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What happens when AI starts doing the work humans used to spend hours on every week?

According to longtime tech innovator Scott Abbott, the answer isn’t that humans become less important. It’s the opposite.

In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, Kendra Corman sits down with Scott Abbott to explore the intersection of AI, leadership, communication, and human connection. After nearly four decades in technology, Scott has witnessed the rise of the internet, mobile technology, social platforms, and now AI. His perspective brings both excitement and realism to the conversation around where business and leadership are headed next.

Together, they unpack why soft skills are becoming more valuable in an AI-driven world, why companies may be failing younger employees instead of developing them, and how systems and automation can actually create more freedom, creativity, and connection.

You’ll hear practical insights on:
• Why communication and professionalism still matter more than ever
• The growing importance of human-centered leadership
• How AI can free up time for deeper thinking and better collaboration
• Why companies should reinvest AI efficiencies back into employee development
• The difference between work-life balance and work-life harmony
• How personal branding impacts leadership and career growth
• Why systemization can help businesses scale without burnout

Scott also shares lessons from more than 10,000 coaching sessions with leaders and business owners, revealing the common struggles people face with communication, confidence, burnout, accountability, and growth.

If you’ve been curious about how AI and humanity can work together instead of against each other, this episode offers a grounded and refreshing perspective.

About Scott Abbott:
Scott Abbott is a technology leader, systems strategist, coach, and founder of Boss Up Coaching Solution Academy. With nearly 40 years in tech, Scott has worked at the forefront of major technological shifts including the internet, social media, mobile innovation, and AI. Today, he helps leaders and organizations combine systems, leadership, AI, and human-centered growth to build stronger businesses and better teams.

Connect with Scott Abbott:
Website: https://scottabbottabc.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottabbottabc/

#AILeadership #ArtificialIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #FutureOfWork #BusinessGrowth #LeadershipSkills #SoftSkills #PersonalBranding #WorkplaceCulture #Entrepreneurship

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Are missed phone calls quietly costing your business customers and trust?

In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, Kendra sits down with Laurent to talk about the rapidly evolving world of AI, specifically voice AI, and why it’s becoming one of the most important tools for small businesses.

Laurent shares his perspective after more than 20 years in digital marketing, SEO, e-commerce, and technology. Together, they explore how businesses are using AI to improve customer communication, create stronger trust, and avoid losing opportunities through missed calls and poor customer experiences.

This conversation goes beyond prompts and automation. It dives into the human side of AI, including emotional intelligence, customer trust, and why understanding your audience still matters more than any tool.

You’ll also hear:

1. Why voice AI is making a comeback in business communication
2. How AI receptionists can support local businesses
3. The surprising SEO benefits of voice AI
4. Why AI should enhance humans, not replace them
5. Practical advice for business owners who feel overwhelmed by AI

Laurent also shares one of the best perspectives on AI adoption we’ve heard yet: if you missed one wave of technology, don’t worry, another train is always coming.

If you’ve been wondering how AI can actually help your business in a practical, customer-focused way, this episode is packed with insight.

About Our Guest

Laurent is an entrepreneur and AI innovator specializing in voice AI technology for local businesses. With more than two decades of experience in digital marketing, SEO, SEM, e-commerce, and web ventures, he now focuses on helping businesses improve customer trust and communication through AI-powered voice solutions.

Connect with Laurent

Laurent welcomes questions and conversations from listeners. Visit the website above to connect through their social channels.

🔗 Learn more at: https://getoblick.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurent-cohen-usa/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GetOblic

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What are you actually known for… and is it helping or hurting your business?

Are you trying to do too many things—and confusing your audience in the process?

What if narrowing your focus could actually bring you more opportunities, not fewer?

If this episode helps you rethink your marketing and positioning, be sure to follow the show and share it with a business owner who needs more clarity in their message.

Most entrepreneurs resist narrowing their focus. It feels risky. It feels limiting. And if we’re honest—it can feel like turning away opportunities.

In this episode, Kendra and Ed unpack why being known for one thing is actually the fastest way to grow your business. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, the real power comes from clarity—because clarity makes you memorable, referable, and easier to trust.

They also dive into the practical side of this: how to figure out what you’re already known for (even if you don’t realize it yet), how to spot patterns in your conversations, and why documenting your interactions can unlock insights you’ve been missing. This isn’t about guessing—it’s about paying attention and building simple systems that support your growth.

This episode will show you:

• How to become more memorable and referable in your business
•  A simple framework for discovering what you’re already known for
•  A strategy to identify patterns in client conversations and messaging
•  Why focusing on one thing actually expands your opportunities
•  How to build habits and systems that support long-term marketing success

If you’ve been trying to do all the things and still not seeing consistent results, this approach gives you a clearer, more focused path to growth.

About our guest

Ed Troxell is a strategic advisor who helps entrepreneurs simplify their business, clarify their message, and focus on what truly moves the needle. Starting his journey in tech support and web design, Ed evolved into a marketing and visibility expert, now known for helping clients identify what they should be known for—and how to leverage that for sustainable growth.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edtroxell/
Website: EdTroxell.com

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Are your “beautiful” emails actually hurting your results?
When was the last time you replied to a perfectly designed newsletter?
What if the thing you’re spending the most time on… is the reason your emails aren’t working?

If this episode shifts how you think about email marketing, be sure to follow the show and share it with a business owner who needs to simplify their strategy.

For years, we’ve been told that email marketing should look polished, branded, and visually impressive. But what if that’s exactly what’s getting in the way?

In this episode, Kendra breaks down why she stopped sending “pretty” emails—and started seeing better results. Instead of spending time on templates, graphics, and formatting, she focused on writing simple, text-based emails that feel like a real conversation. The shift led to more engagement, more replies, and stronger connections with her audience.

When emails look like marketing, people treat them like marketing—they skim, ignore, or delete. But when your message feels personal and direct, it creates a different experience. People read it. They respond. And they stay connected to you over time. 

This episode will show you:

• How to increase engagement without spending hours on design
• A simple framework for writing emails that feel personal and natural
• Why plain text emails often outperform designed newsletters
• The mindset shift from “email blast” to meaningful conversation
• How to get more replies and stay top of mind with your audience

If you’re tired of overthinking your emails and still not seeing results, this approach offers a simpler, more effective way to connect and convert.

About the host

Kendra Corman is a marketing strategist and host of Imperfect Marketing, where she helps business owners simplify their marketing and focus on what actually works. With over 20 years of experience, she shares practical, no-fluff strategies that help entrepreneurs take action and get results. 

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Are you forcing productivity… when your body is asking for something different?

What if your “inconsistent” energy is actually your biggest advantage?

And what if working with your body—not against it—could make everything easier?

If this episode changes how you think about productivity and business, be sure to follow the show and share it with someone who needs to hear this.

Most business advice tells you to stay consistent, push through, and keep going—no matter how you feel. But what if that approach is exactly what’s holding you back?

In this episode, we dive into a completely different way of working—one that aligns your business with your natural energy cycles instead of fighting against them. Renae shares how understanding hormonal rhythms can transform how women approach content creation, decision-making, and productivity.

This isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing the right things at the right time. When you start aligning your work with your body, everything shifts. You gain clarity, confidence, and a more sustainable way to grow your business without burnout. 

This episode will show you:

• How to work with your energy instead of constantly pushing through
•  A simple framework for aligning your business with your cycle
•  The best times to create content, plan, and execute
•  Why traditional productivity advice often fails women
•  How to feel more confident and effective in your work

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still not getting the results you want, this approach offers a smarter, more aligned way forward.

About our guest

Renae Fieck is a coach and entrepreneur who helps women align their businesses with their natural hormonal rhythms. After experiencing burnout while trying to do it all, she discovered a more sustainable way to work—one that honors how women’s bodies actually function. Today, she teaches women how to use their cycles as a powerful tool for productivity, clarity, and success

Website: https://renaefieck.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risingmoms
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renaefieck

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Are you trying to grow your business… but feel like no one is paying attention?
Do you think you need a big audience before you can build real momentum?
What if the real secret to growth isn’t more followers—but stronger community?

If you’ve been chasing growth but craving connection, this conversation will shift how you think about marketing—follow the show for more real, practical insights.

What if everything you’ve been told about growing your business is backwards?

In this episode, Kendra sits down with Elizabeth Henson to unpack why community is marketing—and why the most successful entrepreneurs aren’t the loudest or most polished… they’re the most intentional. Elizabeth shares how she built her first six-figure business by documenting her journey (not perfecting it) and how that same approach still works today.

You’ll learn why “magnetic leadership” isn’t about charisma, why showing up for one person matters just as much as showing up for one hundred, and how letting go of perfection can actually accelerate your growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for the “right moment” or a bigger audience—this conversation will give you a new way forward.

This episode will show you:
• How to build a business through community (even with a small audience)
• A simple framework for “magnetic leadership” that attracts people naturally
• Why sharing your journey builds trust faster than polished content
• The mindset shift that removes fear of judgment and rejection
• How small, intentional connections lead to real growth and referrals

Opportunity positioning sentence
If you’re ready to stop chasing algorithms and start building meaningful connections that actually convert, this episode will show you how.

About our guest
Elizabeth Henson is a business coach, community builder, and host of the Messy Success Podcast. She helps creatives and entrepreneurs build profitable businesses by embracing imperfection, sharing their journey, and creating intentional communities that drive real growth.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethhensonco/
Website: https://elizabethhenson.co/

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Are you still relying on Google alone to get found?
Wondering why your website traffic is shifting—but your leads aren’t?
Or why your marketing feels like it’s working… but you can’t quite track it anymore?

If this episode resonates with you, make sure to follow Imperfect Marketing so you don’t miss future conversations that break down what’s actually working right now.

SEO hasn’t disappeared—but it has evolved in a big way. In this episode, Kendra talks with Wes Towers about the shift from traditional search engine optimization to what he calls “search everywhere optimization.” Today’s buyers aren’t just Googling—they’re using AI tools, voice search, and multiple platforms to find answers, often before they ever visit your website. 

That shift means the old playbook—keywords, rankings, and traffic reports—doesn’t tell the full story anymore. Instead, it’s about building quality content, simplifying your message, and creating trust signals that validate your business when someone is ready to buy. From reviews to website clarity to consistent visibility, this episode breaks down how to stay relevant and competitive in a noisy, fast-changing digital world. 

This episode will show you:
• How SEO is evolving in the age of AI and multi-platform search
• A smarter approach to creating content that actually gets found
• The role of trust signals (like reviews) in driving conversions
• Why simplifying your website can increase leads
• How consistency and personality impact your marketing results

If you stop chasing rankings and start focusing on clarity, trust, and consistency, you’ll create a marketing strategy that not only gets you found—but gets you chosen

👤 About Our Guest – Wes Towers:
Wes is the founder of Uplift 360, a digital agency specializing in websites and search optimization. While his agency works across industries, he’s recently niched into construction—helping companies stand out in a highly competitive space through smarter, more strategic online visibility.
Website: https://uplift360.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/westowers/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Uplift360Aus

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I’m pulling back the curtain on how I’ve actually been using AI in my day-to-day marketing work—beyond the hype, beyond the shiny tools. I share what’s in my current tech stack, what didn’t live up to expectations, and what genuinely made me more efficient (and what didn’t). 

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the constant stream of new AI tools, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what actually matters.

The Reality of Today’s AI Landscape

•  New AI tools are launching constantly—sometimes faster than we can evaluate them 
•  It’s easy to get distracted by “shiny object syndrome” 
•  You don’t need every tool—you need the right tool for the job 
•  The goal isn’t to use AI everywhere, but to use it where it truly helps 

What’s in My Current AI Stack

I break down the tools I’m consistently using and why:

• Claude: My main workhorse for writing, strategy, and even presentations 
• Perplexity: Go-to for research, comparisons, and step-by-step answers 
• ChatGPT: Primarily for building and sharing custom GPTs with clients 
• NotebookLM: Powerful for handling large amounts of context and research 
• Built-in AI (Loom, Riverside): Helpful for content production workflows 

Surprising AI Tools Worth Exploring

Some tools exceeded expectations:

• Branding 5: A strong positioning tool that helps clarify messaging 
• Vocable AI: Useful for generating social content ideas (especially for clients) 
• NanoBanana Pro: Solid for image generation 
• Claude for presentations: Surprisingly powerful—even rivaling tools like Gamma 

What Didn’t Work (or Didn’t Stick)

Not every tool is a win—and that’s okay:

• AI assistants that lacked context or usefulness 
• Asana AI: Underwhelming (possibly due to limited input/context) 
• Ubooks: Poor experience for nonfiction writing 
• Gamma.app: Still useful, but possibly being replaced by Claude 
• Microsoft Copilot: More of a habit issue than a tool issue 

Key insight: Sometimes it’s not the tool—it’s fit, timing, or how you’re using it.

How to Actually Use AI Effectively

•  Test tools on real work, not demo projects 
•  Compare tools against each other to find the best fit 
•  Give tools a fair shot—but don’t force them into your workflow 
•  The best tools become invisible—they just work

AI Isn’t Replacing You—It’s Enhancing You

•  AI won’t replace thinking—it enhances it 
•  Use AI for: 
  •  Brainstorming 
  •  Strategy pressure-testing 
  •  “Shadow boxing” ideas to find gaps 
•  Your expertise and judgment still matter more than ever 

Practical Advice to Get Started

If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed:

•  Pick one task that drains you each week 
•  Test one AI tool on that task 
•  Don’t try five tools at once 
•  Give yourself permission to drop what doesn’t work 

Key Takeaways

•  You don’t need one perfect tool—you need the right mix 
•  AI should support your thinking, not replace it 
•  Efficiency comes from alignment, not accumulation 
•  The goal is smarter work, not more tools 

Curious how AI could fit into your workflow without adding more overwhelm?
 

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Jonny Holsten of BridgeSelling to unpack why sales gets such a bad reputation—and how to fix it. We dive into what actually works in modern sales conversations (hint: it’s not scripts or pressure).

Jonny shares his journey from marketing into sales strategy and how that shift led to his book Fix Your Broken Sales Calls. Together, we explore how to move from chasing leads to building meaningful, problem-solving conversations.

Here’s what we cover:

From Leads to “Best Fit” Clients

•  Why all leads are not worth your time 
•  The 4-part framework for identifying a true “best fit” customer 
•  How narrowing your focus actually increases conversions 

Why Sales Feels “Icky” (and How to Fix It)

•  The real reason selling feels uncomfortable for so many people 
•  Why belief in what you’re selling changes everything 
•  The difference between pushing a sale and solving a problem 

The Power of Better Questions

•  How great sales conversations start with curiosity, not pitching 
•  Why most salespeople skip identifying the real problem 
•  A simple technique to get prospects to open up more 

Handling Inbound Leads the Right Way

•  Why inbound leads aren’t always qualified (and that’s okay) 
•  How to guide conversations like a consultant, not a salesperson 
•  The importance of setting expectations and taking control early 

Knowing When to Walk Away

•  How to gracefully exit conversations with poor-fit prospects 
•  Why referring someone elsewhere can actually grow your business 
•  The mindset shift: serving first, selling second 

Improving Sales Without More Leads

•  Why most teams lack a clear plan for sales calls 
•  How small tweaks to discovery calls can drive massive revenue growth 
•  The importance of reviewing and learning from your own calls 

Key Takeaways

•  Selling should feel like helping—not convincing 
•  Clarity in your message makes everything easier 
•  The better your questions, the better your results 

Connect with Jonny:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonnyholsten/

If sales has ever felt uncomfortable, awkward, or forced—this episode will change how you think about it.

Ready to make sales feel natural (and actually work)? Tune in.

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In this episode of Imperfect Marketing, I sit down with Stephanie Sylvestre, founder of Avatar Buddy, to explore how AI is reshaping the way businesses operate—and why human skills matter more than ever.

Stephanie shares her fascinating journey from corporate IT leadership to building an AI-powered company, along with the lessons she’s learned along the way (including a few hard-earned ones she hopes you won’t have to repeat).

We dive into how businesses can actually use AI effectively—without losing their values, their culture, or their competitive edge.

In this conversation, we discuss:

The Human Skills That Matter Most in an AI World

•  Why resilience is essential when working with AI (hint: your first output isn’t your best) 
•  How creativity and resourcefulness give you a competitive advantage—especially in fast-changing environments 
•  The critical role of problem-solving and critical thinking when AI sounds right… but isn’t 
•  Why these “human skills” are becoming the real differentiator in an AI-driven world 

Demystifying AI for Businesses

•  What AI agents actually are—and how they can streamline your workflows 
•  How AI can save massive amounts of time when used strategically 
•  Why understanding your data is just as important as understanding the technology 
•  The biggest mistake organizations make when adopting AI too quickly 

Responsible AI: Where Ethics Meet Execution

•  Why responsible AI starts with people—not the technology 
•  How your data directly shapes your AI outcomes (for better or worse) 
•  Practical ways to build ethical guardrails into your AI systems 
•  Why transparency, ownership, and respect for content matter more than ever 

AI, Leadership, and Company Culture

•  How AI can actually strengthen (not weaken) your company culture 
•  Why leaders need to treat AI like any other business initiative—with clear goals and strategy 
•  The importance of starting small, iterating, and evolving your AI implementation 
•  How AI can reduce internal friction and improve team dynamics 

Key Takeaways for Marketers and Leaders

•  You’re not selling AI—you’re selling trust 
•  AI won’t replace people, but people who use AI effectively will have a clear advantage 
•  Your values should guide how you implement and use AI 
•  Success with AI comes from clarity, strategy, and continuous iteration 

Whether you're just starting to explore AI or looking to refine how you’re using it in your business, this episode offers a grounded, practical perspective on what it really takes to succeed.

Are you ready to use AI in a way that actually supports your business—and your values? Tune in to learn how to make AI work with you, not instead of you.

Connect with Stephanie
Website: https://avatarbuddy.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avatar_buddyai/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@avatar_buddyai?lang=en

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