On this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon is joined by marketing veteran Ira Gleser, whose career includes leadership roles at Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and AT&T. Ira Gleser shares insights on the dual nature of marketing, combining creativity and analytics, and the importance of hands-on experience for building successful brands. The conversation delves into the power of customer relationships, why real value is created beyond mere transactions, and how hustling is really about striving for excellence, not burnout. Ira Gleser also discusses his bestselling book Stewardship for Business and leaves listeners with the motivational message: The enemy of better is good. If you're looking to understand the heart behind great marketing and deeper business relationships, this episode delivers.

Get To Know Ira Gleser

Ira Gleser, founder and president of Amplify Marketing Communications, has a proven track record of building and activating brands by connecting them to B2B audiences in an engaging, meaningful way. He possesses a broad perspective gained from working in a variety of customer-facing management and leadership roles in the consumer goods (Coca-Cola), technology (Microsoft), consumer durables/manufacturing (Newell Brands), and live events (GES) industries.

With twenty-five years of restaurant and retail industry experience as a supplier partner and consultant, Ira has successfully collaborated with – and delivered value as a trusted business partner to – senior executives at more than twenty of the leading brands in these industries.

Having worked on both the agency and client sides, Ira has extensive experience creating successful integrated marketing communications programs and campaigns, as well as compelling sales presentations, to grow brands and businesses. He has also built a reputation for developing trusted relationships with clients/customers, key stakeholders, and partners.

LinkedIn Amplify Marketing Communications Buy Ira's Book >>> Stewardship for Business: A Playbook to Drive More Value Into Your Customer Relationships

3 Episode Key Takeaways

1. Harness Your Unique Hustle: Ira Gleser underscores that true success in marketing (and any career) comes from knowing your strengths and channeling your drive accordingly. Instead of forcing himself into the creative mold, he thrived by leaning into analytics, reminding listeners that identifying and hustling in your authentic lane is key to achieving your own version of success.

2. Build Relationships, Not Just Transactions: Drawing from decades at brands like Coca-Cola and Microsoft, Ira Gleser shares that deep, lasting business relationships drive results far beyond the surface-level sale. By genuinely understanding customers, showing up in their world, and creating value, you move from commodity selling to becoming a trusted partner, proving that in business, relationships are the ultimate currency.

3. Never Settle for "Good Enough": Ira Gleser leaves listeners with a powerful motivator: "The enemy of better is good." In fiercely competitive industries, continually striving for improvement, whether in service, execution, or personal growth, is what separates lasting success from mediocrity. Going that extra inch, even when it's hard, is a defining trait of effective hustlers everywhere.

Ira Gleser's Inspirational Quote: "The enemy of better is good."

Show Overview 00:00 Marketing: Art and Science 05:29 Redefining Hustle Culture 09:25 Value of Experience Over Tenure 11:08 Surprise and Delight Guests 14:12 People Are the Brand 18:21 Building Value Through Relationships 22:16 Small Actions, Big Impact 24:07 Trust, Relationships, and Business Growth