Building Brands with Heart: Warren Kornblum on Connection, Purpose, and Authenticity (MDE639)

In this episode, host Minter Dial sits down with Warren Kornblum, an accomplished marketing leader, advisor, and now author of "Notes from the Brand Stand." Together, they dive deep into the world of brand strategy—discussing its evolution, the critical role of purpose, and the delicate balance between staying true to a brand’s identity while adapting to a changing business landscape. You’ll hear Warren Kornblum reflect on his journey from running his own ad agency in Toronto, to serving as Toys R Us’ first global Chief Marketing Officer, to advising powerhouse brands and finally, to capturing his decades of insights in his new book. Throughout the conversation, Minter Dial and Warren Kornblum explore how brands create real emotional connections, why “purpose” is central to lasting success, and the challenges leaders face as their companies scale and come under new ownership structures. Packed with honest anecdotes—ranging from managing boardroom expectations to practical advice on aligning company culture—this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in authentic branding, customer experience, and the stories behind some of the world’s most recognizable companies. You won’t want to miss Warren Kornblum’s wisdom on what it really means to take a stand as a brand, and how to keep brands trusted—and loved—for the long term.