The State of Marketing Careers in 2026: Burnout, AI, and the Path Forward
In this episode, Cassie reflects on six years of consulting, the evolution of marketing careers, and what it really takes to grow (without burning out) in 2026 and beyond. From the rise of AI to the importance of human connection, we’re talking about how to stay adaptable, keep learning, and find new inspiration in your work. Cassie shares her own career pivots, lessons from the Digital Summit in Philly, and the key skills that will define the next era of marketing.Key Takeaways:// Why marketing is still a viable — and essential — career path in a tech-driven world// How to use AI as a creative tool to elevate, not replace, your expertise// The difference between career burnout and a misaligned role (and how to tell which one you’re facing)// The top skills that will future-proof your marketing career: writing, communication, adaptability, and curiosityConnect with Cassie: LinkedIn____Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. Join our FREE Open Jobs group on LinkedIn: Join nowGet the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Facebook
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How Ronald McDonald House Is Modernizing Storytelling for a New Generation
What happens when one of the most iconic nonprofits in the world reimagines its brand for a new generation? In this episode, we sit down with Joanna Sabato, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Ronald McDonald House, to explore the strategy and storytelling behind the organization’s bold new “Family Stays” campaign. From evolving a legacy brand and reaching Gen Z and Millennial audiences, to crafting authentic, emotionally resonant stories voiced by real families, Joanna shares how the campaign redefines what it means to connect with audiences in today’s media landscape. Key Takeaways:// How Ronald McDonald House evolved its brand while honoring decades of trust and legacy.// The creative and strategic process behind the “Family Stays” campaign.// Why authenticity and real family voices became the heart of the campaign’s storytelling.// The importance of reaching younger audiences through emerging media and relatable narratives.// How nonprofits can think like modern brands while staying mission-driven.// Measuring success beyond impressions — focusing on emotional connection and impact.// Lessons for marketers on building relevance and resonance in a fast-changing media landscape.Connect with Joanna: LinkedInLearn more about the Ronald McDonald House: Family Stays Campaign | LinkedIn | Website____Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. Join our FREE Open Jobs group on LinkedIn: Join nowGet the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Facebook
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Social Media Algorithm Updates and AI-Driven Creative | Digital Summit Philadelphia 2025
Ally takes the host seat to debrief with Cassie on her recent trip to Digital Summit in Philadelphia. Digital Summit is where digital marketing leaders connect, learn and obtain resources to inspire and enable a growth mindset. We discuss Cassie’s learnings from various sessions and workshops across AI, innovation, digital marketing and culture. Key Takeaways:// Create for discovery. Not your followers. Assume every viewer of your content doesn’t know your brand.// Algorithms are rewarding relevance. Have a trend playbook to tap into ones that align with your brand.// Stop tracking vanity metrics and start tracking depth signals. Track completion rate, saves, shares, and comments with depth insights over emojis.// Use AI as a tool to scale various processes. AI tools are only as smart as the information we feed it with. Find a Digital Summit event near you. Use code ‘MHH20’ for 20% off!____Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. Join our FREE Open Jobs group on LinkedIn: Join nowGet the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Facebook
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How Taylor Swift Builds Loyalty and Hype (and What Brands Can Learn)
Taylor Swift isn’t just breaking records—she’s redefining what it means to market in the digital age. In this episode, Cassie and Ally unpack the marketing brilliance behind Taylor’s Eras Tour and beyond, exploring how she uses storytelling, connection, and innovation to keep her audience engaged. From live Easter eggs to building anticipation through mystery and intrigue, we break down the strategies Swift uses to create loyalty, spark excitement, and make every launch feel like an event. Whether you’re a podcaster, creator, or brand, this conversation will give you actionable ways to infuse your marketing with the same magic that keeps Taylor fans coming back for more.Key Takeaways:// Drive connection with your audience through storytelling in unique channels.// Tease content live with your audience to build mystery and intrigue through emerging media types.// The importance of giving every campaign or product launch its own unique spin.// How to engage your audience continually, even when you’re not in the middle of a “big launch.”// Lessons from The Life of a Showgirl and how podcasting can serve as a hero content engine.// Strategies for blending personal brand and professional brand to connect more deeply with your audience.____Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. Join our FREE Open Jobs group on LinkedIn: Join nowGet the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!Follow MHH on Social: Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok | Facebook
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The Brand Brief Audit: What Every Marketer Should Rethink | Kahlea Wade, Agency Founder + Creator
What does it take to thrive in today’s creator economy? Kahlea Wade, CEO and Founder of Alora Society, an award-winning influencer talent agency, joins me to break down what’s working (and not working) in influencer marketing in 2025. With experience leading campaigns for brands like Meta, Nike, Amazon Prime, and Skims, Kahlea shares how brands can write better briefs, why LinkedIn is becoming a powerful platform for creators, and the mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs to build confidence and resilience. Whether you’re a brand marketer, a creator, or a solopreneur, this conversation will help you better understand how to create partnerships that actually work.Key Takeaways:// The biggest mistakes brands still make when working with creators in 2025—and how to avoid them.// What every strong brand brief should include (and what to leave out).// How to use LinkedIn to build authority and expand your network as a creator or professional.// Why confidence and persistence matter when facing rejection—and how to keep showing up.// Tips for building a personal brand that positions you for opportunities in and outside of social media.// What makes a brand activation or live event worth the investment for both creators and brands.Connect with Kahlea: Instagram | Alora on Instagram____Say hi! DM me on Instagram and let us know what content you want to hear on the show - I can't wait to hear from you! Please also consider rating the show and leaving a review, as that helps us tremendously as we move forward in this Marketing Happy Hour journey and create more content for all of you. Join our FREE Open Jobs group on LinkedIn: Join nowGet the latest from MHH, straight to your inbox: Join our email list!
Keeping up with marketing trends and leveling up your career doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Don’t go at it alone. Marketing Happy Hour was created to help you navigate the corporate marketing world, launch your own business, and stay sane while advancing in your career. Join host Cassie Tucker each week as she dives into real conversations with industry guests, covering everything from marketing strategies to career growth and leadership insights—all served with a mix of inspiration and support to keep you thriving.
Learn more: https://www.marketinghappyhr.com/
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