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John Corcoran
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Dec 10, 2025 • 31min

Navigating Marketing in the Age of AI With Emanuel Rose

Emanuel Rose is the CEO of Strategic eMarketing, which helps B2B companies in IT services, SaaS, and financial services generate high-quality leads through innovative marketing strategies. With over 25 years of experience as an author, speaker, and B2B marketing strategist, Emanuel is widely recognized for his work integrating AI and automation into marketing. He explores these innovations on his podcast, Marketing in the Age of AI. In this episode… Some business eras evolve; others hit like a tidal shift — and AI-driven marketing sits squarely in the latter. Tools are advancing faster than teams can adapt, leaving many torn between excitement and overwhelm. How do you cut through the noise and navigate these rapid industry changes? According to Emanuel Rose, a veteran B2B marketing strategist and early adopter of AI in real-world marketing workflows, the path forward starts with practicality, not panic. He believes the biggest opportunity right now isn't flashy automation or massive content output — winning back time by offloading the mundane tasks that bog teams down. Emanuel explains how AI personalizes outreach, from analyzing a prospect's online presence to spotting natural conversation openings. He compares this period to the rise of social media in the early 2010s: a disruptive force that rewards those who stay one chapter ahead. For Emanuel, the real advantage goes to businesses that use AI responsibly — not those chasing trends. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Emanuel Rose, the CEO of Strategic eMarketing, to discuss how AI is reshaping modern marketing. They explore why personalization at scale is finally within reach, how to avoid the common missteps companies make with AI-driven outreach, and what generative search means for the future of SEO. Emanuel also shares his approach to blending automation with authentic human connection.
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Dec 5, 2025 • 34min

Reinventing Success: From Athlete to CEO Community With Matt Sharrers

Matt Sharrers is the Managing Partner of ETJ Advisory and Founder of ETJ Life, a private, invitation-only community that supports CEOs backed by private equity in navigating leadership transitions and building fulfilling lives. As the former CEO of SBI, Matt helped scale the company and guided it through multiple successful exits, while his current ventures draw on decades of executive leadership and board advisory experience. A former professional hockey player who represented Canada at the national level, Matt is passionate about helping both elite athletes and business leaders achieve their highest potential. His work and recent book, The Second CEO, focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by CEOs in high-pressure, private-equity-backed environments. In this episode… The path to reinvention is rarely linear, especially when shifting from elite athletics to corporate leadership and then to entrepreneurship. Many high performers struggle to release old identities while stepping into roles that demand new skills, new mindsets, and deeper purpose. What does it really take to navigate such dramatic transitions, and how can you redefine success without losing yourself? Matt Sharrers, an expert in executive leadership and CEO advisory, shares how he progressed from professional hockey to corporate sales and ultimately to building a respected advisory practice and CEO community. Matt explains how shedding his athletic identity taught him resilience, why stepping in after a charismatic founder required deliberate, disciplined leadership, and how professionalizing a fast-growing organization prepared him for future transitions. Through stories and lessons learned, Matt demonstrates that reinvention thrives on ongoing reflection, courage, and an unwavering commitment to meaningful impact. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Matt Sharrers, Managing Partner of ETJ Advisory and Founder of ETJ Life, about navigating major career reinventions. Matt shares insights on scaling as a second CEO, building communities for high achievers, and designing a life anchored in purpose.
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Dec 3, 2025 • 27min

Building Trust and Engagement Through Public Infrastructure Communication With Jennifer McPherson

Jennifer McPherson is the President of Chickenango Marketing Solutions. The company specializes in public outreach and marketing for government agencies, and branding, design, and proposal writing for the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) sector. Jennifer started her company at age 46 after gaining 27 years of experience in the AEC industry, and she is now launching Chickenango University, an educational program aimed at enhancing marketing and business development skills in the AEC space. In this episode… It is easy to take public infrastructure for granted — until a new project appears in your neighborhood and suddenly changes your daily rhythm. People want to understand what is happening, why it matters, and how it affects their lives, yet updates are often buried in technical language or arrive far too late. How can agencies and contractors communicate these massive, complex projects in a way that builds trust rather than frustration? According to Jennifer McPherson, a veteran communicator in the infrastructure world, the answer starts with meeting people where they are — literally. She explains that effective engagement hinges on clear, human conversation rather than engineering jargon. Instead of expecting residents to attend formal meetings, her team shows up in the places where real life happens: ice cream shops, street festivals, school events, even sidewalks along busy corridors. These moments create space for honest feedback, especially when tensions run high. And when people feel heard, Jennifer says, they become more open to the bigger picture and the long-term benefits behind the disruption. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jennifer McPherson, President of Chickenango Marketing Solutions, to discuss how to build trust and engagement through public infrastructure communication. They explore the shift from traditional public meetings to creative pop-up outreach, how to translate engineering language into something the public can actually understand, and why active listening matters more than polished messaging.
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Nov 28, 2025 • 51min

[AI Tips and Tricks Series]: How To Create Your Google Knowledge Panel

Jason Barnard is the CEO of Kalicube, a digital marketing agency specializing in brand SERP optimization and knowledge panel management to help individuals and companies control how they appear in search and AI-powered results. Often referred to as "The Brand SERP Guy," Jason has helped clients secure and enhance their Google knowledge panels, and Kalicube's methodologies have established the company as a world leader in digital brand intelligence. With a background that includes working with major brands like Disney and Samsung, Jason is passionate about teaching others how to become verified authorities in their niche as search engines and AI evolve. In this episode… It's a strange feeling when you Google your own name and the results don't quite match the person you've built yourself to be. Maybe it points to outdated bios, a random YouTube interview, or — worse yet — someone else entirely. In a world where AI tools rely heavily on what they find online, how do you take control of that digital first impression? According to Jason Barnard, a leading authority on digital brand identity and entity optimization, you start by helping machines understand exactly who you are. He explains that most people assume knowledge panels are reserved for celebrities or people with massive public followings, but he's seen even team members with only a few social profiles earn them. Jason breaks the process down to something almost mechanical: choose your "entity home," structure your facts clearly, create consistency across the web, and let the machines do the rest. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jason Barnard, CEO of Kalicube, to discuss how to create your Google Knowledge Panel. You'll learn why your "entity home" matters, how to structure facts so AI understands them, and what to update across your online profiles before Google can fully verify you. Jason also shares practical steps for overcoming name collisions and improving how AI presents you online.
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Nov 26, 2025 • 17min

The Biggest Issues Impacting Podcasts Today and How to Stay Ahead With John Corcoran

John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and run his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… Podcasting continues to evolve, and not always in ways creators expect. One minute, the industry is celebrating growth, and the next, it is wrestling with algorithms, labeling rules, and shifting listener habits. With so many moving parts, how do hosts stay ahead without overthinking every episode? According to John Corcoran, a longtime leader in the podcasting space, the answer starts with understanding how small details can shape the listener experience. When asked about the issues podcasters should pay attention to, he points to something as simple as explicit-language labeling and how easily it can trip up creators. John explains that platforms often flag episodes automatically, sometimes even when no one has actually used a swear word, which means podcasters spend more time worrying about symbols than strategy. He also highlights how tools like accurate speech-to-text technology can transform productivity and consistency, especially when injury or busy seasons complicate content creation. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews John Corcoran to discuss the biggest issues impacting podcasts today. You will hear why explicit ratings matter more than most hosts realize, how speech-to-text tools can double your productivity, and what separates authentic B2B podcasts from forgettable ones. John also provides insights on using podcasting as a strategic tool to build relationships and grow your business.
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Nov 21, 2025 • 34min

Reinventing a Global Brand and Thriving Through Seismic Change With Tracey Felicidade Jones

Tracey Felicidade Jones is the CEO and Founder of Trace Brand Building, a global branding and marketing agency with operations in South Africa and the United States. With over 20 years of experience in FMCG and pharma, Tracey's leadership has earned her company an impressive client list, helping international brands like Dr. Oetker and Novartis build memorable, iconic brands. Tracey's journey growing up in South Africa during and after apartheid and later expanding her business in the US gives her a uniquely resilient perspective on brand building and entrepreneurship. In this episode… What does it really take to rebuild your life and business from the ground up? For some, reinvention is a branding exercise. For others, it's survival. How do you start over in a new country, in a new market, and still manage to build something stronger than before? For Tracey Felicidade Jones, a brand marketing expert, the answer begins with grit and perspective. A lifelong entrepreneur who has faced everything from rolling blackouts to armed hijackings in South Africa, Tracey believes that true brand reinvention mirrors personal resilience. Drawing on her background in dietetics, global marketing, and storytelling, she built a business rooted in authenticity — helping companies rediscover their identity through archetypes and emotional connection. After relocating to Colorado, she reimagined her agency to fit the American market, proving that adaptability and heart can turn disruption into growth. Her story is a reminder that great brands, like great people, thrive by staying true to their essence while boldly embracing change. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Tracey Felicidade Jones, CEO and Founder of Trace Brand Building, to discuss how she reinvented her global agency after moving from South Africa to the US. Tracey also shares her vision for the future of creative leadership and the value of staying authentic in a rapidly changing world.
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Nov 19, 2025 • 47min

The Power of Radical Self-Inquiry for Modern Leaders With Jerry Colonna

Jerry Colonna is the CEO and Co-founder of Reboot.io, an executive coaching and leadership development firm dedicated to helping leaders grow through the practice of radical self-inquiry. A former venture capitalist, Jerry is a renowned executive coach and the author of two acclaimed books, Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up and Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong. Known for his candid storytelling and exploration of personal and generational challenges, Jerry draws on his experiences as an immigrant, entrepreneur, and leader to help others uncover unconscious patterns and build authentic connections. In this episode… What if the beliefs, fears, and resilience that shape our lives today are not just personal traits, but echoes from generations past? Understanding how ancestors faced change, poverty, and struggles with belonging can transform the way we lead and live. Could reconnecting with our family history reveal where — and to whom — we truly belong? Jerry Colonna, a renowned executive coach and author, tackles these profound questions by tracing his family's immigrant journey and exploring how generational experiences inform our sense of self. Using stories of his entrepreneurial grandfather and the hardships his own parents faced, Jerry reveals how both inspiration and trauma cascade through generations, influencing our choices, leadership styles, and even our capacity for resilience. He shares his personal quest to bridge the disconnections in his own lineage — including a revelatory trip to Ireland to reclaim lost roots, demonstrating how true self-understanding only comes when we look beyond ourselves to our collective past. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Jerry Colonna, CEO and Co-founder of Reboot.io, about the legacy of generational trauma, belonging, and leadership. Jerry shares candid reflections on family resilience, the illusion of self-reinvention, and how embracing your roots can strengthen both heart and leadership.
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Nov 14, 2025 • 38min

Reinventing the Agency Model for the Era of Remote Work and On-Demand Talent With Chris Perkins

Chris Perkins is the President of Model B, an independent growth marketing agency that leverages a unique blend of internal and external talent to deliver innovative solutions for clients. Under Chris' leadership, Model B has built a network of over 60 vetted agency partners worldwide and achieved significant momentum, helping brands achieve superior marketing results through a flexible, collaborative model. Chris brings decades of experience from top agencies like Ogilvy, Hal Riney, and Publicis, and was the first CMO of Brand USA, where he led a $200 million global tourism campaign delivering a 20:1 ROI. In this episode… The traditional agency model is crumbling under the weight of modern work. With teams scattered across time zones and top talent opting for freelance freedom, agencies are being forced to rethink what it means to deliver value. How do you build world-class campaigns when your best people might never meet in person? According to Chris Perkins, the answer lies in embracing flexibility instead of fighting it. Drawing from decades of experience at global agencies like Ogilvy, Hal Riney, and Publicis, Chris believes the future of marketing depends on blending small, highly focused internal teams with curated networks of external experts. His Partner Collective approach allows agencies to scale up or down instantly while maintaining top-tier quality — something that traditional hierarchies struggle to achieve. By pairing management consulting principles with this cloud-based collaboration model, Chris argues that agencies can finally align talent, technology, and client needs in a way that works for the modern era. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Chris Perkins, President of Model B, to discuss how agencies can evolve for a world of remote work and on-demand talent. They talk about what Chris learned from the heyday of big ad firms, how Model B's Partner Collective bridges global expertise, and why smaller, focused teams often outperform large ones. Chris also shares insights on designing agency systems that thrive in the post-office world.
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Nov 12, 2025 • 30min

Surviving Disruption: Marketing in the AI Age with Cameron Heffernan

Cameron Heffernan is the Founder of Beyond Borders Marketing, an agency that helps overseas-based B2B companies and their US subsidiaries expand and succeed in the American market. He has built and led a seven-figure marketing agency, worked across three continents, and guided international clients to double their US sales and achieve substantial EBITDA growth through targeted market strategies. Cameron's global perspective is shaped by living and working in the US, Europe, and Africa, and he is now at the forefront of leveraging AI to create more effective and scalable marketing solutions. In this episode… What happens when the world of marketing collides with rapid advancements in AI technology? With shifts in how companies reach their audiences and a landscape that changes almost weekly, business leaders must adapt or risk being left behind. How are some entrepreneurs transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth? Cameron Heffernan, a global marketing strategist and founder of a seven-figure agency, mastered that challenge by fusing his international experience with AI-powered innovation. Having lived and worked across three continents, Cameron learned how to navigate diverse markets and help overseas B2B brands thrive in the US. He saw early signs that marketing was becoming commoditized and pivoted fast — developing interactive digital tools and AI-driven engagement systems that helped clients double sales and dramatically boost profitability. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as John Corcoran interviews Cameron Heffernan, Founder of Beyond Borders Marketing, about leveraging AI and global expertise to revolutionize international marketing. Cameron shares how he built a resilient agency through global experience and technological foresight, why specialization beats generalization in crowded markets, and how AI tools can amplify — rather than replace — human connection.
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Nov 7, 2025 • 16min

Leveraging Technology and Thought Leadership in Podcasting With John Corcoran

John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and ran his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… In an era where technology evolves faster than ever, how can business leaders use these innovations to stand out and grow their influence? From AI-driven tools to thought leadership platforms, the modern podcasting landscape is changing rapidly. But what does it take to leverage these tools effectively without losing the human touch that makes great conversations and ideas resonate? According to John Corcoran, a seasoned podcast host and entrepreneur, the key lies in embracing technology as a partner rather than an enemy. He explains that tools like AI and code assistants can enhance creativity and efficiency — helping creators produce better writing, build websites faster, and bring new ideas to life with less friction. John highlights how AI can democratize communication, empowering more people to share their voices clearly and professionally. He also points to thought leaders and podcasters who skillfully align their content with their brand message, turning each episode into both a meaningful dialogue and a strategic relationship-building opportunity. Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews John Corcoran to discuss how technology and thought leadership intersect in podcasting. They explore the smart use of AI in content creation, the rise of no-code tools for entrepreneurs, and lessons from influential podcasters who shaped the industry. John also shares how aligning podcast themes with business goals creates authentic, lasting connections.

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