TMC Presents: The Marketing Clubhouse

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.What we cover in this episodeWhy algorithms are becoming one of marketing's most important audiencesWhether traditional customer personas still work in an AI-driven worldFinding the balance between algorithmic optimisation and brand authenticityHow owned and paid media work together in modern marketingPractical ways marketers can use AI to strengthen their strategyWhy clarity - not hope - is one of the most valuable leadership skillsLessons from elite sport that translate into building a successful businessHow to navigate uncertainty when the industry is constantly evolvingWhat today's marketing teams should stop measuringAleisha's advice for marketers starting their careers in 2026You should listen if...You're trying to understand how AI and algorithms are changing marketingYou want to build content that performs without sacrificing your brandYou're responsible for paid media, digital strategy, or brand growthYou're leading a marketing team through rapid changeYou want practical advice on staying relevant in an AI-first industryThis 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.

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.What we cover in this episodeHow marketers should approach AI adoption without compromising customer trustThe balance between quick AI wins and building long-term AI capabilityCommon security, privacy, and ethical mistakes businesses make with AIHow technical innovation becomes products customers actually useBuilding stronger collaboration between marketing and engineering teamsAsking better questions when evaluating AI tools and vendorsWhy storytelling is essential when introducing new technologyPractical habits marketers can adopt to stay ahead as AI evolvesThe future of AI in marketing over the next three to five yearsHow businesses can implement AI responsibly while maintaining brand integrityYou should listen if...You're leading AI initiatives within your marketing teamYou want to understand AI beyond content generation toolsYou're working alongside product, engineering, or data teamsYou're responsible for customer experience, innovation, or digital transformationYou want practical guidance on implementing AI safely and strategicallyThis 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.

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 episodeThe common traits shared by startups that successfully gain tractionWhy execution matters far more than simply having a great ideaHow to identify problems that are actually worth solvingThe biggest mistakes founders make when validating new productsWhy product-market fit is often misunderstoodThe role customer research and insight play in building better businessesHow AI is changing the speed and economics of launching startupsThe founder habits that matter most—and the ones that don'tOpportunities marketers are overlooking in today's marketConnon's approach to building a business from scratch in today's environmentYou should listen if...You're building a startup or thinking about launching oneYou want to better understand product-market fit and customer validationYou're a marketer looking to think more like a founderYou're interested in innovation, venture building, or emerging technologyYou want practical advice on turning ideas into businesses that scaleThis 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.

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.What we cover in this episodeWhy strategy without execution is no longer enoughWhat makes a marketing consultant truly indispensable to a businessHow consultants can survive and thrive during economic uncertaintyWhat Marketing-as-a-Service looks like in practiceWhy AI won't replace great consultants—but will replace outdated ways of workingHow to use AI as operating leverage rather than a content generation toolThe biggest opportunities for consultants in an AI-first worldHow to evolve from selling advice to delivering measurable business outcomesWhat consulting could look like over the next three years as AI becomes standardPractical ways to remain valuable as technology continues to evolveYou should listen if...You're a marketing consultant, freelancer, or fractional CMOYou're wondering how AI will impact consulting and advisory workYou're looking for ways to deliver more value to clientsYou're rethinking your consulting business or service offeringYou want to future-proof your career in a rapidly changing industryThis 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.

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 episodeThe biggest mistakes marketers make before they even reach the interview stageWhat recruiters immediately look for when reviewing CVs and LinkedIn profilesHow the marketing job market has changed and what candidates need to know in 2026What separates great interviewees from everyone elseThe interview questions marketers should always be prepared forHow to confidently talk about your achievements without overselling yourselfUsing AI to improve your job applications while still sounding authenticWhen and how to negotiate salary effectivelyWhether you should apply for roles if you don't meet every requirementPractical advice for marketers navigating redundancy or a difficult job searchYou 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 opportunityThis 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.

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.What we cover in this episodeThe decisions and habits that helped The Dom Harvey Podcast succeed earlyEssential tools, software, and technology for modern podcastersHow podcasts contribute to brand awareness, trust, and audience growthCommon mistakes new podcasters make and how to avoid themWhy distribution is often more important than recording the episode itselfPractical strategies for promoting and growing a podcast audienceThe role AI is likely to play in the future of podcastingHow to build a sustainable podcast process without burning outDom's approach to interviewing prime ministers, Olympians, business leaders, and high-profile guestsWhat makes people feel comfortable enough to share honest storiesYou should listen if...You're thinking about launching a podcast for yourself or your businessYou want to use content to build trust and authority in your industryYou're struggling to grow or promote an existing podcastYou're curious about how AI is changing content creation and audioYou want to learn from someone who has built one of New Zealand's most successful podcastsThis 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.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we’re joined by Rosie Chong - Australia’s go-to “9-to-5 personal branding gal.” Rosie built a LinkedIn following of 55,000+ while working full-time, proving you don’t need to quit your job to build influence, opportunity, and leverage. We unpack the mindset shifts professionals need before they post, how to balance visibility without making your boss uncomfortable, and why most people don’t have a personal-brand problem - they have a clarity problem. From content frameworks to burnout boundaries, this episode is a practical guide for building a personal brand that adds to your career, not drains it. What we cover in this episode • Why Rosie started building her personal brand while still employed - and how it changed her life • The line between being visible and being “too much” at work • What clarity actually means — and how to find your angle • Where to start if you think you have “nothing interesting to say” • A realistic weekly routine for building a brand alongside a full-time job • What your first 30 days on LinkedIn should look like if you’re starting from zero • How to avoid burnout while staying consistent You should listen if… You want to build a personal brand but don’t want to quit your job. You’re worried about what your boss or colleagues might think. Or you’ve been lurking on LinkedIn knowing you should start — but haven’t. This episode shows you how to build visibility strategically, sustainably, and confidently — without turning your life upside down.

In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Kaila Colbin, leadership educator, founder of Boma, creator of the Crusaders Leadership Programme, and one of New Zealand's most influential voices on leadership, culture, and human performance.Before stepping into the world of leadership development, Kaila spent years in marketing - writing hundreds of marketing columns, running a social media consultancy, serving as CMO for a global kids' game, and founding both TEDx Christchurch and Ministry of Awesome.Together, we explore the crossover between marketing and leadership, why so many marketers underestimate their ability to lead, and what it takes to become someone others genuinely want to follow.This is a thought-provoking conversation for marketers who want to increase their influence, step into leadership, and take greater ownership of their careers.What we cover in this episodeWhat leaders consistently misunderstand about marketingWhat marketers often get wrong about leadershipLeadership lessons every business can learn from the CrusadersWhy courage is a trainable skill, not a personality traitHow marketers can influence CEOs, founders, and executive teamsThe difference between operating as a victim and taking ownershipPractical ways to build leadership skills before receiving a titleThe communication habits that strengthen teams and relationshipsKaila's evolving views on marketing, influence, and human behaviourYou should listen if...You're a marketer looking to become more influential at workYou want to move into leadership but don't have the title yetYou're struggling to influence senior stakeholders or decision-makersYou're interested in culture, performance, and team dynamicsYou want practical advice on building confidence and courage in your careerThis episode will challenge how you think about leadership, help you build greater agency in your career, and give you practical tools to become the kind of person people choose to follow.