Ep 68: 2026 Predictions Episode

In this energizing final episode of 2025, the Enterprising Minds crew—Dave Dougherty, Alex Pokorny, and Ruthi Corcoran—dive deep into the tech, business, and cultural shifts we can expect in 2026. Revisiting their past predictions with the help of AI tools like ChatGPT and NotebookLM, the trio candidly assesses their wins, misses, and surprising developments. From the evolving role of chatbots to AI-generated coworkers, from the slow death of SEO-centric blogs to the rise of optimization fatigue, this episode is a tour de force of future-focused thinking. Whether you're a marketer, technologist, or just AI-curious, this is a must-listen to set your sights on what's next.Subscribe to Enterprising Minds on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the Pathways Newsletter where we’re exploring AI, marketing, and marketing careers together every week! You’ll get unique case studies, deeper dives into some of the podcast topics, and more: https://bit.ly/453sNKx Do you have ideas or suggestions? Get in touch at [email protected] Connect with Dave Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5L3Pn YouTube: http://bit.ly/41zuOfc Instagram: https://bit.ly/41zCPjZ LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/40J3867 Connect with Ruthi LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ZvZH1v Connect with Alex Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5MwVT LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/3KPDmIy

In this insightful episode of Enterprising Minds, Alex Pokorny and Dave Dougherty dive into the nuanced debate of certifications versus real-world experience in the digital marketing and analytics world. From the shifting skillsets required to stay competitive in analytics to the impact of evolving privacy laws and the rise of AI-driven traffic, this conversation unpacks the layers of modern marketing challenges.The duo also explores how AI is reshaping content discovery and what that means for marketers accustomed to trackable user journeys. They dissect the tension between performance and brand marketing and share why soft skills, storytelling, and long-term content strategies are the new moat. Whether you're a data analyst, marketing strategist, or content creator, this episode offers actionable insights and thought-provoking takeaways.Subscribe to Enterprising Minds on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the Pathways Newsletter where we’re exploring AI, marketing, and marketing careers together every week! You’ll get unique case studies, deeper dives into some of the podcast topics, and more: https://bit.ly/453sNKx Do you have ideas or suggestions? Get in touch at [email protected] Connect with Dave Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5L3Pn YouTube: http://bit.ly/41zuOfc Instagram: https://bit.ly/41zCPjZ LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/40J3867 Connect with Ruthi LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ZvZH1v Connect with Alex Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5MwVT LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/3KPDmIy

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Enterprising Minds, Ruthi opens up about a tough professional day and how AI became an unexpected emotional sounding board. Dave and Alex join the discussion to explore the evolving role of AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Copilot—not just for productivity, but as personal and professional support systems. From managing workplace frustrations to prompting personal reflection, the team dives deep into how generative AI is transforming daily life, self-awareness, and even creativity. Whether you're curious about AI therapy use cases or looking for tool comparisons, this episode is packed with thoughtful insights.Subscribe to Enterprising Minds on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the Pathways Newsletter where we’re exploring AI, marketing, and marketing careers together every week! You’ll get unique case studies, deeper dives into some of the podcast topics, and more: https://bit.ly/453sNKx Do you have ideas or suggestions? Get in touch at [email protected] Connect with Dave Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5L3Pn YouTube: http://bit.ly/41zuOfc Instagram: https://bit.ly/41zCPjZ LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/40J3867 Connect with Ruthi LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ZvZH1v Connect with Alex Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5MwVT LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/3KPDmIy

In this episode of Enterprise Minds, Dave Dougherty and Alex Pokorny tackle the ever-evolving world of B2B content strategy. Whether you're stepping into a new marketing role or overhauling outdated content, they explore tactical steps, team dynamics, and AI-driven tools that can streamline your workflow without sacrificing creativity. They discuss how to prioritize content fixes, gather critical internal data, handle internal politics around editing, and embrace AI to boost both operations and content creation. A must-listen for marketers navigating messy legacy systems and modern content demands.Subscribe to Enterprising Minds on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the Pathways Newsletter where we’re exploring AI, marketing, and marketing careers together every week! You’ll get unique case studies, deeper dives into some of the podcast topics, and more: https://bit.ly/453sNKx Do you have ideas or suggestions? Get in touch at [email protected] Connect with Dave Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5L3Pn YouTube: http://bit.ly/41zuOfc Instagram: https://bit.ly/41zCPjZ LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/40J3867 Connect with Ruthi LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ZvZH1v Connect with Alex Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5MwVT LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/3KPDmIy

In this episode of Enterprising Minds, the crew dives deep into how individuals and organizations react to generational shifts, technological change, and the rise of AI. From the cyclical nature of generational stereotypes to the challenges of implementing new tools, the conversation moves seamlessly between home improvement metaphors and enterprise-level AI adoption. With candid anecdotes and sharp insights, Dave, Alex, and Ruthi unpack how resistance to change, magical thinking, and organizational complexity intersect in today’s work environments. This is a must-listen for marketers, technologists, and anyone navigating the digital evolution of work.Subscribe to Enterprising Minds on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the Pathways Newsletter where we’re exploring AI, marketing, and marketing careers together every week! You’ll get unique case studies, deeper dives into some of the podcast topics, and more: https://bit.ly/453sNKx Do you have ideas or suggestions? Get in touch at [email protected] Connect with Dave Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5L3Pn YouTube: http://bit.ly/41zuOfc Instagram: https://bit.ly/41zCPjZ LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/40J3867 Connect with Ruthi LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ZvZH1v Connect with Alex Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5MwVT LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/3KPDmIy

In this episode of Enterprising Minds, Dave Dougherty, Alex Pokorny, and Ruthi Corcoran tackle the enduring question: Is SEO really dead? From the rise of AI-driven search behaviors to the evolving nature of content marketing, the trio explores whether traditional SEO tactics still hold weight or if it's time to pivot entirely. They also dive into AI optimization, legal implications of LLM-generated content, the resurgence of niche marketing, and how the zero-click future of search is impacting strategy. Whether you're a marketer, content strategist, or business owner, this conversation will shift your perspective on SEO and AI.Subscribe to Enterprising Minds on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the Pathways Newsletter where we’re exploring AI, marketing, and marketing careers together every week! You’ll get unique case studies, deeper dives into some of the podcast topics, and more: https://bit.ly/453sNKx Do you have ideas or suggestions? Get in touch at [email protected] Connect with Dave Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5L3Pn YouTube: http://bit.ly/41zuOfc Instagram: https://bit.ly/41zCPjZ LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/40J3867 Connect with Ruthi LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ZvZH1v Connect with Alex Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5MwVT LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/3KPDmIy

Dave and Alex tackle the dark side of “productivity hacks” and automation. What they save you upfront can quietly cost you in maintenance, admin, and attention. Dave shares a real-world attempt to automate podcast workflows with Make.com and why he ultimately chose a done-for-you social tool. The duo explores why conceptual computer science matters more than memorizing syntax, how to survive the “first dip” in the learning curve, and the legal/IP risks of AI in bigger orgs. They also debate four-day workweeks, output vs. hours, goal-setting during messy re-orgs, and two models of organizational chaos—the “garbage can” and Dave’s “lava lamp.” They close with pragmatic advice: value moats, pick smart niches (shoutout “Mike’s weekend construction”), and don’t let to-do lists run your life.Subscribe to Enterprising Minds on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the Pathways Newsletter where we’re exploring AI, marketing, and marketing careers together every week! You’ll get unique case studies, deeper dives into some of the podcast topics, and more: https://bit.ly/453sNKx Do you have ideas or suggestions? Get in touch at [email protected] Connect with Dave Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5L3Pn YouTube: http://bit.ly/41zuOfc Instagram: https://bit.ly/41zCPjZ LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/40J3867 Connect with Ruthi LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ZvZH1v Connect with Alex Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5MwVT LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/3KPDmIy

Dave and Alex get real about the “AI FOMO” era—why flashy tools and hypey ads won’t fix messy workflows, how automation platforms like Make, n8n, and Zapier actually help (and where they don’t), and what “mullet content strategy” means for brand hygiene and long-term reputation. From meta description fails to the risks of letting employees be your influencers, this episode is a candid, funny, and grounded look at using AI without losing your judgment, your voice, or your weekends.Subscribe to Enterprising Minds on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the Pathways Newsletter where we’re exploring AI, marketing, and marketing careers together every week! You’ll get unique case studies, deeper dives into some of the podcast topics, and more: https://bit.ly/453sNKx Do you have ideas or suggestions? Get in touch at [email protected] Connect with Dave Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5L3Pn YouTube: http://bit.ly/41zuOfc Instagram: https://bit.ly/41zCPjZ LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/40J3867 Connect with Ruthi LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ZvZH1v Connect with Alex Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5MwVT LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/3KPDmIy

In the latest episode of Enterprising Minds, the crew dives into a deep discussion on leveraging ChatGPT-5 and other AI tools to enhance productivity and career development. Alex updates the team on how using ChatGPT to create a 90-day plan has transformed his workflow, while Ruthi discusses setting boundaries to balance work and life effectively. Dave shares insights from his son's basketball camp and the importance of knowing the right questions to ask AI for optimal results. They also touch on managing organizational messiness, automating workflows with tools like make.com, and adapting to continuous changes in the digital landscape. Tune in for actionable tips and thought-provoking discussions on making AI work for you in your professional journey.Subscribe to Enterprising Minds on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the Pathways Newsletter where we’re exploring AI, marketing, and marketing careers together every week! You’ll get unique case studies, deeper dives into some of the podcast topics, and more: https://bit.ly/453sNKx Do you have ideas or suggestions? Get in touch at [email protected] Connect with Dave Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5L3Pn YouTube: http://bit.ly/41zuOfc Instagram: https://bit.ly/41zCPjZ LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/40J3867 Connect with Ruthi LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ZvZH1v Connect with Alex Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5MwVT LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/3KPDmIy

As AI continues reshaping the search landscape, SEO isn't dead — it's just evolving. In this episode, Dave Dougherty and Alex Pokorny explore the seismic shifts happening in search engine optimization in 2025. From Google's algorithmic chaos and AI overviews to user trust, content strategy, and the slow return of PR and long-form authority content, the hosts dive deep into what still works, what’s already broken, and how marketers can adapt for the future. Whether you're a digital strategist, content marketer, or just trying to keep your traffic intact, this episode delivers essential insights for staying relevant in a rapidly changing SEO world.Subscribe to Enterprising Minds on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the Pathways Newsletter where we’re exploring AI, marketing, and marketing careers together every week! You’ll get unique case studies, deeper dives into some of the podcast topics, and more: https://bit.ly/453sNKx Do you have ideas or suggestions? Get in touch at [email protected] Connect with Dave Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5L3Pn YouTube: http://bit.ly/41zuOfc Instagram: https://bit.ly/41zCPjZ LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/40J3867 Connect with Ruthi LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3ZvZH1v Connect with Alex Website: http://bit.ly/3Z5MwVT LinkedIn: http://bit.ly/3KPDmIy