All About The Mix

This week, we're joined by Brent Choi, an ad agency creative with over 25 years of experience who most recently held the CEO/CCO position at DDB Canada. Here's what we covered: [02:58] The importance of having a combination of business acumen and creativity for senior roles in the ad industry [09:30] The impact the global pandemic has had towards workplace culture [15:50] The experience of being a minority in the ad industry [28:30] Navigating imposter syndrome as you become more senior [35:20] At what point is a campaign simply taking advantage of situations for industry recognition? [41:40] What it takes in the ad industry to truly be one of the best Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com Follow Brent on Twitter: @brentchoi @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 2, episode 25! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [03:10] The brilliance of the Spotify Wrapped 2020 campaign [10:10] New Apple 'AirPods Max' headphones - When will we stop mindlessly buying their products? [13:50] Spotify Stories - The nuance behind their Stories and why it could work [15:30] What will the vaccine distribution look like in Canada? Will brands get involved? [24:40] Why do brands need to tie in social engagement to their charitable efforts? [32:44] Businesses are masquerading as black owned for the added promotion [40:44] Is it too early to bring back sports outside of a contained bubble? Shout out again to all those that have had The MAD Mix in their Spotify Wrapped 2020 list! Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @d

Season 2, episode 24! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [03:00] What did Black Friday/Cyber Monday look like this year? [10:20] Is there still a need for Cyber Monday with more consumers purchasing online during Black Friday? [14:10] Will we see an increase in supporting small businesses for holiday shopping over the big retailers? [20:46] Is the mysterious metal monolith showing up in different continents and disappearing a marketing ploy? [26:06] Wealthsimple Cash is being ambitious with their e-transfer takeover strategy. Will it be effective? Listener topics [33:14] Why do you think some marketers/brands lag behind on the potential of gaming and e-sports? [39:00] Will Snapchat’s new feature “Spotlight” that mirrors Tik Tok take off? Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at

Season 2, episode 23! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [07:10] Updates made to Instagram to further push Marketplace and Reels on the user base. [18:07] Twitter introduces Stories and it raises the question of: “Are social media platforms running out of innovative ideas?” [24:22] Apps like Clubhouse that use exclusivity to build hype. Is it warranted? Listener topics [35:55] How will brands try to innovate/change messaging to align with lockdown #2? Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 2, episode 22! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [04:10] Release of the ps5 - Is the lack of pre-order slots available tied to hype marketing? [11:37] Do we expect brands to be vocal about politics? Do we care? [22:05] Facebook/Twitter’s role in handling misinformation in the 2020 Election [30:30] What are CGI influencers and where do we see this going? What are the negative implications? Listener topics [39:25] Will we see brands doing things differently for Black Friday 2020? Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 2, episode 21! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [02:35] After a few months, have agencies made efforts towards a more diverse industry? [12:00] 2020TheGame - Why an ad agency making a joke about the death of George Floyd and BLM went way too far and the importance of calling these things out publicly [22:15] Brands taking a political stance and pushing “VOTE” messaging. Will this have an impact on voter turnout? [30:40] Why did Quibi fail? Listener’s topics [38:40] Would you pay for ad-free social media? Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 2, episode 20! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [04:35] Viral Tok Tok that featured an Ocean Spray bottle - Breaking down the brand’s response to the moment [16:11] At what point should a brand respond if they are featured in a viral moment? [19:55] What is it that we love/hate about Apple’s marketing? Does it always work? [29:14] Uncle Ben’s has rebranded as “Ben’s”. How does this help the brand? Listener’s topics [32:48] Have we set a dangerous precedence with ad agency timing because of the pandemic? [39:50] How do you separate work from your personal life? Digital detoxing for digital marketers Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

Season 2, episode 19! Here's what Dak and Malick discuss: [05:05] What does returning to work in a physical office look like right now? [10:00] How should brands be preparing for a potential second wave of COVID? [18:00] LinkedIn and Twitter introduce Stories to their platform [30:46] What will Black Friday shopping look like during a pandemic? [37:34] What does the future of AI look like in advertising? Have a topic you want us to discuss or a question? Send us a message on Instagram (@the_madmix) or email us at info@themadmix.com Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

This week, it's Malick and Dak unpacking their thoughts on The Social Dilemma documentary-drama on Netflix. Here's what was covered: [01:50] Our initial thoughts on The Social Dilemma [12:00] Is having our online behaviour sold to advertisers really that bad? What are the dangers? [22:05] Mental health impact of social media on teenagers [32:20] What if we just got rid of certain social media features like the “like” button? [38:55] Will The Social Dilemma have a long term impact on social media use? Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

This week, it's Malick and Dak covering the following topics:  [01:00] The Travis Scott x McDonald’s collaboration [11:40] How authentic are influencers today? [21:03] Popeyes’ marketing strategy for chicken sandwich hype in Canada [27:00] The battle of the chicken sandwich in Canada - KFC vs Popeyes [34:13] Why are brands still trying to use MAGA and flip it into something else? Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

This week, we're joined by Jerome Cheng, a creative producer for MLSE (Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment). Here's what we covered: [12:20] Impact of NBA player strike and movement around social justice [25:38] Is there a responsibility for NBA players to speak up on issues of injustice? [27:34] History of WNBA players protesting for change and the differences in the approach compared to the NBA [37:04] The clear impact of the diversity issues in the NHL Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com Follow Jerome on Twitter: @blackdragonroll @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

This week, it's just us covering the topics on our own! Here's what we covered: [01:10] What is the “new normal” that we’re experiencing months into lockdown? [18:30] Is remote work the future for ad agencies? [25:47] Do we think Instagram Reels will strive considering the competition? [35:26] Potential subscription model for Twitter in the future. Would you ever pay to use parts of social media? [41:20] NBA introducing different strategies to keep the game going and fans engaged Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner

This week, we're joined by Jermaine Murray, a career strategist and tech recruiter. Here's what we covered: [15:07] Why aren’t black people being hired for high paying jobs? [25:27] What does a recruiter do exactly? [32:35] Why recruiters should focus on genuinely trying to improve the situation of their candidates [38:46] What does long term change look like for brands that are starting to focus on hiring black talent? [42:10] Is there a pipeline problem and how do we get more black people in marketing/tech roles? To connect with Jermaine Murray about your career goals or questions in that space, visit www.jupiterhr.ca/ and let him know The MAD Mix sent you! Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner Places you can donate to and petitions to sign:      ACLU https://www.aclu.org Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ Justice for Bre

This week, we're joined by Janice Liu, a senior vice president in the digital ad space, a tech founder, and so much more. Here's what we covered: [10:20] How Janice balances running Filling the Gap, an initiative helping empowering women in the professional space while also working her “9 to 5” [21:30] Balancing multiple projects in addition to a day-to-day job without dropping the ball [28:40] What barriers have you experienced as a woman of color in advertising/tech? [34:20] Companies addressing diversity as a trend. What does long term change look like? [45:00] When is it okay to call out racially insensitive moments at work? [50:58] When allyship can come into play for speaking up during racially insensitive moments Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner Places you can donate to and petitions to sign:    ACLU https://www.aclu.org Black Lives M

This week, we're joined by Fiorella Campodonico, a social media manager and digital marketer currently working for one of the world's largest beverage companies. Here's what we covered: [10:20] #StopHateForProfit - Brands boycotting buying ads on Facebook. What’s going on with this movement? [17:12] From the consumer perspective, what would boycotting Facebook look like? [22:50] Are brands being authentic with their Facebook boycott or is it performative? [40:15] Nike boycotts the Washington Redskins until they change their name. What will be the impact? Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com Follow Fiorella on Twitter @fiorellaxlucia @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner Places you can donate to and petitions to sign:  ACLU https://www.aclu.org Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ Justice for Breonna Taylor https://ca.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor https:

This week, we're joined by Danica Nelson, a senior marketing communications manager, marketing consultant, and Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion advocate. Here's what we covered: [07:26] What is the role of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) teams and how to approach and set them up properly [16:47] How can we get more Black people and POC's in marketing/advertising and tech? [20:57] Bringing your true self to work - what does it mean to be unapologetically Black in the workplace? [31:35] White people stepping down from their roles to make room for a Black replacement. Is it genuine? [35:55] What does long term change look like from brands in the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion space? [41:09] Will you stop supporting brands that aren’t handling anti-black racism initiatives well? Places you can donate to and petitions to sign: ACLU https://www.aclu.org Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ Justice for Breonna Taylor https://ca.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor https://www

This week, we're joined by Seth Waterman, a business director for an ad agency in Toronto. Here's what we covered: [04:36] The impact of Juneteenth. How should companies handle this? [12:50] Snapchat removing a lens for Juneteenth that received backlash. Is lack of representation the reason this keeps happening? [22:25] Brands finally addressing racism within their products like Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben’s + The social power of Tik Tok [28:00] Who does diversity and inclusion initiatives fall on? [37:10] When is cancel culture justified? [41:48] Lack of representation within production companies in Toronto exposed. What’s the impact? Places you can donate to: ACLU https://www.aclu.org Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ Justice for George Floyd https://ca.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd Justice for Breonna Taylor https://ca.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://www.naacpldf.org/about-us/ Innocence Project https://www.innocenceproject.org/

This week, we're joined by Anton Mwewa, an art director and photographer working for an ad agency in Toronto. Here's what we covered: [4:24] Brand responses during the protests that have stood out [8:18] Where is the internal Black representation for companies? [13:10] #BlackoutTuesday posts from brands as lazy support. What does long term support look like? [22:10] What’s it like being black in a predominantly white creative space? [32:30] What are some of the differences we can expect for the rest of Pride month with the current BLM protests? [41:38] When do we start holding brands accountable for their lack of support? Places you can donate to: ACLU https://www.aclu.org Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ Justice for George Floyd https://ca.gofundme.com/f/georgefloyd Justice for Breonna Taylor https://ca.gofundme.com/f/9v4q2-justice-for-breonna-taylor NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://www.naacpldf.org/about-us/ Innocence Project https://www.innocenceproject.org/

This week, we're joined by Joshua Richards, the director of creative technology for john st advertising, and a diversity and inclusion advocate. Here's what we covered: [3:10] Why it’s important to stay informed right now with racism in America [10:45] At what point is the support on social media inauthentic? [17:42] Brands responding during the protests [26:07] Do brands have the privilege to be silent? [31:39] Do you want your company to speak up? [41:00] Opportunity for diversity and inclusion ACLU https://www.aclu.org Black Lives Matter https://blacklivesmatter.com/ Change.org - Justice for George Floyd https://www.change.org/p/mayor-jacob-frey-justice-for-george-floyd Minnesota Freedom Fund: https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/ NAACP Legal Defense Fund: https://www.naacpldf.org/about-us/ Innocence Project https://www.innocenceproject.org/

Here's what was covered on episode 7: Things are starting to re-open but is it safe? [1:45] Reopening strategy for the NBA [8:00] “I’m watching cause I’m bored in quarantine" (esports, Last Dance documentary) [13:40] Wimbledon’s pandemic insurance payout and the impact their planning will have on other companies [19:50] Airbnb layoffs and what travel might look like post-COVID [25:40] Can you become a billionaire or a trillionaire, ethically? [30:00] Versuz battles on IG live and the lack of brand sponsorship/presence [39:37] Be sure to subscribe to our podcast channel so that you're the first to know when new episodes drop! All The MAD Mix content can be found at themadmix.com @the_madmix @malickbba @dakturner