpected opportunities. And Jessica certainly practices what she preaches. At the time of this interview, she was serving as The Vintage Wine Estates' chief growth & experience officer. Today, she's on a whole new adventure as Founder & CEO of HSP Brands, a modern adult-beverage sampling and marketing company helping brands create meaningful connections with consumers both in-store and online. Jessica's career is full of standout …

Nicole Moore thrives on innovation - but to her it isn't about disruption, it's about the everyday decisions that make life/work better even when plans fall apart. The Kepler Group's VP of Client Excellence knows innovation isn't just a buzzword - it's a mindset shaped in real time, by real life. In this episode of Brand Insider: BTS, Nicole talks with Lisa Singer about pushing the status quo through life's shifting seasons - navigating marriage, motherhood, career, and even chaos with grace over perfection. She shares a leadership lesson she learned early on that continues to guide her today: a …

Emily Simasek has always cared deeply about helping people, but it wasn't until she found her authentic voice that she realized the impact she could truly make. Having spent five transformative years at Neurocrine Biosciences, she evolved from a self-described people pleaser into a leader driven by clarity, confidence, and purpose. Now, as Director of HCP Marketing at Argenx, Emily brings that same purpose-driven approach to everything she does. In this episode of Brand Insider: BTS, Emily shares with Lisa Singer how growing up with her sister shaped her passion for advocating for those who are often overlooked, and why …

Julia Stewart went from IHOP waitress to becoming the pancake house chain's first-ever female CEO - and that's not even the coolest thing about her career! Before joining IHOP, Julia, now Founder & CEO of the wellness app Alurx, became the President of Applebees, but after being promised - and then denied - the CEO role, Julia walked away. She later joined IHOP as CEO, and in one of the boldest full-circle moves in business, she acquired Applebee's and fired the ex boss that told her she'd never be CEO-- Now that's a power move! In this episode of Brand …

In both business and life, strategy is everything- something Jennifer Zimmerman is well versed in. X&O's Expert in Residence is a lifelong problem-solver and self-described "Michael Clayton" of her family, bringing the same big-picture thinking she applies to global brands into the details of everyday life. In this episode of Brand Insider: BTS, Jennifer talks with Lisa Singer about the yin and yang of leadership- how seeing the macro vision and managing the micro moments aren't opposites, but reflections of the same drive to lead, create order, and move things forward. From knowing your worth to knowing when to step …

What does it take to reimagine a legacy brand while honoring its roots? For Shari Day, CEO and President of Artists&Outlaws, that question became central after she purchased the bohan agency three years ago. Rather than rushing a rebrand, she took her time - getting to know her people, defining who they were, and waiting until the new name truly fit. Now, as the agency celebrates its 35th year, its next chapter has officially begun. In this episode of Brand Insider: BTS, Shari shares with Lisa Singer the story behind Artists&Outlaws - and how their new name captures both the …

What does it really take to be creatively brave? For Kirstin Falk, Senior Advisor of Brand Strategy & Partnerships at Breakwater Studios, it means trusting your instincts, speaking your truth, and pushing past the herd mentality. Her team's short film, "The Final Copy of Ilon Specht," tells the story of a woman who did just that- it also won the Grand Prix at Cannes this year. Kirstin shares with Lisa Singer how Ilon's iconic L'Oreal tagline, "Because I'm worth it," remains just as relevant today as it was decades ago- and how authenticity, mentorship, and fearless creativity are still the …

Ever wonder what it takes to rise to the C-suite while staying true to yourself? Brittany Sadlouskos, COO of DAA Media & Marketing, knows firsthand. From starting out in field marketing at Jack-in-the-Box to leading a top agency, she has built a career grounded in authenticity, relationships, and a willingness to pivot when opportunity calls. In this episode of Brand Insider: BTS, Brittany opens up with Lisa Singer about how mentors and female leaders inspired her, the mindset shifts that helped her step into her own voice, and why advocating for your work is essential. She also shares how she …