Marketing Trends

40 Episodes
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By: Mission

What happens when marketing’s sharpest minds pull back the curtain? Hosted by Stephanie Postles, Marketing Trends drops listeners into the world of trailblazing CMOs, CEOs, and visionaries who share their journeys and groundbreaking strategies. From navigating the balance between automation and human touch to leading teams through unprecedented transformation, you’re getting an unfiltered look at the lessons and ideas driving the industry forward. Whether you're leading a team or aspiring to innovate, Marketing Trends is your new secret weapon.

The Secret To Scaling From $20 Million to $200 Million ARR (Extremely Fast)
#531
Last Wednesday at 7:00 AM

Harmony Anderson didn’t wait 90 days to make an impact at Superhuman — she launched a major campaign in her first five weeks. Harmony Anderson, Head of Marketing and Growth Product at Superhuman, breaks down why moving fast (and strategically) matters more than playing it safe, especially in high-growth startups. We dig into what it really takes to scale from $20M to $200M ARR, how to enter the enterprise market without abandoning your early adopters, and why traditional attribution models are falling behind in the age of AI and influencers. If you're navigating go-to-market pivots, building modern marketing infrastructure, or just...


H&R Block Went Full Reality TV to Unlock Gen-Z Customers
#530
06/25/2025

What do you get when you mix a 70-year-old legacy brand, Gen Z tax filers, and a reality TV show called Responsibility Island?

An absolute marketing fever dream. And Jill Cress — CMO of H&R Block — is the mastermind behind it. We unpack how she’s giving TurboTax-meets-Gen-Z realness. We’re talking Roblox integrations, bold brand storytelling, and what happens when you challenge a category that’s historically allergic to change.

We cover:

– How H&R Block turned tax season into a cultural moment

– What marketers get wrong about Gen Z (and how to fix...


Why Big Tech Is Spending Millions to Partner with Smart AI Startups
#529
06/11/2025

What if the next big wave in marketing isn’t about targeting people at all—but impressing their AI agents instead?

Abhay Parasnis, CEO of Typeface and former CTO at Adobe, joins us to explain why the future of brand discovery is less “search bar” and more “autonomous agents doing your shopping.” Abhay makes a bold case that most traditional marketing (think SEO strategies, AB tests, and static brand books) is already becoming obsolete. Instead, the brands that win will be the ones building content systems smart enough to speak directly to intelligent agents that buy and sell on our...


How Auvik’s CMO Cracked Reddit: The Untapped Goldmine for B2B Marketers
#528
05/28/2025

Think LinkedIn is the place to reach technical buyers?

Auvik CMO Susanne Rodriguez breaks down how her team built an insanely effective Reddit and Facebook strategy — yes, Facebook — to reach IT pros who dodge sales emails like it's their job (because it is).

We’re talking memes that convert, subreddits that slap, and how to avoid getting flamed by Reddit mods who smell B2B fluff from a mile away. You’ll also hear how Auvik got dragged for a meme, owned it publicly, and came out stronger — a.k.a. how to market like a human.<...


How a Simple Price Estimator Added 300% In Leads
#527
05/14/2025

You’re still optimizing for Google? That’s cute…

 

Marcus Sheridan, author of They Ask, You Answer, joins us for a high-energy episode, he joins host Stephanie Postles to break down why the playbook most B2B marketers are still running is dangerously outdated.

 

They dive deep into the collapse of traditional SEO, the rise of AI-generated answers, and why brands that aren’t building trust through video, transparency, and self-service tools are already falling behind. Marcus shares tactical examples from the likes of Liquid Death, Shasta Pools, and his own viral pool...


How to Outrank LLMs, Bypass AI Agents, and Actually Get Noticed!
#526
04/30/2025

In a twist that flips the format, today’s Marketing Trends episode puts longtime host Stephanie in the guest seat as Lacey Peace — the show’s behind-the-scenes force for nearly a decade — grabs the mic.

 

What unfolds is a no-BS conversation about how AI is dismantling the old playbook, why cold emails are basically spam of the past, and what marketers need to do now to stay relevant. Stephanie unpacks why Account-Based Experiences (ABX) — not just ABM — are the new battleground for meaningful engagement, and why trust, speed, and human connection are the real growth levers in an...


Bernard Slowey: Forget Chatbots! Smart Brands Are Moving to AI Agents!
#525
04/16/2025

Imagine onboarding a new employee who never sleeps, speaks every language, knows all your products, and can handle thousands of customers at once.

That's the reality Salesforce is building with Agentforce — and it’s already transforming customer success, marketing operations, and revenue growth.

In this episode, Salesforce SVP of Digital Customer Success Bernard Slowey joins us to break down how they became Customer Zero for Agentforce, what went wrong (and right), and why agentic AI is reshaping the future of marketing and operations.

If you lead marketing, operations, or customer success — and you’re serio...


How GoDaddy Created The Best Super Bowl Ad With Walton Goggins
#524
04/02/2025

What does it take to launch an AI product on the biggest stage in advertising — and actually make it stick? 

GoDaddy CMO Fara Howard joins us to unpack the strategy behind their standout Super Bowl campaign for GoDaddy Airo, featuring actor Walton Goggins (White Lotus, The Righteous Gemstones). From idea to execution, Fara shares how her team translated a complex product into a message that millions could instantly understand — without losing the creativity that made it unforgettable.

We dive into the balance of data and storytelling, how to earn the right to be bold with your...


10 Steps To A Team That Excels Without A Leader
#522
03/19/2025

What if successful teams could operate without a leader?

Spoiler Alert: If you still think leadership is about barking orders from the top, Keith Ferrazzi is here to tell you: you’re doing it wrong. The legendary author of Never Eat Alone is here, and he’s coming for your org chart.

Tune in to discover why traditional leadership is dead, how AI is forcing us all to rethink teamwork, and why teamship is the future.

 

Key Moments:

 

0:00 Who is Keith Ferrazzi, Author of Never Lead Alone?

0...


Your Marketing “Best Practices” Are Killing Creativity
#521
03/05/2025

What’s worse than pissing people off with a bold marketing campaign? Boring them.

So why is everyone following the same playbooks, recycling “best practices”, and relying on cookie cutter AI to generate the same-sounding content?

If you want to truly stand out, you have to break the rules… or at least question them.

Stephanie sits down with Udi Ledergor, Chief Evangelist at Gong and author of Courageous Marketing, to talk about how marketers can push past fear, embrace bold strategies, and create campaigns that people actually remember.

Udi shares why "best pra...


Marketing Myths and CMO Truths from a Coca-Cola & Uber Powerhouse
#520
02/19/2025

AI Won’t Save You. Strategy Will.

AI is transforming the way brands connect with consumers. But are companies actually leveraging it the right way? And what about marketing teams — are their operating models built for the future, or stuck in the past?

In this episode, Rebecca Messina, former Global CMO of Uber and marketing leader at Coca-Cola, unpacks what brands are getting wrong about AI, strategy, and team structure. She also reveals the top traits she looks for in marketing hires, and why adaptability and a relentless drive to learn are non-negotiable in today’s indu...


Do More With Less! B2B Marketers Can Stop Falling Behind!
#519
02/05/2025

Neglected customers. Disconnected executives. And a limited budget. 

What if the remedy to all of the issues plaguing our marketing strategy was… simple? 

What if the key to staying relevant allowed marketers to do more with less?

Adriana Gil Miner, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Iterable, shares her modern marketing playbook — and there’s a lot to learn. Adriana, who has a rich background in digital marketing and brand building, is giving away the keys to leveraging AI, building community, and integrating SMS in B2B marketing strategies for 2025. She highlights the importan...


Meet the AI ‘Superhuman’ That Will Outsell Your Top Rep
#518
01/22/2025

On this episode of Marketing Trends, Amanda Kahlow, founder of 6sense and CEO of 1mind, explores the future of B2B sales and marketing through the lens of AI superhumans.

Amanda introduces us to a groundbreaking AI superhuman designed to think, empathize, engage with customers — better than your top-performing rep.

She also discusses how incremental changes can drive massive categorical transformation. So many of us once thought that getting into a stranger’s car for a ride to the airport or renting out your house to strangers was “creepy”, but overtime AirBnb and Uber became our new...


Passing the Torch: A New Era for Marketing Trends with Stephanie Postles
#517
01/08/2025

This isn’t your typical Marketing Trends interview. In this special episode, host Jeremy Bergeron is officially passing the mic to Stephanie Postles, the founder and CEO of Mission.org. 

Stephanie, an experienced host and executive, shares her vision for the future of the show — emphasizing the importance of scrappy, authentic marketing stories and the impact of AI on cross-functional teams. We’re also covering the convergence of B2B and B2C marketing, the decline of influencer marketing, and the need for genuine thought leadership. 

Tune in to reflect on Jeremy’s four-year journey as the hos...


From Demand Gen to AI: Navigating the New Marketing Landscape
#516
12/11/2024

Is automation really the future of marketing, or is it just a passing trend? In this episode, Bryan Urioste, CMO of Redwood Software, dives into the topic of automation in marketing and its impact on demand generation. Plus, he shares a step-by-step approach to building high-performing marketing teams and aligning sales and marketing for maximum impact.

Tune in to learn:

(4:07) Demand Generation Insights(5:05) Importance of Pipeline Funnels(8:17) State of B2B Demand Generation(9:43) The Role of Segmentation(11:07) Accountability in Marketing(14:20) Industries Served by Redwood Software(15:51) Automation Maturity Assessment(18:14) Impactful Automation Projects(20:22) Cloud Transformation Initiatives(21:31) Financial Close...


Navigating the AI Landscape: Insights from Google Cloud's CMO
#515
12/04/2024

 Is AI the future of marketing, or is it a threat to creativity? On this episode, Alison Wagonfeld, CMO of Google Cloud, tackles the controversial topic of AI in marketing and shares innovative strategies that top marketers use to stay ahead of the curve. Plus, she and Jeremy dive into real-world examples of how companies are using AI to drive results and learn how you can implement these strategies in your own organization.

Tune in to learn:

How AI is revolutionizing marketing strategies and workflows.Why developers are key tastemakers for AI technology.How AI is b...


Breaking Down Silos: The Role of Fractional CMOs in Modern Organizations
#514
11/13/2024

Tired of marketing strategies that don’t deliver results? On this episode, we reveal the three key strategies that fractional CMOs like Jadis Tillery use to drive growth in private equity-backed companies. Jadis, the Fractional Chief Digital Officer at ikwe, has worked with over 125 private equity and venture capital-backed companies, transforming their marketing strategies and driving growth. She shares real-world examples of how her approach has led to significant results and she and Jeremy discuss how to align your marketing efforts with business objectives and take actionable steps toward success.

Tune in to learn

How fractional CM...


AI and the Future of Marketing: How to Embrace Change Without Losing Control
#513
11/06/2024

Is the reliance on AI in marketing a double-edged sword? Join Carilu Dietrich as she discusses the potential pitfalls and benefits of AI in today's marketing landscape. What should leaders be wary of, and how can they harness AI's power without losing the human touch? Plus, Carilu shares proven strategies that she used to help propel Atlassian to success and how you can apply these lessons to your own marketing efforts.

Tune in to learn:

Why feedback is essential for growth, even if it feels uncomfortable.How AI is transforming marketing, but why caution is needed...


The Power of Authentic Leadership
#512
10/30/2024

Mandy Dhaliwal is the CMO of Nutanix, but she’s also a mom and a whole person. On this episode, Mandy details how taking a break from the working world helped her find balance and become a better CMO when she returned to being an executive. 

Tune in to hear about:

Navigating Career Challenges and Prioritizing Self-CareThe Power of Authentic LeadershipOvercoming Challenges with Resilience and GritInspiring and Guiding Others in Their CareersAligning Marketing with Business StrategyCollaboration as a Non-Negotiable PrincipleGetting Out from Behind the DeskThe Underpinning of Modern BusinessesThe Future of Cloud Marketing

--

M...


Brand Building and Customer-Centric Marketing at Attentive
#511
10/23/2024

On this episode, Keri McGhee, CMO of Attentive, discusses the role of finance in marketing, staying current with new tech trends, the balance between AI and human touch, the blurring lines between B2B and B2C marketing, and building high-performing teams. She also emphasizes the importance of putting the customer first and being the voice of the customer in all marketing strategies.

Tune in to learn:

The Role of a CMO and the Importance of StorytellingBalancing Short-Term Results and Long-Term Brand BuildingBuilding Trust with the C-suite and ELTConnecting with Key Roles in the IndustryStaying Current...


How The Harvard Business Review Thinks About Content
#510
10/16/2024

 On this episode, John Korpics, Executive Creative Director at Harvard Business Review, discusses his unique career path, the importance of visual storytelling in business publishing, and the role of AI in enhancing creative processes. He emphasizes the need for engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences and shares insights on navigating complex topics while maintaining brand identity. John also offers valuable advice for aspiring creative directors, highlighting the significance of collaboration and design thinking in achieving success.

Key Insights:

The balance between short-form and long-form content is crucial for audience engagement.The need for a design t...


How To Effectively Use Metrics and Data in Marketing
#509
10/09/2024

On this episode, Ash Parikh, CMO of Trellix, discusses the importance of metrics and data in marketing, including website visitor numbers, click-to-open rates, and share of voice. He emphasizes the need for transparency, trustworthiness, and responsible security in building a brand. Ash also shares his approach to marketing transformations at different stages of a company's growth, highlighting the importance of understanding business goals and target personas. He discusses the balance between AI tools and maintaining a human touch in marketing, as well as the use of AI-powered Martech to improve marketing efficiency.

Tune in to learn:

...


The Power of Being a Customer-Obsessed CMO
#507
10/02/2024

On this episode, Aruna Ravichandran, SVP and Chief Customer and Marketing Officer for WebEx by Cisco, discusses the importance of being a customer-obsessed CMO and leveraging data and analytics to drive customer-centric strategies. She also emphasizes the power of personalized marketing and how AI is being integrated into Cisco's solutions to enhance productivity and customer service.

Tune in to learn:

The Importance of Having a Culture of InclusivityHow You Can Be Leveraging Data and Analytics for Customer-Centric StrategiesWays To Engage High-Value Prospects and C-Suite ExecutivesWhy ABM is Becoming Increasingly ImportantWhy Customer Obsession And Leveraging Customer Relationships...


Why You Should Throw Away Your Marketing Playbook
#508
09/25/2024

On this episode, Murali Nemani, CMO of Dataminr, discusses the role of marketers in shaping the strategy of a company. Plus, he explains how Dataminr leverages real-time data and AI to provide organizations with valuable insights for decision-making and risk management. And Murali talks about how he approaches new opportunities as a marketing leader, and why he creates a tailored approach for every situation.

Tune in to learn:

Why marketing organizations should treat themselves as media companies and become content producers and creators.How Dataminr uses AI to provide real-time, mission-critical information for early detection of...


Why Being Different is Better than Being Better
#507
09/18/2024

On this episode, Udi Ledergor, Chief Evangelist at Gong, discusses the use of AI in marketing and sales and highlights the utility of AI in the C-suite, particularly in analyzing sales pitches and measuring their impact on business metrics. Udii also emphasizes the importance of shifting from ownership to stewardship in marketing, and he discusses the need for aligning internal and external branding by living the company's values and creating a consistent customer experience.

Tune in to learn:

The Limitations of AI in Creating Marketing ContentThe Utility of AI in the C-SuiteHow to Foster Collaboration in...


The Secrets of Marketing Leadership in the Modern Era
#506
09/11/2024

On this episode, Jim Jackson, the CMO of HPE, discusses the importance of teamwork and collaboration in marketing and sales and he details how to use data to target and engage customers. Jim also highlights the value of traditional media in the marketing landscape, even with the growing importance of digital marketing. Plus, he touches on the role of AI in marketing and the need for continuous learning in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

Jim's Perspective on Technological AdvancementsHPE's Brand TransformationThe Importance of Human Creativity in AIThe Evolution of Leadership in MarketingHow to Nurture and Develop Marketing...


The Unique Advantages of Out-of-Home Advertising
#505
09/04/2024

On this episode, Jeremy Flynn, Senior Vice President of Data Products and Strategy at Clear Channel Outdoors, discusses the measurement and targeting capabilities of out-of-home advertising and emphasizes that out-of-home is a communal and unskippable medium that offers a unique ad experience. Plus, he explains how advances in geo-location technology allow for more accurate targeting of specific demographics and locations, and he discusses how Clear Channel is leveraging data and analytics to measure the effectiveness of out-of-home campaigns and connect them to consumer behaviors and outcomes.

Key Topics:

The Unique Advantages of Out-of-Home AdvertisingMeasurement and Attribution...


The Power of Customer Obsession at Zappos
#504
08/21/2024

On this episode, Joe Cano, the Chief Marketing, Chief Merchandising, and Chief Growth Officer at Zappos, discusses the company's culture, use of AI, and customer experience. He highlights the importance of Zappos' customer obsession and the strong emotional connection they have with their customers and he explains how Zappos leverages AI in merchandising and marketing, using data analytics to personalize product recommendations and create targeted marketing campaigns. Cano emphasizes the balance between AI and the human touch, ensuring that Zappos maintains its personal and emotional connection with customers.

Key Topics:

The Power of Customer ObsessionStreamlining AssortmentUtilizing...


Redefining Leadership: From CMO to Cohort Creator with Carla Piñeyro Sublett
#503
08/07/2024

On this episode, Carla Piñeyro Sublett, the former CMO of IBM, discusses her transformational path from corporate leadership to starting her own company focused on connecting and optimizing human potential. Carla shares insights into modern leadership, authenticity, and the importance of balancing mind, body, and spirit in professional settings, and she offers shifting perspectives in marketing and leadership.

Tune in to learn:

How to navigate personal and professional transformationThe power of authenticity and self-careHow to optimize executive leadership teamsLessons learned from transforming marketing at National InstrumentsAdvice for aspiring marketing leadersWhy the future of marketing is g...


How Deloitte Uses Data-Driven Creativity in Marketing
#502
07/24/2024

On this episode, Suzanne Kounkel, the Global Chief Marketing Officer at Deloitte and Deloitte’s US CMO, dives into what it means to be a marketing leader at such a high level. Plus, she discusses the role of data and insights in enhancing creativity in marketing campaigns and she emphasizes the strategic importance of AI in marketing and the need for CMOs to be actively involved in leveraging AI tools.

Key Takeaways:

Balancing brand and demand is crucial in B2B marketing.Making choices based on data is important in a world with limited resources. Data in...


Leadership and Innovation at Grammarly
#501
07/10/2024

On this episode, Lena Waters, Chief Marketing Officer at Grammarly, discusses the company's transition from a consumer brand to an enterprise-ready solution and how AI has played a role from the beginning. She emphasizes the importance of providing value to customers at every stage of the writing process and highlights Grammarly's unique selling points to all kinds of customers. Plus, Lena discusses her personal values as a leader, the importance of taking accountability, and the need for empathy and compassion in high-stakes environments.   

Key Takeaways:

How Grammarly has transitioned from a consumer brand to an enterprise-ready sol...


Strategic Thinking and Execution
#500
06/26/2024

On this episode, Jill Thomas, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of PGA TOUR Superstore, discusses the challenges and opportunities of marketing in the golf retail industry. She highlights the shift in the golf consumer landscape and the need to reach diverse audiences with different motivations for playing the game. Jill also shares her experience of building a high-functioning marketing organization with limited resources and the importance of trust and credibility in implementing a multi-year transformation plan.

Tune in to learn:

The golf consumer landscape has evolved, with diverse audiences playing the game for different reasons...


A Winning Gameplan for Sports Marketing Success
06/12/2024

There are few arenas as competitive and complex as professional sports marketing. In this episode, Melissa Proctor, CMO of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and State Farm Arena, shares how she continues to achieve by showing up for herself and her teams. With more than 15 years of proven brand strategy expertise, Melissa has found myriad ways to engage and delight the Hawks’ devoted fanbase, while reinforcing the organization’s deep connection to the city it calls home. Tune in to learn how she continues to build unforgettable experiences for fans, the city’s communities, and her employees.     

Tune in to le...


The Future of Marketing: Storytelling and Unique Brand Voice
#499
05/29/2024

On this episode, Carrie Grapenthin, CMO of Lincoln International, discusses the importance of listening, diplomacy, and relationship-building in marketing leadership. She emphasizes the need for marketers to be agile and adaptable, especially in a competitive and fast-paced industry. Carrie also highlights the unique role of marketing in shaping the perception of the brand and driving business growth. She shares examples of innovative marketing campaigns and the impact they had on brand awareness and employee engagement. Carrie predicts that storytelling and maintaining a unique brand voice will be crucial in the future of marketing.

Key Takeaways:

AI...


Creativity Meets Strategy: Inside Whole Foods' Marketing Balance
#499
05/22/2024

On this episode of Marketing Trends, Kelly Ferraro, Senior Director of Media and Channel Marketing at Whole Foods, explains how Whole Foods fosters innovation and creativity within its team. Kelly shares insights on maintaining a balance between digital innovation and traditional marketing channels, the challenges and opportunities presented by the Amazon acquisition, and how Whole Foods is navigating the evolving landscape of consumer behavior toward health and sustainability. From strategic pricing to the importance of good energy for creativity, Kelly offers a deep dive into the intricate dance of merging two iconic brands and leading a dynamic marketing team.<...


The Challenge of A Historic Brand With a Modern Vision
#498
05/08/2024

On this episode, Victoria Lozano, EVP of Marketing for Crayola, discusses the evolving role of marketing, the importance of creativity, and the power of partnerships. She emphasizes that marketing is no longer just about advertising and promotions, but about all the touch points a brand has in consumers' lives. She also highlights the need for marketers to focus on both brand and business, and the impact of AI in marketing, emphasizing the need to use it smartly and not get caught up in sensationalism.Key Takeaways:

Marketing is no longer just about advertising and promotions, but about all...


Welcome to Marketing Trends
05/01/2024

This is Marketing Trends, where we'll give you an authentic look into the world’s most impactful marketing leaders. How do they think? How do they lead? How do they maintain their dominant positions at brands like ESPN, Google, Meta, Wells Fargo, Walmart and others? Join host Jeremy Bergeron as he uncovers the answers to those questions, and more.

Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org.


This is Marketing Trends
04/24/2024

On Marketing Trends, you’ll hear conversations with trailblazing marketers, including CMOs, CEOs, VPs, and industry leaders who are thinking outside the norm, taking risks in the world of marketing, and leading the charge with human-centric marketing.


Strategies for Winning Over New Generations in Real Estate
#497
04/24/2024

On this episode, Brad Nelson, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sotheby's International Realty, discusses the changing consumer demographics and the intergenerational transfer of wealth in the real estate market. He emphasizes the importance of connecting with different generations of clients and creating an emotional connection with them. Plus, he talks about the need for brands to show up on different platforms in an authentic way for the younger generation while maintaining brand equity. Brad also highlights the value of empathy, emotional intelligence, and curiosity in his leadership style.

Episode Highlights:

The luxury real estate market is...


Consumer-Centric Wisdom: Woozae Kim on Marketing, Branding, and Beyond
#496
01/31/2024

On this episode, Woozae Kim, an esteemed marketing leader, delves into the intricate realm of marketing and branding. Woozae underscores the significance of understanding the customer journey and fostering a cohesive brand experience across all touchpoints. Plus, he advocates staying attuned to consumer trends through field research, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, and clarity as catalysts for organizational change, and he challenges conventional norms around some major industry ideas.

Tune in to learn:

The world of marketing today (2:40)Connecting with consumers (6:10)Where do brands lose sight of the customer experience (11:00)Best and worst marketing campaigns recently (13:40)Balancing the...