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Every episode of the Brand Intelligence Podcast begins with a deceptively simple question: If you were walking out on stage to give a keynote, what would your walkout song be?
It’s a moment that instantly humanizes our guests and sets the tone for the conversation that follows. Over time, this tradition has become a listener favorite — a personality test, a mood check, and a creative warm-up all in one.
In this compilation episode, we bring together the full playlist:
- Songs that pump guests up when nerves hit
- Anthems tied to personal resilience and growth
- Music that reflects professional chapters, cultural roots, or creative identity
- Unexpected emotional picks tied to family, life events, and memories
- And yes… even a few wonderfully embarrassing favorites
Whether you’re building a personal brand, leading a team, or simply curious what fuels today’s marketing and creative minds, this episode offers a joyful, candid look at the humans behind the strategies.
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Episode Transcript
William Tyree: Welcome to the Brand Intelligence Podcast — the show where we celebrate the people and ideas powering the world’s strongest brands. If you listen regularly, you know we love kicking things off with a simple but revealing question:
If you were walking out on stage to give a keynote, what would your walkout song be?
It’s become a fan favorite — and honestly, one of ours too. It tells you something about each guest long before we ever get into strategy. So today, we’re rounding them all up.
From iconic anthems to unexpected deep cuts, you’ll hear the songs that get our guests fired up, centered, inspired, or just smiling before they step into the spotlight. Think of this as the unofficial soundtrack of the Brand Intelligence Podcast.
Let’s hit play.
Leanne Franco:
This is such a fun question. If I were about to walk on stage, I’d probably be really nervous, so I’d want something that pumps me up and gives me a confidence boost. I’d go with “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys — you can’t help but feel good when you hear it.
Dimi Bartolillo:
This year, my theme song would be “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John. It’s been a tumultuous year — surgery, my 90-year-old mother moving in, our Frenchie Lola, a new grandbaby, and a significant loss. Life throws miracles and grief, but I’m still standing and savoring the beauty in life. It’s precious.
Matt Serrao:
My music tastes rotate in phases. Right now, I’m listening to a lot of Jay-Z, but the song I’d pick is “Hope” by NF. The lyrics are powerful — all about pursuing your dreams — and that really resonates with me right now.
Jody Birch:
I’d have to say “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton.
John Kung:
My design team actually gave me a theme song a couple weeks ago because my name is John — they want to play the John Cena entrance theme “The Time Is Now” every time I walk out of my office. It’s hype music and honestly… it works.
Sam Brown:
I can’t go past “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. It brings a smile to my face every time. It reminds me of the most important thing in life: relationships — even though the song is about a romantic couple, the sentiment runs deeper for me.
Vinay Raja:
As cheesy as it sounds, I’d choose the Star Wars theme. I’m a graphic designer and originally got into animation because of Star Wars. That movie — and its music — opened up an entire new world for me when I was a kid.
Jennifer Lazarz:
You really threw me with this question. I kept coming back to “Lovers In Japan” by Coldplay. My first career was as a professional opera singer, so certain sounds speak to me. The attack-piano effect at the beginning just feels incredibly positive. And the lyrics — about keeping moving because it will all work out — feel especially relevant in healthcare today.
Annabelle Pike:
Since I get nervous with keynotes, I’d choose “Mother” by Danzig — because you can’t be nervous when Glenn Danzig is reminding you to be metal.
Andy McLeroy:
I’m a musician, so ten songs came to mind, but I’ll pick the most embarrassing one: “Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus. It was my daughter’s jam when she was younger, and you can’t help but smile when it’s on.
Rebecca Brown:
I’ll balance things out with “Change” by Mavis Staples. I’d dance out to that song. She tackles serious issues, and healthcare is experiencing rapid change — maintaining access gets harder every day. It just feels right.
