How do you build a 2026 marketing strategy when every week brings a new AI tool, a new “channel is dead” hot take, and pressure to do more with less?

Mike Leonhard, Compose.ly’s Co-Founder and CEO, joins Nicole to discuss the evolving landscape of digital marketing. Mike explains why no channel is truly dead, how AI is lowering the barrier to omnichannel execution, and why curiosity and experimentation matter more than any single tactic.

Nicole and Mike discuss how AI tools are democratizing sophisticated strategies, enhancing content quality, trust, and reputation. They explore AI's impact on SEO, the importance of a holistic campaign approach, and how mindset can determine a team's success or failure.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to think about “dead” channels (ex. email) through the lens of evolution instead of abandonment
• How AI and new tools are unlocking true omnichannel marketing and why strong content and clear positioning still sit at the core
• Why your team’s curiosity and willingness to experiment will make or break your 2026 marketing strategy

Things to listen for

(00:00) Introduction

(00:58) Current marketing trends and predictions

(01:46) The evolution of marketing channels

(03:47) Omnichannel marketing strategies and AI tools

(05:21) The role of AI in marketing and automation

(08:55) Personalization, customer segmentation, and AI

(11:11) SEO, reputation management, and digital PR

(19:02) Challenges and risks in marketing: adapting to change

(28:21) Embracing change in marketing

Resources:

• Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-leonhard/
• Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/
• More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters
• Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/
• Learn more about our sponsor, Apollo, here: https://www.apollo.io/

How do you execute founder-led content without losing the founder’s voice?

Imelda Wistey, Content Editor at Compound Content Studio, joins Nicole to break down the real work behind producing founder-led content that feels human and not manufactured. She explains why the magic starts with deep conversation and how to pull out the stories, quirks, and insights founders don’t even realize they’re carrying. Imelda shares how she captures a founder’s authentic voice, why overthinking slows the process, and how AI can support (but never replace) the nuance needed to make founder content resonate.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to run content interviews that uncover real stories, strong takes, and the founder’s natural cadence
• Why capturing a founder’s voice is part psychology, pattern-recognition, and continuous refinement
• Practical ways to streamline founder-led content using AI for efficiency while keeping the execution distinctly human-led

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:32) Imelda’s journey into content marketing

(04:06) Imelda’s career transition to founder-led content

(06:36) The key elements of effective founder-led content

(11:18) How to capture the founder's voice

(14:14) The role of AI in content creation

(17:20) Challenges and misconceptions in founder-led content

(24:46) Advice for aspiring content writers

Resources:

• Connect with Imelda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imelda-wistey/
• Learn more about Content Compound Studio: https://www.linkedin.com/company/compoundcontent/
• Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/
• More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters
• Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/
• Learn more about our sponsor, Apollo, here: https://www.apollo.io/

What can scaling content in an AI-driven world teach us about adaptability and focus?

Collin Belt, VP of Growth at Veza Digital and Founder of Belt Creative (acquired), joins Nicole to share how he’s helping agencies stay nimble in a market where SEO is shifting and AI is changing how teams work.

He unpacks what “nimbleness at scale” really means, how accessibility, SEO, and AI can work together to drive better results, and why clarity from clients leads to stronger creative partnerships. Collin also shares how AI can act as an operating system for growth, not just a tool for faster content.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to keep “nimbleness” when work moves from one-person sprints to multi-team processes
• Where AI truly helps (meeting capture, synthesis, second-brain workflows) vs. where human craft still wins (original, useful content)
• Why accessibility boosts SEO and AI visibility, and how to prioritize it without killing creative polish

Things to listen for:

(00:00) Intro

(01:29) Collin's entrepreneurial journey

(04:43) Transitioning to a corporate role

(07:19) Challenges of scaling a business

(09:36) The impact of AI on marketing

(11:02) Defining good content

(12:43) Client challenges in a fast-paced market

(14:50) Leveraging AI for efficiency

(17:22) Shifts in marketing team structures

(18:16) The role of agencies in modern marketing

(19:29) Building your dream team: in-house vs. agency

(20:55) Key considerations when choosing an agency

(25:56) The impact of AI tools on content creation

(29:10) The importance of accessibility in web design

(35:15) The future of quality content in the age of AI

Resources:

• Connect with Collin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/collinbelt/
• Learn more about Veza Digital: https://www.vezadigital.com/
• Learn more about Belt Creative: https://www.beltcreative.com/
• Connect with Nicole: https://linkedin.com/in/nicolemmaclean/
• More from Compose.ly: https://compose.ly/content-matters
• Produced in partnership with Share Your Genius: https://shareyourgenius.com/
• Learn more about our sponsor, Clutch, here: https://clutch.co/