Cannes 2026: How to Use B2B Podcasting for Executive Business Development | Dan Lescarbeau & Dylan Conroy, Iris North America

Outbound sales models relying on cold email and automated LinkedIn outreach are rapidly collapsing as C-suite decision-makers filter out generic digital noise.In this collaborative episode recorded live on The Optimist Brief with host Dan Lescarbeau (VP of Marketing at Iris North America), guest Dylan Conroy, host of The Ad Podcast, breaks down how establishing an executive media platform turns cold sales friction into an asymmetric business development engine. Conroy outlines how growth strategists and independent agencies leverage human-in-the-loop generative AI to automate background administration, prototype visual pitch assets in minutes, and achieve the execution scale of legacy holding company networks. Key tactical themes covered:Replacing transactional sales pitches with a value-first media model that grants direct access to enterprise prospects. Utilizing generative AI image and text tools to prototype client creative concepts in real time during preliminary pitch calls. Automating routine inbox and administrative workflows to maximize executive bandwidth for in-person relationship building. Leveling the playing field for boutique agencies competing against global holding networks through AI-enhanced operational efficiency. Structuring international event presence to convert passive conference attendance into a disciplined client acquisition pipeline. Connect & Scale Your Performance:Follow Guest Dylan Conroy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanconroy/Explore Strike Social: https://strikesocial.com/guaranteed-performance-marketing/Follow Host Dan Lescarbeau on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danlescarbeau/Explore Iris Worldwide: https://www.iris-worldwide.com/