In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Mark Ho, founder of BrightGrain and one of Australia's most respected strategic marketers.

After building his career across major consumer brands, Mark has become known for challenging conventional marketing thinking.

Rather than jumping straight to campaigns and tactics, he encourages businesses to slow down, ask better questions, and focus on solving the right problems before spending another marketing dollar.

Together, we unpack his philosophy of "Transformation Marketing," explore why long-term brand building still matters in a world obsessed with short-term growth, and discuss how marketers can balance commercial pressure without getting distracted by the latest trends or buzzwords.

This is a thought-provoking conversation for marketers who want to move beyond execution and become more strategic, commercially minded leaders.

• What Transformation Marketing actually means and why it matters
• Why the best marketing starts with better questions—not better campaigns
• Recognising when the old marketing playbook is no longer working
• How to identify the real business problem before jumping into execution
• The difference between genuine brand building and "brand theatre"
• Why established brands still need to invest in long-term brand growth
• How to balance brand investment with short-term commercial outcomes
• Practical ways to push back when organisations demand instant results
• What a realistic 90-day plan looks like when balancing brand and activation
• The habits every marketer can build to become a stronger strategic thinker

• You're responsible for both brand and commercial performance
• You're tired of chasing marketing trends without seeing long-term results
• You want to become a more strategic marketer and business partner
• You're working in a fast-growing business where the old playbook isn't working anymore
• You want to better balance long-term brand building with short-term growth targets

This episode will help you think more strategically, ask better questions before jumping into execution, and build marketing that creates lasting business impact - not just another campaign.

P.S If anyone remembers the Chicken Tonight ads from the 90's... this man was responsible!

Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes!

Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand.

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz

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Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected]

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In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Erin Core, customer insight specialist and marketing leader who has spent her career helping organisations make better business decisions by truly understanding their customers.

Through her work at Veracity and across senior marketing leadership roles, Erin has helped businesses move beyond assumptions and surface the insights that drive better products, stronger campaigns, and more meaningful customer experiences. In a world overflowing with data, she believes the real competitive advantage isn't collecting more information - it's asking better questions.

Together, we explore what customer-centricity actually looks like in practice, why research should be the starting point of every marketing strategy, and how businesses can turn customer understanding into measurable commercial results.

This is a must-listen for marketers, business leaders, and founders who want to make smarter decisions, build stronger brands, and create marketing that genuinely resonates with customers.

• The biggest misconceptions marketers have about customer insight
• Why collecting data isn't the same as understanding customers
• What genuinely customer-centric organisations do differently
• How customer research can completely change a marketing strategy
• The risks of skipping research in fast-paced marketing environments
• The questions every marketer should be asking their customers
• Why more data doesn't always lead to better decisions
• How AI is changing customer research—and where marketers need to be careful
• Practical ways small businesses can better understand their customers
• How customer insight is evolving and what marketers should prepare for next

• You want to create more customer-focused marketing
• You're making marketing decisions based on assumptions rather than evidence
• You want to improve your research and customer discovery skills
• You're leading marketing strategy or product development
• You believe better customer understanding leads to better business outcomes

This episode will challenge the way you think about customer research, help you move beyond surface-level data, and show you why the best marketing always starts with understanding the people you're trying to serve.

Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes!

Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand.

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz

Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz

Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected]

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In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Kennedy Anderson, entrepreneur, founder of The Whitening Co, and one of New Zealand's most recognised consumer brand builders.

From launching his first business at just 15 years old to growing The Whitening Co into a household name, Kennedy has spent years turning ideas into businesses. But beyond the viral content and social media success, he's also become known for sharing the realities of entrepreneurship - from cash flow challenges and supplier negotiations to borrowing money and navigating the pressures of building a physical product business.

Together, we unpack the difference between building an audience and building a business, why brand has become a founder's greatest competitive advantage, and what it really takes to create a company that lasts beyond the hype.

This is an honest conversation for marketers, founders, and aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable brands in an increasingly competitive world.

• The difference between building attention and building a real business
• Why Kennedy shifted from being "the influencer" to becoming "the operator"
• How The Whitening Co became one of New Zealand's leading challenger brands
• The financial realities of entrepreneurship that few founders talk about
• Lessons from building and scaling a physical product business
• Why community has become one of the strongest competitive advantages for modern brands
• How AI is increasing the importance of authentic branding
• Marketing beliefs Kennedy has changed throughout his entrepreneurial journey
• The biggest mistakes that became his greatest business lessons
• What founders should focus on during the first 90 days of launching a business

• You're building or launching a consumer brand
• You're an entrepreneur navigating the realities of business ownership
• You want to better understand the difference between audience growth and business growth
• You're interested in brand building, community, and entrepreneurship
• You want practical advice from someone who's built a nationally recognised product brand

This episode offers an honest look behind the scenes of entrepreneurship, challenges the myths surrounding founder success, and shares practical lessons for building brands that customers trust, communities support, and businesses that stand the test of time.

Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes!

Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand.

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz

Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz

Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected]

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In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Sindy Ward, Director of Hunter Campbell and one of New Zealand's leading marketing recruiters.

Having spent her career placing everyone from Marketing Managers through to Heads of Marketing, General Managers, and CEOs, Sindy has a front-row seat to what separates marketers who consistently progress from those who struggle to move beyond the same level. She works with businesses every day to identify future leaders, giving her a unique perspective on the skills employers value most.

Together, we unpack what it really takes to build a successful marketing career, why commercial thinking is becoming just as important as creativity, and how marketers can position themselves for leadership in an industry that's changing faster than ever.

This is a practical conversation for marketers at every stage of their career who want to become stronger leaders, make smarter career decisions, and stand out in a competitive job market.

• The habits and behaviours that accelerate marketing careers
• When marketers transition from being specialists to business leaders
• Why commercial acumen is becoming essential for modern marketers
• The biggest gaps between aspiring leaders and those ready for senior roles
• The skills every future Head of Marketing or CMO should be developing today
• Whether marketers should specialise or become generalists
• How AI is changing what employers are looking for in marketing talent
• Trends shaping today's marketing recruitment landscape
• Career moves that can dramatically change your trajectory
• Practical advice for marketers looking to fast-track their growth

• You're looking to progress into a senior marketing or leadership role
• You're planning your next career move
• You're wondering whether to specialise or broaden your experience
• You're preparing for promotions or leadership opportunities
• You want to understand what employers are really looking for in today's market

This episode will help you take a more strategic approach to your career, build the skills that future marketing leaders need, and position yourself as the kind of marketer businesses are actively looking to hire.

Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes!

Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand.

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz

Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz

Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected]

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In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Aleisha McCall, founder of Ultimate Edge Communications, media strategist, and host of The Black Box of Media podcast.

After representing Australia and New Zealand at four World Synchronised Ice Skating Championships, Aleisha made the leap into broadcasting before building her own agency from the ground up. Today, she helps high-growth brands navigate paid media, AI, and the rapidly changing digital landscape, with one bold belief at the centre of her thinking: in today's world, the algorithm has become one of your most important customers.

Together, we explore how AI is reshaping marketing, whether traditional customer personas still have a place, and how brands can optimise for algorithms without losing the authenticity that makes people want to follow them.

This is a forward-thinking conversation for marketers who want to stay ahead of industry change while continuing to build brands that people genuinely connect with.

• Why algorithms are becoming one of marketing's most important audiences
• Whether traditional customer personas still work in an AI-driven world
• Finding the balance between algorithmic optimisation and brand authenticity
• How owned and paid media work together in modern marketing
• Practical ways marketers can use AI to strengthen their strategy
• Why clarity - not hope - is one of the most valuable leadership skills
• Lessons from elite sport that translate into building a successful business
• How to navigate uncertainty when the industry is constantly evolving
• What today's marketing teams should stop measuring
• Aleisha's advice for marketers starting their careers in 2026

• You're trying to understand how AI and algorithms are changing marketing
• You want to build content that performs without sacrificing your brand
• You're responsible for paid media, digital strategy, or brand growth
• You're leading a marketing team through rapid change
• You want practical advice on staying relevant in an AI-first industry

This episode will help you rethink how modern marketing works, understand the growing influence of algorithms, and build strategies that resonate with both technology and the humans on the other side of the screen.

Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes!

Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand.

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz

Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz

Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected]

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In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Dan Xu, CEO and Co-founder of ElementX, AI engineer, entrepreneur, and one of New Zealand's leading experts in helping organisations implement artificial intelligence safely and at scale.

With a PhD in Bioengineering, a background in mechatronics engineering, and experience developing products like UVLens, Dan sits at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and commercial application. Today, he helps organisations move beyond AI experimentation and build practical solutions that are secure, scalable, and genuinely valuable.

Together, we explore how marketers can work more effectively with engineering teams, avoid common AI pitfalls, and build customer experiences that leverage artificial intelligence without compromising trust.

This is a practical conversation for marketers, business leaders, and innovators looking to move beyond AI hype and build a competitive advantage through responsible adoption.

• How marketers should approach AI adoption without compromising customer trust
• The balance between quick AI wins and building long-term AI capability
• Common security, privacy, and ethical mistakes businesses make with AI
• How technical innovation becomes products customers actually use
• Building stronger collaboration between marketing and engineering teams
• Asking better questions when evaluating AI tools and vendors
• Why storytelling is essential when introducing new technology
• Practical habits marketers can adopt to stay ahead as AI evolves
• The future of AI in marketing over the next three to five years
• How businesses can implement AI responsibly while maintaining brand integrity

• You're leading AI initiatives within your marketing team
• You want to understand AI beyond content generation tools
• You're working alongside product, engineering, or data teams
• You're responsible for customer experience, innovation, or digital transformation
• You want practical guidance on implementing AI safely and strategically

This episode will help you separate AI hype from reality, build stronger collaboration between marketing and technology teams, and adopt artificial intelligence in a way that creates lasting value for both your business and your customers.

Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes!

Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand.

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz

Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz

Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected]

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In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Connon Bray, Managing Partner at New+Improved Ventures and one of New Zealand's most experienced venture builders.

From helping shape businesses like Tracksuit, Ideally, Aether, and Drumbeat, Connon has spent his career identifying opportunities before they become obvious. Today, he works alongside founders to uncover meaningful problems, validate ideas quickly, and build the next generation of technology and marketing businesses.

Together, we unpack why great companies rarely begin with great ideas alone, the role customer insight plays in building successful products, and what founders and marketers can learn from the startup world about innovation, experimentation, and growth.

This is an insightful conversation for founders, marketers, product teams, and anyone interested in turning ideas into businesses that customers genuinely want.

What we cover in this episode

• The common traits shared by startups that successfully gain traction
• Why execution matters far more than simply having a great idea
• How to identify problems that are actually worth solving
• The biggest mistakes founders make when validating new products
• Why product-market fit is often misunderstood
• The role customer research and insight play in building better businesses
• How AI is changing the speed and economics of launching startups
• The founder habits that matter most—and the ones that don't
• Opportunities marketers are overlooking in today's market
• Connon's approach to building a business from scratch in today's environment

You should listen if...

• You're building a startup or thinking about launching one
• You want to better understand product-market fit and customer validation
• You're a marketer looking to think more like a founder
• You're interested in innovation, venture building, or emerging technology
• You want practical advice on turning ideas into businesses that scale

This episode will help you think differently about innovation, avoid some of the biggest startup mistakes, and build products and businesses around problems customers genuinely care about.

Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes!

Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand.

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz

Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz

Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected]

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In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Dave Hayward, founder of Europa and one of the leading voices rethinking what modern marketing consulting should look like.

As businesses tighten budgets and AI reshapes the way marketing gets done, Dave believes the traditional consulting model is due for an overhaul. Rather than delivering strategy decks and walking away, he's built Europa around Marketing-as-a-Service - a model that combines strategy, execution, operations, and AI to help businesses achieve real outcomes.

Together, we explore what it takes to become the consultant clients keep during uncertain times, how AI is changing the consulting landscape, and why operating leverage- not just expertise - will define the next generation of marketing advisors.

This is an essential conversation for consultants, fractional CMOs, freelancers, and senior marketers looking to future-proof their careers in an AI-driven world.

• Why strategy without execution is no longer enough
• What makes a marketing consultant truly indispensable to a business
• How consultants can survive and thrive during economic uncertainty
• What Marketing-as-a-Service looks like in practice
• Why AI won't replace great consultants—but will replace outdated ways of working
• How to use AI as operating leverage rather than a content generation tool
• The biggest opportunities for consultants in an AI-first world
• How to evolve from selling advice to delivering measurable business outcomes
• What consulting could look like over the next three years as AI becomes standard
• Practical ways to remain valuable as technology continues to evolve

• You're a marketing consultant, freelancer, or fractional CMO
• You're wondering how AI will impact consulting and advisory work
• You're looking for ways to deliver more value to clients
• You're rethinking your consulting business or service offering
• You want to future-proof your career in a rapidly changing industry

This episode will challenge the traditional consulting model, help you think differently about the value you deliver, and show you how to build a consulting business that's designed to thrive in the age of AI.

Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes!

Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand.

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz

Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz

Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected]

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In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Cass Barker, Director of Gybe Consulting and one of Australia's leading specialist marketing recruiters.

With more than 16 years of experience helping marketers land jobs, build careers, and navigate an increasingly competitive hiring market, Cass has interviewed thousands of candidates and worked alongside some of Australia's biggest brands. She knows exactly what gets marketers shortlisted, what gets them overlooked, and what hiring managers are really looking for in 2026.

Together, we unpack what today's job market actually looks like, how AI is changing recruitment, and the practical steps marketers can take to stand out from the crowd.

This is an essential conversation for anyone thinking about their next career move, whether you're actively job hunting, preparing for future opportunities, or simply wanting to build a stronger personal brand.

What we cover in this episode

• The biggest mistakes marketers make before they even reach the interview stage
• What recruiters immediately look for when reviewing CVs and LinkedIn profiles
• How the marketing job market has changed and what candidates need to know in 2026
• What separates great interviewees from everyone else
• The interview questions marketers should always be prepared for
• How to confidently talk about your achievements without overselling yourself
• Using AI to improve your job applications while still sounding authentic
• When and how to negotiate salary effectively
• Whether you should apply for roles if you don't meet every requirement
• Practical advice for marketers navigating redundancy or a difficult job search

You should listen if you're applying for marketing roles in today's competitive market, you're updating your CV or LinkedIn profile, you want to interview with more confidence, you're unsure how AI fits into the job application process or you're looking to grow your marketing career or secure your next opportunity

This episode will help you understand what recruiters are really looking for, avoid common job search mistakes, and give you practical strategies to stand out in one of the most competitive hiring markets marketers have faced in years.

Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes!

Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand.

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz

Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz

Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected]

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In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Dom Harvey, one of New Zealand's most recognisable broadcasters, award-winning podcasters, and co-founder of PodLab.

After more than two decades hosting one of the country's biggest breakfast radio shows, Dom made the leap into podcasting and built The Dom Harvey Podcast into one of New Zealand's most listened-to interview shows.

Together, we go behind the scenes of what it really takes to create, grow, and sustain a successful podcast. From guest research and interviewing techniques to distribution, promotion, and emerging AI tools, Dom shares the lessons he's learned from building a podcast that consistently attracts high-profile guests and loyal listeners.

This is a practical conversation for marketers, founders, creators, and brands who are considering launching a podcast or looking to get more value from the one they already have.

• The decisions and habits that helped The Dom Harvey Podcast succeed early
• Essential tools, software, and technology for modern podcasters
• How podcasts contribute to brand awareness, trust, and audience growth
• Common mistakes new podcasters make and how to avoid them
• Why distribution is often more important than recording the episode itself
• Practical strategies for promoting and growing a podcast audience
• The role AI is likely to play in the future of podcasting
• How to build a sustainable podcast process without burning out
• Dom's approach to interviewing prime ministers, Olympians, business leaders, and high-profile guests
• What makes people feel comfortable enough to share honest stories

• You're thinking about launching a podcast for yourself or your business
• You want to use content to build trust and authority in your industry
• You're struggling to grow or promote an existing podcast
• You're curious about how AI is changing content creation and audio
• You want to learn from someone who has built one of New Zealand's most successful podcasts

This episode will help you think more strategically about podcasting, avoid common mistakes, and build a content asset that continues to create value long after you hit publish.

Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes!

Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand.

Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz

Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz

Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected]

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