Russell Kern is the Founder and CEO of Kern and Partners, a leadership development consultancy that specializes in neuroscience-based, strength-centric programs designed to elevate team dynamics, collaboration, and innovation within organizations. With over four decades of experience, including leading a 400-person national advertising agency, Russell brings a wealth of knowledge in organizational development and human capital optimization. He is renowned for creating the K.E.R.N. Leadership Development Method, which fosters high-value teaming cultures aligned with strategic business objectives. Russell's client portfolio includes global enterprises such as Caterpillar, Procter & Gamble, SAP, American Express, and AAA Auto Club, reflecting his broad impact across various industries.

The marketing world is noisier than ever, so how can brands truly capture attention and inspire action? With digital fatigue rising and inboxes overflowing, it is getting harder to stand out. Could the secret lie in something as traditional as direct mail, and how does cutting-edge tech like AI fit into the picture?

According to Russell Kern, a direct marketing pioneer with decades of experience, the key to breaking through the noise lies in understanding how the human brain responds to physical experiences. He highlights that direct mail engages more of our senses than digital channels and creates a lasting impact when executed with precision. The result is higher engagement and better ROI, especially when neuroscience and behavioral insights inform the creative strategy. Russell also emphasizes that while AI tools can supercharge ideation and efficiency, they work best when paired with human intuition, empathy, and emotional intelligence.

In this episode of the Response Drivers podcast, host Rick Rappe is joined by Russell Kern, Founder and CEO of Kern and Partners, to discuss the neuroscience behind direct mail and the role of Human+AI collaboration in modern marketing. They explore why physical mail is making a comeback, how to blend creativity with data, and ways to improve strategic thinking using AI. Russell also shares his approach to building unbeatable, high-performing teams.

Mike Kichline was the CEO and Co-founder of Yesler, Inc., a global B2B marketing agency offering services such as content marketing, marketing automation, sales enablement, and analytics. Under his leadership, Yesler expanded to over 350 employees across 14 countries, serving prominent clients including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. In 2020, Accenture acquired Yesler, integrating its capabilities into Accenture's broader marketing services. Post-acquisition, Mike continues to contribute his expertise as a strategic advisor in the business services sector.

Building a business from the ground up is no small feat, but scaling it into a global industry leader is an entirely different challenge. What does it take to transform a company into a powerhouse in the B2B marketing space? And how can a strong company culture and strategic foresight fuel that growth?

According to Mike Kichline, a seasoned entrepreneur and marketing leader, success comes from a mix of strategic execution, culture-driven leadership, and anticipating industry trends before they take hold. He highlights how his company Yesler leveraged deep expertise in B2B marketing and a commitment to measurable results to differentiate itself in a competitive landscape. By prioritizing both talent development and innovation, the agency quickly became a trusted partner for some of the biggest global brands. The ability to scale effectively while maintaining a strong internal culture was key to Yesler’s rapid rise and eventual acquisition by Accenture.

In this episode of the Response Drivers podcast, host Rick Rappe sits down with Mike Kichline to discuss how he built Yesler into a global B2B marketing powerhouse. They explore the challenges of scaling a high-growth agency, the importance of aligning services with emerging market needs, and why company culture is a critical growth driver. Mike also shares insights on the future of B2B marketing and how AI is reshaping the industry.

​Rick Rappe is the President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing, a Seattle-based agency specializing in direct mail marketing services, including lead generation, acquisition, loyalty, and win-back programs. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Rick has developed and managed some of the largest and most successful direct-marketing-driven sales channels in the country. Under his leadership, RPM focuses on delivering performance-driven direct mail programs tailored to clients' specific goals.

Direct mail has been around for decades, yet many marketers question its relevance in today’s digital-first world. With online advertising costs rising and consumer attention increasingly fragmented, businesses are searching for ways to cut through the noise. Could direct mail be the hidden gem that marketers are overlooking?

According to Rick Rappe, a seasoned direct marketing expert, direct mail remains one of the most effective and trustworthy marketing channels. He highlights that while digital platforms are oversaturated and plagued by low engagement rates, direct mail reaches consumers in a tangible, less cluttered space — right in their homes. Unlike emails or online ads that can be easily ignored, direct mail allows brands to command attention and create a lasting impression. With strategic targeting, rigorous testing, and compelling creative execution, businesses can turn direct mail into a high-performing, cost-efficient sales channel.

In this episode of the Response Drivers podcast, Rick Rappe, President and Owner of RPM Direct Marketing, is interviewed by Chad Franzen of Rise25 to discuss why direct mail continues to thrive in a digital landscape. He explains how direct mail offers a level of trust and engagement that digital channels often lack, the role of data in optimizing campaigns, and why businesses are reinvesting in this strategy.