Show Notes
In this episode of This Week in NET, host João Tomé is joined by Cloudflare’s new Chief Marketing Officer, Jeff Samuels, to explore how marketing is evolving in the age of AI.
We discuss why brand still wins, how marketers are becoming “context engineers,” and how Cloudflare connects deep technical products to clear narratives that resonate with customers.
We also touch on the role of real-world events like RSA Conference, where Cloudflare will be present, and why in-person moments still matter in an increasingly AI-driven, digital-first world.
⏱️ Timestamps 01:44 — News roundup (AI, policy, product updates) 03:25 — Meet Jeff Samuels (Cloudflare CMO) 04:07 — Background: startups, policy, global experience 06:46 — From product to marketing mindset 08:25 — Lessons from OpenDNS and Cisco 11:47 — Marketing in tech: empathy and understanding systems 13:27 — Lifecycle marketing and customer connection 15:05 — Why Cloudflare (people, mission, opportunity) 16:49 — Marketing as the “architect” of go-to-market 18:38 — Brand vs demand 20:48 — Events like RSA and why they still matter 27:02 — AI and the shift to orchestration 31:39 — What’s next for Cloudflare marketing 34:02 — Quick fire: skills, mistakes, brand vs performance 36:49 — Advice for marketers entering tech 37:27 — One word for Cloudflare: opportunity
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