AI Marketing

📌 Episode Overview In this episode of AI Marketing, Mark Fidelman sits down with Monica Márquez—executive strategist, workforce futurist, and co-founder of Flipwork—to explore a pressing question: Can humans adapt fast enough to survive the AI revolution? They break down why traditional training models are failing, what AI means for the future of jobs, and how individuals and companies can avoid getting left behind. 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why corporate training isn’t dead—but the old playbooks are obsolete. How AI is reshaping job roles faster than people can reskill. The difference between artificial intelligence and what Monica calls authentic intelligence. Why adaptability is the new currency of survival in the AI era. How AI tools and nudges can reinforce learning and help adoption become habit. What the workforce of 2030 might look like—and why humans still have a role to play. 🔗 Connect with the Guests Monica Márquez 🌐 Website & Newsletter: themonicamarquez.com 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/themonicamarquez 🚀 Flipwork (in stealth): launching soon—stay tuned! Mark Fidelman 🌐 Website: markfidelman.com 💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/markfidelman 📕 Book: Agentized → agentized.ai 📣 Why This Episode Matters AI is no longer a “future trend.” It’s here. It’s accelerating. And it’s replacing skill sets in real time. Leaders who stick with outdated training models are driving their companies off a cliff. Employees who resist adapting will get left behind. This conversation gives you the roadmap to stay relevant—and thrive—in an AI-dominated world.

Guest: Christian Monberg, CTO & Head of Product at Zeta Global Host: Mark Fidelman 🔑 Episode Summary In this episode, Mark Fidelman sits down with Christian Monberg, CTO at Zeta Global, to unpack the rise of Agentic AI and what it means for the future of marketing. From redefining the marketing funnel to exploring “agents talking to agents,” the conversation covers both the opportunities and risks as AI reshapes how marketers operate. Christian explains the difference between AI agents and Agentic AI systems, why deterministic data foundations matter, and how enterprises can prepare for a world where much of the tedious marketing work is automated. Together, they explore the promise, the pitfalls, and the practical steps CMOs must take today to stay relevant tomorrow. 📌 What You’ll Learn The difference between AI agents (task-specific) and Agentic AI (orchestrated systems). Why deterministic data is critical in a probabilistic AI world. How Agentic AI could automate and enhance the traditional marketing funnel. The evolving role of CMOs when agents can write, send, and close deals. The potential “dark side” of Agentic AI—manipulation, social engineering, and AI-to-AI marketing warfare. The future of UI on demand and “GenUI” in enterprise software. Real-world jaw-dropping examples of what Agentic AI systems can already do. 🔥 Notable Quotes “Agents are task-specific. Agentic AI is the orchestration of many agents with deterministic foundations.” – Christian Monberg “AI isn’t going to replace you. But someone who knows how to use AI will.” – Mark Fidelman “The only way to beat manipulative AI is with better AI.” – Christian Monberg 🏢 About Zeta Global Zeta Global is the AI-powered marketing cloud that leverages proprietary AI and trillions of consumer signals to make it easier to acquire, grow, and retain customers more efficiently. Zeta Global helps enterprises unify fragmented data and drive growth with an AI-native marketing platform. Their proprietary Data Cloud covers 245M consumers, enabling brands to deliver personalized, real-time experiences across the customer lifecycle. Learn more at zetaglobal.com. 📅 Don’t miss Zeta Live on October 9th a one-day event showcasing their latest Agentic AI applications. 📣 Connect with Us Host: Mark Fidelman on LinkedIn Guest: Christian Monberg  Podcast Website: Agentized.ai      

In a fascinating discussion, Nick Cawthon, a Design and UX leader and educator, explores the shifting perception of AI in education and the workplace. He likens the current fears around AI to the earlier resistance to calculators in classrooms, advocating for an 'AI amnesty' that encourages creativity and collaboration. Nick discusses the need for human-centered design in an algorithm-driven world and how embracing AI can unlock new levels of creativity. He also highlights the barriers to AI adoption within companies and the importance of upskilling for a future where AI partners are the norm.

Episode 25: AI Marketing with Carl Holden (CMO, Zellus Marketing; CEO, RankBot) If you’ve been doomscrolling “SEO is over” takes, take a breath. Carl Holden and I demolish the myths and lay out how search actually works in the AI era—what’s changing, what’s hype, and how to allocate your budget without lighting it on fire. What we cover AI ≠ the end of search. Today’s LLM answers are largely wrappers on top of search, pulling from Bing/Google and summarizing the first page or two. Translation: rankings still matter. Sponsored AI answers are coming. Expect the ad line between “recommended” and “paid” to blur—again. Users will need media literacy; marketers will need ethics and receipts. What to do right now. Keep your SEO fundamentals: technical hygiene, intent-matched content, internal linking, and legit link acquisition. AI helps you produce, but quality signals and authority still gate results. Budgeting reality check. There’s no reliable, transparent funnel from LLMs yet (no query data, minimal attribution). Investing in SEO still doubles as LLM optimization because LLMs cite what already ranks. Where you will lose traffic. “What is…/how to…” question queries will be cannibalized by AI summaries. Shift your strategy: productized answers, comparison pages, original data, tools, and local “near me” intent. Local is durable. For “lawyer near me,” “restaurants near me,” classic local SEO and placements keep paying. Ignore snake oil. There isn’t a proven “LLM.txt magic switch.” Test, measure, and follow credible sources—not LinkedIn gurus with 20 prompts to “rank tomorrow.” Practical plays Ship authority content (original data, calculators, checklists) that LLMs want to summarize and humans want to bookmark. Own your entities (brand/person/locations) with structured data and consistent citations so both search engines and LLMs can “understand” you. Track AI referrals where possible (e.g., ChatGPT UTMs), but don’t chase shadows—optimize the pages LLMs would naturally choose: clear answers, sources, and credibility signals. Link earning > link buying. Publish assets that deserve links; use PR and partnerships to earn them. TL;DR SEO isn’t dying; it’s being distilled. If you rank in search, you’re in the LLM shortlist. Keep the fundamentals, evolve content formats, and don’t “optimize for ghosts” until attribution is real. 👤 Guest: Carl Holden — Contact Info Website (personal): carlholden.ai. Carl Holden Zellus Marketing (agency): zellusmarketing.com • Phone: (844) 493-5587. Huntsville/Madison County ChamberYelp RankBot (AI SEO platform): rankbot.ai • Email: marketing@rankbotai.com. RankBot | AI Backlinks and On-page SEOYahoo Finance Forbes Council Profile: background & speaking—see profile. Forbes Councils

Episode Overview: In this episode of AI Marketing, Mark Fidelman is joined by Jon Levesque, former Microsoft and DocuSign community leader turned founder of Seeq. Together, they dissect how discovery, influence, and technology are shifting under the weight of the creator economy and AI’s explosive growth. They explore: Why the directory era is dead and why centralized discovery models like Yelp and Google Local are becoming obsolete. How the creator economy is shaping consumer decisions—from travel inspiration on TikTok to Substack newsletters—and why authenticity is the new currency. The AI paradox: how AI accelerates opportunity while simultaneously commoditizing entire industries. The looming future of AGI and ASI, and what it means for human experience, creativity, and survival in an AI-dominated world. Jon’s startup Seeq, which turns travel content into shoppable itineraries with affiliate revenue baked in, offering creators a powerful new monetization channel. Why Listen: This conversation cuts straight into the future of discovery, influence, and AI. It’s both visionary and practical, helping you understand where the opportunities lie and how to avoid getting left behind in the AI revolution. Guest: Jon Levesque – Founder of Seeq, community leader, and creator economy advocate. Contact mark@fanaticsmedia.com 

Imagine a company that runs 24/7, makes decisions in real time, and scales without hiring a single new employee… That’s not tomorrow. That’s now. In this solo episode, Mark Fidelman introduces “Agentized” a bold new book I co-authored with Jas Dhillon. This is not another book about ChatGPT or AI tools. It’s about the transformation of work itself and how companies that fail to integrate autonomous AI agents risk becoming obsolete. Inside this episode: Why AI is no longer optional, it’s existential A behind-the-scenes look at the real CEO story that inspired Chapter 1 How autonomous agents are changing marketing, sales, ops, and leadership What the “Agentized Enterprise” looks like and why it outpaces traditional firms A glimpse at what happens when AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) arrives Why this isn’t just about tech it’s about strategy and survival 📖 Read Chapter 1 now FREE. 🔁 Give us feedback and get a free copy of the audiobook or hardcover when it drops this year. 📝 Link to Chapter 1 & TOC  TOC:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/17mhERPQcpO3YermdCNnJGWbQJjaKDcN-5YGIyrIakqI/edit?usp=sharing Chapter 1:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1A1nj2xuPBMR4X4Vzp7cfk9KBdqn0d26ZG42zQHoncaM/edit?usp=sharing  Send feedback to markefidelman@gmail.com including your name and info so that I can send you the free book / audio book when released 

Mark Fidelman and Lee Hackett discuss the transformative potential of AI in marketing, emphasizing that CMOs must personally engage with AI tools to stay competitive and drive business value. They explore how AI will reshape marketing roles, potentially reducing team sizes while increasing productivity through advanced technologies like AI agents and large language models. The conversation highlights the critical need for CMOs to experiment, understand AI capabilities, and proactively integrate these technologies into their strategic planning to remain relevant in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. Speakers were Host Mark Fidelman and Lee Hackett from Blueprint X Discussion focused on how CMOs can leverage AI technologies Main Podcast Highlights: AI's Impact on Marketing AI will transform marketing roles Productivity gains expected Teams will likely become smaller CMOs must personally engage with AI tools Critical AI Adoption Strategies Understand data models Create organizational willingness to experiment Develop a clear vision for AI integration Focus on business metrics and measurable outcomes Future CMO Skills Master AI tools Demonstrate ability to deploy AI effectively Be curious and adaptable Learn to direct AI agents strategically Immediate Recommendations Start using AI tools daily Experiment with AI agents Stay informed about emerging technologies Don't outsource AI learning Recommended Action: CMOs should personally experiment with AI tools like ChatGPT and create AI agents to understand their potential. Lee Hackett's contact information is: Website: blueprintx.com (spelled B-L-U-P-R-I-N-T-X) Email: lee.hackett@blueprintx.com

Host: Mark Fidelman Guest: Richard Savoy, Co-founder and CEO of Adiona (enterprise logistics optimization company) Main Discussion Points: B2B Marketing Transformation Deals have become more complex (increased from 11 to 17 touchpoints) Slower technology adoption in logistics and supply chain sectors Buyers are more cautious and selective about technology solutions AI's Role in Marketing Top of Funnel: * Hyper-targeted lead generation * Automated lead qualification * Identifying potential leads through organizational changes AI Marketing Strategies Website content optimization based on visitor's geographic location Automated content rearrangement based on user journey Real-time feedback loops for customer interactions Future of B2B Marketing Shift from in-person events to digital AI-enabled interactions Relationship-based selling remains crucial AI will enhance, not completely replace human interactions Key Advice: Professionals should become AI experts to remain relevant Embrace AI tools to improve marketing and sales processes Prepare for significant changes in marketing strategies Contact: Richard Savoy's company website:  https://www.adionatech.com/  Recommended Action: Learn and integrate AI tools into marketing strategies Stay adaptable to technological changes Focus on relationship-building while leveraging AI capabilities

🔑 Episode Highlights: 🤖 The Premise of the Book: Bambenek's new book, Lies, Damn Lies, and AI, explores how AI’s promise is often overstated — especially when it’s portrayed as a magical black box that can solve any problem. Title is inspired by the classic quote about misleading statistics — now updated for the AI era. 💊 AI in Healthcare – A False Narrative? AI is valuable only when paired with human professionals, not when left on its own. Example: AI can help doctors detect anomalies on X-rays, but only a human can make complex medical judgments. The lie: That AI will replace doctors, when in reality it augments them. 🧠 AI as a Propaganda Engine: Bambenek argues that AI amplifies misinformation at scale, and platforms aren’t prepared to filter it properly. AI-generated content (deepfakes, fake articles, fake studies) can erode trust faster than any disinformation campaign in history. 🧑‍💻 Cybersecurity Meets AI: AI tools are now helping hackers, not just defenders. Script kiddies can launch sophisticated attacks without understanding the code. A new arms race is underway: AI vs. AI in cybersecurity. 📉 The Cost of Hype: Venture capital and corporate hype often exaggerate what AI can do, leading to wasted money, broken products, and dangerous expectations. The idea of “general AI taking over everything” is a misleading narrative pushed for clicks and funding. 🧩 Call for Transparency: Bambenek advocates for “explainable AI” — if an algorithm makes a decision, we should understand why. Black-box systems being deployed in legal, medical, or hiring decisions are a major red flag. 🧠 Notable Quotes: “AI doesn’t replace expertise. It amplifies it — or it amplifies ignorance if you’re not careful.” – John Bambenek “There’s nothing more dangerous than trusting a machine you don’t understand.” – Mark Fidelman 📘 Learn More: Book: Lies, Damn Lies, and AI by John Bambenek – Available on Amazon Guest: John Bambenek on LinkedIn

Podcast Episode Notes AI Marketing with Mark Fidelman Episode Title: Revolutionizing Sales with AI: Featuring Gaurav Bhattacharya, CEO of Jeeva.ai Episode Overview: In this engaging conversation, Mark Fidelman sits down with Gaurav Bhattacharya, CEO of Jeeva.ai, to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming sales. They discuss practical ways marketers and salespeople can leverage AI, the potential future of AI in sales, and why the human touch will remain indispensable. Key Discussion Points: Introduction to Jeeva.ai Agentic AI platform supporting over 10,000 sales reps and 300 enterprise customers. Backed by notable investors including Alt Capital (Jack Altman), Sapphire Ventures, and Mark Benioff of Salesforce. Why AI Matters for Sales Automates repetitive tasks such as lead generation, research, personalized outreach, and CRM updates. Enhances efficiency, allowing salespeople to focus on relationship building and strategic tasks. AI Replacing Sales Calls? Gaurav’s strong stance against AI fully replacing human sales interactions. Belief in AI augmenting rather than replacing high-value sales tasks. Future of AI and Human Work Discussion on Universal Basic Income and the evolution of jobs in an AI-driven economy. Predictions on autonomous driving and entrepreneurial opportunities in AI-managed fleets. First Steps for Salespeople New to AI Begin with chat-based tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Perplexity) for deep research and personalized outreach. Leverage AI to build credibility and trust through superior customer knowledge. What Top Sales Performers Do Differently Proactively prospecting with AI tools. Maximizing opportunities by personally generating leads beyond inbound marketing. Jeeva.ai’s Unique Solutions for Salespeople Advanced AI-powered lead discovery and enrichment. Personalized multi-channel outreach campaigns automated and scaled effortlessly. Enhanced productivity, enabling sales reps to manage larger pipelines effectively. Connect with Jeeva.ai: Website: Jeeva.ai Email: g@jeeva.ai LinkedIn: Gaurav Bhattacharya (Look for Jeeva.ai affiliation) Host Information: Mark Fidelman AI marketing expert, podcast host, and fractional CMO specializing in AI, blockchain, and real estate tokenization. Website: markfidelman.com LinkedIn: Mark Fidelman Twitter: @MarkFidelman Subscribe and Listen: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Join us next episode as we continue to dive deep into the transformative power of AI across marketing and sales!