Napkin Sketches is a podcast by Gorrie that uncovers how bold ideas become unforgettable brands. From early sketches to full-scale strategy, we talk with the thinkers, makers, and leaders shaping the future of marketing and design. Each conversation reveals the creative sparks, smart risks, and real stories behind building brands that last.
Napkin Sketches
Claim This Podcastby Ashley Gorrie
6 episodes
Updated Daily
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇨🇦
Podcast Overview
Napkin Sketches is a podcast by Gorrie that uncovers how bold ideas become unforgettable brands. From early sketches to full-scale strategy, we talk with the thinkers, makers, and leaders shaping the future of marketing and design. Each conversation reveals the creative sparks, smart risks, and real stories behind building brands that last.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
8/26/2024
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Recent Episodes
May 25, 2026
Pop-Ups, the World Cup, and the Future of Physical Retail — with Nick Iozzo, Founder of Ancillary Agency
<p>What turns a shopping mall, hotel lobby, or downtown plaza into a place people actually want to show up for? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Nick Iozzo — founder of Ancillary Agency and a 25-year veteran of Canadian commercial real estate — to unpack the creative, short-term side of the industry that most people never see.</p><p>Nick spent 14 years at Rogers building out their retail real estate strategy, then crossed the boardroom table to lead specialty leasing at Cadillac Fairview and Oxford Properties. Five years ago, in the middle of the pandemic, he launched Ancillary Agency to fill a gap no one else was serving: third-party support for pop-ups, brand activations, sponsorships, and film productions across every Canadian province and territory.</p><p>In this conversation:</p><ul><li>The three things every great brand activation delivers — revenue, traffic, and guest experience</li><li>Why most retailers still aren't profitable online, and how the return-rate math is pushing brands back into physical stores</li><li>The story of a K-pop pop-up that drew overnight lineups from hours away</li><li>How FIFA's strict two-kilometre sponsorship exclusion zone is shaping brand strategy for the 2026 World Cup in Toronto and Vancouver</li><li>What we learned from the Eras Tour about managing major events in major cities</li><li>Why Gen Alpha is rediscovering the mall — and what the 90s revival means for retail</li><li>The split happening in shopping centres: AAA malls thriving, mid-tier under pressure, small markets adapting</li></ul><p>Whether you work in retail, real estate, brand marketing, or you're just curious about why the physical world still matters in a digital one, this episode is worth your time.</p><p><strong>Guest:</strong> Nick Iozzo, Founder, Ancillary Agency<strong>Host:</strong> Ashley Gorrie</p><p></p>
January 1, 2026
The Power of Advisory Relationships: Insights from Tom Wright on Navigating Life and Career
<p>Ashley Gorrie and Tom Wright explore the dynamics of advisory relationships, the importance of balancing personal and professional life, and the role of sales in business. They delve into Tom's experiences with the UFC and how advocacy and leadership play crucial roles in building a brand. The discussion emphasizes the significance of relationships and community involvement in achieving success.</p><p>takeaways</p><ul><li>The relationship between an advisor and advisee is two-way.</li><li>Balancing work, family, and community is essential for personal fulfillment.</li><li>Sales is not just about selling; it's about solving problems.</li><li>Building a brand requires commitment and understanding of the local market.</li><li>Advocacy for your team and brand is crucial for leadership.</li><li>Managing what you can control helps in navigating challenges.</li><li>Relationships are foundational to problem-solving in business.</li><li>Understanding the facts over emotions leads to better decision-making.</li><li>Community involvement enriches personal and professional life.</li><li>Success is about aligning personal values with business goals.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
December 8, 2025
The Evolution of Global Brand Marketing with Jonathan Johnson
<p>In this enlightening conversation, Ashley Gorrie and Jonathan Johnson (JJ) explore the evolution of marketing strategies in the digital age, focusing on the importance of data, the role of AI, and the dynamics of agency-brand relationships. JJ shares his career journey from graphic design to e-commerce, highlighting key insights on global marketing, brand consistency, and the necessity of adapting to consumer expectations in retail. The discussion emphasizes the balance between data-driven decision-making and creative storytelling, offering valuable advice for emerging brands navigating the complexities of both digital and physical retail environments.</p>
6 total episodes available
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Frequently asked questions
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- What is Napkin Sketches?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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