Keynote masterclass - how to deliver a world class keynote

Take the leap - why taking risks can lead to big rewards

Today, Jon and Kory discuss the moments that define careers. The ones where you have to leap before you know exactly how things will turn out. From leaving secure jobs to betting on yourself, they reflect on the decisions that shaped their own careers and why waiting until you feel "ready" is often the biggest barrier to growth. They explore the importance of having a strong support network, embracing discomfort, and accepting that sometimes you need to take a step backwards before you can move forwards. This is an honest conversation about risk, resilience, and why the biggest opportunities often sit just outside your comfort zone. Timestamps 00:00 - Start 00:35 - Taking a giant leap 01:28 - A moment Kory took a giant leap 04:51 - Taking the leap before you feel ready 06:46 - Why Jon made the giant leap to go full time on the podcast 08:45 - The importance of a support network 10:10 - Get comfortable being uncomfortable 14:50 - The risks of taking the leap of faith 19:02 - Sometimes you have to take a step back to take a step forward 22:01 - Are you willing to lose the battle to win the war? 24:42 - You need a high risk tolerance

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