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No Hacks: Future-proofing your career in the age of AI

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207: The Empathy Advantage - Bryan Eisenberg on Why Stories, Not Tools, Will Win in the Age of AI

•1:00:48
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What do you do when you feel like you've swallowed an elephant? For Bryan Eisenberg, a pioneer of Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO), that feeling was both a personal crisis and the inspiration for his new book.

In this deep and insightful conversation, Bryan takes us on a journey through his 30-year career, from the earliest days of the internet to the current age of AI. He reveals the one-word secret that has guided his success with brands like Google and Disney: Empathy.

Bryan explains why messaging will always be more powerful than any tool, why "facts tell, but stories sell," and how he recently watched a single press release instantly become the "truth" for AI models like ChatGPT. If you're a marketer, founder, or anyone feeling overwhelmed by the noise of the modern world, this episode is a masterclass in focusing on the fundamentals that truly matter.

In this episode, you will learn:

  • The powerful personal story behind Bryan's new book, "I Think I Swallowed an Elephant".
  • Why empathy is the single most important thread in a successful marketing career.
  • How Bryan and his team pioneered the concept and term "Conversion Rate Optimization".
  • Why messaging is the most impactful variable you can test, far more than tools or design.
  • A fascinating case study on how a press release can immediately influence AI-generated search results.
  • The essential skills marketers must cultivate to stay relevant and thrive in the age of AI.
  • Why real-world community and connection are becoming more critical than ever.

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