The Alchemists

In this episode, Andrés talks to The Washington Post’s senior video producer Dave Jorgenson, the head of POLY, oOh Media’s content and creative hub, Josh Gurgiel, and Sea to Summit CMO, Bec Smith.

Our panel of Alchemists reveal how they (and the world’s most successful brands) execute effective marketing regardless of how much money they have, answering questions like:
  • How do you execute big ideas on a small budget?
  • How do you get your stakeholders and team on board with using a budget creatively?
  • What role does mission or purpose play in seeing beyond budget and ROI?
  • When your idea’s a hit, how do you manage the clamour to expand it? 
  • Do we fetishise creativity too much? Should we focus more on the excellent execution of ideas?  
You're listening to The Alchemists, a limited-series podcast from marketing conference State of Social, delving deeper into the big conversations that start on stage at the event. 

For more information, visit www.stateofsocial.com.au.

Creators & Guests

Host
Andrés López-Varela
Andrés is a senior marketing leader, one of State of Social's best-rated speakers, and a proud cat-dad.
Guest
Bec Smith
Bec is a passionate brand, marketing and eCommerce FMCG leader with experience in global corporate, founder-led social enterprise and start-up organisations, as well as in sitting on and working closely with boards.
Guest
Dave Jorgenson
For his work on TikTok, Dave made the Forbes 30 under 30 list in December 2020. From 2020 to 2024, he’s earned five Webby nominations and three wins, including ‘Best Creator.’ His first year on TikTok was awarded the North American Digital Awards for ‘Best Digital Project to Engage Young and/or Millennial Audiences.’
Guest
Josh Gurgiel
Having made his parents proud by studying law and working as a commercial lawyer for two and a half years, Josh decided to abandon that goodwill and start again in the dynamic world of advertising.
Producer
Meg Coffey
Originally from Texas and now proudly Australian, Meg Coffey is a “Texstralian” known for her dedication, calculated risks, and exceptional communication skills. As the founder of State of Social, Australia’s largest digital marketing & social media conference, Meg is dedicated to keeping businesses ahead of the curve.

What is The Alchemists?

The Alchemists is a limited-series podcast from marketing conference State of Social, delving deeper into the big conversations that start on stage at the event. Join Andrés López-Varela and the State of Social 2024 speakers for a series of lively chats about important topics and trends impacting the marketing industry and the work of marketers.