467: The Strategy-First MarTech Stack

AI tools. CDPs. DAMs. Shiny objects everywhere. It’s easy to fall for the promise of more tech. But without a plan, that stack starts stacking you. Martech only performs when every platform has a purpose, every user is accountable, and every dollar spent ties back to a strategic outcome.

Drew is joined by Kathie Johnson (formerly Sitecore) and Kris Salazar (Appcast) to talk MarTech headaches, from stack bloat to AI overload to the brutal cost of tools no one’s using. Because building a smarter stack means cutting dead weight, keeping what helps, and making sure every platform has a champion who’s accountable for its impact. 

In this episode: 

• Kathie on using MarTech maps and AI to get a 30% efficiency boost 

• Kris on quarterly audits, tool ownership, and measurable outcomes 

• Why both agree that stack success starts with strategy and ownership

Plus: 

• What to look for in a tech audit 

• Why data clarity is the key to real personalization 

• How to avoid tech for tech’s sake 

• The spending rule that keeps budgets balanced 

Tune in for a reality check on what it takes to make your MarTech stack deliver without adding more to the pile. 

For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademarketing.com/podcasts/

To learn more about CMO Huddles, visit https://cmohuddles.com/