What does it really mean to build a strong brand?

In this episode of the Carolina Business Leaders Podcast, Cristina sits down with Michael Catanzaro, President and Chief Brand Officer, and Patty Gallardo, Senior Vice President of Growth and Performance at The Brand Leader in Greenville, South Carolina.

Michael and Patty share lessons from decades of experience working with brands of all sizes and explain why branding goes far beyond logos, advertising, and social media. They discuss how every customer touchpoint shapes a company’s brand, why internal fragmentation can slow growth, and how businesses can create “connected momentum” by aligning brand, marketing, customer experience, and company culture.

The conversation also explores how AI is changing the creative industry, where businesses should—and shouldn’t—use it, and why human taste, authenticity, and strong ideas still matter.

Whether you’re building a company, refreshing an established brand, or trying to understand why your marketing isn’t connecting, this episode offers practical insight into creating a brand experience that customers remember and trust.