The Marketing Genius: I Helped GROW “Coca-Cola, the Olympics & More” (Marilyn Crawford) E028

Added: Dec 29, 2023

Early Career and Education

Crawford's career began in teaching at a private school, where she also provided counseling to high-net-worth families. Her passion for event planning and public relations emerged from organizing events for the families she worked with. She holds multiple degrees, including a background in business communications, marketing, psychology, and journalism. She emphasizes that degrees are a foundation, but it's what individuals do with their education that shapes their success.

Event Planning and Branding

Crawford's approach to event planning is focused on creating unique and innovative experiences. She has organized events in diverse locations, including Africa, where she transformed a museum into a spectacular venue for a global event. She emphasizes the importance of personal touch and attention to detail, such as providing silver bracelets with the latitude and longitude of the event as a memento. Her work extends to branding and economic development, where she leverages her expertise to elevate brands, individuals, and enterprises.

Public Relations and Reputation

Crawford's success in public relations is attributed to her extensive network and relationships with influential figures. She emphasizes the importance of having genuine relationships and connections in the industry, rather than simply having a list of contacts. Her approach to public relations is rooted in kindness and authenticity, and she encourages individuals to return to basic morality and kindness in their interactions.

Challenges in the Industry

Crawford discusses the challenges of maintaining a positive reputation in the public eye, especially in the age of social media. She highlights the importance of authenticity and genuine intentions, as well as the potential consequences of negative actions being exposed in the public domain. She also addresses the need for individuals to set boundaries and maintain a sense of class and sophistication, especially in the face of societal trends that may promote negativity and desensitization.

Reflections on Industry Figures

Crawford shares her experiences with industry figures such as Jay-Z and Diddy, expressing admiration for their business acumen and contributions to the music industry. She emphasizes the need for individuals in positions of influence to be mindful of their actions and the potential impact on their personal and professional reputations. She also reflects on the downfall of Diddy's brand and the challenges of navigating public scrutiny in the age of social media.

Jada and Will Smith Situation

Crawford expresses her frustration with the Jada and Will Smith situation, stating that she believes there is too much sharing of personal information on social media. She emphasizes the need for discretion, especially in personal relationships, and advises against sharing intimate details on social media. She also highlights the potential consequences of oversharing, particularly in the context of emasculating a black man and the impact on personal relationships.

Involvement in The Bizio

Crawford discusses her involvement in The Bizio, a black-owned cloud company that has developed an AI generative enterprise platform. She highlights the potential of the platform and its impact on various industries, including healthcare and investments. She also mentions the company's plans for expansion and its focus on integrating AI technology into business operations.

Views on Diversity and Inclusion

Crawford emphasizes the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity in business, advocating for authenticity and organic integration of these principles. She discusses her experience working with an automobile company to increase sales through branding, public relations, and community outreach. She also addresses the potential negative impact of excessive diversity and inclusion efforts, emphasizing the need for balance and authenticity in implementing these initiatives.

Advice on Branding

Crawford shares her approach to branding, using the acronym "ACE" to outline the key steps: analyze, communicate, and execute. She emphasizes the importance of analyzing the current state of a brand, developing a communication plan, and executing strategies to build and elevate the brand. She also stresses the significance of effective communication and relationship-building in branding efforts.

Relationships and Personal Life

Crawford provides insights into her views on relationships and personal life, expressing her desire to be married again and have children. She emphasizes the importance of being with the right partner and being supportive of their goals and aspirations. She also discusses the impact of being in a relationship on one's personal brand, highlighting the need for balance and authenticity in portraying one's personal life.

Importance of Being Present

Crawford reflects on the importance of being present in life, acknowledging that she has become more aware of this concept in the last two decades. She emphasizes the need to be conscious and present in everyday experiences, despite the challenges and imbalances that may arise. She shares her personal approach to compartmentalizing different aspects of life and allowing herself time to process emotions while maintaining a focus on her professional and personal goals.

Crawford encourages the host to try this practice and reflects on the benefits of being alone with one's thoughts. She also discusses the significance of facing one's demons and the importance of self-reflection in controlling one's biases and judgments.

Passion and Career Evolution

The conversation delves into the host's career evolution, particularly his transition from a focus on fitness to exploring other business ventures. Crawford encourages the host to prioritize his passions and pursue them with dedication. She emphasizes the importance of choosing the right path and being open to new opportunities.

Business Ventures and Collaboration

Crawford discusses her various business ventures, including Prime Time Global, Windsor Prime Time, and Mala Equities. She highlights the importance of collaboration and the process of selecting trustworthy partners for business endeavors. She emphasizes the need for long-term relationships and mutual satisfaction in business partnerships. She also shares details about her investment business and the careful selection of accredited investors.

Global Titans and Honors

Crawford introduces the concept of Global Titans and Honors, an event that aims to honor individuals across 16 disciplines. She describes it as a prestigious and elevated event that celebrates the best of the best in various fields. She emphasizes the unique nature of the event and its potential impact on the country and businesses of all sizes. She expresses her pride in the event's success and the demand for its return.

Relationships and Personal Interactions

The conversation touches on the complexities of relationships and the challenges of finding the right partner. Crawford shares her insights on the importance of flexibility and kindness in relationships. She reflects on her past experiences and the need to choose the right person who can support and understand her lifestyle.

Reading People and Trusting Instincts

Crawford discusses her ability to read people and trust her instincts when collaborating with others. She emphasizes the importance of observing people's actions and conversations to gauge their authenticity. She shares her experiences with business collaborations and the need for trust and long-term relationships.