Dr. Karen Freberg on Bridging the Gap between Academia and Industry.

In this episode, Dr. Karen Freberg shares her experiences as a professor in strategic communications at the University of Louisville. She highlights her approach to teaching and her role in managing a student-run strategic communications agency. She discusses how she focuses on bridging the gap between academia and the industry and why she champions her students to take ownership of their learning. Additionally, Dr. Freberg shares examples of how her students have benefited from personal branding and real-world experience, including opportunities to work with esteemed companies and on high-profile events.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:50 Getting to Know Dr. Karen Freberg

01:28 Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry

02:18 The Journey of a Student Athlete

03:27 Discovering Public Relations

05:19 The Importance of Personal Branding

08:16 Success Stories: From Students to Professionals

12:46 The Power of Passion and Initiative

19:40 The Struggles and Joys of Advertising

20:09 The Importance of Creativity in Strategic Communication

21:25 The Journey of Building a Student Agency

21:55 The Challenges and Triumphs of Launching a Student Agency

22:17 The Role of Students in Shaping the Agency

24:40 The Growth and Success of the Student Agency

25:32 The Impact of the Student Agency on the Community

32:07 The Future of the Student Agency

33:48 The Role of Podcasts in Student Learning

36:48 The Impact of Teaching on Students

37:37 Connecting with Karen Freberg

This week, we interviewed Eric Segal and Brett Banker, founders of X&O, a unique company that defies the traditional advertising agency framework.

Operating from New Jersey, Segal and Banker discuss their long-term partnership, the genesis of X&O, and how their model differentiates from typical agencies by focusing on employing a network of experts and officers for specific client challenges. They dive into the principles of agility, expertise, and speed in delivering strategic and creative roadmaps for clients, emphasizing their no-hierarchy, project-based approach.

X&O collaborates with clients and other agencies, often working anonymously to solve complex problems quickly and efficiently. The discussion also covers how X&O’s model could impact aspiring advertisers and the evolving landscape of the advertising industry.

00:00 Welcome to the Breaking and Entering Advertising Podcast

00:23 Introducing X&O: A New Breed of Agency

02:52 The Unique Model of X&O Explained

04:14 The Expertise and Structure of X&O

07:22 Collaboration and Project Dynamics at X&O

09:59 The Anonymity Principle and Creative Process

13:17 Client Projects and Showcasing Work

16:16 Reflecting on Creative Control and Validation

18:54 Unlocking the Talent Pool: The Shift in Advertising Talent Dynamics

20:04 The Pandemic's Impact on Work-Life Balance and Talent Mobility

21:00 Breaking and Entering: A New Era for Aspiring Advertisers

24:16 From Traditional Paths to New Opportunities: Personal Career Journeys

27:50 The Power of Asking and the Importance of Instinct in Advertising

31:30 Exploring New Business Models and the Future of Agency Pitches

34:06 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

Lauren King, Director of Brand Marketing at Wolverine Boots & Apparel, conducts a hall of fame episode this week on Breaking and Entering Brand-Side.

She takes us through her inspiring journey from internships at the Detroit Zoo and WNBA, navigating through a PR agency, to her pivotal role in transforming a startup into a national phenomenon.

You will hear how facing the 2008 Recession, a chance Craigslist find, and a strategic move to Wolverine Worldwide shaped her career.

Lauren’s story is a masterclass in seizing opportunities, the power of perseverance, and the continuous pursuit of growth.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenshieldking/