Beauty Doesn't Have a Language // A Conversation with Ulta Beauty, Made by Mitchell and Cymbiotika

What makes someone fall in love with a brand?

Recorded during the Cannes Lions Festival, Jim brings together three leaders who are redefining what it means to build brands people genuinely want to be part of.

Joining the conversation are…

• Kelly Mahoney, Chief Marketing Officer of Ulta Beauty
• Mitchell Halliday, founder of Made by Mitchell;
• Durana Elmi, Founder, Chief Creative Officer, and Chief Experiential Officer of Cymbiotika.

Together, they explore how purpose creates loyalty, why community is every brand's greatest asset, and what it takes to scale without losing your identity. Mitchell reflects on building a brand that's "made for everyone," Durana shares why she believes "true luxury is your health," and Kelly explains how Ulta has become a trusted home for founder-led brands and the communities behind them.

Whether you're building a global retailer or launching your first company, this conversation is packed with lessons on authenticity, partnership, leadership, and creating brands that people don't just buy, but proudly choose to belong to.

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This week’s episode is brought to you by Infillion.

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Meet The CMO Podcast On the Road

The CMO Podcast will be on the road throughout Q4 2026, capturing conversations with the leaders shaping the future of marketing, leadership, and business. If you'll be attending one of these events, we'd love to connect. Let us know!

• Advertising Week New York | October 5–7
• BLINK Cincinnati | October 8-9
• ANA Masters of Marketing | October 19–22

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Interested in partnering with The CMO Podcast?!

Looking ahead to the rest of 2026 and into 2027, we're partnering with brands to create executive content platforms that extend far beyond a single event. From pop-up podcast studios and live recordings to executive roundtables, keynote conversations, and bespoke thought leadership programs, we work with partners to build meaningful experiences that connect with senior marketing leaders.

Whether you'd like to partner with us at one of the industry's biggest marketing events or create a custom experience designed specifically for your brand, we'd love to explore what's possible. Reach out to learn how we can build something together.

Email us at [email protected]

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Produced by vYve

The CMO Podcast is proudly produced by vYve Production, a full-service production and content studio specializing in podcasts, executive storytelling, branded content, and live experiences. 

vYve is a community of ambitious leaders dedicated to unlocking what's next in business and in life. Through executive coaching, transformative experiences, strategic content, and communities like The CMO Podcast, vYve helps entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and teams grow their businesses, strengthen their leadership, and build meaningful connections that last.

Learn more about vYve and The CMO Podcast community at www.vyve.co.

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