This podcast episode delves into the evolving landscape of marketing, where guest Leslie Zane challenges the traditional marketing funnel by emphasizing the significant role of instinct over conventional persuasion. Zane highlights that 95% of decisions are driven by the instinctive mind, urging marketers to pivot their strategies towards understanding consumers' instinctual responses. She introduces concepts like the "brand connectome" to explain how associations tied to brands influence consumer behavior, advocates for addressing negative associations proactively, and shares effective branding strategies that balance familiarity with distinctiveness. Ultimately, Zane inspires both brands and individuals to cultivate positive associations and personal brands that resonate deeply with their audiences.