Join (add)ventures founder and CEO, Steve Rosa, and brand sportscaster Joe Kayata, for the only podcast that covers winning brands, team-culture building and marketing trends with a triple play of insights, humor and fun. Our Brand Slammin’ discussions go off the pole as guest champions knock it out of the park. We always get real—and often real rowdy.
Boxing may be the ultimate test of a personal brand. Every time the bell rings, reputation, preparation and performance are all on the line.. On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Providence native, Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, a 2008 U.S. Olympian and former two-division world champion, just days before his July 24 return to the ring at Mohegan Sun Arena. With humor and honesty, Andrade shares the story behind his famous nickname, the influence of his father and the mindset that carried him through one of boxing's most accomplished careers. He also reflects on being labeled one of the sport's most avoided fighters and what that taught him about confidence, patience and betting on himself. Outside the ropes, Andrade discusses building businesses, investing in real estate and preparing for life after boxing through promotion and commentary. He also weighs in on how social media, influencer culture and personalities like Jake Paul have changed the business of boxing. The conversation takes a personal turn as Andrade reflects on his Cape Verdean heritage, being welcomed by the president and prime minister of Cabo Verde and the pride of watching the country capture global attention during the 2026 World Cup. Whether you're building a business, a career or a personal brand, Andrade's story is a reminder that the strongest reputations are earned one decision at a time. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
The World Cup is more than a soccer tournament. It is a global brand experience shaped by fandom, culture, hospitality and the shared moments that bring people together. On this special episode of Brand Slam, (add)ventures founder and CEO Steve Rosa and (add)ventures President Mary Sadlier examine World Cup 2026 through a brand and marketing lens, exploring the players building global influence, the media shaping the tournament narrative and the brands earning an authentic place in the fan experience. Steve and Mary analyzed which players emerged as global brands, the role FOX played in bringing the tournament to American audiences and the sponsors that earned their place in the experience instead of simply attaching their logos to it. They also discussed the international fans who transformed stadiums and host cities, the tournament’s impact on communities like Boston and Providence and how firsthand experiences can reshape perceptions of a city, a company or even a country. For marketers, the lesson is clear: brands win cultural moments by understanding the audience, contributing something meaningful and creating a genuine sense of belonging. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
Basketball is no longer just an American game. It is a global business, a cultural force and a powerful case study in how leadership, talent development and brand growth can move across borders. On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata chat with Ryan Richman live from Tokyo. Richman is head coach of Alvark Tokyo, assistant coach for the Japan Men’s National Team and a former assistant coach with the Washington Wizards. With experience across the NBA, international basketball and player development, Richman brings a unique perspective on how the game is growing around the world and what leaders can learn from the way elite teams are built. The conversation explores Richman’s coaching journey from the NBA to Japan, what championship cultures have in common and why chemistry, accountability and trust often separate good teams from great ones. He also shares what Americans may still underestimate about basketball’s rise throughout Asia, including the impact of players like Rui Hachimura and the growing influence of the game in Japan. For marketers and brand leaders, the episode offers a broader lesson in multicultural connection, leadership and continuous improvement. Richman discusses how the Japanese principle of kaizen, the philosophy Toyota lives by as owner of Alvark Tokyo, has shaped his approach to coaching, development and team building. At its core, this is a conversation about more than basketball. It is about how global brands, leaders and organizations grow by understanding culture, building trust and committing to the long game. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
College athletics is no longer just about winning games. It is about building brands powerful enough to compete in a rapidly changing market. On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Jason Butikofer, Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Operating Officer at the University of Connecticut, to talk about how one of the country’s most recognized college athletics brands is navigating the NIL era. From championship momentum and national visibility to revenue sharing, facilities investment, fan engagement and brand partnerships, Jason offers an inside look at what it takes to lead a modern athletic department during a period of significant change for college sports. The conversation explores UConn’s approach to NIL strategy, the value of partnerships, the influence of powerhouse programs like men’s and women’s basketball and the role legendary coaches like Dan Hurley and Geno Auriemma play in extending the university’s brand beyond the court. For marketers and brand leaders, this episode is a case study in momentum, relevance and trust. UConn’s success shows that while winning creates attention, brand building turns that attention into loyalty, culture and long-term value. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
The world’s biggest superheroes are built on more than spectacle. They’re built on identity, emotion and fandom. In this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata go inside Hasbro’s Marvel universe with Mike Pullano, Senior Director of Global Brand Strategy & Marketing leading the Disney Marvel portfolio. From Spider-Man and Black Panther to X-Men, Deadpool and The Avengers, Mike shares how one of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands continues to scale globally while staying emotionally connected to fans across generations. The conversation explores what it takes to balance storytelling with business performance, market simultaneously to kids, parents and collectors, and evolve legendary franchises without losing what made audiences fall in love with them in the first place. Mike also reflects on his 15-year journey at Hasbro, helping shape powerhouse brands including Monopoly, Nerf, Peppa Pig, Furby, Baby Alive and Super Soaker. Along the way, he breaks down the strategy behind licensing partnerships, global audience engagement and building fandom that lasts far beyond the screen. For marketers, entertainment leaders and brand builders, this episode offers a powerful look at how emotional connection, consistency and community continue to drive winning brands in a crowded entertainment landscape. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
Culture travels when people believe in it. In this special episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Mary Sadlier take listeners inside the International Portuguese Music Awards (IPMA) in Providence, Rhode Island, where music, storytelling and identity come together on a global stage. From red carpet conversations with actress Daniela Ruah from NCIS fame, to performances and interviews with artists like D.A.M.A., Nelson Sobral and Ensemble 17, the episode explores how Portuguese and Lusophone culture is shaping entertainment and music worldwide. What stood out throughout the night was not only the talent, but the clarity of identity behind it. These artists are building loyal audiences by embracing who they are, staying consistent in their message and creating emotional connection through authenticity and craft. For marketers, healthcare leaders and brand builders navigating crowded industries, this episode offers a powerful reminder that culture is not a limitation. It is a competitive advantage. The brands that resonate most deeply are the ones that create trust, emotional connection and a sense of belonging people can feel. The IPMAs prove that when brands stay rooted in identity and lead with emotional connection, they do not just grow audiences, they build movements. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
Culture is not a marketing tactic. It is the brand. And winning brands know how to activate it. In this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Michael Benevides, President and CEO of Portugalia Marketplace and Portugalia Imports Inc., to explore how a family business rooted in Portuguese heritage became a nationally recognized brand experience. What began more than 30 years ago in a garage has grown into a 20,000 square foot marketplace that brings food, wine and tradition to life for customers across the country. Michael shares how Portugalia scaled beyond its local community without losing the authenticity that made it special. Every decision, from sourcing products directly from Portugal to creating an immersive in-store environment, is intentional. It is not just about selling. It is about creating a connection, trust and loyalty through culture. For CMOs and healthcare marketers navigating crowded, highly commoditized markets, this conversation hits at something deeper. Differentiation does not come from messaging alone. It comes from building an experience people believe in and want to be a part of. This episode breaks down the discipline required to grow a heritage-driven brand the right way. It is not growth at any cost. It is growth with clarity, consistency and conviction. Portugalia is proof that when you protect what makes you different, you do not just compete, you lead the pack. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
The Boston Marathon is one of the most iconic and enduring brands in sports. On this episode of Brand Slam, presented by (add)victory, the sports marketing division of (add)global, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Scott Stover, Chief Marketing Officer of the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), to explore how the Boston Marathon has evolved into a global brand while staying true to its Boston roots. With “Marathon Monday” fast approaching, Stover breaks down what has kept the brand strong for 130 years. He points to its deep connection to the city and its traditions, as well as its ability to resonate with a worldwide audience. The conversation looks at the heart of the Boston Marathon, including how it maintains its prestige while still feeling accessible and why qualifying continues to represent one of the most meaningful accomplishments in sports. Stover also shares how sponsorships like Bank of American’s role of Presenting Partner help amplify the event’s impact as not just as a race, but as a major economic and cultural moment for Boston. Beyond competition, the episode highlights the Marathon as both a platform for storytelling and purpose and one of the largest charitable fundraising events in the world, where thousands of runners compete not just for time, but for causes that matter. As the brand continues to evolve, Stover discusses how the B.A.A. is engaging the next generation while preserving the authenticity and traditions that make Boston unique. From Hopkinton to Boylston Street, the Boston Marathon proves that great brands don’t stand still. They keep going the distance. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
The strongest brands know when it’s time to reinvent themselves. And right now, baseball is in the middle of exactly that kind of transformation. Once challenged by shifting attention spans, the game is finding new life through global talent, a faster pace and a more connected, energized fanbase. On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with longtime MLB executive Dan Duquette to explore how baseball is finding its way back to our hearts and why its future may be more international–and more exciting–than ever. Few people have witnessed baseball’s evolution up close the way Dan has. A two-time Major League Baseball Executive of the Year, he’s helped shape winning organizations across the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles. Along the way, he saw early what the game could become by investing in talent across Latin America and the Caribbean, helping expand baseball’s reach far beyond U.S. borders. It’s that perspective, grounded in people and a global view of the game, that makes his take on baseball’s future so compelling. Dan saw it before most others did: a global pipeline of talent that could elevate teams and expand the game itself. From stars like Vladimir Guerrero to today’s international icons like Shohei Ohtani, that vision has helped shape baseball into a sport that reaches far beyond its borders. At its core, this is a story about people. Dan recognized potential early, invested in it, and built connections that stretch across continents. It’s the same instinct that drives the best brands: show up where your audience is and create something that truly connects. It’s a conversation about evolution, global thinking and what it takes for a legacy brand to win again. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
The best brands don’t just sell products. They give people something to say about themselves. ISlide built an entire company on that idea by taking a simple utility item, the slide sandal, and turning it into a platform for self-expression. Today, ISlide shows up on the feet of professional athletes, high school teams and fans across nearly every major sport. What started as a locker room staple has become a recognizable badge of personal identity. On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Joe Kayata and Mary Sadlier talk with ISlide founder Justin Kittredge about the insight that sparked the company and the conviction it took to grow it. Few brands sit at the crossroads of sports culture and personal expression quite like ISlide. The concept is simple. Give fans and athletes a way to represent who they support and what they stand for, right down to what they wear after the game. Justin understood that dynamic long before ISlide existed. As a former Reebok basketball executive, he spent years inside one of the world’s most influential athletic brands, watching how credibility is built with players and fans. That experience helped shape his approach to partnerships, licensing and brand growth from the very beginning. Justin also recounts one of the company’s defining moments when he appeared on Shark Tank in 2016 alongside former NFL star Antonio Brown. After hearing the offers, he made the decision to walk away from the only deal on the table. For many contestants, the decision might have been simple. Accept the deal and take the momentum. Justin saw it differently. The offer could have compromised his vision for ISlide, and he trusted his belief in the idea and his business judgment enough to walk away and continue building on his own terms. It’s a moment that is just one chapter in a much larger story. Justin reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to brand building. He also shares how basketball continues to influence his work today, including the global nonprofit he co-founded with his wife Lindsey, Shooting Touch. It’s a conversation about insight, conviction and the unexpected places great brand ideas can begin. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
Our 50th episode marks an exciting milestone for Brand Slam, and to celebrate it we welcome back one of our favorite guests, Kathryn Tappen of NBC Sports. This episode takes listeners inside one of the most powerful storytelling stages in sports: the Olympic Games. When the world tunes in to watch history unfold, broadcasters play a critical role in shaping how those moments are experienced, remembered and shared. Few understand that responsibility better than Kathryn. The Emmy Award–winning NBC Sports broadcaster has now covered seven Olympics, including the recent 2026 Winter Games in Milan. With hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata, Kathryn shares stories from rinkside of Team USA’s gold medal runs in both men’s and women’s Olympic hockey. The conversation explores the sustained dominance of the U.S. women’s program and the men’s historic first Olympic gold since 1980, while offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to document those moments as they unfold. Kathryn also reflects on what it takes to conduct a defining postgame interview in one of the most emotionally charged environments in sports, with 26 million viewers watching. Her conversation with Jack Hughes moments after his overtime game-winning goal quickly became one of the signature media moments of the Games. The episode examines the enduring power of the Olympic brand. With the 2026 Winter Games averaging 23.5 million viewers across broadcast and streaming platforms, NBCUniversal delivered the most-watched Winter Olympics of all time. The discussion highlights why the Olympics remain one of the most valuable storytelling platforms for athletes, broadcasters and brands alike. Episode 50 celebrates both a milestone for Brand Slam and the timeless appeal of the Olympic Games. It is a reminder that the moments we remember most are not just defined by the athletes who win gold, but also by the storytellers who bring those victories to life. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
Episode 49 takes listeners inside one of the fastest-growing and most competitive arenas in sports: betting. With Super Bowl LX approaching, the biggest game of the year has become about far more than the final score. It’s a national ritual and now it’s a multi-billion-dollar marketplace of wagers, odds and real-time emotion. Today’s fan experience is shaped by data, prediction and participation, and few brands sit closer to that intersection than DraftKings. As sports betting becomes a defining part of how fans engage with the game, DraftKings is helping rewrite the rules of modern sports entertainment, turning viewers into players, and moments into money. Brand Slam hosts Joe Kayata and Mary Sadlier talk with Stephanie Sherman, Chief Marketing Officer at DraftKings, to explore how the brand has evolved from a fantasy sports startup into one of the most recognizable names in sports betting. Stephanie breaks down the high-stakes decision to advertise during this year’s Big Game, where 30-second spots start at $8 million, explaining why DraftKings continues to invest in that stage and how showing up front and center during one of the most-watched sporting events in the world delivers impact that lasts far beyond kickoff Stephanie’s journey with DraftKings began in its early years as a start-up.. She’s helped guide the brand through its shift from fantasy sports into regulated sports betting. She explains how DraftKings balances innovation with responsibility, data with instinct, and bold marketing moments with consistency, all while competing in a category where loyalty can be as fleeting as the next bet. This episode is required listening for CMOs facing their own Super Bowl moments. It reinforces that enduring brands are built through clarity, consistency and an unwavering focus on the customer before, during, and after the spotlight. Because the brands that last are the ones built for the long game. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
Episode 48 takes listeners inside one of the most dominant franchises in modern sports: the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fresh off back-to-back World Series championships, the Dodgers are rewriting the blueprint for what a modern sports dynasty looks like. Great dynasties do not happen by accident. They are built with intention, culture and a relentless commitment to winning, much like great brands. In sports, that formula shows up on the field, in the front office and across a global fan base. Hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata talk with Brandon Gomes, General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, to explore how one of the most recognizable brands in sports sustains greatness in an era of constant change. From player development and global recruiting to culture, leadership and long-term vision, Brandon reveals how championship organizations build systems that outlast trends and competitors. Brandon’s journey to the GM seat wasn’t linear. A former MLB pitcher with roots in Fall River, Massachusetts, he climbed from the clubhouse to the front office, gaining a rare perspective on what makes elite teams work. That experience now shapes how the Dodgers balance tradition with innovation, data with instinct and star power with team chemistry. A major driver of that evolution is the Dodgers’ emergence as a truly global brand. With superstars like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the team has expanded far beyond Los Angeles, connecting with fans across Asia and around the world. Gomes reflects on traveling with the club to South Korea and Tokyo, calling it a powerful reminder of baseball’s universal reach. “Seeing the impact that baseball can have all over the world and the passion that it brings,” he says, underscores how the Dodgers are leading the future of the game on a global stage. This episode is a masterclass for marketers, leaders and sports fans alike. It’s a reminder that dynasties aren’t built on hype, they’re built on clarity, culture and consistency. Get those right, and winning stops being a goal and becomes the brand. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
Great brands don’t just promise value; they prove it where it matters most. In healthcare, that moment happens at the pharmacy counter, where millions of Americans face a confusing and often emotional question: What is this medication going to cost me today? Episode 47 explores how GoodRx is transforming that moment from anxiety into confidence. The company has built a brand on trust, clarity and humanity, showing that when people feel in control of their healthcare decisions, loyalty follows. It’s a powerful case study in how simplifying real-world complexity can unlock massive brand value. In this episode, Joe Kayata and guest host Mary Sadlier sit down with David Graziano, Head of Retail Network for GoodRx, to examine how a company that does not manufacture drugs, own pharmacies or operate insurance plans became one of the most recognized healthcare brands in America. With more than a decade of healthcare marketing experience, including seven years at CVS Health, David reveals how GoodRx builds partnerships, removes friction and keeps consumers at the center of every decision. GoodRx was created to fix a critical moment: when a patient discovers the cost of their medication only after they have reached the counter. David breaks down how the platform works behind the scenes with retailers and pharmacy benefit managers to deliver transparency and meaningful savings. The result is a rare healthcare trifecta: lower costs for consumers, increased foot traffic for pharmacies and a more informed, confident experience for everyone involved. From demystifying drug pricing to strengthening consumer trust, Episode 47 shows how GoodRx has rewritten the script on value. And it offers every marketer a reminder: when you solve a real human problem and do it consistently, you don’t just earn customers; you earn believers. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
The best marketers know how to read the room, and few people on earth do it better than an elite auctioneer. Brand Slam Episode 46 takes listeners inside the high-stakes world of auctions to uncover how energy, emotion and crowd psychology can drive marketing outcomes that spreadsheets can’t. In this episode, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Jacqueline Towers-Perkins, a London native turned New Yorker with nearly 15 years of experience commanding auction floors around the globe. She’s led sales at prestigious houses like Sotheby’s and Bonhams, hosted events for everyone from the King of England to Jay-Z, and helped move hundreds of millions in art, luxury goods and rare collectibles. Known for her fast-paced delivery, sharp instincts and commanding stage presence, Jacqueline brings a rare mix of theater and business acumen to every auction she directs. Now, as Founder and CEO of Towers & Co., Jacqueline is redefining what it means to “read the room.” Her global auctioneer agency and fundraising consultancy blends stagecraft and psychology—the same mix that turns a quiet crowd into a bidding frenzy. Throughout the conversation, Jacqueline shares powerful parallels between auctioneering and marketing — both demand authenticity, timing and the ability to stir emotion at just the right moment. She reveals how professional auctioneers elevate fundraising events beyond transactions, transforming them into unforgettable experiences that build momentum and inspire generosity. The hosts explore how the spectacle of auctioneering mirrors the craft of brand storytelling — where emotion fuels engagement and exclusivity drives value. Jacqueline also breaks down the psychology of bidding wars, showing how urgency and competition can be engineered to influence consumer behavior. For CMOs, this episode is a reminder that your best-performing campaigns aren’t just well-targeted — they’re well-timed, emotionally resonant and charged with purpose. Whether you’re building a global brand or leading a local charity gala, Episode 46 is your masterclass in energy, emotion and the art of engagement. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
When passion meets purpose, branding magic happens, and Leandro Petersen knows it better than most. As Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer for the Argentine Football Association (AFA), he’s helping turn Argentina’s fútbol legacy into a global brand phenomenon. In this special bilingual episode, Petersen joins Steve Rosa and Michelle Spriegel to talk about building one of the most recognizable brands in sport — from global partnerships and new markets to the storytelling and strategy that keep Argentina’s fútbol heartbeat strong. In Argentina, fútbol more than a sport, it’s almost part of their national DNA. And at the center of it all is the Argentine Football Association (AFA), where Petersen leads the charge in transforming that cultural heartbeat into a global business powerhouse. From Lionel Messi’s worldwide influence to AFA’s expansion across markets like China, India and the U.S., Petersen shares how strategy, storytelling and pure passion are driving Argentina’s global rise. The conversation dives into how AFA plans for their new high-performance center in Miami, and what it takes to keep the magic alive both on and off the pitch. Looking ahead, Petersen has his eyes set on FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. With soccer’s popularity surging in North America, he sees a massive opportunity to grow AFA’s reach during the tournament. From brand activations to fan engagement initiatives, Petersen’s focus is on making Argentina not just the team to watch, but the experience to feel throughout the summer of 2026. At its heart, this conversation is about how passion, heritage and purpose can transform a team into a timeless global brand. Argentina’s story is proof that when emotion meets execution, the result isn’t just victory, it’s legacy. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com .
Cuando la pasión se encuentra con el propósito, ocurre la magia del branding, y Leandro Petersen lo sabe mejor que nadie. Como Director Comercial y de Marketing de la Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA), está ayudando a convertir el legado futbolístico de Argentina en un fenómeno de marca global. En este episodio especial bilingüe, Petersen se une a Steve Rosa y Michelle Spriegel para hablar sobre cómo construir una de las marcas más reconocidas en el deporte, desde asociaciones globales y nuevos mercados hasta la narrativa y estrategia que mantienen fuerte el latido del fútbol en Argentina. En Argentina, el fútbol es más que un deporte; es casi parte de su ADN nacional. Y en el centro de todo está la Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA), donde Petersen lidera la transformación de ese pulso cultural en un gigante de negocios global. Desde la influencia mundial de Lionel Messi hasta la expansión de la AFA en mercados como China, India y EE.UU., Petersen comparte cómo la estrategia, la narrativa y la pura pasión están impulsando el ascenso global de Argentina. La conversación se adentra en cómo la AFA planea su nuevo centro de alto rendimiento en Miami y lo que se necesita para mantener la magia viva tanto dentro como fuera del campo. Mirando hacia el futuro, Petersen tiene su mirada puesta en la Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026, que se celebrará en Estados Unidos, México y Canadá. Con la creciente popularidad del fútbol en América del Norte, ve una enorme oportunidad para ampliar el alcance de la AFA durante el torneo. Desde activaciones de marca hasta iniciativas de compromiso con los fanáticos, el enfoque de Petersen es hacer de Argentina no solo el equipo a seguir, sino la experiencia a sentir durante todo el verano de 2026. En esencia, esta conversación trata sobre cómo la pasión, el patrimonio y el propósito pueden transformar a un equipo en una marca global eterna. La historia de Argentina es prueba de que cuando la emoción se encuentra con la ejecución, el resultado no es solo la victoria, sino el legado. ¿Tienes un invitado en mente? Contáctanos en brandslam@addventures.com .
This week, Brand Slam hits a milestone: our two-year anniversary! Two years of conversation, curiosity and serious mic time–44 episodes deep, packed with enough stories to fuel your commute for months, all with the people shaping how we think about brands, business and culture. When we launched the podcast, we couldn’t have predicted the journey it would take us on. Along the way, we’ve built relationships, learned from industry leaders and created a platform for stories that matter. From the first episode to our most recent Overtime edition, one thing has remained constant: the pursuit of uncovering what makes brands win. So what’s next? Two years in, we’re proud of the ground we’ve covered. Even more, we’re fired up for what’s ahead. The business world shifts daily—especially in an AI-driven era— our mission remains the same: share the personal insights of the leaders, challengers and doers who keep brands winning. Like in sports, our goal is simple: keep getting sharper, smarter and stronger every season. Thank you to everyone who’s listened, shared and supported us. We’re just getting started.
What happens when the brand is a person? When your most valuable asset is a human—known as much for feeding people in crisis as for fine dining—you’re building a brand and capturing a personality. In this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Mary Sadlier sit down with Ellen Kaplan, VP of Marketing at the José Andrés Group, to explore how a hospitality brand grows into a global media presence, without losing the voice that started it all. José Andrés is a chef. A humanitarian. A visionary. But above all, he’s a genuinely good person driven by curiosity, compassion and a belief that food can change lives. While his name appears on restaurants, cookbooks and TV shows, there’s a team behind the scenes making sure that name shows up with purpose and consistency. Ellen leads that team. She and her colleagues aren’t just promoting a personality. They’re translating a real, human presence into a brand that spans restaurants, hotels, books, podcasts and digital platforms, without losing the heart that started it all. Ellen shares how her team brings José’s energy and values to life through branded experiences that feel personal, polished and authentic. She talks about how his personality comes through across platforms, and how storytelling became a key to growing the José Andrés Media brand. She also reflects on leading a creative team across formats, and why voice and values matter even more as a brand grows. Whether you're managing a multi-channel strategy or shaping a purpose-driven brand, this episode offers thoughtful, real-world insight into building something that lasts. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com.
When it comes to building a brand, the secret ingredient might just be the same one that makes an unforgettable meal: genuine hospitality. On this episode of Brand Slam, (add)ventures founder and CEO Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Steve DiFillippo, the culinary visionary behind Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse. With 10 locations from Boston to Atlanta, Davio’s has become a national name, but its commitment to making every guest feel at home has kept the brand deeply personal. The conversation begins with DiFillippo’s entrepreneurial leap at age 24, when he bought a struggling Boston restaurant and transformed it into the Davio’s we know today. He kept the name but reinvented everything else, from the food and atmosphere to the service, creating a brand rooted in both consistency and creativity. Listeners will hear how DiFillippo has marketed Davio’s with heart and hustle, using creative grassroots tactics and strategic retail offerings like his signature steak and cheese spring rolls and sausages that are sold in markets. The episode also explores how Davio’s adapts to evolving customer lifestyles through collaborations like Awaken180° Weightloss, and how exceptional staff experiences and thoughtful, one-on-one service, showcase the brand’s values in action. DiFillippo reflects on lessons learned from icons like Julia Child and Bruce Springsteen, and emphasizes the importance of weaving personal values into a brand, from supporting community organizations to embracing new technologies like AI without losing the human touch. This episode goes beyond the kitchen. It's a branding masterclass for marketers looking to turn values into value. Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.
