How do you scale a beloved burger brand without losing the heart that made it special?In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Chris Dull, President and CEO of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers. Chris opens up about the balancing act of fast growth and genuine hospitality—sharing how Freddy’s has expanded into 37 states, reimagined its digital experience, and stayed laser-focused on franchisee success.From caramelized steakburgers to post-pandemic innovation, this conversation dives into the power of brand consistency, listening to your guests, and creating “one-of-a-kind moments” in everyday life.If you’re in branding, franchising, or just trying to grow something the right way—don’t miss this one.
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28:12
Why IKEA Isn’t Really About Furniture – Brand Strategy with Belen Frau
How does a global giant like IKEA stay affordable, sustainable, and deeply personal—all at once? In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Belen Frau, a senior global leader at IKEA who’s helped shape the brand from the inside out. With over 20 years at the company, Belen shares how IKEA's democratic design philosophy drives everything from flat-packs to climate impact. From launching secondhand platforms to redefining what it means to be “for the many,” this is a masterclass in brand purpose, strategy, and resilience.
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31:00
Can a Big Bank Think Like a Startup?
What does it take to make a 150-year-old bank feel like a startup?In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan talks with Shruti Patel, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer for Business Banking at US Bank, about reinventing customer experience in one of the most regulated industries on the planet.From AI-powered tools to embedded financial products, Shruti shares how US Bank is transforming the way it serves small businesses—while still staying grounded in trust, compliance, and community. It’s a conversation about balancing innovation with responsibility, and how big banks can stay nimble in a FinTech-first world.
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27:20
He Led Stanford. He Chairs Alphabet. Here’s What He’s Learned.
What do you ask a man who’s helped shape the future of both education and technology?In this episode of Branded, host Ben Kaplan sits down with John Hennessy—former President of Stanford University and current Chairman of Alphabet (yes, the Google one)—for a rare conversation about leadership, innovation, and what it really takes to build something that lasts.From founding tech companies to guiding the next generation of Silicon Valley leaders, Hennessy shares what separates good ideas from great ones, why humility beats hype, and how to stay grounded when you're building for the stratosphere.This isn’t just a conversation about tech. It’s about legacy.
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16:09
What It Really Takes to Scale a Global Company
In this episode of Branded, hosted by Ben Kaplan, we sit down with Camilla Matias, COO of Brex, to unpack the bold decisions, hard-earned lessons, and unconventional thinking behind one of FinTech’s most remarkable scale-ups.Camilla joined Brex when it was a scrappy startup solving one problem: helping fellow founders get access to corporate credit. Today, Brex is a global financial platform used by both startups and Fortune 500 giants.We explore:How Brex went from “do everything” chaos to ruthless focusWhy scaling down was key to scaling upThe power of building your own infrastructure—and your own brandHow a Brazilian mindset shaped Brex’s adaptability and cultureWhat most leaders get wrong about growth, AI, and simplificationWhether you're a founder, operator, marketer, or just obsessed with how great companies grow—this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.
BRANDED is the podcast where bold ideas meet brilliant minds. From the unconventional marketing of Liquid Death to the visionary leadership of Nike’s former CMO, we uncover the stories behind the world’s most iconic brands. Hosted by top industry leaders, BRANDED takes you behind the scenes to explore the strategies, risks, and creative sparks that make brands stand out. Whether you’re a seasoned marketer, a business enthusiast, or just curious about the magic behind the labels, BRANDED delivers insights and inspiration in every episode.
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