How creativity forges competitive advantages for brands with Emma Armstrong

In this episode of The Speed of Culture podcast, Matt Britton sits down with David Grutman, one of the most influential entrepreneurs in modern hospitality. Known for transforming Miami into a global nightlife and dining destination, Grutman shares how social media, authentic relationships, and relentless attention to experience helped him build a hospitality empire. The conversation also explores his investments in emerging consumer brands, his growing entertainment ventures, and why “taking it personal” remains the core philosophy behind everything he builds.

In this episode of The Speed of Culture podcast, Matt Britton sits down with David A. Steinberg, Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of Zeta Global. David shares how Zeta built a data and AI platform that now serves 51% of the Fortune 100, why the company sees itself as the disruptor rather than the disrupted in a rapidly shifting martech landscape, and what it took to rearchitect the business around artificial intelligence starting in 2017. The conversation covers the launch of Athena, Zeta's voice-enabled AI copilot built in partnership with OpenAI, the internal transformation required to make AI native to the way teams work, and what the rise of generative search means for how brands reach consumers. David also reflects on his career, his advice for the next generation of marketers, and the mantra he has carried through every crisis.

In this episode of The Speed of Culture podcast, Matt Britton sits down with Roberto Ramirez Laverde, Global Senior Vice President of Patrón Tequila at Bacardi. Roberto shares how Patrón built and protected its position in the super premium tequila category by staying true to quality, transparency, and craft. They discuss the Pursuit of Greatness campaign, the creative partnership with filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, and how Gen Z is reshaping consumption habits across the spirits industry. The conversation also covers how Patrón approaches music and culture partnerships, why the on-premise channel still defines brand equity, and how human connection remains the anchor in an AI-driven world.