Prose + Comms Engagement Unplugged

Are we mistaking familiarity for authenticity? In this episode, we explore the subtle but important differences between being true and being liked. Authenticity means showing up consistently and standing by your values, even if that doesn’t resonate with everyone. Relatability, on the other hand, is about being easily understood, emotionally accessible, and broadly likable. Sometimes the two go hand in hand. But not always. Let’s dig into what makes something feel real, what actually builds trust, and why the difference matters for brands and marketers.

There’s an element of tradition when it comes to B2B tradeshows – regardless of the specific industry. Employees dress in matching outfits as companies spend big budgets on booth design and swag to capture attendees’ attention. But what value do these tradeshows really bring? And are companies focusing their time, money, and attention on the right elements? “Chief Vibe Creator” and tradeshow content developer Alesia Hendley joins us to explore the benefit of tradeshows as we know them and where their future lies. To hear more from Alesia, find her on LinkedIn or check out her website, thesmoothfactor.com.

With every company claiming to deliver “immersive experiences,” has the term lost meaning? Who’s creating the best experiential activations? Who’s faking it? Is the experience economy as a whole suffering from an identity crisis? Bryan Meszaros, CEO and Founder of experience design agency OpenEye Global, joins us to explore what it means to create a customer activation that’s truly immersive. If you want to hear more from Bryan, find him on LinkedIn and check out the OpenEye Global website.

We all face crossroad moments – in life and in our marketing careers. In this episode, we explore what it means to lead with intention when brands face moments of choice. How do emotions influence the way we react in these moments? Does an emotional reaction enhance our customer relationships? Jez Rose, renowned behaviorist and advisor to Fortune 100 companies, joins us to unpack whether marketers can really influence consumer emotions, or if their emotions drive us. If you want to hear more from Jez, find him on his website, thatjezrose.com.

Marketing is changing fast, so let’s talk about it. On Prose + Comms: Engagement Unplugged, hosts Brian Rowley and Laura Smith from BrightSign have honest, unfiltered chats with the people doing the work: marketers, creatives, and brand leaders. No jargon. No fluff. Just the real stuff that’s driving growth and shaping great experiences.