Advertise on podcast: TMC Presents: The Marketing Clubhouse

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Gavan Stilgoe, Head of Customer Strategy at R6 Digital, to explore a part of marketing that doesn't always get enough attention: what happens after you've successfully got someone's attention. Marketers spend enormous amounts of time and money generating traffic, clicks, leads and enquiries. But if the website is difficult to navigate, the form asks too many questions, the checkout is painful or nobody responds quickly enough, all that great marketing can quickly go to waste. Together, we unpack why businesses often mistake customer journey problems for marketing problems, where the biggest points of friction tend to hide, and why marketers need to become just as obsessed with conversion and customer experience as they are with acquisition. We also explore the role of technology, automation and AI, when businesses should remove humans from the journey and when human interaction becomes even more valuable. This is a practical conversation for marketers who want to stop automatically reaching for another campaign and start looking at whether the experience they've already built is actually making it easy for customers to buy. What we cover in this episodeWhy some "marketing problems" are actually customer journey problemsWhat happens when businesses prioritise traffic without fixing conversionWhere the biggest points of friction typically appear in customer journeysWhy marketers need to pay more attention to what happens after the clickHow to balance collecting useful customer data with creating a frictionless experienceWhy speed is becoming an increasingly important competitive advantageWhere automation can improve the customer journey and where humans still matterHow AI could create better customer experiences — or simply automate bad onesWhy marketers should get better at removing things instead of constantly adding moreWhat customer behaviour can reveal that assumptions can'tWhat to investigate before spending another dollar on acquisitionThe question marketers should ask at every touchpoint in the customer journey You should listen if...You're generating traffic and leads but they're not translating into enough customersYou're responsible for digital marketing, websites, eCommerce or customer experienceYou're considering spending more on acquisition before fixing what happens afterwardsYou want to use automation and AI without making the customer experience worseYou want to improve conversion by making it easier for people to actually do business with you This episode will help you look beyond clicks, leads and acquisition metrics and start seeing your marketing through the eyes of the customer — because sometimes the biggest growth opportunity isn't getting more people through the door. It's making it much easier for the people already there to buy. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Clive Antony, founder of Christchurch-based creative agency Antony & Mates, to make the case for one of marketing's most overlooked tactics. While marketers are constantly encouraged to think bigger, reach wider audiences and chase national or global growth, Clive has taken a different approach. He's built an agency deeply connected to Christchurch, working with organisations including the Crusaders, Ngāi Tahu and the University of Canterbury while becoming actively involved in the creative and cultural community around him. Together, we explore what happens when businesses stop trying to market to everyone and instead focus on becoming genuinely relevant to the people, places and communities closest to them. From the pursuit of reach on social media to local identity, community involvement and knowing when it actually is time to go wider, this conversation challenges the assumption that bigger audiences automatically mean better marketing. This is a practical conversation for marketers, founders and local businesses looking to build stronger brands by understanding where they operate and the people they actually need to reach. What we cover in this episodeWhy Clive chose to build his agency deeply within ChristchurchWhy place deserves a bigger role in modern marketing strategyWhether chasing social media reach is distracting businesses from customers already around themHow deeply local campaigns can achieve things national campaigns can'tWhy local marketing can be about identity and belonging, not just geographyThe difference between genuinely understanding a community and performing "local marketing"What separates businesses that dominate locally from those that simply advertise locallyWhen a business should stop focusing locally and start going widerWhy community involvement can create a stronger understanding of your customersWhat it means to market from inside a community You should listen if...You're marketing a local or regional businessYou're constantly chasing reach but aren't sure it's translating into revenueYou work with brands where location, culture or community are importantYou're trying to build stronger relevance and loyalty with the people around youYou want to think differently about what "growth" actually needs to look like This episode will challenge the instinct that growth always means going bigger and show why sometimes the smartest marketing strategy is to go smaller, deeper and become impossible to ignore in the place that matters most. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Catherine Toms, founder of AI Growth Academy and a leader in helping marketers and organisations build the skills they need to navigate an AI-powered world. Catherine has spent her career helping marketers embrace change, from leading digital transformation to now working with thousands of marketers to build genuine AI capability. But her approach isn't about chasing every new tool or automating everything possible. Her belief is simple: AI won't fix bad marketing. Together, we explore what AI fluency actually means, why knowing how to use ChatGPT or Claude is only the beginning, and how marketers can use AI intentionally without outsourcing the critical thinking, creativity and judgement that make great marketing work. We also unpack the mistakes organisations are making when rolling out AI, how to separate genuine best practice from hype, and what the highest-performing marketing teams will be doing differently as AI becomes embedded in everyday work. This is a practical conversation for marketers who want to get genuinely good at AI without losing sight of what makes them good marketers in the first place. What we cover in this episodeWhy AI can't fix bad marketing, strategy or decision-makingWhat AI fluency actually means beyond knowing how to use AI toolsThe biggest mistakes businesses are making when adopting AIHow marketers can avoid chasing every new tool and shiny objectHow to separate genuine AI expertise from hype and bad adviceThe human skills becoming more valuable as AI gets more capableHow to recognise when AI is improving your work versus making it worseWhether AI has actually changed what "good marketing" looks likeWhere CMOs should be investing their AI budgets over the next 12 monthsWhat high-performing, AI-enabled marketing teams will do differentlyWhy critical thinking and human judgement are becoming competitive advantagesHow marketers can prepare themselves for what's coming next You should listen if...You're using AI but aren't sure you're getting real value from itYou're overwhelmed by the constant stream of new AI tools and updatesYou're responsible for introducing AI into a marketing team or organisationYou want to build genuine AI capability rather than simply learn more promptsYou're thinking about which marketing skills will matter most in an AI-powered future This episode will help you cut through the AI noise, become more intentional about where technology fits into your marketing, and build the combination of AI fluency, strategic thinking and human judgement that will matter far more than simply knowing how to write a good prompt. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Chris Asahara, founder of The Postmasters and an experienced global marketing leader who has spent more than 20 years working across agencies and major brands including Adidas Japan and Les Mills. From building a 13-person newsroom from scratch in Tokyo to leading global social and crisis communications and driving more than USD $2 million in revenue through virtual reality campaigns, Chris has experienced what marketing looks like when the stakes, teams, and complexity get much bigger. Together, we unpack what enterprise marketing actually teaches you. We explore how large organisations align global teams, connect social and content to commercial outcomes, manage brand reputation, and build the processes that allow marketing to perform at scale. But we also flip the conversation. Now running The Postmasters and working with startups and SMBs, Chris shares which enterprise disciplines he's taken with him, which corporate habits he's had to leave behind, and how smaller businesses can bring strategic rigour to their marketing without creating unnecessary bureaucracy. This is a practical conversation about discipline, alignment, credibility, speed, and what marketers at both ends of the business spectrum can learn from each other. What we cover in this episode Why enterprise marketing isn't necessarily as slow as people thinkThe operational decisions behind high-performing global social teamsHow to connect social media and content metrics to revenue and commercial outcomesWhy social media should play a bigger role in corporate and crisis communicationsWhat real stakeholder alignment looks like inside global organisationsHow governance, community, content, and measurement work together at enterprise scaleThe enterprise disciplines startups and small businesses should adoptThe corporate habits founders and lean marketing teams are better off leaving behindHow to maintain strategic rigour without creating unnecessary bureaucracyWhat Australian and New Zealand startups can teach enterprise marketing teams about speed and agilityThe structural and cultural changes that can help large marketing teams move fasterAgency vs in-house experience for marketers aspiring to global leadership roles You should listen if... You work in a large organisation and want to move faster without sacrificing brand trustYou're a founder or marketer in a smaller business looking to bring more structure to your marketingYou manage social media, content, corporate communications, or brand reputationYou're navigating complex stakeholders and struggling to connect marketing activity to commercial outcomesYou want to understand what enterprise and startup marketers can learn from each other This episode will help you take the best of enterprise marketing - its discipline, strategic rigour, alignment, and accountability - without taking on the bureaucracy, and apply those lessons to build marketing that can move quickly, prove its value, and scale. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Shyr Godfrey, co-founder of Forty Thieves, to explore what it really takes to build a distinctive brand in a category where consumers already have plenty of choice. From turning a premium peanut butter into a nationally recognised brand to navigating retailers, competitors, and changing customer expectations, Shyr shares the lessons she's learned about building a product people notice, choose, and ultimately become loyal to. Together, we explore why differentiation needs to go deeper than marketing, the role packaging and design play in influencing purchasing decisions, and what happens when competitors begin adopting the positioning you've worked hard to own. We also dive into the psychology behind how people shop, why customer identity matters, and the subtle cues that can make the difference between a product being picked up or passed over on shelf. This is a practical conversation for marketers, founders, and brand builders looking to create stronger, more distinctive brands in competitive markets. What we cover in this episodeWhy genuine differentiation starts with the product—not just the marketingHow challenger brands can break through established categoriesThe realities of winning shelf space and building relationships with retailersWhat happens when competitors start copying your positioning and messagingHow packaging and product design influence attention, trust, and purchasing decisionsThe psychology behind how consumers make decisions in-storeWhy customer identity and emotional connection matter when building a brandHow brands can turn products into something customers genuinely identify withBalancing founder intuition with customer feedback and dataThe consumer behaviour shifts marketers should be paying attention to You should listen if...You're building or growing a brand in a competitive categoryYou work in FMCG, retail, eCommerce, or product marketingYou're launching a new product and need to create genuine differentiationYou want to better understand consumer psychology and buying behaviourYou're responsible for branding, packaging, positioning, or customer experience This episode will help you think beyond campaigns and understand the product, design, positioning, and psychological factors that make customers choose one brand over another - and keep coming back. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Mark Ho, founder of BrightGrain and one of Australia's most respected strategic marketers. After building his career across major consumer brands, Mark has become known for challenging conventional marketing thinking. Rather than jumping straight to campaigns and tactics, he encourages businesses to slow down, ask better questions, and focus on solving the right problems before spending another marketing dollar. Together, we unpack his philosophy of "Transformation Marketing," explore why long-term brand building still matters in a world obsessed with short-term growth, and discuss how marketers can balance commercial pressure without getting distracted by the latest trends or buzzwords. This is a thought-provoking conversation for marketers who want to move beyond execution and become more strategic, commercially minded leaders. What we cover in this episodeWhat Transformation Marketing actually means and why it mattersWhy the best marketing starts with better questions—not better campaignsRecognising when the old marketing playbook is no longer workingHow to identify the real business problem before jumping into executionThe difference between genuine brand building and "brand theatre"Why established brands still need to invest in long-term brand growthHow to balance brand investment with short-term commercial outcomesPractical ways to push back when organisations demand instant resultsWhat a realistic 90-day plan looks like when balancing brand and activationThe habits every marketer can build to become a stronger strategic thinker You should listen if...You're responsible for both brand and commercial performanceYou're tired of chasing marketing trends without seeing long-term resultsYou want to become a more strategic marketer and business partnerYou're working in a fast-growing business where the old playbook isn't working anymoreYou want to better balance long-term brand building with short-term growth targets This episode will help you think more strategically, ask better questions before jumping into execution, and build marketing that creates lasting business impact - not just another campaign. P.S If anyone remembers the Chicken Tonight ads from the 90's... this man was responsible! Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Erin Core, customer insight specialist and marketing leader who has spent her career helping organisations make better business decisions by truly understanding their customers. Through her work at Veracity and across senior marketing leadership roles, Erin has helped businesses move beyond assumptions and surface the insights that drive better products, stronger campaigns, and more meaningful customer experiences. In a world overflowing with data, she believes the real competitive advantage isn't collecting more information - it's asking better questions. Together, we explore what customer-centricity actually looks like in practice, why research should be the starting point of every marketing strategy, and how businesses can turn customer understanding into measurable commercial results. This is a must-listen for marketers, business leaders, and founders who want to make smarter decisions, build stronger brands, and create marketing that genuinely resonates with customers. What we cover in this episodeThe biggest misconceptions marketers have about customer insightWhy collecting data isn't the same as understanding customersWhat genuinely customer-centric organisations do differentlyHow customer research can completely change a marketing strategyThe risks of skipping research in fast-paced marketing environmentsThe questions every marketer should be asking their customersWhy more data doesn't always lead to better decisionsHow AI is changing customer research—and where marketers need to be carefulPractical ways small businesses can better understand their customersHow customer insight is evolving and what marketers should prepare for next You should listen if...You want to create more customer-focused marketingYou're making marketing decisions based on assumptions rather than evidenceYou want to improve your research and customer discovery skillsYou're leading marketing strategy or product developmentYou believe better customer understanding leads to better business outcomes This episode will challenge the way you think about customer research, help you move beyond surface-level data, and show you why the best marketing always starts with understanding the people you're trying to serve. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Kennedy Anderson, entrepreneur, founder of The Whitening Co, and one of New Zealand's most recognised consumer brand builders. From launching his first business at just 15 years old to growing The Whitening Co into a household name, Kennedy has spent years turning ideas into businesses. But beyond the viral content and social media success, he's also become known for sharing the realities of entrepreneurship - from cash flow challenges and supplier negotiations to borrowing money and navigating the pressures of building a physical product business. Together, we unpack the difference between building an audience and building a business, why brand has become a founder's greatest competitive advantage, and what it really takes to create a company that lasts beyond the hype. This is an honest conversation for marketers, founders, and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable brands in an increasingly competitive world. What we cover in this episodeThe difference between building attention and building a real businessWhy Kennedy shifted from being "the influencer" to becoming "the operator"How The Whitening Co became one of New Zealand's leading challenger brandsThe financial realities of entrepreneurship that few founders talk aboutLessons from building and scaling a physical product businessWhy community has become one of the strongest competitive advantages for modern brandsHow AI is increasing the importance of authentic brandingMarketing beliefs Kennedy has changed throughout his entrepreneurial journeyThe biggest mistakes that became his greatest business lessonsWhat founders should focus on during the first 90 days of launching a business You should listen if...You're building or launching a consumer brandYou're an entrepreneur navigating the realities of business ownershipYou want to better understand the difference between audience growth and business growthYou're interested in brand building, community, and entrepreneurshipYou want practical advice from someone who's built a nationally recognised product brand This episode offers an honest look behind the scenes of entrepreneurship, challenges the myths surrounding founder success, and shares practical lessons for building brands that customers trust, communities support, and businesses that stand the test of time. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Sindy Ward, Director of Hunter Campbell and one of New Zealand's leading marketing recruiters. Having spent her career placing everyone from Marketing Managers through to Heads of Marketing, General Managers, and CEOs, Sindy has a front-row seat to what separates marketers who consistently progress from those who struggle to move beyond the same level. She works with businesses every day to identify future leaders, giving her a unique perspective on the skills employers value most. Together, we unpack what it really takes to build a successful marketing career, why commercial thinking is becoming just as important as creativity, and how marketers can position themselves for leadership in an industry that's changing faster than ever. This is a practical conversation for marketers at every stage of their career who want to become stronger leaders, make smarter career decisions, and stand out in a competitive job market. What we cover in this episodeThe habits and behaviours that accelerate marketing careersWhen marketers transition from being specialists to business leadersWhy commercial acumen is becoming essential for modern marketersThe biggest gaps between aspiring leaders and those ready for senior rolesThe skills every future Head of Marketing or CMO should be developing todayWhether marketers should specialise or become generalistsHow AI is changing what employers are looking for in marketing talentTrends shaping today's marketing recruitment landscapeCareer moves that can dramatically change your trajectoryPractical advice for marketers looking to fast-track their growth You should listen if...You're looking to progress into a senior marketing or leadership roleYou're planning your next career moveYou're wondering whether to specialise or broaden your experienceYou're preparing for promotions or leadership opportunitiesYou want to understand what employers are really looking for in today's market This episode will help you take a more strategic approach to your career, build the skills that future marketing leaders need, and position yourself as the kind of marketer businesses are actively looking to hire. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Aleisha McCall, founder of Ultimate Edge Communications, media strategist, and host of The Black Box of Media podcast. After representing Australia and New Zealand at four World Synchronised Ice Skating Championships, Aleisha made the leap into broadcasting before building her own agency from the ground up. Today, she helps high-growth brands navigate paid media, AI, and the rapidly changing digital landscape, with one bold belief at the centre of her thinking: in today's world, the algorithm has become one of your most important customers. Together, we explore how AI is reshaping marketing, whether traditional customer personas still have a place, and how brands can optimise for algorithms without losing the authenticity that makes people want to follow them. This is a forward-thinking conversation for marketers who want to stay ahead of industry change while continuing to build brands that people genuinely connect with. What we cover in this episodeWhy algorithms are becoming one of marketing's most important audiencesWhether traditional customer personas still work in an AI-driven worldFinding the balance between algorithmic optimisation and brand authenticityHow owned and paid media work together in modern marketingPractical ways marketers can use AI to strengthen their strategyWhy clarity - not hope - is one of the most valuable leadership skillsLessons from elite sport that translate into building a successful businessHow to navigate uncertainty when the industry is constantly evolvingWhat today's marketing teams should stop measuringAleisha's advice for marketers starting their careers in 2026 You should listen if...You're trying to understand how AI and algorithms are changing marketingYou want to build content that performs without sacrificing your brandYou're responsible for paid media, digital strategy, or brand growthYou're leading a marketing team through rapid changeYou want practical advice on staying relevant in an AI-first industry This episode will help you rethink how modern marketing works, understand the growing influence of algorithms, and build strategies that resonate with both technology and the humans on the other side of the screen. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Dan Xu, CEO and Co-founder of ElementX, AI engineer, entrepreneur, and one of New Zealand's leading experts in helping organisations implement artificial intelligence safely and at scale. With a PhD in Bioengineering, a background in mechatronics engineering, and experience developing products like UVLens, Dan sits at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and commercial application. Today, he helps organisations move beyond AI experimentation and build practical solutions that are secure, scalable, and genuinely valuable. Together, we explore how marketers can work more effectively with engineering teams, avoid common AI pitfalls, and build customer experiences that leverage artificial intelligence without compromising trust. This is a practical conversation for marketers, business leaders, and innovators looking to move beyond AI hype and build a competitive advantage through responsible adoption. What we cover in this episodeHow marketers should approach AI adoption without compromising customer trustThe balance between quick AI wins and building long-term AI capabilityCommon security, privacy, and ethical mistakes businesses make with AIHow technical innovation becomes products customers actually useBuilding stronger collaboration between marketing and engineering teamsAsking better questions when evaluating AI tools and vendorsWhy storytelling is essential when introducing new technologyPractical habits marketers can adopt to stay ahead as AI evolvesThe future of AI in marketing over the next three to five yearsHow businesses can implement AI responsibly while maintaining brand integrity You should listen if...You're leading AI initiatives within your marketing teamYou want to understand AI beyond content generation toolsYou're working alongside product, engineering, or data teamsYou're responsible for customer experience, innovation, or digital transformationYou want practical guidance on implementing AI safely and strategically This episode will help you separate AI hype from reality, build stronger collaboration between marketing and technology teams, and adopt artificial intelligence in a way that creates lasting value for both your business and your customers. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Connon Bray, Managing Partner at New+Improved Ventures and one of New Zealand's most experienced venture builders. From helping shape businesses like Tracksuit, Ideally, Aether, and Drumbeat, Connon has spent his career identifying opportunities before they become obvious. Today, he works alongside founders to uncover meaningful problems, validate ideas quickly, and build the next generation of technology and marketing businesses. Together, we unpack why great companies rarely begin with great ideas alone, the role customer insight plays in building successful products, and what founders and marketers can learn from the startup world about innovation, experimentation, and growth. This is an insightful conversation for founders, marketers, product teams, and anyone interested in turning ideas into businesses that customers genuinely want. What we cover in this episode The common traits shared by startups that successfully gain tractionWhy execution matters far more than simply having a great ideaHow to identify problems that are actually worth solvingThe biggest mistakes founders make when validating new productsWhy product-market fit is often misunderstoodThe role customer research and insight play in building better businessesHow AI is changing the speed and economics of launching startupsThe founder habits that matter most—and the ones that don'tOpportunities marketers are overlooking in today's marketConnon's approach to building a business from scratch in today's environment You should listen if... You're building a startup or thinking about launching oneYou want to better understand product-market fit and customer validationYou're a marketer looking to think more like a founderYou're interested in innovation, venture building, or emerging technologyYou want practical advice on turning ideas into businesses that scale This episode will help you think differently about innovation, avoid some of the biggest startup mistakes, and build products and businesses around problems customers genuinely care about. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Dave Hayward, founder of Europa and one of the leading voices rethinking what modern marketing consulting should look like. As businesses tighten budgets and AI reshapes the way marketing gets done, Dave believes the traditional consulting model is due for an overhaul. Rather than delivering strategy decks and walking away, he's built Europa around Marketing-as-a-Service - a model that combines strategy, execution, operations, and AI to help businesses achieve real outcomes. Together, we explore what it takes to become the consultant clients keep during uncertain times, how AI is changing the consulting landscape, and why operating leverage- not just expertise - will define the next generation of marketing advisors. This is an essential conversation for consultants, fractional CMOs, freelancers, and senior marketers looking to future-proof their careers in an AI-driven world. What we cover in this episodeWhy strategy without execution is no longer enoughWhat makes a marketing consultant truly indispensable to a businessHow consultants can survive and thrive during economic uncertaintyWhat Marketing-as-a-Service looks like in practiceWhy AI won't replace great consultants—but will replace outdated ways of workingHow to use AI as operating leverage rather than a content generation toolThe biggest opportunities for consultants in an AI-first worldHow to evolve from selling advice to delivering measurable business outcomesWhat consulting could look like over the next three years as AI becomes standardPractical ways to remain valuable as technology continues to evolve You should listen if...You're a marketing consultant, freelancer, or fractional CMOYou're wondering how AI will impact consulting and advisory workYou're looking for ways to deliver more value to clientsYou're rethinking your consulting business or service offeringYou want to future-proof your career in a rapidly changing industry This episode will challenge the traditional consulting model, help you think differently about the value you deliver, and show you how to build a consulting business that's designed to thrive in the age of AI. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Cass Barker, Director of Gybe Consulting and one of Australia's leading specialist marketing recruiters. With more than 16 years of experience helping marketers land jobs, build careers, and navigate an increasingly competitive hiring market, Cass has interviewed thousands of candidates and worked alongside some of Australia's biggest brands. She knows exactly what gets marketers shortlisted, what gets them overlooked, and what hiring managers are really looking for in 2026. Together, we unpack what today's job market actually looks like, how AI is changing recruitment, and the practical steps marketers can take to stand out from the crowd. This is an essential conversation for anyone thinking about their next career move, whether you're actively job hunting, preparing for future opportunities, or simply wanting to build a stronger personal brand. What we cover in this episode The biggest mistakes marketers make before they even reach the interview stageWhat recruiters immediately look for when reviewing CVs and LinkedIn profilesHow the marketing job market has changed and what candidates need to know in 2026What separates great interviewees from everyone elseThe interview questions marketers should always be prepared forHow to confidently talk about your achievements without overselling yourselfUsing AI to improve your job applications while still sounding authenticWhen and how to negotiate salary effectivelyWhether you should apply for roles if you don't meet every requirementPractical advice for marketers navigating redundancy or a difficult job search You should listen if you're applying for marketing roles in today's competitive market, you're updating your CV or LinkedIn profile, you want to interview with more confidence, you're unsure how AI fits into the job application process or you're looking to grow your marketing career or secure your next opportunity This episode will help you understand what recruiters are really looking for, avoid common job search mistakes, and give you practical strategies to stand out in one of the most competitive hiring markets marketers have faced in years. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Dom Harvey, one of New Zealand's most recognisable broadcasters, award-winning podcasters, and co-founder of PodLab. After more than two decades hosting one of the country's biggest breakfast radio shows, Dom made the leap into podcasting and built The Dom Harvey Podcast into one of New Zealand's most listened-to interview shows. Together, we go behind the scenes of what it really takes to create, grow, and sustain a successful podcast. From guest research and interviewing techniques to distribution, promotion, and emerging AI tools, Dom shares the lessons he's learned from building a podcast that consistently attracts high-profile guests and loyal listeners. This is a practical conversation for marketers, founders, creators, and brands who are considering launching a podcast or looking to get more value from the one they already have. What we cover in this episodeThe decisions and habits that helped The Dom Harvey Podcast succeed earlyEssential tools, software, and technology for modern podcastersHow podcasts contribute to brand awareness, trust, and audience growthCommon mistakes new podcasters make and how to avoid themWhy distribution is often more important than recording the episode itselfPractical strategies for promoting and growing a podcast audienceThe role AI is likely to play in the future of podcastingHow to build a sustainable podcast process without burning outDom's approach to interviewing prime ministers, Olympians, business leaders, and high-profile guestsWhat makes people feel comfortable enough to share honest stories You should listen if...You're thinking about launching a podcast for yourself or your businessYou want to use content to build trust and authority in your industryYou're struggling to grow or promote an existing podcastYou're curious about how AI is changing content creation and audioYou want to learn from someone who has built one of New Zealand's most successful podcasts This episode will help you think more strategically about podcasting, avoid common mistakes, and build a content asset that continues to create value long after you hit publish. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes! Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand. Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.