In this episode, Cassie and Ally sit down to unpack what it really takes to stand out in today’s competitive job market. After being laid off in early 2025, Ally found herself navigating interviews from a new perspective—and along the way, she discovered a framework that reshaped the way she communicates her strengths and value: The Three Cs—Clarity, Conviction, and Concise. Together, they break down how each “C” helps you show up as your best self in interviews, from defining your point of view to speaking with confidence and precision. Whether you’re job hunting or just want to articulate your value more effectively, this episode will help you refine how you tell your story—and get hired faster.
Key Takeaways:
// The Three Cs Framework: How clarity, conviction, and conciseness can transform your interview performance.
// Clarity: Learn how to clearly communicate your value proposition and point of view to any interviewer.
// Conviction: Why confidence isn’t just a feeling—it’s an energy you project through preparation and self-awareness.
// Concise: How brevity signals competence and makes your story stick.
// Preparation Tips: The power of prep docs, rehearsal time, and gut-checking with mentors before the big day.
// Mindset Shift: Why interviews aren’t about proving yourself—they’re about showing up as your most authentic, aligned self.
Connect with Ally: LinkedIn
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In a digital world where 85% of young adults get their news from social media but only 5% trust it, brands face an unprecedented challenge: building credibility in an algorithm-driven landscape. In this episode, we’re joined by Casey Madsen of Vayner, who breaks down insights from their latest research on the state of PR, content, and consumer trust. We discuss how “earned media” and influencer storytelling have merged, why only 29% of brand leaders feel their voice is consistently authentic, and what marketers must do to earn real attention in 2026 and beyond. Whether you’re leading a comms team or just starting your marketing career, this episode unpacks the evolving intersection of credibility, creativity, and connection in the attention economy.
Key Takeaways:
// Credibility Crisis: With only 5% of social media users fully trusting the content they see, brands must focus on transparency, consistency, and community-driven storytelling to rebuild trust.
// The Overlap of PR and Social: The walls between traditional PR and social storytelling are gone — teams must now think like creators, not just communicators.
// Authenticity Gap: Only 29% of brands believe their voice is truly consistent. The fix? Align every piece of content with your brand’s values, tone, and long-term mission.
// The Rise of Earned Attention: As paid reach declines, the brands that win will be those who earn engagement through relevance, not repetition.
// New Skills for the Modern Marketer: The next generation of communicators needs to be data-driven, platform-native, and emotionally intelligent, blending creative instinct with analytical insight.
// Career Advice for Emerging Talent: Focus on mastering storytelling, speed, and strategy — the three currencies of credibility in the modern media landscape.
Download the Report: HERE
Connect with Casey: LinkedIn
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In this episode, Cassie reflects on six years of consulting, the evolution of marketing careers, and what it really takes to grow (without burning out) in 2026 and beyond. From the rise of AI to the importance of human connection, we’re talking about how to stay adaptable, keep learning, and find new inspiration in your work. Cassie shares her own career pivots, lessons from the Digital Summit in Philly, and the key skills that will define the next era of marketing.
Key Takeaways:
// Why marketing is still a viable — and essential — career path in a tech-driven world
// How to use AI as a creative tool to elevate, not replace, your expertise
// The difference between career burnout and a misaligned role (and how to tell which one you’re facing)
// The top skills that will future-proof your marketing career: writing, communication, adaptability, and curiosity
Connect with Cassie: LinkedIn
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What happens when one of the most iconic nonprofits in the world reimagines its brand for a new generation? In this episode, we sit down with Joanna Sabato, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Ronald McDonald House, to explore the strategy and storytelling behind the organization’s bold new “Family Stays” campaign.
From evolving a legacy brand and reaching Gen Z and Millennial audiences, to crafting authentic, emotionally resonant stories voiced by real families, Joanna shares how the campaign redefines what it means to connect with audiences in today’s media landscape.
Key Takeaways:
// How Ronald McDonald House evolved its brand while honoring decades of trust and legacy.
// The creative and strategic process behind the “Family Stays” campaign.
// Why authenticity and real family voices became the heart of the campaign’s storytelling.
// The importance of reaching younger audiences through emerging media and relatable narratives.
// How nonprofits can think like modern brands while staying mission-driven.
// Measuring success beyond impressions — focusing on emotional connection and impact.
// Lessons for marketers on building relevance and resonance in a fast-changing media landscape.
Connect with Joanna: LinkedIn
Learn more about the Ronald McDonald House: Family Stays Campaign | LinkedIn | Website
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Ally takes the host seat to debrief with Cassie on her recent trip to Digital Summit in Philadelphia. Digital Summit is where digital marketing leaders connect, learn and obtain resources to inspire and enable a growth mindset. We discuss Cassie’s learnings from various sessions and workshops across AI, innovation, digital marketing and culture.
Key Takeaways:
// Create for discovery. Not your followers. Assume every viewer of your content doesn’t know your brand.
// Algorithms are rewarding relevance. Have a trend playbook to tap into ones that align with your brand.
// Stop tracking vanity metrics and start tracking depth signals. Track completion rate, saves, shares, and comments with depth insights over emojis.
// Use AI as a tool to scale various processes. AI tools are only as smart as the information we feed it with.
Find a Digital Summit event near you. Use code ‘MHH20’ for 20% off!
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Taylor Swift isn’t just breaking records—she’s redefining what it means to market in the digital age. In this episode, Cassie and Ally unpack the marketing brilliance behind Taylor’s Eras Tour and beyond, exploring how she uses storytelling, connection, and innovation to keep her audience engaged. From live Easter eggs to building anticipation through mystery and intrigue, we break down the strategies Swift uses to create loyalty, spark excitement, and make every launch feel like an event. Whether you’re a podcaster, creator, or brand, this conversation will give you actionable ways to infuse your marketing with the same magic that keeps Taylor fans coming back for more.
Key Takeaways:
// Drive connection with your audience through storytelling in unique channels.
// Tease content live with your audience to build mystery and intrigue through emerging media types.
// The importance of giving every campaign or product launch its own unique spin.
// How to engage your audience continually, even when you’re not in the middle of a “big launch.”
// Lessons from The Life of a Showgirl and how podcasting can serve as a hero content engine.
// Strategies for blending personal brand and professional brand to connect more deeply with your audience.
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What does it take to thrive in today’s creator economy? Kahlea Wade, CEO and Founder of Alora Society, an award-winning influencer talent agency, joins me to break down what’s working (and not working) in influencer marketing in 2025. With experience leading campaigns for brands like Meta, Nike, Amazon Prime, and Skims, Kahlea shares how brands can write better briefs, why LinkedIn is becoming a powerful platform for creators, and the mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to build confidence and resilience. Whether you’re a brand marketer, a creator, or a solopreneur, this conversation will help you better understand how to create partnerships that actually work.
Key Takeaways:
// The biggest mistakes brands still make when working with creators in 2025—and how to avoid them.
// What every strong brand brief should include (and what to leave out).
// How to use LinkedIn to build authority and expand your network as a creator or professional.
// Why confidence and persistence matter when facing rejection—and how to keep showing up.
// Tips for building a personal brand that positions you for opportunities in and outside of social media.
// What makes a brand activation or live event worth the investment for both creators and brands.
Connect with Kahlea: Instagram | Alora on Instagram
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In this episode of Marketing Happy Hour, we’re joined by Bette Ann Fialkov, Fractional Head of Influencer Marketing and Professor at Parsons, who has led influencer and celebrity partnership strategies for powerhouse brands including Google, Lyft, and Hims & Hers. With nearly 15 years of experience, Bette Ann shares the playbook for building and scaling influencer programs, the lessons she’s learned moving between brand and consultancy roles, and the secret to creating partnerships that put brands at the center of culture. Whether you’re just getting started with influencer marketing or looking to elevate your program to the next level, this episode is packed with insights you can apply right away.
Key Takeaways:
// What it really takes to scale an influencer program from test-and-learn to fully operational.
// How major brands like Google and Lyft leveraged influencers and celebrities to tell cultural stories.
// The biggest lessons Bette Ann has learned from moving between in-house brand roles and consultancy work.
// Where influencer marketing is headed next — and the shifts brands need to prepare for.
// The surprising questions her students at Parsons are asking about the future of partnerships.
Connect with Bette Ann: LinkedIn
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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This week on Marketing Happy Hour, we’re joined by Jessy Grossman, Founder of Women in Influencer Marketing (WIIM). From building one of the fastest-growing influencer talent agencies in under two years to creating a global community that empowers women in the influencer marketing space, Jessy has been at the forefront of industry innovation. In this conversation, she shares her career journey, the inspiration behind WIIM, and her perspective on the challenges women face in business today. You’ll also hear her take on where influencer marketing is headed in the next 3–5 years — and why community-driven spaces like WIIM are more important than ever.
Key Takeaways:
// How Jessy built one of the fastest-growing influencer talent agencies in under two years.
// The biggest challenges women face in influencer marketing — and strategies to overcome them.
// What it takes to keep a professional community valuable and relevant in a fast-changing industry.
// Predictions for where influencer marketing is heading in the next 3–5 years.
// A reminder of why connection and community are critical for long-term career success.
Connect with Jessy: Instagram | LinkedIn
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In this final episode of our POSSIBLE series, we sit down with David Pangilinan, Senior Manager of Audience Impact and Intelligence at Paramount Advertising, to explore how brands can win big by leveraging tentpole moments. From live events and major film releases to cultural shifts that dominate the headlines, Paramount has perfected the art of turning high-profile moments into powerful opportunities for advertisers. David breaks down common mistakes brands make, strategies for staying authentic, and the four pillars for success he shared at POSSIBLE—our favorite presentation of the entire conference. If you want actionable insights on how to turn cultural relevance into measurable ROI, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.
Key Takeaways:
// What tentpole marketing really means today—and how the definition is evolving in an always-on, digital-first landscape.
// How to authentically connect with audiences during cultural and industry moments without forcing the brand fit.
// The four proven strategies for tentpole success that Paramount uses to deliver impact at scale.
// Mistakes brands should avoid when trying to insert themselves into cultural conversations.
// How to measure ROI when investing in tentpole-related campaigns.
// Where audience expectations are heading in 2025 and beyond, and what marketers need to pay attention to now.
Connect with David: LinkedIn
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Ally and I sit down with Ilana Gelfand, Senior Manager, Global Social Strategy at Disney Consumer Products. With 12+ years of experience in marketing and social media, Ilana has led creative content and brand strategy for some of the world’s most popular brands, including Disney and Loungefly. We discuss Ilana’s illustrious career in selling a lifestyle over a product and how the organic positioning of that lifestyle is the unlock to greater audience connection. We walk through how to drive authenticity within your brand’s consumers through nostalgia, self-expression and niche fandoms.
Key Takeaways:
// To sell a lifestyle instead of a product - identify your target audience, learn how they want to be seen and align your messaging to how they want to be spoken to.
// Build nostalgia for your brand by referencing the past and finding fresh ways to incorporate it in the present.
// When choosing influencers for a campaign, consider lookalike influencers that may have various crossover interests that align with the campaign look and feel.
// Brands are currently underutilizing Pinterest - Gen Z is using Pinterest as a creative outlet and opportunity to build an individual user world.
Connect with Ilana: LinkedIn | Instagram
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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Part 2 - This week’s episode is inspired by an incredible guest essay from Jonathan Hurwitz, Emmy-nominated writer and creative consultant, originally featured in Rachel Karten’s Substack, Link in Bio. Jonathan spent a decade writing at Disney, and in that time, he picked up storytelling lessons that translate seamlessly into social media marketing. These tips—distilled from a presentation he gave to an agency team—are packed with actionable ways to infuse more depth, emotion, and connection into your brand’s content. From using comedy that taps into universal truths to building “full circle” narratives your audience won’t forget, we’re sharing 5 (MORE) storytelling principles you can start applying to your next post, campaign, or content calendar.
Key Takeaways:
Tip 6 // Comedy = Truth + Specificity – Humor that resonates comes from nuance and oddly familiar details. Aim for those “that’s me!” moments to foster audience connection.
Tip 7 // There Are No New Stories – Many beloved stories are inspired by others. Stand out by infusing your brand’s unique point of view into familiar formats.
Tip 8 // Theme Drives Plot and Story – Whether it’s authenticity, humor, or aspiration, your brand should own a distinct “vibe” that resonates emotionally with your audience.
Tip 9 // Story Structure is Key – Understand the traditional rules of storytelling—then decide when to follow them or break them to stand out.
Tip 10 // The Best Stories Come Full Circle – Opening with a question and closing with resolution delivers a satisfying audience experience and drives deeper emotional impact.
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Ally and I debrief a recent guest essay from Jonathan Hurwitz, Emmy-nominated writer and creative consultant from Rachel Karten’s Substack, Link in Bio. Jonathan spent 10 years writing at Disney - and through this essay, shares how to apply his learnings from Disney to social media marketing. In part 1 of this 2-part episode, we discuss the first 5 storytelling tips from the essay and break down real-world social media applications you can test and learn with your brand’s social presence.
Key Takeaways:
Tip 1 // If you don’t have stakes, you don’t have a story. Add stakes to any story makes the audience care about the characters they’re watching.
Tip 2 // Shapes can elicit feelings. Create feeling and understanding with your audience through auditory and/or visual tools.
Tip 3 // You can’t get surprise without expectation. That’s the core of drama. By teasing what’s coming in the video, you can help stop the doom scroll with wording like “wait until the end” or “wait for it.”
Tip 4 // The conflict is the story. There is tension created between want and need. Be clear about how you want to drive audience adoption and behavior through their wants and needs.
Tip 5 // TV has the ability to evolve over time, whereas movies just are. A brand’s “TV-show” style content keeps the audience engaged day-to-day while the “movies” give them something to look forward to and talk about in a bigger cultural moment.
Connect with Ally: LinkedIn, Instagram
Subscribe to Rachel Karten’s Link in Bio Newsletter
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Kamara Turner, Brand Communications Manager at Walgreens, joins me for a deep dive into the ever-evolving world of retail PR and brand storytelling. With a track record spanning iconic campaigns—from launching OTC NARCAN to the buzzworthy Nice! Mango Gummies—Kamara shares the behind-the-scenes insights on how she builds integrated strategies that generate results. We discuss the power of niche creators, modern measures of influencer success, and the mindset shifts that have shaped her growth across both agency and in-house roles.
Key Takeaways:
// Why Kamara believes starting before you feel ready is often the smartest move in your career.
// Why creators who lean into their niche deliver the most value in PR campaigns.
// How Kamara approaches influencer partnerships and measures success beyond just likes and reach.
// What inspired her to start Pulse and Perspective on LinkedIn, and how it helps her reflect on the state of brand storytelling.
// The retail and brand headlines that comms pros should be paying attention to right now.
Connect with Kamara: LinkedIn
Read Pulse and Perspective: LinkedIn
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In this episode, I sit down with Megan Duong, the CEO and co-founder of Plot, an AI-powered social video listening tool backed by Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six. With a background in brand marketing at Apple and years leading her own agency, Megan brings a rare mix of creative intuition and data fluency to the table. We dive into how short-form video is changing the way we understand consumer behavior, why traditional social listening is no longer enough, and how brands can use these new insights to drive strategy.
Key Takeaways:
// How Megan’s experience at Apple shaped her approach to tech, culture, and storytelling
// Why traditional social listening tools fall short in a video-first world
// The difference between “monitoring” and true insight—and what to do with that data
// Surprising social behaviors that brands often miss entirely
// What authenticity really means in 2025 (and how Gen Z defines it)
// How Megan is building Plot with intention, from team culture to product vision
// The vanity metrics social teams should stop chasing—and what to focus on instead
Connect with Megan: LinkedIn
Learn more about Plot: LinkedIn
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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Lauren joins Ally and I for the latest episode of our POSSIBLE event series. Lauren dives into her extensive career in sales, technology and media across some of the world’s leading platforms - and what ultimately brought her to Chase Media Solutions. We discuss the importance of hyper-personalization and what marketers should be leveraging in their strategies to stand out in a crowded retail media and commerce space.
Key Takeaways:
// Building hyper-personalized strategies through the use of data adds immense value to the consumer.
// Retail media networks are partnering to help drive innovation and solutions for marketers through tailoring ways that brands work with them.
// In a study that Chase Media Solutions conducted with EMARKETER, 60% of consumers are shopping with a new brand when an offer is given to help create intent and repeatability. It’s a way to invite new consumers in and reward their loyalty.
// Look for the possibilities instead of sitting on the problem. Holding yourself accountable to a positive outlook and attitude will set you apart in a crowded job market.
Follow Chase Media Solutions on LinkedIn
Resources: EMarketer | ADWEEK
Connect with Lauren: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with Ally: LinkedIn | Instagram
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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Ally and I dive into a never-before-discussed topic for Marketing Happy Hour - Partner Marketing. Ally discusses how her career led her to lead the first Partner Marketing function at TIDAL and how industries are recognizing Partner Marketing as a vital piece of the marketing ecosystem. We discuss the nuances between Partner Marketing and Brand Partnerships, how Partner Marketing can serve as an integral piece of the customer journey and the latest trends in the space.
Key Takeaways:
// Partner marketing is the creation and execution of a broad marketing strategy where two or more brands work together to promote each other’s products, services, or brands. It can include co-branded campaigns, affiliate programs, distribution partnerships, or shared content.
// Think of partners as an extension of your brand and your team. Treat them as key brainstorming and thought partners to enhance your campaign strategies.
// Innovative cross-industry collaborations and differentiating your partner marketing channel mix to reach niche audiences are the leading trends in 2025.
Connect with Ally: LinkedIn / Instagram
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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Ally and I continue our POSSIBLE 2025 conference series by sitting down with Jessica Serrano, Chief Marketing Officer of Dig Inn. Jessica shares the unique challenges that come with localized marketing, strategies for building a strong loyalty program and tips for aspiring CMOs. Dig Inn is a fast casual, scratch food restaurant concept with locations from New York, NY to Washington D.C.
Key Takeaways:
// Use social media channels to tell behind-the-curtain stories and share unique experiences alongside your brand.
// Local marketing requires research of the target community – observe the community through intensive good neighbor tactics. The community will dictate how the brand will show up and where.
// Brand loyalty programs should deepen the relationship you have with your consumers, not just providing periodic discounts. Take your loyalty programming from transactional to relationship-driven.
// Once you deepen the relationship with the consumer, you can provide other ways to reward them for their loyalty like early access programming, surprise and delight moments and more.
// New ideas and innovation can come from listening directly to your consumers' wants and needs.
Connect with Jessica: LinkedIn
Follow along with Dig Inn: Website / Instagram
Connect with Ally: LinkedIn / Instagram
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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The POSSIBLE 2025 conference series continues with Stephanie Lawrence-Shartrand from Nextdoor. With over 20 years of experience in digital media, strategy, and customer success, Stephanie is a passionate leader and advocate for the power of online communities and social networks. Stephanie joins Ally and I to share her strategies for building strong, lasting professional relationships, including how she’s created her own personal Board of Advisors.
Key Takeaways:
// Build your own personal Board of Advisors. Made up of your best friends, past coworkers and mentors – these are the people you gut check career moves with, ask for help navigating difficult situations and help elevate your skill set.
// Relationships require persistence and thriving in the uncomfortable. If you only reach out when you want something, people remember that. People will remember how you made them feel.
// Don’t undersell the value of in person connection and conversation opportunities – whether it be a 5 minute check-in or 30 minute coffee chat.
// Professional confidence comes from believing in yourself and channeling your insecurities into opportunities for growth.
Connect with Stephanie: LinkedIn
Follow along with Nextdoor: Website / Instagram
Connect with Ally: LinkedIn / Instagram
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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I sat down with co-host Ally Golden and Michael Vito Valentino, Editor in Chief at NowThis for Episode 2 of the POSSIBLE 2025 conference series. Gen Z is redefining what “entertainment” means in the 21st century. We discuss the serialized content approach Michael and his team are taking at NowThis and how it’s paving the way for brand loyalty with Gen-Z females. Additionally, we explore the evolving role of brand integrations in a crowded landscape and how brands can authentically embed themselves into cultural conversations.
Key Takeaways:
// Niche is the new mainstream. There’s heavy competition in the attention economy and your brand can stand out by identifying niches. Once you have fans, community and trust - you can convert short-term audiences to long-term fans.
// Short-form, repeatable formats with full story arcs is what Gen-Z is craving out of their content. Audiences want consistency and to know what to expect.
// Gen-Z doesn’t hate advertisements. They hate crappy advertisements. Content needs to be as authentic and real as possible by speaking their language and giving them what they want.
// Manufacturing virality is difficult to promise as a part of any campaign. Virality comes from taste, knowing what your audience wants and a consistent approach to authenticity. Learn more about NowThis: Instagram | TikTok
Connect with Michael: LinkedIn | InstagramConnect with Ally: LinkedIn | Instagram
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Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you.
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