Beyond the Noise: Unveiling Branding Secrets with an Industry Maverick

The Secret Thoughts of CEO's Podcast

West Herford, President and CEO of On Ideas began his advertising career with DDB Paris, and later spent time in leadership roles at Grey, DDB London and Arnold. He introduced Budweiser and Westin Hotels & Resorts across Europe and led global branding for Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey including its launch into China. His brand experience also includes working with globally recognized brands including ExxonMobil, E&J Gallo, IBM, Nickelodeon, Johnson & Johnson and Piggly Wiggly.

He is a JAX Chamber Trustee, a volunteer for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida and a board member for Hubbard House, Northeast Florida’s domestic violence shelter who serve 5,000 domestic violence victims annually.

West received his Bachelor of Arts from UNC-Chapel Hill, and his Master of Business Administration from UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. He self-describes as “true blue.”

What You’ll Learn

● How to have difficult conversations.

● How to communicate more effectively in business.

● How to take advantage of AI tools.

● How important is an organization’s culture to its success?

Timestamps

· [04:25] A bit about West.

· [10:54] Companies that are doing a good job.

· [14:34] On Ideas’ process.

· [22:27] Effective communication.

· [23:50] Breaking the preoccupation barrier.

· [27:44] Using AI tools.

· [31:34] West’s journey to finding balance.

· [37:07] On Ideas’ culture.

· [39:56] Approaching issues with compassion and empathy.

· [42:39] Making necessary changes.

Memorable Quotes

· “Storytelling’s never going to go out of style.” – West Herford [30:05]

· “What happens in their lives outside of work matters in the organization.” – Chris Yonker [38:17]

· “It’s show business, not show people.” – West Herford [39:39]

Social Media

West Herford.

Websites

onideas.com.