Data Fluency and Human Connection Power Marketing Careers in the Age of AI

With new AI marketing tools appearing almost daily, it’s no wonder teams feel stretched thin. Yet beneath the constant buzz of automation and algorithms, the real drivers of growth haven’t changed: reliable data and thoughtful strategy. A recent Adobe study found that nearly half of marketers—a whopping 48%—say their biggest obstacle is ensuring data accuracy. This means that even as AI dominates the conversation, many organizations still wrestle with the basics—making sense of the data they already have.

So, what does it take to thrive as a marketing leader when the landscape shifts so fast? How can professionals balance innovation with grounded strategy—and avoid chasing every shiny new tool?

In this episode of Crafted Journeys, brought to you by Digital Artisans, host Suzy DeLine sits down with Joe Bresler, startup CMO, to explore how a lifelong marketer bridges the human and analytical sides of modern marketing. From early-career pivots in PR to leadership roles at Oracle, Adobe, AWS, and high-growth startups, Bresler shares how data, storytelling, and adaptability form the real through-line in a successful marketing career.

What you’ll learn…

  • Data Is the Real Differentiator: Despite AI’s rise, companies still struggle with foundational data issues—cleaning, connecting, and learning from their information effectively.

  • Career Agility Matters: Bresler’s path—from PR intern to global campaigns director to startup CMO—highlights how diverse experiences build resilience and perspective in fast-changing industries.

  • Culture and Collaboration Drive Success: Whether at major enterprises or small startups, Bresler emphasizes that curiosity, openness, and teamwork remain the heartbeat of meaningful innovation.

Joe Bresler is an accomplished marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience leading digital strategy, demand generation, and growth initiatives for global enterprises and high-growth startups. He’s delivered standout results—including $134 million ARR growth at AWS, over $100 million in pipeline gains at Informatica, and a four-fold ARR increase at Clumio—by blending data-driven insights with creative execution and strong team leadership. Renowned for uniting strategy, analytics, and storytelling, Bresler has built transformative marketing programs across AI, SaaS, data, and enterprise technology sectors in more than 30 countries.

Article written by MarketScale.

Recent Episodes

The rise of the “fractional” executive—leaders who lend their expertise to multiple organizations on a part-time or project basis—marks a major shift in how top talent engages with growing companies. As businesses seek agility without sacrificing expertise, fractional roles are becoming a powerful alternative to full-time hires. In fact, a report found that temporary business…

In today’s evolving professional world, the ability to adapt — to pivot careers, countries, and identities — is not just an advantage; it’s essential. With workforce shifts, layoffs, and global mobility reshaping how we think about career stability, adaptability has become the cornerstone of success. According to Indeed’s Hiring Lab, between 2022 and…

In a world reshaped by AI, global connectivity, and relentless technological advancement, the pace of disruption has never been greater. Careers are being reinvented as industries transform, and individuals everywhere are being challenged to find meaning, adaptability, and creativity in their professional paths. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, 86% of…