Under Embargo Podcast

Send us a textThis episode is equal parts spicy comms truth and high-functioning marketing chaos (with a little ADHD sparkle on top).We’re joined by Ashley Faus, Atlassian’s Head of Lifecycle Marketing and the author of Human-Centered Marketing: How to Connect with Audiences in the Age of AI.We cover a lot of ground — and none of it is snackable. Modular, yes. Snackable, absolutely not. Human connection vs. AI-generated sameness The power of authenticity (real authenticity, not LinkedIn-polished perfection) Why MQLs need to die Brand vs. demand and why they're frenemies, not enemies And yes, someone loses a pinky (you’ll have to listen)This one is for the marketers who hate the word “marketer,” the comms pros tired of being called “PR,” and anyone trying to build trust while the robots learn to write press releases.

Send us a textIn this episode of Under Embargo, we’re joined by Linda Zebian, newly-minted VP of Communications at Muck Rack, for a conversation that’s equal parts insightful and unhinged—in the best way possible.Linda breaks down what it’s like to do PR for a PR tech company (spoiler: it’s very meta), how her time at The New York Times shaped her leadership, and why the work she’s doing now is the most meaningful of her career.We cover:— Building a comms function from scratch inside a fast-growth tech company— Why measurement in PR is broken—and what MuckRack’s doing to fix it— The real impact of AI on the industry (is sentiment the next frontier?)— Why PR still gets left off the thank-you email—and how we fix thatAlso not to be missed: whether you’d take $100M for a very specific and very weird demise.Yes, really.Whether you’re in-house, agency-side, or somewhere in between—this episode is for every comms pro who’s tried (and failed) to explain their job to their mom.

Send us a textWhat is a Chief Business Officer, anyway?This week on Under Embargo, Parry and I sat down with Robin Daniels—Chief Business & Product Officer at Zensai—for a conversation that honestly left me thinking about everything from go-to-market strategy to workplace happiness to ethical leadership. (No big deal, right?)If you don’t know Robin, he’s held exec roles at LinkedIn, WeWork, Salesforce, Box, Matterport—the man’s got receipts. But what stood out most in this convo wasn’t the resume. It was how deeply he cares about people.✨ On redefining the CBO role Robin’s not just leading marketing—he’s running a whole ecosystem of product, growth, and post-sales. He’s building categories, not just campaigns. Think: less “traditional CMO,” more “growth-obsessed storyteller-meets-operator.”✨ On Zensai and the whole “human success” thing Zensai’s mission is all about helping people thrive at work. It’s not fluffy. It’s grounded in skills, growth, and motivation—and it speaks to that thing we all secretly want: to love how we spend our days. Robin’s all in on that mission, and it shows.✨ On why culture is the strategy From his LinkedIn days to now, Robin’s learned that empathy isn't soft—it’s essential. One of my favorite moments? Him sharing how his team opened up through storytelling exercises. Made me want to do the same with mine. (And I just might.)✨ On ethical leadership (aka: not being a jerk) We talked about that current in tech where leaders forget that actions = brand. Robin’s take? Lead with integrity, or don’t lead at all. Because the ripple effects—on people, on brand perception, on retention—are real.✨ On marketing that actually matters Robin doesn’t have time for soulless campaigns. He breaks down why brand should be rooted in human connection, not product specs. (Preach!) It’s the kind of take that makes you want to rework your entire messaging doc.Bottom line? This episode is a love letter to building real businesses—with people at the center.

Send us a text### The Birth of "Under Embargo" Podcast: Cracking Through Industry NormsIn the inaugural episode of the "Under Embargo" podcast, hosts Becca and Parry explore their motives and expectations in launching a platform that promises to dissect, analyze, and potentially disrupt the communications industry. Their dialogue unfolds as a candid exploration of their personal and professional backgrounds, providing listeners with a rich context behind their viewpoints and visions for the podcast. ### A Joint Venture Rooted in AuthenticityThe podcast kicks off with Parry and Becca outlining the purpose behind their collaborative project. They aim to cut through pervasive industry jargon and superfluous tactics, focusing instead on elevating professionals to boardroom levels without resorting to deceit. Their banter quickly reveals a dynamic partnership where Parry’s experiences in tech PR complement Becca’s corporate communication insights, suggesting that listeners can expect a holistic take on industry issues.### Reshaping Communication NarrativesBoth hosts emphasize their desire to reshape how communication roles are perceived and carried out within the industry. Becca and Parry discuss their non-traditional paths into their careers, highlighting challenges like navigating educational disruptions and leveraging unconventional strengths. These personal anecdotes serve as a foreground to their broader ambition of fostering a communications landscape that values authenticity, strategic thinking, and substantive contributions over titular positions.### The Power of Authentic NarrativesCentral to the episode is a theme of leveraging one’s unique experiences and background to bring authenticity to the communication field. Parry shares his compelling journey from a challenging childhood to establishing his own PR agency, emphasizing the value of genuine narratives in business success. Similarly, Becca reflects on her experience of transforming perceived academic weaknesses into a distinctive career advantage, advocating for a recognition of diverse cognitive approaches within professional settings.### Vision for Future EpisodesThe dialogue ends with a forward-looking discussion on the evolution of the podcast. With plans to include diverse voices from the industry and explore varied facets of communication and PR, Becca and Parry invite listeners to contribute ideas and participate in upcoming discussions. Their vision for "Under Embargo" is clearly set on challenging norms and encouraging a more inclusive and empathetic approach to professional communication.As the episode wraps up, listeners are left with a clear sense of the podcast’s direction – one that promises to interweave personal insights with professional foresight, potentially setting a new bar for industry discussions.