Advertise on podcast: Marketing in the Raw with Adam Helweh

Is Your Revenue Problem Actually a Timing Problem?Most marketing teams assume revenue slowdowns come from bad messaging, weak demand, or sales execution issues. But what if the real problem is hiding somewhere else, buried in your data, your timing, or your assumptions about the buyer journey? In this episode of Marketing in the Raw, Adam Helweh sits down with Tracy Wehringer, Fractional CMO and founder of Moonshot Strategy, for a conversation that challenges how most B2B leaders diagnose growth problems. Tracy has led marketing inside cybersecurity firms, billion-dollar financial organizations, and high-growth tech startups. She’s also Six Sigma–trained which means she doesn’t guess where problems live. She finds them. This conversation explores what happens when you stop treating marketing as a channel problem and start treating it as a systems, timing, and revenue-velocity problem. What if your slowdown isn’t sales… or messaging… but latency?Tracy explains how she uses CRM data, sales cycle analysis, and efficiency ratios to uncover bottlenecks most teams never look for, especially the quiet moments where deals stall, momentum fades, and revenue quietly leaks out of the funnel. This episode is for you if: Your funnel looks healthy, but revenue feels slower than it shouldYou suspect alignment issues, but can’t pinpoint where they startYou’re tired of chasing tactics instead of fixing systemsYou want marketing to drive velocity, not just activityYou’re thinking more seriously about AI but don’t want hype-driven decisions 🎧 Listen now and rethink how revenue really moves through your marketing engine. Connect with Tracy WehringerWebsite: https://moonshot-strategy.comLinkedIn Newsletter: Revenue Accelerator Connect with me: Twitter: /adamhelwehLinkedIn: /adamhelwehInstagram: /adamhelwehYouTube: /adamhelwehLearn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: https://secretsushi.com/ 01:30 Meet Tracy Weinger: Marketing Expert 02:36 Tracy's Journey into Marketing 04:51 Early Career and Mentorship 08:55 Marketing Strategies and Insights 20:04 The Importance of Mentorship 23:11 Challenges and Trends in 2024 31:15 Excitement for 2025 and AI Tools 36:42 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode, Adam Helweh is joined by a fractional CMO and marketing leader William Collins for a conversation that goes beyond the usual playbook. They unpack the hidden layers of modern marketing leadership, the often-overlooked traps of quick wins, and why the best CMOs are doing something most aren’t talking about. From client psychology to cross-industry insight, William reveals how top marketers are staying sharp in a time of constant change—without losing their edge or their humanity. This episode is for B2B leaders who: ✅ Feel the pressure to move faster, but don’t want to sacrifice long-term vision ✅ Wonder how to earn—and keep—a seat at the leadership table ✅ Are curious about how fractional CMOs really operate across multiple organizations ✅ Are rethinking how AI fits into the strategic mix (and what it can never replace) There’s a lot more going on behind the scenes of great marketing leadership than most realize. This conversation pulls back the curtain. Listen in and find out what might be missing from your current B2B marketing approach. 00:39 Introduction and Guest Overview 01:06 Meet Will Collins: A Seasoned Fractional CMO 02:09 The Realities of Fractional Leadership 03:48 Will's Journey into Marketing 07:03 Guiding Principles in Marketing 10:32 Challenges and Lessons in Leadership 14:20 Differences Between Fractional and Full-Time CMO Roles 20:03 Balancing Quick Wins and Sustainable Growth 23:13 The Challenge of Quick Wins in Marketing 24:08 Building Trust and Confidence with Leadership 24:56 Avoiding Random Acts of Marketing 27:34 Handling Client Expectations 28:20 Surprising Outcomes in Marketing Strategies 29:39 Validating Client Understanding and Needs 31:52 The Role of AI in Marketing 38:27 Looking Ahead to 2025 40:19 The Importance of Client Feedback and Strategic Thinking 42:35 Final Thoughts and Reflections Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/

What does it take to successfully lead marketing for some of the world's most iconic brands? Jocelyn Renee Johnson, former GE executive and CMO of Girl Scouts of the USA, and now Chief Marketing Officer of the American Bar Association, joins Adam Helweh to share her marketing playbook for success across Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and global organizations. 💡 In this episode, Jocelyn dives into: ✅ The marketing fundamentals that apply to every industry ✅ How she helped Girl Scouts host their first-ever profitable convention ✅ The biggest challenges facing marketers in 2025 ✅ How to build a high-performing marketing team and strategy ✅ Why customer experience and branding are more critical than ever This episode is packed with insights on scaling brands, driving revenue, and creating meaningful customer connections. 00:37 Meet Jocelyn Renee Johnson 02:39 Jocelyn's Career Journey 03:59 Transition from Tech to Marketing 05:27 Marketing at GE 12:11 Joining Girl Scouts of America 20:25 Challenges and Insights at ABA 27:09 Nonprofit Challenges and Cost Management 27:42 Technology Adoption and Shiny Object Syndrome 29:25 Nonprofit vs Corporate: Strategic Differences 31:58 Measuring Success in Nonprofits 34:19 Unexpected Wins at Girl Scouts 39:03 Excitement for Future Marketing Strategies 41:22 Favorite Podcasts and Personal Insights 48:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/

Is Customer Success Broken?  Marketers obsess over customer acquisition, but what happens after the sale? Retention and expansion are the real game-changers in B2B success—and Marley Wagner knows exactly how to do it right. In this episode, Adam Helweh sits down with Marley, an expert in customer marketing and digital customer success, to unpack the strategies that keep customers engaged, satisfied, and growing with your brand. From automation and AI to in-product messaging and Slack notifications, Marley reveals how companies can do more with less while creating hyper-personalized customer experiences. They also discuss: Why most B2B companies are failing at post-sale engagementThe #1 mistake marketers make with existing customersHow AI and automation are redefining customer success in 2025The in-app vs. email debate—where should you invest your efforts?How to turn your marketing team into a revenue-driving machine If you’re in marketing, sales, or customer success—and you want to drive growth without constantly chasing new leads—this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss. 02:52 Meet Marley Wagner 03:37 Marley's Journey into Marketing 05:58 Early Career and Nonprofit Experience 07:26 Transition to B2B and Customer Success 09:33 Automation in Customer Success 12:33 Challenges and Strategies in Customer Success 18:39 Consulting and Freelancing in Digital CS 20:50 Marketers' Struggle with Existing Customers 21:36 Bridging the Gap Between Marketing and Customer Success 22:18 Effective Use of Automation Beyond Email 22:35 Choosing the Right Channels for Customer Engagement 24:56 In-App Engagement and Its Growing Importance 27:43 Internal Automation for Customer Success Teams 29:37 The Role of AI in Customer Success 38:16 Future Trends in Customer Engagement 39:52 Predictions for 2025 and Beyond 44:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/

Is your B2B marketing strategy built for the future? In this must-listen episode, Adam Helweh sits down with fractional CMO Ellen Smolko to discuss how AI, sales alignment, and strategic marketing are reshaping B2B growth in 2025. With decades of experience—from her role in the evolution of Shopify at AT&T to leading marketing transformations for high-growth companies—Ellen reveals: 🔹 How AI is revolutionizing B2B marketing beyond content creation 🔹 The biggest mistakes businesses make when aligning sales and marketing 🔹 Why traditional marketing tactics are failing—and what works now 🔹 How to future-proof your business amid economic shifts and industry changes She also shares a cautionary tale of a company that refused to adapt—and paid the ultimate price. If you're a CMO, marketing leader, or business executive, this episode delivers practical strategies to drive real business impact. 00:00 Introduction to 2025 Economic Policy 00:52 Welcome to Marketing in the Raw 01:09 Introducing Ellen Smolko 03:12 Ellen's Marketing Journey 08:25 The Evolution of Marketing 14:36 Challenges in Marketing Leadership 20:29 The Role of a Fractional CMO 26:51 Navigating Client Challenges 32:35 Navigating Client Relationships 33:33 Challenges with Communication 35:10 Reflecting on Client Value 37:30 The Impact of AI on Marketing 40:01 AI's Role in Content Creation 43:52 Future of Marketing with AI 44:48 Economic Factors Influencing Marketing 46:53 Adapting to Market Changes 01:07:21 The Importance of Experience and Transparency 01:08:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/

B2B marketing is undergoing a radical transformation—buyer behaviors are evolving, AI is reshaping workflows, and businesses that fail to adapt risk being left behind. In this episode, Adam Helweh sits down with fractional CMO Rosa Lear to discuss how AI, experimentation, and strategic marketing leadership are key to success in 2025 and beyond. Key Takeaways: - B2B buyers are changing—why traditional sales and marketing tactics no longer work. - AI’s role in marketing—how tools like chatbots and automation can accelerate growth. - The power of experimentation—why setting aside time and budget for testing is essential. - Marketing vs. Deliverables—why great marketing is about impact, not just execution. - Lessons from startups & enterprises—insights from Rosa’s journey across Gartner, VMware & cybersecurity startups. Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/

This episode features  the legendary Chris Brogan, a pioneer in digital marketing, bestselling author, and keynote speaker, to discuss the transformative power of trust and authenticity in business. From personal anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact of simple human connection to actionable insights on leveraging trust as a business advantage, this episode is packed with lessons for marketers, leaders, and entrepreneurs alike. Chris shares his thoughts on why trust is the currency of modern business, how to foster genuine customer relationships, and the role of storytelling in creating lasting brand loyalty.  Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/

What does it take to build a powerful B2B brand in an age of AI and constant change? In this episode, Adam Helweh talks with AJ Rochow about navigating the tension between performance marketing and long-term brand strategy. AJ shares his unconventional journey from social media management to leading marketing teams and reveals the critical lessons he’s learned along the way—like why validating before delegating is a must and how AI can amplify creativity without replacing it. They also dig into whether outbound marketing is dead, why B2B brands need to think more like disruptors, and how quality content—not quantity—will dominate search in the AI era. If you’re ready to rethink your marketing playbook and get ahead of the curve, this episode is packed with insights and actionable advice. Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/

What does it really take to create meaningful connections in B2B marketing? Adam Helweh and Michael Francisco unpack the complexities of balancing strategy, empathy, and innovation in an industry often dominated by data and processes. From breaking down silos between teams to navigating the subtleties of zero-click journeys, Michael draws on his leadership experience at Microsoft, Amazon, and GitHub to share lessons about building trust and fostering creativity. This conversation challenges traditional approaches and reveals how marketers can rethink their role—not just as storytellers but as enablers of genuine human connection. Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/

Can video do more than just sell? Adam Helweh and Darius Thigpen dive into how authentic storytelling and democratized video creation are transforming B2B marketing. Discover why video is the ultimate tool to build trust, empower employees, and create genuine human connections in a world where polished marketing no longer cuts it. Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/

Is the MQL (Marketing Qualified Lead) holding back your marketing success? In this eye-opening episode, Adam Helweh interviews Abdul Rastagar, a data-driven marketing leader with roots in life sciences and healthcare. Abdul brings a unique perspective to modern B2B marketing, challenging outdated practices and inspiring a new way of thinking about metrics, strategy, and outcomes. Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/

In this episode of Marketing in the Raw, Adam explores the transformative role of partnerships in marketing. Joined by Fedor Šimić, Partnerships Manager at Databox, they uncover the secrets to building lasting business relationships and the true meaning of collaborations that go beyond mere transactions. Listen in as they discuss communication, trust, and the future of marketing partnerships, all while sharing personal stories and valuable insights that will change the way you approach your business alliances. Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/

In this conversation, Adam Helweh reconnects with Kyle Lacey, CMO at Jellyfish, and discusses his career journey from Brand Swag to leading marketing at high-profile tech companies like ExactTarget and Salesforce. They cover topics such as the importance of asking for what you want, the significance of managing people, and navigating career transitions. Kyle shares valuable insights into building effective marketing teams, managing personal expectations, and overcoming challenges.  Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/

In this captivating episode, Adam sits down with Rand Fishkin, co-founder of SparkToro and Snackbar Studio, for a candid conversation on breaking the mold in digital marketing. Rand, known for challenging conventional thinking, shares his bold perspectives on everything from big data transparency with platforms like Google and Facebook to the evolving role of AI in content creation. We explore what it takes to stay ahead in the digital marketing and dive into the mysterious world of “dark social” and its often-overlooked impact on analytics. Whether you're curious about the future of audience intelligence or just want a fresh perspective on today’s digital challenges, Rand’s insights will give you plenty to think about. Plus, he gives us a sneak peek into his latest ventures, future plans, and even a few personal favorites that make this episode a must-listen for every marketer looking to get ahead of the curve. Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/

This episode features Aron Sōgi, a TikTok content creation expert whose innovative strategies redefine video marketing on social platforms. Aron has a demonstrated talent for engaging and growing his audience, sharing valuable insights into effective digital storytelling. While often linked to B2C brands, these insights can also be harnessed by B2B marketers for greater impact. We delve into his journey from novice to trend-setting influencer, uncovering the tactics behind his viral success. Tune in to discover how Aron leverages the power of TikTok to create impactful content that transcends conventional marketing approaches, offering fresh perspectives for engaging today’s digitally savvy business audience. Talk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi: • https://secretsushi.com/