StrategyCast

Hosted by Lori Jones from Avocet Communications

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Episodes

600

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Aug 2026

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About the show

The StrategyCast podcast explores the nature of what it means to be at the helm of marketing decisions. Every episode is crafted to make people think, to spark some “aha!” moments, and to illustrate just how important a truly integrated marketing strategy and a solid, inspired brand presence are to success and longevity. Your host, Lori Jones, is the President & CEO of Avocet Communications, and she has over 30 years of integrated marketing experience. Lori has interviewed over 400 top business leaders on the show with backgrounds in B2B and B2C from brands such as General Motors, IBM, McDonald's, and Netsuite. It is the wisest and most successful of leaders who know the value of advice, can listen, and can share their experiences with others. Whether you're a CEO, a CMO, a Marketing Director, or an entrepreneur who wears many hats, this podcast is for you. For more information and show notes, go to strategycast.com. You can also follow @Strategy_Cast on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 18, 2026Episode 60439 min

AI Is Changing Buyer Behavior: Here’s Why Community Matters More Than Ever

AI is changing how B2B buyers research, evaluate, and choose vendors. As automation and AI-generated content become more common, trust, community, and authentic human relationships are becoming the real competitive advantage. In this episode of StrategyCast, Lori Jones sits down with Carter Hostelley, founder of Leadtail, to explore why community-driven marketing, advocacy, and credibility matter more than ever. They discuss how buyer behavior is evolving, why traditional demand generation is losing effectiveness, and how marketers can build brands that buyers actually trust in an AI-first world. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 01:42 Carter's journey into social media and community building 05:31 Why marketers don't control the brand anymore 07:04 Community, advocacy, and the future of B2B marketing 08:56 How AI is changing buyer behavior and decision making 11:20 Authenticity versus AI-generated content 14:00 Why advocacy beats traditional demand generation 17:55 Building community by adding value first 23:03 Why LinkedIn is becoming the new email 31:00 LinkedIn newsletters, events, and articles that marketers overlook 36:25 What successful B2B marketers will do over the next five years 38:29 Final advice and where to connect with Carter ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts . Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

August 11, 2026Episode 60333 min

The Partnership Strategy That Builds Buyer Trust Faster Than Marketing Alone

Most companies think growth comes from better marketing. In reality, the right strategic partnerships can build buyer trust, strengthen credibility, and accelerate revenue in ways marketing alone cannot. In this episode of StrategyCast, Lori Jones sits down with Fabian Eckstrom-French, Director of Partner Development at Guru, to explore how strategic alliances create competitive advantage far beyond co-marketing. Fabian shares why partnerships should be viewed as business growth strategies, how they generate market intelligence, and why borrowed credibility can shorten sales cycles while increasing buyer confidence. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 01:50 Fabian's journey into partnership strategy 03:52 Looking beyond co-marketing to strategic growth 05:46 Where partnerships belong inside an organization 08:39 Using alliances to create competitive differentiation 11:33 Strategic partnerships beyond the technology industry 13:24 Why partnerships are a powerful source of market intelligence 17:33 Borrowed credibility and enterprise growth 19:15 Partnership strategies that deliver the biggest return 22:21 A partnership lesson that didn't go as planned 27:02 AI, human relationships, and the future of alliances 29:08 The biggest partnership opportunities leaders overlook 30:36 How alliances accelerate trust and shorten sales cycles 31:54 Why strategic alliances are becoming trust accelerators ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts . Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

August 4, 2026Episode 60235 min

Don’t Let AI Kill Your Authenticity: Here’s What Brands Miss, feat. John Golden

AI can help marketers move faster, but if it comes at the expense of authenticity and trust, it could do more harm than good. In this episode of StrategyCast, Lori Jones sits down with John Golden, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Coevera, to discuss why trust is becoming the most valuable competitive advantage in modern marketing. They explore how AI is changing the way brands communicate, why buyers are becoming more skeptical, and how marketers can use AI to increase efficiency without losing the human relationships that drive growth. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 03:38 Starting a career in Sweden 01:47 John's journey through technology disruption and AI 04:36 Why marketers should lead AI transformation 08:16 Trust vs. efficiency, where brands get AI wrong 10:13 Why consumers remain skeptical of AI 14:05 Revenue networks and modern B2B buying 15:53 Personalizing marketing for buying committees 18:24 Why marketers should verify AI instead of blindly trusting it 20:20 Using AI without sacrificing authenticity 22:01 Authentic thought leadership in the AI era 25:09 Aligning internal culture with external brand trust 27:33 Consistency across every customer touchpoint 31:23 Why trust will define marketing in 2027 34:10 Smart people using smart AI is the real competitive advantage ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts . Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

July 28, 2026Episode 60143 min

How IKEA, Pampers, and Visa Turned Marketing Into Cultural Movements, feat. Scott Goodson

Brand strategy is changing. The brands creating lasting growth are not just running campaigns; they are building movements that people want to join. In this episode of StrategyCast, Lori Jones sits down with movement marketing pioneer Scott Goodson, founder of StrawberryFrog, to explore why movement thinking is replacing traditional advertising and how organizations of any size can rally customers, employees, and communities around a shared idea. Through real-world examples from IKEA, Pampers, Visa, Smart Car, Northwell Health, Mahindra, and FourLeaf Credit Union, Scott explains how the world's most successful brands create cultural momentum that drives long-term business growth. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 03:38 Starting a career in Sweden 08:08 Modernizing home decor trends 12:09 Debating Purpose-Driven Brand Missions 15:04 Working with Scandinavian brands 18:51 Post-recession organizational focus 21:14 Creating a brand movement 23:16 Launching the Rise movement 26:15 Identifying market trends and culture 30:51 Launching Money Like a Woman 35:23 Tapping into public frustrations 38:07 Embracing AI for business growth 40:01 Expanding Marketing with AI 43:11 Laurie expresses gratitude ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts . Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

July 21, 2026Episode 60021 min

The Four Layers of Proof That Build Buyer Trust

Most buyers no longer trust marketing claims at face value. They investigate, compare, and verify before they believe. In this solo episode of StrategyCast, Lori Jones explains the four layers of proof that help brands build buyer trust in an increasingly skeptical marketplace. As AI makes content easier to create, unsupported claims are losing value. Buyers now examine leadership behavior, customer experiences, thought leadership, consistency, and visible expertise before they speak with a sales team. The brands that stand out will not simply make stronger claims. They will make their credibility easier to observe. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 00:00 Introduction and 600th episode milestone 03:31 Understanding the trust shift 08:44 Evolving role of proof in marketing 10:00 Limitations of borrowed proof 15:37 Future of Marketing Trends 17:13 Developing a trust architecture framework 20:01 Closing thoughts and contact info ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts . Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

July 14, 2026Episode 59935 min

The New Marketing Skill That Matters More Than Prompt Engineering, feat. Dan Nestle

Prompt engineering is useful, but it isn't the marketing skill that will define the future. In this episode, Lori Jones and Dan Nestle explain why strategic thinking, authority, and AI-powered research are becoming the real competitive advantage for modern marketers. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 01:56 Dan's marketing journey and building enterprise brands 04:41 How AI would have transformed marketing at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 12:25 AI's biggest impact on content creation and research 15:15 Can AI shorten complex B2B sales cycles? 17:25 Using AI to improve organizational alignment 19:47 Competitive analysis in minutes instead of weeks 23:57 Rethinking audience segmentation with AI 26:57 Where marketers still misunderstand AI 29:04 Executive authority, thought leadership, and AI credibility 33:15 Building authority that AI can recognize 34:11 Final marketing lessons and key takeaways ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts . Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

July 7, 2026Episode 59840 min

Why Authenticity Is Becoming Marketing's Biggest Competitive Advantage, feat. Jennifer Reichenbacher

As AI reshapes marketing, the brands that win won't be the loudest. They'll be the ones customers trust. Discover how authenticity, transparency, and customer experience are becoming the keys to long-term growth. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 04:36 Targeting office coffee drinkers 07:00 Building trust through demos 09:53 Importance of customer validation 15:01 Trust, transparency, and service loop 18:13 Educating customers about credit fees 19:58 Balancing digital budget and AI testing 23:19 Understanding AI and user preferences 26:46 Balancing AI with human input 30:57 Working with embedded payments partners 33:20 Trust issues with influencer marketing ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts . Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

June 30, 2026Episode 59729 min

How Marketing Leaders Stay Strategic Under Crushing Pressure, feat. Debbie Qaqish

Crushing pressure can trigger reactive habits, but great marketing leaders rise above. In this StrategyCast episode, learn powerful techniques to sharpen your thinking, boost team alignment, and stay focused on the big picture even when the pressure feels nonstop. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 04:11 Corporate pressure and AI impact 08:14 Getting perspective for growth 11:54 Balancing team dynamics and pressures 16:49 Carla Johnson's innovation strategy 20:11 Breathing and mindfulness techniques 22:33 Business impact of reactive leadership 25:45 Simple stress management tips ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts . Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

June 23, 2026Episode 59620 min

The Trust Gap That's Costing Brands Customers

Is your brand's promise falling flat? In this episode, we reveal how today’s buyers demand proof, not just words. Learn the secrets to closing the trust gap, building lasting credibility, and turning every touchpoint into a reason customers keep coming back! And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 06:04 Discussing the trust recession 10:28 Trust beyond marketing's control 15:25 Developing the trust architecture 18:57 Introducing Big O Tires 19:52 Building trust in the tire industry 25:33 Building Trust through Consistency ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts . Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

June 16, 2026Episode 59537 min

How Smart Marketers Use AI Without Losing Trust, feat. Fred Wiechmann

Is AI helping your marketing, or quietly damaging customer trust? In this episode of StrategyCast, Lori Jones sits down with Fred Wiechmann to explore how marketers can use AI to improve efficiency without sacrificing authenticity, trust, or meaningful customer relationships. Discover why the most successful brands put strategy before technology, how to avoid common automation mistakes, and practical ways to use AI to enhance human connections instead of replacing them. Learn how to build stronger customer relationships while staying true to your brand and creating long-term loyalty. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 05:43 Balancing AI with human connection 08:02 Long-term strategic planning 10:13 Importance of clear communication strategy 14:52 Getting a quote via AI assistant 17:38 Importance of inclusivity in parks 19:48 Understanding customer needs and decisions 24:57 Miley's inclusive playground journey 28:08 Focusing on customer insights 31:06 Focusing on top of the funnel 34:13 Airline rebooking for frequent flyers ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts . Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!