Episodes

  • Lead Scores, Hand-Raisers, and Human Signals: Why Conversations Still Beat Clicks
    Jan 21 2026

    Keywords

    Jocelyn Sexton, B2B marketing, SaaS, AI, Growth Acceleration Partners, marketing strategies, authenticity, career journey, technology consulting

    Summary

    In this episode of Beyond the Brief, Chris Perkins interviews Jocelyn Sexton, VP of Marketing at Growth Acceleration Partners. Jocelyn shares her journey from journalism to B2B marketing, discussing the challenges and strategies in the tech industry. She emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs, the evolution of SaaS, and the role of AI in marketing. Jocelyn also reflects on the expectations of marketing leaders today and the significance of authenticity in leadership.

    Takeaways

    • Jocelyn's journey from journalism to B2B marketing showcases the diverse paths in the industry.

    • Understanding client needs is crucial for effective marketing strategies.

    • The biggest competitor in B2B is often the status quo, not other companies.

    • AI is becoming essential in marketing, but companies must understand its application.

    • Authenticity in leadership helps build trust and connection with teams and clients.

    • Marketing leaders must balance multiple roles and responsibilities effectively.

    • In-person conversations remain vital for understanding client pain points.

    • SaaS is evolving, and companies must adapt to changing expectations.

    • Collaboration across departments is essential for successful marketing efforts.

    • Storytelling is a powerful tool for marketers to convey value and connect with audiences.

    Sound bites

    • "B2B marketing is my sweet spot now."

    • "Status quo is our biggest competitor."

    • "AI is a must-have."

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Jocelyn Sexton's Journey in Marketing

    • 07:41 Navigating Strategy in B2B Tech

    • 16:06 The Evolution of SaaS and AI Integration

    • 24:58 The Evolving Role of Marketers

    • 32:30 Navigating Internal Dynamics

    • 38:46 Authenticity in Professional Growth

    • 43:22 Future Directions for Growth Acceleration Partners


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    48 mins
  • Borderless Baker, Relentless Marketer: The Global Journey of Mathieu Limousi
    Jan 6 2026

    In this episode of Beyond the Brief, Chris Perkins interviews Mathieu Limousi, CMO of Thunes, who shares his extensive journey in marketing and the FinTech industry. Mathieu discusses the importance of trust in payments, strategies for building brand awareness, and the unique marketing approaches required in different global markets. He also highlights the future of cross-border payments, the role of AI in marketing, and what’s next for Thunes as a rapidly growing company.


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    49 mins
  • Stop Chasing the Spotlight Data: Robin Bowling on Measuring What Actually Matters
    Dec 30 2025


    In this episode of Beyond the Brief, Chris Perkins interviews Robin Bowling, CMO of Curve Dental. Robin shares her extensive background in marketing and leadership, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and strategic leadership. The conversation delves into team structure, customer personas, and the significance of building trust in marketing. Robin discusses the evolving landscape of trade shows, the balance between fun and seriousness in marketing, and the importance of authentic messaging. She also highlights the value of customer advocacy and shares insights on upcoming innovations at Curve Dental.

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    46 mins
  • From NBA G League to Healing at the Speed of Life: Bryan Bullock on Disruption in MedTech Marketing
    Dec 22 2025

    In this episode of Beyond the Brief, Chris Perkins interviews Brian Bullock, VP of Global Strategic Marketing at AVITA Medical. Brian shares his unconventional career journey, from his beginnings in Alaska to his roles in investment banking and aesthetics. He discusses the importance of execution in marketing, the dynamics of gender in the aesthetics industry, and the innovative approaches AVITA Medical is taking to improve patient care. The conversation highlights the significance of storytelling in medical marketing and the future directions for AVITA Medical's products and services.

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    38 mins
  • Stop Selling, Start Helping: Derek Weeks On Building Unfair Mindshare
    Dec 9 2025

    In this episode of Beyond the Brief, Chris Perkins interviews Derek Weeks, CMO of Katalon, discussing his extensive background in B2B software and marketing. Derek emphasizes the importance of purposeful marketing, community engagement, and building trust with audiences. He shares insights from his experience creating the All Day DevOps community initiative, the role of empathy in marketing, and the significance of authenticity in connecting with customers. Derek also discusses his book, Unfair Mindshare, and how Katalon has achieved remarkable growth in the software testing market.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Fluency, Elimination, and the Unicorn on Your Shelf: Jon Barnes’ Field Guide to Modern Marketing
    Nov 25 2025

    This episode of Beyond the Brief features Jon Barnes, a marketing author, top speaker, and strategist with a diverse background in automotive design, theology, and marketing. Jon shares his journey of self-discovery through creativity, the importance of cultural influences, and the impact of education on his marketing approach. He discusses the art of writing, personal branding, and the challenges of positioning in a crowded market.

    His latest book, How to Become a Marketing Consultant, is a practical guide for experienced marketers looking to break out on their own and build something sustainable. The conversation also delves into the role of AI in marketing, the necessity of playfulness and creativity, and the dynamics of agency-client relationships. Jon offers valuable insights and advice for marketers navigating the ever-evolving landscape of marketing and technology.

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    39 mins
  • Fail Fast, Learn Faster: Michael Callahan’s Mantra for Growth
    Nov 18 2025

    In this episode of Beyond the Brief, Chris Perkins interviews Michael Callahan, CMO of Salt Security. They discuss Michael's unique career path from engineering to marketing, the importance of mentorship, and the value of embracing failure in the workplace. Michael shares insights on the evolving landscape of tech marketing, emphasizing the need for authenticity and vulnerability in communication. They delve into the significance of API security in today's digital landscape and into how to engage prospects in a crowded market effectively. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the future of AI and its relationship with API security.

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    40 mins
  • Growth, Tech, and Human Insights: Ryan Torresan’s Playbook for Peak Dental Services
    Nov 12 2025

    In this episode of Beyond the Brief, Chris Perkins interviews Ryan Torresan, CMO of Peak Dental Services. Ryan shares his journey from a marketing background in automotive to the dental industry, discussing the evolution of Peak Dental Services and the role of dental support organizations (DSOs). He emphasizes the importance of consumer convenience in choosing a dentist, the diverse services offered by Peak, and the impact of AI and SEO in modern dental practices. Ryan also reflects on mentorship, career growth, and the future developments at Peak Dental Services.

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    32 mins