In this episode, we’re joined by Colleen O’Hara, EVP and Head of Chicago Digital at Zeno Group — a global integrated communications agency transforming how brands approach digital storytelling, influencer marketing, and brand safety. Colleen unpacks how Zeno’s team works with 500+ creators annually to deliver campaigns that are creative, compliant, and scalable. From using AI for vetting and trendspotting to fostering long-term creator partnerships, Colleen shares what it really takes to manage risk while still staying culturally relevant. She also dives into Zeno’s in-house AI Hive tool for identifying emerging social trends, the importance of “fewer, bigger, better” partnerships, and why human storytelling will always win in an AI-driven world. 🎯 Key Topics Discussed: 1. How Zeno Group manages 500+ creators across campaigns 2. Using AI for influencer vetting & brand safety 3. The return of micro-influencers & why they now outperform 4. Fewer, better, long-term creator partnerships vs media buys 5. AI trendspotting with Zeno’s in-house “Hive” tool 6. Why fake faces can’t build real influence 7. Future of AI agents & human-AI collaboration in marketing