Branded WOR(L)DS – A Transatlantic Dialogue is a monthly podcast hosted by Jeff Solomon (USA) and Steven Baumgaertner (Europe). Together, they explore the evolving landscape of branding, culture, and sustainability on both sides of the Atlantic. It’s a unique conversation between continents, combining sharp insight, industry know-how, and personal dialogue to uncover how brands are navigating global challenges. Why the Name "Branded WOR(L)DS"? The title is a deliberate play on words: • "Bran ...
…
continue reading
Hosted By Jeff Solomon USA And Steven Baumgaertner Europe Podcasts
1
From Garage to Global Brands – The Journey of Torsten Jansson and New Wave Group
47:12
47:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:12
From a small Swedish town to a global portfolio of over 40 brands, Torsten Jansson has built New Wave Group on patience, craftsmanship, and long-term vision. In this episode, Steven and Jeff talk with the founder and CEO about leading with independence, protecting creativity through growth, and why building slow might be the fastest way to truly ma…
…
continue reading
1
Leading by Example – How Showdown Displays Builds Culture, Purpose, and Global Impact with John Bruellman, CEO
47:29
47:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:29
From Minnesota to markets around the world, John Bruellman has led Showdown Displays with one clear belief: people come before profits. In this episode, Steven and Jeff talk with the CEO and visionary leader about how to scale culture across continents, balance innovation with empathy, and turn purpose into real-world impact. From social initiative…
…
continue reading
1
Leading with Purpose from Sweden to the World – How values, networks, and mentoring shape lasting impact
34:07
34:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:07
From mentoring young professionals to redefining sustainability as opportunity – Kjell Harbom has shaped the promotional products industry for decades. In this episode, Steven and Jeff talk with the Swedish thought leader about why relationships matter more than clicks, how nature influences leadership, and what it means to create genuine value bey…
…
continue reading
1
Beyond the Print – Patrick Bardsley on Inclusion, Impact, and the Power of Purpose at Spectrum Designs
26:47
26:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:47
From a small idea in Port Washington to a thriving nonprofit enterprise – Spectrum Designs shows how commerce can become a catalyst for inclusion. In this episode, Steven and Jeff talk with co-founder and CEO Patrick Bardsley about building meaningful jobs for people on the autism spectrum, turning purpose into lasting impact, and why authentic sto…
…
continue reading
1
Between Two Worlds – How Skylar Steudter Turns Intercultural Experience into Professional Storytelling
37:12
37:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:12
From leaving Germany at 18 to becoming a LinkedIn Thought Leader – How intercultural experiences shape professional storytelling At just 18, Skylar Steudter left Germany to start a new life in the United States. Today, he is a LinkedIn specialist and storyteller who bridges cultures and continents. In this episode, Steven and Jeff explore how movin…
…
continue reading
1
Simply Human – How Goldstar Balances Reach, Relevance, and Responsibility
27:07
27:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:07
In an industry where efficiency often overshadows empathy, Goldstar takes a different path – one where simplicity is a strategy, and people are at the heart of every decision. In this episode of Branded Wor(l)ds, we sit down with Heather Smartt, Global Head of Goldstar, to discuss how the brand has built global reach without losing its human touch.…
…
continue reading
1
Global Cooperation, Local Impact – The IPPAG Way
28:18
28:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:18
In a world where global networks often prioritize scale over substance, IPPAG offers a different approach: a cooperative model built on long-term trust, transparency, and shared values. In this episode of Branded Wor(l)ds, we speak with Florence Mosnier and Andre Noordwijk from IPPAG, a global alliance of promotional product companies that redefine…
…
continue reading
1
Making Noise – How RUPT Is Flipping the Script on an Industry and Getting Noticed
25:00
25:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:00
Today’s episode is one of those “damn, we did that” stories. We’re joined by Jason Lucash who didn’t just enter the promo world — he and his team rewrote the rules. From startup to PPAI 100 in less than a year, RUPT is flipping the script on what this industry can be — bold, fast, sustainable, and unapologetically cool. Jason Lucash is here, and he…
…
continue reading
1
Threads Across Oceans – How Vantage and Lynka Stitch Together a Global Apparel Alliance
39:13
39:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:13
In this episode of BRANDED WOR(L)DS – A Transatlantic Dialogue, we sit down with two industry leaders: Rob Watson (Vantage Apparel, USA) and John Lynch (Lynka, Poland). Together, they share the story of a transatlantic partnership built not just on business, but on trust, shared values, and bold leadership. From navigating cultural differences to l…
…
continue reading
1
Learning to Lead: How GXN and Executive Education Shape the Industry’s Future
31:22
31:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:22
What does it take to lead in a transforming industry? In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Georgina Lack, award-winning consultant and lecturer at the University of Bath, and Michael Freter, founder of the global GXN Network and former CEO of PSI. Together, they unveil the GXN Executive Development Programme—a bold initiative designed to empower fu…
…
continue reading
1
Wearing the Brand – How Joel Strömberg and Berkeley Redefine Corporate Fashion Across Cultures
42:35
42:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:35
Joel Strömberg is Partner and Deputy CEO of the Swedish corporate fashion brand Berkeley. While usually leading operations from Gothenburg, he’s currently on a business trip in New York – right in the heart of one of the world’s most influential fashion and branding capitals. In this episode of Branded Wor(l)ds, we explore the global transformation…
…
continue reading
1
Shaping the Future of Brands – A Global Dialogue with Drew Holmgreen, President & CEO of PPAI
34:58
34:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:58
Recorded in the Belgian woods at La Hulpe during the first International Leadership Summit, this premiere episode of Branded Wor(l)ds – A Transatlantic Dialogue sets the stage for a new kind of conversation. Hosts Steven Baumgärtner (Cybergroup, Germany) and Jeff Solomon (FreePromoTips, USA) sit down with Drew Holmgreen, President & CEO of PPAI, to…
…
continue reading
