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 industry.

If you want to stay ahead in marketing, this conversation is a must-listen. Buckle up — Rebecca’s insights might just change the way you think about your entire marketing approach.

Key Moments:

• 00:00 Who is Marketing Expert, Rebecca Messina?
• 01:53 The Most Common Misconceptions in Marketing
• 03:48 Adapting Marketing Strategies to Different Environments
• 05:29 The Importance of Language in Marketing
• 16:08 Cross-Functional Collaboration
• 19:50 The Art of Risk-Taking
• 26:06 Your Operating Model is Costing You Talent
• 26:59 Global vs. Local Marketing Strategies
• 28:32 Innovating Your Operating Model
• 29:28 Hiring High-Performing Teams
• 33:12 Navigating AI in Marketing
• 39:16 Aligning Your Mission & Your Strategy
• 42:28 Lightning Round & Rebecca’s Top Resources
• 47:28 Why Flexibility is Wealth

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