Why Your Next Hire Should Be a Fractional CMO with Sara Nay

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Mike sits down with Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, to explore how AI is reshaping marketing roles and why strategy, leadership, and emotional intelligence are more important than ever. Sara shares what small businesses often get wrong about AI and why letting go of your agency (or your content writer) doesn’t mean you should let go of your marketing direction. They unpack the changing role of fractional CMOs, what jobs are at risk, and how senior marketers can stay relevant in a world where execution is being automated.

If you’re a business owner or marketing leader wondering how to adapt, not just react to AI, this episode offers a clear path. You’ll learn how to lead smarter, not work harder; how to identify high-value marketing roles for the future; and why “strategy before tools” is more than a mantra, it’s your edge.

Key Takeaways :
1. AI is accelerating the need for marketing strategy and leadership.
Execution roles are being automated, but small businesses still need experienced leaders to guide marketing direction, messaging, and measurement.

2. Marketers must evolve from doers to managers of AI tools.
Those in tactical roles like content writing or SEO should shift toward overseeing tools and leading strategic implementation.

3. Fractional CMOs fill a crucial gap for SMBs.
Small businesses can’t always afford full-time marketing execs, but they still need high-level leadership to align brand, budget, and tools.

The Human-First AI Marketing Podcast is brought to you by Avenue9. We use artificial intelligence to amplify your unique voice, empower your marketing team, and enable your scaling business to achieve big-brand success.

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