In this week’s episode of YouShouldTalkTo, Jeff Jenkins shares what keeps him up at night as a CMO and how he looks to the younger generation for ideas on keeping consumers' attention. In an industry that’s constantly evolving, one thing is very clear: the pace of change isn’t slowing down. Marketing today is shaped by innovation that moves at lightning speed In essence, they are being asked to do it all, all at once, right now.

For leaders like Jeff, navigating this new era means embracing change with curiosity rather than fear. The rules of marketing may be rewriting themselves in real time, but the fundamentals of human connection remain steady. Consumers still want products and experiences that make life better, easier, and more enjoyable. They want to trust the brands they interact with, and they want to feel seen and understood. So Jeff and CMOs like him have something to stay grounded in.

While the “what” of marketing continues to shift - new platforms, tools, and algorithms emerging daily - the “why” behind it all hasn’t changed. It’s still about delivering genuine value. The difference now lies in how fast brands can interpret and act on those needs.

One of the most interesting takeaways from the episode is that creativity doesn’t have to come with a massive price tag. In the episode, Jeff shares how an agency he was working with at Taco Bell pitched an award-winning idea with a budget of on;y $25,000. And that’s not that uncommon. It’s impressive, for sure, but some of the most impactful campaigns in marketing history were made because of the guardrails that they had to work with. When teams focus on the power of an idea instead of the size of the budget, they unlock opportunities for innovation that can truly move the needle.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Jeff Jenkins, CMO

💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn

Key Insights

Adapting to a Faster Future

Change isn’t slowing down - it’s speeding up. The pace of evolution in marketing, technology, and consumer behavior has hit record highs, and brands that thrive are the ones embracing agility. The mindset shift? Treat change as an ally, not a threat. Teams that anticipate and adapt to disruption - from AI tools to emerging cultural trends - will be the ones redefining categories. The future belongs to leaders who view constant transformation as a creative opportunity rather than a challenge to survive.

Embracing the “Fake It Till You Make It” Era

In today’s rapidly evolving marketing world, even the most seasoned leaders feel the pressure to “know it all.” Between new AI tools, younger platforms, and shifting consumer behaviors, no one can stay ahead of everything. And that’s okay! What matters most is focusing on curiosity and humility while keeping pace with innovation. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers anymore, no matter what your boss says. It’s about asking better questions, learning continuously, and empowering your teams to experiment boldly.

Big Ideas Don’t Need Big Budgets

Game-changing creativity doesn’t depend on deep pockets - it depends on insight. Some of the most impactful campaigns are born from sharp thinking, not massive production spend. When ideas connect emotionally and loop in pop culture without being cringey, they can outperform even the most expensive media buys. Great marketers focus on resonance over reach, crafting moments that feel personal and shareable. The next award-winning campaign might just start with