Marketing in the Raw with Adam Helweh

Adam Helweh
  • 5.0 (11)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Welcome to "Marketing in the Raw," the podcast where marketing leaders reveal real-world tactics for impactful B2B strategies. Dive deep into substance with host Adam Helweh, who cuts through the fluff to deliver actionable tips and authentic insights. Join us for engaging conversations as guests share their unique journeys, successes, challenges, and battle-tested strategies. Tune in for a rich exploration of the marketing landscape and gain valuable insights to elevate your marketing game.

  1. MAY 21

    How Top CMOs Navigate Chaos Without Losing Strategy

    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/

    47 min

  2. MAR 14

    From GE to Girl Scouts: How Marketing Leadership Creates Impact

    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/

    50 min

  3. FEB 28

    Retention Secrets: How to Grow Revenue Without New Customers

    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/

    46 min

  4. FEB 21

    Sales vs. Marketing: Why the War Is Killing Your Revenue

    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/

    1h 9m

  5. FEB 7

    B2B Marketing in 2025: What Marketing Leaders Must Know

    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/

    1 hr

  6. JAN 31

    Trust and Leadership: Win B2B Clients feat. Chris Brogan

    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/

    1h 17m

  7. JAN 17

    Is Outbound Marketing Dead? Let’s Talk.

    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/

    1 hr

  8. JAN 10

    Fostering Human Connection at Scale in B2B Marketing

    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/

    1h 1m
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5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Marketing in the Raw," the podcast where marketing leaders reveal real-world tactics for impactful B2B strategies. Dive deep into substance with host Adam Helweh, who cuts through the fluff to deliver actionable tips and authentic insights. Join us for engaging conversations as guests share their unique journeys, successes, challenges, and battle-tested strategies. Tune in for a rich exploration of the marketing landscape and gain valuable insights to elevate your marketing game.

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