Learn the McDonald's viral marketing strategy and the campaigns behind some of the brand's biggest cultural moments.
Meet Amanda Mulligan, Head of Social Media and Creator Marketing at McDonald's, the mind behind the Chicken Big Mac launch with Kai Cenat, the Grimace Effect taking over Mets fans everywhere, and McNugget Caviar dominating Super Bowl weekend. If it went viral and had those big golden arches behind it, there's a good chance Amanda had something to do with it. With over a decade in the social media game, she has helped define what it means for a brand to truly become part of culture. We talk about the strategy behind viral campaigns, creator marketing, habits, instincts, hard-earned lessons, and what it really takes to run social for one of the world's most iconic brands.
Episode Chapters:
00:00:00 | Welcome "I Am Woo"
00:18:35 | The Accidental Social Native: NYC, Travelzoo & a 6-Month Detour
00:19:47 | Social Is the Future of Marketing
00:36:20 | Grimace: How a Forgotten Birthday Became a Comeback
00:41:00 | McNugget Caviar: The $0 Drop That Beat the Super Bowl
00:49:31 | Subcultures, Anime & Showing Up as a Fan
00:53:40 | Building a Brand's Social From Scratch
01:06:05 | Building Teams & the "Culture of Yes"
01:10:29 | The Oktoberfest Disaster
01:16:19 | The Big Arch: Leaning Into the Joke
01:19:15 | Fan Truths & Following Your Fans
01:29:49 | Give Us the Chai
01:34:34 | Manifestation, Moon Water & the McDonald's She Wrote Down
02:03:12 | Audience Q&A: Moving On, Burnout & New Leadership
02:07:49 | The Book: How to Win Friends and Influence People
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Check out Amanda's book, How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: https://www.amazon.com/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0671027034/
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A DANG World Studios Production
Our People:
Karan Dang - Co-Host & Chief Creative Officer
Shruti Dang - Co-Host & Chief Operating Officer
Utsav Dang - VP Strategic Operations
Missy Hauser - Podcast Producer
Sydney Dutton - Community and Operations Manager
Josh Lara - Executive Assistant
Euan Pascual - Long Form Editor
Fahd Sukarno P. Mantukay - Short Form Editor
Nadzmin Lackua - Social Media Graphic Designer
Mark Managan - Shortform Editor
Keith Tan - Creative Producer
John Mark Galamay - Social Writer
Noah Kugell - Lead AV Technician
Santiago Sanchez - AV Technician
Will Mazzola - Original Lighting & Camera Design
Estrella Trejo - Hair and Makeup
Trina Duarte - Hair and Makeup
German Belkin - Original Soundtrack
Jassi Aunty - Head Chef
Special Thanks:
Late Sidharth Raj Dang, Amrita Dang, Shashi Shukla, Praveen Shukla , Aria Dang, Blue Vir Dang
+ Advisors, Mentors, Friends & Family
