Why Your Next Hire Should Be a Fractional CMO with Sara Nay Artwork

Human-First AI Marketing Podcast by Avenue9

Turn your expertise into content, conversations, and clients with Human-First AI Marketing. Learn how and where to leverage AI without burning bridges, burning cash, or burning out your team.

For founders and marketing leaders at expert-led B2B firms, Mike Montague, founder of Avenue9, hosts weekly conversations with AI and marketing experts and other founders to learn how they use AI in marketing.

You'll hear practical ways to build thought leadership, leverage AI systems, tell scalable sales stories that travel, show up in AI answers with Answer Engine Optimization (AEO), and build workflows that amplify your team. Practical, candid, and a little funny.

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Human-First AI Marketing Podcast by Avenue9

Why Your Next Hire Should Be a Fractional CMO with Sara Nay

July 10, 2025 • Mike Montague • Season 1 • Episode 30

0:00 | 32:17

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Mike sits down with Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, to explore how AI is reshaping marketing roles and why strategy, leadership, and emotional intelligence are more important than ever. Sara shares what small businesses often get wrong about AI and why letting go of your agency (or your content writer) doesn’t mean you should let go of your marketing direction. They unpack the changing role of fractional CMOs, what jobs are at risk, and how senior marketers can stay relevant in a world where execution is being automated.

If you’re a business owner or marketing leader wondering how to adapt, not just react to AI, this episode offers a clear path. You’ll learn how to lead smarter, not work harder; how to identify high-value marketing roles for the future; and why “strategy before tools” is more than a mantra, it’s your edge.

Key Takeaways :
1. AI is accelerating the need for marketing strategy and leadership.
Execution roles are being automated, but small businesses still need experienced leaders to guide marketing direction, messaging, and measurement.

2. Marketers must evolve from doers to managers of AI tools.
Those in tactical roles like content writing or SEO should shift toward overseeing tools and leading strategic implementation.

3. Fractional CMOs fill a crucial gap for SMBs.
Small businesses can’t always afford full-time marketing execs, but they still need high-level leadership to align brand, budget, and tools.

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