Why being human can be your competitive advantage

Why being human can be your competitive advantage

Jon and Kory explore why human connection matters more than ever in a world increasingly dominated by screens, automation, and AI. From the power of in-person experiences to the importance of empathy in business, they discuss why relationships are still the foundation of great leadership, marketing, and culture. Jon explains why he only records podcasts face-to-face, Kory shares why B2B is ultimately human-to-human, and together they unpack the mistakes agencies often make by forgetting the people behind the pitch. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 01:42 - What do we mean by human to human? 05:11 - Why we need more humanity now 06:55 - Why Jon only does podcasts in person 09:56 - What the data says about being in person 11:25 - The power of an in person experience 16:03 - Why experience matters 18:58 - Why being human matters in B2B 22:38 - Human relationships and the impact they can have 25:21 - What every agency gets wrong in a pitch 25:54 - How to be more human 27:33 - Everyone has something going on

Why successful leaders workout

Today Jon and Kory explore the surprising link between leadership and exercise. From CEOs and founders to top marketers, many high performers share one habit in common: they make time to move. The duo discuss why working out often feels selfish (when it shouldn't), how to maintain healthy habits while travelling, and what companies can do to encourage their teams to prioritise wellbeing. Jon also breaks down his philosophy of running, explaining how different stages of a workout mirror the rhythms of work and life. This is a conversation about energy, discipline, and why taking care of yourself might be one of the most important leadership skills of all. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 00:47 - The common thread for successful people 02:37 - Feeling guilty for working out 03:40 - How to workout while on the road 05:08 - How employees can encourage their employees to workout 09:31 - Mile 1: The hard part 11:37 - Mile 2: Rhythm 12:59 - Mile 3: Harmony 14:35 - Mile 4: Acceleration 17:36 - Mile 5: Let it rip 18:30 - How important is music to working out 19:55 - Becoming at one with the run 20:40 - Break things down into parts 23:06 - The two mountains

Keynote masterclass - how to deliver a world class keynote

Timestamps 00:00 - Start 01:19 - Kory’s 4 part framework for a good keynote speech 02:20 - Audience before content 07:16 - Don’t provide information, tell a story 16:20 - The art of good keynote content 20:50 - Obsess over delivery 24:58 - Jon’s poem on public speaking

Lessons from Uncensored CMO The Calling - 400 marketers in one room

Jon and Kory reflect on the very first Uncensored CMO: The Calling event. This episode recorded just days after it happened, with Kory joining as one of the keynote speakers. The conversation explores the biggest lessons from the event, including why marketers need to embrace “pattern disruption,” the underrated power of curation, and what lobsters can teach us about growth and reinvention. Jon and Kory also discuss the uncertainty and vulnerability that comes with live events, why polish is often overrated, and why genuine engagement matters far more than reach alone. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 02:24 - How Jon pulled off The Calling in 3 months 03:10 - The uncertainty of a live event 05:55 - Kory’s 3 biggest insights from The Calling 06:44 - Lesson 1: Learn like a lobster 12:29 - Lesson 2: Pattern disruption 17:03 - Lesson 3: Curation 20:41 - The lesson from Jon’s daughter 22:24 - The power of vulnerability vs polish 22:53 - Why Jon gave free tickets to unemployed people 25:40 - Reach vs engagement 29:03 - Jon’s big takeaway from the event

The power of speed - how to move at the speed of culture

Today Jon and Kory break down why speed has become one of the biggest competitive advantages in modern marketing. Using e.l.f.’s Super Bowl campaign, created and launched in just 11 days, they explore what allows some organisations to move incredibly quickly while others get trapped in endless approvals and bureaucracy. From legal teams and leadership trust to decision-making and culture, this episode is a practical look at how to build teams that execute with speed. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 01:12 - What Usain Bolt can teach us about speed 04:43 - Why e.l.f. made a Super Bowl ad in 11 days 09:33 - How you can work at e.l.f. speed 12:27 - How legal can help you work at speed 15:30 - What needs to be true in order for speed to happen 17:47 - Why speed is such a big competitive advantage