Sales vs. Marketing: Why the War Is Killing Your Revenue

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

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Learn more about my digital marketing agency, Secret Sushi:

• https://secretsushi.com/