MarTech Podcast™ // Marketing + Technology = Business Growth
Episode: Top AI Thought Leaders Marketing Should Know
Release Date: August 1, 2025
Host: Benjamin Shapiro
Guest: Nicholas Holland, Head of AI at HubSpot

Introduction

In the August 1, 2025 episode of the MarTech Podcast™, host Benjamin Shapiro welcomes Nicholas Holland, the Head of AI at HubSpot. The episode delves into the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in marketing, highlighting influential thought leaders and the transformative impact of agentic AI on marketing automation.

AI Thought Leaders in Marketing

Nicholas Holland emphasizes the importance of staying connected with leading voices in the AI domain to harness the technology effectively in marketing strategies. He highlights Matthew Berman as a standout AI thought leader, praising his ability to deliver content that is both "consumable, technical, and impactful but not overly technical or boring" (Nicholas Holland, 01:35).

"Matthew Berman... has really established like an awesome voice online with Ford Future, his podcast, his newsletter and he is someone that I kind of listen to pretty much every day." – Nicholas Holland

Holland attributes Berman's influence to his consistent delivery of high-quality content through various platforms, making complex AI concepts accessible and engaging for business professionals and marketers alike.

Agentic AI and Marketing Automation

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the shift from traditional AI models to agentic AI, which introduces a more autonomous and intelligent approach to marketing automation. Holland explains that this transition is "fundamentally changing marketing automation", allowing for more personalized and efficient customer interactions.

"The shift from agentic AI is fundamentally changing marketing automation and what it means for your team's future." – Nicholas Holland 01:15

Agentic AI empowers marketing teams to automate routine tasks while focusing on strategic initiatives, enhancing overall productivity and effectiveness.

Content Consumption and Algorithms

Shapiro and Holland discuss the role of algorithms in content creation and distribution. According to Holland, leveraging algorithms can significantly boost content output:

"If you're using any of these platforms, the algorithms are really my favorite because they'll give you a lot of content. If you show that curiosity, the algorithms will step in and do the rest and give you just an enormous amount of content there." – Nicholas Holland 01:35

This approach not only increases the volume of content produced but also ensures that it remains relevant and tailored to the target audience's interests.

Resources for AI in Marketing

The conversation shifts to valuable resources for marketers looking to integrate AI into their strategies. Shapiro commendably mentions Marketing Against the Grain, highlighting its effectiveness in bridging traditional marketing methods with modern AI-driven techniques.

"Marketing against the grain is great and Kip and Kieran do a wonderful job giving consumable, more like task-oriented tips on how to start using artificial intelligence." – Benjamin Shapiro 02:24

Additionally, Holland acknowledges HubSpot's AI resources, noting their internal significance and practical applications for marketing teams.

"I'm kind of spoiled because they work at HubSpot, so I see that stuff. We pass around a lot of their stuff internally. But yeah, I agree with you. They're really good." – Nicholas Holland 02:57

Conclusion and Future Outlook

As the episode wraps up, both Shapiro and Holland reflect on the ongoing agentic revolution in marketing. They underscore the importance of adapting to these technological advancements to maintain customer satisfaction and drive business growth.

"My advice is to just focus on keeping your customers happy." – Benjamin Shapiro 04:20

Holland expresses gratitude for the opportunity to discuss these pivotal changes:

"Thanks for having me. Appreciate it." – Nicholas Holland 03:18

Key Takeaways

• Matthew Berman stands out as a leading AI thought leader, making complex topics accessible for marketers.
• The transition to agentic AI is revolutionizing marketing automation, enabling more personalized and efficient strategies.
• Leveraging algorithms can significantly enhance content creation and distribution efforts.
• Resources like Marketing Against the Grain and HubSpot's AI tools are invaluable for marketers integrating AI into their workflows.
• Prioritizing customer satisfaction remains paramount amidst technological advancements.

Additional Information

For more insights from Nicholas Holland, listeners can find his LinkedIn profile in the show notes or visit martechpod.com. To explore more about HubSpot's AI initiatives, visit HubSpot AI.

Stay Connected:
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the MarTech Podcast™ on your preferred podcast platform or on YouTube to receive a daily stream of marketing and technology knowledge. Join us next week for another insightful discussion on driving business growth through innovative marketing strategies.