In the past, Ken led groundbreaking initiatives in marketing new breakthrough technologies, deftly weaving branding and marketing strategy into his endeavors. From spearheading sales and marketing for a Google Ventures-backed enterprise wireless company that raised a staggering $200 million, to incubating and assuming the CEO role for aviation ventures in partnership with General Electric, Ken has seen it all. Each step in his journey has been marked by innovation, strategy, and the power of branding and marketing to drive transformative change.
Today, Ken stands as a globally recognized leader, serving as the CEO of NUAIR, a company at the forefront of the next generation of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) solutions. But what sets Ken apart is his unwavering commitment to using technology, branding, marketing, and innovation not just for commercial success but for the safety, societal betterment, and economic progress of the world. In this episode, we’ll explore the pivotal role of brand positioning and marketing in Ken’s remarkable career, how it has driven transformative change, and how these experiences have uniquely equipped him to lead NUAIR into a future filled with promise and potential. So, fasten your seatbelts, as we take flight into the inspiring world of Ken Stewart.
Digital Doorways is Hosted by Jason Siegel, Founder of Bluetext.
🎧 Listen to the Digital Doorways Podcast here
Questions Include:
- Can you describe how your early career in marketing breakthrough technologies influenced your approach to innovation and change?
- What role did branding and marketing strategy play in the success of the enterprise wireless company backed by Google Ventures?
- Can you share a specific marketing strategy or campaign that had a significant impact on the commercialization of breakthrough technologies?
- During your time at General Electric, how did you navigate the complex aviation industry, and how did branding contribute to your success?
- In transitioning from marketing to the role of CEO, how did your marketing experience inform your leadership and strategic decisions?
- NuAir focuses on uncrewed aircraft systems and advanced air mobility. How do you communicate the societal benefits of these technologies to the public?
- How do you balance the dual objectives of economic success and societal betterment in your current role as CEO of NuAir?
- Can you share an example of a successful brand positioning strategy that resonated with both consumers and industry partners?
- In the rapidly evolving world of technology, how do you ensure that your branding remains current and relevant?
- What advice do you have for entrepreneurs looking to effectively position their brands in competitive markets?
- How does NuAir approach branding and marketing in the context of regulatory challenges and the aviation industry’s reputation for safety?
- What strategies do you employ to build partnerships and collaborations that support NuAir’s mission and branding objectives?
- How do you see the regulatory landscape evolving for uncrewed aircraft systems and advanced air mobility, and how does this impact your marketing and branding strategies?
- What are some key lessons you’ve learned about leading change within organizations, and how do these lessons inform your leadership style?
- Could you share an instance where you encountered resistance to change and how effective marketing helped overcome it?
- How do you adapt your marketing strategies to resonate with diverse international audiences while maintaining a cohesive brand image?
- In your experience, what are some of the unique challenges and opportunities in marketing and branding technology-driven solutions?
Our featured guest today is David Carlos, Vice Chairman at JLL, a visionary who embarked on a remarkable career trajectory that showcases the power of niche expertise and the strategic use of branding, positioning, and go-to-market strategies to adapt and thrive. Digital Doorways is hosted by Jason Siegel, Founder of Bluetext
David’s story is a testament to the immense potential of specialization and career evolution. His journey began as a branding virtuoso at the prestigious firm Landor, where he cultivated a deep understanding of corporate brand strategy. His passion for branding catapulted him through the ranks, resulting in a series of promotions and 3 years heading up the consulting practice in Southeast Asia. Back in New York City, this remarkable ascent led him to become the Head of Global Brand at Studley Inc.(now Savills Inc.), where he not only mastered the art of branding but also employed strategic positioning and go-to-market tactics during his transition to the world of commercial real estate. As he delved deeper into the industry, he recognized a passion and talent for the Nonprofit, Education, Healthcare, and Government sectors. David’s remarkable journey continued as he climbed the corporate ladder, earning titles like Managing Director, Senior Managing Director, and ultimately Vice Chairman. His career is highlighted by winning The Real Estate Board of NY’s most coveted prize, The Ingenious Deal of the Year award on three separate occasions for projects on behalf of City University of New York, Congregation Habonim and most recently, Jewish Theological Seminary. His iconic deals solidified his reputation as a true industry leader. This string of accomplishments culminated in his latest career move, where he brought his extensive client portfolio and leadership team to JLL, poised to drive transformative change and grow his Nonprofit practice.
Today, we have the privilege of exploring David’s extraordinary trajectory and gaining insights into his journey of specialization and growth, with a specific focus on how branding, positioning, and go-to-market strategies have played a pivotal role in his success. We will discuss the pivotal moments, challenges, and strategies that have enabled him to become a powerhouse in the niche realm of Nonprofit real estate, ultimately ascending to the role of Vice Chairman at JLL. Join us as we step through the digital doorway into the world of branding, strategic positioning, and career evolution with David Carlos.
Digital Doorways is Hosted by Jason Siegel, Founder of Bluetext.
Questions Include:
- Can you share a pivotal moment in your career journey when branding and strategic positioning played a defining role in your success?
- How did your experience at Landor, a branding firm, shape your success in the real estate industry?
- Can you provide examples of specific go-to-market strategies that have been instrumental in your career, particularly in the niche of Nonprofit, Education, and Government real estate?
- Winning the JTS “Robert T. Lawrence Memorial Award” was a significant achievement. Can you elaborate on this special recognition?
- Can you share some insights into the branding and positioning challenges unique to the Nonprofit, Education, and Government sectors in the real estate industry?
- As Vice Chairman at JLL, what is your vision for the future of the company and how will branding and positioning be a part of that vision?
- How do you see emerging technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, impacting the branding and positioning strategies in real estate?
- In your journey from Managing Director to Vice Chairman, what leadership qualities and strategies have been most instrumental in your growth?
- Can you discuss any trends or innovations in the real estate industry that excite you, and how they tie into branding and positioning?
Our guest is a visionary in the transportation industry, Korey Neal, the CEO of K.Neal Bus and Truck Center. But what makes this conversation particularly intriguing is how Korey is steering his company’s path through the winds of change.
In today’s episode, we’ll explore the intersection of strategic positioning, leadership, and strategic evolution, as Korey Neal shares his journey in leading one of the nation’s only minority-owned full-service commercial dealerships. Not only has he achieved remarkable success, but he’s also been strategically partnering with capital investors for acquisitions, making waves in the industry. This episode promises a deep dive into the dynamic world of transportation, where Korey Neal’s unique background as an NFL prospect intersects with his role as President of a company achieving north of $250 million in annual revenue. Join us as we uncover the pivotal role of positioning in driving change and growth in the transportation sector. So, fasten your seatbelts, as we embark on a journey with Korey Neal, a true trailblazer in the transportation industry.
Today, we have the privilege of delving into the world of transformational leadership with a remarkable individual. I’m thrilled to introduce our guest, Sunny Singh, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Aeyon. Sunny’s journey is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, spanning from selling sports cards in his youth to becoming a trailblazer in defense and civil missions.
Sunny Singh’s voyage into entrepreneurship started at an early age, trading sports cards with neighborhood kids. This youthful spirit of enterprise led him to acquire a moving company at the young age of 20. With an audacious leap, he ventured into the world of transportation and logistics, serving the Department of Defense. His unconventional journey uniquely positions him as the helm of Aeyon, where his diverse experiences bring a fresh perspective to the realm of defense and innovation.
Aeyon’s story is one of transformation, and Sunny Singh’s role as CEO reflects his commitment to excellence. With a focus on delivering transformative solutions for defense and civil missions, Sunny’s leadership ensures consistent delivery excellence and fosters a culture of growth within Aeyon. Today, we’ll journey through his visionary insights, exploring his unique trajectory, the strategic role of branding during and after M&A activity, and the delicate balance of disruptive innovation in an era of automation and AI. Get ready to unlock a wealth of wisdom as we step through the digital doorway of leadership and innovation with Sunny Singh on “Digital Doorways.”
Questions Include:
- You caught the entrepreneurial bug very early, selling sports cards to neighborhood kids in middle school?
- You graduated from moving rookie cards for profit to moving heavier products –acquiring a moving company at 20 years old? How did that opportunity come to be, and where did you take the company from there?
- So you came to Aeyon with a unique CV that wasn’t entirely, traditional defense/contracting. How did this experience of the moving business prove valuable when entering a new industry you knew little about?
- So that brings us to the Aeyon story: Branding is so critical before, during, and after M&A activity. How were you thinking about the creation of this Aeyon brand as a result of the transactions last year in terms of making it successful?
- As you build a new brand such as Aeyon, what role do you think the investment partner – in this case, Enlightenment Capital – plays, and what attributes drew you to them to help power your brand growth strategy?
- Aeyon by most conventional means isn’t a “small” company. As you once said, “You’re either a small business, or you’re not. This transition from competing with thousands of other similar-sized companies to going after a handful of behemoths… there is often a need to create a brand that “punches above is weight” with the resources to compete with larger firms. What are your thoughts on the role of branding and marketing as part of this transformation?
- High level, your ambition for Aeyon based on some other interviews you have done is to be the automation leader for the public sector. Do you think it is valuable to rally a workforce around such a clear, ambitious mission?
- At the technology/solution level, automation and AI are posing such a disruptive force not only within agencies themselves but also for firms such as Aeyon navigating how to leverage these technologies to serve clients. Is it part of the job of providers like Aeyon to balance disruptive innovation with the need to educate risk-averse Agencies and get them comfortable with emerging technologies?
- Because marketing “automation” can be a challenge – workforces may think it means human replacement rather than augmenting what they do. How are you thinking about these automation opportunities and challenges from a branding and marketing perspective?
Today, we have an extraordinary episode in store, featuring Jeff Grass, Chairman & CEO of HUNGRY, a culinary visionary backed by an illustrious lineup of investors including Jay-Z, DeAndre Hopkins, Lonzo Ball, and Kevin Hart.
These luminaries have been instrumental in HUNGRY’s meteoric rise, as they joined forces with the company in raising over $60 million in seed funding since its inception, propelling it to an awe-inspiring valuation of $270 million.
HUNGRY’s journey began as a tech-enabled platform for office and event catering but has since rapidly evolved into a national powerhouse for top chef-made food production and delivery services. This encompasses business and event catering, contracted meal delivery services, chef-centric pop-ups, virtual chef experiences, and home meal delivery, even extending to in-office snack solutions.
Beyond its culinary offerings, HUNGRY excels in last-mile logistics across various sectors, providing world-class delivery and logistical services for prepared meals, meal kits, groceries, healthcare, education, fulfillment centers, subscription services, government relief, and non-profits. Today, we’ll delve deep into Jeff Grass’s journey and the extraordinary transformation of HUNGRY, where branding, innovation, and strategic positioning are reshaping how we experience food and its delivery. Join us for this captivating conversation as we explore the visionary leadership behind HUNGRY and its dynamic presence in the culinary and logistics landscapes.
Questions Include:
- HUNGRY has evolved into a national platform offering a range of culinary services, from office catering to meal delivery and more. Can you tell us about this transformation and the driving force behind expanding your offerings?
- Your platform connects clients with top local chefs. How does HUNGRY maintain a consistent brand identity while accommodating various culinary styles and preferences across different cities and markets?
- HUNGRY’s focus on last-mile delivery and logistics services sets it apart in the culinary industry. Can you elaborate on the challenges and opportunities of providing world-class food delivery services to diverse sectors, from prepared meals to government relief?
- HUNGRY has ventured into virtual chef experiences and chef-centric pop-ups. How do these initiatives contribute to the brand’s positioning and customer engagement?
- In the context of branding and company positioning, can you share insights into how HUNGRY communicates its multifaceted culinary services to both chefs and customers?
- You’ve mentioned HUNGRY’s involvement in government relief and non-profit sectors. How does this commitment align with your brand’s values, and what role does it play in shaping HUNGRY’s reputation and positioning?
- HUNGRY’s platform offers contracted meal delivery services. How do you maintain the brand’s standards and quality when delivering meals on behalf of clients, and how does this impact your brand’s image?
- With a diverse range of offerings, from business catering to home meal delivery, what are the core principles that guide HUNGRY’s brand strategy to ensure a cohesive brand identity?
- Technology and logistics play a vital role in HUNGRY’s operations. How do you leverage these aspects to enhance the brand experience for both chefs and customers?
- Can you share examples of how HUNGRY uses digital marketing and online presence to reinforce its brand and engage with a wide audience in the culinary industry?
- The culinary landscape is incredibly competitive. How does HUNGRY’s brand positioning help it stand out and thrive in this challenging market?
- In the context of branding, what unique challenges and opportunities arise when operating in sectors like healthcare, education, and subscription services, which HUNGRY serves with its food delivery and logistics services?
Today Jason Siegel, Founder of Bluetext will delve into Timothy Springer’s remarkable journey as a digital accessibility visionary. SSB Technologies, or Side Show Bob Technologies, was Timothy’s brainchild, which he founded out of Stanford and transformed into a billion-dollar powerhouse – now Level Access.
Starting at Stanford and driven by Timothy’s leadership as Founder and CTO, SSB Technologies evolved into a leader in digital accessibility. As CEO, he orchestrated a transformation, culminating in the pivotal acquisition of BART Group.
In 2005, Timothy became CEO of SSB BART Group, driving significant changes, including launching the AMP platform. In 2017, a game-changing investment from JMI Equity propelled SSB BART Group, soon known as Level Access, toward its mission of tech accessibility for all and cemented its status as a billion-dollar business.
Today, as Level Access, they leverage their combined strengths to ensure digital equality. Join us in this episode as we explore Timothy Springer’s journey and Level Access’s remarkable evolution, named after Side Show Bob from The Simpsons, all rooted in his Stanford beginnings, on “Digital Doorways.”
Questions Include:
Can you share the story of how you got involved in the field of digital accessibility, and what motivated you to start Level Access?
What were some of the early challenges you faced when Level Access was founded in 1997, and how did you overcome them?
Level Access has a unique history of being founded by engineers with disabilities. How has this perspective shaped the company’s approach to accessibility solutions?
Can you explain the importance of digital accessibility in today’s digital landscape and how it has evolved over the years?
Could you provide some examples of how Level Access has helped organizations transform their digital accessibility and its impact on their users?
What role does innovation play in ensuring digital accessibility, and how does Level Access stay at the forefront of this innovation?
In your view, what are the key challenges and opportunities for accessibility in emerging technologies such as AI and VR?
In 2017, JMI Equity made a significant investment in SSB Bart Group as it was becoming Level Access. Can you discuss the impact of this investment on the company’s growth and mission?
How did the process of rebranding impact the company’s identity and the way it positioned itself in the market? Were there any challenges or advantages to these changes?
Can you share insights into the significance of the name “Level Access” and how it reflects the company’s mission and values in the realm of digital accessibility?
Rebranding can sometimes be a complex process. How did Level Access ensure a seamless transition for existing clients and stakeholders during these changes?
How has a consistent brand identity, or the lack thereof, influenced the relationships with clients and partners throughout the company’s history of name changes?
What lessons have you learned about effective branding and communication through the various stages of the company’s evolution?
Level Access now represents a unified force in the digital accessibility landscape. How has the consolidation of brands under one name strengthened the company’s position and messaging?
What trends and challenges do you foresee in the future of digital accessibility, and how is Level Access preparing for them?
Accessibility-as-a-Service is a concept Level Access introduced. What does this approach entail, and how does it benefit organizations?
What advice would you give to businesses that are just starting to prioritize digital accessibility within their organizations?
What strategies can companies employ to ensure that accessibility is not just a checkbox but an integral part of their design and development processes?
As the CEO of Level Access, what leadership principles have been most valuable in driving the company’s growth and mission?
Our guest today is a seasoned marketing virtuoso, Stephen Carroll. With a track record of representing market giants like Cvent, WealthEngine, and the visionary electric vehicle charging company Blink, Stephen has not only witnessed but has actively shaped the evolution of branding and marketing strategies. We’re honored to have him share his insights and experiences as we uncover the strategies that empower businesses to flourish in the digital age.
Digital Doorways host Jason Siegel is the Founder of Bluetext.
Today, we have a truly exceptional guest – a visionary, a strategist, and a driving force in the realm of government contracting and technology. He’s the CEO of SOS International (SOSi) and the founder, owner, and board chairman of Exovera, none other than Julian Setian.
In a world where the public and private sectors seamlessly intertwine, Julian Setian stands as a bridge builder, connecting innovation with necessity, and ambition with impact. His leadership in SOSi, the largest private founder-owned and operated government services contractor in the nation, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on how governments and organizations interact with cutting-edge technologies.
But Julian’s story doesn’t end there. With his ownership of Exovera, he’s ventured into the realm of data and insights, showing his unwavering commitment to understanding the ever-evolving landscape of information and its potential to reshape industries, governments, and societies.
As we delve into the depths of Julian Setian’s journey, we’ll explore his motivations, insights, and the wisdom he’s gained while steering these technological titans. So, without further ado, let’s embark on this captivating exploration of digital frontiers with Julian Setian.
Digital Doorways host Jason Siegel is the Founder of Bluetext.
Matt Jones, the CEO of Sigma Defense Systems. A true trailblazer in the world of defense technology, Matt’s journey is a testament to strategic vision and innovative leadership.
The story of Sigma Defense Systems is one of agility and foresight. Join us as we explore how Sigma was founded and what inspired its resolute focus on bringing a new approach to government contracting. Central to this journey is the strategic partnership with Sagewind Capital, a driving force behind Sigma’s growth and strategic evolution. Acquisitions have played a defining role in Sigma’s trajectory, and Matt will share how each piece fits into their overarching vision.
Within the intricate landscape of defense contracting, challenges are met with ingenious solutions, and opportunities pave the way for progress. Matt will guide us through the delicate balance between innovation and security, offering us a glimpse into how Sigma ensures ethical use of its cutting-edge technologies in the realm of defense. Collaborative orchestration, both within Sigma and with external stakeholders, stands as a cornerstone of success, showcasing how collective expertise propels defense systems development. Join us as we embark on an illuminating journey through the digital doorway of branding and marketing, guided by the visionary CEO of Sigma Defense Systems, Matt Jones.
I’m thrilled to introduce a true luminary today, someone who has not only weathered the winds of change but has thrived amid them – Paul Frommelt. Paul is a visionary in marketing leadership in private equity ecosystems, a maestro orchestrating the convergence of innovation and business acumen.
Paul’s voyage through the corporate landscape has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by remarkable achievements. Most notably, his leadership catapulted Centauri, backed by Arlington Capital Partners, into the limelight with an astounding $850 million acquisition by KBR. Today, destiny’s hand reunites Paul Frommelt and CEO Dennis Kelly, courtesy of Arlington Capital Partners, for yet another transformative venture – Eqlipse Technologies. As we embark on this voyage of insights, we’ll traverse the crossroads of digital and traditional marketing, explore the art of uniting brands for profitable outcomes, and unravel the secrets behind sustaining impactful branding amidst a sea of change.