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Mark Smucker

The J.M. Smucker Company, CEO
EPISODE 291

Understand the soul of your brand

What’s the soul of your brand? And why might it be the secret to unlocking a new chapter of growth for your company?

Today, David sits down with Mark Smucker. He’s the CEO and Chair of The J.M. Smucker Company, which is home to iconic brands like Smucker’s, Folgers, Uncrustables, Hostess, and Milk Bone.

And he’s obsessed with understanding the soul of a brand. By knowing what his brands truly stand for, he and his team can make smarter creative decisions, take the right risks, and keep growing even when consumer tastes shift.

If you want a brand that’s relevant, authentic, and successful, don’t miss this episode. 

You’ll also learn:

  • The question Mark asks before making any creative decision
  • How to make your core values more than just a list of ideals
  • Why it took 10 years to scale Uncrustables (hint: it involves bread bubbles)
  • The marketing principle that put Ludacris in a JIF commercial

More from Mark Smucker

Empathy matters most in the hardest moments
When you step into hard moments with genuine care and real support, people remember how you treated them — not just the tough decision you had to make.

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Short (but powerful) leadership advice from entrepreneurs and CEOs of top companies like JPMorgan Chase, Target, Starbucks and more.

Clips

  • Find a way to insert your brand into modern culture
    Mark Smucker
    Mark Smucker
    The J.M. Smucker Company, CEO
  • Exploration makes you a better leader
    Mark Smucker
    Mark Smucker
    The J.M. Smucker Company, CEO
  • Empathy matters most in the hardest moments
    Mark Smucker
    Mark Smucker
    The J.M. Smucker Company, CEO
  • Make your values real by repeating and recognizing them
    Mark Smucker
    Mark Smucker
    The J.M. Smucker Company, CEO
  • Get all the brutal facts on the table
    Mark Smucker
    Mark Smucker
    The J.M. Smucker Company, CEO
  • Modernize your brand while keeping its soul
    Mark Smucker
    Mark Smucker
    The J.M. Smucker Company, CEO
  • See human beings, not a head count
    Mark Smucker
    Mark Smucker
    The J.M. Smucker Company, CEO
  • Don't expand beyond where you can truly compete
    Mark Smucker
    Mark Smucker
    The J.M. Smucker Company, CEO
  • Learn to switch work off at home
    Mark Smucker
    Mark Smucker
    The J.M. Smucker Company, CEO

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