Why AI can’t fix lazy marketing (with Catherine Toms)

Most marketers feel one of two things about AI: excited or exhausted.

This episode skips the hype and focuses on the work.

Juan Faisal talks with Catherine Toms, AI marketing consultant and educator, about what AI actually changes in marketing — and what it doesn’t. From overhyped tools to quiet shifts, they unpack what smart teams are doing differently, why strategy still matters, and how to stay sharp without burning out.

🤖 Why it matters

AI isn’t magic. It’s leverage.

Used well, it amplifies what already works. Used poorly, it just adds noise.

🤖 You’ll learn

- How to test AI tools without getting overwhelmed

- Why “bias” starts at the prompt level

- What leaders actually want from AI-literate teams

- Which skills still separate good marketers from great ones

🤖 Guest: Catherine Toms

AI marketing consultant, educator, and speaker

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinetoms/

- Website: https://aiinmarketing.co/level-1-ai-in-marketing/

🤖 Additional resources

- Dove’s AI prompt guide: https://www.dove.com/au/stories/campaigns/keep-beauty-real.html

- NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google.com/

🤖 Host: Juan Faisal

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akajuanfaisal/

- Newsletter: https://juanfaisal.substack.com/

- Website: https://juanfaisal.com/

🤖 Timestamps

00:00 Who is Catherine Toms

02:17 The evolution of AI in marketing

06:02 How smart marketers use AI

11:14 Choosing the right AI tools

14:17 Are marketers afraid of AI

19:52 Geographical differences in AI adoption

21:49 AI bias is real. Can we fix it?

28:42 Connect with Catherine Toms