How can both empathy and distilled communication reshape your marketing strategy?

This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Ron Close, VP of Marketing at First Resonance. Ron shares his unique journey from manufacturing and computer science to marketing leadership, and how empathy and curiosity have fueled his success.

Ron dives into the importance of empathy in marketing, not just why it matters, but how to apply it authentically to connect with customers. He breaks down innovative concepts like degenerative AI and practical strategies to leverage technology without losing the human touch. Ron also emphasizes the value of continuous learning, community, and embracing discomfort for growth.

With an approach grounded in curiosity, authenticity, and innovation, Ron offers marketers a fresh framework to engage audiences more effectively and drive meaningful results.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why empathy is key to customer-centric marketing
• How degenerative AI can amplify your marketing efforts authentically
• Aligning personal passion with professional roles to stay motivated
• The importance of community, continuous learning, and embracing discomfort

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Hard Corps Marketing.

Connect with Ron:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronclose 
• Company website: https://www.firstresonance.io/  

Ways to Tune In:

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/01kCcPP1ib9MSE9aNb5SQa 
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/connect-to-market/id1822777920 
• Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/b5c3fb03-482f-4496-bcd0-82c1d66fed3d 
• iHeart Radio: https://iheart.com/podcast/282837141/ 
• Podchaser: https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/connect-to-market-6138391 
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLP_sn6_Cwun_qxaOz94Epgf6zdqeTFjJV 

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

How can emotional intelligence, authenticity, and classic marketing strategies fuel modern success?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Aaron Welch, a Marine Corps veteran and Founder/Chief Strategist at Lift Digital Marketing. Aaron brings a unique blend of traditional grit and modern marketing savvy, offering insights on the evolving landscape of marketing from the power of AI to the surprising effectiveness of print mail.

Aaron debunks the myth that marketing channels like SEO or direct mail are “dead.” He explains that while platforms and tactics may evolve, core fundamentals like branding, messaging, audience connectivity, are what drive long-term success.

We also dive into the challenges of today’s digital marketing world, such as the overwhelming volume of cold outreach and the importance of forging real, human connections, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. Aaron shares practical strategies to stand out: ditch the pitch-first mentality, focus on relationships, and make sure your efforts are measurable.

In this episode, we cover:

• How emotional intelligence can make or break your marketing career
• Why branding and messaging fundamentals haven’t changed, even if platforms have
• The power of authenticity and connection on LinkedIn
• Leadership, therapy, and the value of personal growth in a high-stress industry
• Resources and networking tips for veterans transitioning into marketing

Tune in if you're ready for a no-nonsense look at what really works in marketing today and how to stay grounded while standing out. This episode is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and inspiring stories.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show!

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/  

Connect with Aaron:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronwelch/  
• Lift Digital Marketing’s website: https://lift-digital.net/  
• Aaron’s website: https://aaronmwelch.com/about-aaron-m-welch/ 
• Chicagoland Veteran Business Owners Group: https://chicagolandveteranbusinessowners.org/ 
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aaronmwelch 

Ways to Tune In:

• Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/id1338838763
• Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0f4497c6-b402-4cad-9018-1e41b7e8f2bb/the-hard-corps-marketing-show
• Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1vVLpNI1LssMTiL6Kdsamn
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL3RoZS1oYXJkLWNvcnBzLW1hcmtldGluZy1zaG93

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

How can deep audience research transform your marketing effectiveness?

This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with KB Burdette, Growth Advisor at Del Sol Digital. KB shares her unique path from working at Target Corporation to founding her own digital agency, and how curiosity and community have fueled her success.

KB dives into the power of audience research- not just why it matters, but exactly how to do it. She breaks down practical, repeatable methods marketers can use right now, including how to leverage trade show content, insights platforms like 6Sense, and focused customer segments to uncover what really resonates. She also emphasizes the importance of documenting your process, using filters strategically, and evolving your messaging based on what you learn. With an approach grounded in experimentation, clarity, and relevance, KB gives marketers a framework to build smarter, more effective campaigns.

In this episode, we cover:

• How audience research fuels more effective marketing strategies
• Actionable ways to uncover insights and test your messaging today
• Why starting with top customers leads to sharper campaigns
• The role of community and curiosity in long-term marketing success

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Hard Corps Marketing.

Connect with KB:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenburdette/  
• Company website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/del-sol-digital/about/  

Ways to Tune In:

• Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/id1338838763 
• Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0f4497c6-b402-4cad-9018-1e41b7e8f2bb/the-hard-corps-marketing-show 
• Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1vVLpNI1LssMTiL6Kdsamn 
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show 
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL3RoZS1oYXJkLWNvcnBzLW1hcmtldGluZy1zaG93 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/mvWcLwTxQHY

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

Is your marketing driving real revenue or just making noise?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, host Casey Cheshire sits down with Karthiga Ratnam, a serial entrepreneur and marketing leader, for a bold and eye-opening conversation about the evolving role of marketing in modern business. Karthiga challenges conventional thinking around titles like "revenue marketer," arguing that all marketers should be tied to revenue outcomes. 

The discussion dives deep into brand vs. demand vs. category creation, highlighting why leading with connection, trust, and authenticity beats feature-based messaging every time. Karthiga also explains why understanding metrics like Net Retention Rate (NRR) is crucial, and why marketers need to partner closely with leadership, especially when pioneering a new category.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why the term “revenue marketer” might be holding the industry back

• How marketing and sales can align more effectively around value and impact

• Why marketers should be tracking Net Retention Rate, not just pipeline

• Karthi’s philosophy of kindness, collaboration, and long-term vision

Whether you're a B2B marketer, entrepreneur, or aspiring category creator, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and fresh perspective you won't hear anywhere else!

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show!

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/ 

Connect with Karthi:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karthiratnam/  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karthi.ratnam/?hl=en   
• Audience Haus website: https://www.audiencehaus.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/id1338838763
• Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0f4497c6-b402-4cad-9018-1e41b7e8f2bb/the-hard-corps-marketing-show
• Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1vVLpNI1LssMTiL6Kdsamn
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL3RoZS1oYXJkLWNvcnBzLW1hcmtldGluZy1zaG93

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

How can empathetic B2B SaaS marketing transform your growth strategy?

This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with Ashleigh Norton, Vice President of Marketing at Blink AI Automotive. Ashleigh shares her unique journey from aspiring meteorologist to leading marketing efforts in the fast-evolving automotive tech space.

Ashleigh dives into what it takes to truly connect with an audience on platforms like LinkedIn, why storytelling is at the heart of effective communication, and how marketers can embrace AI without losing their ethical compass. She explores the delicate balance between automation and personal touch, and how time management can make or break modern marketing strategies. Ashleigh also discusses the value of building strong professional relationships, supporting sales through thoughtful strategy, and taking a problem-solving approach to marketing rather than simply pushing products.

In this episode, we cover:

• The power of storytelling to engage and connect with audiences
• Balancing manual and automated networking for authentic relationships
• Ethical considerations when using AI in marketing
• How solving real problems drives better marketing and supports sales teams

If you’re navigating the intersection of AI, marketing, and automotive innovation, Ashleigh’s insights offer real-world strategies to help you build meaningful connections and grow with purpose.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Hard Corps Marketing.

Connect with Ashleigh:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleigh-ellis/ 
• Company website: https://blinkai.com/

Ways to Tune In:

• Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/id1338838763 
• Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0f4497c6-b402-4cad-9018-1e41b7e8f2bb/the-hard-corps-marketing-show 
• Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1vVLpNI1LssMTiL6Kdsamn 
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show 
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL3RoZS1oYXJkLWNvcnBzLW1hcmtldGluZy1zaG93 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/4Zr5UEypFVM 

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

Can your podcast stand out in a sea of sameness?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Ollie Whitfield, Partner at Slingshot Content, for a fun and wildly creative conversation about breaking the mold in podcasting. Ollie brings his signature energy and out-of-the-box thinking to the mic, sharing a mix of inventive podcast concepts, production tactics, and tech integrations that challenge the traditional interview format.

From chip-tasting ASMR podcasts to quiz show formats and fireside chats in the wild, Ollie explains how unconventional setups can capture listener attention—if you’re willing to prepare for the chaos. We also dive into AI-powered repurposing, engaging intros, and the one thing most podcasters forget to plan: how to end their show smoothly.

In this episode, we cover:

• Unique podcast formats that push the boundaries of traditional interviews
• How to use AI to turn written content into audio, and boost your SEO in the process
• Why engaging intros and quickfire segments help hook and retain listeners
• What makes a good outro, and how to avoid awkward episode endings

If you’re ready to get creative, challenge the norm, and make your podcast unforgettable, this episode is packed with inspiration and tactical advice to level up your content!

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show!

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/ 

Connect with Ollie:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olliewhitfield 
• Twitter: https://x.com/OllieWhitfield_  
• GTMDifferent: GTMDifferent.com  
• Slingshot Content: slingshotcontent.com  
• Splashmaker Media: https://splashmakermedia.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/id1338838763
• Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0f4497c6-b402-4cad-9018-1e41b7e8f2bb/the-hard-corps-marketing-show
• Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1vVLpNI1LssMTiL6Kdsamn
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL3RoZS1oYXJkLWNvcnBzLW1hcmtldGluZy1zaG93
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/I-rz0iTimSo 

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

How can empathetic B2B SaaS marketing transform your growth strategy?

This special Hard Corps Marketing Show takeover episode features an episode from the Connect To Market podcast, hosted by Casey Cheshire. In this conversation, Casey sits down with James Furbush, VP of Marketing at AccessOne and host of the RCM Ladder Podcast. James shares his insights into effective marketing strategies for B2B SaaS companies, with a special focus on the healthcare sector. 

James reveals why truly understanding your audience is non-negotiable, and how marketers can stand out by avoiding hostile tactics and instead embracing unscalable but impactful efforts to build real relationships. He emphasizes the value of empathy in every touchpoint, and how this approach leads to more sustainable growth and stronger customer trust.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why deeply understanding your audience is the foundation of effective marketing
• How to ditch aggressive tactics in favor of trust-building strategies
• The power of unscalable actions to create genuine connections
• James’s contributions to the marketing community and how networking fuels innovation

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Hard Corps Marketing.

Connect with James:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesfurbush/ 
• Personal Website: https://www.jamesfurbush.com/ 
• AccessOne: accessonepay.com 
• Twitter: https://x.com/JamesFurbush 
• Podcast: https://accessonepay.com/podcasts/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/id1338838763 
• Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0f4497c6-b402-4cad-9018-1e41b7e8f2bb/the-hard-corps-marketing-show 
• Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1vVLpNI1LssMTiL6Kdsamn 
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show 
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL3RoZS1oYXJkLWNvcnBzLW1hcmtldGluZy1zaG93 
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/4Zr5UEypFVM 

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

Are MQLs really dead, or just evolving?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Melissa McCready, Founder and CEO of Navigate Consulting Group. With decades of experience in marketing automation, customer success, and growth operations, Melissa is a recognized thought leader and award-winning expert in her field.

Melissa unpacks the evolving role of MQLs and why they’re far from obsolete. She explains how engagement scores and persona alignment still make them vital to marketing strategies when used correctly. We also explore the rise of growth operations as a strategic business function, the need for detailed AI implementation, and how leaders can stay ahead by embracing trends like generative engine optimization (GEO).

In this episode, we cover:

• Why MQLs still matter, and how they’re evolving, not disappearing
• What it means to train AI like a new team member using SOPs and expert input
• Why growth operations is broader than revenue ops and demands a seat at the table
• How early adoption of GEO can give you a competitive edge
• Why mentorship, community, and giving back elevate your career and credibility

If you're ready to rethink traditional marketing operations and strategically prepare for an AI-powered future, this episode is full of actionable insights you won’t want to miss!

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show!

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/ 

Connect with Melissa:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamccreadylovesgrowthops/  
• Twitter: www.x.com/mcp823  
• HLX: https://teamhlx.com/ 
• Navigate Consulting Group: https://www.navigateconsultinggroup.com/  

Ways to Tune In:

• Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/id1338838763
• Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0f4497c6-b402-4cad-9018-1e41b7e8f2bb/the-hard-corps-marketing-show
• Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1vVLpNI1LssMTiL6Kdsamn
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL3RoZS1oYXJkLWNvcnBzLW1hcmtldGluZy1zaG93
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/sqMEBK3-MfM 

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

What does it really mean to work in marketing operations, and how can leaders better leverage these professionals as strategic enablers?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Mike Rizzo, Community-led Founder and CEO of MarketingOps.com. A longtime community leader and champion of the marketing operations profession, Mike brings clarity to the misunderstood world of marketing ops and shares what’s next for the industry.

He explains why marketing ops pros are more like product managers for go-to-market systems than just email campaign operators. From the launch of a new certification path to AI’s place in the workflow, Mike reveals how the role is evolving, and what skills the best ops leaders bring to the table.

Whether you're leading a revenue team or just starting in ops, this episode offers practical advice to grow your team, your strategy, and your career.

Takeaways:

• What a tiered certification path could do for the marketing ops profession.
• Why curiosity and self-service learning are essential ops traits.
• How AI can support, but not replace, strategic thinking in operations.
• What leaders can do to foster open communication and innovation.
• Why supporting community participation drives team development.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show!

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/ 

Connect with Mike:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedrizzo/  
• Marketing Ops Website: https://marketingops.com/  
• Ops Cast Podcast: https://opscast.marketingops.com/  
• MOps-Apalooza 2025: https://mopsapalooza.com/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/id1338838763
• Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0f4497c6-b402-4cad-9018-1e41b7e8f2bb/the-hard-corps-marketing-show
• Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1vVLpNI1LssMTiL6Kdsamn
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL3RoZS1oYXJkLWNvcnBzLW1hcmtldGluZy1zaG93
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/Vsh4Qn-OIOU 

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

How can founders avoid sabotaging their own sales pipeline?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Dave Rubinstein, Fractional Sales Leader to funded tech companies who need to scale. Dave brings deep expertise from years of building and leading sales teams, and he shares a practical, no-fluff perspective on what growing startups get wrong about sales, and how to fix it.

Dave breaks down why asking a technical founder to lead sales is like handing the keys to someone who’s never driven, and what it really takes to build a sales engine that drives predictable revenue. From hiring the right reps to understanding the importance of urgency in buyer conversations, Dave outlines a roadmap for smarter, more scalable sales growth.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why founder-led sales often fail and what to do about it
• How understanding buyer urgency can improve win rates
• What traits to prioritize when hiring modern sales talent
• How fractional leadership helps de-risk and accelerate sales success

If you're ready to build a smarter, more effective sales strategy, this episode is full of actionable insights to help you scale with confidence.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show!

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/ 

Connect with Dave:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daverubinstein/ 

Ways to Tune In:

• Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show/id1338838763
• Amazon Music/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0f4497c6-b402-4cad-9018-1e41b7e8f2bb/the-hard-corps-marketing-show
• Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1vVLpNI1LssMTiL6Kdsamn
• Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-hard-corps-marketing-show
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy50cmFuc2lzdG9yLmZtL3RoZS1oYXJkLWNvcnBzLW1hcmtldGluZy1zaG93
• YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZFdfpLGDtJk 

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