CIM Marketing Podcast

As the Advertising Association celebrates its centenary, Ben Walker sits down with Stephen Woodford, CEO of the Advertising Association, to explore 100 years of marketing and advertising evolution. We look at the past, present, and future of advertising.Woodford reflects on iconic campaigns including his memories from the lager wars of the 80s and 90s to Orange’s “The future’s bright, the future’s Orange”, and British Airways’ “world’s favourite airline”, unpacking why simple, emotionally resonant ideas endure for decades. We also discuss why emotion beats logic almost every time, how great strategy underpins great creativity, and why the UK is a genuine creative superpower, punching far above its weight in global advertising exports.The conversation also dives into:How the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) evolved from a 1920s “vigilance committee” into a world‑leading regulatorThe way AI is used on both sides of the battle against scams and fake ads – and why Woodford is optimisticWhy trust in advertising is now at a five‑year high, especially among younger, digitally native audiencesWhat AI really means for marketing talent, entry‑level roles, and capability buildingThe future balance between influencer-led strategies, performance marketing, and big brand-building campaignsIf you want a clear, grounded view on where advertising has come from, what’s changing right now, and how to navigate the AI era without losing the magic of creativity, this episode is essential listening.Want to know more? Check out the CIM Content hub now for all things marketing. Thanks for listening to this episode. You can share your thoughts and feedback in our survey now, or contact us at podcast@cim.co.uk

Episode 118: In this episode of the CIM Marketing Podcast, host Ben Walker is joined by CIM Course Director and Strategic Growth Consultant Steph Inez Matthews, and Peter Gaston, innovation lead at VCCP and co-founder of AI-first agency Faith, to unpack the “AI efficiency paradox”.AI tools like Midjourney, Adobe Firefly and Google’s Nano Banana make it easier and cheaper than ever to create content, but are we entering a golden age of creativity, or do we risk our social feeds becoming saturated with ‘AI slop’?Together, Steph and Peter explore how marketers can harness AI for speed, scale and cost-effectiveness without sacrificing distinctiveness, brand integrity or ethical standards. They discuss how AI is reshaping creative roles, from designer to prompt engineer, why human insight still sits at the heart of effective marketing, and how smaller brands and SMEs can now genuinely punch above their weight.You’ll hear real examples from agency practice, client-side experience and AI-first campaigns, as well as the practical realities around data security, IP ownership and client expectations. The episode does not shy away from the hard questions: bias baked into models, the risk of cognitive de-skilling, legal grey areas and the very real possibility of an 'industry disaster' if governance does not catch up.This is an essential listen that will leave you better informed, slightly challenged and ready to set your own AI standards.This podcast will: Explore how AI is affecting the creative process in marketingAsk whether marketers are prepared for the copyright and bias risks AI presentsExamine the 'efficiency paradox' - the risk that AI improves efficiency but fosters homogeneityThanks for listening to this episode. You can share your thoughts and feedback in our survey now, or contact us at podcast@cim.co.uk.

In this episode of the CIM Marketing Podcast, our host Ben Walker sits down with Kelly Eagle, managing partner at Pixel Artworks, to explore how truly immersive experiences are reshaping modern marketing.Kelly explains why the real innovation isn’t in shiny new tech, but in how you use existing technologies to tell better stories, shift behaviour, and build brand loyalty. From large-scale skyline installations and AR-enhanced environments to carefully measured engagement and ROI, she reveals how brands can move beyond “Instagrammable moments” to create transformative, narrative-led experiences that audiences remember long after the lights go out.Whether you’re working on live events, brand experiences, or digital campaigns, this episode will help you rethink how immersion fits into your marketing mix, and how to justify the investment.Want to know more? Check out the CIM Content hub now for all things marketing. Thanks for listening to this episode. You can share your thoughts and feedback in our survey now, or contact us at podcast@cim.co.uk

From AI to AR, gaming and live streams, digital experiences are driving the future of customer interactions, but are we unlocking deeper creativity, or just chasing the next shiny tool? In this episode of the CIM Marketing Podcast, we’re joined by Dr Rhonda Hadi, Associate Professor of Marketing at Saïd Business School and Kris Hunt, Strategy Director at Content Cure UK to explore how rapid advances in technology are reshaping creativity, customer experience and brand building. Together, they unpack how marketers can harness emerging tech without losing the human heart of their ideas. They explore the blurring line between digital and physical experiences, why Gen Z and Gen Alpha are redefining what “social” really means, and how AI can support rather than suffocate genuine creativity. This episode is a practical guide for creatives and marketers who want to stay relevant as technology accelerates. Stop grabbing attention. Start crafting experiences. Want to know more? Check out the CIM Content hub now for all things marketing. Thanks for listening to this episode. You can share your thoughts and feedback in our survey now, or contact us at podcast@cim.co.uk

In this episode of the CIM Marketing Podcast, we sit down with Lucy Johnstone, entertainment marketing director at Sky & NOW TV, and Tim Yaw Struthers, head of original brands at Sky, to discover how to successfully market a hit TV series. Our expert guests explain how Sky turns great shows into their own brands, from early strategic ‘show playbooks’ to global campaigns. They talk through the innovative strategies they use to connect with audiences, create shared experiences and build fandoms using social media, experiential stunts and behind-the-scenes content. This podcast will:• Explore how Sky creates winning marketing campaigns for its shows• Reveal how Sky leverages third-party media to create shared audience experiences• Look at how innovation pairs with traditional red‑carpet moments in the Sky marketing mix Whether you work in entertainment, brand marketing, or are simply curious how today’s biggest TV hits break through the noise, this episode gives you an inside look at the process, from first green light to global launch and beyond. Want to know more? Check out the CIM Content hub now for all things marketing. Thanks for listening to this episode. You can share your thoughts and feedback in our survey now, or contact us at podcast@cim.co.uk

We’re back with a brand-new season of the CIM Marketing Podcast!This season, we’ll be exploring creativity and innovation, asking what it really takes for brands to stand out in an increasingly complex, tech-driven landscape.In this episode, we’re focusing on creativity, asking: In a digital world ruled by algorithms and saturated with content, is creativity losing its edge, or are the boundaries of human creativity expanding?Host Ben Walker is joined on the show by two renowned industry leaders, Emily Heath, Global Brand Director at Rexona/Sure, and Paul Greenwood, Global Head of Research & Insights at We Are Social. They discuss how the recent shift in online behaviour is reshaping how people engage with brands, and how marketers can balance data, changing technologies and creativity to deliver impact and relevance. Together, they’ll cut through the noise and share their thoughts on how marketers can balance data, technology, and creativity to build brands that stand out in an algorithm-driven world.Tune in to hear more about:· Shifting global trends in digital behaviour, and why they matter · Lessons learnt from global brand campaigns · How to stay creative and distinctive at scale · Working with algorithms, not against themIf you want to build a brand that stands out, this episode is for you. Want to know more? Check out the CIM Content hub now for all things marketing.Thanks for listening to this episode. You can share your thoughts and feedback in our survey now, or contact us at podcast@cim.co.uk

In this high-impact episode, we sit down with Amir Malik, Managing Director EMEA at Alvarez & Marsal, to break down the AI, marketing, and digital transformation trends that will shape the next 3-5 years. From agentic AI, conversational interfaces, and prompt-driven workflows to hyper-personalisation at scale, Malik reveals what these shifts really mean for marketers, brands, and consumers. Discover the strategies behind improving customer experience, increasing operational efficiency, and overcoming organisational resistance to change. Want to stay ahead in an AI-powered marketing landscape? This episode is for you. Tune in to learn:• Why AI adoption fails in many organisations—and how to unlock real ROI• How agentic AI and conversational search will disrupt traditional search models• Why hyper-personalisation is becoming business-critical for growth and retention• The ethical, operational, and data governance guardrails needed to balance automation and human augmentation If you’re a CMO, marketing strategist, digital leader, or innovation-focused creative, this episode is your roadmap to thriving in a prompt-driven, AI-first future. Want to know more? Check out the CIM Content hub now for all things marketing.Thanks for listening to this season, if you have any thoughts or topics you'd like us to cover, get in touch with us at podcast@cim.co.uk

In the latest episode of the CIM Marketing Podcast, we sit down with Meta’s Chief Marketing Officer, Alex Schultz, who shares powerful insights from his role at Meta and from his new book, Click Here: The Art and Science of Digital Marketing and Advertising.Schultz also discusses why marketers need to get the basics right, the concept of incrementality, the difference between goals and metrics, and why your North Star should matter more than anything else.With practical advice, frameworks for channel selection, lessons from paid search and affiliate marketing, and insights into why copying competitors can sometimes be the smartest move, this is a must-listen for all digital marketers. Schultz also explores the future of marketing in an AI-driven world, revealing how AI is reshaping creativity, analytics, and team structures, and why marketers who fail to embrace AI risk being left behind.Want to know more? Check out the CIM Content hub now for all things marketing.

With AI and algorithms now powering much of our digital lives, it's easy to lose sight of the customer. Tune in to the latest episode of the CIM Marketing Podcast to learn how marketers can design strategies that prioritise authenticity, empathy and connect with human psychology. In the latest, must-listen episode of the CIM Marketing Podcast, we dive deep into the powerful and often subtle ways technology is reshaping consumer psychology and giving marketers new means for engaging with their customers. We’re welcoming leading experts Becky Simms, CEO of Reflect Digital, and Dr. Tom Bowden-Green, Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Behavioural Science, to dissect the biggest and fastest shifts happening in the industry right now. They’ll be highlighting the significant changes in consumer behaviour, especially the increased engagement with technology, and discuss the enduring importance of understanding consumer search behaviour, which has diversified beyond Google to include multiple platforms and social communities. Our experts will also discuss the critical need for marketers to strategically balance budgets, invest in robust audience research, and design campaigns for human behaviour rather than simply for algorithms. In this episode, we will:Explore the major recent shifts in consumer behaviourShow why marketing should be designed for humans not algorithmsReveal why friction can be good as well as badWant to know more? Check out the CIM Content hub now for all things marketing.

In this episode of the CIM Marketing Podcast, Duarte Garrido (DG), co-founder of DoJo AI, gives our listeners the inside track on how AI technology is enabling small marketing functions to compete with corporate behemoths. He highlights the growing complexity marketers face, including fragmented tools, limited budgets, and rising expectations and explores what the democratisation of marketing means for challenger brands. This podcast will:• Reveal why AI marketing will help small firms catch up with major corporates• Explore how technology will relieve marketers of time-consuming mundane jobs• Highlight why marketers are unwise to rely on LLMsWant to know more? Check out the CIM Content hub now for all things marketing.

The CIM Marketing Podcast is back! In our brand-new season we’ll be bringing you six episodes focusing on how emerging technology is reshaping marketing, including a special live recording at the CIM Business Centre this November. In this episode, we’ll be looking at AI and what it means for marketers and marketing as a whole. Our expert panel features CIM course director and AI copywriting specialist Kerry Harrison, who brings deep insights into tactical AI implementation, and Duncan Smith, renowned for his expertise in best practice and compliance. Together, they’ll demystify AI for marketers and share practical strategies and insights into best practice to help you harness AI’s potential responsibly. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your AI approach, this episode is packed full of insights to help you get the most out of this technology. This podcast will:Provide guidance on practical AI implementation strategies Cover the key ethical concerns and compliance requirements when using AI in marketingOffer actionable tips to make your AI use more effective and aligned with best practices Want to know more? Check out the CIM Content hub now for all things marketing.

Unlocking the power of influence. In this episode of the CIM Marketing Podcast, host Ben Walker dives into the fast-paced, ever-evolving landscape of influencer marketing. He’s joined by Kristian Sturt, Director of Colossal Influence, and Cerys Gardiner, former Catalyst Youth Columnist and Marketing Manager at Medichecks. Together, they unpack the strategies you need to know to build authentic influencer partnerships, leverage AI and identify the right creators to drive brand growth. From micro-influencers to brand safety, this episode is packed with actionable insights for marketers looking to stay ahead of the curve and create high impact partnerships This podcast will: • Explore the key trends in influencer marketing • Reveal the power of niche and micro influencers • Show how to respond when influencers go rogueWant to know more? Check out the CIM Content hub now for all things marketing.

In our latest episode, our expert panel dives deep into the unique challenges facing today's Chief Marketing Officers. We ask whether the deck is stacked against CMOs and offer practical strategies for marketing leaders to tip the odds in their favour. Listeners will gain valuable insights into effectively communicating marketing's value to the boardroom, building strong collaborative relationships with finance and sales teams, and, crucially, why it’s essential to position marketing as a strategic investment that drives growth, not simply a cost centre.Featuring insightful perspectives from Sandrine Desbarbieux-Lloyd, Robert Stevens, and Kamila Miller, this episode explores the pressures of delivering results amidst evolving expectations and organisational silos. This podcast will: Reveal why CMOs struggle to secure a seat at the top tableShow why marketers must be strategists as well as storytellers Explore the key tips for bring marketing to the heart of the company Listen now to find out more. Gain even more insights into marketing topics on the CIM Content hub now.