Conversations with Jamie Dunham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Dunham.

Hi Jamie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a reformed advertising executive turned all round marketer and podcaster. The first part of my career was spent as a principal in two of Nashville’s major advertising agencies. I enjoyed working with major brands doing meaningful work. But as the world of marketing and advertising has changed, so have I. For the past 15 years, I have run the Brand Wise Collective where we seek cultural relevancy for brands. I have assembled branding and marketing specialists with a passion to solve problems, enhance brands and improve profitability. Some call us their agency, some call us their brand strategists and some just call us. I believe in strong coffee, hard work, real strategy, meaningful creative and results. Along the way, we created an event called Red Letter Day to discuss marketing to women and that lead to our Lipstick Economy podcast. Today I am the founder of a new event series called Content Economy Nashville, a three-day event focused on the changes content creators are facing today.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No road is completely smooth. In my early years, women were not always excepted as brand strategists like they are now. I had a client early on who wouldn’t work with a woman. Oh, he got fired. I have often been criticized for the same traits that men are applauded for. One of the unbelievable honors I have received was the top advertising award in our market Since its existence, only a handful of women have won this distinction.

In terms of actual work, while the woman has been the primary target audience for most brands, women were simplified to their gender, age, marital status and number of children. I have always been interested in raising the profile of women and understanding psychographics, their role as chief purchasing agent and the deeper perspective of their brand alliances.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I many times wear a lot of hats. At heart, I am a brand strategist. I do research and plan strategy for a range of large regional clients. I am known for my work in marketing to women and how that affects business. Five years ago I started a podcast named Lipstick Economy, with cohost Melinda Noblitt, that talks about marketing to women and explores how business professionals reach their female target audience. Our guests have included everyone from Prince’s Hot Chicken to the Titans.

Some of our Brand Wise clients include NHC Healthcare, Urgent Team urgent care clinics, Twice Daily, White Bison coffee, Transportation Management Association (Franklin Transit, VanStar, CMUTER) and Quorum Healthcare.

In addition to marketing research, branding, websites, media and marketing campaigns, we also produce three podcasts and have video series for our clients.

Finding the why is always my proudest moment. Oh and the time I won Second Prize in the National Banana Pudding Contest!

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Beyond driving the byways of our lovely green communities, I must say our food scene is incredible now. You can find everything from the world’s best biscuit to amazing upscale restaurants. I love them all. When you add music and the intrinsic friendliness of Nashville to the mix, you have an incredible experience.

Growth has its growing pains. We have lost some of our historic charm. Tall skinnies, taxes and traffic consume conversations.

Contact Info:

• Website: LipstickEconomyPodcast.com or jamiedunham.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lipstickeconomypodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LipstickEconomyPodcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiedunham/