Cheska speaks to James on how utilising PESTLE analysis (a company's macro-environment by examining six external factors) and Porter’s 5 Forces - a strategic framework that analyses the competitive forces within an industry - can help to form a complete scan of the world around your business, allowing your marketing team to create flexible and robust strategies.

Cheska speaks to James about the strategies and applications for marketing...

And of course they discuss AI!

Get the lowdown on marketingSHOWCASE and our forthcoming events at https://mktgshowcase.co.uk/

This show is produced by James Marriott from our podcast partners Sound Media https://wearesoundmedia.com/

Podcast recorded at marketingSHOWCASE Manchester, December 2025

In a world where there is a greater emphasis on speed and for AI for copywriting, is a risk that marketers lose personality and brand identity? Guy speaks to James about brands who stick to their beliefs and messaging - and those don't, risking it with AI and affecting their brand performance.

Get the lowdown on marketingSHOWCASE and our forthcoming events at https://mktgshowcase.co.uk/

This show is produced by James Marriott from our podcast partners Sound Media https://wearesoundmedia.com/

Podcast recorded at marketingSHOWCASE Manchester, December 2025

In a marketplace where everyone’s shouting, most brands stand around and look, sound and even act the same. Jordan joins James to dig into why brand is no longer a “nice-to-have” - it’s the difference between being remembered or ignored.

They explore what separates standout brands from forgettable ones, the costly mistakes companies make when they get it wrong, and how to build a brand that cuts through from day one - whether you’re B2B, B2C, or somewhere in between.

Get the lowdown on marketingSHOWCASE and our forthcoming events at https://mktgshowcase.co.uk/

This show is produced by James Marriott from our podcast partners Sound Media https://wearesoundmedia.com/

Podcast recorded at marketingSHOWCASE Manchester, December 2025

Our last podcast guest at marketingSHOWCASE Birmingham was Laura Donnelly. She spoke to James about the importance of resilience in marketing.

Sometimes its difficult to adapt in marketing, especially in a small team. Not only do you have to to adapt to constant change, keep up with new trends, you also have to recover from unexpected setbacks, always be relevant and mentally available! Laura spoke to James about the highs, lows and strategies for staying resilient in marketing.

Get the lowdown on marketingSHOWCASE and our forthcoming events at https://mktgshowcase.co.uk/

This show is produced by James Marriott from our podcast partners Sound Media https://wearesoundmedia.com/

Podcast recorded at marketingSHOWCASE Birmingham, November 2025

Our second guest at marketingSHOWCASE Birmingham was Lauren. She feels very strongly about the importance of websites.

A website is the modern front facing platform for your customers/users/clients. It establishes credibility, builds trust, and creates a positive first impression for potential customers. It acts as a central hub for information, and is accessible 24/7. Lauren spoke with James about the mistakes people make with their websites, and what to optimise towards, and focus on.

Get the lowdown on marketingSHOWCASE and our forthcoming events at https://mktgshowcase.co.uk/

This show is produced by James Marriott from our podcast partners Sound Media https://wearesoundmedia.com/

Podcast recorded at marketingSHOWCASE Birmingham, November 2025

Our first guest at marketingSHOWCASE Birmingham is Michael Younger, Head of Marketing at Treetops Hospice.

In a time when our inbox, feeds and chat are swimming with the subject of AI, Michael speaks to James about how we need to concentrate on putting people at the forefront of marketing a business, not the company. Real voices, real stories, for real people.

Get the lowdown on marketingSHOWCASE and our forthcoming events at https://mktgshowcase.co.uk/

This show is produced by James Marriott from our podcast partners Sound Media https://wearesoundmedia.com/

Podcast recorded at marketingSHOWCASE Birmingham, November 2025

Our final guest of the day at marketingSHOWCASE Leeds is Samantha Goodwin, Senior Marketing Manager at Headstar, a specialist finance recruitment consultancy. We dig into another area of AI, looking at the importance of communities

As a one-person marketing department, she runs everything including their website, LinkedIn, working with their PR agency and launching a podcast and running events!

They discussed that there is a place for AI such as automating processes, like note-taking for time saving - and how valuable AI can be in the recruiter business.

Samantha was speaking about the importance of communities in her world, and the importance of having a voice in a very busy industry.

Get the lowdown on marketingSHOWCASE and our forthcoming events at https://mktgshowcase.co.uk/

This show is produced by James Marriott from our podcast partners Sound Media https://wearesoundmedia.com/

Podcast recorded at marketingSHOWCASE Leeds, October 2025

Our second live episode at marketingSHOWCASE in Leeds is with Rosie Macdonald, from Law firm Squire Patton Boggs. She joins us to explore the impact of AI on marketing.

They discussed the very on-point question about AI - is it going to take over our jobs, or is it going to make out lives easier?

Get the lowdown on marketingSHOWCASE and our forthcoming events at https://mktgshowcase.co.uk/

This show is produced by James Marriott from our podcast partners Sound Media https://wearesoundmedia.com/

Podcast recorded at marketingSHOWCASE Leeds, October 2025