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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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