387 You Can’t Outsmart AI—But You Can Out-Human It: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World with Mark Schaefer

In this compelling episode of the Partnering Leadership podcast, Mark Schaefer returns to share fresh, provocative insights from his latest book, Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World. A globally respected marketing strategist, bestselling author, and deep observer of technological change, Schaefer brings sharp clarity to a pressing leadership question: what does it take to stay relevant when artificial intelligence makes intelligence itself abundant?

Rather than offering a simplistic take on AI, Schaefer challenges leaders to confront a more nuanced truth: AI doesn’t just change how we work—it redefines where we create value. In a world where intelligence is cheap and accessible to everyone, he argues, leaders must shift their organizations from knowledge accumulation to human differentiation.

The conversation dives into what “out-humaning” AI actually looks like. From designing moments of awe to fostering fearless creativity, Schaefer offers examples and frameworks that push beyond theory. He connects storytelling, community-building, and emotional resonance not just as marketing strategies—but as core leadership capabilities that machines can’t replicate.

This episode is a must-listen for CEOs, board members, and senior executives grappling with the implications of AI. It’s not about resisting the future—it’s about recognizing what only humans can do, and leading teams to do it with more clarity, urgency, and creativity than ever before.

Actionable Takeaways

• You'll learn why intelligence is no longer a competitive advantage—and what replaces it at the leadership level.
  
  
  
• Hear how to reframe your organizational structure and decision-making in a world where AI handles most of the “smart work.”
  
  
  
• Discover what Mark Schaefer means by “out-humaning AI” and why that’s now your most important leadership mandate.
  
  
  
• You'll learn why competence is no longer enough—and how leaders who rely on it alone risk irrelevance.
  
  
  
• Hear how to use awe, authenticity, and community as strategic tools to build trust and emotional engagement that AI can’t touch.
  
  
  
• You'll learn how to think about brand relevance and personal credibility when your audience knows AI could have written your content.
  
  
  
• Hear how to identify and overcome the fear that’s keeping your organization stuck in mediocrity.
  
  
  
• You'll learn what makes bold storytelling and immersive experience design the next frontier in business leadership.
  
  
• Hear how to embrace AI as a creative partner without outsourcing your strategic soul.
  
  

Connect with Mark Schaefer :

• Website: Businesses Grow
• Social Media: Twitter | LinkedIn

Connect with Mahan Tavakoli:

Mahan Tavakoli Website

Mahan Tavakoli on LinkedIn

Partnering Leadership Website