They Called It Cheating. I Call It Leadership.

They Called It Cheating. I Call It Leadership.

Apparently, teaching marketers how to work smarter is controversial now. My last post about building Custom GPTs caused a stir — and not the fun, cocktail kind. Some folks called it “cheating.” Others clutched their pearls like I’d suggested outsourcing soul.

Spoiler: I’m not sorry.
If AI can help you scale your voice, save your brain cells, and dodge burnout? I’ll take “cheating” all the way to the bank. This is my response — and my unapologetic argument for why future-forward marketers should be using AI like it’s 2026 already.

Google’s New AI Marketing Advisor Is Incredible—But Keep One Eye Open

Google’s New AI Marketing Advisor Is Incredible—But Keep One Eye Open

Google just announced an AI-powered marketing advisor that could change everything—from how we run campaigns to how we show up in search. It’s powerful. It’s exciting. And yes—it’s watching. In this post, I dig into what this tech means for marketers, why it’s both genius and slightly unnerving, and how we can harness the magic without handing over the map. Spoiler: The future is smart, but your instincts still matter.

Special Edition - Your AI Can Wear a Power Suit: Why You Should Be Building Custom GPTs, Yesterday

Special Edition - Your AI Can Wear a Power Suit: Why You Should Be Building Custom GPTs, Yesterday

If your AI still writes like it’s stuck in 2019, you’re doing it wrong.
In my latest blog, I break down how to build Custom GPTs inside ChatGPT — the kind that sound like you, work like you, and never need coffee breaks.

You’ll learn:

  • Why GPTs are your next best hire

  • The 3 GPTs every founder should build first

  • How to train one in 10 minutes (zero tech headaches)

Just Dropped: A Smarter Way to Spend Your Day

Just Dropped: A Smarter Way to Spend Your Day

I used to spend my days bouncing from meeting to meeting, with little time left for follow-through or focus. In this special edition, I share how two AI tools—Claude and ChatGPT—helped me audit my workflow, cut down prep time, and create space to actually think. It’s not about doing more. It’s about doing better.

Google's Cookie Conundrum: Another Delay in the Great Deprecation Saga

Google's Cookie Conundrum: Another Delay in the Great Deprecation Saga

Google’s done it again.. paused the cookie apocalypse. In this blog, we dive into the latest delay in Chrome’s plan to phase out third-party cookies (yes, again), poke a little fun at the endless pivoting, and break down what it means for marketers, publishers, and privacy advocates alike. Spoiler: the cookie still hasn’t crumbled.

Why Launching a Product on April Fools' Day Is the Worst Idea Ever

Why Launching a Product on April Fools' Day Is the Worst Idea Ever

It might seem clever, but it’s actually one of the worst days of the year to go live with something real. On a day when the internet is flooded with fake products and pranks, your launch risks being ignored, misunderstood, or turned into a meme. Even worse? You miss the chance to actually have fun and show off your brand’s personality.
In this blog, we break down why April 1st is a terrible launch date and how to turn it into a creative win instead.

A Torch, Not a Tombstone: Why the Outdoor Industry’s Future Isn’t as Bleak as It’s Being Painted

A Torch, Not a Tombstone: Why the Outdoor Industry’s Future Isn’t as Bleak as It’s Being Painted

The outdoor industry isn’t dying—it’s evolving. While headlines shout doom and gloom, the truth is this moment isn’t a collapse, it’s a correction. The brands that over-ordered, under-innovated, and relied on hype instead of quality are feeling the squeeze—but that’s not the whole story. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine what we make, why we make it, and who we make it for. Innovation isn’t optional—it’s the path forward. Let’s stop treating this like a funeral and start treating it like a forge. The next era of outdoor is coming. The only question is: who’s ready to lead it?

AI’s Hidden Agenda: Are Marketing Bots Steering You Away from the Best Tools?

AI’s Hidden Agenda: Are Marketing Bots Steering You Away from the Best Tools?

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing marketing, but is it truly objective? Many AI tools and Large Language Models (LLMs) are designed with commercial incentives, subtly steering users toward in-house products while downplaying competitors. This blog explores the hidden biases in AI-driven recommendations, the 'walled garden' effect, and how marketers can navigate these digital gatekeepers to make unbiased, data-driven decisions. Don't let AI limit your choices, learn how to spot and counteract marketing bias in the tools you rely on.

The Death of Differentiation: Why Consumers Are Over Boring Brands

The Death of Differentiation: Why Consumers Are Over Boring Brands

The apparel industry has fallen into a trap of sameness—recycled marketing messages, tired buzzwords, and "unique" selling points that aren't unique anymore. Consumers are getting bored, and the next wave of industry disruptors won't be the legacy brands stuck in their old ways. In The Death of Differentiation: Why Consumers Are Over Boring Brands, we explore how a new generation of scrappy, bold companies is set to shake things up. The future belongs to those who dare to be different.

The Marketing Behind Trump: How Controversy Became a Brand

The Marketing Behind Trump: How Controversy Became a Brand

What can marketers learn from Donald Trump’s rise to prominence? This blog dives into the unconventional yet undeniably effective strategies that turned him into a polarizing, headline-dominating figure. From his mastery of branding and media manipulation to his ability to foster loyalty and belonging, discover the marketing principles behind the phenomenon—without the politics. Whether you're building a brand or seeking to engage an audience, these insights reveal the power and risks of bold, emotionally driven strategies.

TikTok’s Tumultuous January: Supreme Court Ruling, Temporary Shutdown, and Uncertain Future

TikTok’s Tumultuous January: Supreme Court Ruling, Temporary Shutdown, and Uncertain Future

Discover the latest developments in TikTok's dramatic January 2025 journey. From a Supreme Court ruling and a temporary shutdown to last-minute executive orders and potential buyouts by U.S. tech giants, we break down the events that could shape the future of one of the world’s most popular social platforms. Explore how users are adapting, the rise of alternative platforms, and the broader implications for national security and data privacy.

The TikTok Saga: A Social Media Phenomenon Caught in Political Crossfire

The TikTok Saga: A Social Media Phenomenon Caught in Political Crossfire

TikTok isn’t just a social media app—it’s a global cultural force. But in the U.S., its meteoric rise is tangled in political debates and national security concerns. From viral dance trends to accusations of data risks, this blog dives into the whirlwind story of TikTok’s journey in America, exploring its controversies, its impact, and what the future might hold. Whether you’re a creator, a casual scroller, or just curious about the headlines, discover the story behind the app that’s shaping the way we connect, create, and consume culture.

Building a Personal Brand While Excelling at Your Job

Building a Personal Brand While Excelling at Your Job

Discover how to build a personal brand that amplifies your professional growth without compromising your commitment to your current job. This guide explores actionable strategies for marketers to showcase their expertise, align with their employer's values, and create content that adds value to their professional community. Whether you’re looking to enhance credibility, unlock new opportunities, or position yourself as a thought leader, this blog is your roadmap to success.

Are Branding Podcasts Steering You Wrong? A Thoughtful Look at the Pitfalls of Popular Advice

Are Branding Podcasts Steering You Wrong? A Thoughtful Look at the Pitfalls of Popular Advice

In the world of branding, podcasts often offer a treasure trove of advice—but not all of it is gold. This blog dives into the pitfalls of popular branding tips, like oversimplified calls for authenticity, the overhyped push for personal branding, and the dangers of blindly following trends. Learn how to discern actionable insights from the noise and build a brand rooted in purpose, connection, and timeless principles. Before you hit play on your next episode, read this thoughtful guide to staying on the right branding track.

How the Pay-to-Play Game is Undermining Small Brands

How the Pay-to-Play Game is Undermining Small Brands

In a world where big brands dominate through pay-to-play strategies, how can small businesses stand out? This blog dives into the challenges small brands face in industries ruled by deep pockets, exploring how authenticity, creativity, and community can help them rise above the noise. Discover actionable strategies for reclaiming visibility and learn how consumers can play a vital role in leveling the playing field. Whether you're a startup founder or a brand enthusiast, this is your guide to thriving in a pay-to-play world.