The First Pencil

The High Cost of Brand Betrayal

ā€¢ Kathi Kruse and Mike theCarGuy Correra ā€¢ Season 4 ā€¢ Episode 2

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What happens when beloved brands make moves that contradict their core identity? In this episode, we dive into Southwest Airlinesā€™ quiet removal of its ā€œFirst Bag Flies Freeā€ policy and Elon Muskā€™s increasingly controversial influence on Tesla. From customer trust to brand erosion, we unpack how decisions at the top can ripple through brand equityā€”and what it really costs when companies stop honoring what made them iconic in the first place.

Music segment:

Whoā€™s listening to full CDs/Albums? We are! Are you?

New Order Power: Corruption & Lies

Pearl Jam: Ten

Cher & Gregg Allman - Love Me (Old Grey Whistle Test, Nov 15, 1977)

Kathiā€™s must watch: The Righteous Gemstones


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Got a question? Email either of us!

Kathi: kathi@krusecontrolinc.com

Mike: mikethecarguy@outlook.com