Challenger Brands & the Power of Storytelling: Pam Piligian’s Marketing Evolution

Marketing and financial services might not seem like the most innovative space—but Pam Piligian is proving otherwise. As the Chief Marketing Officer of Navy Federal Credit Union, Pam has redefined what it means to build a brand with purpose, passion, and a deep sense of community. In this episode, she shares her journey from agency life to leading marketing at one of the country’s largest credit unions, all while maintaining a relentless commitment to storytelling, innovation, and service.

In this episode of Designing Demand, Pete Sena sits down with  Pam Piligian who dives into what it takes to create a challenger brand that punches above its weight, how to harness the power of storytelling to connect with consumers, and why lifelong learning is essential for any marketer looking to stay ahead. She also shares her insights on the evolving role of the CMO, the importance of fostering strong leadership, and her personal mission to run a marathon in all 50 states. If you're looking for inspiration on how to build a brand that people are proud to be part of, this episode is a must-listen.

🔎 MORE ABOUT PAM PILIGIAN:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pam-piligian-324582/
https://x.com/PGPiligian/status/1867320365296369799
https://www.navyfederal.org/

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Introduction to Pam Piligian
03:15 - From Journalism to Marketing: Pam’s Early Career
08:30 - What Makes a Challenger Brand?
12:45 - The Role of Storytelling in Brand Building
18:20 - The Power of Community and Belonging
25:00 - The Evolving Role of the CMO
30:40 - Lessons from Running Marathons & Leadership
36:10 - Advice for Young Marketers and Future CMOs
42:00 - Women in Leadership and the Power of Mentorship
48:15 - Employer Branding and Creating a Strong Workplace Culture
53:40 - The Future of Marketing: AI, Data, and Creativity

🚀 SUPPORT & CONNECT:

Digital Surgeons Website: https://digitalsurgeons.com
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@digitalsurgeons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/digitalsurgeons
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/210497/

#marketing #leadership #community

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