Ned Munroe is a renowned global brand strategist and creative executive with over 30 years of experience leading some of the world’s most iconic consumer and lifestyle brands. As the former Global Chief Design Officer at Hanesbrands Inc., he played a key role in revitalizing Champion, Hanes, and C9 by Champion, driving billion-dollar growth and securing high-profile collaborations with Supreme, Coach, and Todd Snyder. Now the founder of Copper Drifts Studio, Ned helps brands navigate market disruption, product innovation, and strategic expansion with a visionary approach that merges design, storytelling, and business strategy. His expertise in trend analysis, merchandising, and creative leadership makes him a sought-after advisor and board member, guiding companies toward sustained growth and market leadership.

Adam Kapel is a seasoned marketing and growth strategist with over three decades of experience in shaping compelling narratives and driving brand differentiation for B2B technology companies. As a former CMO, CGO, and CRO, he has led marketing, sales, and account teams across industry-leading organizations, refining their positioning and accelerating revenue growth. Now, in his semi-retired advisory role at **KAP: Kapel Advisory + Production**, Adam is dedicated to coaching the next generation of marketing and sales leaders while continuing to craft impactful, client-centric stories that set businesses apart. His expertise lies in transforming complex ideas into clear, engaging narratives that resonate with customers, fuel engagement, and drive sustainable success in competitive markets.

I am excited to share my professional journey and expertise in global product leadership, strategic growth, and brand transformation. With a track record of delivering award-winning vehicles, optimizing financial strategies, and leading cross-functional teams across North America, China, and Europe, I remain passionate about helping organizations navigate complex markets and achieve sustainable success. Here is my biography.

Rajeev Batra is a distinguished scholar, author, and thought leader in global branding, advertising management, and consumer psychology. Currently the S.S. Kresge Professor of Marketing at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, he has authored or co-edited eight books, including the award-winning The New Emerging Market Multinationals (2012), and published over 80 influential academic papers. His research on brand love, brand coolness, and global brand positioning has shaped marketing strategies worldwide. With prior faculty positions at Columbia Business School and visiting appointments at top global institutions, Batra has been recognized with numerous honors, including being named a Fellow of the Society for Consumer Psychology and multiple nominations for the “Best MBA Teacher” Award. He is a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant, advising leading multinational corporations on brand strategy and advertising effectiveness. A Stanford Ph.D. graduate, his work continues to define the evolving landscape of global marketing and consumer engagement.

Christopher Aswad is a visionary leader and founder of Insight By Design, a cutting-edge insights agency that blends innovation, design thinking, and advanced technologies to transform how businesses understand and engage with consumers. With over 20 years of expertise in consumer insights, qualitative and quantitative research, and marketing strategy, Christopher has worked with industry leaders in entertainment, technology, and consumer goods to deliver actionable, impactful solutions. His global perspective, strategic mindset, and ability to communicate complex data through compelling storytelling make him a sought-after advisor and a valuable asset to any organization seeking to drive growth and innovation.

Christy Behnke is a seasoned marketing executive with a strong track record of driving growth and innovation in B2B SaaS environments. With expertise in crafting and executing impactful go-to-market strategies, Behnke has consistently aligned marketing initiatives with broader business objectives to generate significant revenue growth and market expansion. Her leadership has been instrumental in transforming marketing departments, introducing data-driven approaches, and fostering cross-functional collaboration across sales, finance, product, and customer success teams. Known for her adaptability and strategic vision, Behnke has successfully enhanced brand visibility, elevated market positioning, and increased pipeline performance, establishing herself as a dynamic force in the marketing landscape.

Kristin Parran is an entrepreneurial-minded communications strategist with a proven track record of developing and executing impactful strategies that enhance brand positioning and align with organizational goals. Known for her intellectual curiosity and ability to navigate complex environments, Kristin delivers innovative solutions that drive measurable success. Her expertise in strategic communications spans diverse sectors, including healthcare and technology, where she helps organizations overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and establish lasting brand equity. With a unique blend of creativity, business acumen, and leadership, she consistently empowers clients to achieve their vision and excel in competitive markets.

Amy E. Boren is a seasoned marketing research professional with over two decades of experience in both qualitative and quantitative market research. As the...

In my experience, businesses succeed by making a clear strategic choice: positioning themselves as either the best low-price option or the best higher-priced, high-quality alternative in their market. Companies that fall between these positions often lose relevance and market share. One mistake leaders make is chasing short-term trends at the expense of their core brand identity. When I took over ConAgra’s Banquet brand, previous attempts to elevate the brand’s quality and pricing had failed because they ignored the needs of its core consumers—families with limited income who relied on Banquet for affordable meals. Instead of transforming Banquet into something it wasn’t, I embraced its identity as a provider of “Good Food at a Great Value.” We refocused on delivering dependable, low-cost meals, which resonated with both consumers and retailers. Initiatives like multiple-unit promotions and the successful launch of Banquet Crock Pot Classics, which addressed specific consumer needs, drove significant growth. By leaning into Banquet’s core strengths and staying laser-focused on cost containment, we revitalized the brand, outperformed competitors, and turned Banquet into one of ConAgra’s most successful divisions. The key lesson is simple: understand what your brand stands for, embrace it, and don’t lose sight of your core value proposition in pursuit of fleeting market trends.