How can marketers ensure their brand remains visible in an AI-dominated digital landscape?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with David Reske, Founder and CEO of Nowspeed to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the way companies achieve visibility and connect with customers. David emphasizes the urgency for marketers to adapt to AI technologies, especially large language models like ChatGPT, or risk becoming invisible in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
He shares actionable strategies for creating an LLM briefing book to teach AI systems about your company, ensuring your brand appears in AI-driven search results. David also explains how to conduct AI-focused content audits, implement strategic content plans, and align SEO efforts with AI capabilities to stay ahead of the curve.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can a smarter email strategy, not just more emails, transform your customer engagement and revenue?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Megan Brewster, co-founder and lifecycle marketing expert at Bright Iris Marketing. Megan brings deep expertise in lifecycle marketing, data-driven decision-making, and automated email flows, sharing the strategies businesses need to scale their email performance without overwhelming their audiences.
Megan breaks down why blasting your list with more emails isn’t the path to growth. She reveals the importance of targeted, timely messaging and why understanding your audience segments, especially your highest-value buyers, is essential. Megan also dives into the massive, often untapped potential of automated flows, the importance of clear design and strong calls to action, and how to use data and testing to continuously refine your communication strategy.
In this episode, we cover:
If you’re ready to upgrade your email marketing with strategies that are both practical and proven, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can marketers master urgency to accelerate growth and boost sales performance?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Steve Kahan, Marketing Advisor at Insight Partners and bestselling author, to uncover the key to creating urgency in modern marketing. Drawing from his latest book, Steve shares proven strategies to spark action in potential customers and drive real business results.
The conversation explores the psychology behind urgency, how to align marketing efforts with revenue goals, and why inaction can be your biggest competitor. Through engaging stories and practical frameworks, Steve reveals the exact playbook he’s used to help multiple companies achieve explosive growth.
Steve breaks down how to highlight customer pain points, build constructive discomfort, and tailor urgency for both personal and market-level motivation. He also addresses how to bring urgency into “boring” industries and how marketing teams can apply these methods using scalable tools and organic traffic.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can marketers harness AI to create personalized, scalable, and effective marketing strategies?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Mike Montague, Founder of Avenue9 and Host of Human-First AI Marketing Podcast, to explore how AI-driven marketing can unlock new levels of connection and efficiency. The conversation dives into how storytelling, audience understanding, and AI tools come together to elevate marketing efforts.
Mike shares actionable strategies for building trust through storytelling, qualifying audience personas, integrating AI for automation and scaling, and tailoring communications using personality insights. He also highlights the importance of continually refining your approach to discover the ‘aha’ moments that resonate deeply with your audience.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can marketers use empathy and customer storytelling to drive B2B growth?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Rob Freedman, Vice President of Marketing and Partnership at EZO, to explore the power of empathetic marketing and authentic customer storytelling. The conversation centers on how listening deeply to customers can transform them into brand champions and fuel sustainable B2B growth.
He shares actionable strategies for mining customer stories, leading customer interviews, and creating internal alignment to strengthen go-to-market efforts. Rob also emphasizes the value of measuring engagement and leveraging data without losing the human connection that drives great marketing.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can marketing leaders shift from tactical execution to strategic business alignment?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Alan Gonsenhauser, founder and CEO of Demand Revenue, LLC and experienced CMO advisor, to explore the transformation of marketing leadership. Alan emphasizes the critical need for marketing efforts to align tightly with overall business strategy, moving beyond mere tactics to drive measurable business outcomes.
He shares actionable insights on creating remarkable customer experiences, prioritizing retention and upsell, and leveraging AI as a tool to enhance but not replace innovative thinking. Alan also explains the importance of speaking the language of the C-suite and focusing on net revenue retention to elevate marketing’s role in the organization.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can customer connection transform your marketing strategy and drive authentic growth?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Lina Tonk, CMO at Recurly and seasoned marketing leader. Lina shares her expertise on why regular, direct conversations with customers are essential to building meaningful marketing strategies that truly resonate.
Lina breaks down the myth that marketing strategies can succeed without customer interaction and explains how repeated engagement uncovers evolving customer needs. She dives into the importance of tailoring events and campaigns based on customer preferences, balancing virtual and in-person connections, and fostering a community that turns customers into authentic brand advocates.
In this episode, we cover:
If you’re ready to build a customer-first marketing approach that drives long-term growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can B2B marketers succeed when every deal involves 11 or more stakeholders?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Adam Needles, CEO and Co-Founder of ANNUITAS, Inc., to unpack the game-changing concept of Buyer Unit Demand (BUD). Adam challenges the outdated reliance on MQLs and ABM and introduces a new framework for engaging the full buying unit, with multiple stakeholders who have diverse roles and needs throughout the journey.
He shares how marketers can design conversation tracks that align with real-world buying dynamics and explains why buyer-led orchestration, not sales-led tactics, is the key to driving meaningful engagement and revenue. Adam also discusses the organizational shifts and mindset changes required to fully adopt this buyer-first approach.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
What if cold calling isn’t dead and SDRs are not just seen as “entry-level”?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Gabe Lullo, sales leader and CEO of Alleyoop. Gabe brings decades of experience to the table and delivers a no-nonsense perspective on what makes modern sales development succeed and why human connection still matters in an age of automation.
Gabe breaks down the biggest myths about Sales Development Representatives (SDRs), cold calling, and who really “owns” sales development. He shares why SDRs should be treated as a unique, strategic function, not just a stepping stone to closing roles, and how the best reps focus on active listening, authenticity, and building trust. We also dive into the power of multi-channel outreach, the right way to use AI, and what industries actually do respond to outbound efforts.
In this episode, we cover:
If you want to sharpen your sales strategy, elevate your SDR team, or just prove that cold calling isn’t dead, this episode is packed with real-world tactics and takeaways you can use today.
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
What does it take to build authentic communities that truly connect with your market?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Paul Jones, Moderator of the Connect To Market Community & Founder of Bridgio. Paul shares lessons from building over 40 successful communities and explains why real market connection goes beyond launching products or campaigns.
He emphasizes the importance of deeply understanding your Ideal Client Persona (ICP), using empathy to craft resonant messaging, and creating space for meaningful, value-driven interactions. Paul also challenges the overreliance on technology, encouraging marketers to start simple and stay focused on human connection.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can structured brainstorming and rapid testing transform your team’s creativity and innovation?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Brandon Redlinger, a Fractional Marketing Leader to multiple B2B tech companies and Co-Founder of The Forge. Brandon shares his approach to generating high-impact ideas without falling into the common traps of overthinking or endless iteration. His insights offer a refreshing roadmap for leaders and communicators who want to foster creativity while staying focused on results.
Brandon breaks down why suspending judgment during brainstorming is critical, and how the ICE framework, Impact, Confidence, and Ease, can be a game-changer when it comes to prioritizing ideas. He also unpacks how to test concepts quickly, define success up front, and avoid wasting time on strategies that don't deliver.
In this episode, we cover:
If you’re ready to bring structure to your creativity and boost your team's ability to innovate effectively, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can marketers stay discoverable as AI reshapes the search landscape?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Al Sargent, Senior Director, Product, Solution & Partner Marketing at ZEDEDA, to explore the evolving field of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Al delivers a strategic and practical breakdown of how marketers can adapt to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini- tools that are reshaping how content is discovered and consumed.
He explains how GEO differs from traditional SEO, why documentation matters more than ever, and how to leverage content repetition and high-authority sites to maintain discoverability. Al also shares his personal journey in tech and marketing, emphasizing the role of empathy, mentorship, and community-building in professional growth.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can strong business fundamentals, cross-functional alignment, and a focus on planning drive sustainable growth in today’s tech-saturated world?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Brendan Leonard, President and Chief Revenue Officer at Crews & Co., to unpack the real drivers of business success. Brendan brings deep experience across sales, marketing, and leadership, having held roles at Samsonite, Hasbro, and Capital One, and shares why getting back to the basics is more important than ever, even in the age of AI and automation.
We dig into the myth that technology can solve everything, and why chasing trends without a clear strategy is a major growth killer. Brendan reveals how setting structured goals, aligning your sales and marketing efforts, and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration can significantly improve business outcomes. With practical takeaways and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to cut through the noise and refocus on what truly moves the needle.
In this episode, we cover:
If you’re ready to refocus your business strategy, realign your teams, and make smarter decisions in a tech-driven world, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately.
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
What does it take to master B2B marketing with empathy and precision?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Cole Field, VP of Marketing at Beryllium InfoSec. Cole offers a thoughtful and tactical breakdown of how marketers can move beyond isolated tactics and create more unified, human-centered B2B strategies.
He shares why attributing success to individual efforts can create unnecessary tension, and how aligning sales and marketing unlocks better outcomes. Cole also explains the power of empathy in mapping the customer journey, the role of automation in streamlining efforts, and how Account-Based Marketing (ABM) is simply good, focused marketing when done right.
Throughout the conversation, Cole highlights actionable strategies for improving team alignment, defining an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), and approaching B2B marketing with clarity and intention.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect with Cole:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colefield/
Beryllium InfoSec, Inc: https://www.berylliuminfosec.com/
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can AI drive real impact in your marketing and sales teams beyond just ROI?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Craig Rosenberg, a B2B marketing thought leader and Chief Platform Officer at Scale Venture Partners. Craig brings his deep experience in go-to-market strategy and AI transformation, sharing how companies can truly leverage artificial intelligence to increase productivity, empower teams, and prepare for the next wave of innovation.
Craig challenges the misconception that AI isn’t delivering results, explaining why the focus shouldn’t be on ROI alone. Instead, he highlights the massive productivity gains AI is already bringing to marketing teams; automating tasks like messaging, research, and workflows. He also breaks down the phases of AI adoption, the rise of the “go-to-market engineer,” and why companies must invest in AI literacy and experimentation to stay competitive.
In this episode, we cover:
If you’re ready to move past the AI hype and start seeing real, team-level results, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
What does it take for marketers to truly connect with their audience and harness AI for impactful strategies?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Megan Ward, SVP of Marketing and Product Management at 360Factors. Megan offers a thoughtful and tactical breakdown of how marketers can deepen their understanding of target audiences by engaging directly and using AI-driven insights.
She shares why marketing leaders must spend time with “real people” to uncover authentic needs, the importance of attending industry events for firsthand market observation, and how AI analysis of call recordings can reveal key customer questions and concerns. Megan also reflects on her career journey and the lessons that helped her overcome limiting beliefs.
Throughout the conversation, Megan highlights actionable insights on connecting with customers, harnessing AI for smarter marketing, and documenting knowledge to empower teams.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect with Megan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radiantmegan/
Substack: https://substack.com/@meganward989011
360factors: https://www.360factors.com/
Ways to Tune In:
Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can aligning your marketing strategy with business goals transform your impact and career trajectory?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Jennifer Mancusi, CEO and co-founder of Growgetter. Jennifer is a marketing leader, strategic thinker, and passionate advocate for measuring what matters. She brings her real world experience helping businesses cut through vanity metrics and focus on marketing strategies that truly drive growth.
Jennifer breaks down why defending the wrong metrics can get CMOs fired and how marketers can shift their focus to data that aligns with revenue. She discusses the critical importance of internal communication, aligning with sales, and using frameworks like OKRs to drive cross-functional success. Jennifer also dives into the evolving role of brand-building in demand generation, and why continuous learning is a must for modern marketers.
In this episode, we cover:
If you’re ready to ditch vanity metrics and become a marketing leader who drives real business impact, this episode is full of actionable insights you won’t want to miss!
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can simplifying your goals and aligning with sales transform your marketing success?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Bronson Cordle, Vice President of Marketing at Vsimple. Bronson offers a thoughtful and tactical breakdown of what modern marketers must prioritize to drive impact and foster alignment across their organizations.
He shares why marketers need to define the purpose of every activity, the importance of tracking and measuring what truly matters, and how close collaboration with sales leads to stronger outcomes. Bronson also reflects on his personal journey, highlighting the lessons, mentors, and values that have shaped his approach to leadership and strategy.
Throughout the conversation, Bronson highlights actionable insights on clarifying marketing goals, building productive internal relationships, and bridging the gap between marketing and sales.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
Is Your Marketing Strategy Built on Magic or Business Fundamentals?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Laura Luckman-Kelber, a seasoned marketing leader and strategic powerhouse. Laura brings her real-world experience to debunk one of the biggest myths in marketing today; that success comes from a single viral moment or some kind of “magic.” Instead, she lays out why effective marketing is built on business fundamentals like margins, revenue goals, and deeply understanding your customer.
Laura dives into the classic “Four Ps” of marketing, Product, Price, Place, and Promotion, and explains why too many marketers focus only on the last one. She challenges marketing teams to go deeper, collaborate with finance and sales, and ensure their efforts are tied directly to business objectives.
We also explore the importance of differentiation in a saturated market, how to uncover your brand's true value, and why marketers should start thinking (and acting) more like COOs.
In this episode, we cover:
If you're a marketer looking to ground your strategy in real business results, this episode is packed with wisdom, perspective, and practical advice you can start using today.
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can understanding your audience and building purpose-driven brands elevate your marketing results?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Josh Cherfoli, Vice President of Marketing at Precision Aviation Group. Josh shares how deep customer insights and authentic storytelling can shift brand perception and drive meaningful results.
Josh dives into the importance of connecting digital and physical touchpoints to create a seamless customer experience while emphasizing the lasting value of personal relationships in the marketing community. He also discusses his work on Porsche’s award-winning campaign Engineered for Magic Every Day, highlighting the creative thinking behind the brand’s transformation.
Drawing on his experience leading marketing for well-known brands, Josh offers practical advice rooted in audience insight and authenticity to help marketers build stronger brands and drive results.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/