Show Notes
In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Aleisha McCall, founder of Ultimate Edge Communications, media strategist, and host of The Black Box of Media podcast.
After representing Australia and New Zealand at four World Synchronised Ice Skating Championships, Aleisha made the leap into broadcasting before building her own agency from the ground up. Today, she helps high-growth brands navigate paid media, AI, and the rapidly changing digital landscape, with one bold belief at the centre of her thinking: in today's world, the algorithm has become one of your most important customers.
Together, we explore how AI is reshaping marketing, whether traditional customer personas still have a place, and how brands can optimise for algorithms without losing the authenticity that makes people want to follow them.
This is a forward-thinking conversation for marketers who want to stay ahead of industry change while continuing to build brands that people genuinely connect with.
What we cover in this episode Why algorithms are becoming one of marketing's most important audiences Whether traditional customer personas still work in an AI-driven world Finding the balance between algorithmic optimisation and brand authenticity How owned and paid media work together in modern marketing Practical ways marketers can use AI to strengthen their strategy Why clarity - not hope - is one of the most valuable leadership skills Lessons from elite sport that translate into building a successful business How to navigate uncertainty when the industry is constantly evolving What today's marketing teams should stop measuring Aleisha's advice for marketers starting their careers in 2026
You should listen if... You're trying to understand how AI and algorithms are changing marketing You want to build content that performs without sacrificing your brand You're responsible for paid media, digital strategy, or brand growth You're leading a marketing team through rapid change You want practical advice on staying relevant in an AI-first industry
This episode will help you rethink how modern marketing works, understand the growing influence of algorithms, and build strategies that resonate with both technology and the humans on the other side of the screen. Become part of a community built for career progression, industry connections, real-world learning and all the marketing vibes!
Our members get access to educational events, social networking events, dinner club events, webinars, exclusive perks, and a private Slack network of marketers across Australia & New Zealand.
Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-marketing-club-au-nz Follow us on Instagram: @themarketingclub_aunz
Find your membership options and subscribe to our newsletter at www.themarketingclub.com or get in touch at [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from TMC Presents: The Marketing Clubhouse
In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Gavan Stilgoe, Head of Customer Strategy at R6 Digital, to explore a part of marketing that doesn't always get enough attention: what happens after you've successfully got someone's attention.
In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Clive Antony, founder of Christchurch-based creative agency Antony & Mates, to make the case for one of marketing's most overlooked tactics.
In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Catherine Toms, founder of AI Growth Academy and a leader in helping marketers and organisations build the skills they need to navigate an AI-powered world.
In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Chris Asahara, founder of The Postmasters and an experienced global marketing leader who has spent more than 20 years working across agencies and major brands including Adidas Japan and Les Mills.
In this episode of The Marketing Clubhouse, we're joined by Shyr Godfrey, co-founder of Forty Thieves, to explore what it really takes to build a distinctive brand in a category where consumers already have plenty of choice.