Ep 224: Former Toys R Us CMO Reveals Secrets Behind Brands People Love | Warren Kornblum
Aug 20, 2026 · 1h 15m
Summary
Warren Conblum, former CMO of Toys "R" Us and founder of Shadow Branding, discusses the power of emotional branding and earning "share of heart" over mere awareness. He explores how brands like Apple and Lego maintain relevance by evolving with customers while preserving core emotional connections. Conblum also addresses balancing AI efficiency with human empathy, arguing that trust and belief are the ultimate competitive advantages in today's noisy market.
Topics discussed
Introduction: Attention vs. Trust in Branding
Warren Conblum's Career Journey and 'Share of Heart'
The Evolution of Marketing and the CMO's Role
AI in Marketing: Balancing Technology with Human Empathy
Building Emotional Loyalty: Apple, Pokemon, and Lego
Revitalizing Toys R Us and the Power of Purpose Statements
Earning Trust and Learning from Failed Brands like Kodak
Nostalgia, Private Equity Pitfalls, and Internal Culture
Why Brands Fail to Connect and Final Advice on Customer Focus
Conclusion and Call to Subscribe
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