How can trust-first marketing and clarity-driven communication lead to stronger business growth?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Dolores Hirschmann, Chief Clarity Officer of Masters in Clarity. Dolores brings her expertise in executive coaching, marketing strategy, and business clarity to help leaders build trust-based marketing systems that convert without manipulation.

Dolores shares how marketing is fundamentally about trust and invitation—not just conversion. She introduces the concept of “trust funnels,” emphasizing that before any sale is made, relationships must be formed through authentic, value-first communication. She also highlights the power of speaking engagements as platforms for connection and community building, and how preparing a business for acquisition starts with stepping out of the day-to-day and building systems that scale.

In this episode, we cover:

• How trust funnels guide strangers to become loyal customers
• What speaking engagements can do to build credibility and connection
• How business owners can prepare for acquisition by stepping out of daily ops
• Why community and belonging are more important than ever in marketing today

If you’re looking to build authentic client relationships, scale your impact, and lead with clarity, this episode is packed with practical wisdom 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 Dolores:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhirschmann/  
• Company website: mastersinclarity.com  
• Twitter: www.x.com/DglarH  
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbc8sZ8Qs-IdmgH1CbHmXWA/videos  
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doloreshirschmann/  
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mastersinclarity/ 

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/UH1A4k20A_0 

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 marketing operations leaders stay relevant in a fast-changing, AI-powered landscape?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Danielle Balestra, Director of Marketing Technology and Operations at Goodwin. Danielle brings a grounded, forward-looking perspective to the ever-evolving world of marketing ops. She shares her experience navigating technical transformation, growing high-performing teams, and leading with empathy and curiosity.

Danielle breaks down why traditional marketing playbooks are no longer enough, and why today’s ops leaders must embrace continuous learning, simplify communication, and balance speed with strategy. From empowering team growth to building strong internal narratives that drive buy-in, her approach is both tactical and human.

In this episode, we cover:

• How continuous learning keeps marketing ops teams ahead of constant tech change
• How the traditional marketing ops playbook has evolved with the rise of AI and automation
• Why upskilling and resourcing employees is essential for long-term team success
• How curiosity and empathy strengthen leadership and team performance

If you’re ready to lead a marketing ops team that thrives through change, this episode is full of smart 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 Danielle:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellebalestra/  
• Twitter: https://x.com/danif10  
• Company website: https://www.goodwinlaw.com/en 
• Danielle’s website: https://daniellembalestra.wordpress.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/488abJCEGrc

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 marketers thrive in the age of AI and zero-click search?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Kerry Pearce, Head of Marketing at Qrvey. Kerry unpacks the shifting landscape of SEO in the age of zero-click searches and AI-generated answers. Rather than throwing in the towel, she explains how marketers can adapt their strategies to stay relevant and drive results.

Kerry shares practical ways to modernize your SEO approach, from refreshing outdated content and using AI tools effectively, to optimizing pages for both bots and real humans. She also breaks down how adding interactive content like demos and videos can give your pages an immediate engagement boost.

In this episode, we cover:

• How SEO is evolving and why marketers need to keep up, not give up
• Why fundamentals like keywords, structure, and links still matter
• What it takes to optimize content for both AI tools and human readers
• How interactive content can drive clicks, impressions, and engagement
• The value of refreshing old content to improve visibility and performance

If you’re wondering how to keep your content competitive in an AI-powered world, this episode is full of clear strategies you can implement right now.

🔔 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 Kerry:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrycotter8/  
• Company website: https://qrvey.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/_U6JRnXxf20 

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 if your website could build trust instead of just chasing conversions?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Jeff White, Principal at Kula Partners, to explore how brands can create digital experiences that are not only user-friendly but also authentic and inclusive. Jeff brings a designer’s eye and a strategist’s mindset to the conversation, sharing why accessibility, integrity, and focus matter more than ever in today’s web-driven world.

From avoiding shady “dark patterns” to embracing the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Jeff outlines what it takes to make your website work better for everyone. He also shares insights from his own entrepreneurial journey, including how choosing to niche down in the manufacturing sector helped Kula Partners deliver more value and stand out in a crowded market.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why authenticity builds more lasting connections than conversion tricks
• What digital accessibility looks like in practice and why it matters
• The tools every team should use to test and improve user experience
• How AI is shaping the future of web design without replacing human creativity
• The power of specialization and focusing on a niche

If you care about building better websites and stronger brands, this episode is full of practical advice and meaningful perspective.

🔔 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 Jeff:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brightwhite/  
• Company website: https://kulapartners.com/  
• The Kula Ring Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bt4Wf1fR4NT0MZFMWXMAr 

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/zp5Iwg2AC10 

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

Is AI ruining your content strategy or enhancing it?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Ardath Albee, a B2B marketing strategist and the CEO of Marketing Interactions. With decades of experience helping brands deliver meaningful content that resonates, Ardath brings a sharp and timely perspective to the conversation on AI, authenticity, and how marketers can preserve originality in an increasingly automated world.

Ardath shares why content should never be treated as filler or formulaic, especially when trust and credibility are on the line. She dives into the strategic role of empathy, voice, and nuance in content creation, and where AI fits in (and where it doesn’t). This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the evolving content landscape without losing the human touch.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why AI should be used as a tool, not a replacement for human creativity
• The dangers of over-relying on AI-generated personas and generic content
• How to develop high-impact content by truly understanding your audience
• The role of empathy, originality, and voice in standing out
• Actionable strategies for using AI efficiently while preserving content quality

If you’re ready to level up your content strategy while keeping it human, this episode is packed with real talk and smart advice 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 Ardath:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ardathalbee/ 
• Twitter: www.x.com/ardath421 
• Company website: https://marketinginteractions.com/ 
• Books: https://marketinginteractions.com/books-by-ardath-albee/ 

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/Np1sdcVumOo 

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 experimentation and relentless curiosity unlock faster growth in private-equity-backed businesses?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Kit Lisle, Founder of Acclaro Growth Partners and The Operators.pe. A former military intelligence officer turned veteran strategy consultant, Kit brings a unique lens to leadership and business transformation. He now helps companies shift from founder-led decision making to value-driven, private-equity-ready growth.

Kit breaks down why leaders should start with experimentation instead of narrowing their focus too soon, how honest customer conversations reveal real needs, and why continuous improvement and humble collaboration are non-negotiable for long-term success. Drawing from his military background, Kit compares the intensity of private equity to a SEAL team mission, where adaptability, rapid learning, and mission clarity are essential.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why a period of experimentation outperforms premature focus
• How to ask open-ended questions that deliver true customer insight
• The cultural shift founder-led businesses must make when PE steps in
• Leveraging strengths and running after-action reviews for constant improvement
• Encouraging a culture of curiosity that sparks innovation

If you’re ready to foster intellectual curiosity, unlock hidden opportunities, and drive value-first growth, 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 Kit:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kit-lisle/  
• The Operator’s website: https://theoperators.pe/  
• Acclaro Growth Partners' website: https://acclaropartners.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/jr18uWStLfQ 

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 take to create a marketing strategy that drives demand and empowers your channel partners?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Karen Sung, Chief Marketing Officer at Cyber Defense Group. Karen shares how smart marketers divide their focus between direct customer outreach and empowering channel partners, showing how the two motions fuel each other for greater growth.

Karen explains why partner success starts with strong brand awareness, why you need buyer personas for partners as well as customers, and how data-guided decisions keep every campaign efficient and measurable.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why direct marketing builds trust that partners can leverage to close deals
• How to create detailed buyer personas for channel partners and customers alike
• How ready‑to‑use marketing kits make co‑marketing fast and consistent
• Using data to prove ROI and continually optimize campaigns

If you want to strengthen partner relationships, build a recognizable brand, and drive smarter campaigns with data, this episode is packed with 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 Karen:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-sung-9b8181b/  
• Cyber Defense Group’s website: https://www.cdg.io/  
• Twitter: https://x.com/karenrsung?lang=bg 

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/PADRTAfTv8Q 

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

Can “boring” brands unlock growth through entertainment-first marketing?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Dan Salkey, Co-founder and Strategy Partner of Small World. Dan explores how brands can unlock growth by prioritizing entertainment in their marketing strategies, challenging the idea that certain industries are too “boring” to stand out. 

Dan breaks down how companies can shift from traditional, product-focused messaging to content that captures attention by being genuinely entertaining. From fandom mapping to the revival of brand mascots, Dan shares practical approaches for making content more engaging, shareable, and impactful across today’s fragmented media landscape. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Why no industry is too boring for creative, audience-first marketing
• How to use fandom mapping to tap into what your audience actually cares about
• The value of staying ahead of trends to create platform-native, entertaining content
• How to protect the creative process by separating it from operational constraints 
• Ways to measure the real business impact of entertainment-first marketing

If you’re ready to stop blending in and start standing out, this episode is packed with creative inspiration and strategies you can put into action!

🔔 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 Dan:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-salkey/  
• Company website: https://meetsmallworld.com/  
• Book: https://www.entertainordie.com/ 
• Twitter: www.x.com/SalkeyDan 

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/1p6YZ2Sosm0 

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 authentic customer understanding transform your marketing strategy?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Eden Bidani, Head of Strategy and Copy at CAPE.Agency. She shares her expertise on crafting ethical, effective messaging that truly resonates with customers and drives meaningful results.

Eden breaks down why many tech companies focus too much on product features without deeply understanding their customers’ world. She shares her proven three-part process for effective copywriting, combining internal research, direct customer insights, and market analysis, and highlights the limits of AI in creating truly innovative, human-centered marketing. 

In this episode, we cover:

• Why deep customer insights go beyond surface-level interviews. 
• Eden’s three-part process for crafting compelling, effective messages.
• The importance of understanding market categories and potential shifts.
• How anthropology shapes marketing and ethical copywriting
• Why human creativity and empathy are essential, even in the age of AI. 

If you’re ready to create marketing that connects authentically, stands out in a crowded market, and aligns passion with profession, 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 Eden:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edenbidani/  
• Company website: https://cape.agency/ 

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 

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 Grice’s Maxims strengthen your content strategy?

In this episode of The Hard Corps Marketing Show, I sat down with Marli Mesibov, Head of Product Content at Verily. Marli brings her expertise in content strategy, AI, and communication, sharing key strategies for improving how leaders and teams communicate and create content. 

Marli breaks down the four maxims of communication, quantity, quality, relevance, and manner, and explains how they are essential for clarity and effectiveness. She also dives into the evolution of the content designer role, why AI is an aid, not a replacement, the importance of documented strategies, and why encouraging team members to share their ideas publicly leads to growth. 

In this episode we cover:

• How Grice’s Maxims can elevate your communication and content
• Why AI needs ongoing training and human guidance
• The value of documenting content strategy to align teams and avoid subjective decisions
• Why encouraging employees to share ideas boosts personal and team growth

If you’re ready to improve your communication, elevate your content strategy, and use AI more effectively, 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 Marli:

• Marli’s Website: https://marli.me/  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlim/ 
• Twitter: https://x.com/marsinthestars  
• Company website: https://verily.com/  
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marsinthestars/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlimesibov/ 

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/J4TK5stCnSk 

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