Audacious Marketing to Stand Out in an AI World with Mark Schaefer

Best-selling author Mark Schaefer shares how marketers can thrive in AI by leaning into what machines can’t replicate: creativity, community, and courage.

Drawing from his latest book Audacious, Mark breaks down how to create standout content, build trust through word-of-mouth, and foster shared experiences that make your brand unforgettable. 

Grab a copy of Audacious by Mark Schaefer here: https://amzn.to/44zPOpO

It’s about finding your edge as a human.

Conversation points:

• Why “competence” is the most dangerous place to be
• The 3 ways to disrupt your marketing story (without a huge budget)
• How to create content that feels like art—not just output
• Why word-of-mouth is your most overlooked growth strategy
• What “collective effervescence” means—and how it builds community
• How boldness, personal brand, and belonging keep marketers irreplaceable

00:00 - The Power of Word-of-Mouth & Why It's Overlooked
00:32 - Why "Boring" Marketing is the Default
01:33 - Overcoming Fear & Pushing the Limits in Marketing
03:35 - Disruptive Marketing: Standing Out with Small Budgets
05:12 - Case Studies: Telling Stories in New Places
06:26 - Disrupting the Narrative & Breaking Marketing Taboos
07:15 - The Decline of Trust in Brands & The Rise of Word-of-Mouth
10:32 - Creating Shared Experiences & Collective Effervescence
13:31 - The Loss of Shared Culture & Music as a Metaphor
15:39 - How AI is Shaping Content Bubbles (and Business Opportunity)
18:04 - Human Connection, Art, and Content in an AI World
22:39 - Community, Personal Branding, and Belonging
28:43 - Measuring Audacious Marketing & Creating Impact
33:13 - Wrap Up: Key Takeaways, Mark’s Books, and Where to Connect

A. Lee Judge is the creator and host of The Business of Marketing podcast.
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This podcast is produced by Content Monsta - A leading producer of B2B Content.