StrategyCast

Lori Jones from Avocet Communications
  • 4.9 (67)
  • Marketing
  • Weekly

The StrategyCast podcast explores the nature of what it means to be at the helm of marketing decisions. Every episode is crafted to make people think, to spark some “aha!” moments, and to illustrate just how important a truly integrated marketing strategy and a solid, inspired brand presence are to success and longevity.Your host, Lori Jones, is the President & CEO of Avocet Communications, and she has over 30 years of integrated marketing experience. Lori has interviewed over 400 top business leaders on the show with backgrounds in B2B and B2C from brands such as General Motors, IBM, McDonald's, and Netsuite.It is the wisest and most successful of leaders who know the value of advice, can listen, and can share their experiences with others. Whether you're a CEO, a CMO, a Marketing Director, or an entrepreneur who wears many hats, this podcast is for you. For more information and show notes, go to strategycast.com. You can also follow @Strategy_Cast on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

  1. 2d ago

    AI Won't Fix a Bad Strategy. It Will Make It Worse, feat. Rick Brown

    AI can make your marketing faster and more sophisticated, but it cannot fix a weak strategy. Rick Brown joins Lori Jones to explain how marketers can separate valuable AI investments from expensive experimentation, strengthen the fundamentals first, and reach buyers earlier in the decision-making journey. Rick shares lessons from building MarketStorm and working at the intersection of AI, data, advertising, and growth. They explore why randomly adopting AI tools can waste time and money, what happens when technology is layered over weak positioning or brand equity, and why marketers may be focusing too much attention on the final click. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 00:00 Where AI fits in your marketing strategy01:22 How Rick Brown built MarketStorm02:47 Finding buyers at the beginning of the decision process04:15 Using buying signals in long B2B sales cycles05:55 Reaching buyers before they know they need your solution06:56 Winning customers in the messy middle08:18 When AI strategy becomes expensive guesswork10:33 Experimenting with AI vs. making it strategic14:33 Why marketers need to fix the fundamentals first17:05 What happens when you destroy existing brand equity19:33 Where AI actually belongs in the solution20:56 Understanding the customer journey22:47 Ad targeting, privacy, and responsible marketing26:26 What marketers should stop doing in 202726:59 Why last-click attribution misses the bigger picture ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

    AI Won't Fix a Bad Strategy. It Will Make It Worse, feat. Rick Brown

  2. Oct 27

    More Data Isn’t Making Marketing Smarter. Better Judgment Is, feat. Rachel Conforti

    More marketing data does not automatically lead to smarter decisions. As AI accelerates analysis and every channel produces its own metrics, the real advantage for marketing leaders is knowing which signals deserve attention and which ones are simply noise. In this episode of StrategyCast, Lori Jones talks with Rachel Conforti about the shift from data-driven marketing to judgment-driven decision-making. They explore how marketers can build trusted data foundations, connect measurement to actual business outcomes, and use AI as an accelerator without handing over the responsibility to think critically. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 00:00 Why more marketing data is not the advantage it once was01:29 Rachel Conforti’s journey from out-of-home to ad tech04:01 When more data makes decisions more complicated05:21 Why more marketing data has not created more confidence07:53 Connecting fragmented customer journeys and measurement09:17 Measuring short-term and long-term business outcomes11:18 How Mattress Firm turned marketing signals into sales13:03 Why B2B marketing still comes down to human behavior16:10 What a marketing signal actually tells you18:21 How bad targeting creates wasted marketing spend20:23 Choosing marketing metrics that matter to the business22:08 Why AI should be an advisor, not the decision-maker25:49 Building a trusted source of truth for marketing data27:49 The shift from data-driven to judgment-driven marketing29:41 Why marketers need to pay attention to AI search32:29 Building the right marketing tech stack35:41 Why human judgment still determines what deserves action ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

    More Data Isn’t Making Marketing Smarter. Better Judgment Is, feat. Rachel Conforti

  3. Oct 20

    A Trusted Brand Can Still Be Forgettable. Here’s Why.

    A trusted brand can still lose the customer when every competitor looks equally credible. In this StrategyCast solocast, Lori Jones explores why trust is essential to brand strategy, but belief is what ultimately drives preference, action, loyalty, and advocacy. Lori breaks down the progression from credibility to confidence to trust to belief, and explains why each stage answers a different question in the customer’s decision-making process. Through examples from Costco, Volunteers of America Colorado, and Apple, she shows how brands can move beyond simply being reliable and give customers something meaningful and distinctive to believe. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 00:00 Why trust is not the finish line02:31 Credibility, confidence, trust, and belief03:42 How Costco turns trust into belief05:04 The problem with trust without distinction06:31 Finding the belief inside Volunteers of America Colorado08:16 Six conditions that help brand belief form09:42 A practical brand belief check10:39 How belief gives brands permission to lead11:23 Moving from trust architecture to belief12:10 What must your audience believe to choose you?13:50 Why belief drives action and advocacy ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

    A Trusted Brand Can Still Be Forgettable. Here’s Why.

  4. Oct 13

    The B2B Shortlist Is Forming Earlier. Will Your Brand Make the Cut?, feat. Victoria Albert

    The B2B shortlist is forming earlier than most marketers realize. Buyers are using AI, peers, independent research, and past experiences to evaluate vendors before they ever raise their hand, which means your brand may be in or out of consideration before sales sees a signal. Lori Jones talks with Victoria Albert, CMO of Infuse, about how marketers can influence this invisible buying window. They explore why brand gets you considered but credibility and proof help you win, how AI is creating a sea of sameness, and why original content, AEO/GEO visibility, and answers to real buyer questions are becoming essential to B2B marketing strategy. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 00:00 The invisible B2B buying window02:25 The Day 0 to Day 1 framework04:15 B2B buyers are getting faster and more private06:50 Why traditional demand generation is falling behind08:55 The B2B funnel is collapsing10:32 Brand gets you in the room, proof helps win12:13 How AI is industrializing sameness16:34 The operational challenge behind AI adoption20:11 The confidence paradox in AI-assisted buying21:21 Which information sources B2B buyers trust23:46 Brand awareness and the dark funnel25:24 AI confidence across the buying group28:53 What modern CMOs need to change29:28 The AI personalization execution gap31:18 SEO vs. AEO and GEO investment32:56 How to audit your brand's visibility in AI36:09 Where to find Victoria's B2B research36:49 Being found is not the same as being believed ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

    The B2B Shortlist Is Forming Earlier. Will Your Brand Make the Cut?, feat. Victoria Albert

  5. Oct 6

    Why Better AI Doesn’t Automatically Lead to Better Marketing Decisions, feat. Tiffany Mullin-Radosevich

    Better AI does not automatically produce better marketing decisions. As AI tools become widely available, the real advantage comes from proprietary customer understanding, trustworthy data, and the human judgment to know which insights actually matter. On StrategyCast, Lori Jones talks with Tiffany Mullin-Radosevich, VP of Growth Operations at AYTM, about the changing relationship between AI, consumer insights, and marketing strategy. They explore why marketing and insights teams are becoming more integrated, how leaders can evaluate AI-generated answers, and why faster access to data can create risk when the underlying context is weak. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 00:00 Why better AI does not guarantee better decisions02:05 Tiffany’s journey from marketing to consumer insights04:09 How the insights industry is changing06:23 Marketing and insights become one decision engine07:46 What marketers should ask their insights teams09:00 The risk of skipping real consumer research10:06 Where competitive advantage comes from in an AI world12:31 Building proprietary human understanding13:36 Why the quality of human data matters16:50 How to decide whether an AI insight is trustworthy18:17 What to automate and where human judgment belongs19:20 How AYTM uses AI agents in marketing20:46 Why more AI-generated content is not always better21:50 AI, expertise, and the problem of false confidence24:01 Creating AI governance and a shared source of truth25:49 How to reinvest the time AI gives you back27:21 Building a stronger AI and marketing system for 202729:31 Why intelligence alone does not create belief ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

    Why Better AI Doesn’t Automatically Lead to Better Marketing Decisions, feat. Tiffany Mullin-Radosevich

  6. Sep 29

    The “Why Should I Choose You?” Test Every Marketing Team Should Try, feat. John Ravaris

    When growth slows, more marketing activity may only amplify a value proposition that is not differentiated enough. John Rivera explains how marketing leaders can answer the critical “Why should I choose you?” question, uncover what customers actually value, and turn differentiation into sustainable growth. In this StrategyCast conversation with Lori Jones, John Rivera, consultant, speaker, and author of Define Value, Drive Growth, breaks down why successful companies can stall as their customers and competitive landscape become more sophisticated. He shares how customer discovery, outcome-based messaging, marketing and sales alignment, and client advocacy can help brands escape the sea of sameness. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 00:00 Why more marketing may not solve stalled growth05:11 Why successful companies stop growing10:15 The “Why should I choose you?” test12:43 Like competencies vs. unique competencies14:01 Turning common services into differentiated outcomes18:39 The 4D Roadmap for defining value19:49 Why meaningful differentiation starts with discovery23:40 Turning clients into brand advocates24:51 Finding differentiation inside your company culture27:47 How Chewy makes customer experience tangible29:16 What real marketing and sales alignment looks like32:13 Where CMOs can start when sales and marketing are misaligned33:11 Turning satisfied clients into active advocates35:49 How AI can accelerate value proposition discovery37:58 Define Value, Drive Growth ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

    The “Why Should I Choose You?” Test Every Marketing Team Should Try, feat. John Ravaris

  7. Sep 22

    Why Moving Too Fast With AI Could Cost Your Brand Customer Trust, feat. Tara DeZao

    Moving fast with AI can create efficiency, but without the right guardrails, it can also put customer trust, brand authenticity, and customer relationships at risk. Tara DeZao joins Lori on StrategyCast to explain why responsible AI governance may become one of the most important competitive advantages for marketers. From AI-powered personalization and agents to customer service and generative content, Tara breaks down what happens when organizations prioritize speed without enough human oversight. She explains why governance should be a foundation for AI strategy, how cross-functional teams can reduce risk, and why AI works best as a collaborator rather than a replacement for human judgment. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 00:00 Why customer trust matters in the AI era01:47 What marketers were talking about at Cannes02:54 Lessons from data privacy and transparency04:06 Why AI governance should be a strategic guardrail05:33 Building a cross-functional AI governance board07:03 Breaking down data and human silos08:37 Measuring customer relationships beyond short-term metrics10:31 Why AI should collaborate with humans, not replace them12:57 Where AI agents belong in marketing15:52 How AI-generated content can undermine authenticity18:43 Why automated AI workflows need human oversight20:00 Brand drift, hallucinations, and choosing the right AI24:23 What to do when AI gets it wrong25:45 The hidden cost of moving too fast with AI28:14 Building an internal culture of responsible AI29:51 AI advice for marketers planning for 202731:16 Where AI could take businesses in the next two years34:13 Why people, not AI, create trust ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

    Why Moving Too Fast With AI Could Cost Your Brand Customer Trust, feat. Tara DeZao

  8. Sep 15

    How AI Is Upending Buyer Behavior (And Smart Marketers Are Adapting), feat. Andrew Davis

    AI is changing how B2B buyers search, evaluate solutions, and decide which brands to trust. For marketers, that means traffic, leads, and traditional attribution metrics no longer tell the whole story. On StrategyCast, Lori Jones talks with Andrew Davis, SVP of Marketing and Sales at TextUs, about how AI is upending buyer behavior and forcing marketers to rethink their go-to-market strategies. Andrew explains why today's buyer journey happens across Google, AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude, review sites, retargeting, and other touchpoints long before a prospect converts. And don't forget! You can crush your marketing strategy with just a few minutes a week by signing up for the StrategyCast Newsletter. You'll receive weekly bursts of marketing tips, clips, resources, and a whole lot more. Visit https://strategycast.com/ for more details. ==Let's Break It Down== 00:00 How AI Is Changing Buyer Behavior01:42 Andrew Davis' Path From Sales to Marketing04:21 Why Traditional Marketing Playbooks Stop Working06:11 AI Search, AEO, GEO, and Changing Demand08:00 The New Multi-Channel Buyer Journey10:39 Why Traffic Is Not the Same as Demand14:16 Lead Scoring and Multi-Channel Engagement16:11 Why Cost Per Lead Can Be Misleading17:48 Personalization and Human Connection in the AI Era22:08 How Modern GTM Strategies Are Changing24:28 Why Creative Testing Needs to Happen Faster27:37 The Marketing Skills That Matter in an AI-Driven World31:28 Human Intelligence as an AI Advantage32:37 Where to Connect With Andrew Davis33:23 Building Trust Across the Buyer Journey ==Where You Can Find Us== Website: https://strategycast.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategy_cast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strategycast ==Leave a Review== Hey there, StrategyCast fans! If you've found our tips and tricks on marketing strategies helpful in growing your business, we'd be thrilled if you could take a moment to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback not only supports us but also helps others discover how they can elevate their business game!

    How AI Is Upending Buyer Behavior (And Smart Marketers Are Adapting), feat. Andrew Davis
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4.9
out of 5
67 Ratings

About

The StrategyCast podcast explores the nature of what it means to be at the helm of marketing decisions. Every episode is crafted to make people think, to spark some “aha!” moments, and to illustrate just how important a truly integrated marketing strategy and a solid, inspired brand presence are to success and longevity.Your host, Lori Jones, is the President & CEO of Avocet Communications, and she has over 30 years of integrated marketing experience. Lori has interviewed over 400 top business leaders on the show with backgrounds in B2B and B2C from brands such as General Motors, IBM, McDonald's, and Netsuite.It is the wisest and most successful of leaders who know the value of advice, can listen, and can share their experiences with others. Whether you're a CEO, a CMO, a Marketing Director, or an entrepreneur who wears many hats, this podcast is for you. For more information and show notes, go to strategycast.com. You can also follow @Strategy_Cast on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Information

  • Creator
    Lori Jones from Avocet Communications
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    611
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 StrategyCast
  • Show Website
    StrategyCast

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