Don't Say Content

Building a community isn’t as simple as posting content and hoping for the best. It’s about real connections, authentic conversations, and making people feel like they’re part of something bigger than just your brand.In this episode, Devin and Margaret explore what it really takes to build a community-driven brand, the challenges that come with it, and why it’s way more than just the “marketing tactics” you read about. They break down how to foster genuine relationships and why understanding your audience is the key to it all.Because in the end, real community is about showing up, being human, and letting people be part of something meaningful.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/ Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

B2B buyers used to be wowed by a sleek product demo and a well-placed buzzword. Now? They’re rolling their eyes at your AI-powered, next-gen whatever.The reality: your buyers have changed. They’re more diverse, more skeptical, and they don’t care about your shiny tech unless it actually solves a problem. They grew up with software, they expect it to just work, and they see through the fluff. So why are so many marketers still selling like it’s 2015?In this episode, Devin and Margaret get into what’s actually shifting—generational shifts, demographic changes, the great wealth transfer—and why this is the biggest opportunity since SEO became a thing. If you want to keep up (or at least not get left behind), it’s time to rethink your playbook.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/ Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Control and creativity don’t always play nice together—especially when you’re leading a team. Knowing when to hold tight to your vision and when to let go is a balancing act that even the best struggle with. Some leaders micromanage every detail, others delegate so freely they lose sight of the bigger picture. And somewhere in between? That’s where the magic happens.So how do you trust someone else to take the reins without losing the essence of what makes the work great? And how do you know when it’s time to step back versus step in?In this episode, Devin and Margaret explore the messy reality of creative control, why it’s so easy to cling too tightly, and how data can help cut through your own bias. Because good leadership means making yourself less necessary. Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/ Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Stealing ideas is as old as time, but in the age of AI and content overload, the lines between inspiration and straight-up plagiarism blur. Some folks remix, some give credit where it’s due, and some? They copy-paste, cross their fingers, and hope no one notices.When someone lifts your words, runs them through ChatGPT, and then presents them as their own—without even a casual nod in your direction—it begs the question: where do we draw the line? And more importantly, why is it so damn hard for some people to just own up to it?In this episode, Devin and Margaret get into a wild story of a LinkedIn post gone rogue and the frustrating reality of getting credit for your work (especially as a woman). They also dig into the emotional labor of thought leadership, the myth of originality, and why sometimes the best response is just… not showing up to the fight.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/ Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

What does personal branding actually do for individuals today—especially in a world where trust in institutions and executives is fading?Personal branding is your reputation. As tech evolves and channels shift, your reputation is your leverage. Yes, even in B2B. Actually, especially in B2B.Like it or not, you already have a personal brand—even if you’re not actively building it on social. And no, you don’t need to be an “influencer” for this to matter.Resources:Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Fame is a rat race both to reach and then maintain. It’s not for everyone. But these days, folks who want to support themselves as content creators or “influencers” kinda have play the fame game. Only instead of hiring a PR team to stay in the zeitgeist, they have to become constant content machines and algorithm strategists to earn the popularity badge of engagement and make money. But what if you want to be seen and known and involved without living your whole life “on stage”? Influence - the real kind - is a middle ground, and it’s how Don’t Say Content became popular and sustainable and fun for us. It’s an asset of value to our listeners, to sponsors, and to us as a creative outlet. Having an influential podcast means we can be consistent, not constant. And that feels pretty good. In this episode, we’re breaking down why chasing constant visibility isn’t the only way to build a brand and how you can achieve still influence without having to be everywhere all the time constantly forever. Because let’s be real—sometimes the most powerful move is knowing when to say “best of luck on your future endeavors.”Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/ Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Are websites still pulling their weight in B2B marketing, or are we all just clinging to the past?In this episode, we’re throwing a little shade at outdated digital strategies and breaking down the chaos marketers face today—think shifting customer behaviors, the AI takeover, and the sneaky lies your web metrics might be telling you.We’ll get into what’s actually working (spoiler: word-of-mouth is still the GOAT) and what’s long overdue for a refresh. Plus, we’re answering listener questions and serving up no-BS takes on where to focus your energy.If you’ve ever wondered whether your website is a hero or a money pit, this convo will make you look at your digital playbook in a whole new way.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/ Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/ 

All marketers have heard absurd statements from bosses and co-workers.In this episode, we’re sharing stories from marketers about the hilarious and downright baffling requests, feedback and mandates they’ve gotten from on high: bosses and others in the C-suite, clients, know-it-all VCs and the beloved tech teams who think they can do marketing better. From unrealistic expectations to bizarre feedback (like, “make it more magical”), we take a look at the moments that will make you lift a brow.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/ Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Are we really at peak content? An IG story is an IG story. A TikTok is…well, a TikTok. Calling everything content isn’t exactly strategic. It’s time to move away from lumping everything into one pile and treat our creations with more intention. When you stop thinking about just creating “content” and start thinking about the message, medium and outcome, you realize there’s still room to create something unique that your customers and community have never seen before - and find valuable.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/ Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/Ideas Are Scary commercial: https://youtu.be/LG2oaGh0jmk?si=3YgVH4ln0OAMy0E7 

Has your latest challenge reshaped your definition of success? If yes, you’ve likely unlocked a deeper level of growth. If not, it might be time to consider a new perspective.In a society fixated on constant achievement and proving our worth, what if the toughest moments—like surviving cancer twice—are the ones that teach us to embrace imperfection, laugh more freely, and trust the process?In this bonus episode from the podcast 1,000 Routes with host Nick Bennett, Devin opens up about making bold career pivots and how her battle with cancer transformed her outlook on work and life. She also shares lessons on building a career that aligns with personal values, advocating for yourself in challenging times, and staying motivated through life’s toughest seasons.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/ Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/ Subscribe to the 1,000 Routes Newsletter: https://1000routes.com/Full Stack Solopreneur Roadmap https://fullstacksoloroadmap.com/ 

Did your content marketing achieve its intended outcomes? If YES, then it’s quality. If NO, then it’s not quality. B2B marketers are obsessed with “quality” content. Some are obsessed with The Style Guide and are incensed by a missing comma (especially if it’s Oxford). Many are obsessed because they are stuck in an unofficial yet ongoing companywide debate about what makes High Quality Content and can’t get anything out the door. Ultimately, defining quality content marketing should be as simple as: did it work?In this episode, we’re exploring the messy truths about quality, style, and why perfection isn’t always the goal. Because let’s face it—success is about being effective, unique, and embracing the beautiful chaos. Not perfection.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/ Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/ 

Ever feel like content marketing comes with way too much drama? Same, bestie. In this episode, we’re taking a closer look at those so-called “emergencies”—typos, broken links, chaotic launches—and letting you in on a secret. It’s never life or death.We’re going to share relatable stories of missteps, embarrassing moments, and the occasional PR hiccup. Because let’s be real—most “emergencies” are just overreactions to everyday challenges.Content marketing has its chaotic moments, but most of what we call crises are just opportunities to regroup, rethink, and laugh about it later.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com

We meant to record an episode on influence vs fame, but instead we had it out about life in general right now and what we’re doing to thrive and cope. We know other folks are experiencing their own deluge of circumstance, so as per usual, we’re broadcasting our own closet monsters in the hopes that ya’ll might benefit. Expect stories about giving up perfection, letting go of the need to control, and why it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing what feels true to you. (It could also be about doing absolutely nothing at all, which Devin has been leaning into lately.)We’re breaking down the chaotic moments that come with trying to “have it all”—satisfaction, stability, and - maybe a little more often - a sense of peace. From setting boundaries to creating our individual definitions of “success”, we’re going into 2025 skeletons out and ready to face the big hairy monsters head-on. Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/ Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Nobody wants to think outside the box anymore, and it is so boring! While creators and solopreneurs have incorporated video, AI, newsletters, partnerships and more to diversify their product offerings and growth strategy, executives in B2B continue cowering behind old growth tactics. While these execs complain about diminishing returns from SEO, social and paid channels, brave and curious brands are empowering their marketing teams to experiment. They welcome community-forward tactics with qualitative impact measurements.They understand that exponential growth often comes from the intangible, so confining their  creative and critical thinkers the same old linear marketing activities will only achieve the predictable.  According to Semafor’s business reporter, Liz Hoffman, “A world that’s more fractured, risky, and dynamic affords the opportunity to zig where others zag.”Time to learn some new dance moves. Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/ Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/ 

In this replay episode, we dive into fear and what it can do when left unresolved. And spoiler alert, it keeps us from being productive, connecting with others, and ultimately from personal and career growth. It also never goes away and in fact, can become an even bigger obstacle as you progress in your career. Whether you work for yourself, run a team or a company, fear surfaces over and over to present unique challenges. But when you learn how to work with fear, it can lead to a kind of bravery and curiosity that transforms your creativity and career. So we invited fear to the table for a little chat. Listen as we share our experiences navigating fear professionally and personally, publicly and privately, alongside each other and their most trusted community (including some top-tier advice from Momma Bramhall).Resources:Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

In this replay episode, we summarized the "state of marketing" and what we were looking forward to in the future. Are we there yet? You decide. But we can tell you we’re (still) looking forward to some genuine human connection and fostering authentic content creation in the coming year more than we are into slangin’ the same old worries we’ve been talking about (idk, marketing/exec alignment, AI takeovers, and old school marketing strategies, to name a few).Resources:Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

This replay episode might be one of our favorites of all time.Audacity - or as the kids call it: delulu.  You need more of it in your life.In this episode, we explore our own relationship with audacity, how to cultivate it, why it’s so elusive to maintain, and why it’s so important at this (and any point) in your career.Resources:Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

In this replay episode, we look back at a discussion we had in Q4 last year around the problems our CEO and founder friends face. Since many of their problems felt, at the time, like nothing new, you can see how we wanted to revisit these again this year. Because even if the problem isn't a new one, that doesn’t mean they aren’t any easier to handle. So we hope our discussion will help bring you back to reality, center your actions around progress, and give you jumping-off points for solving these common problems among your leadership teams.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontsaycontent.substack.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

In this replay episode, we revisit the stories our CEO & founder friends shared with us last year about what topics are keeping them up at night. While they've probably moved on from these problems, they're still problems that plague many a founder and marketing department in our industry. We channel their full consultative skills and reference their experience in similar situations and roles to answer these three main questions:How do you build a marketing team that buys into your bigger mission and vision? Not spammy tactics. How do you combat analysis paralysis in a small marketing department? How can you embrace and maximize the messiness of the marketplace right now? Connect with Devin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinbramhall/Connect with Margaret: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey-104abba/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontsaycontent.substack.com/Subscribe to Devin's new newsletter, Ta Gueule: https://www.devinbramhall.com/newsletterCreated in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

In this replay episode, we take a look back on the content strategies of the past, and of the past/present when this was recorded (in 2023). Where is content marketing headed? Where has it been? What can we take with us into 2025? Things we discuss include personal branding, relatable content, and value-additive content—which never go out of style. Connect with Devin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinbramhall/Connect with Margaret: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey-104abba/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontsaycontent.substack.com/Subscribe to Devin's new newsletter, Ta Gueule: https://www.devinbramhall.com/newsletterCreated in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

We’re back! With a quick bonus episode before season 5 kicks off in January 2025. We’re keeping the feed rolling until then with some replays and bonus episodes to keep you company, and in this bonus episode, we’re catching you up on what we’ve been up to lately. Hope you enjoy, and see you in January!Connect with Devin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinbramhall/Connect with Margaret: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey-104abba/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontsaycontent.substack.com/Subscribe to Devin's new newsletter, Ta Gueule: https://www.devinbramhall.com/newsletterCreated in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

In this replay episode, Devin and Margaret share stories from their experiences working with founders/CEOs in-house and agency-side over the last decade to discuss the issues at play in the CEO/founder and marketing leader relationship. Some bigger themes they cover are the importance of shared language and understanding of metrics, how communication and trust impact the CEO/head of marketing relationship, and the balance between brand and funnel, and why CEOs and founders should step back from leading marketing departments. Plus Devin shares what she learned from being CEO and working with her marketing team, as well as anonymous stories from their clients.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Welcome back to Don't Say Content! While we gear up for season 5, we are re-releasing a timely episode on marketing attribution, AI in content strategy, and the evolution of SEO and brand awareness. To get even more specific, we dive into the ongoing debate over the relevance of attribution models, the necessity of integrating quality relationship-building content, and the balance between human-centric and algorithmic approaches. Enjoy!Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

On this bonus episode, you'll hear our own Devin Bramhall in conversation with Alex Kracov from Dock on his show, Grow and Tell. They talk about how startups should be thinking about content, how she scaled Animalz, and how she grew our podcast, Don't Say Content.Check out Grow and Tell here: https://www.dock.us/grow-and-tell

In this replay, we're talking about one of those tough moments in leadership. You’re ready to hire marketing talent (either your first hire or a head of marketing), but you don’t have a background in marketing.What background do you look for? How do you set them up for success?We’ve seen the downward spiral of failure: your VCs/board giving bad advice, a lack of shared language around marketing roles and responsibilities, an over-indexing on tactics and copy edits— and they all lead to a revolving door of bad-fit marketers coming in and out of your organization.  Devin and Margaret explore how to successfully hire for and manage a role that you’re not an expert in—on this episode of Don’t Say Content.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Just like Content Marketing, growing an audience (organically) takes consistent investment and patience. How much time depends on your resources, strategy and - perhaps most importantly - how broad of a community you're trying to build. Plus a whole bunch of other questions and factors within those areas. We've learned a lot while building Don't Say Content with Share Your Genius, so today we're going to share all the things we tried, what really happens, and how we view audience-building strategy after 2 years of building our own.

In this episode, Devin Bramhall joins Ashley McGovern and Melissa Moody on their show, 2 Pizza Marketing.Like what you hear? Check out their show here: https://www.2pizzamarketing.com/Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

In this replay episode, we're revisiting lessons we've learned around failure.Did you just get fired? Spend a bunch of money on a marketing project or campaign that didn’t work? It can feel like marketing failures are happening today at a higher rate than ever before. Markets are changing; buyer’s processes, decision-making, and budgets are in flux; and companies are switching up their marketing organizations and leadership. Devin and Margaret explore our own relationship with failure—and what you can do next—on this episode of Don’t Say Content. Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

We’ve talked about a lot of things the past 17 episodes—so where have we landed among the strategies and thoughts and endless fodder around the “state of marketing” at the end of this season? Well, we can tell you we’re looking forward to some genuine human connection and fostering authentic content creation in the coming months more than we are into slangin’ the same old worries we’ve been talking about (idk, marketing/exec alignment, AI takeovers, and old school marketing strategies, to name a few). So tune in for a snorkel (not a deep dive) through the topics we’ve covered in season 4, and we hope you’ll stay tuned in for some bonus content to come before season 5 drops this fall. Catch ya later, you jerks. 😉Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

When times are changin' the rigidity of prescriptive playbooks simply don't work. Instead, companies need adaptive strategies that enable them to capitalize on timely opportunities (the term "growth hacks" comes to mind - with shame), and experiment constantly all while making progress towards their growth goals. Is this the marketing utopia we've all been waiting for? Who knows, but we're excited to hear more about this new, more flexible approach from founder/CEO of Minuttia & GrowthWaves, George Chasiotis.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

For all the hype around marketing right now, very little is actually happening besides Google solidifying its dictatorship over businesses trying to use the internet for some free marketing. Nothing is free anymore it seems, except the public displays of insanity by humans on the internet. It’s basically become an adult children’s book of attempted quips gone wrong, and we love it. It’s a stage for guileless dopes fighting for fame in small, dark corners and megaphone platforms alike. This week, instead of trying to flip nothing burgers into $50 wagyu appetizers topped with fake truffle oil, we’re using the internet for the thing it’s best at: free fun. Gather round, children, it’s storytime, and all your favorite characters are here. Links from the show:Chocolate Meditation Collection: https://www.vosgeschocolate.com/products/chocolate-meditation-collectionHeike Young's Video: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/heikeyoung_if-i-talked-to-my-kids-like-some-brands-talk-ugcPost-7196524826096730112-DES-Clark Barron's post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/clarkbarron_if-i-see-another-marketing-post-on-linkedin-ugcPost-7197237317206425600-zI8xResources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

We’re not outspoken; we’re speaking…the truth. Our culture doesn’t support women in the workplace effectively (or in some cases, at all), and it doesn’t support the men who are trying to operate and lead equitably, either. But let’s give the bulk of the credit where it’s due: there’s a significant number of  men and women who don’t support change either, often in ways that are subtle and thus difficult to identify, let alone fix.  As a follow up to “Let’s Just Say the Things We’re Most Terrified of Talking About: We’ll Go First”, we’re getting even more vulnerable as we continue the discussion about the impact our still misogynist work culture is having on us personally, our friends, the industry, and society as a whole. And the biggest question on our mind: what happens if women simply opt out of the workforce altogether? Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

We had just recorded an episode about CMOs being anxious when Devin attended AudienePlus’s Golden Hour conference, where the IRL of stressed-out and disillusioned marketers was not only the prevailing topic but also the mood of attendees. This one-day event was a cathartic gathering of senior marketers eager to get their feelings out (then drink them away) amidst the golden strangeness of fake paparazzi, Lindsey Sterling’s eating disorder, and a decadent setting that didn’t quite convince any of us that everything is going to be OK—but did show us that we’re not alone. And that felt pretty good. Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Experimentation is the Queen of Marketing Strategy these days as Martech continues to evolve, GenAI content becomes the new keyword stuffing and Google follows their hearts on SERPs in what seems like a midlife crisis-induced mushroom trip. No one knows what’s going to happen, so the best marketing strategy today involves testing & play to determine the best tactical mix for your business. Ned MacPherson, Chief Growth Officer of Power Digital is here this week to share what trends he’s noticing in CRO right now and his thoughts on the future of marketing strategy.Resources:Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Marketing is really just relationship-building at scale. But within that "scale" are activities that aren't 100% programmable. That's what a successful marketing mix looks like. But explaining that to stakeholders isn't always easy. As marketers we have to be both business strategists, human connectors and creatives. Today we're talking with Rachel Elsts Downey, founder/CEO of Share Your Genius, about the growth strategies available in tight economic climates and how no aspects of marketing are, in fact, dead.Resources: Connect with Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelelstsdowney/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

It’s 5 pm, do you know how your CMO is doing? You probably do, because they are anxiously wading through the same muck wondering how they are going to deliver consistent results while the foundation of their industry and macro environment are in tumult. The average day of a CMO right involves trying to strategically plan growth when even demand gen playbooks aren’t functioning like they used to, buyers are taking longer at every stage of the journey, budgets are both reduced and less consistent QoQ, and no one wtf is going to happen with interest rates, search, AI, the election, wars, etc will impact their companies, campaigns, day-to-day lives. So yeah, CMOs are feeling it, too, and we talked to a few for this episode as a kind of group hug and reminder: You’re not alone!Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

What makes a marketing function successful today? There are new trends and old playbooks, but what marketers do startups really need? And what about bigger companies? We talk structure, success, and our big dreams for what it looks like in the future. Join us as we chat through what types of marketers we see rising to the top now, and how marketing can best align and structure itself to grow into the future.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

We talked about it way back in season 1. Today, what we’re interested in is: What personal brand currently does for individuals, particularly in a world where there's waning trust among institutions and executives? Personal branding is reputation. As tech moves faster, channels change more rapidly, you have to  harness your reputation. Yes, even if you’re B2B. Actually, ESPECIALLY if you’re B2B. You have a personal brand, regardless if you’re activating it through social channels. Even if you don’t want to be an “influencer”, this episode is for you. Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Ok, ok. So, we’ve all been wrapping our heads around how to use AI in our content marketing production and distribution for a bit now. It’s time we talk about it. In this episode, we dive into some bigger questions. How should you think about AI? How will it affect quality? What does AI change? And what will always remain? If you’re using AI, or if you’re too overwhelmed to even know where to start, this one’s for you. Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

As you ascend to higher levels in your career, your most valuable skill becomes navigating internal politics, policy, and process. It's not just about managing up when you work for large companies, it's about managing many senior stakeholders and the dynamics they bring with them. Competency goes a long way  to getting the opportunities you want, the budgets you need and support for your initiatives. We're going live with Ashley Faus, Head of Lifecycle Marketing at Atlassian, to learn her strategies for navigating the corporate maze to elevate your influence and efficacy.Connect with Ashley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyfaus/Subscribe to our newsletter: https://dontsaycontent.substack.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

This is the best episode we’ve ever recorded. Is it because we get into an in-depth spicy conversation (cough, argument, cough) about why everyone and their mother are measuring awareness and affinity marketing programs totally wrong? Is it because Margaret gets so heated that she drops f-bombs, and eventually Devin says something she RARELY ever says? Is it because we put CFOs completely on blast for ruining marketing metrics?You decide! Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

No one taught us the new skills we needed when we became heads of marketing/VPs of marketing. All of a sudden, the majority of our work wasn't marketing itself. Not the external stuff. The majority of our work was executive alignment around the priorities and budget of marketing. And to do so in an exec team that - for the most part - didn't have a marketing background. Daily to-do's changed, and it was painful. It felt like we were doing work that "didn't matter" because it wasn't seen externally. Even more painful? Having to learn how to delegate enough work that you have time for these new to-do’s. In this episode, we explore the overlap of executive alignment, delegation, and motivation. Giddy-up y’all. It’s a good one. Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Audacity - or as the kids call it: delulu. You need more of it in your life. In this episode, we explore our own relationship with audacity, how to cultivate it, why it’s so elusive to maintain, and why it’s so important at this (and any point) in your career. Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Is marketing a creative or business role?We believe that marketing should be heavily involved in business strategy - not just creative strategy. But oftentimes, the marketing teams are positioned to support business growth rather than craft the strategy itself.In this episode, we explore how founders/CEOs can deploy their marketing function to focus more on business strategy, and what comes first (no, no - not the chicken or the egg, the business strategy or the go-to-market strategy). Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

It’s a tough moment: You’re ready to hire marketing talent (either your first hire or a head of marketing), but you don’t have a background in marketing. What background do you look for? How do you set them up for success?We’ve seen the downward spiral of failure: your VCs/board giving bad advice, a lack of shared language around marketing roles and responsibilities, an over-indexing on tactics and copy edits— and they all lead to a revolving door of bad-fit marketers coming in and out of your organization.  Devin and Margaret explore how to successfully hire for and manage a role that you’re not an expert in—on this episode of Don’t Say Content.Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Did you just get fired? Spend a bunch of money on a marketing project or campaign that didn’t work? It can feel like marketing failures are happening today at a higher rate than ever before. Markets are changing; buyer’s processes, decision-making, and budgets are in flux; and companies are switching up their marketing organizations and leadership. Devin and Margaret explore our own relationship with failure—and what you can do next—on this episode of Don’t Say Content. Resources: Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.dontsaycontent.com/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

Here's a bonus episode from Devin's conversation with Joei Chan on her post, Good Boss, Bad Boss. It's a meaty one where she share lots of secrets about being a good and bad boss, and stories from her time as the boss of all bosses (CEO). Also, season 4 is dropping soon! We're kicking off season 4 on 2/6 with a live show on YouTube. You won't want to miss it. (And if it's past 2/6/24—press play already.) Listen to Good Boss Bad Boss on Apple, on Spotify, or on YouTube (or wherever you get your podcasts). Connect with Joei: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeichan/Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius

Have you missed us?! Don’t Say Content season 4 is coming back on February 6th, and we’d love for you join us—here on the feed or live, on Youtube. We’re starting the season off on YouTube live on February 6th at noon ET. But don’t worry, we’ll drop the live show on the podcast feed if you can’t make it. Wanna join us live? Check out our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=danFfrLz5XQ(And set your notifications so you don’t forget!)Otherwise, make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast so you don’t miss any of the new episodes.

Bonus episode time! Before season 4 drops, enjoy this bonus episode where Margaret joined Ramli John's Marketing Powerups podcast to talk about her strategic brand flywheel. Like what you hear? Check out Ramli's podcast here: https://marketingpowerups.com/podcast/For more from Devin + Margaret, head to dontsaycontent.com.Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/

We're even less filtered than normal in our Season 3 finale, so buckle up: we’re talking about our challenges with gender inequity, patterns of entrenched misogyny, societal expectations, unhealthy boundaries, and reflections on how our careers are viewed by others in the industry.Big life changes and challenges bring big reflections and feelings. They also spotlight challenges we’ve accepted and taken for granted, bringing a strikingly clear question to the fore: Why are we so afraid?[NOTE: We’re continuing this convo and starting others during the holiday break on Substack. Follow along and participate: https://dontsaycontent.substack.com/]We’re afraid telling the truth will piss people off. We’re afraid of becoming a pariah: getting fired, being “unhireable”, and alienating our friends and colleagues. When faced with the opportunity to address interpersonal challenges that are rooted in systemic prejudice, inequity, and unfairness, a lot of us (yes, us too!!), we begin to doubt our experience is real and rationalize to avoid ruffling feathers. Nothing has actually changed, we’re sorry to say. The same misogyny, inequity, and bad behavior still exist, they’re just hidden in a black hole. Not behind or cloaked in something, they are an active part of our current societal galaxy, studied, written about, analyzed, and discussed. None of that has led to meaningful change. Worse: it’s given us the belief that change has happened, making us feel accomplished and comfortable, such that we accept a daily reality that still really sucks. What would happen if we stopped being afraid and angry and started approaching change with curiosity, bravery, compassion, and love? What if we had shared language around our challenges, including with the people who we are challenged by? It still won’t be easy. People will still get mad. Unfair things will still happen. But if all that’s happening already and nothing is changing, isn’t it time to step outside our comfort zone and try something new? Tune in for a heartfelt and vulnerable discussion around the real human issues we face today–as women, and as people. We hope to leave you with something to think about, and maybe a bit more shared language around these experiences.Connect with Devin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinbramhall/Connect with Margaret: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-kelsey-104abba/Created in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://www.shareyourgenius.com/