In this episode, host Paul Elinger sits down with Megan Stewart, partner at The Grow CMO, a marketing consultancy that helps brands in periods of rapid growth or transition. Megan shares how her background in journalism and storytelling informs her approach to marketing, blending data-driven performance with creative brand-building.

Listeners will hear:

• How Megan balances performance marketing with creative strategy to maximize ROI while building brand equity.

• Her approach to advocating for marketing budgets and influencing leadership across multi-unit and franchise organizations.

• Insights into stepping into the customer’s shoes through mystery shopping, user journey analysis, and local market testing.

• The importance of living brand values authentically and how that translates into stronger customer engagement.

• Strategies for experimenting with new demographics and messaging without alienating core audiences.

• Practical tips on storytelling for marketers—how to turn data and goals into compelling narratives that drive action.

  
  

🎧 A must-listen if you’re curious how marketing strategy, storytelling, and customer empathy can help franchise brands grow, scale, and optimize across multiple locations.

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