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The Rum & Co Podcast: a strategic and creative octane boost to help brands and agencies get unstuck, is a new video podcast show from industry veteran Rum Ekhtiar that is dedicated to exploring the ins and outs of pitching, the creative process, and agency life in general - with a focus on providing actionable insights and inspiration to listeners. Top tier guests from across the business world level with Rum on the topics of the day, and tie them into the timeless lessons they've gleaned fr ...
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Breaking Through the Noise: How Data and AI Fuel Modern Comms
29:10
29:10
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29:10
In this episode, Rum continues his conversation with Mark Durney, Executive Vice President of Digital and Innovation at Porter Novelli, they discuss the fragmentation of today’s media ecosystem and how AI-driven insights can help brands cut through the noise. Mark explains why “audience-first, data-led” has become more than just an industry buzzphr…
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How Data, AI, and the Art of Pitch Storytelling Bridges The Gap Between Client and Agency Worlds
27:08
27:08
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27:08
In this episode, Rum welcomes Mark Durney, Executive Vice President of Digital and Innovation at Porter Novelli, who shares how his early grassroots experience—running a nonprofit with zero budget—helped shape his approach to agency life and corporate consulting. Mark recounts his transition from client-side roles at a major French tech firm to lea…
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From Classic Comms Torture Sessions to AI-Fueled Insights: How PR Has Changed
35:22
35:22
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35:22
From building decks in “war room” style to pushing each other beyond comfort zones, Molly Dobbins, SVP at Burson, and Jen Langione, Director of Global Communications at Mastercard, reveal how intense on-the-job learning fostered confidence, accountability, and camaraderie. They also discuss the role of AI in day-to-day tasks—explaining how tools li…
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From Interns to Industry Leaders: How Radius Shaped Pitch Perfection
22:40
22:40
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22:40
In this episode, Rum reunites with Molly Dobbins, SVP at Burson, and Jen Langione, Director of Global Communications at Mastercard, two standout members from his original Ruder Finn Radius practice. They trace their journeys from junior “ET” hires to seasoned professionals—covering the “war room” style of collaboration, the art of headline-driven p…
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Building a $17M Practice with Twenty-Six People in Two Years with Katherine O’Hara and Garret Starr
21:28
21:28
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21:28
The conversation continues between Rum, Katherine and Garret—and this time they delve into examining the strategic framework that transformed a modest, two-person initiative into a $17 million practice. They delve into techniques for engaging prospective clients before formal pitch meetings, approaches for addressing challenging stakeholders (“snip…
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Building Winning Pitches: Practical Skills for Transforming Insights into a Winning Program with Katherine O’Hara and Garret Starr
24:47
24:47
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24:47
Rum welcomes Katherine and Garret back, two core members of his original “Radius” team, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to succeed in new business pitches. They share how they built trust by showing their in-depth knowledge of the prospect, whether it’s scouring competitor research or mastering the “Socratic method” of asking t…
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Maximizing Talent and Account Practices to Strengthen Client Relationships with Nina Steinberg-Scherr
14:03
14:03
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14:03
In part two of this series, Rum Ekhtiar and Nina Steinberg-Scherr reflect on their many successful pitches and the collaborative process that helped them win major accounts while working together at Ruder Finn. They emphasize the importance of playing to team members' strengths—whether it’s assigning the best writers to writing tasks or the best bu…
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Assembling Winning Teams for a New Business Pitch with Nina Steinberg-Scherr
15:35
15:35
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15:35
Rum Ekhtiar welcomes Nina Steinberg-Scherr, a long-time colleague, to discuss assembling successful teams and winning new business in the agency and PR world. Nina shares the journey from the Sci-Fi Channel to hardcore biotech at Noonan-Russo and eventually to the world of corporate PR at Ruder Finn, explaining how the independence and nimble appro…
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Tipping the Scales to Stand Out in a Multi-Agency Pitch with Garrett Starr
17:06
17:06
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17:06
In part two of this episode, host Rum Ekhtiar continues his conversation with Garrett Star, who leads Global Business Development at Intuit. They dive deeper into the art of partnerships, networking, and what truly sets successful pitches apart in a world where agency offerings can often feel commoditized. Garrett shares insights on his transition …
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Networking Is Not an Obligation, It’s an Opportunity with Garrett Starr
18:38
18:38
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18:38
In this episode, host Rum Ekhtiar connects with Garrett Star, who leads Global Business Development at Intuit and has worked with agencies such as Ruder Finn and VaynerMedia, and in house at Greenhouse and Intuit. Garrett shares his experiences transitioning from agency life to in-house roles and explains how networking is a 24/7 obligation, playin…
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Evolving Storytelling Techniques in PR with Katherine O'Hara
20:18
20:18
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20:18
In this insightful episode, host Rum Ekhtiar reunites with Katherine O'Hara to delve into the evolution of storytelling within the PR and marketing industries. They reflect on how presentation strategies have shifted over the years—from relying heavily on slide decks to embracing authentic, narrative-driven communication. They discuss learning the …
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Mastering Storytelling and Integrated Campaigns with Katherine O'Hara
14:31
14:31
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14:31
In this episode Rum Ekthiar sits down with Katherine O'Hara, a seasoned communications professional at LinkedIn, to delve into the art of storytelling in PR and marketing. They discuss how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Katherine shares her experiences working on LinkedIn's global brand campaigns, offering insi…
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Coming Soon - The Rum & Co Podcast: a strategic and creative octane boost to help brands and agencies get unstuck, is a new video podcast show from industry veteran Rum Ekhtiar that is dedicated to exploring the ins and outs of pitching, the creative process, and agency life in general - with a focus on providing actionable insights and inspiration…
…
continue reading
