At our Marketing in the Madness Live anti-conference, George Sullivan, Founder of The Sole Supplier, takes the stage to deliver a powerful and energetic talk about human connection in the era of AI.  With social media reach declining, AI content flooding every feed, and trust becoming harder to earn, George cuts through the noise with a message every marketer needs to hear: 👉 People buy from people.👉 Human feeling beats AI quantity.👉 Your face, your story, your passion = your competitive advantage. George shares: - How The Sole Supplier grew from his bedroom to 4.5M monthly users- Why being the face of the brand changed everything- What AI “slop” means for marketers (and how to rise above it)- The truth about authenticity, trust, and the future of content- How brands like Nike, Apple, and LinkedIn master emotional connection Why you need to think deeply again - not outsource everything to ChatGPT The three pillars that make brands memorable: Educate, Entertain, Inspire This talk is packed with insights, honesty, humour, and actionable takeaways for anyone working in marketing, brand, or content right now. If you're a marketer, founder, content creator, or brand builder then this episode will hit home. Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to Marketing in the Madness LIVE01:20 – George Sullivan takes the stage02:10 – The power of building a brand through people03:25 – George’s origin story04:35 – “People buy from people”06:05 – Reclaiming your thinking in the age of AI07:55 – Trust vs. AI-generated content10:14 – AI’s impact on brand trust12:00 – Nike and human connection13:45 – Rising above AI “slop”15:05 – Loving the brand you work for This is only the beginning. Over the next few weeks, we’re releasing more incredible talks from Marketing in the Madness Live - including sessions with some of the world’s biggest brands and thought-leaders like Richard Shotton, author of Hacking the Human Mind. George Sullivanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/george-sullivan-tss/ The Sole Supplierhttps://thesolesupplier.co.uk/ Katie Street https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiestreet/https://www.instagram.com/streetmate/ Marketing in the Madness https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-in-the-madness-podcast/https://www.instagram.com/marketinginthemadness/ Street Agencyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/streetagency/https://www.instagram.com/street.agency/

Most B2B marketers are missing their biggest growth opportunity and it’s hiding in plain sight. At our Marketing in the Madness Live anti-conference, Jennifer Shaw-Sweet, EMEA Lead at LinkedIn’s B2B Institute, breaks down the “Hidden Buyer Gap” - why 40–60% of deals never close, how to reach the decision-makers you’ve been ignoring, and why brand fame still wins in a world obsessed with clicks. From the psychology of The Bachelor to the “Circles of Doom” that show how marketing and sales fall out of sync, this talk is a masterclass in how to think differently, act smarter, and make marketing the true engine of growth in your business Follow us for upcoming talks from the world’s biggest brands and boldest thinkers. Jennifer Shaw-Sweethttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-shaw-sweet-7134a56/ Katie Streethttps://www.linkedin.com/in/katiestreet/ Marketing in the Madnesshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-in-the-madness-podcast/https://www.instagram.com/marketinginthemadness/ Street Agencyhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/streetagency/https://www.instagram.com/street.agency/

The next evolution of commerce has arrived and it’s powered by AI. In this episode of Marketing in the Madness, Jason Cottrell, Founder & CEO of Orium and incoming President of the MACH Alliance, joins live from the MACH X Conference in London to explore how agentic commerce and composable technology are transforming the way brands build, sell, and connect. From in-chat shopping on ChatGPT to the launch of new agentic protocols backed by OpenAI, Google, and Stripe, Jason breaks down how these technologies are reshaping the foundations of modern business. What you’ll learn: How AI-driven platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini & Perplexity are changing customer journeys. Why the new ACP standard could redefine how we buy online. The growing impact of agentic ecosystems and interoperable AI agents. How composability enables faster innovation across global brands. And much more! Marketing in the Madness is the straight-talking podcast for marketing and digital leaders who want more - more growth, more clarity, and more impact. Hosted by Katie Street, it brings together bold brands, sharp thinkers, and next-gen voices from across the industry — from Estée Lauder to Vodafone, Contentful, Jägermeister, and beyond. Each episode cuts through the noise with real stories, honest insights, and ideas you can actually use. If you’re serious about staying ahead of the shifts in AI, marketing, and tech - subscribe now!  

Retail is changing fast and River Island is already running ahead of the curve. In this episode of Marketing in the Madness, we dig into how the brand is building smarter systems, faster teams, and better customer experiences using AI. From automated code generation to an internal AI platform called Delta, River Island’s tech team is turning innovation into a daily habit. We talk about what’s next for the brand, how AI is transforming retail operations, and why now’s the moment to plug in and start experimenting. What you’ll learn: - How River Island is building AI into its day-to-day operations- Why “test and learn” cultures are reshaping the retail playbook- The power of modular tools like Delta- What’s next for customer experience across web and stores Don't forget to subscribe to our channel and hit that notification bell to stay ahead of the madness. Chapters 00:00 – AI is now driving 50% of online traffic00:24 – The rise of test-and-learn cultures01:18 – How AI models are reshaping search02:28 – Inside River Island’s AI engine: Delta05:26 – The power (and risk) of new AI tools06:39 – AI’s future: scary or exciting?06:52 – River Island’s next chapter in innovation07:53 – Building smarter stores and better systems Simon Pakenham-Walshhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-pakenham-walsh/ Katie Streethttps://www.linkedin.com/in/katiestreet/https://www.instagram.com/streetmate/ Marketing in the Madness Street Agencyhttps://street.agency/https://www.instagram.com/street.agency/https://www.linkedin.com/company/streetagency/

In this mini episode of Marketing in the Madness, River Island’s CIO Simon Pakenham-Walsh reveals how one of the UK’s biggest fashion retailers is reinventing the customer experience through technology - both online and in-store. After a “summer of reset,” the brand is doubling down on innovation, data, and seamless shopping journeys. What you’ll hear: - From RFID-powered “dump bucket” self-checkouts to smart fitting rooms that recommend your next size — River Island is redefining frictionless retail. - How Simon’s team is uniting website, app, and store tech into one connected system where customers can browse, buy, and return anywhere. - Why River Island’s focus on data, agility, and micro-experiments is shaping the future of retail innovation and customer experience design. This isn’t just a tech upgrade, it’s a retail revolution built for the next generation of shoppers. Subscribe to this channel for more raw, real conversations with the people shaping the future of marketing, tech, and creativity. Simon Pakenham-Walshhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-pakenham-walsh/ Katie Streethttps://www.linkedin.com/in/katiestreet/https://www.instagram.com/streetmate/ Marketing in the Madnesshttps://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-in-the-madness-podcast Street Agencyhttps://street.agency/https://www.instagram.com/street.agency/https://www.linkedin.com/company/streetagency/

The future of shopping isn’t about selling, it’s about experience. Simon Pakenham-Walsh, CIO at River Island, breaks down how technology, AI and data are transforming retail — from smart stores and RFID checkouts to seamless online journeys that actually feel connected. With a career spanning Sweaty Betty, Sainsbury’s and Arcadia, Simon’s seen how brands win (and lose) when they get transformation wrong. Now he’s revealing how River Island is rethinking its tech, people, and mindset to rebuild what shopping means in 2025. This one’s for the marketers, retail leaders and founders trying to make digital transformation actually work - without losing the human touch. We talk: The future of retail and technology Why AI and data are rewriting how we shop How to transform a brand without breaking it Why tech isn’t the problem - mindset is If you care about the future of eCommerce, AI in retail, or the next generation of in-store experiences, this episode will change how you think about shopping forever.

Forget glossy influencer campaigns, the real power in e-commerce right now?  Your own people. In this mini episode of Marketing in the Madness, we uncover how Marks & Spencer, of all brands, quietly became the new Zara, by handing the camera to their employees. Our guest breaks down:- How employee-generated content (EGC) is flipping social commerce on its head- Why shoppers trust real staff more than influencers- The secret behind 2x higher order values and 3x more site visits from live shopping- Why authenticity beats polish - and how that’s changing the future of e-commerce From live shopping to shoppable stories and social proofing, this convo dives into what happens when brands let their people become the stars. If you care about e-commerce, social commerce, or brand authenticity, this one’s a must-watch LiSAhttps://www.hello-lisa.com/ Sophie Frereshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-fr%C3%A8res-n%C3%A9e-spethmann-3316548/ Katie Streethttps://www.linkedin.com/in/katiestreet/https://www.instagram.com/streetmate/   Marketing in the Madness https://www.instagram.com/marketinginthemadness/https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-in-the-madness-podcast    

The future of luxury is being rewritten and it’s happening faster than anyone expected! In this episode, Katie Street sits down with Ekaterina Golovanova, Digital Director of Luxe at L’Oréal, to uncover how some of the world’s most iconic beauty brands are reinventing themselves in the age of AI, social selling, and shifting consumer expectations. They cover everything:  How AI is transforming skincare diagnostics and personalisation Why Gen Z is changing luxury forever The rise of TikTok Shop and the new wave of social commerce How luxury brands can stay exclusive while building inclusive communities The future of product discovery in a world of LLMs and AI agents Ekaterina has worked with powerhouse brands like Lancôme, Armani, YSL, and Kiehl’s so this conversation goes deep into what luxury means today and what it will look like tomorrow. If you care about AI, beauty, luxury, retail, or the future of marketing, this one is for you. Don’t forget to follow for more unfiltered conversations with leaders reshaping the world of marketing and digital.Ekaterina Golovanova https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekaterinagolovanov042/   Katie Street https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiestreet/ https://www.instagram.com/streetmate/   Street Agency https://street.agency/ https://www.instagram.com/street.agency/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/streetagency/

95% of your market isn’t buying today. So why are you still selling like they are? This mini episode of Marketing in the Madness drops the honest truth about the 95/5 Rule and why long-term brand fame beats short-term sales hype every single time! In this cut from our full conversation, we get into: 👉 Why showing up consistently matters more than pushing harder👉 How to stay in front of the 95% who’ll buy later👉 The unfair advantage of brand fame in B2B This is street-level strategy for marketers who actually want to play the long game and win. Jennifer Shaw-Sweethttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-shaw-sweet-7134a56/ Katie Streethttps://www.linkedin.com/in/katiestreet/https://www.instagram.com/streetmate/ Marketing in the Madnesshttps://www.instagram.com/marketinginthemadness/ Street Agencyhttps://street.agency/https://www.instagram.com/street.agency/https://www.linkedin.com/company/streetagency/

AI is everywhere right now, but how are the world’s biggest brands actually using it to create growth, innovation, and personalisation that truly matters? In this episode of Marketing in the Madness, Katie Street sits down with Balki Subramanian, Chief Digital & Information Officer at Mars Food & Nutrition, to uncover how Mars is approaching AI across household brands like Ben’s Original, Dolmio, Seeds of Change, Snickers, and Pedigree. Balki shares real examples of AI in action. From a José Mourinho Snickers campaign to Pedigree Adoptables, an award-winning AI project helping shelter dogs find forever homes. He also opens up about the frameworks Mars uses to make sure AI is ethical, responsible, and always tied to solving real business problems. What you’ll learn in this episode:- The difference between AI buzzwords (data science, automation, generative AI)- How to build an AI strategy that delivers results (without chasing falling for shiny tools)- Why responsible AI governance is critical for global brands- The most innovative AI campaigns from Mars- Practical advice for retail, CPG, and digital leaders starting their AI journey If you’re interested in AI in retail, CPG marketing, or digital transformation, this episode is packed with insights you can apply in your business right now! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations with bold marketing and digital leaders (this helps us a lot).Join us at ShopTalk Luxe in Abu Dhabi, 27–29 January 2026, to connect with global retail leaders that are breaking through the noise and explore the future of brand, creativity, and commerce. Get your ticket now: https://luxe.shoptalk.com/Balakrishnan Subramanian https://www.linkedin.com/in/balakrishnancs/Katie Street https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiestreet/ https://www.instagram.com/streetmate/ Marketing in the Madness https://www.linkedin.com/company/marketing-in-the-madness-podcast/https://www.instagram.com/marketinginthemadness/

Can AI do 90% of your job?  Maybe.  But the last 10% - story, judgment, and real human connection -  is where careers are won.  In this conversation with Chris Croft, we get honest about using AI boldly without losing your voice, why brand polish matters less than authenticity, and why people skills are the new moat. What we cover: - Authenticity > aesthetics: Your studio and brand can change; what audiences trust is you, open and honest on camera.  - Agentic AI is here: From bookings to cold calls, AI will eat routine work so double down on the human bits: rapport, influence, leadership.  - The “20 ideas” creativity workout: Push past the obvious; ideas #15–20 often contain the gold. Then let AI add another 20 to spark what you missed.  - Where AI shines (and doesn’t): Great for ideation, structure, and pros/cons, you still choose, tell the story, and add the edge audiences remember.  - AI music is fun, not Dylan: Tools like Suno can make catchy songs, but originality and lived nuance still belong to humans.  - Aim for the top 30%: If you’re in that tier for creativity and people skills, you’ll outperform today’s AI and tomorrow’s.    If you’re a marketer, creator, trainer, or leader, this episode gives you a practical playbook for partnering with AI while staying unmistakably you. Expect candid examples, a few laughs, and a clear path to staying valuable as tech races ahead.   If this resonated, hit the notification bell to stay tuned for upcoming episodes!

What if one tiny mistake could change your whole life? Katie Street sits down with international trainer, author, and LinkedIn Learning superstar Chris Croft. His story is anything but ordinary. From turning down an opportunity that could have ended his career before it even started, to accidentally creating a viral project management rap, Chris shares how a mix of saying yes (and sometimes no) shaped his path from corporate trainer to one of the world’s most-watched online instructors. Chris has grown a community of more than 250,000 people on LinkedIn, created over 47 LinkedIn Learning courses (yes, more than anyone else in the world), built a YouTube channel with 20,000 subscribers, and reached audiences across the globe on Udemy. And the best part? He’s done it all without the kind of heavy marketing you might expect. Together they dig into: How a mistake turned into millions Why LinkedIn and YouTube became his most powerful growth tools What he’s learned about the connection between happiness and success Chris also opens up about staying relevant in a world of AI, why authenticity is non-negotiable, and how creativity is still the ultimate edge in business.This conversation is packed with stories, laughs, and lessons that prove success doesn’t come from following the rules - it comes from showing up, trying things, and sometimes just getting it wrong.

Welcome to Marketing the Madness - live from Shoptalk Europe (once again)! In this episode, Katie Street sits down with Pierric Duthoit, Chief Digital Officer at Coty, the powerhouse behind some of the world’s most iconic beauty and fragrance brands, including Gucci, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Kylie Cosmetics, and CoverGirl! Together, they dive into the future of social commerce in beauty and retail, exploring how Coty is using influencer marketing and advocacy to build real trust and drive conversion.  Pierric opens up about what it takes to create global campaigns that resonate, why fragrance and skincare are becoming major players in online shopping, and how data, insights, and trend-spotting keep Coty ahead of the curve. He also shares fascinating stories about Coty’s work with both mega-influencers and micro-creators, the brand’s approach to staying ahead of trends like the vanilla fragrance craze, and why social commerce is more than just a trend, it’s fast becoming the future of digital retail strategy. If you’re in beauty, retail, or marketing, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Don't forget to join us at ShopTalk Luxe in Abu Dhabi, 27–29 January 2026, to connect with global retail leaders that are breaking through the noise and explore the future of brand, creativity, and commerce. Get your ticket now: https://luxe.shoptalk.com/ Pierric Duthoit https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierricduthoit/ Katie Street https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiestreet/ https://www.instagram.com/streetmate/ Street Agency https://street.agency/ https://www.instagram.com/street.agency/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/streetagency/

In today’s sea of sameness, AI tools and ChatGPT generated content are everywhere - but are they enough to build trust?  In this talk, Katie Street shares why human connection, authenticity, and video-first content are the real game-changers in B2B marketing. From LinkedIn growth strategies to building personal brands that outperform corporate logos, discover how to stand out and win trust in a noisy digital world. In this episode, you're going to learn why: - People buy from people, not faceless brands- LinkedIn and YouTube are the top platforms for agency growth- Video, energy, and enthusiasm build trust faster than polished logos- Human-led content gets up to 38% more engagement than brand posts- Agencies must showcase real people - not just products or services With stories from brands like UGG, insights into influencer-style B2B strategies, and proof from leaders like Gary Vee and Steven Bartlett, this session will inspire you to stop hiding behind your logo and start showing your face! Subscribe to our channel for more on B2B marketing strategy, personal branding, AI in marketing, and much more!

Send us a text Struggling to generate leads for your B2B business? In this episode, Katie Street reveals the exact strategy that helped her cut through the noise, stand out from the competition, and win more clients - even in a tough market! Here's what she reveals: - Why most B2B marketing is boring (and how to fix it) - The human-first strategy that makes your business unforgettable - How to build trust and convert leads faster - Practical tips for using LinkedIn & video to genera...

Send us a text What does it take to keep some of the world’s biggest brands at the top of their game? In this episode, Katie gets the inside story from James Godfrey, Global Head of Marketing and Sales Capability at Nestlé - the man who teaches 55,000 marketers and salespeople across 180 countries how to build campaigns that truly land! From global creative strategies for iconic brands like KitKat and Nespresso, to navigating the rise of TikTok, influencer marketing, and AI, James shares r...

Send us a text In this live episode from Shoptalk Europe in Barcelona, Katie Street sits down with Lidia Muravieva, Chief Experience Officer at Holland & Barrett, to explore how one of the UK’s most established health and wellness retailers is transforming its entire customer journey! This isn’t just another digital transformation story, it’s about breaking legacy barriers, connecting fragmented data, and using AI to deliver truly personalised experiences both in-store and online. Lidia...

Send us a text In this episode of Marketing in the Madness, we’re talking secondhand, sustainability, and smart retail innovation with a brand that’s been doing recommerce since before it was even called that. Live from Shoptalk Barcelona, Katie Street chats with Sara Sjöberg, CEO of Swedish kidswear brand Polarn O. Pyret (POP), about how they’re turning high-quality clothing into circular fashion heroes - with some serious results. From tech-powered resale logistics to loyal parent com...

Send us a text This one hits different. This episode is the shorter version of our full episode with Joe Glover (which dropped last week) but trust us, it still packs a punch! Katie catches up with Joe Glover, founder of The Marketing Meetup, to talk about how marketing really feels right now. From the rise of zero-click search and AI discovery, to why your website might not be the centre of your universe anymore, this episode is all about cutting through the noise and keeping it human. A f...

Send us a text Live from Shoptalk Barcelona, we’re switching it up. This episode sees EPAM’s Mark Simpson, Director of Global Alliances, take the hot seat as guest host - interviewing Ana Machado da Silva, Senior Head of Product Management & Experience at Boden. They reveal the tech transforming Boden’s customer journey, why Shopify is more than a DTC, and how legacy brands are staying relevant in a hyper-digital, AI-fuelled world. If you’re in retail, fashion, digital product, or just ...