1785: This Hiring Mistake Could Be Costing Your Marketing Department Millions by Margo Aaron of That Seems Important

2025-08-20

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1785: Margo Aaron uses a chance encounter with an apathetic Starbucks barista to show how employee disengagement can quietly sabotage even the most admired brands. She explains that half of a brand's power comes not from marketing messages but from every customer interaction, making passion and cultural alignment critical for trust and loyalty. Read along...

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 1785:

Margo Aaron uses a chance encounter with an apathetic Starbucks barista to show how employee disengagement can quietly sabotage even the most admired brands. She explains that half of a brand's power comes not from marketing messages but from every customer interaction, making passion and cultural alignment critical for trust and loyalty.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.thatseemsimportant.com/marketing/not-marketing-department-ruining-your-marketing/

Quotes to ponder:

"Only 50% of your brand is what you tell people in ads and marketing collateral. The other 50% is their subjective experience with your company."

"Apathy is a silent killer."

"$30 million dollars in marketing spend can't fix what she's doing to your brand."

Episode references:

Onward: https://www.amazon.com/Onward-How-Starbucks-Fought-without/dp/1605292885

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