Unique among branding or creative guideline books, this book examines the enormous influence of both "commercial persuasion" and "societal persuasion" branding—and looks closely at the crucial role creative brand warriors play in building and sustaining winning designs. A primary focus is on exploring what it takes to be a successful creative in the global branding wars as defined by the 12 branding determinants. Global brands, such as Starbucks, Google, Burger King, Delta Airlines, and more, demonstrate the unique traits that make them successful brands.

Mac Cato founded Cato Gobe in New York in 1985, with Joel Desgrippes in Paris, focused on development of the Emotional Branding concept. Throughout his long career Cato has been an active innovator in his brand consulting programs with many of the world's leading brand-led businesses, including Mercedes, Ford, General Foods, Nestle, Mars, Coke, Pepsi, Nabisco, Chase, Diners Cub, American Express, Heineken, Budweiser, The Limited, ASDA, Kroger, Safeway, Avon, Elisabeth Arden, Victoria's Secret, and Brookstone.