EPISODE · Mar 24, 2026 · 38 MIN

Customer Experiences and AI - The Next Competitive Moat

from The Marketing Companion · host Sandy Carter

What happens when marketing moves beyond campaigns and becomes experience, emotion, and intelligence (AI) combined? In this episode, I sit down with Kenny Lauer, one of the most dynamic leaders in modern marketing. From early roles at Apple and KPMG to leading global digital experiences at George P. Johnson, serving as VP of Marketing for the Golden State Warriors during their championship era, and now shaping immersive sound-driven experiences at Meyer Sound, Kenny's career sits at the intersection of technology, storytelling, sports, and live experience design. We unpack how marketing has evolved from messaging to moment-making, and why the next era will be defined by AI as a teammate, not just a tool. Inside this episode, we explore: • The throughline behind Kenny's career across tech, sports, and global brand experiences • How marketing is shifting from campaigns to end-to-end experiences • Lessons from the Golden State Warriors during one of the most iconic runs in NBA history • What global markets like Japan teach us about culture-first marketing • A real marketing "war story" and the lessons every leader should learn • The top 3 takeaways from SXSW 2026 every marketer needs to act on now • What the future looks like when AI becomes your teammate, not your tool This conversation is a masterclass in experiential marketing, brand strategy, digital transformation, and AI-driven marketing innovation. If you are a CMO, founder, marketer, or builder trying to understand where marketing is going next, this episode will give you both the strategic lens and practical insights to stay ahead. The bottom line: Marketing is no longer about what you say. It is about what people feel, experience, and now… what intelligent systems can co-create with you.