Create Content that Counts ft Jessica Nickerson & Andy Pondillo | Hard Corps Marketing Show | Ep 450

How can modern marketers thrive by busting myths, embracing authenticity, and ditching perfection?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Jessica Nickerson and Andy Pondillo, Senior Content Solution Consultants at LinkedIn and co-hosts of The Making of a Marketer podcast. These two bring a fresh, no-nonsense approach to marketing, challenging outdated ideas, calling out the myth of high production value, and pushing for real human connection in the age of AI and social media.

Jessica and Andy break down why chasing perfection or copying big brands isn’t the answer. They discuss the fear that holds many marketers back, the evolution of content on platforms like LinkedIn, and the growing importance of storytelling, vulnerability, and consistency. Instead of polished scripts and vanity metrics, they encourage marketers to focus on audience impact, test-and-learn strategies, and community-driven content.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why high-budget, over-polished content often falls flat and what works instead
• How to overcome fear and analysis paralysis in your marketing strategy
• The shift from formal professionalism to authenticity and storytelling on LinkedIn
• Why marketers should rethink metrics like CPL and focus on broader business outcomes
• How brand case studies (like Chili’s and Duolingo) prove that authenticity wins
• The value of consistent content creation and the power of 100 posts

If you’re ready to drop the filters, rethink your content strategy, and connect with your audience on a real level, this episode is full of bold insights and practical advice you won’t want to miss!

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Connect with Jessica and Andy:

• Jessica’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessleslienickerson/  
• Andy’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-pondillo/  
• The Making of a Marketer podcast: https://marketingpodcasts.net/category/making-of-a-marketer/  
• Company website: https://premium.linkedin.com/ 

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Hard Corps Marketing is produced and sponsored by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/