Sales vs. Marketing: Why the War Is Killing Your Revenue | Featuring Ellen Smolko

Is your B2B marketing strategy built for the future? In this must-listen episode, Adam Helweh sits down with fractional CMO Ellen Smolko to discuss how AI, sales alignment, and strategic marketing are reshaping B2B growth in 2025.

With decades of experience—from her role in the evolution of Shopify at AT&T to leading marketing transformations for high-growth companies—Ellen reveals:

🔹 How AI is revolutionizing B2B marketing beyond content creation

🔹 The biggest mistakes businesses make when aligning sales and marketing

🔹 Why traditional marketing tactics are failing—and what works now

🔹 How to future-proof your business amid economic shifts and industry changes

She also shares a cautionary tale of a company that refused to adapt—and paid the ultimate price. If you’re a CMO, marketing leader, or business executive, this episode delivers practical strategies to drive real business impact.

00:00 Introduction to 2025 Economic Policy

00:52 Welcome to Marketing in the Raw

01:09 Introducing Ellen Smolko

03:12 Ellen’s Marketing Journey

08:25 The Evolution of Marketing

14:36 Challenges in Marketing Leadership

20:29 The Role of a Fractional CMO

26:51 Navigating Client Challenges

32:35 Navigating Client Relationships

33:33 Challenges with Communication

35:10 Reflecting on Client Value

37:30 The Impact of AI on Marketing

40:01 AI’s Role in Content Creation

43:52 Future of Marketing with AI

44:48 Economic Factors Influencing Marketing

46:53 Adapting to Market Changes

01:07:21 The Importance of Experience and Transparency

01:08:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Retention Secrets: How to Grow Revenue Without New Customers | Featuring Marley Wagner

Is Customer Success Broken? Marketers obsess over customer acquisition, but what happens after the sale? Retention and expansion are the real game-changers in B2B success—and Marley Wagner knows exactly how to do it right. In this episode, Adam Helweh sits down with...

B2B Marketing in 2025: What Marketing Leaders Must Know | Featuring Rosa Lear

B2B marketing is undergoing a radical transformation—buyer behaviors are evolving, AI is reshaping workflows, and businesses that fail to adapt risk being left behind. In this episode, Adam Helweh sits down with fractional CMO Rosa Lear to discuss how AI,...

Trust and Leadership: Win B2B Clients | Featuring Chris Brogan

This episode features the legendary Chris Brogan, a pioneer in digital marketing, bestselling author, and keynote speaker, to discuss the transformative power of trust and authenticity in business. From personal anecdotes that illustrate the profound impact of simple...

Is Outbound Marketing Dead? Let’s Talk. | Featuring AJ Rochow

What does it take to build a powerful B2B brand in an age of AI and constant change? In this episode, Adam Helweh talks with AJ Rochow about navigating the tension between performance marketing and long-term brand strategy. AJ shares his unconventional journey from...

Hosted by:

Adam Helweh

CEO, Secret Sushi

Subscribe to Marketing in the Raw Podcast:

Welcome to “Marketing in the Raw,” the podcast where marketing leaders reveal real-world tactics for impactful B2B strategies. Dive deep into substance with host Adam Helweh, who cuts through the fluff to deliver actionable tips and authentic insights. Join us for engaging conversations as guests share their unique journeys, successes, challenges, and battle-tested strategies. Tune in for a rich exploration of the marketing landscape and gain valuable insights to elevate your marketing game.