In episode 93 of Brand Story, we sit down with John McNeil, Founder & CEO of John McNeil Studio, for a candid conversation about what it really means to build a brand. From his early days in traditional agencies to pioneering the studio model, John shares how his team helps brands move beyond deliverables to a system where everything from strategy to media to brand experience works together.

This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.

Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.

Links and Information From the Episode Here: https://www.gravitygroup.com/podcast/creativity-in-business/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnmcneil/

https://www.johnmcneilstudio.com/

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(00:00) John's Early Agency Years

(04:43) Breaking into Creativity

(09:04) Founding John McNeil Studio

(11:50) Everything is Media

(16:00) Rethinking the Brand Process

(18:25) The Promise and Pitfalls of AI

(24:25) Authenticity as a Differentiator

(29:23) Strategy + Creativity as One

(48:45) The Power of Brand Labs

(51:55) Looking Ahead: The Studio Model