The relentless advancement of artificial intelligence is reshaping every industry, raising profound questions about the future of human work and creativity. What happens when technology doesn't just augment our capabilities but potentially replaces human intelligence itself?
Mark W. Schaefer, globally recognized marketing authority and author of "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World," joins Stacey Miller to explore this critical inflection point. With striking clarity, Mark articulates why this technological revolution differs fundamentally from those that came before: "Our organizations have been built on scarce intelligence, but now the economic value of intelligence is approaching zero."
Rather than offering empty reassurances, Mark provides a compelling framework for thriving amid this disruption. "Competent is replaceable. Competent is ignorable," he warns, before revealing how businesses can tap into uniquely human qualities that no algorithm can replicate. Through vivid examples (from neighborhood cheese shops where elderly customers are greeted by name to the explosive growth of unconventional brands like Liquid Death) Mark demonstrates how authentic connection, community-building, and creative audacity create competitive advantages no AI can match.
Most encouraging is Mark's insistence that being audacious doesn't require massive budgets. He shares how his own book features an innovative "infinity cover" QR code that displays AI-generated art based on the book's contents... a cutting-edge innovation that cost relatively little but creates a memorable, shareable experience. For businesses seeking to stand out in what Mark calls "the pandemic of dull" marketing, the path forward lies in rediscovering what makes us uniquely human.
Whether you're excited by AI's possibilities or concerned about its implications, this conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating a world where technology and humanity increasingly intersect.

Connect with Mark at BusinessesGrow.com to explore his books, blog, and long-running podcast, The Marketing Companion.

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