Podcast appearances and mentions of mark schaefer

If AI writes a better prompt than you can now, what are you still being paid for? In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle is joined by two of his closest collaborators, Brian Piper, content and AI integration consultant and co-author of Epic Content Marketing Volume 2, and Dr. Matt Wilkinson, founder of UK agency Strivenn and author of the forthcoming Buyer in the Loop. A month earlier, the three shared a stage at Mark Schaefer's Uprising retreat, building one marketing plan together, each orchestrating their own team of AI helpers to pull it off. Their answer to the question above is discernment. The AI handles the prompting now and most of the drafting. What it can't do is know when an output is wrong, when a claim is weak, when "good enough" isn't. That judgment comes from years of doing the work, and it's the one thing you bring to the machine that the machine can't supply for itself. The same idea runs through everything else they get into: why enterprise AI rollouts keep stalling, why "saving time" never seems to free anyone up, and why the white-collar-apocalypse story makes better clickbait than it does prediction. Listen in and hear about... Why discernment, not prompting, is the skill that holds its value in the AI era What actually went into co-building a campaign live at Mark Schaefer's Uprising retreat The change-management gap behind most failed enterprise AI rollouts Why "AI will take your job" is quietly sabotaging adoption from the inside How going solo became more connected, not more lonely Notable Quotes from Brian Piper and Matt Wilkinson "I think where it really excels is when you tie in expertise, you know, and you talked about building that discernment into the prompt and into the structure of your models that you're using." - Brian Piper "We have this extra time that AI has given us. Now the really strategic part is figuring out how you're going to use that time and how you're going to spend that time in a way that benefits your organization the most or benefits your customer the most." - Brian Piper "Otherwise the world is just going to be full of AI slop. But we can really use AI to increase the way that we think, the way that we engage with the information that we have." - Matt Wilkinson "There is no incentive to work with the AI to teach the AI to take over the tasks that you're doing, because then the AI can take your job. So why are you training up your replacement?" - Matt Wilkinson "I felt lonelier working at an organization than I did now that I'm on my own." - Brian Piper Resources and Links Dan Nestle Lilypath | Website The Trending Communicator | Website Communications Trends from Trending Communicators | Dan Nestle's Substack Dan Nestle | LinkedIn Matt Wilkinson Strivenn | Website Dr. Matt Wilkinson | Website Matt Wilkinson | LinkedIn Brian Piper Brian W. Piper | Website (speaking and books) AIreFlow Solutions | Website Brian Piper | LinkedIn Timestamps 00:00 Navigating Job Loss and New Beginnings 03:01 The Power of Collaboration in Solopreneurship 05:40 The Unique Experience of the Uprising Retreat 11:48 AI Beyond the Prompt: A New Approach 20:34 The Importance of Mindset and Discernment in AI 30:22 Operationalizing Expertise and Discernment 38:46 Merging Human Insight with AI 40:40 The Compounding Effect of Collaboration 42:09 Understanding AI Governance and Implementation 44:45 Strategic Use of AI Time Savings 46:49 The Myth of Time Freedom with AI 48:43 The Disconnect in AI Adoption 49:07 Building a Community for AI Success 50:05 The Importance of Change Management 52:33 The Reality of AI's Impact on Jobs 54:02 Navigating Job Evolution in the AI Era 56:26 Responsible AI Integration 58:16 The Role of Education in AI Adaptation 01:01:12 The Future of Job Markets and Education 01:04:19 Teaching Prompting for AI 01:07:32 Creating a New Educational Framework 01:10:00 The Solopreneur Experience 01:12:20 The Loneliness Myth in Entrepreneurship 01:15:20 The Human Element in AI Conversations (Notes co-created by Human Dan, Claude, and Riverside) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Schaefer, author, speaker, and global marketing powerhouse, joins Grit & Gravitas cohosts Anne Carnathan and Anne Deeter Gallaher for a riveting conversation about AI, creativity, your personal brand, and what it will take to stay relevant in a world changing faster than most of us can process. Mark compares AI to electricity: inevitable, powerful, and completely transformational. But this is not a conversation about replacing people. It is a conversation about becoming sharper, more curious, more creative, and more fully human in how we lead, work, connect, and show up. As Mark says, “We have to out-human AI.” From the future of business to the urgency of personal brand, from AI backlash to the danger of being merely competent, this episode is packed with business vitamins for anyone trying to rise above the noise. Because in an AI world, the work that stands out will be the work only you can do.

 With host retail coach Wendy Batten   https://wendybatten.com/podcast-intro/   Episode Overview In this episode, I sit down with best-selling marketing author and speaker Mark Schaefer to talk about what matters most for independent retailers in a world that's being increasingly shaped by AI. While technology continues to change how customers find the places they love to shop, Mark makes a compelling case that the strongest advantage for brick-and-mortar retailers is still something AI cannot replicate: a completely human experience. We talk about the role of personal branding, community, experiences, and transcendent content in modern retail. Mark shares why human-centered meaningful relationships matter more than marketing tricks and how shop owners can create businesses that people genuinely want to belong to. If you are interested in standing out amongst your peers, staying relevant, and building lasting customer loyalty, we recorded this episode to remind you that being human is your biggest asset in your retail business. Our Key Topics Why AI is changing marketing and customer discovery, and where independent retailers still have an advantage How personal branding helps shop owners build trust and stronger customer relationships What experiences, hospitality, and human connection can offer that technology cannot Why storytelling matters, including Mark's AIR framework: Authentic, Interesting, and Relevant How community differs from an audience, and why belonging creates lasting loyalty What it means to build a business that is meaningful to customers, not just visible Key Takeaways For Shop Owners on Personal Branding and Community Building Your personal brand is a competitive advantage. Mark emphasizes that customers can build relationships with local business owners, employees, and other customers in ways they never can with large online retailers. Being visible, present, and connected to your community helps create trust that technology cannot replace. Community creates loyalty that marketing alone cannot. When customers form relationships with each other through your business, the goodwill from those friendships transfers back to your brand. People continue showing up because they feel connected, not just because they need whatever it is that you are selling. Stories help customers remember and share your business. Mark encourages retailers to tell stories in every customer interaction. Stories give people something meaningful to talk about and create connections that extend beyond a transaction. The AIR framework can guide better storytelling. Stories should be Authentic, Interesting, and Relevant. When customers hear stories that meet those criteria, they are more likely to remember them and share them with others. Meaning matters more than trying to win every technology battle. Rather than obsessing over search rankings or AI visibility, Mark encourages business owners to focus on becoming meaningful to the people they serve. Businesses that create emotional connections have an advantage that technology cannot easily replicate. "The most human company wins." - Mark Schaefer, Marketing Rebellion This conversation left me so giddy. I love the reminder that our greatest opportunity as shop owners isn't simply selling products. It's creating places where people feel seen, connected, and part of something meaningful. Resources Mentioned and Related Podcasts: Episode 260: Winning with Community in Your Retail Business: Takeaways from my Mastermind Retreat Episode 238: Behind the Counter: Building Community Through Beautiful Spaces with Lisa Wrixon   A profitable, smooth holiday season is not a lucky accident. It's what happens when someone who actually prepared gets to execute. And the best time to prepare? July. Join me and other retailers in Camp Q4 this summer to set yourself up for a kick-butt Q4! Camp begins with a fireside chat (opening coaching) on July 13th. Grab your sit-upon (fellow Girl Scouts unite!) and join me!   Let's hang out in a private coaching session!   Follow along and chat with me on Instagram and join my love list.  About our Guest, Mark Schaefer Mark Schaefer is not only a best-selling author, but the top-rated marketing and business keynote speaker. Not to mention he's an artist who sells his paintings at one of my retailer's shops, Louisville Mercantile! He combines memorable insights with passion and humor. You can find video content on marketing ideas and people, social media fun, and global adventures, all while encouraging you to rise above the noise on his YouTube channel. If you want more from Mark, check out his long list of books, and if you are a retailer, Mark recommends starting with Marketing Rebellion. Here are the other places you can find him: Mark's Website | Instagram   About your host, Wendy Batten In case we haven't met…I'm Wendy Batten. I've been a small business owner, coach, and mentor for over 25 years. I help thoughtful, established entrepreneurs step into their role as CEO and build businesses that are profitable, meaningful, and supportive of the lives they want to live. My work blends real-world strategy with a life-first philosophy, shaped by lived experience, not theory. I've been there! Through honest conversations and practical insight, I invite you into bigger thinking about leadership, possibility, and how to build both business and life on purpose. For more support from Wendy Hang out and connect with Wendy on IG All of Wendy's current programs and services for shop owners can be found HERE. Never miss an episode! Subscribe to the Creative Shop Talk Podcast and get the tools, inspiration, and strategies you need to thrive as an independent retailer.Click here to subscribe to iTunes!  Loved the episode? Leave a quick review on iTunes- your reviews help other retailers find my podcast, and they're also fun for me to go in and read. Just click here to review, select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" and let me know what your favorite part of the podcast is. So grateful for you! Thank you!  

Featuring Annex Associate Research Analyst, Mark Schaefer.

Hay algo que nadie te dice cuando consigues que tu negocio aparezca en primera posición en Google.Que eso es el principio, no el final.El episodio 80 llega con Ana Mata y una pregunta que tiene trampa: ¿de qué sirve que te encuentren si no recuerdan haberte visto?No es retórica. Tiene respuesta. Y pasa por entender cómo el cerebro de tu cliente descarta el 99% de lo que percibe antes de que tú puedas abrir la boca.Hablamos de neurociencia. De porteros de discoteca cognitivos. De por qué la mayoría de los negocios locales sirven el menú mucho antes de que nadie tenga hambre.Y de la pregunta que Sergio intenta responder sobre Collac en tiempo real, con un resultado que merece la pena escuchar.También sale la coherencia de marca. Con un par de ejemplos tan reales que duelen, uno de ellos protagonizado por una revista de tirada internacional que predicaba una cosa y hacía la contraria.Y casi al final, la IA. Concretamente, lo que ocurrió cuando le pidieron que mejorara el mito de la caverna de Platón. Lo que respondió dice más sobre sus límites que cualquier debate sobre si nos va a reemplazar.Para dueños de negocio local que sienten que hacen las cosas bien y siguen sin destacar. Y para quien sospeche que el problema no está en la visibilidad, sino en lo que viene después de ella.RECURSOS MENCIONADOSLa Vaca Púrpura — Seth Godin (libro referencia central del episodio)Content Shock — artículo o post de Mark Schaefer (2014)Pensar rápido, pensar despacio — Daniel Kahneman (libro, sistemas 1 y 2)El círculo de oro — Simon Sinek (charla TED o libro)Skin in the Game — Nassim Taleb (libro)Post del blog de Ana Mata sobre el efecto Pratfall aplicado al marketing

AI is not just changing how we work. It is changing how customers think, decide, trust, and relate.  In this episode of The Enlightened Executive, Susan Drumm speaks with marketing strategist, futurist, and author Mark Schaefer about how AI is reshaping customer behavior and what leaders need to understand now.  They explore the risks of cognitive offloading, the importance of protecting human judgment, and why trust, curiosity, and agency may become even more valuable in an AI-driven world.  You'll learn how AI is influencing customer decisions, why leaders must protect critical thinking, what "cognitive surrender" means for teams and organizations, and how brands can build trust in an AI-shaped marketplace.  The opportunity is not to reject AI. It is to use it with discernment.  Listen now to learn how leaders can stay relevant, trusted, and human in the age of AI.  Subscribe and listen on Apple, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. 

Hosted by Joe Krauss and Trader, Mark Schaefer.

The story you've been told about your aging brain is wrong. Strategic attention peaks in your late 50s. Innovative cognition in your early 60s. Integrative reasoning around 62. Meanwhile, AI keeps commoditizing the very capabilities younger workers were supposed to dominate — speed, information processing, rapid adaptation. The math has shifted. Human judgment, the thing the midlife brain actually does best, may be the last unfair advantage left. In this episode of The Trending Communicator, host Dan Nestle welcomes back Dr. Michael Netzley, founder and CEO of Extend My Runway, faculty at IMD and Korn Ferry, and author of the Substack Thrive After 45. Five years after their first conversation about neuroplasticity and the executive brain, Michael returns with new evidence, sharper tools, and a clearer argument — the cognitive abilities AI cannot replicate are exactly the ones that strengthen with age, if you make the investments. Dan and Michael unpack why AI takes the execution but leaves the questions and the judgment, why transformational thinking may be the platinum cognitive skill of the AI era, and the stark choice between offloading your brain and sharpening it. They get into Janus, Mark Schaefer, brain health fundamentals, neurodiversity, and why the survivors of this moment will be the ones who stop competing with AI on its strongest ground. Listen in and hear about... Why different cognitive abilities peak in midlife and what that means for AI-era careers The three-part work model — question, execution, evaluation — and where human value now lives Transformational thinking, neuroplasticity, and the zoom in / zoom out / zoom wide framework Why brain health fundamentals — sleep, exercise, monotasking — are non-negotiable The identity shift from leader to senior advisor, and what midlife professionals get wrong about reinvention Notable Quotes from Michael Netzley "Your adult brain is your last unfair advantage in the age of AI. And if you optimize these midlife strengths by making investments, you can do the things that AI cannot." "Transformational thinking is your platinum cognitive function. Because if you cannot do that sequence of zoom in, zoom out, zoom wide, you literally become irrelevant." "AI is probably not going to make you dumber, but the choices you make definitely can." Resources and Links Dan Nestle Lilypath | Website The Trending Communicator | Website Communications Trends from Trending Communicators | Dan Nestle's Substack Dan Nestle | LinkedIn Dr. Michael Netzley Extend My Runway | Website Thrive After 45 | Substack Dr. Michael Netzley | LinkedIn Timestamps 0:00:00 Introduction: Revisiting aging brain myths and the rise of AI 0:06:36 AI and midlife cognitive strengths: Thriving after 45 0:12:24 AI's impact on communicators: Shifting value to judgment and creativity 0:18:51 AI prompts, creativity backlash, and evolving skillsets 0:25:36 Cognitive offload, adaptability, and career phase challenges in the AI era 0:32:17 Developing curiosity and transformational thinking at any age 0:39:33 Cognitive overload, judgment, and building personal content systems 0:46:40 Transformational thinking, portfolio careers, and identity shifts 0:53:06 Brain health foundations and practical brain training for higher-order skills 0:58:46 Neurodiversity, novelty, and finding fulfillment through varied roles 1:05:21 Senior roles, independence, and the evolving definition of success 1:09:01 The “year of the oops”: AI layoffs, organizational knowledge, and future-proofing careers 1:11:04 Closing remarks and resources (Notes co-created by Human Dan, Claude, and Castmagic) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailAI is replacing tasks fast, but the scarier part is what it's doing to our decision making. From a fireside chat at the Sintra Synergies retreat, Mark Schaefer and I dig into the psychology of AI and why “cognitive offloading” is turning into cognitive surrender. When customers default to machine recommendations, marketing changes shape: you are no longer only persuading a person, you are increasingly persuading the system that advises them.We explore what that means in practice, including the “diaper business” idea: you still serve the end user, but the decision maker may be AI. That's where many marketers sprint toward AEO, GEO, and the next wave of SEO tactics. We push further and ask what actually overrides the algorithm. Mark shares a simple travel-planning story that makes the point: brand trust can beat AI suggestions, and word of mouth can beat both. If you want durable growth, you need branding, social proof, and a story so interesting that customers want to retell it.We also get real about automation and human connection. As AI-generated outreach floods every channel, genuine interaction becomes rarer and more valuable. Used with discernment, AI can help a company feel more human through better customer service and responsiveness. Used lazily, it strips away empathy and insight. The same warning shows up in market research: an 85% AI answer is easy, but breakthrough strategy still comes from voice of customer work, field visits, and observing real stress points.We close with the career question that lands hardest: “What's the 20% AI can't replace?” The answer keeps coming back to trust, reputation, community, and a personal brand people choose even when a machine offers alternatives. If this resonates, subscribe, share this with a marketer who needs it, and leave a review with your take on the 20%.This episode was recorded during a fireside chat with Mark Schaefer at the Sintra Synergies retreat on April 2, 2026. Read the blog article and show notes here:  https://webdrie.net/were-all-in-the-diaper-business-now-private-fireside-chat-with-mark-schaefer..........................................................................This podcast and the past retreat are/were supported by RYO, one of the projects working on simplifying Web3 user experiences.

What if the greatest disruption in the history of marketing is not coming for your job but for your customer?Mark Schaefer is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and a top marketing strategist. In this episode he discusses his book Audacious and explains why competence alone now makes people and businesses vulnerable and ignorable in an AI-driven world. He walks through how ChatGPT's launch sparked an existential moment for him, and then lays out a clear path for entrepreneurs to out-human AI through disruptive storytelling, human connection, and emotional resonance.Mark argues that the best defense any entrepreneur has against AI is a strong personal brand built on trust, and that small businesses are structurally positioned to win in ways large companies cannot replicate because you cannot delegate vulnerability to an advertising agency. He also breaks down his four-step personal brand framework and describes what it takes to build an audience that evolves from social followers to engaged subscribers to a loyal brand community.What you will walk away with: Why competence alone now makes you ignorable and what to build instead. How to out-human AI through disruptive storytelling and emotional resonance. Mark's four-step personal brand framework and how to finish the sentence "only I." How to build an actionable audience that grows from followers to subscribers to brand community. Why small businesses have a structural advantage large companies simply cannot replicate.Visit businessesgrow.com for Mark's free weekly ideas, blog posts, and resources.Connect with Mark Schaefer on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwschaefer/Hosted by John St. Pierre and Rich Hoffmann, Entrepreneurs United is built for founders and leaders who want straight talk on building businesses that actually work. New episodes every week.https://entrepreneursunited.us/links/Hosted by John St. Pierre and Rich Hoffmann, Entrepreneurs United is built for founders and leaders who want straight talk on building businesses that actually work. New episodes every week.

Gamma is everywhere right now. With viral videos starring Rainn Wilson, massive drone shows over San Francisco, and a valuation of $2.1 billion, this AI startup has mastered the art of capturing attention in a crowded market. But behind these huge stunts is a surprisingly small, scrappy team using a very specific playbook to punch way above their weight class.My guest today is Kristin Fracchia, the Head of Marketing at Gamma. She's the architect behind the company's explosive growth to 70 million users and its transition from a quiet product-led company to a brand that dominates the conversation. Kristin reveals how she orchestrates “audacious” marketing moments that break the internet without breaking the bank.In this episode, we deconstruct the exact strategies Gamma uses to go viral repeatedly. You'll learn how to manufacture “luck” in PR, why unscalable influencer marketing is your biggest advantage, and how to execute massive brand stunts like The Sphere and celebrity cameos—even if you're just a team of ten.Here's what you'll learn in this episode:(00:00) Intro(01:29) The “Audacious” Launch Playbook for breaking through AI noise(05:28) Why constant shipping kills marketing momentum (and what to do instead)(10:38) The “Twist” Framework: How changing one element makes you viral(12:30) Landing a New York Times exclusive without a big agency(16:31) How to find the unique angle journalists actually care about(20:34) Scaling influencer marketing from manual outreach to 70M users(23:36) Why you can't track ROI on influencers (and the proxy metric to use instead)(28:54) The “How did you hear about us?” attribution model(35:51) The strategy behind Gamma's viral video parodies (Severance, Mission Impossible)(41:00) How Kristin used ChatGPT to negotiate a contract with Rainn Wilson(46:11) The real cost of celebrity cameos for B2B startups(48:01) Why distribution matters more than the creative asset itself(52:52) Production costs: When to go in-house vs. hiring an agency(56:44) Exploiting the “Gap”: How Gamma hacked The Sphere in Las Vegas(01:03:28) Orchestrating a 4,000-person drone show using existing events(01:08:55) “Peacocking”: Why your brand is your marketing budget(01:12:21) Using AI Tarot cards to win at Dreamforce(01:13:42) Rapid Fire: Favorite books and marketing inspirationsLINKS:Connect with Kristin:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinfracchia/Twitter: @KristinFracchiaWebsite: https://gamma.app/Connect with Tim:Where to find Tim:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsoulo/X: @timsouloWebsite: https://www.timsoulo.com/References:“Audacious” by Mark Schaefer : https://businessesgrow.com/audacious/Lenny's Podcast:  ⁨@LennysPodcast⁩Claire Vo (Product/AI thought leader): https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairevo/

Should you be first or a fast follower? Digital pioneer Mark Schaefer breaks down 3 critical rules for marketers navigating AI and discusses why the 85% solution isn't good enough.      

In this episode of the REAL Personal Branding podcast, Lauren welcomes back globally recognized author, futurist, and marketing strategist Mark Schaefer to talk about his groundbreaking new book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World. Lauren and Mark explore how creators, business owners, and professionals can thrive in a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping marketing and visibility. Mark shares why you can't outsmart AI. You have to out-human it. He also explains how leaning into authenticity, creativity, and community can make your personal brand stand out. Mark outlines the three pillars that set humans apart in a tech-driven world: personal brand, community, and transcendental content that sparks emotion. You'll also learn why audacity, the courage to break bad rules for good reasons, is now essential to visibility, and how storytelling, awe, and imperfect humanity create a connection AI can't replicate. If you're ready to disrupt the dull, amplify your voice, and show up more boldly online, this conversation with Mark Schaefer will help you discover how the most human company and personal brand always wins. Connect with Lauren V. Davis here: https://linktr.ee/ldaviscreative Connect with Mark Schaefer here: https://businessesgrow.com  

As artificial intelligence reshapes business, content, and creativity, one big question remains: what can humans do that machines never will? In this episode, we sit down with Mark W. Schaefer — marketing futurist, bestselling author, and Executive Director of Schaefer Marketing Solutions — to discuss his powerful new book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World. Mark argues that the future won't belong to the people who try to outsmart AI — it will belong to those bold enough to out-human it. Through case studies, interviews, and more than 100 actionable insights, Audacious becomes both a roadmap and a rallying cry for creators, marketers, and leaders who want to reclaim authenticity in a world flooded with automated content. In this conversation, we explore: ·       What inspired Mark to write Audacious. ·       How to find purpose and meaning in an AI-driven workplace. ·       Why being human is becoming the ultimate competitive advantage. ·       How to inject courage, originality, and audacity into your brand story. Mark is a globally recognized marketing strategist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of Marketing Rebellion, KNOWN, and Belonging to the Brand. To learn more about him and his work, visit BusinessesGrow.com and join the movement at #AudaciousBook. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/38oMlMr  Keep up with Mark Schaefer socials here: X: https://x.com/markwschaefer  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markwschaefer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.schaefer3/  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkSchaefer Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@markwschaefer

Mark Schaefer is a globally recognized keynote speaker, business consultant, and bestselling author known for his leadership in modern marketing and digital strategy. With over 30 years of experience in sales, PR, and marketing, he leads Schaefer Marketing Solutions and writes the acclaimed blog {grow}, consistently ranked among the world's top marketing blogs. A respected academic and practitioner, Mark holds advanced degrees in marketing and organizational development, teaches in the graduate program at Rutgers University, holds seven patents, and studied under Peter Drucker, the founder of modern management. He is a highly sought-after speaker, presenting at major events worldwide and advising organizations from startups to global brands like Adidas, Pfizer, and the U.S. Air Force. Mark is the bestselling author of ten influential books, including Marketing Rebellion, KNOWN, The Content Code, Belonging to the Brand, and his most recent How AI Changes Your Customers. His work is used as teaching material at universities globally, and he co-hosts The Marketing Companion, a top-ranked marketing podcast with over 1.5 million downloads, while contributing regularly to leading media outlets such as Harvard Business Review, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. During the show we discuss: The most significant ways AI is reshaping organizations, workflows, and decision-making How AI is expected to impact humanity, work, and society over the next decade Why AI is rapidly changing how people learn, process information, and make decisions The rise of AI as a primary source of emotional support and guidance How businesses can make customers feel valued and human in an AI-driven world Why brands must now optimize for AI—not just end users What truly matters (and what no longer does) when communicating in the age of AI Resources: https://businessesgrow.com/

Secrets of Personal BrandingSUMMARY In this episode of Present Influence, John is joined by branding expert and bestselling author Mark Schaefer to explore what it truly means to become known in a noisy, copy-and-paste marketing world.They explore why most personal brands fail, how guru-led thinking is killing originality, and why authority is built through relevance, consistency, and usefulness rather than visibility or hype.Mark shares practical insights from his books Known and Audacious, including how speakers and experts can clarify what they want to be known for, choose the right content strategy, and avoid the trap of chasing platforms instead of building trust.This conversation is essential listening for speakers, coaches, and consultants who want to build real credibility, stand out without selling out, and turn visibility into lasting influence.Find out more about Mark and his books at https://businessesgrow.com/CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Mark Schaefer02:44 Contrarian Views in Marketing06:02 The Importance of Personal Branding08:51 The Role of Speaking in Business11:49 Advice for Aspiring Speakers15:00 Finding Your Unique Voice17:59 Leveraging Social Media for Branding20:51 Creating Content that Resonates23:53 Opportunities in the Speaking Industry26:39 Navigating AI in Marketing29:59 The Need vs. Nice to Have in Speaking33:01 Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned35:52 Conclusion and ResourcesVisit presentinfluence.com/quiz to take the Speaker Radiance Quiz and discover your Charisma Quotient.For speaking enquiries or to connect with me, you can email john@presentinfluence.com or find me on LinkedInYou can find all our clips, episodes and more on the Present Influence YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PresentInfluenceThanks for listening, and please give the show a 5* review if you enjoyed it.

This episode of Sell With Authority is about being more human — not as a tagline, not as a brand promise — but as the way forward. Right now, I'm hearing the same thing from agency leaders, marketers, and business owners everywhere: "Our marketing doesn't work like it used to." We're in the middle of a fundamental shift. A power shift. Our guest today calls it The Third Rebellion — a moment where customers, not companies, control the conversation. We can no longer buy our way into attention — we must be invited. And that changes everything about how we market, how we sell, and how we lead. Today's guest expert has spent his career helping leaders and brands rise above the noise by doing one thing most companies have forgotten how to do: Be human. Mark Schaefer is one of the most trusted voices in marketing today — a bestselling author, educator, and keynote speaker who's worked with brands like Adidas, Pfizer, and Coca-Cola, delivering insights on five continents. His latest book is How AI Changes Your Customers: The Marketing Guide to Humanity's Next Chapter. Mark is a guide for leaders who are tired of blending in. He reminds us that the world doesn't need more content — it needs more connection. AI can replicate words, it can't replicate humanity. In the end, the most human company wins. What you will learn in this episode:  Why "the third rebellion" has shifted control from brands to customers — and what that means for your agency The real reason traditional marketing and advertising are less effective than ever — and what to do instead How to earn an invitation into your ideal client's world (you can't buy your way in anymore) Why trust is the new currency and the surprising role brand communities play in creating it How to create transcendent content that can't be replicated by AI Why being vulnerable and removing layers of control will make your agency an easy yes Resources: Website: https://businessesgrow.com/ LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwschaefer/ LinkedIn Business: https://www.linkedin.com/company/schaefer-marketing-solutions/ How AI Changes Your Customers: The Marketing Guide to Humanity's Next Chapter

In his final episode as host of The Marketing Companion, Mark Schaefer reflects on the story of a show that beat the odds. This episode has the ups, the downs, and funniest moments from 13 years of the world's most entertaining podcast. 

Welcome to episode #1016 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). At a moment when artificial intelligence is reshaping not just how markets operate but how people think, feel, decide and connect, understanding the human consequences of that shift has become essential. Mark Schaefer is a keynote speaker, educator, strategist, and a voice in modern marketing, with more than three decades of experience spanning global sales, public relations and brand strategy. He is a faculty member at Rutgers University. Mark's latest book, How AI Changes Your Customers - The Marketing Guide To Humanity's Next Chapter, extends his body of work by examining how AI is quietly rewiring consumer psychology, trust, agency, empathy, and belonging (be sure to check out his other books). Rather than focusing on algorithms or tools, Mark explores how customers are becoming more machine-assisted, less patient, more dependent on automation, and increasingly hungry for meaning and connection in a world optimized for efficiency. He argues that curiosity, art, and human connection are strategic advantages rather than soft ideals. Grounded in research, lived experience, and cultural observation, his work challenges marketers and leaders to rethink relevance, rethink loyalty, and rethink what it means to serve customers whose decisions are increasingly shaped by machines. At its core, Mark's perspective reframes AI not as a threat to humanity, but as a force that exposes what only humans can still do well…if they choose to lean into it. Enjoy the conversation… Running time: 1:06:07. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Thinking With Mitch Joel. Feel free to connect to me directly on LinkedIn. Check out ThinkersOne. Here is my conversation with Mark Schaefer. Book Mark for your next meeting on ThinkersOne. How AI Changes Your Customers - The Marketing Guide To Humanity's Next Chapter. Check out his other books. Read Mark's Blog. Follow Mark on LinkedIn. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Mark Schaefer and AI's Impact. (03:00) - The Dual Nature of AI: Exciting and Terrifying. (06:09) - Cultural Shifts and AI's Influence on Humanity. (08:53) - Curiosity and Learning in the Age of AI. (12:08) - The Role of AI in Content Creation. (14:57) - Art, Tools, and the Essence of Creativity. (17:54) - The Illusion of Intimacy in AI. (21:05) - Navigating the Attention vs. Intimacy Economy. (23:54) - The Future of AI and Human Connection. (37:13) - Cultural Perspectives on AI and Work. (39:06) - AI Sovereignty and Global Implications. (41:23) - The Human Element in AI and Marketing. (43:42) - The Challenge of Authenticity in AI Content. (45:52) - Navigating Trust in a Digital Age. (49:20) - Generational Differences in Trust and Truth. (53:02) - The Role of Curiosity in the Age of AI. (56:46) - The Future of Trust and AI in Business. (01:01:40) - The Impact of AI on Human Connection. (01:03:59) - Embracing AI for Positive Change.

In this compelling episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mark Schaefer returns to share fresh, provocative insights from his latest book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World. A globally respected marketing strategist, bestselling author, and deep observer of technological change, Schaefer brings sharp clarity to a pressing leadership question: what does it take to stay relevant when artificial intelligence makes intelligence itself abundant?Rather than offering a simplistic take on AI, Schaefer challenges leaders to confront a more nuanced truth: AI doesn't just change how we work—it redefines where we create value. In a world where intelligence is cheap and accessible to everyone, he argues, leaders must shift their organizations from knowledge accumulation to human differentiation.The conversation dives into what “out-humaning” AI actually looks like. From designing moments of awe to fostering fearless creativity, Schaefer offers examples and frameworks that push beyond theory. He connects storytelling, community-building, and emotional resonance not just as marketing strategies—but as core leadership capabilities that machines can't replicate.This episode is a must-listen for CEOs, board members, and senior executives grappling with the implications of AI. It's not about resisting the future—it's about recognizing what only humans can do, and leading teams to do it with more clarity, urgency, and creativity than ever before.Actionable TakeawaysYou'll learn why intelligence is no longer a competitive advantage—and what replaces it at the leadership level.Hear how to reframe your organizational structure and decision-making in a world where AI handles most of the “smart work.”Discover what Mark Schaefer means by “out-humaning AI” and why that's now your most important leadership mandate.You'll learn why competence is no longer enough—and how leaders who rely on it alone risk irrelevance.Hear how to use awe, authenticity, and community as strategic tools to build trust and emotional engagement that AI can't touch.You'll learn how to think about brand relevance and personal credibility when your audience knows AI could have written your content.Hear how to identify and overcome the fear that's keeping your organization stuck in mediocrity.You'll learn what makes bold storytelling and immersive experience design the next frontier in business leadership.Hear how to embrace AI as a creative partner without outsourcing your strategic soul.Connect with Mark Schaefer :Website: Businesses GrowSocial Media: Twitter | LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website

What if the future of marketing is a lot more human than we think? Today's guest, Mark Schaefer, has been shaping that future for decades — and he was actually on this show ten years ago. So this is part reunion, part masterclass. Mark's a futurist, bestselling author, Rutgers faculty member, and Drucker-trained strategist whose ideas guide brands from Adidas to the U.S. Air Force. His ten books and his top-ranked show The Marketing Companion have become industry staples. He's also a longtime friend who somehow manages to push your thinking and make you laugh at the same time. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why the future of marketing belongs to the most human companies, not the most automated ones How AI can scale trust, creativity, and teaching without killing the brand When removing friction actually damages customer relationships Why curiosity is becoming the most important career skill in the AI era How marketers must act as brand defenders when technology pushes too far Episode Chapters (00:00) Reunion and why this moment matters (02:00) Why this is the most amazing — and unsettling — time in marketing (04:20) Scaling humanity with AI and the MarkBot experiment (07:30) The most human company wins (and what that really means) (10:40) When AI goes too far and brands lose trust (12:30) Harley-Davidson, friction, and knowing your customer deeply (17:00) Curiosity as a career strategy in an AI world (27:00) The brand that made Mark smile About Mark Schaefer Mark Schaefer is a globally recognized futurist, keynote speaker, educator, and bestselling author. With more than 30 years of experience in marketing, PR, and global sales, he has advised organizations ranging from startups to Adidas and the U.S. Air Force. Mark studied under Peter Drucker, teaches in Rutgers University's graduate program, and holds seven patents. He is the author of ten influential books used at universities worldwide and the host of the top-ranked podcast, The Marketing Companion. Known for blending sharp insight with humanity and humor, Mark's work helps leaders navigate what's next without losing what matters. What Brand Has Made Mark Smile Recently? Mark couldn't stop smiling about Nutter Butter — a once-forgotten cookie brand that decided to go full weird. By embracing surreal, chaotic, almost inexplicable short-form videos, the brand ditched boring category conventions and leaned into creativity with nothing to lose. The result? Tripled sales and a case study in what happens when brands stop playing it safe and start being interesting. Resources & Links Connect with Mark on LinkedIn. Check out his website, BusinessesGrow. Listen & Support the Show Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart. Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show. Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode. Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips. On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Until next week, I'll see you on the Internet! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sure, we want our marketing to connect with customers in a human and emotional way. But maybe a bigger short-term win is a humane approach that provides people with the help they need as quickly and effortlessly as possible. And that might be the perfect role for AI. Mark Schaefer and Mathew Sweezey talk about this important role and the emphasis on humane versus human.

Marketing legend Mark Schaefer joins Julia to explore what it really means for guests to belong to your casino brand. Drawing on stories from his book Belonging to the Brand and his global community work, Mark contrasts old-school neighborhood loyalty with today's over-optimized, tech-driven marketing. He explains why connecting players to each other can be more powerful than connecting them to offers, and why personalization isn't the same as being personal. You'll walk away with practical, human-scale ideas—like simple manager walk-arounds, host gestures, and welcome videos—that can turn casual visitors into loyal regulars who proudly say, “This is my place.” Connect with Mark Schaefer at businessesgrow.com Learn more at www.jcarcamoassociates.com/. Get insights delivered to your inbox: www.jcarcamoassociates.com/casino-mark…newsletter/ Join the most effective casino marketing training. https://casinomarketingbootcamp.com/

What's the best leadership advice you've ever received or given? For her 200th episode of Doing CX Right, host Stacy Sherman shares a curated collection of the most memorable and actionable leadership wisdom from the show's renowned guests. Consider this a masterclass in leading with influence, featuring insight you can apply immediately to boost both your business growth and your personal development. You'll hear powerful lessons from leaders like Seth Godin, Daniel Pink, Jeanne Bliss, Fred Reichheld, Shep Hyken, Daniel Goleman, Mark Schaefer, and many others. Their brief insights here reveal the advice that shaped their success and their approach to supporting every person on their team. Inside this special episode, you'll gain The crucial mindset shift that catalyzed their biggest career growth. The essential principles they pass on to rising talent. The game-changing perspective they wish they had adopted sooner. The practical steps they use daily to create a supportive team environment. There are countless more actionable strategies shared beyond this show! While this episode is packed with wisdom, the full stories and in-depth advice are in the past 199 shows. Listen and take notes, as you'll find incredible wisdom you can apply today. Also, subscribe on your favorite channel to get notified of NEW episodes that will give you even MORE strategies to elevate your business and personal career too! This episode is also available to watch on YouTube Featured guests in this episode: Listed in the order they appear so you can follow the voices as you listen. Seth Godin • Shep Hyken • Daniel Pink • Wally Feresten • Jay Baer • Fred Reichheld • Rob Markey • Bob Burg • Greg McKeown • Eileen Brenner • Sam Brenner • David Arvin • Mark Sanborn • Brittany Hodak • Joe Calloway • David Singer • Jeannie Walters • Colin Shaw • Kerry Bodine • Jeanne Bliss • Lisa Ford • Mark Schaefer • Joe Pine • Bill Price • Katie Webb • Brian Elliott • Scott McKain • Jackie Yeaney • Josh Bersin • Tiffani Bova • Wendy Smith • Stephen Shedletzky • Sylvie di Giusto • Bill Staikos • Neal Schaffer • Daniel Goleman • Patrick McCullough • Dennis Snow • Neil Hoyne • Simon T. Bailey • Mauro Porcini • Laurie Guest • Cindy Gallop • Zach Picon • Nir Eyal • Sean Albertson • Neal Topf • David Allen • Blake Morgan • Marcey Rader • Michael B. White • Max Ball • David Wachs • Sean Hawkins • Jacqui Brassey • Michael Brenner • Sharon Weinstein • Miya Gray • Joel Block • Mark Stern • Catherine Sugarbroad • Dave Seaton • Jon Picoult • Greg Kihlström • Eric Skeens • Ryan Estis • Ian Golding • Jeff Toister • Matt Dixon • Annette Franz • Stan Phelps • Tim Tincher • Joey Coleman • Dan Gingiss • Miika Mäkitalo • Greg Melia Resources & Next Steps Get Insider Strategies: Subscribe to Doing CX Right newsletter for proven, actionable insights you can't get anywhere else. Book a Call: Schedule personalized time with Stacy Sherman.

Jay Acunzo and Mark Schaefer discuss their success in sustaining their personal content production for years, even decades. They discuss their mindset and strategies of incorporating a content lifestyle and beating the odds.   Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," "Belonging to the Brand," and "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising.   For more of Mark's insights every week, subcribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking.     Jay Acunzo consults experts and entrepreneurs to differentiate their messages and content. He hosts the podcast How Stories Happen, where guests dissect signature stories piece by piece. Learn more at jayacunzo.com

Mark Schaefer returns to our show, bringing with him a wealth of insights from his latest book about the sweeping changes AI is bringing to sales and marketing. As part of a global research initiative with 300 futurists, Mark shares his predictions for AI's impact by 2035, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges businesses face, especially those small to medium-sized. We explore how tech giants are seamlessly weaving AI into their strategies and why it's crucial for smaller enterprises to comprehend and act on AI's transformative power to stay relevant and competitive.  Our conversation takes a closer look at AI's role in reshaping marketing strategies and customer engagement. Traditional metrics are giving way to data-driven insights, marking a shift in how businesses connect with consumers. While AI-generated content is becoming more prevalent, we emphasize the irreplaceable value of authentic, human-centric content. The discussion touches on the enduring importance of human creativity and expression, even as AI attempts to replicate empathy and innovation. Personal preferences, it seems, still hold weight against AI's recommendations, underscoring a unique space for human intuition and creativity.  We also investigate the profound implications AI bears on human relationships and business operations. As AI continues to streamline processes, the human element remains vital in building meaningful connections and trust. Through exploring personal branding, community building, and the essence of vulnerability, we highlight the irreplaceable human touch in a world increasingly intertwined with AI technologies. Mark's insights serve as a reminder that while AI may reshape certain aspects of our interactions, the authentic essence of human experience and empathy remains at the core of genuine relationships and successful business endeavors.  Mark W. Schaefer is a globally recognized author, keynote speaker, futurist, and business consultant who blogs at {grow} — one of the top five marketing blogs in the world. He teaches graduate marketing classes at Rutgers University and has written 12 best-selling books. Mark's new book Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World describes an essential framework for businesses to stand out and be seen in a noisy world. His many global clients include Pfizer, Cisco, P&G, Dell, Adidas, and the US Air Force. He has been a keynote speaker at prestigious events worldwide, including South by Southwest, Marketing Summit Tokyo, and the Institute for International and European Affairs. Mark has appeared as a guest on various media channels, including CNN, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and CBS News.   Quotes:  "AI is not just about technological advancements; it's about how it rewires our brains and influences consumer behavior."   "In a world dominated by AI-generated content, the irreplaceable value of authentic, human-centric content remains."   "The human element is vital in building meaningful connections and trust, even as AI continues to streamline processes."  "While AI can mimic empathy and creativity, genuine human expression holds enduring value."    Links:  Mark's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwschaefer/ How AI Changes Your Customers - https://businessesgrow.com/how-ai-changes-your-customers/ Find this episode and all other Sales Lead Dog episodes at https://empellorcrm.com/salesleaddog/ 

Mark Schaefer begins the show with a significant announcement about the future of The Marketing Companion. Co-host Sandy Carter kicks off a discussion about how Deep Fakes are overwhelming even the most famous brands and company leaders. Mark and Sandy also cover the impact of AI speed on marketing, the rise of the humanoids and more.   Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," "Belonging to the Brand," and "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising. For more of Mark's insights every week, subscribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking.     Sandy Carter is COO of Unstoppable Domains and has held marketing leadership positions at IBM and AWS. She is the author of AI First, Human Always.

That Solo Life, Ep. 322: The Rise of Rage Farms and Coordinated Disinformation Episode Summary In this eye-opening episode, hosts Karen Swim, APR and Michelle Kane tackle the disturbing trend of "rage farms" and the growing industry of disinformation-as-a-service. Stemming from a recent article by Mark Schaefer, they explore how coordinated, anonymous online attacks are manufactured to create controversy, manipulate public opinion, and inflict real-world financial and reputational damage on brands. Karen and Michelle discuss the infamous Cracker Barrel rebrand incident as a prime example of how a small number of fake accounts can ignite a firestorm that appears to be a massive public outcry. They delve into the sinister motivations behind these campaigns, from profiting off stock market dips to sowing general discord. As PR professionals, it's crucial to understand that these are not random bots but calculated attacks. The hosts emphasize the responsibility of PR pros to prepare for these threats, the need for brands to pause before reacting to online outrage, and the importance of verifying information sources. This episode is a critical listen for any communicator navigating the modern digital landscape. Episode Highlights [01:42] Introducing the concept of "rage farms," as detailed by Mark Schaefer. [03:39] The emergence of "disinformation-as-a-service" and coordinated, anonymous attacks. [04:14] Case Study: How the Cracker Barrel rebrand controversy was manufactured by a small number of accounts. [05:15] The financial motivations behind rage farms, including short-selling stocks. [06:36] Why brands should "take a beat" to investigate the source of online outrage before reacting. [07:55] The role social media platforms play and their lack of incentive to stop the spread of disinformation. [09:17] The importance of individual responsibility in not spreading unverified information. [12:51] A proactive strategy for PR pros: using AI to run crisis simulations and test messaging against disinformation campaigns. Related Episodes & Additional Information Article by Mark Schaefer (As mentioned in the episode) - Rage Farms: The Hidden Industry Weaponizing Outrage Against Brands Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today's dynamic professional landscape.   Did this episode resonate with you? Share it with a fellow PR pro who needs to hear it! Don't forget to subscribe to That Solo Life on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. Your support helps us continue to create valuable content for the solo community. Visit soloprpro.com to let us know what topics you want us to cover next.

That Solo Life Episode 321: What We're Reading for Focus, Laughs and Professional Development  Episode Summary For busy PR and marketing professionals, finding time to read—whether for professional development or pleasure—can be a challenge. In this episode, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane open up their own "to-be-read" piles to share the books currently on their stacks. They discuss a fascinating mix of titles covering everything from the impact of AI on customer behavior and social media's effect on our minds to the art of writing a funny speech and the power of mindset. This episode is packed with recommendations that will inspire you to think more deeply, understand your audience better, and even find humor in the everyday. If you're a book lover looking for your next great read or need some motivation to start that book you bought months ago, this conversation is for you. Episode Highlights (01:05) - Why PR pros often have a stack of books they intend to read but struggle to find the time. (02:26) - Michelle's first pick: Belonging: The Key to Transforming and Maintaining Your Success by Mark Schaefer, which explores how AI is changing customer behavior. (03:52) - Karen shares her first book, Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention—and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari, and discusses the importance of deep work. (06:47) - For a dose of humor, Michelle recommends How to Write a Funny Speech by Carol Leifer and Rick Mitchell, highlighting the intelligence behind good comedy writing. (08:27) - Karen's second recommendation, The Chaos Machine: The Inside Story of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds and Our World by Max Fisher, and its relevance for communicators. (10:27) - Michelle discusses Inner Excellence: The Proven System for Empowering Your Habits, Overcoming Your Mental Blocks, and Raising Your Lasting Level of Performance by Jim Murphy, a book made famous by Philadelphia Eagles player AJ Brown. (12:22) - Karen's final book is Do the New You: 6 Mindsets to Become Who You Were Created to Be by Steven Furtick, a faith-based guide to personal transformation. (14:00) - The hosts reflect on the common theme of mindset in their book choices and its importance for solo professionals. Resources & Additional Information Books Mentioned in This Episode: How AI Changes Your Customers - Mark W. Schaefer Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention—and How to Think Deeply Again - Johann Hari How to Write a Funny Speech... - Carol Leifer and Rick Mitchell The Chaos Machine - Max Fisher Do the New You: 6 Mindsets to Become Who You Were Created to Be - Steven Furtick Inner Excellence - Jim Murphy Kami Huyse - Follow Kami Huyse on LinkedIn for more great insights and recommendations. Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR Pro, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today's dynamic professional landscape.   What book are you currently reading or what's at the top of your stack? We want to hear from you! Visit SoloPRPro.com to share your recommendations. And if you found value in this episode, please share it with a fellow PR pro and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us reach more listeners just like you

Let's put AI on the corner of a moment and remind ourselves of the OG marketing ideas that still make sense. In this episode, Mark Schaefer and Andy Crestodina talk about the enduring need for strong branding, live events, and sex (you'll just have to hear the whole story!).    Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," "Belonging to the Brand," and "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising.   For more of Mark's insights every week, subcribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking.   Andy Crestodina is CMO and Co-Founder of Orbit Media, an award-winning 55-person digital agency. He has 23_ years of experience in analytics, SEO, content strategy and visitor psychology ...and months of experience in AI.   Andy has applied his expertise in SEO and conversions to drive both visibility and lead generation for 1000+ businesses since 2001.

Your customers are changing because of AI. But so are you—whether you realize it or not. Host Dan Nestle welcomes back Mark Schaefer, whose new book How AI Changes Your Customers reveals a transformation most people aren't prepared for. As one of 300 futurists who contributed to Elon University's Being Human in 2035 study, Mark brings insights beyond the usual AI hype. Mark and Dan explore the psychological rewiring that is happening as AI reshapes human agency, empathy, purpose, and trust. They confront the choice everyone faces: use AI to augment your thinking, or delegate so much that critical skills atrophy. This isn't another "AI will save us" or "AI will ruin everything" conversation. It's a balanced look at implications most people haven't considered—like algorithms becoming decision-makers, with conversion rates from AI referrals 23 times higher than those from traditional SEO. Listen in and hear about... The psychology of AI and how humanity is being rewired Choosing between augmentation and delegation in your AI usage Why algorithms are becoming your actual customers The loss of agency, empathy, and purpose when we depend too heavily on AI How AI reveals patterns you didn't know existed through intellectual archaeology Notable Quotes On The Psychology of AI: "No one's talking about the psychology of AI that literally before our eyes, humanity is being rewired. The psychology of human beings is changing." - Mark Schaefer [00:08:13 → 00:08:28] On Attention Spans: "Don't tell me people don't have a long attention span. The problem is they're being more selective. You've got to earn it. So it's not that they have a short attention span. You, You've got a short interesting span. They're abandoning you for something else." - Mark Schaefer [00:15:38 → 00:15:53] On The Power of Vulnerability: "What this world is lacking is a real human voice, friendly, accessible, vulnerable. And think about the power of that. To really be human. You've got to be. Have a sense of vulnerability. But we don't get that from brand voices. Very, very rarely. And think of the opportunity to stand out, to be audacious, to just by flubbing up once in a while, just by admitting you made a mistake every once in a while." - Mark Schaefer [00:27:37 → 00:28:05] Resources and Links Dan Nestle Inquisitive Communications | Website The Trending Communicator | Website Communications Trends from Trending Communicators | Dan Nestle's Substack Dan Nestle | LinkedIn Mark Schaefer Mark Schaefer | Website and Blog How AI Changes Your Customers | Book (Amazon) The Marketing Companion | Podcast Mark Schaefer | LinkedIn The RISE Community | Apply to Join Timestamps 0:00:00 AI's Impact: Dan's Intro and Use of NotebookLM0:03:03 Mark's Reaction: AI Enables Bolder, Creative Work0:05:16 Mutual Mentorship and AI Experimentation0:07:29 Mark's Book: Humanity's Changing Psychology with AI0:09:12 Agency, Empathy, Intimacy, and AI Decision-Making0:11:41 AI Search: GEO, Marketing to Algorithms0:13:02 The Golden Age of PR: Credibility and Authority0:15:13 Attention Span Myth & Content Selectivity0:17:21 Volume vs. Quality: Content for AI and Humans0:19:35 Cumulative Advantage & Brand Authority in AI Era0:21:42 Personal Brand Building: Quality is Essential0:23:13 Earning Social Signals & Genuine Content0:25:47 AI Editing, Strategic Awkwardness, and Vulnerability0:28:46 Challenges for Corporates: Embracing Awkwardness0:31:20 Feelings as a Competitive Advantage0:35:28 Transcendence: Artful, Long-Form, and Human Content0:37:56 Respecting the Reader: Content Length & Value0:39:55 Hopeful AI: Augmentation, Mentorship, Markbot0:42:24 Real Education & AI: Preparing Young People0:42:46 Closing Remarks: Book Recommendation & Mark's Links (Notes co-created by Human Dan, Claude, and Castmagic) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mark W. Schaefer, Executive Director of Schaefer Marketing Solutions and a respected marketing futurist, joins us to discuss his new book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World. As AI continues to transform business and creativity, Mark makes a bold claim: the future belongs not to those who outsmart machines, but to those who out-human them. Audacious is his call to arms for marketers, creators, and leaders eager to start a new era of imagination and courage in the face of automation. Drawing from case studies, interviews, and more than 100 actionable insights, Mark reveals how to disrupt the three core pillars of brand storytelling to reclaim authenticity and creativity in a world drowning in AI-generated noise… This conversation explores: What prompted Mark to write Audacious. How to find your meaning in an AI-driven world. Why being human is the new competitive advantage in marketing. How to implement audacity into your brand story Mark is a globally recognized marketing strategist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of Marketing Rebellion, KNOWN, and Belonging to the Brand. To learn more about him and his work, visit BusinessesGrow.com and join the movement at #AudaciousBook.

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As we navigate a world increasingly shaped by AI, it's easy to get lost in the technical details of prompts and automation. But what about the human side of the equation? If you're building a business based on your expertise, understanding how AI is rewiring our psychology and our customers' behaviour is critical. It changes how we build relationships, create content, and ultimately, how we monetise our knowledge.In this episode, I speak with Mark Schaefer about his latest book 'How AI Changes Your Customers: The Marketing Guide to Humanity's Next Chapter', which explores the profound psychological impact of AI on humanity and marketing. We moved beyond the usual talk of efficiency and productivity to discuss what it truly means to be human-centric in a world where AI can simulate empathy.Here are three key areas we explored:

Mark Schaefer, author of How AI Changes Your Customers, discussing research from 300 global futurists on artificial intelligence's impact on customer behavior, marketing strategy, and business success through 2035. Learn the dual content strategy for optimizing both AI algorithms and human connection. Craft your brilliant brand story strategy in minutes, not months, and instantly create compelling content that converts customers with the StoryCycle Genie™ #StoryOn! ≈Park

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Mark Schaefer is keynote speaker, university educator, futurist, and bestselling author of books like Marketing Rebellion, Audacious, and most recently How AI Changes Your Customers.Mark also joined me a couple years ago, listen to Ep. 132: How AI Is Changing Marketing Forever & Why Creativity Matters More.Here's what we cover:What's changing with our customers, and how do we change alongside them;What scares you most about AI;What makes you hopeful;Why curiosity matters now more than ever;Where are you finding purpose and where can marketers find purpose at a time when we're kinda lost;Why awkwardness is a brand superpower;The 3 questions we should be asking to guide our company's next chapter.Mark on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/markwschaeferMark's website: businessesgrow.comFor more content, subscribe to Building With Buyers on Apple or Spotify or wherever, let me know what episodes you're into, and don't forget to leave a review if you're lovin' the show. Music by my talented daughter.Anna on LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/annafurmanov⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠furmanovmarketing.com⁠⁠Newsletter: ⁠One Insight

Send us a textImagine algorithms that feel more attentive than people – always patient, never tired, and ready with the perfect follow‑up question. That illusion of empathy is already shaping how buyers research, decide, and stay loyal. We sit down with Mark Schaefer to unpack the human side of AI: cognitive offloading at scale, de‑skilling that changes how customers think, and what it means when assistants default to a single recommendation instead of a page of links.We dig into the new rules of discoverability and why text‑rich content, precise transcripts, and entity clarity now carry outsized weight with large language models. Mark explains why PR is having a renaissance as AI shifts from counting backlinks to interpreting authoritative mentions, and how urgency matters because early movers will lock in the default answers. We also explore the power of overrides—those human factors that still trump machine suggestions – like word‑of‑mouth, brand preference, and community trust that carries through to the moment of choice.The conversation moves beyond tactics to tackle a looming trust crisis. Deepfakes, synthetic media, and frictionless misinformation demand visible transparency: provenance for assets, clear disclosures, and rapid response playbooks. Yet there's optimism here. With daily experimentation and a strong learning community, founders and teams can use AI to compress go‑to‑market cycles, scale real empathy in service, and design products faster – without losing the human touch that makes brands memorable and resilient.If you're ready to future‑proof your marketing while staying deeply human, this one's for you. Listen, subscribe, and leave a review to help others find the show – and tell us: what's your smartest move to stay findable and trusted in an AI‑first world?This episode was recorded through a Descript call on October 7, 2025. Read the blog article and show notes here: https://webdrie.net/how-ai-changes-your-customers-mark-schaefers-new-book

Mark Schaefer and Dana Malstaff discuss how they are utilizing AI in distinct ways to attract new customers. Mark built an expert-trained model called MarkBot that is informed by his life's work. This is available to all through his website.   Dana has created custom bots that encourage top-of-funnel engagement for her business while blending human connection that builds trust.    This episode is an inspiring and engaging discussion on breakthrough ideas to connect to customers by blending AI and the human touch.    Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," “Belonging to the Brand,” and "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising.   For more of Mark's insights every week, subscribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking.   Dana Malstaff is an author, speaker, consultant, and the founder of Boss Mom.

Send us a textTwo launches, one clear direction: make technology usable and make marketing accountable. We open with the debut of RYO's LIFE Wallet, a super wallet designed for everyone. Start in seconds, sign in with biometrics, recover securely, and send crypto as easily as a text. With a roadmap that includes a global mall for direct payments, staking, NFTs, stablecoins, and AI assistance, the vision is practical: move crypto from speculation to everyday value.Then we turn to "The Future CMO," a 90-minute short read with a big thesis: the next marketing leader operates like a Chief Value Officer. No more marketing theater measured by impressions and likes. We outline eight dimensions of the modern CMO, ranging from narrative excellence with AI as a creative amplifier to content ecosystems that scale, from genuine community building to rigorous measurement of perception, trust, and outcomes. It's a blueprint for margin resilience, revenue impact, and real accountability to the board.Along the way, we share the tools and community that make change stick: a Trust ROI calculator, a community health score framework, curated AI prompts for speed and quality, plus mastermind calls and events like Sintra Synergies featuring industry voices such as Mark Schaefer. The through line is simple: lead with trust, master technology without losing human authenticity, and design for outcomes that matter. If that future speaks to you, subscribe, share this episode with a colleague, and leave a quick review. What shift will you make first?

A new research report shows how AI is re-wiring our customers — literally changing their psychology and buying habits. In this episode, Mark Schaefer previews a new book and explores what happens when humans offload their thinking to a machine.

What if the key to standing out in a noisy world isn't about shouting louder or spending more money? What if it's about embracing the crazy? In this episode of Insight Out, I sit down with Mark Schaefer, one of the sharpest marketing minds on the planet, to uncover the secrets of audacious marketing in an AI-dominated world. Mark, a New York Times bestselling author and marketing strategist, reveals how businesses can outshine the competition by tapping into the most uniquely human qualities crazy ideas, awe-inspiring experiences, and stories that people can't help but share. But here's the twist: What if the future of marketing isn't about algorithms, but about out-humaning AI? What if the most powerful tool in your arsenal is your ability to create something so bold, so unexpected, that it stops people in their tracks? Mark shares jaw-dropping stories from his new book, Audacious, including how a drone show in the Texas sky left an entire restaurant in awe, and how a brand called Liquid Death turned the water industry on its head by embracing the taboo. What's your audacious idea? What bold, crazy, unforgettable story will you create to stand out in a world drowning in noise? Tune in to this episode to find out how you can start today. In this episode, you will learn the following: How to create marketing moments that stop people in their tracks. Why awe is the secret ingredient to unforgettable branding. How to disrupt traditional narratives and break taboos like Liquid Death. The five-act storytelling structure that makes ads stick. How to turn customers into passionate brand advocates through word-of-mouth marketing. In This Episode: [01:33] Introducing Mark Schaefer [03:54] The impactful drone show [13:21] The role of awe in marketing [21:34] Liquid Death: A case study in bold marketing [25:02] From flat to 3D marketing [26:11] Innovative storytelling in unexpected places [26:56] Creative marketing on a budget [28:34] The power of experiential marketing [29:15] The role of education in marketing [31:49] The art of storytelling in advertising [37:09] Systematic word-of-mouth marketing [44:37] The impact of social objects in marketing [48:09] Final thoughts and takeaways Notable Quotes [01:06] “Most marketing today is boring. It's predictable, it's ignorable. But standing out isn't about spending more money or shouting louder—it's about doing something truly different.” – Billy [02:55] “Instead of playing it safe, instead of doing what you think you're supposed to do, we're going to talk about how you actually stand out.” – Billy [10:49] “AI can be competent, but it can't create human connection. If you're just competent, you're vulnerable—because competent is ignorable.” – Mark Schaefer [37:09] “Word of mouth marketing is the most powerful form of marketing, yet most brands don't have a system for it. It's time to change that.” – Mark Schaefer [44:37] “The best marketing isn't just seen—it's experienced. People remember the emotions, the moments, and the stories, not just the ads.” – Mark Schaefer Resources and Links Mark Schaefer ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World⁠ ⁠The Marketing Companion⁠ Billy Samoa ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠X (formerly Twitter)⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠YouTube This is an encore episode and was originally published on March 21, 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI has made it faster, cheaper, and easier than ever to create content. But if everyone can crank out something “decent,” everything starts to look the same — and sameness is boring. On this episode of Talking Too Loud, Mark Schaefer, marketing strategist and author of Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World, explains why competence is vulnerable, why boldness is the only real edge, and how brands can double down on what AI can't fake: trust, emotion, and humanity.Learn more about Mark SchaeferFollow Savage on LinkedInSubscribe to Talking Too Loud on WistiaWatch on YouTubeFollow Talking Too Loud on InstagramFollow Talking Too Loud on TikTokLove what you heard? Leave us a review!On AppleOn Spotify

Send us a textThe marketing landscape is transforming rapidly, and leadership must evolve with it. That's the driving insight behind my exciting announcement today – my new book "The Future CMO" is almost ready to launch! After sharing keynote stages with Philip Kotler in Cairo and Dennis Yu in Portugal, I realized the message I've been developing over years was finally coming together in a powerful way.What started as a conversation with Mark Schaefer in July – "You're already doing the work, your book is halfway done" – has blossomed into a focused, actionable guide for modern marketing leaders. This isn't a lengthy theoretical tome; it's a sharp 90-minute read designed specifically for marketers, founders, and decision-makers navigating the complexities of AI, Web3, and the overwhelming technological noise we all face today."The Future CMO" explores how marketing leadership must evolve from strategist to integrator, from campaign thinker to system builder. I dive into critical themes of visibility, trust, and storytelling while making the case that tomorrow's most effective marketing leaders will guide their organizations not just with metrics, but with meaning. The e-book launches this September, followed by the paperback in October. If you'd like to be part of this journey – as an early reader, launch team member, or just someone who wants to grab the book when it's available, reach out to me via https://webdrie.net. The future of marketing starts with how we choose to show up, and I'd love for you to join me in exploring what that means for all of us.This episode was recorded via Descript on Sep 3, 2025. 

Mark Schaefer has a new grandchild. Amanda Russell has a toddler. Both of them wonder what an AI-dominant world has in store for them.    In this personal and introspective episode, Mark and Amanda reflect on what college meant to their careers, the advice they would give to kids about college today, and how education will need to change for Gen Alpha.    This is an essential episode for everyone wondering how AI will impact the next generation.   Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," “Belonging to the Brand,” and "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising.   For more of Mark's insights every week, subcribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking.      Amanda Russell is a marketing leader, entrepreneur, and scholar. By age 32, she built and sold two successful businesses: an online fitness subscription community for women and a digital marketing and production company. She served as Chief Marketing Officer at a NYC-based portfolio fund and developed the world's first accredited MBA & EMBA Influencer Marketing programs at Northwestern University. She also founded the Global Center for Influence at the University of Texas. Amanda has taught at renowned institutions such as Bocconi University, London Business School, Harvard, Wharton, HEC Paris, NYU, and the University of Stockholm. Her book, "The Influencer Code," explores influence, consumer behavior, and the future of marketing. Amanda advises major companies, including Lamborghini, Cedars-Sinai, Lionsgate, and Silk-FAW.  

As use of AI soars and customers place more trust in AI, the bots are making decisions for our customers. From vacations to recipes, we're using AI in creative ways to make our lives easier and skip the time to analyze options. But how does AI make the decision? The platforms are getting their information from somewhere. What is the role of traditional content and marketing? The answer will surprise you. In this far-reaching show, Mark Schaefer and Andy Crestodina explore new research on how AI makes decisions and what matters. This episode also contains extraordinary bonus content.   Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," “Belonging to the Brand,” and "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising.   For more of Mark's insights every week, subscribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking.   Andy Crestodina is CMO and Co-Founder of Orbit Media, an award-winning 55-person digital agency. He has 23_ years of experience in analytics, SEO, content strategy and visitor psychology ...and months of experience in AI.   Andy has applied his expertise in SEO and conversions to drive both visibility and lead generation for 1000+ businesses since 2001.

Gini Dietrich is a well-known thought leader, author, and entrepreneur in the corporate communications space. Her PESO marketing framework has become a standard framework for PR and marketing professionals. In this episode, Mark Schaefer's special guest host talks about how the model has evolved in an era where consumer attention "acts differently." She also discusses how she is aggressively integrating AI in her client relations practices. 

When you start writing a book, it's easy to get caught up in trying to make every word perfect. But here's the truth: your first draft is just the beginning. The real transformation happens through revision, reflection, and the support you gather along the way. Writing a book doesn't have to be a lonely or overwhelming journey. At the Biz Book Pub Hub, we're creating a different experience—one where authors are supported by a community of experts who can guide you from the first sentence to a fully launched and strategically marketed book. Whether you're facing creative roadblocks, shaping your message, or building your author platform, the Hub connects you with the tools, feedback, and community that can help. Plus, our free virtual networking events give you the chance to learn from professionals and connect with fellow authors who get what this process is really like. If you're looking for guidance on the writing journey, visit www.BizBookPubHub.com and explore how we can support your next step. Now, let's hear from today's panelists as they share how they moved from blank page to published book—and how that book helped grow their impact and business. Jim MacLeod wrote “The Visual Marketer: The Marketer's Crash Course for Creating Memorable and Effective Visuals,” a practical guide that empowers marketers to create high-impact, results-driven visuals—without needing a design background—by mastering essential design principles and tools. Susan Fitzell wrote “Neurodiversity in the Workplace: Maximizing Success through Inclusive Dynamic Workplace Design™,” a strategic guide for C-suite leaders to unlock innovation and boost performance by building inclusive, neurodiverse teams through practical, business-driven solutions. Wendy Hutchinson wrote “Finding the Path of Me: Awakening to Remembering Who I Am and Why I Am Here,” a powerful guide to healing, self-discovery, and spiritual awakening—offering tools and insights to help you release what no longer serves you and rise into your most authentic, empowered self. Please join me in welcoming Jim, Susan, and Wendy.  In this episode, we discuss the following:

Mark Schaefer and Dana Malstaff discuss practical applications to use ChatGPT to build your own private, personal AI advisors to reach clients, expand your reach, and fuel your personal growth. This is an easy and accessible way to create new capabilities for your business without any coding knowledge.   Mark Schaefer is a strategy consultant, college educator, keynote speaker, and the author of 10 books including "KNOWN," “Belonging to the Brand,” and "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World." His annual marketing retreat is The Uprising.   For more of Mark's insights every week, subcribe to his award-winning blog. Mark also offers classes in personal branding and professional speaking.   Dana Malstaff is a serial entrepreneur, author, and founder of the Boss Mom franchise of media properties and businesses. 

In this compelling episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mark Schaefer returns to share fresh, provocative insights from his latest book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World. A globally respected marketing strategist, bestselling author, and deep observer of technological change, Schaefer brings sharp clarity to a pressing leadership question: what does it take to stay relevant when artificial intelligence makes intelligence itself abundant?Rather than offering a simplistic take on AI, Schaefer challenges leaders to confront a more nuanced truth: AI doesn't just change how we work—it redefines where we create value. In a world where intelligence is cheap and accessible to everyone, he argues, leaders must shift their organizations from knowledge accumulation to human differentiation.The conversation dives into what “out-humaning” AI actually looks like. From designing moments of awe to fostering fearless creativity, Schaefer offers examples and frameworks that push beyond theory. He connects storytelling, community-building, and emotional resonance not just as marketing strategies—but as core leadership capabilities that machines can't replicate.This episode is a must-listen for CEOs, board members, and senior executives grappling with the implications of AI. It's not about resisting the future—it's about recognizing what only humans can do, and leading teams to do it with more clarity, urgency, and creativity than ever before.Actionable TakeawaysYou'll learn why intelligence is no longer a competitive advantage—and what replaces it at the leadership level.Hear how to reframe your organizational structure and decision-making in a world where AI handles most of the “smart work.”Discover what Mark Schaefer means by “out-humaning AI” and why that's now your most important leadership mandate.You'll learn why competence is no longer enough—and how leaders who rely on it alone risk irrelevance.Hear how to use awe, authenticity, and community as strategic tools to build trust and emotional engagement that AI can't touch.You'll learn how to think about brand relevance and personal credibility when your audience knows AI could have written your content.Hear how to identify and overcome the fear that's keeping your organization stuck in mediocrity.You'll learn what makes bold storytelling and immersive experience design the next frontier in business leadership.Hear how to embrace AI as a creative partner without outsourcing your strategic soul.Connect with Mark Schaefer :Website: Businesses GrowSocial Media: Twitter | LinkedInConnect with Mahan Tavakoli: Mahan Tavakoli Website Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn Partnering Leadership Website