Why Brand Fundamentals Are More Important Than Ever | Kathryn Swallow, Unilever

Why Brand Fundamentals Are More Important Than Ever | Kathryn Swallow, Unilever

Author: SocialChain May 5, 2025 Duration: 37:06

Platforms change, trends come and go. Brand fundamentals must remain. That's the opinion of this week's guest, Kathryn Swallow - former worldwide head of Unilever's deodorants category, previously the global VP for Rexona (Sure) and Dove. Among all of Unilever's brands, the deodorant category stands out thanks to the global success of those brands as well as Lynx (Axe), and their success is owed in part, Kathryn says, to a deep understanding and respect for a brand's positioning, purpose and and proposition.  

In this, we ask how brands can stay true to their core - and communicate that - among fast-moving tech, endless data, modernising audiences and, of course, social media. And we find out how Unilever's deodorant brands approach the above to ensure they don't just stay relevant, but are revered.  

Got a question or a suggestion for the SocialMinds podcast? Get in touch at socialminds@socialchain.com  


Hosted by Eve from SocialChain, SocialMinds-A Social Media Marketing Podcast pulls back the curtain on how major brands actually operate online. It’s less about theory and more about the tangible strategies discussed directly with the people executing them. You’ll hear candid conversations with marketing leads from organisations like Ryanair, Formula 1, and Innocent Drinks, where they share what works, what doesn’t, and the lessons learned along the way. Alongside these in-depth interviews, the podcast delivers straightforward, no-nonsense breakdowns of the latest platform changes and algorithm updates that you need to know about. The aim is to demystify the daily realities of social media management, transforming overwhelming trends into practical steps you can apply. This approach has made it a top-rated resource for professionals who want to move beyond the hype. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining a direct line to the industry’s inner circle, offering a blend of high-level case studies and essential news without the filter. It’s designed for marketers who prefer their insights actionable and their advice grounded in real-world campaigns, all delivered with a conversational tone that avoids jargon. If you’re looking to understand the mechanics behind memorable social campaigns, this series provides a consistent source of clarity and inspiration.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

SocialMinds - A Social Media Marketing Podcast
Podcast Episodes
SOCIAL IN SIX [083] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:38
In this instalment of Social in Six, we're joined by SocialChain strategist Kieran Hughes to break down the latest social updates. This time that includes collaboration posts from TikTok, an algorithm change from Instagr…
SOCIAL IN SIX [082] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:58
This week on Social in Six, we're talking about Instagram's latest move into collaborative social, with Blend, TikTok's push into shopping ads and search, and YouTube's focus on creator-led shopping. Elsewhere, Facebook'…
Surreal: How To Make People Care About Product | John Thornton [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:30
This episode is proudly sponsored by Riverside.fm. Click here to try it for yourself, and use the code socialminds to get 15% off any available plan. What we learned this episode: saying people don't care about product-f…
SocialMinds Live is back, and we're heading to London! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01
SocialMinds Live is back, and we're heading to London! Listen to this quick update to get the lowdown, and be among the first to register your interest to hear Oatly, SharkNinja, American Express and more, in the flesh.…
SOCIAL IN SIX [081] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:13
This episode is proudly sponsored by Riverside.fm. Click here to try it for yourself, and use the code socialminds to get 15% off any available plan. Today's Social in Six covers several strategy-changing updates – inclu…