“Authentic” and “Storytelling” aren’t in “scare quotes” in the episode title. They are actually quoting two of the central themes of Season 2. (Also quoting Curtis a lot, we might add.) In this episode, he and Tom welcome Megan Sweigart from Kinetic Marketing Communications to thoroughly explore the significance of authentic storytelling in marketing. They discuss the innovative collective agency model (something we hold near and dear, of course!) and the shift in focus from SEO to human-centric messaging. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer as the hero of the story, the challenges brands face in aligning their messaging, and the role of executives in personalizing brand narratives.

Join host Mary Czarnecki in this episode of the Sticky Note Marketing Show as she welcomes Katie Gray, founder of Kinetic Marketing Communications. Together, they dive into the crucial aspect of marketing success: identifying the right people to execute marketing strategies. Katie elaborates on the importance of specialized roles in marketing, drawing parallels to the medical field to emphasize the need for experienced professionals. The discussion also touches on the challenges within traditional marketing agencies, the benefits of a decentralized talent pool, and how businesses can better utilize outsourced talent. Tune in to learn actionable insights on assembling the perfect marketing team to enhance your strategy.

In this episode of Marketing Rebels: Breaking Business Barriers, we explore how building the right team helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and authors achieve big results—without burnout. Discover why going solo is a myth and how a strong, specialized team can fuel a world-changing business.

It’s been two years since ChatGPT became available to the public. Since then, artificial intelligence (AI) has taken every industry by storm, including marketing. A recent study by The Conference Board found that 87% of marketers have used AI or experimented with AI tools. The study also found that 68% of marketers use AI daily. However, even the most powerful AI models cannot be effective without human collaboration. While AI is reshaping the marketing landscape by optimizing processes and allowing marketers to access insights more easily, our industry’s success still depends on creativity and the human capacity for empathy in storytelling.

It’s frustrating to put energy into campaigns that just don’t land, especially when everyone seems to be shouting louder than the next brand. You try all the formulas, follow the trends, and still feel like you're missing something. There’s a difference between being seen and being understood, and most marketing misses that. Real connection isn’t flashy—it’s honest, clear, and built on actually knowing who you're talking to.

Katie Gray's journey from traditional agency work to founding her own marketing collective reveals a refreshing new model for the industry. After experiencing the limitations of conventional agency structures—where junior marketers get thrust into high-stakes roles prematurely and burnout leads to high turnover—she built Kinetic Marketing Communications as a solution.

Katie Gray's journey from traditional agency work to founding her own marketing collective reveals a refreshing new model for the industry. After experiencing the limitations of conventional agency structures—where junior marketers get thrust into high-stakes roles prematurely and burnout leads to high turnover—she built Kinetic Marketing Communications as a solution.

Picture the mighty stalactites and stalagmites seen far below the planet’s surface, gracing so many striking caves. How were those impressive structures created? One drip at a time, of course.

Marketers can also use the drip approach for creating truly strong bonds with their audiences, cementing brand awareness, customer loyalty, and purchases, as well. Drip campaigns use a measured approach and pre-planned materials to reach out to potential leads at just the right times and, when executed well, can greatly increase the returns marketers get on their ad spend.

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly woven into the fabric of modern marketing. From data analytics to automated customer engagement, the role of the human marketer is evolving, not disappearing. There is still a need for empathy, creativity, and strategic thinking.

Donald Trump's first term in the White House put businesses' ability to deduct advertising expenses on the chopping block. Experts say his next term could have equally significant — and surprising — implications for the industry.