H&R Block Went Full Reality TV to Unlock Gen-Z Customers
H&R Block Went Full Reality TV to Unlock Gen-Z Customers  
Podcast: Marketing Trends
Published On: Wed Jun 25 2025
Description: What do you get when you mix a 70-year-old legacy brand, Gen Z tax filers, and a reality TV show called Responsibility Island?An absolute marketing fever dream. And Jill Cress — CMO of H&R Block — is the mastermind behind it. We unpack how she’s giving TurboTax-meets-Gen-Z realness. We’re talking Roblox integrations, bold brand storytelling, and what happens when you challenge a category that’s historically allergic to change.We cover:– How H&R Block turned tax season into a cultural moment– What marketers get wrong about Gen Z (and how to fix it)– Why AI is useful, but human empathy still pays the bills– The 4 E’s of customer experience (one of them might make you cry)This is legacy brand marketing with ✨main character energy.✨Press play. Take notes. Maybe even call your tax pro. Key Moments:00:00 Introduction to Jill Cress, CMO of H&R Block01:49 H&R Block's Legacy and Innovation13:03 Challenges and Surprises in Marketing19:45 Responsibility Island: A Bold Marketing Move25:41 Measuring Success and Future Plans30:59 Differentiation and Brand Storytelling33:15 Life Stage Stories and Customer Experience38:21 The Role of Empathy in Customer Relationships44:08 AI in Tax Assistance51:33 The Future of Brand Storytelling53:43 Advice for Young Marketers57:02 Relevant or Irrelevant: Lightening Round ----Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.