10 Episode 63: Ali Schwanke of Simple Strat - The Design Of Marketing With Heart and Hustle

Ali Schwanke isn’t just a marketer, she’s a builder of trust, a champion for clarity, and a quiet force of curiosity. As the founder of Simple Strat and the face of HubSpot Hacks (with over 3 million views and counting), Ali has become one of the most trusted voices in helping businesses unlock their true potential, not just in tools, but in people. In this episode, we trace Ali’s journey from a childhood of small-town hustle, selling greeting cards door-to-door, to becoming a sought-after strategist who sees marketing as more than data and automation. For Ali, marketing is about heart: the stories we tell, the ways we listen, and the empathy that holds it all together. Along the way, we explore: + Why “helping is the new selling” became her mantra + How she navigates the balance between data and human connection + What it means to stand out in a world of noise and sameness + The emotional power of B2B marketing—often overlooked, but never absent + And how Ali sees growth as an experiment in courage and care Ali’s story is a reminder that the best businesses, and the best leaders, start by understanding people. They’re built on curiosity, driven by service, and never stop learning. In this episode, you’ll hear: + Why empathy is more than a buzzword, it’s a competitive advantage + How Ali built a company that leads with clarity and connection + The challenges and joys of turning curiosity into action + And why the future of marketing might just belong to those who aren’t afraid to help first Whether you’re refining your brand, growing your team, or rethinking your approach to connection, this conversation is for anyone who believes that real impact is built with both heart and hustle.