Building Brands, Changing Cities: The Maryam Banikarim Story

In this powerful episode of BRANDED, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Maryam Banikarim—former Global CMO at Hyatt Hotels, co-founder of NYC Next, and the visionary behind The Longest Table. Maryam shares her inspiring journey, navigating a non-linear career path defined by pivots, purpose, and resilience, ultimately becoming a passionate advocate for community-building in New York City. Discover how Maryam leveraged purpose-driven leadership, brand storytelling, and authentic relationships to drive tangible impact. She emphasizes the importance of brands genuinely understanding and committing to their values, particularly during times of crisis, and provides valuable insights for marketers and leaders eager to foster meaningful community, loyalty, and brand strength. Whether you're managing career transitions, seeking to fortify your brand, or striving to build enduring communities, this conversation offers indispensable advice from one of today's most influential leaders.