Podcast · Business

Uncensored Renegades

by Jon Evans and Kory Marchisotto · English · Business

Kory Marchisotto, the trailblazing CMO of e.l.f., and Jon Evans, the perpetually fired host of the Uncensored CMO, team up to talk about the things leaders usually avoid talking about; failures, numbers, getting fired, and so on. The renegade duo fire through topics at speed, on a 20-minute time lim

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 28 min
Latest: 9 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026 · 23 min

The serious case for humour (or humor)

Jon and Kory discuss why humour is a serious advantage for brands, leaders and anyone trying to earn attention. They explore the science behind why humour makes ideas more memorable, why funny advertising has become less common, and the important difference between trying to be amusing and using humour to reveal a truth. The conversation looks at what it takes to create the conditions for humour to thrive: giving people permission to take creative risks, planning for it rather than treating it as an afterthought, and understanding why brands such as Liquid Death make it look effortless. A…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E39 · 2 Oct 2026 · 29 min
The subtle art of persuasion: how leaders get buy-in
Jon and Kory discuss why persuasion is one of the most important, and overlooked, skills in leadership. Getting an idea approved is rarely about delivering the perfect argument in a meeting. It starts earlier: asking better questions, listening closely, understanding what different people need, and finding the stories that make an idea feel relevant rather than imposed. They explore the role of verbal and non-verbal communication, why the meeting is never really just the meeting, and how to build support before a decision is formally on the table. Kory also shares practical lessons from…
E38 · 25 Sep 2026 · 27 min
15 principles for building a customer-obsessed business
Jon and Kory discuss the Wiseman’s 15 building blocks of customer obsession: a practical framework for turning customer-first intentions into the way an organisation actually works, exemplified by Dutch Bros. As always, Kory brings the data behind customer-obsessed organisations before the duo discuss why internal politics so often gets in the way, and whether founder-led businesses have a natural advantage when it comes to staying close to the people they serve. From empowering frontline teams to reading every customer complaint, they unpack the behaviours that make customer obsession…
E37 · 18 Sep 2026 · 23 min
How to make your teams perform 38x better
Jon and Kory discuss how small, consistent improvements can transform team performance 38x in just 1 year. Using lessons from elite cycling and Team Sky’s famously obsessive approach to marginal gains, they explore why high-performing teams rarely improve through one dramatic intervention. Instead, progress comes from making incremental improvements that compound over time. Links The Earned Life, Marshall Goldsmith - book Timestamps 00:00 - Start 00:24 - Why Jon always wears black 02:45 - The compounding power of incremental gains 05:16 - Lessons from high performance sport 06:48 - The…
E36 · 11 Sep 2026 · 22 min
9 decision making frameworks the best leaders use
Jon and Kory discuss why making good decisions is one of the hardest – and most important – parts of leadership, and share the frameworks they use to make better choices when the answer isn't obvious. From knowing when to trust the data and when to follow your gut, to de-risking big decisions and playing “angel's advocate”, they explore practical ways to challenge your own thinking. They unpack Solomon's paradox, the 10:10:10 rule, automatic negative thoughts and why sometimes the smartest thing you can do is ask someone else for help. They also explore what happens when you stop actively…
E35 · 4 Sep 2026 · 29 min
The leadership offsite that changed how we work (on a horse ranch)
Today Kory shares the lessons from taking her leadership team offsite and deliberately putting them into an unfamiliar environment - a horse ranch. Jon and Kory explore why pattern disruption can help teams break old habits, the difference between a group of strong individual contributors and a genuinely connected team, and why getting outside your comfort zone can reveal how you really work together. They also discuss the language of connection, learning to ask for help, why pressure isn't always the answer, and how to turn an offsite from a memorable experience into lasting behavioural…
E34 · 28 Aug 2026 · 28 min
6 essential leadership frameworks that will make you a better leader
Today, Jon and Kory open up their personal leadership toolbox, sharing the mental models and frameworks they rely on to make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and build high-performing teams. From understanding your audience before creating content to aligning teams around a clear vision, raising the bar through belief and repetition, and creating dedicated thinking time, these are the practical tools that have shaped their careers. They also discuss why spending time with people smarter than you is one of the fastest ways to grow, and finish with the one framework that…
E33 · 21 Aug 2026 · 28 min
How great leaders stay grounded
Today Jon and Kory explore the leadership habits that keep successful organisations moving forward. Drawing on research, personal experience and examples from some of the world's best businesses, they discuss why the strongest leaders surround themselves with people who will tell them the truth, stay relentlessly close to their customers, and never shy away from difficult conversations. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 00:56 - How to stay grounded when you’re successful 02:52 - Does success drive complacency? 04:14 - What the data says about successful companies 06:07 - You need people that are…
E32 · 14 Aug 2026 · 33 min
The new 4P's of marketing for leaders
For decades, marketers have relied on the traditional 4 Ps: Product, Price, Place and Promotion. But as the role of the CMO has evolved, so too have the skills needed to succeed as leaders. Today, Jon and Kory introduce a new framework for modern marketing leadership, inspired by research Jon conducted with TikTok. Rather than focusing on the marketing mix, these five Ps focus on what today's leaders need to excel inside their organisations: People, Planning, Persuasion and Performance. (Plus a bonus P that isn't a P - Storytelling.) Timestamps 00:00 - Start 00:48 - A new set of marketing Ps…
E31 · 7 Aug 2026 · 27 min
How to launch a brand from scratch
Launching a brand is one of the hardest things you can do. Today, Jon and Kory break down the principles they've learned from building brands, products and podcasts from the ground up. They explore the three ingredients every successful launch needs: a crystal-clear value proposition, surrounding yourself with exceptional people, and the persistence to keep going when progress feels slow. Along the way, they discuss why we're often too close to our own ideas, how constraints can become a competitive advantage, and why the best launches rarely happen by accident. Timestamps 00:00 - Start…
E30 · 31 Jul 2026 · 29 min
The startling power of surprise
Fresh from Jon Evans' Cannes Lions talk, this episode explores why surprise is one of the most powerful tools in leadership. Drawing on behavioural science, neuroscience and real-world campaigns, Jon and Kory unpack how unexpected moments capture attention, create stronger memories and help brands stand out in an increasingly predictable world. Putting their marketing hat on, they look at examples such as Tubi's headline-grabbing Super Bowl campaign and e.l.f.'s unconventional product launch strategy. Along the way, they explain the science of Reward Prediction Error, discuss how to sell…
E29 · 24 Jul 2026 · 31 min
Three Pillars of Great Leadership
Jon and Kory explore the three qualities they believe define great leadership. From building genuine proximity with your team to being fully present in the moments that matter and communicating with clarity, they break down a simple leadership framework that can be applied whether you're leading a global organisation or your first team. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 01:53 - Presence as a leader 03:31 - The 3 pillars of great leadership 03:52 - Pillar 1: Proximity 11:47 - Pillar 2: Presence 18:41 - Pillar 3: Clarity of Communication 28:26 - BCG on leadership
E28 · 17 Jul 2026 · 35 min
Tarang Amin, CEO of e.l.f. Beauty, on enabling 29 quarters of consecutive growth
Tarang Amin, CEO of e.l.f. Beauty, joins Jon and Kory for a special live episode of Uncensored Renegades to discuss the leadership philosophy behind one of the most remarkable growth stories in consumer brands. Under Tarang's leadership, e.l.f. has delivered 29 consecutive quarters of growth while building a culture centred on ownership, transparency and long-term thinking. In this conversation, Tarang and Kory share why every employee became a shareholder, how the company balances ambitious growth with a people-first culture, and the leadership habits that have helped e.l.f. scale at an…
E27 · 10 Jul 2026 · 31 min
3 key insights from Cannes Lions 2026
Live from Cannes Lions, Jon and Kory reflect on the biggest themes, surprises and lessons from this year's festival. From experiencing unreasonable hospitality firsthand to the continued rise of creators and the rapid evolution of AI, they unpack what really stood out, and why many of the biggest takeaways had very little to do with technology. Whether you made it to the Croisette or followed along from afar, this is the Uncensored Renegades debrief on what actually mattered at Cannes Lions 2026. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 01:50 - Unreasonable hospitality in action 12:22 - The power of…
E26 · 3 Jul 2026 · 26 min
Why culture eats strategy for breakfast
Jon and Kory tackle one of the most talked-about, and most misunderstood, aspects of leadership: culture. What actually is culture? How do you know if yours is healthy? And why do some organisations consistently attract great people while others struggle? Drawing on research, personal experience, and leadership lessons, Jon and Kory discuss how culture is created, how it can be changed, and why hiring for cultural fit is only part of the story. They also explore why even brilliant people can fail in the wrong environment, how agency partners should become an extension of your culture, and…
E25 · 26 Jun 2026 · 29 min
Take the leap - why taking risks can lead to big rewards
Today, Jon and Kory discuss the moments that define careers. The ones where you have to leap before you know exactly how things will turn out. From leaving secure jobs to betting on yourself, they reflect on the decisions that shaped their own careers and why waiting until you feel "ready" is often the biggest barrier to growth. They explore the importance of having a strong support network, embracing discomfort, and accepting that sometimes you need to take a step backwards before you can move forwards. This is an honest conversation about risk, resilience, and why the biggest opportunities…
E24 · 19 Jun 2026 · 32 min
Why being human can be your competitive advantage
Jon and Kory explore why human connection matters more than ever in a world increasingly dominated by screens, automation, and AI. From the power of in-person experiences to the importance of empathy in business, they discuss why relationships are still the foundation of great leadership, marketing, and culture. Jon explains why he only records podcasts face-to-face, Kory shares why B2B is ultimately human-to-human, and together they unpack the mistakes agencies often make by forgetting the people behind the pitch. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 01:42 - What do we mean by human to human? 05:11 -…
E23 · 12 Jun 2026 · 27 min
Why successful leaders workout
Today Jon and Kory explore the surprising link between leadership and exercise. From CEOs and founders to top marketers, many high performers share one habit in common: they make time to move. The duo discuss why working out often feels selfish (when it shouldn't), how to maintain healthy habits while travelling, and what companies can do to encourage their teams to prioritise wellbeing. Jon also breaks down his philosophy of running, explaining how different stages of a workout mirror the rhythms of work and life. This is a conversation about energy, discipline, and why taking care of…
E22 · 5 Jun 2026 · 28 min
Keynote masterclass - how to deliver a world class keynote
Timestamps 00:00 - Start 01:19 - Kory’s 4 part framework for a good keynote speech 02:20 - Audience before content 07:16 - Don’t provide information, tell a story 16:20 - The art of good keynote content 20:50 - Obsess over delivery 24:58 - Jon’s poem on public speaking
E21 · 29 May 2026 · 35 min
Lessons from Uncensored CMO The Calling - 400 marketers in one room
Jon and Kory reflect on the very first Uncensored CMO: The Calling event. This episode recorded just days after it happened, with Kory joining as one of the keynote speakers. The conversation explores the biggest lessons from the event, including why marketers need to embrace “pattern disruption,” the underrated power of curation, and what lobsters can teach us about growth and reinvention. Jon and Kory also discuss the uncertainty and vulnerability that comes with live events, why polish is often overrated, and why genuine engagement matters far more than reach alone. Timestamps 00:00 -…
E20 · 22 May 2026 · 21 min
The power of speed - how to move at the speed of culture
Today Jon and Kory break down why speed has become one of the biggest competitive advantages in modern marketing. Using e.l.f.’s Super Bowl campaign, created and launched in just 11 days, they explore what allows some organisations to move incredibly quickly while others get trapped in endless approvals and bureaucracy. From legal teams and leadership trust to decision-making and culture, this episode is a practical look at how to build teams that execute with speed. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 01:12 - What Usain Bolt can teach us about speed 04:43 - Why e.l.f. made a Super Bowl ad in 11 days…
E19 · 15 May 2026 · 32 min
How to achieve 28 quarters of consecutive growth
Since joining e.l.f., Kory has famously achieved consecutive quarters of growth, 28 at the time of recording. This is an extraordinary achievement for a CMO, so Kory breaks down exactly how they did it, and what insights you can take back to your company to achieve the same.
E18 · 8 May 2026 · 29 min
Interview tips that will get you hired
Today Jon and Kory break down what actually makes someone memorable in an interview, beyond rehearsed answers and polished CVs. From body language and energy to asking better questions and avoiding corporate waffle, they share practical advice on how to stand out without sounding scripted. They also discuss how they personally hire, whether interviews are overrated, and why the best candidates treat interviews like conversations, not performances. Whether you’re hiring, interviewing, or just trying to communicate better, this episode is packed with useful insights. Timestamps 00:00 - Start…
E17 · 1 May 2026 · 23 min
How your CFO can unlock marketing growth
In this episode of Uncensored Renegades , Jon and Kory tackle one of the most underrated relationships in business: marketing and finance. Too often, marketers see the CFO as a blocker. In reality, they can be your biggest ally. Jon and Kory break down how to build a strong relationship with finance, why understanding how the business really works is critical, and how to turn your marketing plan into something the CFO actually wants to champion. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 01:08 - Where the KBO$$ nickname came from 02:06 - Why the CFO relationship is so important 04:39 - Understand how the…
E16 · 24 Apr 2026 · 24 min
Tackling your weaknesses as a leader
In this episode of Uncensored Renegades , Jon and Kory tackle something most people avoid: their own weaknesses. From brutally honest feedback from partners and teams to self-awareness and uncomfortable truths, they explore how to identify what you’re not good at and why that might be the most important step in growing as a leader. They also ask whether weaknesses are just overused strengths, and how traits like empathy or attention to detail can become liabilities if left unchecked. This is a candid, self-reflective conversation on turning your weaknesses into something you can actually…
E15 · 17 Apr 2026 · 22 min
How to get the best performance out of your agency
Today, Jon and Kory break down one of the most misunderstood relationships in marketing: working with agencies. From treating agencies as a true force multiplier to fixing broken relationships, they share practical advice on how to get the best out of your partners, and what to do when things inevitably go wrong. This is a candid look at trust, expectations, and why the best results come when agencies feel like part of your team, not just a supplier. Whether you’re managing an agency or working inside one, this episode will change how you think about the relationship. Timestamps 00:00 -…
E14 · 10 Apr 2026 · 22 min
How to find inspiration
Today, Jon and Kory explore a simple but often overlooked skill: how to actually find inspiration. From brands like Tony’s Chocolonely to supermarkets, subways, and even nature, they break down why the best ideas rarely come from inside your own company. Instead, inspiration comes from changing your environment, staying curious, and being open to unexpected moments. If you’re feeling stuck, this episode is a reminder that great ideas are everywhere, if you’re willing to look for them. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 00:32 - Why Jon is inspired by Tony’s Chocolonely 06:45 - Why you need to look…
E13 · 3 Apr 2026 · 19 min
The price of leadership: the sacrifices every CMO has to make
Leadership at the top level doesn't come free it costs time, energy, and often the comfort of a predictable life. In this episode, Kory and Jon get honest about what it really takes to lead as a CMO: the personal sacrifices, the travel, the pressure, and the constant balancing act between work and home. From managing time zones on the road to the surprisingly powerful concept of strategic laziness, this is a candid look at what high-performance leadership actually demands, and how to make it sustainable. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 00:39 - What sacrifices do CMOs need to make 04:37 - How to…
E12 · 27 Mar 2026 · 21 min
How not to get fired (from the world’s leading expert)
Getting fired is one of the most humbling experiences in business, and one of the most instructive. In this episode, Kory and Jon get candid about the times they've been let go, what went wrong, and the hard-won lessons that followed. Jon in particular has a story or two to share (including getting fired twice in 18 months), and between them they unpack what it really takes to survive and thrive in high-stakes leadership roles. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 01:22 - What Jon learned from being fired twice 03:35 - How not to get fired 08:20 - How to understand your boss (so you don’t get fired)…
E11 · 20 Mar 2026 · 22 min
Why you need a personal board of directors
Companies have boards of directors to make big decisions, so why don't individuals? Kory does exactly this in her life, so she breaks down why she does it, how she chose the people to be a part of her board, and the kind of decisions they helps her make. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 01:17 - What is a personal board of directors? 04:07 - When to use your board of directors 04:51 - What makes a good personal board of directors? 06:21 - How to choose your board 08:58 - The power of networking 11:41 - What not to do with your personal board of directors 12:37 - Finding people outside your industry…

About Uncensored Renegades

Uncensored Renegades is a English business podcast from Jon Evans and Kory Marchisotto. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Jon Evans and Kory Marchisotto
Language: English
Category: Business
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 28 min
Latest episode: 9 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1868870960
Rights: 2026 Uncensored CMO

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