In this episode of Permission to Seek, host Lauren Douglass sits down with Adrianne del Sol, VP, Digital Commerce + Omnichannel Marketing at Kimberly-Clark, and Kerel Cooper, CMO of GumGum, for a refreshingly human conversation about marketing, meaning, and how we show up in work and life.

We unpack what separates great marketing from forgettable, why the human element often gets lost in campaigns, and what it means to lead with empathy in today's changing landscape. Adrianne and Kerel also share their favorite projects and lessons that have stuck with them along the way, long after the work was done.

If you've ever questioned the idea of the linear career path or wondered how to lead with empathy in a metrics-driven world, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Permission to Seek, host Lauren Douglass sits down with Sarah Leinberger, Vice President, Head of Marketing at Yoobi, for a conversation about bold pivots, people-first leadership, and the quiet power of being inherently good.

Sarah opens up about her recent leap from a large corporate environment to a smaller, mission-driven company and how she’s always followed energy over titles when making career moves. She shares how fear signals growth, why curiosity rooted in empathy is her leadership superpower, and the value of choosing environments where you’re celebrated, not just tolerated.

Refreshingly honest and grounded, if you've ever wondered what it really means to prioritize who you are over what you do, this one’s for you. Let's get into it.

On this episode, host Lauren Douglass sits down with Samantha Avivi, Chief Marketing Officer of Bayer, to talk about leadership, purpose, and knowing when to pivot. Samantha, a seasoned marketing leader with an iconic advertising legacy in her DNA, shares how curiosity, values, and courage have shaped her journey and helped navigate a purpose-driven career in brand leadership. She reflects on the power of prioritization, the myth of “doing it all,” and how she learned to stop and truly savor milestones. If you’re navigating big decisions, trying to lead with more intention, or simply want to hear from someone who’s walked the walk, this one’s for you. Let's get into it.

Lauren Douglass sits down with Jessica Ling, EVP of Advertising at American Express, for a conversation about what makes a great leader and how discomfort often signals the right next step. Jess shares how leading with heart, consistency, and trust has shaped her career, and reflects on the challenges of managing people. They talk about the importance of playing the long game, staying grounded in who you are, and why brands should stop chasing trends and instead double down on what they actually stand for. Whether you're stepping into a new role, building something of your own, or just trying to lead a little bit better every day, you're in the right place. Let's get into it.

In this special episode, Lauren Douglass sits down with long-term friend Shannon Pruit, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Stagwell, and powerhouse communicator and author Maha Abouelenein to unpack one of the most transformational mindset shifts we can make: self-reliance.

Maha shares the inspiration behind her book, The Seven Rules of Self-Reliance, and how these principles can help anyone stop waiting for permission and start building the life they want. From building your personal brand to ditching the “waiter” mindset (think: stop waiting, start doing), Maha shares how to invest in yourself and take control of your future. The three women also unpack the challenges of speaking up as a woman, navigating imposter syndrome, and getting out of your own way to actually move forward.

Whether you’ve ever felt stuck, unseen, or like you’re just waiting for your next opportunity, this episode is your invitation to stop waiting and start doing. Link to Maha's book: 7 Rules of Self-Reliance

In this episode, Lauren Douglass sits down with Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams running back, former University of Michigan standout, and co-founder of Peak NIL. Blake opens up about his journey from small-town roots to college football fame and how the rise of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) changed his life. They dive into how Blake turned brand deals into long-term investments, why he co-founded a platform to empower other athletes, and how his upbringing and family shaped his values.

Tune in for a quick convo about purpose, financial empowerment, and what it means to give back.

This week, Lauren Douglass sits down with Raj Register, CMO of Stellantis (the auto giant behind Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and more) for a conversation that’s equal parts leadership masterclass and personal reflection.

Raj opens up about her unexpected journey from mechanical engineer to marketing exec, how a stint in Istanbul helped spark her pivot, and why building a career you love means trusting your instincts and doing the hard work. She shares what it’s like leading six distinct brands under one roof, how she creates space for younger voices on her team, and why her mantra these days is: “Not every ball is glass, some can bounce.”

It’s one of those episodes that makes you want to bet on yourself a little more. Let’s get into it.

This week, Lauren Douglass sits down with Kristine Segrist, Global Head of Consumer Marketing at Canva, to chat about leadership, creativity, and how to build teams that aren’t afraid to take big risks. But beyond the strategy and marketing genius, Kristine opens up about the myth of balance—how being a leader and a mother means learning to lean into one area at a time and accepting that there will always be some compromises.

We also dive into the Enneagram, a personality framework that Kristine and Lauren both use to understand themselves and their teams better. Plus, Kristine gives us a peek behind the curtain at Canva’s innovative social media strategy and how they connect with their community in a fun, authentic way.

This conversation isn’t just for marketers—whether you're in leadership, parenting, or personal growth, Kristine's insights will inspire you to lead with authenticity, embrace your strengths, and accept the ebbs and flows of life.