Leading with ❤️
In this week’s Marketing Vanguard, Marisa Thalberg takes us on a career rollercoaster, from beauty counters to burrito bowls and building materials, sharing hard-won lessons in risk-taking, reinvention, and resilience. She reminds us that leadership isn’t measured in months, but in moments of adaptation and impact. Now leading customer and marketing strategy at JCPenney, Marisa Thalberg is proving that legacy brands can lean into the future without ghosting their roots, especially in a moment when consumers are craving nostalgia more than ever. And while the industry buzzes about AI, Marisa’s bet is on the human touch, because bold ideas, real connection, and fearless creativity will forever be in style.
Gym, Tan, Lysol!
Lysol is sniffing out bad scents with its cheeky new campaign for Lysol Air Sanitizer, turning awkward odor confrontations into shareable moments with the “StinkCheck.” Jersey Shore legend Snooki, along with her iconic poof, stars as the nosey neighbor we all desperately need, doling out scent-sational advice for gym bags, pets, and partners who pickleball a lil’ too hard. Her motto: “Spray it, so you don’t have to say it.” Other influencers like Eli Rallo, Zachariah Porter, Mayci Neeley are also on board to pass the message along like a passive-aggressive potpourri. It’s a fresh pivot from Lysol’s normal messaging about germ-slaying science to a fun play on the importance of good smells, proving that a little mist goes a long way.
Chaos 🤝credibility
In today’s nonstop digital landscape, social media can amplify a brand’s voice…or blow up in its face. One misstep can ignite a PR wildfire, but a thoughtful, timely response can flip the script and turn backlash into brand loyalty. Per this thoughtful article by ASK Training, the savviest companies stay ready. They hit pause on off-key content, monitor the mood, and empower teams to respond with clarity, compassion, accuracy, and speed. Because in the age of instant outrage, silence speaks volumes, and the brands that lead with transparency and care are the ones that come out stronger and more trusted than ever. Don’t believe me? Peppercomm’s Team Meridian crisis crusaders can prove it.
Pepper Pick
So what if we are fully grown adults still scared of our shadow? Thankfully, the Hollywood Reporter has compiled 38 kid-friendly spooky movies to enjoy this season. Fingers crossed they’re short so we can be in bed by 8pm.
