2025 what an un-sexy year for marketing

Episode notes

Send us Fan Mail After 400 episodes of Marketing Espresso , I’m closing out 2025 with a deep reflection on how marketing has shifted - and what’s stayed the same. This year has been dominated by talk of AI, automation, and digital shortcuts, but what I’ve seen most clearly is that businesses who keep human connection at the heart of their marketing are the ones truly winning. In this episode, I unpack why AI can’t replace lived experience, why connection matters more than ever, and how businesses can balance innovation with authenticity. From conversations with tech experts to mentoring emerging marketers, I’ve seen firsthand that marketing is strongest when it’s rooted in empathy, strategy, and human insight. We talk about the rise of AI-generated marketing plans (and why they often miss the mark), the growing importance of customer retention, and why experience and strategic thinking can’t be replicated by algorithms. I also touch on how economic pressures are shaping consumer decisions, and why businesses must articulate and deliver value at every touchpoint.

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