How do you build genuine trust when AI-driven automation floods our lives?

In this engaging episode of Leveraging Thought Leadership, I sit down with Ashley Faus, author of "Human Centred Marketing: How to Connect with Audiences in the Age of AI", to explore the irreplaceable role of authentic human connection in today's tech-heavy marketing landscape. Ashley argues that while AI can streamline content creation and amplify messaging, the core elements of trust—authenticity, empathy, and credibility—can only be forged through real human interactions.

We discuss practical ways marketers can move beyond outdated funnel approaches, introducing Ashley's innovative "Content Playground" framework, designed to engage audiences dynamically rather than forcing them down a rigid path. Ashley also shares insights on her "Four Pillars of Thought Leadership," providing a clear structure for developing credible, authentic voices that stand out even in a crowded digital space.

Highlighting real-world examples, Ashley demonstrates how AI often falls short in understanding nuanced human preferences and emotions, reinforcing the need for marketers to maintain strong, direct relationships with their audiences. Ultimately, she makes a compelling case for why embracing our human quirks and personal authenticity is essential for lasting audience connection in the AI era.

Three Key Takeaways:

• Human Connection is Irreplaceable: Despite the efficiencies AI can offer, true marketing success hinges on authentic human connection and trust—something automation simply cannot replicate.

• Shift from Funnels to Playgrounds: Marketers should move away from rigid funnel-based approaches and instead adopt dynamic, audience-centric strategies, like Ashley’s "Content Playground," which encourages organic exploration and engagement.

• Authenticity Drives Thought Leadership: Building credibility in thought leadership requires authenticity and empathy, grounded firmly in genuine interactions and consistent personal voice, elements AI struggles to mimic convincingly.

If you enjoyed Ashley's insights on human-centered marketing and building authentic trust in the age of AI, I highly recommend checking out Peter Winick's conversation with Bill Bice in Episode 157. Bill offers valuable perspectives on how data-driven content marketing and analytics can illuminate the customer journey, reinforcing Ashley's points on authenticity and meaningful audience connection. Together, these episodes provide a comprehensive view of modern marketing, blending human empathy with smart, strategic insights.

Give it a listen!

What if your next client already feels like they know you—before you’ve ever spoken a word?

This week on Leveraging Thought Leadership, Peter talks with Jim Schleckser, founder of The CEO Project, a peer advisory group for high-performing CEOs. Jim shares insights from advising over 125 CEOs across 40 states, leading organizations with revenues from $25 million to over $2 billion. His unique perspective offers a window into how top leaders are using thought leadership as both consumers and creators.

We dig into why CEOs crave curated content that helps them grow—and why books and podcasts still dominate their learning habits. Jim explains how the right idea, delivered through the right channel, can build trust and drive decisions long before the first handshake. We explore how CEOs and their teams are becoming more intentional about content creation—not for vanity metrics, but to attract the right clients, partners, and talent.

Jim also unpacks the shifting role of AI in content development. As more companies turn to AI for marketing output, he challenges us to think deeper: What’s your human layer of insight that the algorithms can’t replicate?

This episode is packed with practical takeaways for CEOs, content creators, and thought leaders who want to build meaningful influence, not just volume.

Three Key Takeaways:

• Quality Over Quantity in Thought Leadership
CEOs aren’t looking for mass appeal—they want relevant insights from trusted sources. Thought leadership that resonates with a niche but high-value audience can drive business results far more effectively than chasing viral reach.

• Books and Podcasts Still Matter
Despite the flood of digital content, CEOs continue to prioritize books and podcasts as their go-to learning tools. These formats allow for deeper engagement and often serve as catalysts for future business relationships.

• AI Is a Tool, Not a Strategy
While AI can assist in generating content, it can’t replace the value of human insight. Leaders must use AI thoughtfully—adding expertise and perspective—to ensure their thought leadership remains authentic and impactful.

If you found Jim Schleckser’s insights on high-impact, CEO-focused thought leadership valuable, you’ll want to check out Episode 498 with Will Milano. Will shares how organizations can turn their senior leaders and subject-matter experts into trusted voices of authority—without relying solely on the CEO. Together, these episodes explore how to scale thought leadership, deepen trust, and focus on quality over quantity. Don’t miss it!

Have you ever wondered why some nonprofits make a huge impact while others struggle to grow? The difference isn't always their mission—it’s their ability to fundraise and scale effectively.

James Misner, founder of the Kipos Group, joins us today to reveal why bigger doesn’t always mean better in the nonprofit sector. James spent 25 years witnessing smaller nonprofits achieve incredible results—only to remain largely invisible due to weak fundraising skills.

We dive into the critical business skills most nonprofit founders lack, from building fundraising teams to understanding marketing ROI. James explains how he helps these leaders think differently, equipping them with essential tools to fundraise confidently and sustainably.

James also shares powerful insights on thought leadership strategy. Instead of chasing large, vague markets, he advocates for targeting highly specific audiences. He discusses why giving away your best insights freely creates a pipeline of opportunity, helping more people and generating growth simultaneously.

Finally, we explore the challenge of perfectionism in thought leadership content. James encourages leaders to overcome their fear of judgment and embrace sharing imperfect but impactful ideas. If your mission matters, James argues, it’s time to hit “publish.”

Three Key Takeaways:

• Smaller nonprofits can achieve massive impact if they master fundraising and marketing skills typically seen in larger organizations.

• Focusing your thought leadership on a narrowly defined audience can drive stronger engagement and better outcomes than chasing broad markets.

• Overcoming perfectionism and generously sharing valuable insights can create trust, generate opportunities, and significantly accelerate your organization's growth.

If you found value in James Misner’s insights on equipping nonprofits with the tools to scale through thought leadership and targeted fundraising, you won’t want to miss our conversation with Stu Manewith in the episode "Thought Leadership Advocacy for Nonprofits". Stu dives into how nonprofit leaders can leverage their voices to advocate for their mission, build trust with donors, and create lasting impact. Together, these episodes offer a powerful playbook for nonprofit professionals looking to pair strategic thinking with storytelling to drive real change. Listen to both and discover how to amplify your organization’s influence from the inside out.