The Marketing Meeting with Itir Eraslan

In this episode, Itir is joined by Kevin Indig, a growth advisor and SEO expert with a rich history of leading SEO and growth at Shopify. Kevin shares his insights into the evolution of SEO, from the early days of keyword stuffing to today's sophisticated AI-driven approaches. They discuss how trust and user experience have become essential in search optimization, the impact of AI on search behaviors, and how businesses can stay ahead in this new era. Kevin also offers practical advice for optimizing e-commerce product pages and the importance of understanding your target audience. Kevin is a growth advisor to some of the world’s fastest-growing startups and has defined organic growth strategies for companies like Ramp, Bounce, Nextdoor, and Snapchat. He led SEO and Growth at the world’s leading e-commerce platform, Shopify, the #1 marketplace for software, G2, and the #1 productivity company, Atlassian. Once a week, he sends The Growth Memo with Organic Growth strategies and case studies to 17,300+ subscribers. He has spoken in front of thousands of people at conferences around the globe. His favorite coffee shop in Michigan is Fourth Coast Cafe and Bakery in Kalamazoo: https://fourthcoastcafe.com/ His recommended read is  The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership by Diana Chapman, Jim Dethmer, and Kaley Klemp (https://www.amazon.com/15-Commitments-Conscious-Leadership-Sustainable-ebook/dp/B00R3MHWUE). Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eepyi-NYFiM Connect with Kevin Indig on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinindig If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this channel, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/

Nuri Cankaya, the Vice President of Commercial Marketing at Intel and author of AI in Marketing, joins the show to discuss the transformative impacts of AI on various marketing functions, particularly product and partner marketing, as well as how to implement AI effectively within teams and organizations. Also in this episode: the importance of AI assessment, implementation, and measurement, along with practical advice on leveraging AI tools while maintaining data security. Nuri and Itir also dig into the emergence of agentic AI and artificial general intelligence (AGI), and even touch on the possibility of artifical superintelligience in the not-too-distant future. With over twenty years of experience in marketing and innovation, Nuri Cankaya has established a profound career in AI Product Marketing at Intel. Dedicated to aiding esteemed clients in navigating their business challenges and exceeding objectives with AI’s transformative capabilities, Nuri is a true futurist. His enthusiasm for the subject is evident in his engaging presentations on “AI and the Future,” delivered at various customer and community events. His passion not only drives him to share his vast knowledge and insights but has also inspired him to author books on the forefront of technology. Nuri’s works delve into topics such as AI, Web 3.0, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Blockchain, reflecting his deep commitment to exploring and shaping the future of the digital world. Nuri's favorite coffee spot in Kirkland is Zoka Coffee Roasters: https://www.zokacoffee.com/pages/kirkland-zoka. He recommends reading Winning the Week by Demir and Carey Bentley (https://www.amazon.com/Winning-Week-Plan-Successful-Every/dp/1544530234) and Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick (https://www.amazon.com/Co-Intelligence-Living-Working-Ethan-Mollick/dp/059371671X). Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/WNb6Bq1z030 Connect with Nuri Cankaya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nuricankaya If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this channel, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/

Totem cofounder and CEO Carter Fowler shares how he transformed a simple idea—a device that helps find friends at festivals without cell service—into a viral sensation and thriving brand. By focusing on founder-market fit, designing for organic sharing, and developing unique brand language, Totem created something people don't just buy, but buy into. Carter reveals how intentional branding from day one, customer conversations, and consistent storytelling through their newsletter ultimately attracted investors and unexpected market segments beyond their initial festival audience. Carter is cofounder and CEO at Totem, one of the fastest-growing consumer tech startups of 2024. His expertise in go-to-market, brand strategy, and product design has taken Totem's debut product from concept to global phenomenon in less than 12 months. In 2024 alone, Totem generated over 20 viral posts (1M+ views) and 130M+ organic views on social media while earning press coverage from NPR, Inc Magazine, and UNILAD under his marketing leadership. After only 5 months of shipping product, Totem has a broad international reach with customers in 60+ countries around the world. Carter is a firm believer in building brands with a "words-first" mentality. He is also an accomplished writer who had a selection of his work archived by the US Library of Congress as an "important cultural artifact" in 2018. He loves the coffee at Frothy Monkey in the historic Chattanooga Choo Choo in the Southside neighborhood of Chattanooga, Tennessee: https://frothymonkey.com/locations/southside-chattanooga-tn/ Connect with Carter Fowler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carter-fowler-8835739b/ If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this channel, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/

In this candid conversation, Louis Grenier breaks down his book Stand the F*ck Out and shares his practical four-part marketing framework: insight foraging, unique positioning, distinctive branding, and continuous reach. While tools and tactics evolve, he argues that marketing fundamentals remain unchanged. Grenier passionately challenges marketing myths (especially the idea of "category creation") and emphasizes what really matters: identifying and solving those customer struggles that everyone else is ignoring. Louis Grenier is a recovering Frenchman who helps marketers—folks working in digital, creative services, advertising, consulting, or PR—stand the f*ck out without selling their soul. He's been living in Dublin, Ireland, for more than a decade. He fell in love with marketing when he was 18-19 after reading the book Petit traité de manipulation à l'usage des honnêtes gens, which is basically the French version of Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion. He prefers taking his coffee at home, in his garden office. His recommended reads are How Brands Grow and How Brands Grow Part Two by Byron Sharp at the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute: https://marketingscience.info/books/ Connect with Louis Grenier on LinkedIn: https://ie.linkedin.com/in/louisgrenier If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this channel, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/  

Are you a seasoned marketing expert who's interested in becoming a fractional CMO? What does a fractional CMO even do? In this illuminating conversation, Duct Tape Marketing founder John Jantsch makes the concept of fractional CMO leadership approachable. Exploring the nuances of strategic marketing for small to mid-sized businesses, Jantsch reveals how fractional CMOs can provide high-impact leadership without a full-time commitment. He shares insights on developing systematic marketing approaches, managing client relationships, and navigating marketing challenges in an AI-driven world. John Jantsch is a fractional CMO, speaker, and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Duct Tape Marketing, The Referral Engine, The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur, and The Ultimate Marketing Engine. He is also the founder of the Duct Tape Marketing Agency Network, which trains and licenses independent consultants and agencies to use the Duct Tape Fractional CMO+ System. His keynotes and training motivate and engage audiences worldwide at industry and trade events. His recommended book is an oldie but goodie: The One Thing by Jay Papasan and Gary Keller (https://www.amazon.com/ONE-Thing-Surprisingly-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1885167776). Near his house in Colorado are two great coffee shops: The General Store in Nederland, CO, and Coal Creek Coffee in Golden, CO (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g33447-d4650917-Reviews-Coal_Creek_Coffee-Golden_Colorado.html). Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ducttapemarketing If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this channel, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/

Video marketing pro Juma Bannister breaks down what really works when it comes to video content in 2025 landscape. From debunking the myth that "scrappy" videos are always better to sharing practical tips on lighting and sound, the conversation covers all the bases you need to know to succeed with video this year. Bannister explains why it's not enough to just slap a video on your website anymore—it's about building genuine connections with your audience across multiple platforms. Plus, there's some real talk about how social media algorithms are changing the game for content creators. Juma's recommended books are: KNOWN: The Handbook for Building and Unleashing Your Personal Brand in the Digital Age by Mark Schaefer (https://www.amazon.com/KNOWN-handbook-building-unleashing-personal/dp/0692816062) Content DNA: Using Consistency and Congruence to Be the Same Shape Everywhere by John Espirian (https://www.amazon.com/Content-DNA-consistency-congruence-everywhere/dp/1916206239) STFU: Stand Out by Saying Something Worth Hearing by Louis Grenier (https://www.amazon.com/Stand-Out-No-Nonsense-Positioning-Business-ebook/dp/B0DNB99GZ6) He doesn't drink coffee, but recommends several hikes in his native Trinidad & Tobago: Mount Tabor (at Mount Saint Benedict), his favorite St. Michael's Breezy Hill Paria Paragrant He also mentions two popular beaches: Maracas Beach (in Trinidad) Pigeon Point (in Tobago) Connect with Juma Bannister on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jumabannister?originalSubdomain=tt If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this channel, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/

If you want to be a successful consultant, you need to focus on process—on creating "a set of pipes only you can play," as world-renowned consulting expert Alan Weiss puts it. In this episode, Alan shares hard-won insights from his decades of experience, including why successful consulting means being a good marketer, why presentations and pitches are midcentury relics, and why value-based pricing is the clear choice over hourly fees. He also shares practical advice on starting and growing a consulting practice, including the six key ways to meet buyers and why consultants should avoid unnecessary overhead costs when they're just starting out. Alan Weiss is a globally recognized authority in consulting and professional speaking, with a client roster including Merck, Hewlett-Packard, Mercedes-Benz, and over 500 other leading organizations. He's an inductee into the Professional Speaking Hall of Fame and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants—one of only two people holding both distinctions. His prolific work includes over 60 books, notably the bestseller "Million Dollar Consulting," now in its sixth edition. Weiss has taught at prestigious institutions including Case Western Reserve University and Boston College, and holds a Ph.D. in psychology. Alan prefers the tried-and-true Dunkin' Donuts for his coffee. His book recommendations include  Managing in Turbulent Times by Peter Drucker (https://www.amazon.com/Managing-Turbulent-Times-Peter-Drucker/dp/0750617039) and Andrea Gabor's The Capitalist Philosophers (https://www.amazon.com/Capitalist-Philosophers-Geniuses-Modern-Business/dp/0609808877). Connect with Alan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanweissphd If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with Itir Eraslan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/

Marketing scientist Carl Driesener joins the show for a mini-masterclass on brand growth based on research insights from the Ehrenberg Bass Institute, where he is an associate professor. He and Itir cover how brand equity should be measured through consumer research and category entry points, the benefits of the "pick any" method for measuring brand image, why brand loyalty is often overstated, and the real source of brand growth. The discussion covers topics like pricing power, mental and physical availability in marketing, and the importance of maintaining presence in both digital and physical retail environments. By the end, some marketing myths will be busted, and closely held assumptions challenged! Carl Driesener has been at the Ehrenberg-Bass institute for over 15 years. He manages the Institute’s in-house tracking capabilities project and has conducted significant brand equity tracker and bespoke market research projects for a wide range of industries including packaged goods, financial services, IT and telecommunications, real estate, primary production suppliers, government departments, education and research, and grocery products. His earlier research compared three different methods for measuring brand image and he has published in this area in the International Journal of Market Research. He has driven the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute’s commercial activities in the area of understanding the competitive set through NBD-Dirichlet and Duplication of Purchase analysis. Carl’s core areas of research expertise include buyer behavior, market modeling, and internet research. He has published in the Journal of Advertising Research, Marketing Intelligence and Planning, Journal of Business Research and the Journal of Brand Management. Carl recommends the coffee at West Oak Deli in Adelaide (https://www.instagram.com/westoakhotel/?hl=en). His suggested books are How Brands Grow by Byron Sharp and Daniel May (https://www.amazon.com/How-Brands-Grow-What-Marketers/dp/1511383933) and Oliver Burkeman's Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals (https://www.amazon.com/Four-Thousand-Weeks-Management-Mortals/dp/0374159122). Connect with Carl on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drcarldriesener?originalSubdomain=au If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with Itir Eraslan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/

In the final episode of 2024, LinkedIn expert and B2B Growth Co founder Michelle J Raymond shares her thoughts on what shifts to expect on the platform next year, and how brands can prepare. On tap in today's discussion are the shift toward a pay-to-play model, the growing influence of Gen Z users, the downside of relying on AI for your LinkedIn content, and a lot more. Michelle emphasizes the need for company and individual brands to develop their unique voices and focus on emotional connectivity in all their content. Plus, jingle bells! Michelle J Raymond is the founder of B2B Growth Co and has made her mark as a leading LinkedIn growth strategist, offering comprehensive strategies and training to brands eager to harness LinkedIn for business growth through thought leadership, content marketing, or social selling techniques.  Michelle doesn't drink it herself, but makes coffee from Sydney's Coffee Alchemy coffee at home for her partner. Her recommended book is one she cowrote with Michelle B Griffin, The LinkedIn Branding Book: https://www.amazon.com/LINKEDIN-BRANDING-BOOK-Personal-Exponential/dp/0645602906 Find Michelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejraymond?originalSubdomain=au If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this podcast, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan

Brand strategist Massimo Giunco rejoins the podcast to share his rare perspective on the current state and future of marketing. Drawing from his extensive 25-year experience at Nike, Giunco explores critical challenges facing the industry in 2024 and beyond, including the pervasiveness of the "too big to fail" digital marketing ecosystem, increasingly intrusive data extraction, and the immense power of generative AI. Although he has become less sure of the power of marketing to drive consumers to make better choices, his reflections provide a thought-provoking look at how marketers might reimagine their role in creating more sustainable, purposeful brand interactions. Massimo worked for 25 years at Nike in various brand, marketing, and communications leadership roles. He is now helping other brands as a brand strategist and consultant. Connect with Massimo on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/massimogiunco/ If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this channel, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/

Do you struggle with distraction and multitasking? Do you have trouble setting goals? Do everyone else's lives just seem cooler than yours on social media? In a departure from the usual marketing-related content, Itir welcomes her sister Defne Eraslan, a psychiatrist, for an in-depth exploration of mental health. The episode offers an intimate conversation about understanding psychological challenges, debunking myths surrounding mental disorders, and navigating modern psychological pressures. Defne provides professional insights into ADHD, social media's impact on mental health, and the complexities of psychiatric diagnoses, delivering a refreshingly personal and informative discussion. And stick around till the end for some good-natured sibling rivalry! Defne's favorite cafe in Germany is Blumen Beetz: https://www.blumenbeetzshop.de/ Her recommended reads are Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention by Johann Hari (https://www.amazon.com/Stolen-Focus-Attention-Think-Deeply/dp/0593138511) and Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will by Robert Sapolsky (https://www.amazon.com/Determined-Science-Life-without-Free/dp/0525560971/). Connect with Defne Eraslan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/defne-eraslan-a967691b5/ If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this podcast, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/

Tom Denford joins Itir to discuss the challenges and opportunities marketers face in working with media agencies, focusing on transparency, trust, and long-term strategy. They cover the complexities of the buyer-seller roles within agencies, the shift toward in-house media capabilities, and practical advice for smaller brands looking to work with the right agency. A key takeaway is the importance of not cutting corners on media investments, as the cheapest option often comes at the expense of quality and effectiveness. Whether you’re starting out or refining your approach, this conversation offers valuable insights for building strong media partnerships, understanding the importance of media quality in advertising, and how to unlock growth with the right media investments. Tom is a leading advisor with over 20 years of experience in media and advertising, known for his strategic insights and thought leadership. Before co-founding ID Comms in 2009 with David Indo, he gained experience in media agencies and client-side marketing. ID Comms, which helps major brands like Walmart, T-Mobile, and Meta navigate digital transformation and optimize media investments, is recognized as the #1 Media Advisor by the World Federation of Advertisers and the #1 Best Place to Work in Marketing and Advertising. Tom is also an active mentor, contributor to industry publications, and conference speaker. Tom is looking forward to having a coffee at a plaza in Paris or Italy next summer. His book recommendations include: The Data Deluge: Making Marketing Work for Brands and People by Arun C. Kumar (https://www.amazon.com/Data-Deluge-Making-Marketing-Brands/dp/B0CRNC65BY) Quantum Marketing: Mastering the New Marketing Mindset for Tomorrow's Consumers by Raja Rajamannar (https://www.amazon.com/Quantum-Marketing-Mastering-Tomorrows-Consumers/dp/1400223954) A Marketer's Guide to Digital Advertising: Transparency, Metrics, and Money by Shailin Dhar and Scott Thomson (https://www.amazon.com/Marketers-Guide-Digital-Advertising-Transparency/dp/1398609668) Connect with Tom Denford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomdenford If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this podcast, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/

In this episode, Allan Dib, founder of Lean Marketing and author of two bestsellers, shares his approach to setting loose goals and tight systems for continual progress—including how traditional goal-setting frameworks fall short. He explains the fundamentals of the lean marketing approach, and argues that today's marketers need to niche down—way down. Allan is the founder of Lean Marketing, a marketing accelerator that helps individuals and organizations learn and implement marketing best practices in-house. He is best known as the author of The 1-Page Marketing Plan and Lean Marketing (almost a million copies sold). Allan recommends Via Battisti coffee in Melbourne: https://www.viabattisti.com His book recommendation is The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life by David Brooks: https://www.amazon.com/Second-Mountain-David-Brooks/dp/0812993268 Connect with Allan Dib on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allandib/ If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this podcast, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/

In this episode, Itir chats with Chris Do, an Emmy-winning designer and founder of Blind and The Futur. They touch on Chris's pivot from brand design to education, and dig into his practical advice for new entrepreneurs. Chris highlights the importance of staying financially secure before starting a business, finding market gaps that fit your skills, and offering free or low-cost services to build your experience. They also dive into client engagement tips, the pros and cons of project-based pricing, and the essentials of personal branding in today's digital world. Chris Do is an Emmy award-winning designer, director, CEO and Chief Strategist of Blind and the founder of The Futur—an online education platform with the mission of teaching 1 billion people how to make a living doing what they love. He currently serves as the chairman of the board for the SPJA, and as an advisor to Saleshood. He has also served as: advisory board member for AIGA/LA, Emmys Motion & Title Design Peer Group, Otis Board of Governors, Santa Monica College and Woodbury University. Chris doesn't drink coffee, but he likes the matcha latte at Sunright Tea Studio (various locations, including southern California): https://www.snrtea.com/location-category/southern-california/ His book recommendation is 7 Strategies for Wealth & Happiness: Power Ideas from America's Foremost Business Philosopher, by Jim Rohn: https://www.amazon.com/Strategies-Wealth-Happiness-Americas-Philosopher/dp/0761506160 Connect with Chris Do on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this podcast, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/

Professor Anindya Ghose discusses his upcoming book on AI and wellbeing, explaining the "House of AI" framework that corporate leaders can use to build an AI-driven organization and its applications in marketing. He covers topics like data engineering, marketing mix modeling, and the future of mobile advertising. He also shares insights on maintaining traditional marketing principles while embracing AI technologies, and why human creativity and intuition aren't going anywhere in the age of AI. Anindya Ghose is the Heinz Riehl Chair Professor at NYU Stern, specializing in quantitative marketing and tech economics. Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40, and Thinkers50, he authored the best-selling and award winning book TAP: Unlocking the Mobile Economy and the upcoming release Thrive: Maximizing Well-Being in the Age of AI. He has been interviewed and his research has been profiled numerous times in the BBC, Bloomberg TV, CNBC, The Economist, Financial Times, the Wall Street Journal, and elsewhere. You can pre-order his new book, (with Ravi Bapna), THRIVE: Maximizing Well-Being in The Age of AI: https://www.amazon.com/Thrive-Maximizing-Well-Being-Age-AI/dp/0262049317 Anindya's preferred coffee spot in New York City is Blue Bottle Coffee: https://bluebottlecoffee.com/cafes His favorite book is No Shortcuts to the Top by Ed Viesturs with David Roberts: https://www.amazon.com/No-Shortcuts-Top-Climbing-Highest/dp/0767924711 Connect with Anindya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeffrey-funk-a979435 Anindya's personal website: https://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~aghose/contents/bio.html If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this channel, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/

Dr. Jeffrey Funk offers a balanced perspective on AI hype, discussing the importance of understanding processes, evaluating technological progress, and critically assessing market signals. He emphasizes the need to look beyond superficial claims, like the idea that AI will replace 95 percent of marketers' workload. He also highlights potential pitfalls in AI adoption, and provides insights on avoiding investment bubbles in the tech industry. Jeffrey's recommended book is Emmanuel Maggiori's Siliconned: How the tech industry solves fake problems, hoards idle workers, and makes doomed bets with other people's money: https://www.amazon.com/Siliconned-industry-problems-workers-peoples-ebook/dp/B0D7MRG775 He doesn't drink coffee, but likes to meet people at Tiong Bahru bakery near his home in Singapore: https://www.tiongbahrubakery.com/ Connect with Dr. Jeffrey Funk on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeffrey-funk-a979435 If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this channel, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/itireraslan/  

Ashley Gross, AI marketing strategist and founder of the Prompt community, discusses how entrepreneurs can leverage AI to build businesses rapidly. She shares insights on overcoming challenges, creating personalized marketing campaigns on a budget, and using specialized AI tools. Ashley also details her journey from corporate marketer to AI-empowered entrepreneur. Ashley is an AI marketing strategist and entrepreneur with ten years of marketing experience and four years of expertise in AI-driven strategies. She is the founder of a company dedicated to making AI education affordable and accessible, bridging the gap in AI literacy. Ashley's favorite coffee spot is A Place at the Table, the first pay-what-you-can café in Raleigh, NC. Her book choice is Brené Brown's The Gifts of Imperfection. Connect with Ashley Gross on LinkedIn. If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this channel, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Itır talks to Irit Levi, founder of Day by Day, about how marketers can optimize software selection and automation. Irit introduces the "Three Ps"—Purpose, Process, and People—framework for choosing software and stresses the need for automation to follow defined processes. They discuss ethical email list building, choosing email marketing platforms, and the importance of maintaining ownership when outsourcing. Irit also emphasizes the benefits of specialized tools like Zapier and Airtable for automation and data management, and provides insights on balancing free and paid software options. Irit Levi helps coaches, creatives, and consultants scale their businesses with process, strategy, software, and automation. She has provided 13,697+ software recommendations over the years. But at her core, she's about SCALABILITY, not software. Her approach is different because she believes technology is just a tool. It's only as valuable as it is helpful. Irit enjoys the coffee and sandwiches her son makes for her at home. She's currently appreciating The Home We Build Together, Recreating Society by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks. Find Irit on LinkedIn. If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this channel, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn.

Harvard professor Iavor Bojinov joins the show to discuss how businesses should experiment to learn how AI can best support their efforts. The conversation also touches on how AI models are developed, the importance of trust, and the fundamental shift in marketers' roles in the AI era. Iavor is an Assistant Professor of Business Administration and the Richard Hodgson Fellow at Harvard Business School. He is the co-PI of the AI and Data Science Operations Lab. Iavor's favorite coffee spot in Boston is Intelligentsia. His recommended read is Competing in the Age of AI: Strategy and Leadership When Algorithms and Networks Run the World by Marco Iansiti and Karim Lakhani. Connect with Iavor Bojinov on LinkedIn. If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this channel, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn.

In this episode, Reid Robinson, Lead AI Product Manager at Zapier and self-proclaimed "student of social media," discusses the impact of AI and automation on marketing. He explores how AI can help us personalize customer communication, repurpose content, and streamline internal processes. You'll learn about the importance of providing context to AI models to drive more valuable outputs—and what can go wrong when you let AI write all your social media content! Reid harnesses the powers of AI and automation at Zapier, leading the development of innovations such as the AI Actions and the OpenAI’s GPTs. His eclectic career, fueled by curiosity, determination, and a healthy dose of professional schmoozing, started with making 120 cold calls a day sans computer, selling conference tickets. Since then, he’s established strategic partnerships at both Zapier and Hootsuite, co-founded and led cocoNFT to acquisition, and returned to Zapier to spearhead AI product management. Outside of work, Reid enjoys a heated game of Root or Clank, trying new restaurants, and traveling with his wife and their 2-year-old explorer-in-training. What Reid has been reading: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert Reid's favorite coffee shop in Vancouver: Milano Coffee Connect with Reid Robinson on LinkedIn and Twitter. If you have any questions about brands and marketing, connect with the host of this channel, Itir Eraslan, on LinkedIn.