Sales vs. Marketing: Why the War Is Killing Your Revenue

Is your B2B marketing strategy built for the future? In this must-listen episode, Adam Helweh sits down with fractional CMO Ellen Smolko to discuss how AI, sales alignment, and strategic marketing are reshaping B2B growth in 2025.With decades of experience—from her role in the evolution of Shopify at AT&T to leading marketing transformations for high-growth companies—Ellen reveals:🔹 How AI is revolutionizing B2B marketing beyond content creation🔹 The biggest mistakes businesses make when aligning sales and marketing🔹 Why traditional marketing tactics are failing—and what works now🔹 How to future-proof your business amid economic shifts and industry changesShe also shares a cautionary tale of a company that refused to adapt—and paid the ultimate price. If you're a CMO, marketing leader, or business executive, this episode delivers practical strategies to drive real business impact.00:00 Introduction to 2025 Economic Policy00:52 Welcome to Marketing in the Raw01:09 Introducing Ellen Smolko03:12 Ellen's Marketing Journey08:25 The Evolution of Marketing14:36 Challenges in Marketing Leadership20:29 The Role of a Fractional CMO26:51 Navigating Client Challenges32:35 Navigating Client Relationships33:33 Challenges with Communication35:10 Reflecting on Client Value37:30 The Impact of AI on Marketing40:01 AI's Role in Content Creation43:52 Future of Marketing with AI44:48 Economic Factors Influencing Marketing46:53 Adapting to Market Changes01:07:21 The Importance of Experience and Transparency01:08:06 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsTalk to me: • Twitter: /adamhelweh • LinkedIn: /adamhelweh • Instagram: /adamhelweh • Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel: / adamhelweh Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi:• https://secretsushi.com/