Inside the World of Hotel Marketing

Finding it difficult to navigate the changing landscape of data protection? In this episode of the DMI podcast, host Will Francis speaks with Steven Roberts, Group Head of Marketing at Griffith College, Chartered Director, certified Data Protection Officer, and long-time marketing leader. Steven demystifies GDPR, AI governance, and the rapidly evolving regulatory environment that marketers must now navigate. Steven explains how GDPR enforcement has matured, why AI has created a new layer of complexity, and how businesses can balance innovation with compliance. He breaks down the EU AI Act, its risk-based structure, and its implications for organizations inside and outside the EU. Steven also shares practical guidance for building internal AI policies, tackling “shadow AI,” reducing data breach risks, and supporting teams with training and clear governance. For an even deeper look into how businesses can ensure data protection compliance, check out Steven’s book, Data Protection for Business: Compliance, Governance, Reputation and Trust. Steven’s Top 3 Tips Build data protection into projects from the start, using tools like Data Protection Impact Assessments to uncover risks early. Invest in regular staff training to avoid common mistakes caused by human error. Balance compliance with business performance by setting clear policies, understanding your risk appetite, and iterating your AI governance over time. The Ahead of the Game podcast is brought to you by the Digital Marketing Institute and is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube, Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠all other podcast platforms. And if you enjoyed this episode please leave a review so others can find us. If you have other feedback for or would like to be a guest on the show, email the podcast team! Timestamps 01:29 – AI’s impact on GDPR & the explosion of new global privacy laws 03:26 – Is GDPR the global gold standard? 05:04 – GDPR enforcement today: Who gets fined and why 07:09 – Cultural attitudes toward data: EU vs. US 08:51 – The EU AI Act explained: Risk tiers, guardrails & human oversight 10:48 – What businesses must do: DPIAs, fundamental rights assessments & more 13:38 – Shadow AI, risk appetite & internal governance challenges 17:10 – Should you upload company data to ChatGPT? 20:40 – How the AI Act affects countries outside the EU 24:47 – Will privacy improve over time? 28:45 – What teams can do now: Tools, processes & data audits 33:49 – Data enrichment tools: targeting vs. Legality 36:47 – Will anyone actually check your data practices? 40:06 – Steven’s top tips for navigating GDPR & AI 

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a luxury hotel marketer? In this episode of the DMI Podcast, host ⁠⁠Will Francis⁠⁠ speaks with Mary Beth O’Connor, an experienced hospitality marketing professional whose career has taken her from international sales to Director of Sales & Marketing at the legendary Pierre Hotel in New York City.Mary Beth shares insider perspectives on how hotels and resorts can maintain their identity and customer loyalty in an age dominated by online travel agents, why “people are the product,” and what all businesses can learn from the hospitality mindset.She also explores the rise of wellness travel, the power of partnerships, and how authenticity, curiosity, and personalization drive success in hospitality marketing.Mary Beth’s Top 3 TipsStay curious and keep learning: The marketing industry changes constantly — adapt with it.Keep it personal: Hospitality is built on relationships and genuine connection.Build partnerships: Creative collaborations can amplify reach without huge budgets.The Ahead of the Game podcast is brought to you by the Digital Marketing Institute and is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube, Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠all other podcast platforms.And if you enjoyed this episode please leave a review so others can find us. If you have other feedback for or would like to be a guest on the show, email the podcast team!Timestamps3:23 – How online travel agents changed hotel marketing6:04 – Selling experience, not just rooms: the people-first approach8:09 – Retention, culture, and leadership in hotels10:27 – Human stories that build brand loyalty12:03 – Bringing hotel staff personalities into marketing13:41 – What makes hospitality marketing unique14:59 – Digital marketing, events, and local partnerships18:43 – How travel audiences changed after the pandemic21:13 – Global markets and U.S. traveler demand23:32 – Marketing multiple offerings (rooms, restaurants, spa)26:19 – Branding luxury properties and using heritage wisely29:24 – Benchmarking top hotel brands31:21 – Marketing inside the property and guest personalization33:00 – Balancing technology and human touch in luxury34:07 – Why arrival experience defines customer loyalty36:44 – Lessons all businesses can learn from hospitality38:11 – Emerging trends: wellness, sustainability, and women’s travel40:28 – Using digital and webinars for B2B marketing43:26 – Influencer marketing in hospitality: challenges and best fits47:24 – Advice for aspiring hospitality marketers

How often do innovators ask themselves if someone really needs their products? In this episode of the DMI podcast, host Will Francis speaks with Laurier Mandin, founder of Graphos Product and author of I Need That. With over 30 years helping innovators bring ideas to life, Laurier reveals how brands can turn customer wants into needs by focusing on empathy, validation, and true problem-solving. Laurier shares lessons from working with sustainable B2B products like recycled wind-turbine materials and explains why many innovators still skip the crucial step of validating whether anyone needs what they’re building. He also discusses the psychology behind purchase decisions, our “dog brain” versus “tank brain”, and why clarity and simplicity in messaging always win.Laurier’s Top 3 Tips for MarketersValidate properly: Test your product with real money or real commitment, not just surveys.Go beyond MVP to “MWP” (Minimum Wow Product): Build something that makes people say wow, not just it works.Focus on empathy and clarity: Cut the clutter, connect emotionally, and make the need unmistakable.The Ahead of the Game podcast is brought to you by the Digital Marketing Institute and is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube, Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠all other podcast platforms.And if you enjoyed this episode please leave a review so others can find us. If you have other feedback for or would like to be a guest on the show, email the podcast team!1:00 – Why “need” trumps “want” in marketing psychology4:40 – Pain points and empathy: How to connect like Steve Jobs9:00 – Building trust and shared purpose with customers11:00 – Inside Laurier’s work: guiding innovators and building go-to-market roadmaps13:00 – Case study: Recycling wind-turbine blades into building materials16:00 – How to persuade risk-averse buyers to adopt innovation20:00 – Getting involved early: linking product development and marketing24:00 – Finding the original need behind every innovation27:00 – Why simplicity beats features (and what Apple teaches us)33:00 – Positioning for your tribe: how similar products can coexist34:00 – Lessons from I Need That: validation, emotion, and the “dog brain”38:00 – How to run validation that actually works44:00 – Laurier’s “Innovative Product Go-to-Market Roadmap” explained48:00 – Using AI to accelerate, but not replace, expertise49:00 – Which marketing channels work best today55:00 – Balancing paid and organic: why SEO still matters57:30 – Laurier’s top advice for innovators

What’s the key to turning research into lasting brand growth? In this episode of the DMI podcast, host ⁠Will Francis⁠ speaks with ⁠Heather O’Shea⁠, Chief Research Officer at Alter Agents. With a career spanning Snapchat, Twitter, and Kantar, Heather shares her expertise on consumer insights, research methods, and how brands can better understand their audiences. She explores how qualitative and quantitative research work together, how AI is transforming the speed of insights, and how neuroscience reveals subconscious behaviors. Heather also discusses shifting consumer values, particularly among Gen Zers, the pitfalls of obsessing over clicks, and why marketers should focus on long-term brand growth. She also reflects on her move from client-side to agency-side research and offers practical advice for marketers looking to get closer to their audiences.What You'll Learn:How leading brands use insights to tackle tough business challengesThe difference between qualitative and quantitative research, and when to use eachWhy AI is transforming qualitative analysis and speeding up researchThe role of neuroscience in uncovering subconscious consumer behaviorsHow platforms like Snapchat use research to guide marketers on effective activationThe shift from client-side to agency-side research, and what that means for insights workHeather’s Top 3 Tips for Effective Research Give people space — During research, step back and let conversations flow naturally to reveal unexpected insightsLook past your assumptions — Keep an open mind to discover what you weren’t looking for.Move beyond clicks — Prioritize meaningful metrics that show true impact and support long-term brand growthThe Ahead of the Game podcast is brought to you by the Digital Marketing Institute and is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube, Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠all other podcast platforms.And if you enjoyed this episode please leave a review so others can find us. If you have other feedback for or would like to be a guest on the show, email the podcast team!0:03:38 – What keeps brands up at night: premium, value, and video influence0:07:09 – Why Gen Z expects brands to take a stand0:09:32 – Research methods: qualitative, quantitative & mobile ethnographies0:14:19 – Using neuroscience and immersion to uncover true behavior0:16:55 – Strengths and drawbacks of qualitative vs. quantitative research0:21:11 – How AI helps analyze unstructured qualitative data0:25:50 – Partnering with platforms like Snapchat for trend insights0:31:42 – Moving from client-side to agency-side research0:35:16 – Heather’s career lessons & finding the right fit0:44:14 – The future of market research & role of AI0:47:40 – Practical tips to better understand your audience0:50:22 – The one metric Heather would scrap: clicks

Looking for a new role and disheartened by the job market? In this episode of the DMI podcast, host ⁠⁠Will Francis⁠⁠ chats with ⁠Terry Payne⁠⁠ of Aspire Recruitment and Executive Edge about the findings from Aspire’s recent report on digital marketing salaries across 5 different territories. They get stuck into how the job market has shifted at every level, from the decline in entry-level roles to the boom in senior positions. Terry shares insights on regional hiring trends, salary expectations across markets, and how AI is actually reshaping recruitment. He also gives practical advice for job seekers navigating today’s highly competitive, candidate-driven market. You can view and download the 2025 Salary Guides on the DMI website. They cover four key regions: the UK, the US, MENA, and APAC.What You'll Learn:How AI is impacting entry-level, mid-level, and senior marketing rolesThe regions and industries driving growth in marketing jobsSalary trends across the UK, US, Dubai, and Asia in 2025How hybrid work is replacing remote-first opportunitiesPractical strategies for standing out as a candidate in a crowded job marketTop 3 Tips for Job SeekersHumanize your profile – LinkedIn is your shop window, so keep it sharp, authentic, and supported with testimonials.Practice, practice, practice – Prepare for interviews by rehearsing competency-based answers with real, measurable achievements.Be resilient – Volume is key. Keep applying, networking, and following up—don’t get disheartened by knockbacks.The Ahead of the Game podcast is brought to you by the Digital Marketing Institute and is available on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube, Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠all other podcast platforms.And if you enjoyed this episode please leave a review so others can find us. If you have other feedback for or would like to be a guest on the show, email the podcast team!Timestamps & Key Sections0:00:51 – Overview of the job market shifts in 20250:04:23 – How AI is reshaping entry-level opportunities0:08:14 – Growth in senior roles and startup demand for CMOs0:11:51 – Rising demand for SEO, social media, and data roles0:13:27 – Regional differences: Middle East growth, US recovery, UK resilience0:16:51 – The decline of remote roles and rise of hybrid work0:19:34 – 2025 Salary Guide: key trends and rising pay gaps0:24:10 – Which sectors are driving salary increases0:30:05 – Managing unrealistic workloads and setting expectations0:32:55 – How to stand out when applying for jobs0:37:35 – Building a strong LinkedIn profile and showing your “sizzle”0:43:32 – Preparing for interviews and presentations0:46:49 – The importance of communication and leadership “power skills”0:50:43 – Terry’s three top tips for job seekers

In this episode of the DMI podcast, host Will Francis speaks with Faisal Laljee, entrepreneur and growth strategist, about the intersection of entrepreneurship and marketing. Faisal shares his insights on risk-taking, growth hacking, customer acquisition, and building brands that last. From the importance of testing ideas early to the realities of startup funding, he explains how marketers and entrepreneurs can think like an entrepreneur to drive meaningful growth.What You’ll LearnWhy entrepreneurs need to focus less on perfection and more on getting products in front of customers.How early customers can become your most valuable advocates and growth drivers.Is SEO overrated?Why brand is inseparable from early business strategy.Why not all investor money is good money.Top 3 Tips from FaisalKnow your co-founders – Think of it as an “entrepreneurial prenup.” Shared values, commitment levels, and expectations matter more than complementary skills.Double your marketing budget – Customer acquisition costs are always higher than you think. Planning conservatively helps you build a sustainable business.Be selective with funding – Not all investment is good investment. Take money from the right sources, not just anyone willing to offer it.Timestamps & Key Sections01:28 – From corporate marketing to startups02:54 – The big shift: traditional marketing to digital05:13 – The #1 problem startups face: finding the right customer06:57 – Why entrepreneurs need to test ideas early and avoid perfectionism09:01 – Applying entrepreneurial thinking to marketing11:10 – Are personas outdated? How to approach customer profiling13:42 – Building trust through community engagement15:32 – Overcoming rejection and embracing failure in marketing16:57 – Growth hacking: experiment, measure, adapt19:08 – Paid ads vs. organic growth for startups22:33 – Turning early customers into advocates24:29 – Overrated and underrated digital channels29:33 – Why brand = business strategy33:54 – The importance of mentors and career planning39:03 – Faisal’s top 3 tips for new founders

In this episode of the DMI podcast, host ⁠⁠Will Francis⁠⁠ speaks with ⁠⁠Maurice Wheeler⁠⁠, CEO of We Are Family, a specialist agency focused on research, strategy, and creative work for brands that market to children, teens, and families. Maurice shares how his agency helps household-name brands like Nickelodeon, Hasbro, and Moonbug understand rapidly shifting youth trends – from meme culture to Roblox – while staying legally compliant and ethically sound.This episode digs into how marketing to under-18s must balance creativity with a deep understanding of cognitive development, parental expectations, and platform dynamics. Maurice also explains how his agency conducts global research with thousands of children annually and why “marketing without manipulation” is their north star.What You’ll Learn:Why audience insight matters more than ever in youth marketingHow to ethically and legally engage under-18sThe importance of cognitive development in content designWhat platforms kids really use – and howWhy screen time post-COVID is evolving againHow to balance messaging across kids, parents, and platformsWhere influencer marketing fits – and where it doesn’tWhy creativity must thrive inside tight guardrailsTop 3 Tips from Maurice:Talk to kids constantly: Research can't be replaced by reports. Direct conversations reveal the truth.Learn the rules: Global youth marketing demands obsessive knowledge of local legal and ethical guidelines.Immerse yourself in their world: Play Roblox, scroll YouTube Shorts, and understand meme culture. You can’t market what you don’t experience.Timestamps01:00 – How brands stay in touch with kids’ realities02:30 – Meme trends, masculinity, and parenting shifts post-COVID05:15 – How brands act on research and insights07:44 – The challenge of ethical creativity in marketing to kids11:30 – Why guardrails make for better creativity13:49 – Breaking down under-18s into real audience cohorts16:38 – Running global research with very young children19:14 – Sharing vs. owning insights: what gets published20:50 – Developmental personas vs. traditional marketing personas23:00 – The Venn diagram of kids, parents, and platforms26:43 – Creating immersive brand experiences in Roblox30:07 – Influencer marketing and where to draw the line32:10 – Marketing ethics in YouTube content for kids34:04 – How Maurice parented with a marketer’s mindset36:25 – What metrics really matter in this space39:48 – The rise of co-viewing and why it’s good news41:55 – Maurice’s early career from Leo Burnett to Disney47:51 – What’s changed most in 20+ years of marketing53:39 – AI in research and creativity: risks and realities59:00 – Maurice’s 3 must-do tips for youth marketers

In this episode of the DMI podcast, host ⁠⁠Will Francis⁠⁠ chats with ⁠⁠Dikshant Dave⁠⁠, CEO of Zigment, about the fast-evolving world of agentic AI — autonomous AI agents that execute multi-step marketing and sales tasks. Dikshant shares how agentic AI goes beyond basic automation to adapt, personalize, and optimize customer engagement in real time. He explains how this shift is affecting marketers today, how companies can start adopting it, and what roles are most impacted.Dikshant brings deep insights from building Zigment, a platform designed to help brands move from patchwork automations to intelligent, contextual customer journeys — especially in industries with long buying cycles like healthcare, finance, and real estate.What You’ll Learn:What agentic AI really is (and what it isn’t)The difference between traditional automation and AI agentsHow agentic AI can help marketers handle unstructured, real-time dataWhy personalization over long buying journeys is the killer use caseWhere AI fits into customer interactions — and where it doesn’tPractical advice for marketers looking to experiment with AITop 3 Tips from Dikshant Start small but do start – pick low-risk workflows like unmanned channels to test AI agents.Keep cold outreach human – use AI only where context is already established.Don’t try to control every step – let agents figure out the best path to your goal using LLMs.Timestamps & Key Sections:00:00 – Intro to agentic AI and why it matters now02:39 – Dikshant’s journey from a supplements startup to AI-powered sales05:11 – Why personalization beats automation in complex sales07:23 – Tackling hallucinations: reliability and transparency of agents11:58 – The shift from structured to unstructured marketing data15:30 – Real-time decision-making and customer intent detection18:12 – Automation vs. agents: what’s the real difference?21:18 – How Zigment builds agentic customer journeys24:47 – Why long buying cycles are ideal for AI agents26:16 – What parts of marketing to keep human28:08 – Which roles are most at risk of being replaced29:38 – How to stay relevant as a marketer in the AI era32:27 – The “duct tape” problem in marketing stacks35:24 – Why AI is a multiplier, not a workforce reducer38:28 – How to start: small, smart use cases and tools to try40:19 – Sneak peek: Zigment’s upcoming agent builder platform-------------------The Ahead of the Game podcast is brought to you by the Digital Marketing Institute and is available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Check out the DMI’s extensive digital marketing library of ebooks, toolkits, webinars, guides, templates, and more! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join for free today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review so others can find us!

In this episode of the DMI podcast, host ⁠⁠Will Francis⁠⁠ speaks with ⁠Jim Lecinski⁠⁠, marketing professor at Northwestern University, Kellogg and co-author of The AI Marketing Canvas. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping marketing — from reducing cycle times and boosting productivity to transforming how marketers plan, execute, and measure campaigns. Jim demystifies emerging tools like AI agents, custom GPTs, and reasoning engines, and shares why marketers need to lead AI strategy rather than passively adopt it. He also offers great advice for how marketers can make the most of AI at junior, middle, and senior levels of a career.Jim's Top 3 TipsNominate an AI ChampionFocus on Today’s Practical Use CasesUpskill with Free ToolsTimestamps00:00 – Intro & State of Marketing Today01:08 – The AI Adoption Curve03:30 – How AI Is Actually Used Today05:01 – 4 Common Approaches to AI in Enterprises08:42 – Creating an AI Strategy in Marketing10:27 – Understanding AI Agents vs. Assistants13:27 – What Marketers Should (and Shouldn’t) Focus On16:15 – The Human Side of Marketing & Creativity20:12 – AI-Generated Ads & the NBCU-Waymark Deal24:33 – “We’re an AI-first company”: Why Leaders Say This27:02 – How AI Will Affect Marketing Jobs32:31 – Career Advice by Level36:12 – What’s New in The AI Marketing Canvas (2nd Edition)40:17 – How Jim Used AI to Build His Course45:02 – Reframing AI as a Reasoning Engine, Not a Chatbot46:12 – Job Hunting with AI48:33 – Where to Upskill in AI for Marketing-------------------The Ahead of the Game podcast is brought to you by the Digital Marketing Institute and is available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Check out the DMI’s extensive digital marketing library of ebooks, toolkits, webinars, guides, templates, and more! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join for free today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review so others can find us!

In the second part of our influencer marketing series, we shift focus from the marketer to the creator. Host ⁠⁠⁠Will Francis⁠⁠⁠ chats with ⁠Ben Kaluza⁠, a former Twitch ad ops professional turned full-time content creator. Ben shares his candid journey into content creation—from gaming streams and OBS tutorials to building a trusted multi-platform presence across TikTok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.Ben gets into what creators really need to succeed, how to balance authenticity with monetization, and how marketers can partner with them successfully. With honest takes on influencer compensation, content production, and building trust in a noisy digital space, this episode is a must-listen for anyone working with—or aspiring to become—a creator today.Listen to Part 1 with Sarah Adam who directs the B2B influencer marketing team at Wix Studio.   Ben's top 3 tips for content creators:Prioritize ideas over everythingDon't fuss over the details like hashtags or captionsKeep experimenting with formatsBen's top 3 tips for marketers:Match the content with your product, not just your audience Build great affiliate programs Use creators for unique insights and strategyTimestamps:03:00 – What Ben learned about value and CPM from Twitch and healthcare display ads06:30 – Starting content creation and streaming on Twitch08:45 – Discoverability struggles on Twitch and why TikTok became his growth engine11:00 – How monetization culture differs across Twitch and TikTok14:10 – Creator fatigue and why streaming isn't sustainable for most16:30 – Pivoting to TikTok tutorials: from opinion to practical value20:15 – High vs. low production content and platform fit28:00 – Creator vs. influencer: defining the roles30:00 – Making a living: how brand deals, pricing, and scheduling actually work38:15 – What marketers should understand when working with creators41:30 – Why paid media should back creator content46:00 – Smart strategies for gifting vs. paid partnerships51:00 – Ranking platforms: TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn58:30 – Tailoring content by platform for trust and reach1:05:00 – Top 3 tips for aspiring creators and top 3 tips for marketers working with them-------------------The Ahead of the Game podcast is brought to you by the Digital Marketing Institute and is available on our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Check out the DMI’s extensive digital marketing library of ebooks, toolkits, webinars, guides, templates, and more! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join for free today⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review so others can find us!