1600 - Practical Solutions to Thorny Problems with VSA Partners' Ariadna Navarro

In this episode of the Thoughtful Entrepreneur, your host Josh Elledge speaks with the Chief Growth Officer of VSA Partners, Ariadna Navarro. Ariadna Navarro, Chief Growth Officer of Partners, a renowned brand strategy and design consultancy, shared some invaluable wisdom about defining a brand's ethos and standing. Defining a brand can be challenging, especially in an era where cancel culture and fear of missteps prevail. However, Ariadna says that if a brand remains honest and consistent about who they are, it will continue to thrive. She even highlighted Bud Light and Nike as examples of brands that faced backlash for their decisions but stayed true to themselves and their values. She also spotlighted Patagonia as a prime example of authenticity. Despite potential skepticism regarding their fleece zip-ups and commitment to saving the world, this outdoor clothing company wholeheartedly embraces their mission. This unwavering dedication to their purpose resonates with consumers and sets them apart.   About Ariadna Navarro:  Ariadna, originally from Venezuela, is a trailblazer connecting business strategy to brand and experience strategy to foster growth. As the Chief Growth Officer, she spearheads design, client engagement, and business development, applying a unique perspective on market trends and brand differentiation. Her expansive portfolio includes projects with leading firms like IBM, AT&T, and Wayfair. She is genuinely interested in emerging technologies, corporate acquisitions, politics, and filmmaking, holding a postgraduate degree in the latter.  Before joining VSA, Ariadna led strategy at Interbrand. She currently resides in New York with her family.   About VSA Partners:  VSA Partners, a strategy and design agency, is committed to designing better human experiences. VSA creates impactful, measurable experiences in a busy world by merging consumer insights, data, and human-centered design. With fully integrated capabilities, including branding, advertising, data science, and technology, VSA operates from Chicago, New York, and San Francisco. As a part of 'Meet The People,' it leverages international collaborations. VSA's 40-year journey includes partnerships with renowned brands like Google, Nike, and IBM. Adapting to a hybrid working model, VSA encourages its team to define their workspaces - anywhere within the United States. This flexibility promotes solitude, collaboration, or small-group engagements, as needed. Geographic neutrality in hiring ensures diverse experiences and perspectives. Viewing their offices as flexible work hubs, VSA values human interaction, a change of scenery, and participation worldwide for employee wellbeing and organizational benefits.   Apply to be a Guest on The Thoughtful Entrepreneur: https://go.upmyinfluence.com/podcast-guest Links Mentioned in this Episode: Want to learn more? Check out VSA Partners website at