WWE star Tank Ledger’s lessons on branding and finding success through authenticity

In partnership with Breaking and Entering Media, Ad Age is publishing the “Breaking and Entering” podcast on AdAge.com. Learn more about the show at Breaking-Entering.com. Joe Spivak didn’t originally foresee a career in professional wrestling—he grew up with dreams of playing in the NFL—but he’s now a rising star in the WWE, known inside the ring as Tank Ledger. In a lively conversation on Breaking and Entering Media’s “BrandSide” podcast with host Jack Westerkamp, Spivak talks about his path from collegiate wrestling and football at Northwestern University to performing in the WWE. He reflects on authenticity, the importance of taking risks and the dedication it takes to thrive in the entertainment and sports industries. “Football was my vehicle for chasing dreams,” Spivak explained, crediting his strength coach at Northwestern for opening his eyes to the WWE. A communicator by nature, Spivak quickly connected the dots between his love for performance and the intensity of physical competition, paving the way to his career in wrestling. For Spivak, the road to WWE was a series of personal and professional pivots—moments where embracing opportunity and remaining flexible were key. He also emphasizes the value of consistency and staying authentic as a brand. “We become what we think about,” Spivak said, sharing how he and his tag-team partner, Hank Walker, constantly brainstorm and refine ideas that help them connect with their audience. To Spivak, authenticity is crucial both in the ring and in life, as audiences can “see through” inauthenticity immediately. Spivak’s advice for those looking to grow their careers and personal branding is to focus on staying true to your strengths, take risks and be willing to put yourself out there, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Listen to the episode above to hear more about Tank Ledger’s journey and how he’s preparing for his next big move to The CW. Find more episodes on Spotify. Ad Age Marketer’s Brief podcast Listen here or subscribe via Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music or Audible Click here About Breaking and Entering Media Breaking and Entering Media is a leading platform dedicated to helping everyone better understand and break into the advertising world. Whether aspiring advertisers landing their first job, agencies winning their dream clients or production companies connecting with top agencies, Breaking and Entering bridges the gap and helps people pull off their ultimate “heist” in the industry. Founded in 2020, it quickly became a top resource for industry insights, strategies and expert advice. Consistently ranked as one of the top 5 advertising podcasts globally, Breaking and Entering exists to tell the stories that break down the advertising industry and empower its audience to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.

WWE star Tank Ledger’s lessons on branding and finding success through authenticity

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