Performance marketing is officially at an impasse. Employers are squeezing budgets and reconsidering headcount, while employees are ready to walk away entirely. How has adland found itself trapped in a state of mutual unrest?

On this episode of the Performance Marketing Unlocked podcast, PMW's Editor Robin Langford joins host Joe to break down the core findings of PMW’s 2026 Workforce Report. The pair explore the stand-off between junior talent and AI, how the economy is killing salary growth, and why a market that was supposed to stabilise is feeling more volatile – and less diverse – than ever.

This podcast was hosted by PMW's Deputy Editor, Joseph Arthur.

~ Episode breakdown ~

(4:30) How under threat is your role from AI?

(10:35) The rise of fractional jobs

(19:12) Have we seen the death of the generalist?

~ Further reading ~

The State of Hiring: Is a restless workforce at risk of losing out to AI?

The State of Diversity: Why is so much of adland's diverse talent abandoning the industry?

The State of Pay: Stable salaries are masking the real change at the heart of adland

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