Marketer of the Day with Robert Plank: Get Daily Insights from the Top Internet Marketers & Entrepreneurs Around the World

From Stanford and the RAND Corporation to leading revenue teams in the commercial world, Brent Keltner, PhD, has spent his career decoding how complex B2B deals are actually closed. As founder and president of Winalytics, Brent helps mid-market and enterprise teams move beyond product pitching to true account-based growth. He’s the author of “The Revenue Acceleration Playbook” and the forthcoming “Journey First Marketing,” a book that challenges one of B2B’s biggest bad habits: obsessing over individual personas when companies actually buy in committees. In this episode, Brent reveals why traditional contact-focused marketing leaves so much revenue on the table and how to flip your entire go-to-market motion around a simple idea: accounts buy, personas don’t. You’ll hear how to design websites that speak to every member of the buying committee, why customer stories should be your #1 content asset (not #5), and how to connect product value, business value, and corporate value so that users, budget owners, and risk-averse stakeholders all see themselves in your message. https://youtu.be/2dCBKj9vf88 Brent also breaks down a practical roadmap for teams stuck in contact scoring and lead chaos. He explains how to use tools like ChatGPT on top of your CRM to spot real buying committees (not just random clickers or competitors snooping), how to build three aligned content streams for your core buyer types, and how to reuse a single customer story across your entire funnel, website, social, sales decks, and beyond. Whether you’re a CMO, CRO, founder, or product marketer, you’ll come away with a clearer picture of what true account-based enablement looks like in the real world and how a few smart changes can unlock faster, more predictable growth. Quotes: "Accounts buy. Personas don’t, and every part of your marketing should reflect that reality.” “If your customers aren’t saying it consistently, it isn’t true, no matter how often your CEO repeats it.” “Customer stories are the only asset that turn ‘me selling to you’ into ‘we solving a problem together.’” Resources: Winalytics LLC Brent Keltner on LinkedIn The Revenue Acceleration Playbook: Creating an Authentic Buyer Journey Across Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success on Amazon

Service-based entrepreneurs often launch a business to do what they love, only to find themselves overwhelmed by tasks, burned out, and tied to operations they never planned for. In this episode, profit acceleration strategist Jane Parmel joins Robert Plank to explain why the real job of a business owner isn’t “doing the work” but leading the business. Drawing from her journey from teacher to children’s party center owner to coach, Jane unpacks how over-involvement, emotional attachment, and fear of delegation quietly destroy profit, stall growth, and keep owners stuck in the business instead of working on it. https://youtu.be/G__QT9C_0_Q Jane explains why mindset is the first system you must fix, from the belief that “no one can do it as well as me” to the dangerous comfort of “we’ve always done it this way.” You’ll hear how to step into the role of observer instead of constant doer, empower employees to take ownership, and design operations that support clarity, confidence, and cash flow. If you’re overwhelmed, short on time, and tired of your business depending on your every move, this conversation will show you how to embrace change, build structure, and finally create a business that serves your life, not the other way around. Quotes: “The moment you stop doing everything yourself and start leading your business, you stop surviving and start growing.” “If you’re the most expensive person in the company, you can’t afford to be doing the cheapest tasks.” “Your business will only grow to the level you’re willing to delegate, document, and let other people win with you.” Resources: Cardinal Business Advisors Jane Parmel on LinkedIn

Tired of random, low-quality LinkedIn calls or no calls at all? In this episode, Troy Hipolito (a.k.a. the “Not So Boring LinkedIn Guy” and former Swiss-Filipino gamification designer) breaks down how he helps B2B and service-based businesses turn LinkedIn into a consistent pipeline of vetted, high-value meetings. After agency work with Fortune 500 brands dried up, Troy reinvented his business using LinkedIn, combining “slow dating” relationship-building with tight systems and clear daily workflows. The result: a predictable process that leverages videos, content, events, and smart follow-up instead of spammy cold pitches and random hustle. https://youtu.be/Oh-wtfBJAI0 Troy reveals the exact framework behind Skoop, his Chrome extension and dashboard, which boosts first-message-to-booked-meeting conversions from ~3% to 21%, a 6x improvement, using short, raw, hyper-personalized videos embedded directly in LinkedIn DMs. You’ll learn how to fix a “jacked up” profile that repels your ideal clients, why you only really make money on LinkedIn in two places (content and DMs), how to structure free/low-ticket/high-ticket offers that feed each other, and how to use VAs, SOPs, and repeatable systems so you only spend 30 minutes a day recording videos while your backend runs like a machine. If you want more (and better) meetings without turning LinkedIn into a full-time job, this conversation gives you the blueprint. Quotes: “There’s no single silver bullet. The core is providing value, but you have to distribute that value across multiple channels.” “LinkedIn is not a Facebook marketplace. It’s a networking domain. It’s about building real relationships, not just ‘buy my stuff.’” “We took that first LinkedIn message from about a 3% conversion to 21%, not to a reply, but to a vetted booked meeting.” “People don’t read; they scan. Anything more than three lines is too much. That’s why the message has to be context, content, context.” “Slow down and ‘slow date’ your clients. The sooner you realize you’re not a fit, the sooner you can move on with clarity.” Resources: Troy Hipolito on LinkedIn SKOOP

Evan Unger is a recognized expert in organizational change, leadership development, and collaborative facilitation. With decades of experience consulting for major enterprises, including large pharmaceutical companies and insurance organizations, Evan specializes in transforming workplace culture by empowering change agents at every level. His approach moves beyond traditional training, focusing on deep, practice-based skill transfer to foster genuine collaboration, reduce bureaucracy, and maximize meeting effectiveness. https://youtu.be/adnRTpNsLgk In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Evan Unger joins Robert Plank to discuss the art (and science) of running effective, high-stakes meetings. Evan reveals why most meetings are a microcosm of organizational dysfunction and how targeting meeting culture can boost company-wide productivity. Discover the “five fundamentals” for collaborative leadership, learn how to handle challenging personalities (including the “HiPPO” dynamic), and hear why real transformation starts with top-down engagement and extensive practice, not just passive training videos. Tune in for actionable strategies to reclaim time, drive better decisions, and create a culture of buy-in from the very first meeting. Quotes: “The fastest way to transform your company’s culture is to change the way you lead meetings because every meeting is a window into your organization’s soul.” “Real leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about creating space for every voice and guiding your team to believe, ‘We did this ourselves.’” “You can’t shift a culture with information alone. Transformation happens when leaders show up, practice together, and model the behaviors they want to see.” Resources: Evan Unger on LinkedIn

Gloria Chou is an award-winning small business PR expert recognized for revolutionizing media visibility for overlooked founders, especially women and minority entrepreneurs. As the creator of the “CPR” pitching method and a fierce advocate for leveling the PR playing field, Gloria leverages free AI tools to help brands break through traditional barriers without a budget or gatekeepers. She’s on a mission to help product-based businesses get featured in mainstream media, build credible backlinks, and earn trust in the age of AI-driven search. https://youtu.be/6d-TEcnGgaM In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Gloria Chou joins Robert Plank to explore the dramatic shift from traditional SEO to AI-powered recommendations for brands. Gloria reveals why being seen by large language models (like ChatGPT and Perplexity) is now more important than ever and shares actionable steps for founders to get featured in podcasts, editorial articles, and gift guides. Tune in to learn about leveraging real-time AI tools for competitive research, media pitch creation, and maximizing content repurposing, plus the “one window of opportunity” founders cannot afford to miss. Quotes: “If you’re not being recommended by AI, if ChatGPT, Perplexity, or Gemini aren’t mentioning you, then to today’s shoppers, you’re invisible. Media coverage is now your strongest trust signal.” “Right now is a once-in-a-generation window for founders; you don’t need a massive budget or thousands of followers. Small brands finally have the chance to compete with giants, if you act before the algorithms choose their favorites.” “AI is rewriting the rules of marketing. It’s not about stuffing websites with keywords but about building credible backlinks and getting your story told. Thoughtful pitches and real coverage are what move you forward.” Resources: Gloria Chou PR Gloria Chou on LinkedIn

Kathy Floam Greenspan is a veteran B2B marketing expert with over 25 years of experience helping organizations align marketing with real business outcomes. As president of POM Agency, she is passionate about cutting through the noise in fast-moving industries like tech, cybersecurity, and government contracting. Kathy specializes in helping lean marketing teams deliver impactful results despite resource constraints and is a strong advocate of clarity, focus, and practical use of AI to drive growth. https://youtu.be/H1W2pdYZY9c In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Kathy Floam Greenspan joins Robert Plank to discuss the growing pressures on marketing teams, rising expectations, limited capacity, and constant change. Based on a survey of over 100 B2B marketers, Kathy reveals why misalignment, resource gaps, and unclear goals hinder performance and shares four strategic shifts to help teams reclaim focus and momentum in 2026. Learn how to partner smarter, clean up your data ecosystem, and use AI as a collaborator, not a crutch. Kathy offers actionable advice for marketers striving to stay the course, protect priorities, and create lasting impact in chaotic times. Quotes: “If everything is a priority, nothing is. Our role as marketers is to protect focus and stay the course, especially these days.” “Marketers are being asked to deliver more impact without more capacity, forcing tough trade-offs and constant prioritization.” “AI is incredibly powerful, but marketing is still very human work. Use AI as a collaborator, not a crutch to walk before you run.” Resources: POM Marketing Kathy Floam Greenspan on LinkedIn

Apoorv Sharma is an AI SEO strategist, co-founder of Derivate X, and a leader in AI-first marketing for SaaS and tech companies. Based in Bangalore, India, Apoorv helps brands navigate the rapid shift from traditional search engines to LLMs and AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini. By optimizing content for AI visibility instead of just Google rankings, he empowers organizations to appear where modern buyers make decisions. Known for his hands-on, research-driven process, Apoorv guides clients through the evolving world of AI search and digital discovery, helping them future-proof their presence, drive revenue, and adapt to the pace of technological change. https://youtu.be/Oh_O7PFdz9Y In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Apoorv joins Robert Plank to reveal the new playbook for AI SEO. He explains how business owners can adapt to shifting search patterns, why top-of-funnel content is fading, and the steps needed to win in AI-driven rankings. Discover the real challenges behind AI SEO: from accidental brand confusion and overcoming search system quirks to navigating a price-sensitive market and justifying the investment. Apoorv shares actionable strategies for targeting long-tail queries, associating SEO efforts with revenue, and continuously adjusting content and positioning to stay ahead as AI reshapes how buyers find and trust solutions online. Quotes: “Search behavior is shifting so fast, even people who don’t know English are using ChatGPT more than Google.” “SEO without clarity is just wasted money.” “The top of the funnel is almost dead. Focus on the middle and bottom; those are your lowest-hanging fruits.” “AI SEO isn’t just about rankings; it’s about training the librarian so your content gets recommended to the right buyers.” Resources: Derivate X Apoorv Sharma on LinkedIn

Pamela Potts is a leadership development expert, coach, and author dedicated to transforming how leaders energize themselves and their teams. Drawing on years of experience as an entrepreneur, consultant, and facilitator, Pamela helps business owners and professionals integrate coaching skills into leadership, enhance energy management, and unlock hidden potential in themselves and others. https://youtu.be/FxoMJSpEGs0 In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Pamela Potts joins Robert Plank to explore the power of the Leader Coach Approach. She reveals how understanding your personal energy, practicing self-awareness, and building coaching skills can revolutionize leadership outcomes, driving both personal and business growth. Pamela discusses why so many leaders struggle with accountability and implementation, shares her OMA coaching method, and demonstrates how to foster joy and sustainability in professional life. Listeners will discover how to identify and leverage individual strengths, why curiosity is vital for progress, and how adopting a coaching mindset can transform teams and create meaningful results. Quotes: "You can't be curious and judgmental at the same time."  "Look for what energizes you, and it's okay to focus on what brings you joy."  "As leaders, our job is to get results through others, not just ourselves." “When you shift from solving to asking questions, you become a leader who coaches.” Resources: Leader Coach Approach Pamela Potts on LinkedIn

Victor Dedaj is an entrepreneur, naturopathic expert, and co-author of "Success Breakthroughs" (with Jack Canfield). After two decades in corporate finance, Victor pivoted to health, wellness, and mindset coaching, challenging mainstream misconceptions about diet, cholesterol, and sleep. He is passionate about helping others reclaim health, break limiting beliefs, and create fulfillment in life and business. Drawing from personal experience and mentorship from leaders like Jack Canfield, Victor empowers others to take responsibility for their outcomes, cultivate success mindsets, and seek trustworthy guidance on the journey to well-being and entrepreneurship. https://youtu.be/N-e8FjD_9dU In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Victor Dedaj joins Robert Plank to break down persistent health myths, the critical role of sleep for entrepreneurs, and how mindset and mentorship accelerate business and wellness growth. Victor shares actionable advice on taking control of your health, the importance of questioning medical “truths,” and why adopting a positive, solution-focused mindset can transform every area of your life. Quotes: “Success leaves clues. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel; learn from those who came before you.” “Take 100% responsibility for your life. You may not control every event, but you control your response and the outcome.” "Too often, we surrender the responsibility for our health; knowledge and action are the real power." Resources: Victor Dedaj Victor Dedaj on LinkedIn

Lori Payne is a visionary leader, consultant, and founder of Project Blue World. Driven by the Blue Zone theory of longevity and happiness, she spearheads global initiatives from Winnipeg to foster quality of life, sustainable energy, and community development. Through international collaboration, Project Blue World empowers citizens and leaders alike to create positive, lasting change locally and worldwide. https://youtu.be/eTGQ7kbPlVU In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Lori Payne discusses Project Blue World's mission, the science and inspiration behind Blue Zones, and strategies for linking happiness, longevity, and sustainability. Lori shares insights from energy transformation projects in Manitoba and beyond, including innovative uses of hydro and biofuels, global partnerships, and the critical need for clarity in information. She highlights community-driven initiatives, avenues for direct involvement, and how anyone can contribute to a healthier planet while achieving growth and development goals. Quotes: “Project Blue World is about changing the world, project by project, country by country, so every citizen can achieve happiness and quality of life.” “We have the brains and technology, and the global commitment, to maintain our planet’s atmosphere and ensure future generations thrive.” “There’s so much being done behind the scenes. When knowledge is shared, and collaboration happens, communities and leaders can create real impact.” Resources: Project Blue World Foundation (official site) Lori Payne on LinkedIn

Luis A. Rivera is a retired NYPD officer, author, and storyteller who brings a raw, behind-the-scenes perspective to policing in New York City. From surviving the turbulent streets of the South Bronx to handling riots, 9/11, and internal challenges, Louis chronicles a real cop's journey through two gripping memoirs: The 52nd and 46-Rescue to Central. His firsthand account covers his start as a high school volunteer with the 46 Precinct Rescue Unit, his rise through the NYPD ranks during times of social change and unrest, and the relentless passion that drove him. https://youtu.be/Q-2KthaiFeE In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Luis Rivera joins Robert Plank to share powerful stories about coming of age in 1980s New York, the importance of passion and teamwork, and how volunteering laid the groundwork for a career in law enforcement. Luis discusses how internal obstacles can rival street dangers, reflects on evolving police culture and diversity, and delivers insights for those motivated by service. Explore what it truly means to follow your dream, whether facing riots, corruption, or the call to make a difference. Quotes: "Proudly we served; everyone who volunteered with the unit lived by those words." "Follow your dream, your passion, become a cop, and be the best cop you can be." "You don’t let obstacles get under your skin. You push back, you persevere, you serve." Resources: The 52nd: NYPD Memoir (Kindle Edition) by Luis A. Rivera (Amazon)

Sereda Fowlkes is a holistic health practitioner, wellness educator, and passionate advocate for women’s health. With years of experience guiding women through the challenges of menopause and healthy aging, she empowers clients to understand their bodies, embrace proactive care, and make sustainable lifestyle changes. Her approach integrates holistic nutrition, alternative therapies, and a passion for prevention, helping people thrive at every life stage. https://youtu.be/4jchLerDwD8 In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Sereda Fowlkes joins Robert Plank to shed light on menopause awareness, the impact of environmental changes on early symptoms, and the critical role of nutrient-rich foods in lifelong well-being. She discusses the privilege of youth, the risks of caffeine, and why listening to your body is key to prevention. The conversation explores the effectiveness of holistic solutions versus one-size-fits-all treatments, the importance of regular check-ups, staying vigilant for nutrient deficiencies, and why a supportive, informed approach can transform women’s health at any age. Quotes: "So if it's not in the soil, it's not in the vegetables, it's not in the fruits. So, you know, we're eating kind of like dead food." "You cannot out supplement a bad diet. What you eat matters." "Women always pay attention to your body. Something's different that you're not used to and you see the and notice the change. Pay attention." "There’s no one pill that fits everybody. You have to know your body for yourself, especially women." Resources: Sereda Fowlkes on LinkedIn Why Be Sick?: 25 Strategies and Tips on How to Take Control of Your Health and Live a Longer, More Vibrant Life (Amazon)

Jason Criddle is the founder and managing partner of a multi-entity private investment and technology ecosystem, including Smarter Holdings, Dominate.AI, and Jason Criddle & Associates. Known for scaling businesses through strategic development and acquisition, and for a passionate approach to helping entrepreneurs, Jason leverages deep expertise in AI, automation, publishing, and behavioral coaching to drive results for both startups and established organizations. https://youtu.be/ptw3iO-4jRQ In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jason returns after more than a decade to share how his journey from personal health battles to overseeing billion-dollar companies has shaped his no-nonsense philosophy on business growth, digital transformation, and personal fulfillment. Together with Robert Plank, they discuss why most entrepreneurs struggle to scale, the importance of consistent reinvention, actionable strategies for making your business scalable, and how to build infrastructure that lasts. Jason breaks down the value of pivoting early, highlights the role of mentors, stresses the importance of clear customer experiences, and explains why celebrating wins, big or small, is essential along the sometimes-lonely road to legitimacy and authority. Quotes: “If your business isn’t producing customers or revenue, it’s not a business; it’s an expensive hobby.” “You have to be willing to be bad before you can be great. Growth begins the moment you push past the fear of starting.” “Showing up is a win. If you earned even one today, celebrate it especially with the people who matter most.” Resources: Jason Criddle on LinkedIn SmartRCommerce (official site)

Mark Donnigan is a B2B tech marketing strategist, startup growth expert, and leading advocate for intelligent adoption of AI in marketing. With a track record of helping technology companies overcome resource constraints and secure multimillion-dollar deals, Mark is known for building and accelerating nimble, effective teams. He specializes in leveraging AI for research, content creation, and productivity, empowering marketers to be T-shaped, deeply knowledgeable, and highly adaptive in a rapidly evolving landscape. https://youtu.be/AtIJXKg-juI In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Mark Donnigan joins Robert Plank to share how AI is enabling small marketing teams to punch above their weight, create high-quality content, and deeply understand their buyers. Mark elaborates on the transformative power of LLMs, the overlooked capabilities for market research, and the vital importance of combining AI with genuine market insight. Discover why embracing AI is crucial, how to update your processes for maximum growth, and what makes resilient teams thrive in tech's fast-changing environment. Quotes: “AI gives marketers a superpower; anyone can become T-shaped, expanding depth and range exactly where the moment demands.” “What once looked like under-resourced teams now looks like untapped advantage. With AI, small teams can break through big limitations.” “Don’t chase every new AI train. Spend that time learning your market, show up, listen deeply, and understand what your audience actually needs.” Resources: Mark Donnigan on LinkedIn GrowthStage Marketing (official site) GrowthStage Marketing (Blog) Mark Donnigan on YouTube

Heather Atherton is a communications strategist, PR consultant, and media outreach specialist with 25+ years of experience elevating brands and causes. Known for her work with companies like IMAX, GoFundMe, and Disney on Ice, Heather is also a passionate advocate for uncovering the truth behind the Vietnam War's Baron 52 case, a mission inspired by her father’s service. Through custom, outside-the-box marketing, storytelling, and her deep belief in the power of dreams, Heather helps businesses, filmmakers, and nonprofits package their message for maximum impact. Her expertise spans film promotion, guerrilla marketing, independent filmmaking, and supporting small business growth, always focused on connecting human stories to wider audiences. https://youtu.be/6oT3UD4sIac On this episode of Marketer of the Day, Heather joins Robert Plank to share her journey from agency work to mission-driven advocacy, the importance of visual/guerrilla marketing, and the ongoing campaign for truth around the Baron 52 story. Heather discusses building custom pitches, the challenges indie filmmakers face, and why early PR is key. Discover lessons on amplifying meaningful stories, DIY marketing foundations for creators, and the relentless power of believing in your ideals. Quotes: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams and are bold enough to bring them to life.” “If you can see your story visually, you can market it anywhere. Visual thinking turns ideas into impact.” “I’m not a cookie-cutter. I create outside the box because that’s where originality, opportunity, and growth live.” Resources: Atherton Public Relations (official site) Heather Atherton on LinkedIn

Joseph S. Kahn is an acclaimed digital marketing expert, AI and SEO strategist, and founder of Hum Jam. Celebrated for inventing the harmonic SEO formula, Joseph draws on a unique background combining formal music training (Berklee College of Music) with decades of digital entrepreneurship, including consulting for industry leaders like Microsoft and John Maxwell. His approaches help businesses and agencies synchronize their online presence, climb search rankings, and thrive amidst rapid technological change. With 3500+ Udemy students and a track record of agency training, Joseph empowers clients to harmonize content, citations, and signals for enduring relevance. https://youtu.be/IIamQcJEZyY In this episode of Marketer of the Day, host Robert Plank talks with Joseph S. Kahn about transforming chaotic digital environments into marketing harmony. He shares how musical principles inspired his harmonic blueprint in SEO and now inform his revolutionary AI methods. The discussion dives deep into why industry-specific directories and authoritative citations matter far more than old-school backlink tactics, the importance of Google’s E-E-A-T algorithm, and why email-driven engagement signals help content get indexed and trusted. Joseph debunks SEO myths, details nitty-gritty steps for dominating AI search results (like ChatGPT and Perplexity), and offers take-action advice for agencies and individuals who want sustainable growth. Quotes: “SEO is like music; when your content, citations, and signals harmonize, both AI and audiences start paying attention.” “Visibility isn’t built on volume. It’s built on the right citations and a clear, authoritative presence in your niche.” “In a post-E-E-A-T world, authority, trust, and real experience aren’t optional; they’re the price of being found.” Resources: Joseph S. Kahn on Facebook Joseph S. Kahn on LinkedIn Boost Your Online Visibility with HumJAM—Preferred Choice of Top SEO Agencies (official site)

Pharice Brown is a literary activist, book publisher, and founder of Pain 2 Prosperity Publishing, a platform dedicated to amplifying powerful Black and Brown voices too often overlooked in mainstream publishing. Leveraging her background in corporate strategy and her passion for professional and personal storytelling, Pharice has created a company focused on legacy, impact, and authentic representation. She helps future authors overcome doubt, discover their stories, and navigate the publishing process to create works that resonate and inspire. https://youtu.be/DlEDKp97wUo In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Robert Plank sits down with Pharice Brown to discuss the journey from corporate boardrooms to literary entrepreneurship. Pharice shares how everyone has a story worth telling, why personal experiences and professional expertise both deserve an audience, and the importance of visibility and marketing in the publishing journey. They dig deep into the biggest challenges authors face, especially getting started, being open to feedback, and embracing creativity and fun through marketing. You’ll hear about overcoming imposter syndrome, strategies for finishing and launching a book, the differences between self-publishing and working with a publisher, and real-world success stories of new authors. Pharice offers practical advice, motivational support, and free 15-minute strategy calls to help aspiring writers take the first step. Quotes: “Everyone has a book inside them. The real question is how you choose to spend it and whether you’ll let it be read.” “Your core idea doesn’t need to change, but your information might. Growth comes from being open enough to refine the message so it’s truly worth reading.” “Write the book. Show up consistently. Have fun. Be creative and let the world decide its value.” Resources: Pharice Brown on LinkedIn Pain 2 Prosperity Publishing (official site)

Melih Oztalay is the CEO of Smart Finds Marketing, an accomplished digital agency leader with over 38 years of experience in the marketing industry. Renowned for blending traditional and digital strategies, Melih has successfully guided clients through economic downturns, market disruptions, and the accelerating pace of technological change. As the architect of the "Four A's" philosophy (Anticipate, Accept, Adapt, Adopt), he empowers businesses to stay competitive and proactive in the age of AI, navigating uncertainty with logic and resilience. https://youtu.be/5LWV6QSSgI8 In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Melih Oztalay sits down with Robert Plank to discuss surviving and thriving through seismic industry changes, such as the 2009 financial crisis and the COVID pandemic. Melih shares how the art of “pivoting” underpins long-term success and how digital transformation is more than following trends; it’s about measurable, strategic action. He details the evolution from SEO to AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization), why businesses must transition from pursuing rankings to being referenced by AI, and how schema/JSON scripts can elevate AI's visibility. Listeners will gain actionable strategies for embracing change, breaking through emotional resistance, and leveraging both human teams and AI to solve core business challenges. Quotes: “Marketing isn’t about promotion; it’s a discipline of problem-solving. The brands that win are the ones that solve real problems faster and better.” “When change is inevitable, emotion is optional. Anticipate it, accept it, adapt fast, and adopt smarter, that’s how you stay ahead.” “In an AI-driven world, rankings matter less than relevance. The future belongs to those who are referenced, not just found.” Resources: Melih Oztalay on LinkedIn Smart Finds Marketing

Edward H. Muñoz rose from humble beginnings as a first-generation Mexican American in a South Texas border town to build a 33-year career at Celanese, where he played a key role in transforming the company into a global leader in engineering materials. After earning a chemistry degree from the University of Texas at Austin, he joined Celanese during its pivot from fibers to high-value engineering resins and helped establish its polyacetal product as a serious competitor to industry giants like DuPont and GE. His journey included navigating corporate takeovers, leading multinational teams, confronting cultural bias, and accepting personal sacrifices, particularly the strain his ambition placed on family life. A near-fatal car accident that killed a close friend became a defining turning point, propelling him into international leadership roles and reshaping both his career trajectory and personal life. https://youtu.be/TA9GhOCzNLc In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Edward Muñoz reflects on his legacy through his memoir Challenges, Triumphs, and Heroes: Memoirs of My Celanese Odyssey, which honors the people behind corporate success while capturing the human cost of leadership. He discusses his work in Germany and Mexico, his commitment to inclusive leadership, and the lessons learned from balancing ambition, culture, and responsibility. Now living with Parkinson’s disease, he remains active through photography, travel, and leadership within the arts community, helping an organization not only survive the pandemic but grow significantly. Key takeaways include the importance of resilience, values-driven leadership, preserving personal history, and leaving something meaningful behind for future generations. Quotes: “The hardest challenge was balancing ambition with family. You gain a career, but you pay a price, and you have to decide what you are willing to give up.” “I am an American. That moment taught me how perception works and how easily people define others before they listen.” “You are not going to be around forever, so you have to leave something behind that others can learn from.” “When I think I might get fired, I remember this: I was looking for a job when I got here.” Resources: Edward H. Muñoz on LinkedIn Muñoz Group Investment Banking (official site) Challenges, Triumphs, and Heroes: Memoirs of My Celanese Odyssey (Amazon)

Thuy Reed is a Vietnamese American author whose life was shaped by war, loss, displacement, and resilience. Born in a small village in Vietnam during the war, she witnessed firsthand the devastation inflicted on families and communities, including the death of her brother, who was killed by a sniper at the age of 21. She left Vietnam as a young woman, believing she would return, only to have South Vietnam fall months later, permanently altering the course of her life. After immigrating to the United States, she navigated profound cultural shifts, built a new life, raised a family, and transformed her painful experiences into a lifelong commitment to peace, civic responsibility, and honoring the true cost of freedom. https://youtu.be/8VpcviljG7E In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Thuy Reed shares how her experiences motivated her to write Dear America: From Vietnam with Love, a memoir written as both a personal reflection and a message to her adopted country. She discusses her 12-year effort to help lift the U.S. trade embargo on Vietnam, her deep concerns about political violence and civic disengagement, and her belief that democracy requires education, participation, and accountability. Through her story, she emphasizes that war leaves generational wounds, violence does not win hearts or minds, and freedom must be protected through informed action rather than fear. The key takeaways center on valuing democracy, rejecting violence, staying engaged, and remembering the human cost behind political decisions. Quotes: “I do not like war, because the bullet that killed a boy on the battlefield went straight into his mother’s heart.” “You cannot win hearts and minds with guns and bullets. You cannot.” “This is America. If you want change, you work hard, you vote, and you stay engaged. You do not tear it down.” “I love America with all my heart, because this is where everything that is me and mine is found.” Resources: Thuy Reed on Facebook Grab Dear America: From Vietnam with Love (Amazon.) Thuy Reed (official site)