How can marketers use empathy and customer storytelling to drive B2B growth?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Rob Freedman, Vice President of Marketing and Partnership at EZO, to explore the power of empathetic marketing and authentic customer storytelling. The conversation centers on how listening deeply to customers can transform them into brand champions and fuel sustainable B2B growth.
He shares actionable strategies for mining customer stories, leading customer interviews, and creating internal alignment to strengthen go-to-market efforts. Rob also emphasizes the value of measuring engagement and leveraging data without losing the human connection that drives great marketing.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can marketing leaders shift from tactical execution to strategic business alignment?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Alan Gonsenhauser, founder and CEO of Demand Revenue, LLC and experienced CMO advisor, to explore the transformation of marketing leadership. Alan emphasizes the critical need for marketing efforts to align tightly with overall business strategy, moving beyond mere tactics to drive measurable business outcomes.
He shares actionable insights on creating remarkable customer experiences, prioritizing retention and upsell, and leveraging AI as a tool to enhance but not replace innovative thinking. Alan also explains the importance of speaking the language of the C-suite and focusing on net revenue retention to elevate marketing’s role in the organization.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can customer connection transform your marketing strategy and drive authentic growth?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Lina Tonk, CMO at Recurly and seasoned marketing leader. Lina shares her expertise on why regular, direct conversations with customers are essential to building meaningful marketing strategies that truly resonate.
Lina breaks down the myth that marketing strategies can succeed without customer interaction and explains how repeated engagement uncovers evolving customer needs. She dives into the importance of tailoring events and campaigns based on customer preferences, balancing virtual and in-person connections, and fostering a community that turns customers into authentic brand advocates.
In this episode, we cover:
If you’re ready to build a customer-first marketing approach that drives long-term growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can B2B marketers succeed when every deal involves 11 or more stakeholders?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Adam Needles, CEO and Co-Founder of ANNUITAS, Inc., to unpack the game-changing concept of Buyer Unit Demand (BUD). Adam challenges the outdated reliance on MQLs and ABM and introduces a new framework for engaging the full buying unit, with multiple stakeholders who have diverse roles and needs throughout the journey.
He shares how marketers can design conversation tracks that align with real-world buying dynamics and explains why buyer-led orchestration, not sales-led tactics, is the key to driving meaningful engagement and revenue. Adam also discusses the organizational shifts and mindset changes required to fully adopt this buyer-first approach.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
What if cold calling isn’t dead and SDRs are not just seen as “entry-level”?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Gabe Lullo, sales leader and CEO of Alleyoop. Gabe brings decades of experience to the table and delivers a no-nonsense perspective on what makes modern sales development succeed and why human connection still matters in an age of automation.
Gabe breaks down the biggest myths about Sales Development Representatives (SDRs), cold calling, and who really “owns” sales development. He shares why SDRs should be treated as a unique, strategic function, not just a stepping stone to closing roles, and how the best reps focus on active listening, authenticity, and building trust. We also dive into the power of multi-channel outreach, the right way to use AI, and what industries actually do respond to outbound efforts.
In this episode, we cover:
If you want to sharpen your sales strategy, elevate your SDR team, or just prove that cold calling isn’t dead, this episode is packed with real-world tactics and takeaways you can use today.
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
What does it take to build authentic communities that truly connect with your market?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Paul Jones, Moderator of the Connect To Market Community & Founder of Bridgio. Paul shares lessons from building over 40 successful communities and explains why real market connection goes beyond launching products or campaigns.
He emphasizes the importance of deeply understanding your Ideal Client Persona (ICP), using empathy to craft resonant messaging, and creating space for meaningful, value-driven interactions. Paul also challenges the overreliance on technology, encouraging marketers to start simple and stay focused on human connection.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can structured brainstorming and rapid testing transform your team’s creativity and innovation?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Brandon Redlinger, a Fractional Marketing Leader to multiple B2B tech companies and Co-Founder of The Forge. Brandon shares his approach to generating high-impact ideas without falling into the common traps of overthinking or endless iteration. His insights offer a refreshing roadmap for leaders and communicators who want to foster creativity while staying focused on results.
Brandon breaks down why suspending judgment during brainstorming is critical, and how the ICE framework, Impact, Confidence, and Ease, can be a game-changer when it comes to prioritizing ideas. He also unpacks how to test concepts quickly, define success up front, and avoid wasting time on strategies that don't deliver.
In this episode, we cover:
If you’re ready to bring structure to your creativity and boost your team's ability to innovate effectively, this episode is packed with actionable insights you won’t want to miss!
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can marketers stay discoverable as AI reshapes the search landscape?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Al Sargent, Senior Director, Product, Solution & Partner Marketing at ZEDEDA, to explore the evolving field of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Al delivers a strategic and practical breakdown of how marketers can adapt to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini- tools that are reshaping how content is discovered and consumed.
He explains how GEO differs from traditional SEO, why documentation matters more than ever, and how to leverage content repetition and high-authority sites to maintain discoverability. Al also shares his personal journey in tech and marketing, emphasizing the role of empathy, mentorship, and community-building in professional growth.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can strong business fundamentals, cross-functional alignment, and a focus on planning drive sustainable growth in today’s tech-saturated world?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Brendan Leonard, President and Chief Revenue Officer at Crews & Co., to unpack the real drivers of business success. Brendan brings deep experience across sales, marketing, and leadership, having held roles at Samsonite, Hasbro, and Capital One, and shares why getting back to the basics is more important than ever, even in the age of AI and automation.
We dig into the myth that technology can solve everything, and why chasing trends without a clear strategy is a major growth killer. Brendan reveals how setting structured goals, aligning your sales and marketing efforts, and fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration can significantly improve business outcomes. With practical takeaways and real-world examples, this episode is a must-listen for leaders looking to cut through the noise and refocus on what truly moves the needle.
In this episode, we cover:
If you’re ready to refocus your business strategy, realign your teams, and make smarter decisions in a tech-driven world, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately.
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
What does it take to master B2B marketing with empathy and precision?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Cole Field, VP of Marketing at Beryllium InfoSec. Cole offers a thoughtful and tactical breakdown of how marketers can move beyond isolated tactics and create more unified, human-centered B2B strategies.
He shares why attributing success to individual efforts can create unnecessary tension, and how aligning sales and marketing unlocks better outcomes. Cole also explains the power of empathy in mapping the customer journey, the role of automation in streamlining efforts, and how Account-Based Marketing (ABM) is simply good, focused marketing when done right.
Throughout the conversation, Cole highlights actionable strategies for improving team alignment, defining an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), and approaching B2B marketing with clarity and intention.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect with Cole:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colefield/
Beryllium InfoSec, Inc: https://www.berylliuminfosec.com/
Ways to Tune In:
Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can AI drive real impact in your marketing and sales teams beyond just ROI?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Craig Rosenberg, a B2B marketing thought leader and Chief Platform Officer at Scale Venture Partners. Craig brings his deep experience in go-to-market strategy and AI transformation, sharing how companies can truly leverage artificial intelligence to increase productivity, empower teams, and prepare for the next wave of innovation.
Craig challenges the misconception that AI isn’t delivering results, explaining why the focus shouldn’t be on ROI alone. Instead, he highlights the massive productivity gains AI is already bringing to marketing teams; automating tasks like messaging, research, and workflows. He also breaks down the phases of AI adoption, the rise of the “go-to-market engineer,” and why companies must invest in AI literacy and experimentation to stay competitive.
In this episode, we cover:
If you’re ready to move past the AI hype and start seeing real, team-level results, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
What does it take for marketers to truly connect with their audience and harness AI for impactful strategies?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Megan Ward, SVP of Marketing and Product Management at 360Factors. Megan offers a thoughtful and tactical breakdown of how marketers can deepen their understanding of target audiences by engaging directly and using AI-driven insights.
She shares why marketing leaders must spend time with “real people” to uncover authentic needs, the importance of attending industry events for firsthand market observation, and how AI analysis of call recordings can reveal key customer questions and concerns. Megan also reflects on her career journey and the lessons that helped her overcome limiting beliefs.
Throughout the conversation, Megan highlights actionable insights on connecting with customers, harnessing AI for smarter marketing, and documenting knowledge to empower teams.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect with Megan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/radiantmegan/
Substack: https://substack.com/@meganward989011
360factors: https://www.360factors.com/
Ways to Tune In:
Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can aligning your marketing strategy with business goals transform your impact and career trajectory?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Jennifer Mancusi, CEO and co-founder of Growgetter. Jennifer is a marketing leader, strategic thinker, and passionate advocate for measuring what matters. She brings her real world experience helping businesses cut through vanity metrics and focus on marketing strategies that truly drive growth.
Jennifer breaks down why defending the wrong metrics can get CMOs fired and how marketers can shift their focus to data that aligns with revenue. She discusses the critical importance of internal communication, aligning with sales, and using frameworks like OKRs to drive cross-functional success. Jennifer also dives into the evolving role of brand-building in demand generation, and why continuous learning is a must for modern marketers.
In this episode, we cover:
If you’re ready to ditch vanity metrics and become a marketing leader who drives real business impact, this episode is full of actionable insights you won’t want to miss!
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Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can simplifying your goals and aligning with sales transform your marketing success?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Bronson Cordle, Vice President of Marketing at Vsimple. Bronson offers a thoughtful and tactical breakdown of what modern marketers must prioritize to drive impact and foster alignment across their organizations.
He shares why marketers need to define the purpose of every activity, the importance of tracking and measuring what truly matters, and how close collaboration with sales leads to stronger outcomes. Bronson also reflects on his personal journey, highlighting the lessons, mentors, and values that have shaped his approach to leadership and strategy.
Throughout the conversation, Bronson highlights actionable insights on clarifying marketing goals, building productive internal relationships, and bridging the gap between marketing and sales.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
Is Your Marketing Strategy Built on Magic or Business Fundamentals?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Laura Luckman-Kelber, a seasoned marketing leader and strategic powerhouse. Laura brings her real-world experience to debunk one of the biggest myths in marketing today; that success comes from a single viral moment or some kind of “magic.” Instead, she lays out why effective marketing is built on business fundamentals like margins, revenue goals, and deeply understanding your customer.
Laura dives into the classic “Four Ps” of marketing, Product, Price, Place, and Promotion, and explains why too many marketers focus only on the last one. She challenges marketing teams to go deeper, collaborate with finance and sales, and ensure their efforts are tied directly to business objectives.
We also explore the importance of differentiation in a saturated market, how to uncover your brand's true value, and why marketers should start thinking (and acting) more like COOs.
In this episode, we cover:
If you're a marketer looking to ground your strategy in real business results, this episode is packed with wisdom, perspective, and practical advice you can start using today.
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Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can understanding your audience and building purpose-driven brands elevate your marketing results?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Josh Cherfoli, Vice President of Marketing at Precision Aviation Group. Josh shares how deep customer insights and authentic storytelling can shift brand perception and drive meaningful results.
Josh dives into the importance of connecting digital and physical touchpoints to create a seamless customer experience while emphasizing the lasting value of personal relationships in the marketing community. He also discusses his work on Porsche’s award-winning campaign Engineered for Magic Every Day, highlighting the creative thinking behind the brand’s transformation.
Drawing on his experience leading marketing for well-known brands, Josh offers practical advice rooted in audience insight and authenticity to help marketers build stronger brands and drive results.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can modern marketers thrive by busting myths, embracing authenticity, and ditching perfection?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Jessica Nickerson and Andy Pondillo, Senior Content Solution Consultants at LinkedIn and co-hosts of The Making of a Marketer podcast. These two bring a fresh, no-nonsense approach to marketing, challenging outdated ideas, calling out the myth of high production value, and pushing for real human connection in the age of AI and social media.
Jessica and Andy break down why chasing perfection or copying big brands isn’t the answer. They discuss the fear that holds many marketers back, the evolution of content on platforms like LinkedIn, and the growing importance of storytelling, vulnerability, and consistency. Instead of polished scripts and vanity metrics, they encourage marketers to focus on audience impact, test-and-learn strategies, and community-driven content.
In this episode, we cover:
If you’re ready to drop the filters, rethink your content strategy, and connect with your audience on a real level, this episode is full of bold insights and practical advice you won’t want to miss!
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can both empathy and distilled communication reshape your marketing strategy?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Ron Close, VP of Marketing at First Resonance. Ron shares his unique journey from manufacturing and computer science to marketing leadership, and how empathy and curiosity have fueled his success.
Ron dives into the importance of empathy in marketing, not just why it matters, but how to apply it authentically to connect with customers. He breaks down innovative concepts like degenerative AI and practical strategies to leverage technology without losing the human touch. Ron also emphasizes the value of continuous learning, community, and embracing discomfort for growth.
With an approach grounded in curiosity, authenticity, and innovation, Ron offers marketers a fresh framework to engage audiences more effectively and drive meaningful results.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can emotional intelligence, authenticity, and classic marketing strategies fuel modern success?
In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Aaron Welch, a Marine Corps veteran and Founder/Chief Strategist at Lift Digital Marketing. Aaron brings a unique blend of traditional grit and modern marketing savvy, offering insights on the evolving landscape of marketing from the power of AI to the surprising effectiveness of print mail.
Aaron debunks the myth that marketing channels like SEO or direct mail are “dead.” He explains that while platforms and tactics may evolve, core fundamentals like branding, messaging, audience connectivity, are what drive long-term success.
We also dive into the challenges of today’s digital marketing world, such as the overwhelming volume of cold outreach and the importance of forging real, human connections, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. Aaron shares practical strategies to stand out: ditch the pitch-first mentality, focus on relationships, and make sure your efforts are measurable.
In this episode, we cover:
Tune in if you're ready for a no-nonsense look at what really works in marketing today and how to stay grounded while standing out. This episode is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and inspiring stories.
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Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/
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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
How can deep audience research transform your marketing effectiveness?
This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with KB Burdette, Growth Advisor at Del Sol Digital. KB shares her unique path from working at Target Corporation to founding her own digital agency, and how curiosity and community have fueled her success.
KB dives into the power of audience research- not just why it matters, but exactly how to do it. She breaks down practical, repeatable methods marketers can use right now, including how to leverage trade show content, insights platforms like 6Sense, and focused customer segments to uncover what really resonates. She also emphasizes the importance of documenting your process, using filters strategically, and evolving your messaging based on what you learn. With an approach grounded in experimentation, clarity, and relevance, KB gives marketers a framework to build smarter, more effective campaigns.
In this episode, we cover:
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Connect To Market is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/
