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Background
In this episode of The Unmtchd. Podcast, Unmtchd. founder Oana Leonte sits down with Marcus Foley, co-founder and CMO at Tommy, a global creative studio renowned for its work with brands like Netflix, Spotify, and TikTok. Marcus is an expert in brand distinctiveness and has developed a framework that helps brands stand out in increasingly saturated markets.
Marcus breaks down the difference between being different and being truly distinctive, explaining why brands must move beyond surface-level differentiation to create lasting emotional connections with their audience. He introduces his distinctiveness framework, which identifies four key triggers—different, new, emotional, and relevant—showing how they can work together to elevate brands. Through real-world examples like Netflix premieres, Liquid Death’s storytelling, and Nike’s out-of-home campaigns, Marcus demonstrates how applying this framework can disrupt categories and leave a lasting impression.
Whether you’re a marketer or a founder, Marcus emphasizes the importance of emotional intent and creating digital brand worlds that resonate deeply. He provides actionable steps to evaluate and enhance your brand’s distinctiveness, helping you stay memorable in a world where sameness dominates.
