These are the show notes from episode #12 of the “Shashank Redemption” podcast.
About the Guest – Eric Toda
Eric currently holds the position of Global Head of Social Marketing at Meta and the Executive General Manager Meta Prosper which is a program from Meta that creates economic opportunities for the Asian and Pacific Islander community of small businesses and non-profits.
Prior to Meta, Eric was responsible for brand and digital marketing leadership roles at Stitch Fix, Gap Inc, Airbnb, Snapchat, and Nike and my work has been awarded by Cannes Lions, Webbys, Clios, Shortys, amongst others for achieving marketing and business excellence.
Episode Chapters
(0:00:00) – Eric Toda Discusses Diversity and Inclusion
(0:11:13) – Cultural Relevance and Branding Career Lessons
(0:20:18) – Challenges for Challenger Brands
(0:26:51) – The Value of Storytelling in Marketing
Episode Summary
We’re thrilled to bring you an inspiring conversation with acclaimed marketing leader, Eric Toda. As the global head of social marketing at Meta, an investor at Hyphen Capital, and a LinkedIn Top Voice for 2022, Eric’s wisdom and insights are nothing short of enlightening. He opens up about his personal journey of self-discovery, shifting from self-silencing to confidently using his career platform to represent the community. Eric’s poignant reflections on the lack of Asian American representation in media and his resolution to prevent others from feeling alienated are both moving and compelling.
Eric doesn’t stop there; he further delves into the significance of diversity, cultural relevance, and brand differentiation in a competitive market. Sharing lessons from his involvement in successful campaigns, including Hill City—the first Gap Inc’s brand launched in over a decade, Eric demonstrates how resilience and determination can turn monumental challenges into successful ventures. He paints a vivid picture of the pressures and expectations tied to boardroom decisions, and the art of building a well-recognized brand on a tight budget.
Lastly, Eric takes us through the unique hurdles faced by challenger brands in a saturated marketplace, and the incredible power of storytelling in marketing. His investment and advising philosophy, with a special emphasis on empowering female Asian-American founders, is truly commendable. He underscores the importance of storytelling in humanizing brands, connecting with customers on a deeper level, and outshining competitors with a clear, simple message. Don’t miss out on this riveting conversation with one of the leading voices in today’s marketing landscape.