In this episode, Ray is joined by Anika Jackson, Executive Director at The ICL Foundation, to explore how brands can stay human in a world increasingly driven by technology. From Gen Z’s demand for authenticity to the growing role of AI in marketing, we unpack what it truly takes for brands to build trust — and what happens when they fall short. Anika shares real-world insights on user-generated content, purpose-driven messaging, and why standing firm in your values matters more than ever.

Join us as we discuss: 

• [2:17] How to balance AI-generated content and authenticity
• [11:34] Columbia vs. Harvard and strategic responses to political pressure
• [15:25] Why AI can’t replicate human creativity, strategy, and iteration

Check out these resources we mentioned during the podcast:

• Your Brand Amplified

To hear this interview and many more like it, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or our website, or search for “Mastering the Next” in your favorite podcast player.

Guest Name: Anika Jackson, Executive Director, the ICL Foundation

Guest Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anikajackson/

Guest Bio: Anika Jackson is a senior communications and marketing professional with over 25 years of experience working with diverse brands and clients to build local and global interest and create meaningful, synergistic relationships between businesses and people. She currently serves as the CEO, chief strategist, and podcast host for Your Brand Amplified, a marketing and communications agency that she also founded. She is also Executive Director of the ICL Foundation. Jackson’s professional expertise encompasses experiential marketing, event production, launch marketing, public relations, and various additional digital and influencer-based marketing and communications management strategies. She is a member of the Quickbooks Small Business Council, serves on the advisory board for UC Santa Barbara’s Women in Leadership executive program, and contributes her knowledge and thought leadership for the benefit of multiple local, national, and global nonprofits.

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Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Ray Lutzky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
Mastering the Next is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! 

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