The Strategic Brief
Insights on CRM, marketing, AI, leadership, and more.
Applied AI, Without the Hype: Notes from the Applied AI for Entrepreneurs Summit
2026-01-23
At the Applied AI for Entrepreneurs Summit, the conversation shifted from tools and demos to judgment, systems, and responsibility. Here are the ideas that actually mattered.
The 3Ps Framework: How to Instantly Improve Team Updates
2025-12-23
Most team updates fail because they lack focus. The 3Ps framework—Progress, Plans, Problems—creates clarity, accountability, and momentum in every update.
Turn Meetings From Time Sinks Into Your Secret Weapon
2025-12-21
Most meetings don’t fail because of people—they fail because there’s no system. Here’s how to turn meetings from a frustration into a competitive advantage.
Reflections from Braze Forge 2025
2025-10-10
My first Braze Forge experience — from speaking on two panels to exploring how AI is reshaping experimentation, deliverability, and marketing leadership.
30 Years as an Internet Power User: From Dial-Up to Whatever This Is
2025-09-16
From dial-up tones to AI, I've spent 30 years as an 'Internet Power User' a front-row seat to how the web has reshaped our lives, work, and connection.
What Are You Solving For? A Stakeholder Collaboration Framework
2025-08-18
A practical communication framework to keep projects aligned, reduce friction, and turn conversations into solutions.
How AI is Changing Customer Segmentation
2025-08-11
From static lists to adaptive, real-time insights—AI is redefining how brands identify, understand, and engage with their customers.
Why Email Marketing Still Drives ROI
2025-08-10
Email isn’t dead—it’s compounding. Here’s why the inbox remains the quiet powerhouse behind sustainable, measurable growth.
MarTech Stack Essentials for Fast-Growing Teams
2025-08-10
As your customer base and marketing ambitions expand, your MarTech stack must keep pace. Here are the must-have tools and principles that keep fast-growing teams agile, aligned, and ROI-focused.
Marketing Automation Myths Debunked
2025-08-10
Marketing automation is often misunderstood. Let's break down the most common myths and show how modern automation can boost both efficiency and authenticity.
The Day Amazon 'Predicted' the College Football National Championship Winner
2025-08-04
What happens when the world's biggest e-commerce engine fumbles on game day? A look back at one of the most unexpected email mistakes—and the leadership lessons it taught me.
Mastering Omnichannel Marketing: From Platforms to Personalization
2025-08-03
Navigating the interconnected maze of platforms to deliver a seamless customer experience requires more than technology—it demands trust, balance, and a deeply human touch.
Rewarding Loyal Customers: Beyond Points and Perks
2025-08-01
Loyalty programs aren't just about repeat purchases—they're reflections of appreciation, exclusivity, and trust. Here's how top brands are building emotional loyalty and how your business can too.
From Mass Marketing to Mass Personalization: Navigating the Shift
2025-07-25
We've moved beyond the megaphone. Welcome to the age of the individual—where every brand experience should feel like a one-on-one conversation.
Balancing Automation and Authenticity: A Lesson from Big Dill Pickleball Co.
2025-07-01
CRM is scaling fast with AI and automation—but human connection still drives loyalty. Here's how we kept it personal at Big Dill Pickleball Co.
AI in Marketing: A New Age of Discovery
2025-07-01
Artificial Intelligence is not just transforming marketing—it's redefining the customer journey. But as we deepen personalization, how do we protect privacy and preserve humanity?
Building a Strong CRM Framework: Lessons from the Field and Avoiding the Pitfalls
2025-06-30
From Fortune 500 brands to tech innovators, the secret to sustained customer connection lies in a well-executed CRM strategy. Here's what I've learned.
The Freeze Band: A Restoration Story
2022-08-20
Tracking down and restoring my dad's band's original master tapes from 1978—one fragile reel at a time.