Episode 740

Cannabis Loyalty Unlocked: Marketing and Innovation with Embarc (#740)

Published on: 27th January, 2026

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This episode is available in audio format on our Let's Talk Loyalty podcast and in video format on www.Loyalty.TV.

We are breaking new ground today as we explore the retail Cannabis industry, one that is often discussed, but not very well understood.

Marketing to customers in a regulated industry has complexities and my guest today is one of the most accomplished persons leading marketing innovation in the Cannabis industry. Courtney Zalewski is Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Embarc, a modern, community-focused cannabis retailer in California with locations across the state.

Courtney pioneered the launch of the Embarc Passport Club two years ago and we talk about the intersection of regulations in Cannabis retail with the most stringent consumer protection laws in the US (the CCPA), where the challenge of creating customer loyalty in the Cannabis industry might be the biggest in all of retail.

Hosted by Bill Hanifin, CLMP™

Show Notes :

1)Courtney Zalewski

2) Embarc

3) Embarc Passport Club

5) Unresonable Hospitality - Book Recommendation

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About the Podcast

Let's Talk Loyalty
“Let’s Talk Loyalty” is an industry podcast for loyalty marketing professionals.

If you work in loyalty marketing, join us every week to learn the latest ideas and marketing insights from loyalty specialists around the world.

Check out our website on: http://www.letstalkloyalty.com/

About your host

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Paula Thomas

Paula Thomas is the Founder and CEO of Let’s Talk Loyalty and Loyalty TV.

Paula Thomas is an award-winning podcaster who founded the “Let’s Talk Loyalty” podcast and business in 2019, and Loyalty TV in 2023.

She has over twenty-five years blue-chip marketing experience, including almost a decade leading consumer loyalty programmes in multiple sectors including telecommunications, the energy sector, banking and airline loyalty programmes.

She is from Ireland and lives in Dubai.

Paula is a former judge for the “International Loyalty Awards”, and the author of the book “Driving Loyalty in Convenience Retail”.

She holds an Executive MBA from Smurfit Business College, one of Ireland’s top universities, and is a “Certified Loyalty Marketing Professional”.

In 2025, she was chosen as the International Loyalty Industry Personality of the Year.