Food Business Marketing Podcast - Strategy, Stories, and Tips to Build a Strong Brand · Katie Mleziva (Real Food Brands) & Clint Matthews (Start Right Foods)

168. What is a Brand Strategist, Anyway? Plus, Marketing vs Branding vs Brand Strategy

January 21, 2026·19 min·1 clip

Brand strategy is about meeting consumer needs in a way your competitors either can't or won't.

Host and brand strategist Katie Malazova is interviewed by co-host Clint Matthews to clearly define brand strategy, distinguish it from marketing and branding, and explain its practical value for food businesses. Using a relatable story about selling olive oil buckets, they break down how strategy provides alignment, clarity, and confidence for business owners.

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A clear primer on brand strategy, branding, and marketing for food business owners.

Katie makes brand strategy feel usable by separating it from branding and marketing, then showing what it can actually do for a business. The practical angle is the strongest part: abstract terms turn into clear guidance, and her experience with big Fortune 500 companies lends…

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Get a clear breakdown of brand strategy, branding, and marketing.

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