Get Real with Unreal Digital Group

In this episode of Get Real, we’re keeping it in the family. Cari and Dana sit down with Cari’s husband, Mark Smith, Partner and Chief Software Analyst at ISG, to unpack what’s really happening inside enterprise AI and why most companies are still getting it wrong.With more than three decades leading software innovation at SAP, Oracle, and Ventana Research, Mark has seen every wave of technology hype come and go. Together, the trio breaks down the current state of AI in business: what’s real, what’s still experimental, and how leaders can separate the marketing buzz from meaningful progress.They also dig into continuous learning, leadership in the age of automation, and why curiosity—not panic—is the most valuable skill for the future. And because this is Get Real, there’s plenty of laughter along the way—covering everything from Taylor Swift’s storytelling skills to frosty paws, airline snacks, and the (possible) addition of a third Samoyed to the household.What You’ll Learn:Why most companies aren’t failing at AI—they’re just learning faster than everThe real difference between generative and agentic AI (and why it matters)How to lead through technological transformation without losing your peopleWhy continuous learning beats “set-it-and-forget-it” automation every timeHow LinkedIn influence and authentic thought leadership still drive B2B impactWhat marketers get wrong about their tech stacks—and how to fix itThe Samoyed traits that make for better leaders (yes, really)Get ready for an honest, funny, and refreshingly human take on the tech that’s changing everything from the enterprise to the living room.

Partner marketing doesn’t always get the spotlight—but for Ryan Shonts, Partner Marketing Leader at Wiz, it’s where real growth happens.In this episode of Get Real, hosts Cari Baldwin and Dana Harder dig into the complexities (and opportunities) of partner marketing with Ryan, whose career has spanned MongoDB, hyperscalers like AWS and Microsoft, and now Wiz—the world’s fastest-growing cloud security company.They break down what it takes to turn channel partnerships into revenue engines, how to navigate endless acronyms (CSPs, ISVs, GSIs, oh my), and why content can’t just be a logo-slap exercise if you want campaigns that actually deliver pipeline.But it’s not all business—Ryan also shares his growing vinyl collection, his guilty-pleasure cocktail recipes, and what Wiz really means when they say the culture is “magical.”What You’ll Learn:How Ryan fell into partner marketing and why it touches every part of go-to-market strategyThe unique challenges of scaling partnerships at a hypergrowth company like WizWhy tri-partner campaigns and co-branded content are unlocking serious pipelineHow to shift from reactive, quarter-by-quarter campaigns to long-term, strategic planningThe role marketplaces play in reducing friction—and where they add new complexityWhy authentic relationships (and being yourself) matter more than any KPIRapid-fire realness includes Ryan’s take on cloud security misconceptions, the underrated skill every partner marketer needs, and why margaritas are better when you keep them simple.If you’ve ever wondered how to make partner marketing less of a “bolt-on” and more of a business driver—or you just want to virtually cheers about a good mezcal margarita—this episode is for you.

In this episode of Get Real, Cari and Dana sit down with AI expert, trainer and advisor Nicole Leffer for a candid conversation on how to actually get value from tools like ChatGPT and Gemini.Nicole’s path has been anything but linear, going from national magazine editor to chocolate startup founder turned SaaS marketer. Now she’s now helping marketing teams get smart about how they prompt, plan and execute with AI, allowing them to get the most from their tools, time and talent.In this episode we explore:The difference between using AI for speed vs. strategyWhy foundational marketing knowledge is more important than everHow “zennials” may have the edge when it comes to AI adoptionWhat not to let AI agents do (like mess with your Instacart account)Plus, Nicole shares her favorite personal use cases (travel recs and house hunting tips included), and what she’s keeping an eye on as AI capabilities evolve.Fun, fast and full of real talk—just how we like it.

In this episode of Get Real, Cari Baldwin and Dana Harder sit down with legal tech founder, celiac disease advocate, and all-around powerhouse, Matti Neustadt.With a background in applied physics, a CISSP certification, and a career that’s spanned semiconductor supply chains, privacy law, and AI-driven workflows, Matti brings a uniquely sharp perspective to the world of in-house legal operations. She’s the founder of V4 Final, a platform built to help in-house counsel streamline workflows, prove their value, and focus on what actually matters—without needing to code or redline their own contracts (yep, that happens more than you think).They cover a lot of ground in this one:Matti’s winding path from Intel engineer to law school night student to tech startup founderWhat most people (and tech companies) get wrong about working with lawyersWhy NDAs are underrated (but should never be hiding sneaky clauses)How to think about AI as a tool for accelerating junior talent—not replacing senior expertiseWhat it’s like living with celiac disease as an executive constantly on the go—and how businesses and event planners can do betterPlus, rapid-fire insights on Bend’s startup scene, the best gluten-free bagels in the country, and why the world desperately needs gluten-free baklava.This one’s part legal insight, part startup therapy, part survival guide for celiacs—so yeah, it’s already a Get Real classic.

In the first episode of our newly revamped Get Real podcast, co-hosts (and longtime agency leaders) Cari Baldwin and Dana Harder share what’s new for the show and what’s changing in their world. No guests, no fluff—just two marketers talking candidly about AI’s impact on content strategy, the ups and downs of remote work, and why personal growth matters as much as business growth.From vision boards and world travel to getting real about networking, they open up about how they’re approaching 2025—and why now is the time to rethink how you connect, create, and lead.What You’ll Learn:How AI is reshaping content strategy and search visibility for B2B marketersWhy remote work changes company culture (and what that means for clients)The importance of getting back to in-person networkingHow to balance big business goals with personal winsA behind-the-scenes look at what’s ahead for Get Real

During this Marketing Gets Real podcast episode, Cari and Dana sat down with Gemma Hood, Founder and CEO of the company culture consultancy Culturehood. The group discussed imposter syndrome and career growth, workplace happiness versus engagement, and maintaining appropriate work/life balance. Some key takeaways include:The importance of employee engagement over happiness and how engagement leads to discretionary effort and commitment to the company's mission.The role of leadership in cultivating a positive culture and being involved in employee experience initiatives.  Changing employee expectations around work-life balance, personal growth opportunities, and authentic company culture.Strategies for keeping culture and engagement top of mind like running engagement surveys and implementing peer recognition.RELATED LINKSConnect with Gemma here!Check out Culturehood.Learn more about Unreal Digital.

Nowadays, we are bombarded with vast information, making it crucial to effectively convey complex data in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand manner. This is where the role of data visualization comes in. Data visualization is a powerful tool that allows us to present complex data in a visual format. The main goal is to communicate insights and trends effectively, making it easier for people to understand and make informed decisions.During this Marketing Gets Real podcast episode, Cari and Dana chatted with Meg Maffitt, VP of Business Strategy, Marketing, and Communications for the water information tech company True Elements. The group discussed how to uncover the powerful techniques and strategies that can transform intricate data into compelling visual narratives. Some key takeaways include:Meg’s winding career path from anthropology and art history to pharmaceuticals, environmental advocacy, and water conservation.The role of water intelligence in making informed decisions about water resources.Visualizing complex water data and educating audiences at different stages of understanding were discussed as important challenges in marketing water intelligence solutions.The speaker shared their experience starting a driver training company with a new paradigm focused on safety through highly trained instructors and parental participation.RELATED LINKSConnect with Meg here!Check out True Elements.Learn more about Unreal Digital.

Podcasting has become an incredibly practical and strategic approach to fostering meaningful relationships with target audiences and accounts. By featuring industry experts, thought leaders, and influential guests, you can engage prospective buyers throughout the sales funnel and establish a strong rapport — through insightful conversations, valuable insights, and thought-provoking discussions.During this episode of the Marketing Gets Real podcast, hosts Cari and Dana chat with Devin McDonnell, Founder of Devenio Podcasts, about how podcasting offers a unique opportunity to showcase your expertise, build credibility, and cultivate long-lasting connections with your audience. Some key points discussed include:Why podcasting became an important channel for driving engagement and fueling B2B marketing initiatives.How video is an emerging trend in podcasting that can boost discoverability and engagement.How Account-based marketing strategies using podcasts can help build relationships with target accounts.The new tools that allow B2B marketers to accurately measure podcast ROI by tracking listener journeys.Why video and derivative content are important for B2B marketers to fuel marketing efforts on a limited budget.RELATED LINKSConnect with Devin here!Check out Devenio Podcasts.Learn more about Unreal Digital.

Every decision can be the difference between profit and loss. That’s why the field of Revenue Operations (RevOps) stands as a critical pillar for sustainable growth in modern businesses. As companies strive to streamline their operations and maximize revenue, they encounter intricate challenges requiring sophisticated solutions. During this episode of the Marketing Gets Real podcast, hosts Cari and Dana chat with Ellie Cary, Unreal Digital’s Global Head of RevOps, to unravel the complexities of this vital business function. Key talking points include:How Marketing and RevOps teams are evolving to support core functions and needs, focusing on unified direction, processes, and strategies. The importance of understanding the customer journey and breaking it down into manageable steps to achieve goals.The need for scalable attribution frameworks and data tie-ins to accounts, partners, and contacts.How RevOps teams must adapt to changing policies and leverage AI to build logic and track high-intent data.RELATED LINKSFollow Ellie here!Learn more about Unreal Digital.

The marketing field constantly evolves, presenting new opportunities and challenges for professionals. So when we get a chance to provide valuable insights and strategies to help you navigate the dynamic marketing job market, we take it! During this episode of the Marketing Gets Real podcast, hosts Cari and Dana chat with Brenn Scott, Founder of found.Consulting, and Lindsay Warren, the company’s Head of Talent Acquisition, explore everything you need to know to thrive in the competitive marketing world. Key talking points include:How the talent market was very competitive in 2021-2022 but has cooled off more recently as some tech companies slowed hiring or laid people off.How to significantly impact employee retention, performance, and costs with well-done onboarding.Common perceptions and misconceptions of working for an agency. Managing Gen Z employees who want flexibility and new challenges will require balancing excitement with ensuring they thoroughly learn roles before moving forward.RELATED LINKSFollow Brenn and Lindsay!Learn more about found.Consulting.Learn more about Unreal Digital.