“The founders that are the most successful ultimately have an endurance about them.”
Joel Mulbah speaks with brand strategist and agency founder Obînna “Obi” Onungwa about the tension between old school and new school marketing—and what actually lasts. This wide-ranging conversation explores the difference between marketing and sales, the enduring power of one-to-one connection, and why storytelling remains the center of influence even in an AI-driven world. They discuss branding versus direct response, the role of paid media as a testing ground, and how community—not just conversion—builds true brand equity. Together, they examine the mindset of successful founders, contrasting speed with endurance, and unpack why perseverance and humility often matter more than talent.
Obi reflects on his path from interning at Goldman Sachs to building Powered by Cue, a strategic brand marketing agency founded in New York nearly a decade ago. Drawing from early sales training, finance culture, and hands-on creative work, he shares his philosophy of building “AI-proof brands” by going deep on the individual and understanding the inner dialogue that drives decisions. The conversation also touches on identity, collaboration within the Black and African diaspora, and the responsibility advertisers have to create unity through story. At its core, this is a dialogue about ownership, sustainability, and why brands that build real community will outlast trends.