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Every successful agency owner faces the same maddening paradox: you built a business to create freedom, but now you're more trapped than ever. You can't take a real vacation because everything runs through you. Every proposal needs your touch, every creative decision requires your approval, and every client crisis demands your personal attention. You've become the bottleneck in your own operation, and traditional solutions like hiring more people or creating better processes only add complexity without solving the core problem. Mike Allton understands this trap because he's lived it and helped dozens of agency owners escape it. As the founder of The AI Hat and Chief Storyteller at Agorapulse, Mike has developed a proven framework for breaking free from the operational quicksand that keeps agency owners stuck. His approach isn't about replacing human judgment with technology—it's about creating an AI Second Brain that handles the cognitive heavy lifting so you can focus on what only you can do: build relationships, innovate, and lead. Through his H.U.M.A.N. Framework, Mike shows agency owners how to delegate high-level thinking tasks without sacrificing quality or control. What You'll Discover: ✨ How the three bottlenecks are costing you a fortune: Learn why the Sales Bottleneck, Creative Bottleneck, and Client Management Bottleneck are mathematically limiting your growth and stealing your freedom. Mike reveals the hidden opportunity costs that could be costing successful agencies over a million dollars annually in lost potential. ✨ Why traditional solutions backfire: Understand why hiring more people and creating more processes often makes the bottleneck worse instead of better. Discover why static documentation becomes "digital shelfware" and how management layers can actually increase your workload rather than reduce it. ✨ The AI Second Brain system that actually works: Get the exact framework for building an intelligent system that learns your voice, applies your methodologies, and handles complex tasks like proposal writing, creative strategy, and client crisis management. See real examples of how this approach has helped agency owners reclaim 20+ hours per week and finally take those long-overdue vacations. Learn more about Mike Allton Connect with Mike Allton on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode AI Work Buddy Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction: The Cost of Not Taking a Vacation 00:33 The Real Business Cost of Burnout 00:47 Meet David: A Case Study in Operational Bottlenecks 02:42 Welcome to the AI Hat Podcast 03:16 Why You Can't Take a Vacation 03:53 Identifying the Bottlenecks 07:41 Traditional Solutions That Don't Work 10:16 Introducing the AI Work Buddy Mini Course 10:53 The AI Second Brain: A New Approach 17:20 Real-World Impact: Case Studies 18:37 The Cost of Staying the Same 19:20 Conclusion: Embrace the Future with AI SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/stop-being-the-bottleneck-how-to-build-an-ai-second-brain-for-your-agency/ Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Mike, we've heard about AI. We get it. It's revolutionary." But here's the million-dollar question: Are you actually seeing those eye-popping results in your own business? Are you doubling your qualified leads or saving tens of thousands of dollars with a single automation? If you're shaking your head, don't worry. You're not alone. And that's exactly why today's episode is going to be a game-changer for you. We're cutting through the noise and the hype to bring you real, tangible examples of businesses that have cracked the code on AI implementation. No more theoretical possibilities or vague promises. We're talking cold, hard facts and replicable strategies that you can start using in your business tomorrow. To guide us through this AI success story safari, we have a true trailblazer with us. I'm thrilled to welcome Sara Davison, the mastermind behind the Maivenly AI Business Growth Accelerator. Sara isn't just talking about AI; she's in the trenches, turning AI potential into profit for businesses just like yours. Get this: Sara has helped clients save over $40,000 a year with a single AI automation. She's worked with companies to double their qualified leads in just one month – a feat that used to take them half a decade! And the best part? She's here to spill the beans on how it's done. The AI Hat Podcast⁠ host Mike Allton asked Sara Davison about: ✨ Start Small, Think Big: AI implementation doesn't have to be overwhelming; begin with one process and scale up. ✨ AI Enhances Human Potential: Successful AI integration empowers employees, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. ✨ Measurable Results Matter: Focus on AI applications that deliver tangible outcomes, like cost savings or lead generation. Learn more about Sara Davison Connect with Sara Davison on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Maivenly Respell CassidyAI AI Readiness: A Practical Guide Using the 5P Framework with Katie Robbert Clay Apollo Outthink Your Competition: AI in Marketing Strategy with Sunny Hunt AI Marketing Primer: A Comprehensive Guide for Marketers Explore past episodes of the AI in Marketing: Unpacked podcast CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to AI Workflow Transformation 01:47 Podcast Introduction and Host's Welcome 02:09 The AI Revolution in Business 02:53 Guest Introduction: Sara Davison 03:35 Sara's Journey into AI 06:04 AI Implementation Success Stories 25:48 The Role of AI in Customer Experience 29:30 Overcoming AI Learning Curves 33:30 Future of AI in Business and Workforce 39:06 Actionable Steps to Unlock AI Potential 40:57 Conclusion and Contact Information SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/unlocking-ais-potential-success-stories-from-growing-businesses/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Hamilton is an associate professor of marketing at Emory University and co-author of The Growth Dilemma. As co-host of The Intuitive Customer podcast, he brings behavioral science to life through real-world brand strategy. This week on On Brand, Ryan joins me to explore why customer decisions aren't as rational as we think, how brands can grow without losing their soul, and what he's learned working with companies like Walmart and Visa. About Ryan Hamilton Ryan Hamilton is an associate professor of marketing at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. He has consulted on branding with Walmart, FedEx, Home Depot, Caterpillar, ConAgra, Cigna, Visa, and Ipsos, among others, and has been a keynote speaker. He cohosts a podcast, called The Intuitive Customer, which applies the insights of behavioral science to customer experience. He has produced lecture series on both marketing and human decision making for The Great Courses. He's also the co-author of the book, The Growth Dilemma. What brand has made Ryan smile recently? Ryan shared a smile he got via a birthday gift from his wife. The gift? A planer from Bridge City Tools. “I love a  brand that can take something workaday and turn it into a thing of beauty.” Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn and his Emory University faculty page. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

David Aaker is Vice Chairman of Prophet and Professor Emeritus at the Berkeley Haas School of Business. Often called the “Father of Modern Branding,” David has authored 18 books and over 120 articles, shaping how marketers understand everything from brand equity to purpose-driven strategy. This week on On Brand, David returned to the show to discuss the updated edition of Aaker on Branding, what's changed (and what hasn't) in the world of brand strategy, and why purpose, storytelling, and owning a subcategory are more critical than ever. David Aaker is the Vice Chairman of Prophet and Professor Emeritus at the BerkeleyHaas School of Business. He is the winner of five career awards, including the NYAMA Marketing Hall of Fame. He has published over 120 articles and 18 books that have sold well over 1 million copies and been translated into 18 languages. They include Managing Brand Equity, Building Strong Brands, Aaker on Branding, Creating Signature Stories, Owning Game-Changing Subcategories, and The Future of Purpose-Driven Branding. Called the Father of Modern Branding by Phil Kotler, he was named one of the top five most important marketing/business gurus in 2007 and won awards for the best article in the California Management Review and the Journal of Marketing (twice). His work has received 160,000 citations. What brand has made David smile recently? David shared a smile from his company Prophet's new campaign for UBS, "Banking is our craft." Connect with David on LinkedIn, where he publishes regularly, and check out the revised edition of Aaker on Branding. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Have you ever wished you could clone your best sales rep? Imagine having a team member who never sleeps, never takes vacation, and consistently delivers your perfect pitch to prospects 24/7. Sounds too good to be true, right? The challenge facing most business leaders today isn't just about growing their sales - it's about scaling their team's expertise and maintaining quality customer relationships while expanding their reach. Traditional solutions like hiring more staff or implementing basic chatbots often fall short, leading to inconsistent experiences and missed opportunities. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce today's guest, Natalie de Groot, who's revolutionizing how businesses approach AI-powered customer engagement. As the founder of Authentic AI Marketing and a pioneering AI Marketing Strategist, Natalie has been helping businesses optimize their strategies since 2009. But it was her groundbreaking work with AI-powered brand representatives that really caught my attention. Natalie has worked with countless businesses across the US, Canada, and UK, showing them how to leverage AI to scale their operations while maintaining that crucial human touch. She's not just talking theory - she's actually created and implemented AI-powered representatives that are transforming how businesses engage with their customers. Today, she's here to share her insights and practical strategies that you can implement in your business. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Natalie de Groot about: ✨ 24/7 Brand Consistency - AI representatives ensure your brand message and values are consistently delivered across all customer touchpoints. ✨ Scalable Expertise - Strategic implementation of AI representatives allows businesses to multiply their team's impact without sacrificing quality. ✨ Human-AI Collaboration - Success comes from properly balancing AI capabilities with human oversight and intervention points. Learn more about Natalie de Groot Connect with Natalie de Groot on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Authentic AI Marketing Chris Carr AI Bootcamp Redefining Brand Strategy: AI Tools for Businesses of All Sizes with Ruheene Jaura AI Work Buddy AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast CHAPTERS: 00:00 Empowering Employees with AI 00:59 Introduction to The AI Hat Podcast 02:08 Meet Natalie de Groot: AI Marketing Pioneer 04:12 Natalie's Journey into AI 05:14 The Evolution of Nat GPT 06:47 AI Personas and Their Applications 11:37 Advanced AI Strategies and Use Cases 23:52 Leveraging AI for Brand Building 25:19 Creating an AI Work Buddy 32:32 The Importance of Clean Data 36:53 Training Teams to Work with AI 39:23 Future of AI in Business 41:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/how-smart-business-leaders-are-creating-ai-sales-reps-that-never-sleep/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of GoalChat, host Debra Eckerling discusses strategy with Jason Falls, Influencer Marketing Strategist and Executive Director of the Marketing Podcast Network, which hosts GoalChat; Camille L. Miller, Intuitive Business and Life Strategist; and Ana Visneski, Crisis Communications. Strategy starts with deciding who you are and what you want to bring out into the world. Jason, Camille, and Ana, share their experiences and perspectives on strategy, along with their takes on claiming your niche in thought leadership, aligning it with your mission; and more. Goals  - Jason: Use the 5 Whys method proactively; ask yourself if your strategy aligns with the business, and keep asking yourself a string of "whys" to help you identify the right actions that align with your goals - Camille: Try the Future-Self Method; keep your vision of your future bright, put yourself in the position of where you want to be and make decisions based on that - Ana: Do something that makes your inner 5-year-old happy Final Thoughts - Camille: Live your life with purpose; do what makes your hear sing - Ana: Everything is a lot. Take care of yourself and the people you love - Jason: 5-year-old Ana wanted to ride sharks through tornados. Be who you want to be Learn More About: Jason Falls: FallsPartners.com Camille L. Miller: SoulProfessional.com Ana Visneski: TheMereWif.com Debra Eckerling: TheDEBMethod.com/blog 52SecretsBook.com MarketingPodcasts.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Regina Dowdell is a Content Solutions Consultant at LinkedIn, where she helps organizations craft creative, effective content strategies that drive business impact. With over 15 years of experience spanning nonprofits, tech, and startups, Regina brings a digital-first, entrepreneurial mindset to every brand she supports. This week on On Brand, Regina joined me to talk about personal branding, thought leadership, and what it takes to stand out on LinkedIn today. About Regina Dowdell Regina is a digital-minded, marketing creative with an entrepreneurial spirit focused on helping individuals and companies change the world. Through effective communication, thought leadership, and a strong digital presence, Regina has supported forward-thinking organizations across all industries, from non-profits to technology to start-ups, in spreading their messages and scaling for over 15 years. As a Content Solutions Consultant at LinkedIn, Regina helps organizations craft impactful content strategies that are creative, effective, and help them reach their business objectives. An avid traveler and self-proclaimed Super Mom, Regina is based in New York City. Connect with Regina on (wait for it) LinkedIn! Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Are you struggling to create consistent content for your YouTube channel because scripts and outlines take forever to produce? You're not alone. Most creators hit this wall, trying to balance quality with production speed, while wondering if AI could help without making their content feel generic or robotic. Today you'll discover exactly how to use AI for content creation while keeping your authentic voice intact. I'm excited to welcome my long-time friend and colleague Amy Landino, a high-performance personal brand coach who's transformed personality-led businesses into 7-figure thought leaders. Her award-winning YouTube channel has touched millions, and she's authored three books including the bestseller "Good Morning, Good Life." Amy has mastered the balance between leveraging AI and maintaining the human touch that makes her content uniquely hers. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Amy Landino about: ✨Voice Preservation Techniques - Learn Amy's specific prompting strategies that maintain her authentic voice while leveraging AI assistance. ✨Workflow Integration Points - Discover the critical moments in content creation where AI tools create the most value with the least risk to authenticity. ✨Authenticity Amplification - Understand how AI can actually enhance your unique perspective rather than dilute it when used strategically. Learn more about Amy Landino Connect with Amy Landino on LinkedIn Follow Amy Landino on Instagram Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Amy Landino International Good Morning, Good Life AI Digital Clone: How to Augment Your Team's Expertise with George B. Thomas AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide AI Training for Businesses Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction: The Key to Effective Marketing 01:04 The AI Hat Podcast Theme Song 02:13 Welcome to The AI Hat Podcast 02:35 Challenges in Content Creation 02:58 Interview with Amy Landino: AI in Content Creation 04:02 Amy's Approach to Using AI 05:13 The Importance of Human Touch in AI Content 06:35 Amy's Content Workflow with AI 08:08 Using AI for YouTube Analytics 10:22 Balancing AI and Authenticity 13:50 Tips for Effective AI Use 35:07 The Future of AI in Content Creation 37:37 Conclusion and Farewell SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/the-human-behind-the-algorithm-amy-landinos-approach-to-ai-enhanced-content-creation/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole Johnston is a former global marketing leader turned transformational coach, with a career spanning Procter & Gamble, Hershey, and Newell Brands. Today, she helps women overcome career challenges as founder of innatePOWER™ and author of Taboo Topics: Things Women Should Talk About, But Don't. This week on On Brand, Nicole joined me to talk leadership, authenticity, and the power of brave conversations. About Nicole Johnston Nicole is a passionate Executive and Leadership Coach. She previously held senior Sales & Marketing roles at Procter & Gamble, Hershey Foods, and Kimberly-Clark, leading billion-dollar businesses to success. Nicole excels in capturing whitespace opportunities. Her true joy lies in providing positive support to her teams, leading with kindness, inspiring others, and making a transformative impact. Driven to make a difference, Nicole transitioned from corporate to coaching, founding innatePOWER™ to support women in overcoming obstacles and achieving their potential. innatePOWER™ is built on compassionate leadership and a genuine desire to make the world a better place, one person at a time. Nicole is a certified Executive, Leadership, and Organizational Development coach from the ICF-accredited Symbiosis Coaching. What brand has made Nicole smile recently? As a dedicated Hawkeye and Caitlin Clark fan, Nicole smiled as the Indiana Fever launched the Fever Network. Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn and check out the Innate Power Coaching website and her book, Taboo Topics. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Have you ever wondered why some of the most innovative AI solutions still miss the mark for large segments of the population? The answer might lie in who's actually building and implementing these technologies. Today, we're diving into a crucial conversation about representation in AI - specifically, why having Latina voices at the table isn't just about diversity metrics, it's about creating better, more effective AI solutions for everyone. The truth is, AI is reshaping every aspect of our world, from how businesses operate to how we solve complex social problems. But here's the challenge: when the teams developing these technologies don't reflect the diversity of our society, we end up with blind spots that can limit AI's potential and even perpetuate existing inequalities. That's why I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Nayana Guerrero, a pioneering researcher and educator who's not only studying these issues but actively working to change them. Dr. Guerrero has made remarkable contributions to our understanding of AI's role in business and gender equality, including groundbreaking research on women entrepreneurs and business feminism using AI tools. She's currently shaping the next generation of tech leaders at the Tecnológico de Monterrey, while also serving as President of the Gender Equality Committee at The National Council of Women Entrepreneurs, where she's helping strengthen women's presence in Mexico's social and business sectors. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Nayana Guerrero about: ✨ Diverse AI Leadership: Building better AI requires diverse perspectives at every level of development and implementation. ✨ Cultural Intelligence: Understanding cultural nuances is crucial for creating AI solutions that truly serve global markets. ✨ Educational Pipeline: Strengthening STEM education and mentorship for Latina students is key to future AI innovation. Learn more about Dr. Nayana Guerrero Connect with Nayana Guerrero on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode NayanaGuerrero.com Tec de Monterrey Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines by Joy Buolamwini Miri Rodriguez Empressa Latinas in Tech AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction: Elevating Latina Voices in AI 01:22 The AI Hat Podcast Theme Song 02:31 Welcome to The AI Hat Podcast 02:54 The Importance of Representation in AI 03:36 Interview with Dr. Nayana Guerrero 04:31 Challenges and Insights in AI Development 06:52 Cultural Influences on AI 12:23 Gender Digital Divide and AI 24:42 Educational Institutions and Latina Tech Leaders 35:44 Opportunities for Latina Leaders in AI 41:07 Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Latinas 45:38 Conclusion and Farewell SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/why-latina-voices-are-critical-for-the-future-of-ai/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heather O'Shea is Chief Research Officer at Alter Agents, where she helps brands like Netflix, Walmart, and Spotify solve tough business challenges through smart research. With nearly 20 years of experience across agencies, platforms, and publishers, she's a leader in advertising insights and analytics. This week on On Brand, Heather joined me to talk curiosity, empathy, and what today's smartest brands are getting right. More About Heather Heather O'Shea is a passionate insights leader with over 18 years of experience, including a focus on advertising research, digital analytics, and media landscape. She has held leadership positions at media agencies, publishers, tech platforms, and research companies. She is currently the Chief Research Officer of boutique market research consultancy Alter Agents, where she oversees the research functions within the company, partnering with brands such as Netflix, Walmart, Gatorade, and Spotify to address tough business challenges. She received her M.B.A. in marketing from Baruch College at the City University of New York. She has served as a mentor for Women in Research (WIRe) and has served on the board of the Advertising Research Foundation's Women in Analytics program. What brand has made Heather smile recently? She shared a series of text-based smiles she got from a recent trip to Costco that her husband and son took. Connect with Heather on LinkedIn and learn more on the Alter Agents website. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Are you spending countless hours trying to figure out how to make AI work for your business, while bigger companies seem to have it all figured out? What if you could learn how one of the world's most innovative companies actually implements AI, and discover how to scale those same strategies in your business - without the enterprise budget? The truth is, most small businesses are drowning in AI tools and possibilities, unsure which strategies actually drive results and which are just burning time and money. They're stuck watching larger companies pull ahead while trying to piece together a working AI strategy. But today, we're going to change that. I'm thrilled to welcome Michael Todasco, former Director of Innovation at PayPal, where he managed over 100 patents and drove innovation initiatives that transformed how one of fintech's biggest players leverages AI. Now, Michael spends his time helping businesses of all sizes implement practical AI solutions that drive real results. He's going to share the strategies that actually work - no fluff, no complexity, just proven approaches you can implement starting today. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Mike Todasco about: ✨ Start Small, Think Big: Implement AI strategically by starting with one high-impact area while planning for scalable growth. ✨ Focus on Core Problems: Target AI implementation at solving specific business challenges rather than adopting technology for its own sake. ✨ Measure What Matters: Establish clear metrics and ROI goals before implementing any AI solution to ensure meaningful business impact. Learn more about Mike Todasco Connect with Mike Todasco on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode PayPal James Silberrad Brown Center for Artificial Intelligence at SDSU Hanging up on ChatGPT's Operator AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI in Business 02:08 Welcome to The AI Hat Podcast 02:32 Challenges and Opportunities for Small Businesses 03:06 Interview with Michael Todasco 04:51 AI Implementation at PayPal 06:17 Practical AI Solutions for Small Businesses 11:12 Creating an AI-First Culture 18:04 Augmented Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence 21:10 Debunking the Myth: AI as a Cheating Tool 21:41 Sponsor Break: Introducing Magai 23:41 Biggest Mistakes in AI Implementation 25:59 Success Stories and Real-World Applications 29:48 Measuring AI ROI for Businesses 32:59 Emerging AI Trends and Future Outlook 38:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/scale-like-paypal-simple-ai-strategies-that-actually-work-for-small-business/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Kaufman is Senior Director of Global Marketing for MR, VR, and Metaverse at Meta's Reality Labs, where he leads efforts for Meta Quest, Horizon Worlds, and Oculus Studios. His path includes stops at Google, Halo Neuroscience, and the U.S. Digital Service under President Obama. On this week's On Brand, Dave joined me to talk immersive tech, branding in virtual worlds, and what's next for the metaverse. More on Dave ... Dave Kaufman is Senior Director, Global Marketing of MR, VR, and Metaverse at Meta within the Reality Labs division. He leads global marketing efforts for Meta Quest, Horizon Worlds, and Oculus Studios. Before joining Meta, Dave headed up marketing at Halo Neuroscience, led brand strategy at the United States Digital Service (founded by President Barack Obama), and worked in product marketing at Google. He's earned recognition from Ad Age's 40 Under 40 list and honors at Cannes Lions, Clio, and The One Show. A graduate from Cornell University, Dave is now based in San Francisco. What brand has made Dave smile recently? Dave shared the recent, surprising smile the MLB brought to his face. Connect with Dave on LinkedIn and check out the article he wrote there, How to Work in Marketing (and not be full of ). You can also learn more about his work at Meta Reality Labs. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Have you ever felt left behind in the marketing tech race because you don't know how to code? Maybe you've watched colleagues implement amazing automation or create sophisticated workflows, while you're still struggling with basic tools. What if I told you that the coding barrier in marketing is crumbling, thanks to artificial intelligence? The truth is, marketers everywhere are facing increasing pressure to be more technical, more efficient, and more innovative - but learning to code isn't always practical or necessary. This technology gap has been holding back countless talented marketers from reaching their full potential. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce today's guest, Mike Russell. Mike is the founder of Creator Magic and serves as the Creative Director at Music Radio Creative, where his international team creates productions for over 4,000 clients in 120+ countries. He's been at the forefront of the AI revolution, teaching creators and marketers how to harness the power of artificial intelligence without writing a single line of code. His work has transformed the way thousands of professionals approach their craft, making sophisticated marketing solutions accessible to everyone. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Mike Russell about: ✨ Start Small, Think Big - No-code AI tools allow marketers to begin with simple projects while building toward complex solutions. ✨ Tools Not Rules - Today's AI platforms offer flexibility to create custom marketing solutions without coding constraints. ✨ Future-Proof Marketing - Embracing no-code AI tools now positions marketers for upcoming technological advances. Learn more about Mike Russell Connect with Mike Russell on LinkedIn Subscribe to Mike Russell on YouTube Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Creator Magic Cursor Perplexity Agent.ai Zapier Make.com N8N Notion AI and Copyright: What Marketers Need to Know with Mitch Jackson HeyGen ElevenLabs Creator Magic YouTube Channel AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to AI Agents in the Workforce 01:15 The AI Hat Podcast Theme Song 02:24 Welcome to The AI Hat Podcast 02:48 The Coding Barrier in Marketing 03:14 Introducing Mike Russell 04:07 The Power of No-Code AI Tools 04:52 Building AI Solutions with Cursor 11:54 The Future of AI Agents 23:25 Common Mistakes in No-Code AI 33:43 Final Thoughts and Advice 36:29 Conclusion and Wrap-Up SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/no-code-no-problem-revolutionizing-marketing-with-ai-tools/ Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Kingsley is the author of Universal Principles of Branding and the forthcoming Brands in the Age of AI. A Grammy-nominated designer turned brand strategist, he's led work for Citi, Equinox, and Blue Note Records. Mark joined me on this week's On Brand to talk about branding's future—and how AI is changing the game. Mark Kingsley began his career designing album packages for legends like John Coltrane, Pat Metheny, and Quincy Jones—work that earned him a Grammy nomination in 2001 for Blue Note Records—before transitioning into corporate branding, where he led major initiatives at Landor and Collins for clients such as Citi, Ogilvy, and Equinox. Through his studio, Malcontent, he serves a diverse mix of clients from indie filmmakers to Pulitzer Prize winners. Mark teaches in the SVA Masters in Branding program, previously held the Melbert B. Cary Professorship at the Rochester Institute of Technology, and is currently Head of Brand for the fashion label Oumlil. His book Universal Principles of Branding became a bestseller in 2023, and his next, Brands in the Age of AI, is due out in December. What brand has made Mark smile recently? Mark shared decades-old smiles from the record label ECM, a company whose recordings provide a classic example of creating space through design and sound. Connect with Mark on LinkedIn and the Malcontent website. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Have you ever wondered how the world's largest professional network approaches artificial intelligence in their marketing? We all see the innovations and changes happening on LinkedIn's platform, but what's happening behind the scenes? How are they actually implementing AI in their marketing strategies, and what can we learn from their approach? The truth is, most businesses are struggling to effectively integrate AI into their marketing operations. They're either overwhelmed by the possibilities, unsure where to start, or concerned about maintaining authenticity while leveraging automation. And with the stakes getting higher every day, the pressure to get it right is immense. That's why I'm thrilled to welcome today's guest, Hava Maloku, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at LinkedIn. With over 15 years of experience in digital marketing and a front-row seat to AI implementation at one of the world's most influential tech companies, Hava brings unique insights into how enterprises can successfully leverage AI in their marketing strategies. She's also a respected voice in the AI leadership space, recently speaking at the "AI Leadership Workshop: Voices of Change" about combining technical excellence with strategic vision. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Hava Maloku about: ✨ Enterprise AI Strategy: How LinkedIn approaches AI implementation at scale ✨ Balance & Integration: Combining technical capabilities with strategic marketing goals ✨ Future-Ready Framework: Building adaptable AI marketing systems for long-term success Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Women Leaders in Tech 00:18 Encouragement for Women in AI 01:29 The AI Hat Podcast Theme Song 02:36 Welcome to The AI Hat Podcast 02:59 LinkedIn's AI Marketing Strategies 03:35 Guest Introduction: Hava Maloku 04:20 Hava's Journey into AI Marketing 06:22 AI's Impact Beyond Marketing 08:24 AI Trends in Marketing 12:29 LinkedIn's Initial AI Approach 17:39 Successful AI Marketing Initiatives at LinkedIn 24:42 Staying Current with AI in Marketing 28:52 Advice for Women Marketing Leaders 31:58 Conclusion and Contact Information Learn more about Hava Maloku Connect with Hava Maloku on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode LinkedIn AI Primer: Get Started with AI Explore past episodes of The AI Hat Podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/inside-linkedins-ai-marketing-strategy-a-senior-leaders-perspective/ Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cynthia Kane is the author of the new book The Pause Principle: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations. A leading voice in intentional communication, Cynthia has helped over 70,000 people become less reactive and more kind, honest, and helpful in how they speak to themselves and others. Through her bestselling books, DailyOM course, and the Kane Intentional Communication Training Program, she's transforming the way we talk—and listen. Cynthia joined me to share how we can all communicate with more intention on this week's On Brand podcast. Cynthia Kane helps people enhance their lives and relationships by teaching them how to become less reactive in difficult conversations and speak to themselves, others, and their environment in a kind, honest, and helpful way. She has taught over 70,000 people how to change the way they communicate through her books, including her latest, The Pause Principle: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations, Bestselling DailyOM Course, and the Kane Intentional Communication Training Program. She is a certified meditation and mindfulness instructor, certified breathing coach, and the founder of the Kane Intentional Communication Institute, LLC. What brand has made Cynthia smile recently? Cynthia shared how the colors of Pratima Skincare's products make her smile frequently. Connect with Cynthia on LinkedIn and her website. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

What would you do if your business suddenly faced a catastrophic disruption tomorrow? For most of us, that's a terrifying thought we'd rather not consider. But the reality is, business emergencies don't wait for the perfect moment - they strike without warning, forcing us to adapt or risk losing everything we've built. That's exactly what happened to today's guest when a devastating house fire in July 2023 threatened to derail her thriving business coaching practice. But instead of letting crisis win, she discovered an unexpected ally in artificial intelligence that not only helped her recover - it transformed her entire approach to business resilience. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome my dear friend Judi Fox, creator of the LinkedIn Business Accelerator program and trusted advisor to countless professionals looking to maximize their LinkedIn presence. Judi has helped hundreds of business leaders generate consistent leads and opportunities through strategic LinkedIn optimization, and her innovative approaches have earned her recognition as one of the platform's leading voices. But it's her remarkable story of using AI to rebuild and strengthen her business after disaster that will change how you think about business continuity. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Judi Fox about: ✨ Prepare Before Crisis Hits - Developing an AI-powered contingency plan before emergencies strike ensures business continuity. ✨ AI as Recovery Partner - Artificial intelligence can provide 24/7 support for critical business functions during disruption. ✨ Transform Challenge to Growth - Strategic AI implementation can turn business crises into opportunities for innovation and improvement. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Power of AI 02:04 Welcome to The AI Hat Podcast 02:28 Facing Catastrophic Disruption 03:05 Judi Fox's Story of Resilience 03:51 The Immediate Aftermath of the Fire 07:00 Community Support and Initial Challenges 15:42 Leveraging AI for Business Recovery 22:51 AI Tools and Strategies 26:53 Advice for Business Resilience 36:06 Final Thoughts and Resources Learn more about Judi Fox Connect with Judi Fox on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Judi Fox Consulting Bardeen Read.ai AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/from-disaster-to-digital-recovery-a-business-owners-ai-journey/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anson Sowby is CEO and co-founder of Battery, a global creative company that mixes Hollywood storytelling with brand strategy and Silicon Valley speed. With offices around the world and clients like the Anaheim Ducks, Land O'Lakes, and Warner Bros Games, Battery has been named Ad Age Agency of the Year three times. Anson joined me to share how they built this bold, modern agency on this week's On Brand podcast. Anson Sowby is the CEO and co-founder of Battery, a global creative company who developed a unique working model that's part Hollywood storytelling mixed with classic brand principles done the Silicon Valley way. The company has been celebrated as a three-time Ad Age Agency of the Year with offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto and Shanghai, and works with forward-thinking clients like the Anaheim Ducks, Land O'Lakes, Royal Bank of Canada, and Warner Bros Games. What brand has made Anson smile recently? Anson shared a fun smile from the brand Trust & Will, which is in the business of ... well, exactly what you'd think! Listen to learn where Anson's unexpected smile came from. Connect with Anson on LinkedIn and learn more on the Battery website. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

What if your next star employee never needed a coffee break, could work 24/7, and actually made your human team more creative and productive? That's not science fiction - it's the reality of properly implemented AI in today's business environment. But here's the challenge: most business leaders either overthink AI integration, making it more complicated than necessary, or underutilize it, missing out on incredible opportunities for growth and efficiency. The truth is, many businesses are struggling to find the sweet spot between leveraging AI's capabilities and maintaining that crucial human element that makes their brand unique. They're either going all-in without a strategy or staying on the sidelines out of fear. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce today's guest, Liza Adams. Liza is a pioneering force in helping SMBs successfully integrate AI solutions while keeping human values at the forefront. As a seasoned executive who's worn multiple hats including VP and CMO, she's helped countless businesses transform their operations through strategic AI implementation. Her human-centered approach to technology has made her one of the most sought-after voices in the AI implementation space. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Liza Adams about: ✨ Strategic Integration - The key to success is treating AI as a collaborative partner, not just a tool ✨ Value Alignment - AI implementation must align with and enhance your human team's capabilities ✨ Measured Approach - Start small, measure impact, and scale based on proven success Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to AI as a Thought Partner 00:33 The AI Hat Podcast Theme Song 01:42 Welcome to The AI Hat Podcast 02:48 Introducing Liza Adams 03:33 Liza's Journey with AI 04:31 AI as a Collaborative Partner 09:08 Misconceptions About AI 17:46 Using AI for Strategy and Automation 23:07 AI Use Cases and Practical Applications 32:11 Maintaining Human Values in AI 37:55 Concerns and Future of AI 43:52 Conclusion and Contact Information Learn more about Liza Adams Connect with Liza Adams on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode GrowthPath Partners Gemini for Leadership: AI-Powered Decision-Making From Chaos to Clarity: AI-Powered Thought Organization for Marketers Prompt Engineering Made Easy: The RICCE Framework for AI Content Writing Custom GPTs for Marketers: Work Smarter, Not Harder Christopher Penn Perplexity Level Up Your SEO: How SMBs Can Dominate Search with Gemini 1.5 Pro and Deep Research CLU's AI Podcast Newsletter on LinkedIn Build your own AI Assistant The Menagerie by Chris Kelly AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/making-ai-your-most-valuable-team-member-a-leaders-guide/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I explore how leaders can leverage Gemini to make smarter, faster, and more data-driven decisions. I share my own experience using Gemini to navigate a major business rebrand and provide a practical framework for integrating AI into your leadership workflow. Discover how Gemini can assist with rapid market analysis, data-driven risk assessment, and performance optimization, empowering you to lead with greater clarity and confidence. What You'll Learn: How Gemini can streamline market research and provide actionable insights. Strategies for using Gemini to assess risks, simulate scenarios, and make informed choices. A step-by-step workflow for integrating AI into your decision-making process. Episode Outline: 00:00 Facing Critical Business Decisions 00:15 Introducing Gemini: Your AI Strategic Partner 02:03 Personal Rebranding Journey with AI 04:42 Market Analysis with Gemini 07:35 Data-Driven Risk Assessment 10:31 Optimizing Performance with AI 13:04 Integrating AI into Decision Making 15:24 Personalized AI Guidance 17:05 Conclusion and Rebrand Success Next Steps: Ready to unlock explosive growth with Gemini? Download the free AI Work Buddy to create your own Custom Gem and get started with personalized AI assistance. AI Prompt Library with 40+ Prompts: https://theaihat.com/your-teams-ai-playbook-how-to-build-and-use-an-ai-prompt-library-for-business/ AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/gemini-for-leadership-ai-powered-decision-making/ Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike.Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Cardetti is Chief Strategy Officer at BarkleyOKRP, where he's spent the past decade shaping strategy into a creative force behind brand revivals for Planet Fitness, Motel 6, AMC Theatres, and more. Known for his journalistic curiosity and idea-first mindset, Chris and his team lead deep consumer research, upstream consulting, and thought leadership—earning top industry honors along the way. We dug into his approach this week on the On Brand podcast. About Chris Cardetti Chris Cardetti is the Chief Strategy Officer at BarkleyOKRP, where he's spent the past decade building the strategy, intelligence, and communications planning disciplines to be the art and science behind the agency's model for building whole brands. His recent experience includes a series of brand and business revitalization efforts for Planet Fitness, Motel 6, AMC Theatres, Smoothie King, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Over the course of his career, Chris has zeroed in on a recipe for strategy that mixes journalistic insights with a “no handoffs” idea-centric mentality. This has helped lead to Effies, Lions, Reggies, Shorty's, and Clio's awards. His strategy team is also responsible for upstream consulting, in-depth qualitative and quantitative research, and BarkleyOKRP's thought leadership practice, designed to understand the modern consumer deeper than anyone else. What brand has made Chris smile recently? He gave us two! The first came from Phillips' great customer service after he dropped his Sonicare toothbrush! The second came from BarkleyOKRP's client — the Kansas City Chiefs. Connect with Chris on LinkedIn and learn more on the Barkley website. Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Imagine if your top expert—maybe even you—could be available 24/7, across multiple languages, without burning out. Sounds like science fiction? For many SMB leaders, the knowledge held by key individuals becomes a bottleneck, limiting growth and overwhelming crucial team members. But what if AI offered a way not to replace, but to amplify that irreplaceable human expertise? Today, I'm talking with George B. Thomas, widely known as "The HubSpot Helper," but we're diving deep into something even more cutting-edge. George has actually built an AI Digital Clone of himself – an AI trained on over 16 million words of his unique content, insights, and perhaps most importantly, his core values and beliefs. Discover how this isn't just about creating a chatbot, but about authentically scaling human expertise to augment his team and serve his audience in ways previously impossible. George firmly believes AI's true power lies in augmentation, not replacement. He shares how his AI clone functions as an internal assistant, a content creation partner, and an external resource, allowing his human team to focus on higher-value tasks. Forget the hype; this is a real-world look at creating a human-centric AI that embodies your unique essence. CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction: The Purpose of Cloning Yourself 00:47 The AI Hat Podcast Theme Song 01:55 Welcome to The AI Hat Podcast 02:18 Introducing George B. Thomas: The HubSpot Helper 04:24 The Importance of Business Process Optimization 06:41 Mike's Superpower: Extra Time for Side Hustles 07:52 Creating a Digital Clone: The Journey Begins 09:18 Feeding the Clone: Content and Context 14:06 The Technology Behind the Clone 22:08 Human-Centered AI: Balancing Technology and Humanity 23:40 Embracing AI for Augmentation 26:05 Sponsor Message: Magai 27:03 AI-Generated Music and Multimodal Interaction 31:03 The Future of AI Clones in Business 34:19 Monetizing AI Clones 41:58 Advice for Implementing AI in Your Business 46:22 Conclusion and Contact Information SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/ai-digital-clone-how-to-augment-your-teams-expertise-with-george-b-thomas/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike.Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I unlock the secrets to crafting powerful prompts that get you the exact results you need from Gemini and other large language models (LLMs). I introduce the RICCE framework, a practical system designed to help you communicate effectively with AI and achieve optimal output. Think of RICCE as your training wheels for prompt engineering. By mastering these techniques, you'll gain the confidence and skills to harness the true potential of AI for your business. What You'll Learn: A clear and actionable breakdown of the RICCE framework for prompt engineering. Practical strategies for defining roles, providing context, setting constraints, and using examples to guide AI. How to iterate and refine your prompts for continuous improvement and better results. Episode Outline: 00:00 Introduction: Getting Real Results from AI 00:12 Understanding Prompt Engineering 00:21 The RICCE Framework Overview 08:35 Iterative Process: Refining Your Prompts 09:14 Gemini's Unique Strengths 11:44 The AI Work Buddy: Your Personalized AI Assistant 13:58 Conclusion and Recap SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/gemini-prompt-engineering-get-the-results-you-want/ Grab the free AI Work Buddy: https://theaihat.com/aiworkbuddy/ AI Prompt Library with 40+ Prompts: https://theaihat.com/your-teams-ai-playbook-how-to-build-and-use-an-ai-prompt-library-for-business/ AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you throwing money at AI without seeing real returns? You're not alone. Businesses everywhere are struggling to turn their AI investments into actual revenue. But what if I told you that AI agents could become your most profitable team members? The challenge isn't just implementing AI - it's making it pay for itself. Many business leaders are investing in AI agents without a clear path to ROI, leading to frustrated teams and disappointed stakeholders. The reality is, most companies are leaving money on the table because they don't understand how to properly monetize their AI implementations. That's why I'm thrilled to welcome Eva Dong, Lead of AI Monetization at Google Cloud, back to the show. Eva brings over a decade of transformative leadership experience from McKinsey & Co and Visa, where she's helped countless businesses turn AI investments into profit centers. As a former entrepreneur who built a successful direct-to-consumer marketing startup, Eva knows firsthand what it takes to make AI work for your bottom line. Today, she's at the forefront of Google Cloud's AI monetization strategy, helping businesses of all sizes transform their AI agents from cost centers into revenue generators. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Eva Dong about: ✨ Start Small, Scale Smart - Begin with focused AI agent implementations that solve specific revenue-generating problems. ✨ Value-Based Pricing - Structure AI agent pricing around measurable business outcomes rather than usage metrics. ✨ Human-AI Harmony - Success comes from finding the right balance between AI automation and human oversight in your revenue model. Learn more about Eva Dong Connect with Eva Dong on LinkedIn Connect with Eva Dong on X Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Google Gemini NotebookLM Vertex AI Learn more about Custom GPTs, Gems, and Custom Instructions Christopher Penn on The State of AI around the world World Economic Forum: AI in Action Eva's Smart AI Marketing newsletter AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/google-cloud-expert-reveals-making-ai-agents-work-for-your-bottom-line/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode, I dive into the most important question every business is asking: Gemini or ChatGPT? I provide a balanced and hype-free comparison of Gemini and ChatGPT, exploring their shared capabilities, unique strengths, and ideal use cases. This isn't about declaring a winner; it's about empowering you to make an informed decision and choose the AI that aligns perfectly with your specific business goals. What You'll Learn: The key similarities and differences between Gemini and ChatGPT. A practical framework, using the H.U.M.A.N. method, to evaluate AI options for your business. Actionable insights to help you choose the right AI for your needs, whether it's content creation, workflow automation, or data analysis. Gemini vs. ChatGPT Outline: 00:00 Introduction The hype around ChatGPT and the need for a balanced perspective. Setting the stage for a comparison of Gemini and ChatGPT. 02:22 Gemini vs. ChatGPT: The Shared Ground Overlapping capabilities: versatility, use cases, accessibility, and cost. Key features both models share: text generation, translation, summarization, etc. The rapid pace of AI development and blurring lines between models. 03:48 The Evolving Landscape The speed of innovation in the AI field. Why chasing the "best" AI is less important than long-term value. Focusing on reliable platforms and alignment with business strategy. 04:49 Comparison Criteria A framework for evaluating AI models: core strengths, use cases, integration, cost, ease of use, data handling, customization, support. 05:30 Gemini vs. ChatGPT: The Breakdown Core Strengths: Gemini's multimodal capabilities vs. ChatGPT's text generation. Use Cases: Gemini for complex tasks, ChatGPT for content creation and brainstorming. Integration: Gemini's seamlessness with the Google ecosystem vs. ChatGPT's API flexibility. Cost: Pricing models and the importance of ROI. Ease of Use: Gemini's intuitiveness within Google tools vs. ChatGPT's conversational interface. Data Handling & Privacy: Emphasizing the importance of data security and user control over data usage. 10:45 Making the Right Choice Recap of key differences and similarities. The H.U.M.A.N. framework for AI selection: Harmonize, Understand, Map, Adapt, Nurture. Guidance for SMBs on choosing the right AI. Next Steps Ready to unlock explosive growth with Gemini? Download the free AI Work Buddy to create your own Custom Gem and get started with personalized AI assistance. SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/gemini-vs-chatgpt-choosing-the-right-ai-for-your-business/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dan Salkey is Founder & Strategy Partner at Small World—a creative consultancy redefining industry norms with entertainment-first marketing. By curating bespoke teams from 200+ top talents in entertainment, art, and tech, Small World delivers unforgettable brand experiences. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Dan Salkey Dan Salkey, ex-Adidas, is the Founder and Strategy Partner of Small World, an innovative creative consultancy that's redefining the industry standard. Dan specializes in entertainment-first marketing and the creative tactics necessary to build an entertainment-first brand. At its core, Small World is pioneering a new creative model. By assembling bespoke teams from a curated roster of 200+ top-tier unstandard talent across entertainment, art, and technology, the company creates marketing experiences that feel as intrinsic and memorable as the products themselves. From the Show What brand has made Dan smile recently? Dan tweaked my question by providing a household brand (Oatley “an enlightened zagger” and their new campaign), a startup brand (another oat-themed company, Oat Cult!), and a personal brand (the artist Jon Bellion) that have made him smile. Connect with Dan on LinkedIn and check out the Small World website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Are you juggling five different AI tools just to get through your workday? Trying to remember which login goes with which platform and wondering if you're actually saving time or just creating new headaches? You're not alone. Today we've got the AI whisperer himself, Dustin W. Stout. This guy isn't just another tech founder with fancy promises—he's been in the trenches as a digital marketing consultant for over a decade before founding Magai, which he brilliantly designed as "the world's best AI tools in one place." Think of Dustin as the Marie Kondo of AI tools—except instead of asking if your tech sparks joy, he's built a platform that actually brings the joy back to your workflow. He's helped countless businesses stop drowning in subscription chaos and start actually leveraging AI for growth. What would your business look like if you could reclaim all those hours spent switching between tools? The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Dustin W. Stout about: ✨ Consolidation Creates Clarity - Bringing your AI tools under one roof eliminates the mental overhead of managing multiple platforms, allowing you to focus on results rather than juggling logins and interfaces. ✨ Integration Drives ROI - The real value of AI comes not from individual tools, but from how they work together in your business processes to save time and enhance decision-making. ✨ Start Simple, Scale Smart - Begin your AI consolidation journey by identifying your most frequent use cases and finding a platform that handles those well, then expand as your needs and confidence grow. Learn more about Dustin W. Stout Connect with Dustin W. Stout on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Magai My Podcast Showrunner AI Work Buddy - Your Own Personalized AI Assistant AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide AI Training for Businesses Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/one-platform-to-rule-them-all-the-magai-approach-to-ai-integration/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tired of AI hype and ready for real results? In this episode of The AI Hat Podcast, I dive into 3 powerful ways you can use Google's Gemini AI to supercharge your business today. Discover actionable strategies to revolutionize your marketing, operations, and customer engagement. What You'll Learn: How Gemini can generate killer marketing content and personalize campaigns for maximum ROI. The secrets to hyper-efficient operations with Gemini, automating tasks and streamlining workflows. How to use Gemini to create next-level customer experiences that build loyalty and drive sales. Gemini Breakthroughs: 02:45 Supercharged Marketing: Generate high-performing content at scale. Personalize your messaging to connect with any customer. Analyze your marketing data to optimize campaigns and maximize ROI. Example: Kraft Heinz accelerated campaign creation with Gemini! 05:01 Hyper-Efficient Operations: Automate repetitive tasks and free up your team's time. Streamline workflows and eliminate bottlenecks. Make smarter decisions with data-driven insights from Gemini. Example: American Addiction Centers slashed employee onboarding time using Gemini. 07:02 Next-Level Customer Engagement: Personalize customer communications for a better experience. Analyze customer feedback to improve your offerings. Build stronger relationships and increase customer loyalty. Example: Mercedes-Benz enhances in-car experience with Gemini-powered conversations. Next Steps Ready to unlock explosive growth with Gemini? Download the free AI Work Buddy to create your own Custom Gem and get started with personalized AI assistance. SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/gemini-for-growth-3-ai-breakthroughs-for-your-business/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you tired of wearing all the marketing hats in your small business? Juggling social media, email campaigns, content creation, and analytics while trying to actually run your business? What if I told you there's a new wave of AI that doesn't just help with tasks - it actually takes control and drives results on its own? The challenge for small businesses has always been competing with larger companies that have entire marketing departments. Traditional marketing automation helped, but it still required significant human oversight and technical expertise. Small business owners were left either spreading themselves too thin or watching opportunities pass them by. But today's guest is here to show us how agentic AI is completely rewriting these rules. Alex Carlson, host of The AI Marketing Navigator podcast and owner of Digital Pop, is at the forefront of this revolution. He's helping small and medium-sized businesses harness the power of autonomous AI to create what he calls an "AI Digital Marketing Department" - giving them enterprise-level marketing capabilities at a fraction of the cost. Alex is not just talking about these technologies - he's implementing them daily for his clients and sharing his insights through his podcast. His work with tools like Clay.com and Lindy.ai is showing small businesses how they can leverage agentic AI to compete with larger competitors, and his practical approach to AI implementation has helped countless businesses transform their marketing operations. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Alex Carlson about: ✨ Autonomous Marketing Evolution - Agentic AI represents the next generation of marketing automation, capable of independent decision-making and execution. ✨ Cost-Effective Scaling - Small businesses can now access enterprise-level marketing capabilities without the traditional overhead of a full marketing department. ✨ Strategic Implementation Path - Success with agentic AI requires a thoughtful approach to tool selection and integration, starting with core marketing functions. Learn more about Alex Carlson Connect with Alex Carlson on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Digital Pop AI Marketing Navigator Podcast Clay.com Dux Soup Lindy.ai Agorapulse The Surprising Truth About AI Adoption in Marketing Teams with Corbett Drummey, Lightricks and the AMA Agent.ai Dharmesh Shah Zapier Cursor Replit Custom GPTs for Marketers: Work Smarter, Not Harder AI Training & Bootcamps Chris Carr AI Marketing Primer: A Comprehensive Guide for Marketers Explore past episodes of The AI Hat Podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/marketing-automation-2-0-why-agentic-ai-is-a-game-changer-for-small-business/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jill Cress, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at H&R Block, is a visionary marketer with 30+ years of experience in financial services, media, and tech. She's led brand transformations at PayPal, National Geographic, and MasterCard and now focuses on modernizing H&R Block, enhancing customer experience, and driving growth. Recognized as one of the world's top CMOs, Jill excels at connecting brands with consumers in meaningful ways. About Jill Cress Jill Cress is an innovative marketer and strategist who pushes boundaries as the Chief Marketing and Experience Officer for H&R Block. She leads a dynamic team invested in transforming customer experience, modernizing and infusing its brand into highly relevant channels, and amplifying strategic marketing and communications efforts to deliver growth. For more than 30 years, Cress has honed her skills as a strategic and passionate consumer, B2B marketer, and experience strategist with deep expertise in financial services, media and technology. She has held leadership roles across marketing, general management, product and enterprise strategy at leading Fortune 500 Companies. Prior to H&R Block, Cress served as vice president of brand marketing for PayPal, where she also had responsibility for all Venmo marketing. She was also the chief marketing and communications officer at National Geographic Partners and served for more than 20 years at MasterCard Worldwide. There, she held executive leadership roles in strategy and marketing and served as country general manager for the United Kingdom and Ireland. Cress serves on the boards of the Ad Council and the Wealth Enhancement Group, an independent wealth management firm overseeing more than $96 billion in client assets. She has been recognized for numerous accolades, including Adweek's inaugural Marketing Vanguard list, New York Women in Communications' Matrix Award Honoree, Business Insider's 25 Most Innovative CMOs, Forbes' World's 50 Most Influential CMOs, the CMO Next List, and the Entrepreneurial CMO 50. Cress holds a bachelor's degree from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. She is a self-described “explorer at heart” who loves experiencing new places and brands that connect with consumers in exciting ways. A resident of New York, Cress enjoys spending free time exploring the city and travelling the world with her husband, Todd, and daughter Beatrix. From the Show What brand has made Jill smile recently? Jill shared a recent “morning after the Oscars” smile from McDonald's, when the fast food brand shared what winners like Kieran Culkin might order after their big night. Connect with Jill on LinkedIn and check out the H&R Block website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Are you running a small business and feeling constantly overwhelmed by all the AI tools, wearing too many hats, and wondering how competitors seem to get so much more done? What if you could multiply your productivity without expanding your team or working longer hours? The struggle of being a solopreneur or small business owner has always been about limitations – limited time, limited resources, limited capacity. But what if those limitations could be dramatically reduced? Today's small business landscape is more competitive than ever. Big businesses have the advantage of specialized teams, substantial budgets, and advanced tools. Meanwhile, small business owners are drowning in tasks, from marketing and sales to operations and customer service. You're expected to be everything to everyone, and it's simply not sustainable. That's why I'm thrilled to introduce our guest today, Phil Pallen – a brand strategist, keynote speaker, and author of "AI for Small Business." Phil has personally tested over 100 AI tools and has cracked the code on how to operate as what he calls a "1+ business" – delivering the output of a much larger team while maintaining the agility and personal touch that makes small businesses special. He's going to share practical insight into how AI is leveling the playing field and allowing small businesses to punch far above their weight class. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Phil Pallen about: ✨ Start Small, Think Big - Begin with one AI tool that addresses your biggest pain point, then gradually expand your AI tools as you build confidence. ✨ Human-AI Partnership - The most successful implementations of AI in small business maintain the human elements that customers value while automating repetitive tasks. ✨ Competitive Advantage - Small businesses that strategically implement AI tools can effectively compete with larger organizations by achieving similar outputs with fewer resources. Learn more about Phil Pallen Connect with Phil Pallen on LinkedIn Subscribe to Phil Pallen on YouTube Connect with Phil Pallen on Instagram Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Phil Pallen Collective AI for Small Business: From Marketing and Sales to HR and Operations, How to Employ the Power of Artificial Intelligence for Small Business Success by Phil Pallen Adobe Synthesia Goodbye Traditional Branding, Hello AI: Transform Your Brand Story with Park Howell Everhour Text Blaze Descript Fireflies Notta NotebookLM Magai RICCE Prompt Framework Nicky Saunders philpallen.co/tools AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide AI Training for Businesses Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/the-ai-advantage-how-small-businesses-can-punch-above-their-weight-class/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Peterson, Co-Founder of Lifemind, is a marketing pioneer with over 30 years of experience shaping the digital landscape. Author of Red & Blue Customers, Chris has built and sold two innovative agencies, earning recognition from The Wall Street Journal and working with both Fortune 500 brands and fast-growth startups. In this episode of On Brand, we discuss his insights on the evolving digital landscape and how brands can better connect with customers in an increasingly divided world. About Chris Peterson Chris Peterson is the Co-Founder of Lifemind, an AI-agent platform designed for national, local, and regional marketers. With over 30 years as a marketing pioneer and entrepreneur, Chris has founded two digital marketing agencies, working with fast-growing startups and Fortune 500 companies. In the 1990s, he launched one of the first digital direct marketing agencies, earning recognition from The Wall Street Journal. Publicis Groupe later acquired the agency. Chris later established an early content marketing agency before the term became mainstream, which was then acquired by Rain, a direct-to-consumer advertising agency. He's also the author of the book Red & Blue Customers. From the Show What brand has made Chris smile recently? Chris shared the smiles that he gets from his beloved New Balance sneakers, which he's delighted to see are back in style! Connect with Chris on LinkedIn and check out the Lifemind website, including the special offer for listeners at lifemind.ai/onbrand. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Have you ever wondered if we're slowly losing our humanity in the rush to adopt AI? Every day, another marketer proclaims they've automated their entire workflow, created the perfect AI system, or generated flawless content. But what if perfection isn't what your audience really wants? The truth is, we're facing an unprecedented challenge in marketing. As AI tools become more sophisticated, they're creating a world of perfect content, pristine images, and meticulously crafted messages. But in this pursuit of perfection, we're at risk of losing the very thing that makes marketing effective - our human touch. That's why I'm thrilled to welcome long-time friend and colleague Mark Schaefer to the show today. Mark is one of the world's most recognized marketing experts, a globally-acclaimed keynote speaker, and the author of 10 best-selling marketing books. His blog {grow} is consistently ranked among the top marketing blogs worldwide, and his latest book "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World" couldn't be more timely. Mark has worked with organizations like Microsoft, Adidas, and Johnson & Johnson, helping them navigate the intersection of technology and human connection in marketing. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Mark Schaefer about: ✨ Human Authenticity Wins: Creating authentic, imperfect content that resonates with real people outperforms AI-generated perfection. ✨ Balance is Critical: Success lies in finding the sweet spot between AI efficiency and human creativity. ✨ Shared Experiences Matter: Building community and creating shared moments will become increasingly valuable in an AI-driven world. Learn more about Mark Schaefer Connect with Mark Schaefer on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Schaefer Marketing Solutions (BusinessesGrow.com) Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World Mark Schaefer's other marketing and business books The Ezra Klein Show: The Government Knows AGI Is Coming Filling the Void: How AI Identifies and Closes Content Gaps with Andy Crestodina The Freaks Shall Inherit the Earth: Entrepreneurship for Weirdos, Misfits, and World Dominators by Chris Brogan Shelly Palmer Create your own AI Work Buddy AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide AI Training for Businesses Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/the-you-niverse-how-to-stay-human-in-an-ai-marketing-world/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Grates is a visionary entrepreneur and expert in strategic relationship marketing, building multiple seven-figure businesses, including top insurance agencies and a real estate portfolio. He helps entrepreneurs grow through his Infinite Referral Advantage® system and is the bestselling author of Essential F-words for Teens and the upcoming Referrals Done Right. A podcast host and sought-after speaker, his upcoming TEDx talk, Silence That Voice, explores overcoming self-doubt for entrepreneurial success. About Scott Grates Scott Grates is a visionary entrepreneur and expert in strategic relationship marketing, having built multiple 7-figure businesses, including nationally recognized insurance agencies and a thriving real estate portfolio. A firm believer in the power of personal connections over digital noise, Scott helps entrepreneurs grow through his innovative Infinite Referral Advantage® system. He is the bestselling author of Essential F-words for Teens and the upcoming Referrals Done Right, as well as a podcast host and sought-after speaker. His upcoming TEDx talk, Silence That Voice, will explore overcoming self-doubt to achieve entrepreneurial success. From the Show What brand has made Scott smile recently? Scott echoed the smile of another recent guest, Scott Monty, by sharing a handwritten smile he received from Delta Airlines. Connect with Scott on LinkedIn and his website ScottGrates.com. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Have you ever felt that sinking feeling of launching an event only to realize competitors already seem to be two steps ahead? Perhaps you've noticed others leveraging cutting-edge tech, and you're worried about falling behind. With technology evolving faster than ever before, event planners face mounting pressure. How can you keep pace? How can you ensure your events are not just relevant today—but indispensable tomorrow? The pace is relentless. You're expected to innovate, engage, and attract attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors—all while planning logistics and managing day-of challenges. The risk? Becoming obsolete. The cost? Lost attendees, diminished reputation, and shrinking revenue. But imagine if you could tap into proven strategies and AI-powered tools to genuinely future-proof your events. Good news—today you'll learn exactly how. My guest today is Warwick Davies—expert event strategist, renowned speaker, and adviser for event organizer powerhouses. Warwick is known in the industry as "The Event Mechanic!," precisely because he knows exactly which gears to turn and which buttons to push to make events wildly successful and profitable. Through his work, he's helped major brands, conferences, and industry-leading organizations create meaningful, profitable, and impactful events time and again. He is brilliant at pinpointing what's holding events back, leveraging smart strategies, and integrating advanced AI tools to ensure events not only survive the competitive landscape but thrive long-term. If you've ever wondered exactly how AI can position you miles ahead of your competition, Warwick Davies is the expert who can break it all down for you clearly, practically, and powerfully. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Warwick Davies about: ✨AI for Competitive Advantage: Learn simple, actionable ways AI can be integrated to set your events apart from the competition. ✨Balancing AI and Humanity: Discover how to implement AI without sacrificing the authenticity and human connections vital for great events. ✨Event-Ready AI Tools: Identify proven, accessible AI solutions you can start using today to stay ahead of innovation curves. Learn more about Warwick Davies Connect with Warwick Davies on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode The Event Mechanic! AI Personal Assistant, the AI Work Buddy Prompt Engineering Made Easy: The RICCE Framework for AI Content Writing Airmeet Bear Analytics, Joe Colangelo and Eric Misic Revolutionizing Event Management: AI Strategies for Success with vFairs AI in the Events Industry: A Comprehensive Guide for Professionals AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide AI Training for Businesses Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/future-proof-events-how-ai-ensures-your-events-thrive-not-just-survive/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole Powell is a certified brand strategist and neuromarketer who blends science-backed insights with creative storytelling. As the founder of HALCON Marketing Solutions, she brings over 16 years of experience from Disney, ESPN, and Fox Networks. Born in Manila and raised in the Bronx, her multicultural background shapes her innovative approach to marketing and leadership. Now based in St. Louis, Nicole helps brands stand out by merging data-driven strategy with human psychology. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Nicole Powell Nicole Powell is the founder of HALCON Marketing Solutions and a certified brand strategist with 16 years of experience at Disney, ESPN, and Fox Networks. Born in Manila and raised in the Bronx, this St. Louis entrepreneur balances running her agency with raising two toddlers while empowering businesses to thrive through her unique blend of instinct and creative flair. Nicole Powell is a certified brand strategist and neuromarketer who brings a unique blend of science-backed insights and creative storytelling to the marketing industry. As the founder of HALCON Marketing Solutions, she leverages over 16 years of experience working with media giants like Disney, ESPN, and Fox Networks. Born in Manila and raised in the Bronx, Nicole's multicultural background has shaped her innovative approach to marketing and leadership. Now based in St. Louis, she successfully balances running her agency while raising two toddlers, embodying the modern entrepreneur who combines professional excellence with personal fulfillment. From the Show What brand has made Nicole smile recently? Nicole told a story of a recent trip to a Lego experience with her two sons in Washington D.C. She also reminded us that the brand's continued focus on play is a big part of why it's stood the test of time. Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn and Instagram and check out the HALCON Marketing Solutions website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Have you ever felt stuck spinning your wheels through months of painstaking, costly traditional branding exercises, only to end up with messaging that doesn't truly resonate—or worse, never sees the light of day? That's painful for you, frustrating for your audience, and costly for your business—and it's happening in far too many companies today. But there's good news: the old, cumbersome branding process you've come to dread may soon be as outdated as dial-up internet. What if you could harness a powerful AI-driven tool that's uniquely designed to distill your most captivating brand narrative—not over months, but in mere minutes? A tool that not only defines your brand strategy but effortlessly generates every bit of your marketing, sales, and web content, laser-focused specifically on your business? Today, we're thrilled to host Park Howell—the self-described World's Most Industrious Storyteller. Park's impressive, Emmy-winning storytelling career spans nearly 40 years, during which he's helped brands achieve staggering results, growing by as much as 600 percent. With his innovative creation—the StoryCycle Genie™—Park is dramatically disrupting traditional branding. He has distilled his decades of storytelling expertise into this AI-driven wizard that's already enabling businesses to build captivating brand stories faster and remarkably cheaper. If you're looking to throw off the shackles of traditional branding and elevate your business narrative into the future, Park Howell is exactly who you need to hear from now. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Park Howell about: ✨ Rapid Branding Revolution: Understand exactly how AI can turn months of branding efforts into powerful, results-driven stories created in minutes. ✨ AI Done Right: Learn why specialized AI solutions outperform general-purpose AI tools and how to leverage this distinction. ✨ Humanized Automation: Discover why effective brand narratives depend on a delicate balance between automation and genuine storytelling. Learn more about Park Howell Connect with Park Howell on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode The Business of Story StoryCycle Genie™ Sean Schroeder Brand Bewitchery: How to Wield the Story Cycle System to Craft Spellbinding Stories for Your Brand by Park Howell Redefining Brand Strategy: AI Tools for Businesses of All Sizes with Ruheen Jaura Business of Story Podcast Jay Baer AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide AI Training for Businesses Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/goodbye-traditional-branding-hello-ai-transform-your-brand-story/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on On Brand, we're shaking things up with a very special guest—DJ Waldow! Longtime listeners may remember that DJ and I co-hosted The Work Talk Show, a podcast all about how work gets done today. Tune in as we reminisce, share some laughs, and make a special announcement about the show. Subscribe to the Work Talk Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you like to listen. About DJ Waldow DJ Waldow is a freelance writer specializing in all things words. He's a father of 4 (including twins), husband to one, and an alum of the University of Michigan. DJ is a self-proclaimed giphy master and #HashtagAddict. For 100 (or so) episodes, he was my co-host on my very first podcast The Work Talk Show! From the Show What brand has made DJ smile recently? DJ pointed us to client experience platform Boulevard—a consistent and human source of smiles for DJ in the digitally disconnected world we find ourselves in. Connect with DJ on LinkedIn and, of course, find the Work Talk Show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you like to listen. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Are your creative teams drowning in endless feedback loops, version control nightmares, and bottlenecks that seem to multiply by the day? You're not alone. Marketing teams everywhere are struggling with the growing demands of content creation, with 76% reporting they need to create more content than ever before, but with the same or fewer resources. The traditional design tools and processes we've relied on just aren't cutting it anymore. But what if there was a way to transform your creative operations from a constant source of stress into a streamlined, efficient powerhouse? That's exactly what we're diving into today with someone who's been revolutionizing how marketing teams work. I'm thrilled to introduce Satej Sirur, the co-founder and CEO of Rocketium, and a veteran innovator who's spent over two decades building groundbreaking software products. As an early team member at both Microsoft and AWS, Satej has been at the forefront of technological transformation. Now, he's leading the charge in revolutionizing creative operations for marketing teams worldwide. His platform is helping major brands overcome creative bottlenecks and scale their content production in ways that seemed impossible just a few years ago. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Satej Sirur about: ✨ Beyond Tool Integration - CreativeOps is about orchestrating entire creative workflows, not just connecting tools. ✨ AI as Process Catalyst - AI transforms creative operations by eliminating repetitive tasks and enabling scale. ✨ Human-AI Collaboration - Successful CreativeOps implementation enhances rather than replaces human creativity. Learn more about Satej Sirur Connect with Satej Sirur on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Rocketium Agorapulse, #1 ranked Social Media Management Solution AI as Your Co-Host: Unleashing NotebookLM's Potential in Content Marketing Outthink Your Competition: AI in Marketing Strategy with Sunny Hunt AI Marketing Primer: A Comprehensive Guide for Marketers Explore past episodes of The AI Hat Podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/beyond-design-tools-an-evolution-in-ai-creative-operations/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Constantine is the Founder and CEO of ACE Creatives, a full-service social media agency helping brands maximize ROI and build meaningful audience connections. With a decade of experience crafting digital content for top creators and brands—including MrBeast, Amazon, and Champion—Adam understands what makes social media truly engaging. A 3x Telly Award winner, he joins On Brand to share insights on digital storytelling, content strategy, and the ever-evolving social media landscape. About Adam Constantine Adam Constantine is the Founder and CEO of ACE Creatives, a full-service social media agency crafting digital content to maximize ROI and brand affinity. With a decade of experience, Adam has curated captivating content for creators, brands, and Fortune 500 companies, including MrBeast, Amazon, and Champion. Since founding ACE Creatives in 2017, Adam has created digital strategies, social media, and full-scale productions across the retail/e-commerce, hospitality, and automotive industries. A 3x Telly Awards recipient, with a 6'8″ frame and an ever-growing shoe collection, Adam is passionate about the art of digital storytelling and strategies for building a powerful social media presence that connects brands with audiences that matter the most. From the Show What brand has made Adam smile recently? Adam shared the consistent smile he receives from Duolingo's various social accounts across the globe. Connect with Adam on LinkedIn and Instagram and check out the ACE Creatives website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Remember your first email marketing campaign? Or maybe you're old enough to remember when "digital marketing" meant updating your GeoCities website? Well, just like those marketers who dismissed email as a fad in the '90s, there are those today who are missing the signs of AI's transformative power in marketing. Every day, I talk to marketers who are either paralyzed by AI's complexity or, worse, dismissing it as just another overhyped trend. They're making the same mistake marketers made with social media in 2008, mobile in 2010, and video marketing in 2015. The cost of waiting to adapt isn't just falling behind – it's becoming irrelevant. The challenge isn't just learning AI – it's understanding how we got here and where we're headed. Without this context, marketers risk making costly mistakes, investing in the wrong tools, or missing critical opportunities that could define their careers. That's why I'm thrilled to welcome Katie King to the show today. Katie is the author of "AI Strategy for Sales and Marketing" and has been at the forefront of digital transformation for over two decades. She's worked with global brands including Virgin, Samsung, and PwC, helping them navigate the evolution from basic automation to today's AI-powered marketing landscape. As a visiting lecturer at several universities and CEO of AI in Business, Katie brings both historical perspective and practical insights to help us understand where marketing technology has been – and more importantly, where it's going. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Katie King about: ✨ History Repeats Itself: AI adoption follows familiar patterns seen in previous marketing technology revolutions. ✨ Evolution Not Revolution: Understanding AI's gradual integration helps marketers adapt more effectively. ✨ Future-Proof Foundation: Historical context provides the framework for making better AI implementation decisions. Learn more about Katie King Connect with Katie King on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode AI Strategy for Sales and Marketing: Connecting Marketing, Sales and Customer Experience AI in Business The Future of Lean: AI's Impact on Business Staffing Models with Chris Daigle Mastering AI: The Future of Data-Driven Personalization in Marketing with Zontee Hou World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report AI and Copyright: What Marketers Need to Know with Mitch Jackson Play Before Pay: Why Having Fun with AI Leads to Marketing Success with Amy Walters Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon Sinek AI Work Buddy as an AI Assistant AI Marketing Primer: A Comprehensive Guide for Marketers AI Training for Businesses Explore past episodes of The AI Hat Podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/your-marketing-career-needs-this-ai-history-lesson/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if I told you that the business you're running today could operate with just 20% of your current staff? It sounds impossible, right? Maybe even a little scary. But here's the thing - businesses across the globe are discovering that with the right AI implementation, they can not only maintain their operations but actually improve them with dramatically smaller teams. The traditional business model has always been simple: want to grow? Hire more people. Need more output? Add more staff. But this approach is becoming outdated, expensive, and increasingly unnecessary. The challenge isn't just about cutting costs - it's about reimagining how a modern business can operate in the age of AI. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Chris Daigle, CEO of ChiefAIOfficer.com and a pioneer in AI business transformation. Chris isn't just theorizing about the future of lean business operations - he's living it. As a Certified Chief AI Officer and expert in AI strategy, he's helping businesses revolutionize their operations through strategic AI implementation. His expertise is backed by impressive credentials, including certifications from Columbia Business School and LinkedIn's Generative AI for Business Leaders program, and he's become a trusted voice in helping businesses navigate the AI revolution. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Chris Daigle about: ✨ Strategic AI Integration: Identifying and implementing AI solutions that truly reduce operational overhead. ✨ Human-AI Balance: Understanding which roles to automate and which to keep human-operated. ✨ Lean Scaling: Using AI to grow business capacity without proportionally growing headcount. Learn more about Chris Daigle Connect with Chris Daigle on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode ChiefAIOfficer.com Mark Moss Opus Clip Submagic HeyGen Descript VAPI 11ElevenLabs AI Marketing Primer: A Comprehensive Guide for Marketers AI Training for Business Explore past episodes of The AI Hat Podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/the-future-of-lean-ais-impact-on-business-staffing-models/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scott Monty is an executive coach, advisor, and speaker who helps leaders find clarity and drive growth. A former executive at Ford, he merged technology with humanity to shape the company's global social media strategy. Ranked by The Economist as a top social business leader, Scott focuses on timeless leadership principles to guide today's leaders. He's also the host of the Timeless Leadership podcast and writes the Timeless & Timely newsletter. Tune in for insights on navigating leadership in a fast-changing world. About Scott Monty Scott Monty is an executive coach, advisor, and public speaker who  helps companies and executive teams in flux, positioning leaders who are new or stuck to find a clear vision, collaborate, and communicate better to drive growth. A Fortune 10 leader whose background in classics positioned him to see through the shiny objects, Scott focuses on timeless human nature that drives everyone. He was ranked by The Economist as #1 atop the list 25 Social Business Leaders and Alan Mulally, the CEO of Ford Motor Company, called him “a visionary.” Scott spent six years as an executive at Ford, where he helped turn the company around with the ability to merge technology with humanity. He served as a strategic adviser across a wide range of business functions, leading the company's global social media strategy. He also has another two decades of experience in leadership and communications consulting. Scott's clients have included companies such as Walmart, IBM, McDonalds, Coca-Cola, Google, and TD Bank. He is a trustee of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, a past board member of the American Marketing Association, and has advised a number of tech companies. He writes the Timeless & Timely newsletter, to help leaders make sense of today with lessons from the past, and hosts the Timeless Leadership podcast. From the Show Alan Mulally's Twitter chat. As discussed during the show, here's a link to the Twitter Q&A Scott facilitated with former Ford CEO Alan Mulally back in 2009. What brand has made Scott smile recently? Scott highlighted Delta, specifically Ed Bastian's leadership throughout this past difficult week for the brand. The airline's authentic, transparent leadership consistently makes him smile. Connect with Scott on LinkedIn and check out his website for his newsletter and more timeless content. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Ladies, have you ever felt like the tech world was designed without you in mind? You're not alone. While artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the way we do business, there's a concerning trend: women entrepreneurs are significantly less likely to adopt AI tools than their male counterparts. But here's the thing - when women do embrace AI, they're not just succeeding; they're revolutionizing how these tools are used in marketing and business. The hesitation is real. From feeling like they're cheating to concerns about losing the human touch in their businesses, many women entrepreneurs are sitting on the sidelines of the AI revolution. But what if I told you that by not embracing AI, you're actually making your work harder and missing out on opportunities to scale your business while maintaining authenticity? That's why I'm thrilled to introduce today's guest, Kinsey Soderberg. As the founder of Feel Good Social and Authentic AI, Kinsey has become a leading voice in helping entrepreneurs leverage AI without sacrificing their authentic brand voice. Through her signature programs like AI Reels Club and Brand Blueprint for ChatGPT, she's helping business owners save up to 15 hours a week while maintaining that crucial human connection. Her human-first approach to AI has transformed the way entrepreneurs, particularly women, view and use artificial intelligence in their businesses. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Kinsey Soderberg about: ✨ Start Small, Think Big: Breaking down AI adoption into manageable steps while keeping the bigger picture in mind. ✨ Authenticity Meets Automation: Using AI to enhance, not replace, your unique brand voice and personal touch. ✨ Community Over Competition: Building a supportive network of women entrepreneurs using AI to revolutionize marketing. Learn more about Kinsey Soderberg Connect with Kinsey Soderberg on LinkedIn Connect with Kinsey Soderberg on Instagram Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Authentic AI Authentic AI for Entrepreneurs Podcast Feel Good Social Dr. Nici Sweaney Descript Brand Blueprint for ChatGPT AI for Sales Teams: A Mindful Approach to Scaling Without Losing Human Connection with Tamra Moroski Custom GPTs for Marketers: Work Smarter, Not Harder with Mike Allton AI Marketing Primer: A Comprehensive Guide for Marketers AI Training for Businesses Explore past episodes of The AI Hat Podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/she-means-business-how-women-are-revolutionizing-ai-in-marketing/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever looked at your content creation process and thought, 'There has to be a better way'? Maybe you're drowning in content requests, struggling to maintain consistency across channels, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the constant demand for fresh, engaging content. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. These were exactly the challenges facing our guest today. The pressure to create more high-quality content while maintaining compliance standards in the healthcare tech industry seemed like an impossible balance to strike. The traditional approach wasn't just time-consuming – it was becoming unsustainable. But what if I told you there was a way to not just meet these demands, but exceed them? A way to scale your content operations while actually improving quality and consistency? Today, we're joined by Brianna Miller, Director of Marketing at Protenus, the leading Healthcare Compliance Analytics platform. SHe's also a longtime friend and colleague of mine here in St. Louis. Brianna is going to share how she transformed her team's content operations using AI, specifically through the implementation of Jasper AI. As an accomplished digital marketing leader and frequent contributor to MarTech, Brianna brings a wealth of practical experience in both the healthcare technology sector and cutting-edge marketing strategies. The AI Hat Podcast host Mike Allton asked Brianna Miller about: ✨ STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION: Understanding the step-by-step process of successfully introducing AI into a regulated industry. ✨ MEASURABLE RESULTS: Real metrics and improvements achieved through AI implementation in content creation. ✨ TEAM ADOPTION: Practical insights on getting buy-in and managing change within marketing teams. Learn more about Brianna Miller Connect with Brianna Miller on LinkedIn Resources & Brands mentioned in this episode Protenus University of Missouri St. Louis Jasper AI Jasper Certification Program Redefining Brand Strategy: AI Tools for Businesses of All Sizes with Ruheene Jaura The AI Librarian: How RAG Can Revolutionize Your Business AI as Your Co-Host: Unleashing NotebookLM's Potential in Content Marketing BeingYourBrand.com AI Primer: A Comprehensive Guide Explore past episodes of the The AI Hat Podcast podcast SHOW TRANSCRIPT & NOTES: https://theaihat.com/discover-how-one-healthcare-tech-leader-transformed-their-marketing-with-ai/ Start your AI journey with the AI Marketing Primer. Brought to you by The AI Hat - Get Your AI On. Interesting in sponsoring an episode? Learn more here. AI Training for Business Leaders & Teams: https://theaihat.com/ai-training-for-business/ Powered by Magai - why choose one AI tool when you can have them all? And Descript, the magic wand for podcasters. Produced and Hosted by Mike Allton, AI Consultant & Trainer at The AI Hat, where he's tirelessly helping businesses and marketers get ahead of the AI Revolution and apply advanced technologies to their roles. He's spent over a decade in digital marketing, bringing an unparalleled level of experience and excitement to the fore, whether he's delivering a presentation or leading a workshop. If you're interested in helping business owners with AI in an upcoming episode, reach out to Mike. Powered by the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. James Richardson, founder of Premium Growth Solutions, returns to On Brand to share more insights on scaling CPG brands. A cultural anthropologist turned business strategist, he has advised over 150 brands, including Dude Wipes and Dr. Squatch. He also hosts Startup Confidential and writes Homo Imaginari on Substack. With work featured in Inc. and Business Insider, James brings his sharp perspective on brand growth and strategy. About James Richardson Dr. Richardson is the founder of Premium Growth Solutions, a strategic planning consultancy for emerging consumer packaged goods brands. As a professionally trained cultural anthropologist turned business strategist, he has helped over 150 CPG brands with their strategic planning, including: Dude Wipes, Once Upon a Farm, Dr. Squatch Soap, Trü Frü, Earth Breeze, Dr. Bronner's, Happy Egg, Made Good and many others. James also hosts his own business podcast—Startup Confidential —on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and most major podcast platforms. And he writes a Substack publication on contemporary social issue—Homo Imaginari — every week. His thoughts have appeared in Inc Magazine, Business Insider, Food Business News, and numerous business podcasts. From the Show What brand has made James smile recently? James pointed us to the festive holiday smile he got from Dude Wipes for their Dingle Bells holiday balsam fur wipes. Connect with James on LinkedIn and check out the website for his book Ramping Your Brand.  As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Our fifth visit to the officially renamed virtual bar - The Rose and Rockstar - with the Chief Troublemaker at Seventh Bear, fractional marketing leader and author, Robert Rose.  Over one of his fabulous cocktails this week, our host, Ian Truscott, asks the big question - is marketing getting harder? They discuss: The marketing as a large shallow ocean - it's getting wider, not deeper Understanding marketing requires both art and science Measurement in marketing has always been challenging The influx of opinions complicates marketing strategies Efficiency in marketing does not always equate to effectiveness Correlation does not imply causation in marketing results Notes from marketing history - we need to pay attention to the classics Do you have a question for the bar? Or maybe an opinion on what we've discussed? Please get in touch - just search “rockstar cmo” on the interwebs or LinkedIn. Enjoy! — The Links The people: Ian Truscott on LinkedIn and Bluesky Robert Rose on LinkedIn and Bluesky Mentioned this week The Marketing Mix - and the 4 P's popularised by Phillip Kotler  Reports on Nike's marketing turnaround - for example this post on LinkedIn: How Consultants Almost Destroyed Nike's Brand - by Erik Mashkilleyson Rockstar CMO: The Beat Newsletter that we send every Monday Rockstar CMO on the web, Twitter, and LinkedIn Previous episodes and all the show notes: Rockstar CMO FM. Track List: Piano Music is by Johnny Easton, shared under a Creative Commons license We'll be right back by Stienski & Mass Media on YouTube You can listen to this on all good podcast platforms, like Apple, Amazon and Spotify. This podcast is part of the Marketing Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Derek K. Hubbard is Manager of Public Relations for Southwest Airlines. In his role, Derek shares the story of Southwest with audiences across a variety of channels. For more than 10 years, Derek has been a sought after expert on how to craft compelling stories and influence audiences. He believes stories can change the world and everyone has one waiting to be told. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Derek K. Hubbard Derek K. Hubbard is the Manager of Public Relations for Southwest Airlines, where he helps share the airline's story across a variety of channels. This year, he served as a jury member for Brandstorytelling 2025, a sanctioned event of the Sundance Film Festival, evaluating top films, podcasts, and episodes. With a background as a television producer in Dallas and experience in financial communications in London, Derek's expertise spans media, storytelling, and brand strategy. He's been recognized as a PR News 30 and Under Rising PR Star and has contributed to outlets like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Today Show. An avid communicator and entertainment enthusiast, he's even made an appearance on Carpool Karaoke! From the Show Want more on that Herb Kelleher Malice in Dallas arm-wrestling match? Check out the full story on the Southwest website! What brand has made Derek smile recently? “During my time at (Sundance's) Brand Storytelling (Festival), I had the pleasure of watching and and an episode of a series called Celebrity Substitute, which I believe is streaming on YouTube. What was really cool about about this series is that they went into classrooms and highlighted education, highlighted teachers and the incredible work that they are doing within our classrooms.” Connect with Derek on LinkedIn and check out Southwest's social channels and their website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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

Tommy Means is a Founding Partner & Chief Creative Officer at Mekanism. In his nearly twenty years in the industry, he has created award-winning campaigns for brands including Molson/Coors, Nike, Apple, The North Face, Pepsi, Disney, and 20th Century Fox. Tommy won a Cannes Lion for creating one of the first cannabis commercials. We discussed all of this and more this week on the On Brand podcast. About Tommy Means Tommy Means is a Founding Partner & Chief Creative Officer at Mekanism, a creative advertising agency with offices in San Francisco, New York, and Seattle. Under his creative leadership, Mekanism has been named a Top 10 Most Effective Independent Agency in the US by the Effie Index, and Independent Agency of the Year by The Drum. In his nearly twenty years in the industry, he has created award-winning campaigns for brands including Molson/Coors, Nike, Apple, The North Face, Pepsi, Disney, and 20th Century Fox. Tommy won a Cannes Lion for creating one of the first cannabis commercials with Academy Award-winning director Spike Jonze. From the Show What brand has made Tommy smile recently? Tommy shared a smile from AirBNB. Connect with Tommy on LinkedIn or the Mekanism website. As We Wrap … Listen and subscribe at  Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon/Audible, Google Play, Stitcher, TuneIn, iHeart, YouTube, and RSS. Rate and review the show—If you like what you're hearing, be sure to head over to Apple Podcasts and click the 5-star button to rate the show. And, if you have a few extra seconds, write a couple of sentences and submit a review to help others find the show. Did you hear something you liked on this episode or another? Do you have a question you'd like our guests to answer? Let me know on Twitter using the hashtag #OnBrandPodcast and you may just hear your thoughts here on the show. 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