Signal Over Noise: The Power of Authentic Brand Partnerships with Daymond John (FUBU) and Karen Spaeth (Starkey)

What turns a celebrity endorsement into genuine advocacy?Jim is joined by Daymond John, founder and CEO of FUBU, founder of The Shark Group, and one of the original investors on ABC's Shark Tank, alongside Karen Spaeth, Chief Marketing Officer of Starkey.Karen has spent more than 16 years at Starkey, leading across events, communications, customer experience, and global marketing before becoming CMO in 2023. Today, she oversees the company's global brand strategy and is helping reposition hearing aids as advanced, AI-powered wearable technology designed to improve connection, confidence, and quality of life.Daymond's relationship with Starkey began through the company's hearing foundation and grew more personal when he recognized his own hearing loss. After becoming a Starkey user, he evolved from ambassador to outspoken advocate, proudly wearing custom red hearing aids and encouraging others to see hearing technology as empowering rather than embarrassing.Together, Jim, Daymond, and Karen explore what makes a brand partnership authentic, how marketers can change deeply rooted perceptions, and why real customer stories often resonate more powerfully than traditional advertising. They also discuss AI, innovation, company culture, and the challenge of marketing a product that millions of people need but may hesitate to admit they want.At its heart, this episode is about trust. It is a reminder that people know when they are being sold to, but they also recognize when belief is real.—Meet The CMO Podcast On the RoadThe CMO Podcast will be on the road throughout early 2027, capturing conversations with the leaders shaping the future of marketing, leadership, and business. If you'll be attending one of these events, we'd love to connect. Let us know!Advertising Week New York | October 5-6BLINK Cincinnati | October 8ANA Masters of Marketing | October 20–22CES | January 5-7—Interested in partnering with The CMO Podcast?!Looking ahead to the rest of 2026 and into 2027, we're partnering with brands to create executive content platforms that extend far beyond a single event. From pop-up podcast studios and live recordings to executive roundtables, keynote conversations, and bespoke thought leadership programs, we work with partners to build meaningful experiences that connect with senior marketing leaders.Whether you'd like to partner with us at one of the industry's biggest marketing events or create a custom experience designed specifically for your brand, we'd lo