Transparency and Authenticity:Transparency celebrates your brand's identity. By authentically sharing sourcing and craftsmanship stories, you captivate discerning customers valuing uncompromising quality.

With over 25 years of experience guiding some of the world's most recognizable brands, public figures, and Fortune 100 companies, David Miskin is a renowned creative marketing executive, brand consultant, and luxury expert known for his visionary approach and ability to reinvent traditional rules. His cutting-edge design work has earned him recognition, including being named to Design: Retail's "40 Under 40" list and receiving various industry awards.

David has held senior executive positions, including CEO of Cultural Assets at Iris-Worldwide North America (Netflix, Automobili Lamborghini, IHG Hotels), a global marketing agency; CMO and CCO of The Lightstone Group (Moxy Hotels, AC Hotels, The Edition), one of the largest privately held real estate investment firms in the nation; and VP of Creative & Brand Strategy at GGP / Brookfield Properties Retail (Ala Moana Center, Water Tower Place, Natick Collection), an S&P 500 real estate investment trust.

Throughout his career, David has contributed to and consulted for numerous prestigious brands such as ABC Carpet & Home, Lamborghini, Kraft Heinz, WeWork, Marriott, NBC Universal, Samsung, and Starbucks.

Starting 2023, David took on the role of Chief Creative Officer at Kasumigaseki Capital. Based in Tokyo, Japan, he leads branding and design strategies, primarily within the hospitality sector, steering the creative vision for two prominent hotel chains: FAV and FAV LUX. Additionally, David is actively involved in shaping the concept of seven x seven, a luxury self-hospitality venture. The inaugural seven x seven location is slated to debut in Itoshima, Japan, in March 2024, followed by a second opening in Ishigaki in Fall 2024, with three more locations planned later that year. David's strategic acumen and innovative leadership continue to propel success in the dynamic realm of commercial real estate and hospitality.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

From a young age, I always felt drawn to the creative world, even though I couldn't draw to save my life. At the age of 16, I stumbled into visual merchandising, unaware that it would pave the way for my future in branding and design.

As I worked my way up from stacking denim to designing stores, I inadvertently absorbed the essence of luxury, learning about brand positioning and customer experience effortlessly. Each role I took on, whether in marketing, merchandising, or design, provided me with invaluable insights into what makes an experience truly exceptional.

Through hard work and determination, I built a career from the ground up, seizing every chance to learn and improve. This effort led me through various executive and leadership roles, and eventually to consulting for Fortune 100 companies. My focus has always been on guiding these organizations through the intricate challenges of luxury branding and design, drawing on the wealth of experience I gained through my commitment to excellence and improvement.

Then, fate intervened once again during a chance encounter in Tokyo, where a casual dinner led to a life-changing opportunity. Fast forward a year, and here I am, living and breathing luxury and hospitality in Tokyo, leading the creative charge for one of Japan's largest capital groups.

It's funny how life works out sometimes, isn't it?

Can you share a story about the funniest marketing mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

In the ྖs, as a regional visual manager for a department store, our weekly cosmetic promotions were significant. Picture hundreds of display bags with tissue paper and oversized bottles, along with prepared posters mounted carefully on foam core. It took days to prepare.

One day, I made a hilarious mistake, realizing I'd planned for the wrong month's promotion. Chaos ensued on the scheduled day. It didn't go as planned, and we scrambled to salvage the situation. I learned the importance of attention to detail and triple-checked everything since. It was a humorous reminder that even meticulously planned campaigns can go awry if you overlook basics.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

Currently, I'm a consultant at Kasumigaseki Capital, overseeing various departments within the hospitality division and beyond. I'm deeply engaged in an exciting project with Seven x Seven, a pioneering brand revolutionizing luxury self-hospitality. Seven x Seven represents a paradigm shift in the industry, offering a groundbreaking concept unlike anything else.

What distinguishes us is our innovative approach to luxury self-hospitality, merging the elegance of a luxury hotel with the freedom of self-service accommodations. Traditionally, luxury hotels have emphasized full-service amenities and personalized experiences. However, Seven x Seven challenges this by redefining the hotel experience.

Our concept empowers guests to customize their stay, with features like self-check-in kiosks and cutting-edge amenities. This approach ensures a seamless and immersive experience tailored to individual preferences.

Combining the comforts of home with five-star luxury, Seven x Seven offers unparalleled flexibility, convenience, and affordability for travelers. Whether for a weekend getaway, business trip, or extended stay, guests can relax and recharge on their terms.

Our dedication to innovation, design excellence, and guest-centric service sets us apart as industry leaders. With Seven x Seven, we're not just creating a hotel; we're shaping a destination that redefines luxury and hospitality standards.

Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?

Yes, I'm currently immersed in an incredibly exciting project with Seven x Seven, a brand that's redefining luxury self-hospitality in a way that's never been done before. I initiated the creation of the Seven x Seven brand, crafted its name, and am hands-on in directing every aspect of its development.

From spearheading the rebranding of their existing hotel portfolio to conceptualizing and developing the new brand, Seven x Seven, I've been deeply involved in every step of the process. Now, seeing it come to fruition is incredibly rewarding.

With the recent opening of our first location, and the second one already in development and slated to open in September, the momentum is palpable. What sets Seven x Seven apart is its multifaceted approach to hospitality, driven by my hands-on involvement and attention to detail.

Every aspect, from the meticulously curated design aesthetics to the innovative self-service amenities, bears my influence and direction. Whether it's refining the check-in process or fine-tuning the communal spaces, my goal is to redefine the luxury travel experience. Also, by offering luxury accommodations at accessible price points, we're democratizing luxury travel and making it available to a wider audience.

As we continue to expand our footprint with new locations in the pipeline, I'm confident that Seven x Seven will not only elevate the hospitality industry but also leave a lasting impression on countless travelers. And it's all thanks to the hands-on approach I've taken in bringing this vision to life.

Ok let's now jump to the core part of our interview. In a nutshell, how would you define the difference between brand marketing (branding) and product marketing (advertising)? Can you explain?

Branding is all about shaping how people see and feel about a company or product. It's like crafting the personality and vibe that makes a brand stand out in your mind. Think of it as the overall vibe and reputation a company has.

Product marketing, on the other hand, is more about getting the word out about specific products or services. It's the ads you see promoting the latest gadgets or telling you why you need that new shampoo. Product marketing is all about driving sales and making people want to buy what you're selling.

So, in a nutshell, branding is about the big picture, creating a lasting impression, while product marketing is more about the here and now, getting people excited to buy stuff. Both are super important for making a company successful, but they play different roles in the game.

Can you explain to our readers why it is important to invest resources and energy into building a brand, in addition to the general marketing and advertising efforts?

Investing in your brand is like giving your business a superpower — it sets you apart and makes you memorable. Marketing grabs attention, but building a brand keeps people coming back for more. With a strong brand, you're not just selling a product; you're selling an experience that connects with customers personally. This connection fosters loyalty and turns customers into advocates who spread the word.

Moreover, building a brand builds trust and credibility. Consistency and reliability create a bond with customers, like having a dependable best friend. While marketing gets your name out, building a brand ensures long-term success by turning buyers into lifelong fans. Trust me, investing in your brand is a game-changer!

Can you share 5 strategies that a company should be using to build a trusted and believable brand?

• Consistent Brand Messaging: In a luxurious boutique, every detail — from decor to service — reflects a cohesive vision. Brand messaging ensures every interaction exudes refinement. Whether on your website, social media, or product packaging, consistency conveys timeless elegance and trust.
• Exceptional Customer Service: In a spa retreat, staff anticipate needs and pamper with personalized attention. Exceptional service exceeds expectations, creating unforgettable experiences. By providing white-glove service, you cultivate loyal clientele valuing unparalleled luxury.
• Transparency and Authenticity:Transparency celebrates your brand's identity. By authentically sharing sourcing and craftsmanship stories, you captivate discerning customers valuing uncompromising quality.
• Engaging Content and Storytelling: Engaging storytelling evokes emotions, ignites imaginations, and transports refined indulgence. By curating aspirational content resonating with affluent clientele, you cultivate an aura of exclusivity.
• Delivering on Promises: Delivering excellence ensures unparalleled quality and sophistication. By upholding luxury standards in every interaction, you establish a legacy enduring for generations.

In your opinion, what is an example of a company that has done a fantastic job building a believable and beloved brand. What specifically impresses you? What can one do to replicate that?

Definitely Apple — What impresses me most about Apple is their ability to seamlessly blend innovation with simplicity. From their sleek product designs to their intuitive user interfaces, everything about Apple exudes elegance and sophistication. But what truly sets Apple apart is their unwavering focus on the customer experience. Whether it's through their seamless ecosystem of products and services or their legendary customer support, Apple goes above and beyond to delight and inspire their customers. To replicate their success, one could focus on fostering a culture of innovation, prioritizing the user experience, and building a brand that's synonymous with quality, reliability, and innovation.

In advertising, one generally measures success by the number of sales. How does one measure the success of a brand building campaign? Is it similar, is it different?

When it comes to brand building campaigns, it's not just about crunching numbers — it's about capturing emotions and perceptions. Unlike advertising, which often focuses solely on sales metrics, brand building campaigns require a different lens. Success in this area means delving into brand awareness, perception, and loyalty. Consider tracking metrics like brand recognition, customer sentiment, and engagement levels across various touchpoints. Sales are important, sure, but they're just one piece of the puzzle when assessing the impact of a brand building campaign.

What role does social media play in your branding efforts?

Social media is the heartbeat of our brand's digital presence — the place where conversations flourish, trends ignite, and connections deepen. From crafting visually stunning content on Instagram to sparking engaging dialogues on Twitter, social media serves as our canvas for showcasing the personality, values, and essence of our brand. It goes beyond merely broadcasting messages; it's about fostering genuine interactions, nurturing communities, and empowering brand advocates who resonate with our mission.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

If there's one thing I'm passionate about, it's spreading kindness and empathy far and wide. Imagine a world where acts of compassion are as commonplace as morning coffee — where people lift each other up, celebrate diversity, and walk in each other's shoes. This movement isn't about grand gestures; it's centered on everyday acts of empathy that ripple outward, creating a tapestry of connection and understanding. Together, we can ignite a chain reaction of positivity that touches hearts and transforms lives, one small act of kindness at a time.

Can you please give us your favorite "Life Lesson Quote"? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

One of my favorite life lessons is encapsulated in this quote by Winston Churchill: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts."

This quote resonates deeply with me, serving as a reminder that success and failure are merely temporary waypoints on our journey. Success should not breed complacency, nor should failure deter us from progressing. It's our resilience, determination, and the courage to face challenges head-on that carve our path.

Throughout my career, I've experienced my fair share of highs and lows. I've celebrated achievements and faced setbacks. Yet, these experiences taught me that the essence of moving forward isn't about fixating on past outcomes but in mustering the courage to advance, no matter the hurdles.

We are blessed that very prominent leaders in business and entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world with whom you would like to have a lunch or breakfast with? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

If given the opportunity, I would be absolutely thrilled to share a meal with David Rockwell. As a visionary architect and designer, his work has profoundly inspired me. Rockwell's talent for blending creativity, innovation, and functionality in his designs is nothing short of remarkable. I greatly admire his diverse portfolio, which encompasses everything from iconic hospitality spaces to groundbreaking theater sets. A side note — the Rockwell Group designed many of the Food & Beverage components at Moxy, where I've collaborated with many members of his team but have never had the chance to meet Mr. Rockwell himself.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

Instagram @davidmiskin

Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational.