Will AI Replace You? The Real Marketing Reality | Bernie Charlebois

GROWTH PILLAR: AI & Automation WHO THIS IS FOR: SMB owners / Solopreneurs / Corporate escapees / Leaders building systems WHAT THEY'LL GAIN: A clear-eyed framework for using AI in marketing without losing the human judgment that actually closes deals, builds trust, and grows businesses.   Most small business owners are either ignoring AI or blindly trusting it. Bernie Charlebois says both approaches will cost you. Bernie is the founder of Boum Strategies, an associate professor at La Cité since 2011, and a six-time co-founder with a background spanning electromechanical engineering, software development, and marketing consulting. He teaches consumer behavior, digital strategy, and market research — and he brings that same practical lens to every business he advises. In this episode, Bernie and host Bernie Franzgrote dig into the real story behind AI and marketing: what it speeds up, what it gets wrong, and why critical thinking is the skill no algorithm can replace. They cover how to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for competitive market research without starting from scratch, why entry-level marketing jobs are at risk and what emerging professionals need to do about it, how over-reliance on AI quietly erodes the creative skills that make marketing actually work, and why understanding the fundamentals — consumer behavior, Maslow's hierarchy, standard deviation — still matters even when machines do the calculation. Bernie also introduces Launchpad Creative, an initiative under Boum Strategies that connects businesses with supervised marketing graduates at accessible rates. It's a win for clients who need quality work on a budget, and a win for students who need real experience before the job market will take them seriously.  Learn more at Boum Strategies or connect with Bernie on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, or X. This episode was referred through Mike Wlotzki and We Care Focus — a driver education company with a free distracted driving resource guide. Download it free at wecarefocus.ca using code: iwillfocus.   This episode is supported by: Sterling Grace Technologies — Cybersecurity and IT support built for small businesses. Josh Lamb and his team protect businesses from threats most owners don't know exist. If a breach would hurt your business, this is who to call. East Trade Winds — A free weekly networking session where real business conversations happen. Bring one challenge, bring one introduction. Community first, sales second. Notionhive — Websites built to perform, not just look good. If your site isn't generating leads, the problem is usually the strategy behind it. Notionhive fixes that.   Have a question or want to explore a collaboration? Email [email protected] Join Canada Growth Network — $1 CAD your first month, $47 CAD/month after. Real tools. Real connections. No lock-in. Subscribe to this podcast on your favourite platform and never miss an episode. Subscribe to the K4B blog for show notes, articles, and resources. Search all K4B episodes by topic at knack4business.com Want to be a guest on Knack 4 Business? Register here Disclaimer: Everything you heard today is for educational purposes only. It's not professional advice. Before you act on anything — talk to a certified expert in your area. Your accountant. Your lawyer. Someone who knows your situation.We share perspectives. You make the decisions.Want more? Head over to blog.knack4business.com — packed with practical episodes on AI, marketing, leadership, and growth. No fluff. Just the good stuff. Subscribe while you're there.Until next time; keep building. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.