The Cambridge Marketing Podcast

Paul Smith, Marketing Director at Hendy Group, shares what automotive can teach marketers about trust, complexity and modern buying behaviour. When customers arrive 90% decided, marketing's job shifts from persuasion to reassurance. We talk brand architecture, managing multiple audiences, ethical finance, reputation tracking beyond NPS, and why customer experience is a system... not a moment.

This week Kiran and Charles talk about the Super Bowl ads and why they matter so much. They look at OpenAI bringing in advertising, a rival ad from Claude that questions bias, and Ring's dog-finding campaign that many people found unsettling.

This episode looks at what happens when brands forget who they're for. We start with Prestat, the old Piccadilly chocolatier that lost its way after being bought by venture capital, cutting range, pushing expensive boxes and drifting from the customers who loved it. From there we discuss Bass securing the first UK trademark, NatWest chasing “mass affluence”, and why understanding your market still beats clever strategy every time.   [The book referenced towards the end of the episode is called How Africa Works: Success and Failure on The World's Last Developmental Frontier by Joe Studwell.]

This week we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week. Kiran Kapur is joined by Sophie Bolton to talk honestly about what apprenticeships are really like. Sophie shares her own route into marketing, how learning on the job built her confidence, and why apprenticeships can be a smart alternative to university for people at any stage of their career. This episode is an essential listen for anyone either considering an apprenticeship or taking on an apprentice.  

Kiran Kapur talks with Chris Woodward from Oliver Agency about how marketing agencies are using AI in everyday work. They cover automation, Oliver's in-house model, real cost savings, and training teams to use new tools. Chris also explains why many smaller businesses may get better results investing in AI software and skills instead of hiring another person.

This week our Opinionated Marketers look at how weight loss jabs are reshaping consumer behaviour.  From smaller food portions and falling alcohol sales to booming fashion and fitness spending - everything's changing, and changing quickly. Kiran and Charles also discuss pharma's push towards pill versions, pressure on pubs and hospitality, the rise of alcohol-free drinks, and what these fast-moving shifts mean for marketers. Read the article discussed here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj6wy85l3x5o

This episode explores the adverts that really work!  We're joined by Lynne Deason of Kantar and look at everything from John Lewis Christmas classics and Coca-Cola's personalised bottles to Amazon's festive storytelling and Ariel's “Share the Load” campaign. Lynne reveals what these campaigns get right, how emotion and music shape impact, and why positive representation helps brands connect with audiences worldwide.  

In this episode, Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon dig into the GOOD news stories getting buried by bad headlines. They talk about the retail successes at Next and Marks & Spencer, the truth behind 'Blue Monday', Universal Studios coming to the UK, and why adults are buying more toys!

This episode is about slowing down and doing marketing properly. Abe Kasbo of Verasoni argues that brands have become addicted to shortcuts, dashboards and shiny new tools. We talk about why product, brand and customer experience matter more than platforms, why not everything should be “digital-first”, and how businesses can build real growth without gambling on trends or tech hype.

Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon start with Peter Fisk's Trend Kaleidoscope and use it as a way into what 2026 might really look like. They talk through AI, politics, economics, climate, and shifting behaviour, cutting through trend noise to focus on what feels solid, what feels overplayed, and what might genuinely affect how people live and work.

2026 sees Cambridge Marketing College launch its new AI-focused apprenticeships. Listen to Kiran Kapur, Charlotte Lestienne and Neil Wilkins discuss the new programmes, and find out how you can get involved as both an apprentice and employer.

As 2025 draws to a close, our Opinionated Marketers reflect on the year that was.

Among this week's topics - Kiran and Charles discuss the new 'Great British Railways' branding, and why no Marketing Agency will have a single positive word to say about it!

Marketing is fast, demanding and often overwhelming. In this episode, we talk honestly about why the job feels so stressful, how burnout shows up, and why resilience varies so much from person to person. Psychotherapist and marketing consultant Kim Tasso explains warning signs, team pressures, remote-work challenges, and simple ways to lower stress before it hits a breaking point.

In this episode, we explore the world of police communications with Janeen Harding, Digital Communications and Engagement Advisor for Lincolnshire Police. We discuss crisis communications, media training, stakeholder engagement, and the challenge of reaching diverse rural communities. Janine also reveals how powerful campaigns like Think of Denii are created—and why the force launched a successful TikTok strategy to engage younger audiences. It's a Perfect listen for those interested in public sector communications, digital strategy, and community engagement.

This week, Kiran and Charles discuss the 2025 UK Budget and what it really means for people and businesses. They dig into tax changes, rising costs, climate policy twists and why the headlines don't tell the full story.

Charles and Kiran discuss whether the rapid rise in AI valuations is heading for a bubble burst, sparked by big investor moves and unrealistic expectations. They stress that AI is here to stay but due a reality check. The conversation then turns to online pricing tactics; hidden fees, fake discounts and murky sales practices - and why marketers should stick to transparency if they want to keep their reputation intact.

Social media consultant Daisey Cook joins Kiran Kapur for a lively conversation about showing up online without losing your mind. They explore where your audience actually is, why consistency beats chasing trends, and how simple strategy brings calm to the chaos. Practical, honest and full of human insight, it's a gentle guide to making social media work your way.

From China's Singles Day to the rising price of gold - Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon explore how global consumer habits, cultural events, and economic shifts shape marketing opportunities. This week, they discuss adapting to new social and retail phenomena, the importance of wide-ranging news sources, and why smart marketers always look beyond the headlines.

Kiran Kapur talks to copywriter Jamie Thomson about why the best writing begins long before fingers touch the keyboard. He explains his five-step “Brand New Copy” method, showing how understanding goals, psychology, and positioning makes copy clear, human and effective. A practical chat about thinking, not just typing — and why AI can't replace that.

Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon talk about the new John Lewis Christmas ad, the comfort of old-fashioned catalogues, and the joy of getting something in the post. They share memories of real shopping and chat about a brand that skips Black Friday discounts to give money to charity instead — proving kindness can stand out more than sales.

AI is reshaping everything—from business to our sense of what's real. In this thought-provoking conversation, Kiran asks Neil Wilkins whether our unease around artificial intelligence is justified or simply misunderstood. Together they explore AI-first businesses, human–machine “relationships,” and what happens when technology starts to feel a little too human.

Charles and Kiran explore the reality of robots in care homes, from Japan's seal-like companions to machines that just get in the way. They debate why humans keep giving robots faces, what makes automation useful, and whether we're designing for need or novelty.

Vahagn Sarksyan, VP of Marketing at KRISP, shares how the company turned a simple noise-cancelling tool into a whole new voice AI category. From educating users who didn't know they had a problem to shifting from B2C to B2B, he talks about testing ideas fast, building trust, and turning product value into the story.  This episode is a sharp and honest look at marketing in action.

In this episode of Opinionated Marketers, Kiran Kapur and Charles Nixon discuss Schumpeter's long wave theory and the cycles of creative destruction—from steam power to AI. They look at how innovation changes economies, jobs, and industries, why adaptability matters, and whether solar energy could drive the next global revolution. Read more: “4.6 Billion Years On, the Sun Is Having a Moment” – The New Yorker

This week on The Cambridge Marketing Podcast, Anthony Smith from Red Stag Media explains how to market to farmers and agribusinesses. He shares insights into agricultural and horticultural marketing, the power of digital tools in farming, and why using the right language is vital for connecting with rural audiences.

In this episode, we explore a Three-Step Formula for successful PowerPoint presentations. Our guest is Richard Goring of BrightCarbon, who reveals why many presentations miss the mark and therefore fail in their objective. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who uses PowerPoint, Google Slides or any other tool for business communication, sales, training or marketing.

Email expert Kim Arnold joins Kiran to reveal why most of us are terrible at writing emails—and how to fix it. From the “Dump Truck” (walls of text) and “White Bread” (bland, personality-free emails) to the “Undertaker” (buried calls-to-action), Kim explains the biggest mistakes people make and shares practical tips to write clear, persuasive, and human emails that actually get replies. Whether you're emailing colleagues, chasing clients, or battling Teams and Slack overload, this episode is packed with real-world advice to make your messages stand out.

What does “commercial intelligence” really mean for marketers, and why do so many of us avoid it? In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Hatcher (entrepreneur, investor, and fellow of the Cambridge Marketing College) to cut through the noise around numbers, ROI, and lifetime customer value. We dig into the stuff marketers often push aside: how much it costs to get a customer, how much it takes to keep them, and what they're actually worth over time. Andrew explains why being “too creative for the maths” is just an excuse, why brand awareness can be measured, and how simple calculations can change the way you justify campaigns, budgets, and even your next pay rise. From Google Ads and HubSpot funnels to B2B sales, referrals, and lifetime value, we get into the practical side of marketing that every creative professional needs to face. If you've ever thought “I don't do numbers, I just make content,” this conversation will change your mind.

What does a strong employer brand really look like? Alexis Drake of Reed Talent Solutions explains why honesty beats buzzwords, how the right Employee Value Proposition attracts top talent, and why cutting through the corporate beige is essential for smarter talent acquisition and retention.  

What really makes a community tick? Hayley Williams, founder of Keystone Marketing, shares how to spark community engagement, move beyond personas, and build trust through authentic conversations.

Charles Nixon and Kiran Kapur dive into Cracker Barrel's failed logo rebrand, how a presidential tweet turned backlash into retreat, and what it reveals about branding, social media firestorms, and influencer power. Plus: the rise of AI influencers and how electric cars could reinvent roadside dining.

In this episode, Kiran sits down with Neil Wilkins, founder and host of the AI Marketing Summit, to explore how AI is reshaping marketing strategy, creativity, and business growth. From practical tools like process mapping and AI video creation to big-picture questions on ethics, AGI, and the future of work, the summit brings together 24 global thought leaders for a full day of keynotes, panels, and live discussions. You'll discover how to bridge the gap between everyday AI tools (like ChatGPT) for research or conten, and the bigger strategic moves that can reshape your business. We also dig into what it means to keep “humanness” at the centre of AI-powered work, and why this summit is set to be one of the most important AI events of the year.

Can AI feel? Our Opinionated Marketers debate the absurd, the worrying, and the hilarious sides of emotional machines.

Charles Nixon and Kiran Kapur tackle inflation, pricing, and AI in marketing - why innovation and clear storytelling matter now more than ever.

This week our Opinionated Marketers bid a misty-eyed farewell to what was once America's biggest internet service.  

This week, Kiran and Charles dive into how AI is shaking up marketing - from streamlining everyday tasks to churning out word salad. They explore job hunting with AI, shifting workplace culture, and why clear, simple messaging matters more than ever.

In this episode, Kiran and Charles chat about how businesses need to stop ignoring Asia and start marketing to it—not just outsourcing. They explore IKEA's smart moves in India, lab-grown diamonds gaining ground, and how solar panel recycling could reshape sustainability.

Marketing for architects is WAY more interesting than you'd think! For this episode, Susie Lober joins us to share why strategy beats shouting, how word-of-mouth actually works, and why architects aren't just selling buildings. Susie has a very impressive CV, having worked at Norman Foster's iconic Foster + Partners and who now runs her own consultancy, LO Marketing.

In this episode, brand strategists Rachel Fairley and Sarah Robb join us to discuss their book Re-Brand Right: How to Refresh Your Brand and Marketing to Grow Your Business. We explore what rebranding really means, why it's not just about new logos, and how smart brand strategy can boost revenue, cohesion—and even price.  The discussion is FULL of sharp insight and fresh thinking!

This week Matt Wake of Hideout Theatre joins Kiran to discuss how his theatre company is storming the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer with their show The Players of Diadon. But, with no tangible product, how do you go about marketing?  Listen to hear Matt talk about guerrilla tactics, branding and good old-fashioned hustle!

This week, our Opinionated Marketers discuss the unnecessary use of AI in everyday life.

In this episode of the Cambridge Marketing Podcast, Kiran Kapur talks with marketer Sam Bridge about using the SOSTAC framework for effective marketing planning. They discuss how to make it work in real-world scenarios (dealing with vague briefs, moving targets, and tight deadlines) while keeping marketing strategies clear and focused.

This week Charles Nixon and Kiran Kapur discuss the findings from a Marketing Meetup survey, highlighting marketers' views on workload stress, team dynamics, and AI adoption. 

This week, we chat with Wendy Thompson, Chair of ERIC, the children's bowel and bladder charity. We explore the power of clear, stigma-free communication, what it's really like being a trustee or chair, and how clever marketing and humour help support thousands of families dealing with tough health issues.

This week, our Opinionated Marketers discuss why brands should embrace pricing transparency.  We also touch on changing consumer habits in the night time economy.

In this episode, we dive into the tricky world of marketing measurement with Richard Levy. Why are marketers so nervous about being measured? How can we show real impact beyond fluffy metrics? From brand tracking to boardroom language, we explore what really works when proving marketing's value without losing the creative spark.

This week our Opinionated Marketrers look at the new UK-EU trade deal and what it actually means beyond the headlines. Plus, we chat about AI avatars in finance and how tech is reshaping work. 

In this episode, brand expert Anushree Deshpande discusses brand management for small businesses, emphasising consistency, authenticity, and values. She shares solopreneur insights, the power of tone of voice, and building trust through clear, strategic brand expression across all touch points. It's a must-listen for anyone involved in the day-to-day running of a business and, of course, working in marketing.

This week, our Opinionated Marketers reflect on how businesses play a role in customer wellbeing in today's chaotic world.  We also discuss M&S's measured response to their recent cyberattack.

In this episode of the Cambridge Marketing Podcast, Richard Kendrick breaks down what it means to be a digital product manager—and why it's such a fast-paced, exciting role. Unlike traditional product management, where you're dealing with physical goods, digital products (like apps or platforms) are constantly evolving and can be updated instantly based on user feedback. The conversation touches on key ideas like launching with a “minimum viable product” (MVP), staying close to your users, and using data to improve continuously. Richard also emphasises the importance of communication and stakeholder management, especially when working with developers, sales teams, or agencies.