Embracing Marketing Mistakes

Prohibition PR
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Embracing Marketing Mistakes, the world’s leading irreverent podcast for senior marketers who are tired of the polished corporate b*llshit.  Join Chris Norton and Will Ockenden, founders of the award-winning Prohibition PR, as they sit down with industry leaders to dissect the career-ending f*ck-ups they’d rather forget. The show moves past any pretty vanity metrics to uncover the brutal, honest truths behind marketing disasters, from £30,000 SEO black holes and completely failed companies, to social media crises that went globally viral for all the wrong reasons. We don't just celebrate the f*ck-ups; we extract the tactical blueprints you need to avoid them yourself. If you are a business owner, or a CMO looking for a competitive advantage that only comes from real-world experience, this is your weekly masterclass in resilience and strategy. Listen for: Raw stories from top brands, ex-McKinsey strategists, and industry disruptors.Learn from: The errors that cost thousands and the recoveries that saved careers.Get ahead by: Turning other people's nasty disasters into your unfair market advantage. If you have a story to tell and would like to appear on the show, tell us your biggest marketing mistake and drop us a line.

  1. 9 hrs ago

    How a Transparency Slip Sparked a PR Firestorm

    In this episode of Embracing Marketing Mistakes, Chris Pharo CEO from 72 Point talks through the controversy that erupted after critics on social media challenged the term guaranteed coverage.  What began as a few confused comments quickly grew into a public discussion about ethics, transparency and how PR teams work behind the scenes. Chris explains how two members of his team were unexpectedly named online, why the situation became so stressful for everyone involved, and how a lack of clarity around their processes helped fuel the reaction. He also shares the steps 72 Point took in response, including bringing in industry expert Stuart Bruce to carry out a six-week review of their methods.  The findings surprised many people and led to important changes in how the company communicates its approach. This episode offers valuable lessons on communication, expectation setting and how to respond when a story takes on a life of its own.  Click on this link to listen to the full episode. Send us Fan Mail Is your strategy still right in 2026? Book a free 15-min no obligation discovery call with our host: 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our newsletter 👉 Subscribe to our newsletter here. 👈  Follow Chris: X, TikTok, LinkedIn Follow Will: LinkedIn Follow The Show: TikTok, YouTube Instagram

    7 min

  2. 2d ago ·  Video

    EP 116: "SEO Is Dead. It's an $85 Billion Market and It's Over"

    Everyone is talking about AI transformation. Almost no one is thinking about whether their brand shows up when customers ask AI what to buy. This episode breaks down the biggest mistake in modern marketing and why PR is quietly becoming the most powerful driver of visibility inside generative search. Recorded live at the AI for PR conference in London, this episode features Andrew Bruce Smith, Johnny Bentwood, and James Crawford. Each brings a different lens, from strategic AI adoption to data-driven marketing and PR measurement. Together, they unpack how AI is reshaping comms, why most organisations are focusing on the wrong problems, and what marketers need to do differently right now. You’ll hear: Why starting with “tools” is the wrong way to approach AIHow generative AI is changing buying behaviour across B2B and consumer marketsThe 4F framework to improve visibility in AI answersWhy earned media is driving the majority of AI citationsThe biggest commercial opportunity PR has had in yearsThis is a candid, no‑nonsense conversation about what actually matters when AI meets PR, and how to avoid getting lost in the noise. If you work in marketing, comms, or digital, this episode will help you refocus on what drives results rather than chasing the latest trend. Send us Fan Mail Is your strategy still right in 2026? Book a free 15-min no obligation discovery call with our host: 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our newsletter 👉 Subscribe to our newsletter here. 👈  Follow Chris: X, TikTok, LinkedIn Follow Will: LinkedIn Follow The Show: TikTok, YouTube Instagram

    52 min

  3. Jun 18

    The Hangover That Landed Us A Major Client

    Our guest, Guy Utley CEO of Tall Agency, shares a candid story about winning a major pitch despite being severely hungover from celebrating a "Best Creative Agency" award the night before.  This unexpected success led to a complete transformation in his approach to business presentations, moving away from over-preparation toward more authentic communication. • Celebrating winning "Best Creative Agency" award led to drinking too much the night before a 9 AM pitch • Despite being hungover and unable to remember the pitch itself, the presentation was successful • The partner agency didn't notice anything wrong with the presentation • They won the account from a major bread company despite the presenter's condition • The experience transformed his pitching approach from rigid over-preparation to more natural, flexible presentations • Focusing on knowledge and experience rather than memorised talking points creates more authentic client interactions • Being too rehearsed can make it difficult to pivot when necessary during presentations • Main lesson: "If I can win it drunk, then surely I can win it sober" Don't drink on a school night, even if it's an award celebration. And if you need help planning your diary better, speak to Will Ockenden - he's brilliant at it. Send us Fan Mail Is your strategy still right in 2026? Book a free 15-min no obligation discovery call with our host: 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our newsletter 👉 Subscribe to our newsletter here. 👈  Follow Chris: X, TikTok, LinkedIn Follow Will: LinkedIn Follow The Show: TikTok, YouTube Instagram

    6 min
  4. EP 115: The Moment Claude Co-Work Replaced 4 Days of Work in 30 Minutes

    Jun 16 ·  Video

    EP 115: The Moment Claude Co-Work Replaced 4 Days of Work in 30 Minutes

    He handed AI a full marketing project… and it came back finished in 30 minutes. What used to take 4 days of analysis, reporting, and presentation building was done in a single sitting with better insights included. In this episode, Andrew Bruce Smith breaks down how tools like Claude Co‑Work are changing the way marketers actually work. This is not about faster copy or better prompts. It is about delegating entire workflows to AI and shifting your role from execution to management. You will hear how AI can analyse raw marketing data, build reports, create presentations, and even improve on your thinking without being explicitly asked. The implications for agencies, in-house teams, and professional services are immediate. There is also a clear warning. Most organisations are still treating AI like a tool rather than a system. That gap is where both risk and opportunity now sit. If you work in marketing, this is already affecting your output, your value, and your role. Send us Fan Mail Is your strategy still right in 2026? Book a free 15-min no obligation discovery call with our host: 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our newsletter 👉 Subscribe to our newsletter here. 👈  Follow Chris: X, TikTok, LinkedIn Follow Will: LinkedIn Follow The Show: TikTok, YouTube Instagram

    1h 2m

  5. Jun 9 ·  Video

    EP 114: We Deepfaked a CEO in 2 Minutes. Here’s What Happened

    A finance worker joins a Zoom call with their CFO and colleagues. Everything looks and sounds real. They transfer $25 million. Every person on that call was fake. AI misinformation has moved from theory to real-world crisis, and brands are already losing control. From deepfake CEOs and fake giveaways to hijacked campaigns and cloned influencer accounts, the speed and scale of risk has changed completely. In this episode, Will and I break down how AI is reshaping crisis management in 2026 and why most organisations are still underprepared. You’ll hear real examples of deepfake fraud, brand damage, and misinformation spreading faster than teams can respond. We also walk through a practical framework to help you protect your brand, including how to respond in the first 24 hours, how to monitor AI-driven threats, and how to build a proactive crisis plan that accounts for today’s risks. If you lead marketing, comms or brand, this is no longer optional. It is operational risk. Send us Fan Mail Is your strategy still right in 2026? Book a free 15-min no obligation discovery call with our host: 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our newsletter 👉 Subscribe to our newsletter here. 👈  Follow Chris: X, TikTok, LinkedIn Follow Will: LinkedIn Follow The Show: TikTok, YouTube Instagram

    57 min

  6. Jun 4 ·  Video

    The Mistake That Burnt Me Out: Staying Too Long Where I Didn’t Belong

    Cory Koryczan opens up about the career mistake that nearly broke her. Staying too long in a role that no longer fit. She’d built her identity around someone else’s business and clung to safety until it led to burnout. In this episode, Cory talks about the cost of over-loyalty, the fear that kept her stuck, and how she rebuilt her courage to finally walk away. She also shares a second big lesson from returning to work after maternity leave.  Why confidence doesn’t just snap back and how discomfort became her best teacher. It’s honest, raw, and packed with lessons for anyone who’s ever ignored their gut to “play it safe.”  Send us Fan Mail Is your strategy still right in 2026? Book a free 15-min no obligation discovery call with our host: 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our newsletter 👉 Subscribe to our newsletter here. 👈  Follow Chris: X, TikTok, LinkedIn Follow Will: LinkedIn Follow The Show: TikTok, YouTube Instagram

    4 min
  7. EP 113: Why Most CMOs Fail at Brand Strategy

    Jun 2 ·  Video

    EP 113: Why Most CMOs Fail at Brand Strategy

    Most marketing fails before a single ad is made. Not because the execution is bad, but because teams leap straight to tactics and skip the strategy underneath. Ben Norman calls the result "busy fools": lots of activity, very little impact. Ben, Strategy Director at Principles Agency and host of Marketing Room 101, joins Chris and Will to break down what brand strategy actually is, why so many senior marketers get it wrong, and how to do it properly without drowning in 20-page decks and brand "salad bowls". What you'll learn: The simplest definition of strategy you'll hear, using Ben's "person and product" modelWhy diagnosis comes before strategy, and strategy before tactics (borrowed from the ancient Greeks)The Three Cs framework: customer, company, competition, and why every problem comes back to themThe "bow tie" method for distilling a mountain of insight down to a single wordWhy you should think in alternatives, not competitors (a Snickers competes with doing nothing, not just a KitKat)The McCafé anti-poncery campaign and what makes it a masterclass in positioningWhy "channel neutrality" matters, and why SEO, GEO and AEO are all just "search"How strategic thinking applies to everything from cleaning your house to running the countryPlus Ben serves up his now-famous Menu of Mistakes, including the £70k pitch that got away, the food shoot where he forgot to book the art director and styled it out by pretending he was one, and the Wally the Whale mascot meltdown at Wetherby Racecourse that ruined childhoods and lost punters their bets. The conversation closes with the three things Ben would banish from marketing right now: tiny microphones, people misusing the word "omnichannel", and the damage social media is doing to society. Chapters: 0:00 Intro  1:15 Building a podcast with Room 101  4:35 Mini MBA and marketing basics  7:40 What strategy really means  12:35 The Three Cs and the bow tie  17:55 Listening first and field research  21:00 Knowing when insight is enough  24:55 McCafé and anti-poncery positioning  29:10 Strategy thinking in daily life  34:45 False binaries and channel neutrality  39:35 What communications means in practice  42:25 The menu of marketing mistakes  46:30 Wally the Whale mascot meltdown  51:05 The missing art director food shoot  54:40 Three things to banish now  57:35 Social media harm and regulation Connect with Ben Norman on LinkedIn Send us Fan Mail Is your strategy still right in 2026? Book a free 15-min no obligation discovery call with our host: 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our newsletter 👉 Subscribe to our newsletter here. 👈  Follow Chris: X, TikTok, LinkedIn Follow Will: LinkedIn Follow The Show: TikTok, YouTube Instagram

    1h 6m

  8. May 28 ·  Video

    I Took A Team To Paris And Discovered The Brief Was In Spam

    A missed brief. A room full of decision-makers. A team fresh off the Eurostar waiting to present a tailored proposal that never existed—because the client’s detailed instructions were quietly filed in spam. We tell the whole story with candour, including the costs, the embarrassment, and the uncomfortable gap between personal brand and reality when a simple system failure derails a big moment. We dig into what professionalism really looks like in sales and agency life: not bravado at the pitch, but the boring brilliance of process. You’ll hear why “creds plus” only works at the right funnel stage, how attendee lists hint at evaluation versus discovery, and where most teams stumble when meetings evolve without explicit re-qualification. We break down practical safeguards—48-hour objective confirmations, shared inbox rules, whitelisting, pre-flight checklists, and backup comms channels—that make important emails unmissable and keep live meetings aligned with buyer expectations. There’s also the human layer. Pride takes a knock when your edge is process mastery and the basics fail; we talk openly about that ego hit and how to respond without excuse-making. From rapid acknowledgement to a 48-hour turnaround on a tailored proposal, we share recovery moves that rebuild trust and sometimes strengthen relationships. If you sell, pitch, or lead client work, this story will arm you with simple, repeatable habits that prevent single points of failure and turn confidence into evidence. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a teammate who runs high-stakes meetings, and leave a quick review telling us your most expensive lesson learned. Send us Fan Mail Is your strategy still right in 2026? Book a free 15-min no obligation discovery call with our host: 👉 [Book your call with Chris now] 👈 Subscribe to our newsletter 👉 Subscribe to our newsletter here. 👈  Follow Chris: X, TikTok, LinkedIn Follow Will: LinkedIn Follow The Show: TikTok, YouTube Instagram

    6 min
See All (179)

Trailers

About

Welcome to Embracing Marketing Mistakes, the world’s leading irreverent podcast for senior marketers who are tired of the polished corporate b*llshit.  Join Chris Norton and Will Ockenden, founders of the award-winning Prohibition PR, as they sit down with industry leaders to dissect the career-ending f*ck-ups they’d rather forget. The show moves past any pretty vanity metrics to uncover the brutal, honest truths behind marketing disasters, from £30,000 SEO black holes and completely failed companies, to social media crises that went globally viral for all the wrong reasons. We don't just celebrate the f*ck-ups; we extract the tactical blueprints you need to avoid them yourself. If you are a business owner, or a CMO looking for a competitive advantage that only comes from real-world experience, this is your weekly masterclass in resilience and strategy. Listen for: Raw stories from top brands, ex-McKinsey strategists, and industry disruptors.Learn from: The errors that cost thousands and the recoveries that saved careers.Get ahead by: Turning other people's nasty disasters into your unfair market advantage. If you have a story to tell and would like to appear on the show, tell us your biggest marketing mistake and drop us a line.

Information

  • Creator
    Prohibition PR
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    179
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Embracing Marketing Mistakes
  • Show Website
    Embracing Marketing Mistakes

You Might Also Like