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Ahead of the Game

Ahead of the Game

Digital Marketing Institute 141 Episodes Aug 28, 2026

Ahead of the Game is a digital marketing podcast by the Digital Marketing Institute. Hosted by Will Francis, it features industry experts sharing practical insights on real-life marketing and career growth. Listeners gain tips to sharpen their marketing skills and mindset. The show is part of the DMI's learning resources and is available on major podcast platforms.

Episodes

Building Audience Through Content
Building Audience Through Content Aug 28, 2026 00:48:19 What does content marketing look like when creating more content is no longer enough? In this episode of the DMI podcast, host Will Francis speaks with Chima Mmeje, Senior Content Marketing Manager at Moz, about how marketers can stand out as AI transforms search, content, and the way audiences discover brands.From building direct relationships with audiences to finding genuine demand and using AI
Understanding AI Search Visibility
Understanding AI Search Visibility Aug 7, 2026 00:42:52 How does your brand stay visible when search is shifting from rankings and clicks to mentions, citations, and AI-driven answers? And did you know that AI can't yet read the Javascript on your site?In this episode of the DMI podcast, host Will Francis talks to Aimee Jurenka, founder of SEO Sustainable and AI visibility strategist, about how brands can adapt to discoverability in an AI-powered s
Stories From an Entrepreneur
Stories From an Entrepreneur Jul 20, 2026 00:39:44 Ever wondered why some brands earn attention while others get overlooked?  In this episode of the DMI podcast, host Will Francis speaks with entrepreneur Ernest Cantillon about what it really takes to build brands people remember.  Ernest is co-founder of Black Emerald Irish Whiskey, COO of LYQD - a digital exchange for whiskey casks, and owns the pub Sober Lane in Cork, Ireland. Drawing on his ex
How AI is Changing Search
How AI is Changing Search Jun 19, 2026 00:49:52 Search is changing faster than most marketers realize. In this episode, Will Francis speaks with Crystal Carter, Head of AI Search and SEO Communications at Wix Studio, a role focused on helping brands understand how AI-powered search is reshaping online visibility and discovery. They discuss the rise of AI search, the growing role of AI agents, and what these changes mean for brands trying to sta
Responsible AI in the Workplace
Responsible AI in the Workplace May 29, 2026 00:48:53 What does “responsible AI” look like in practice? In one of our most engaging episodes of the year, host Will Francis speaks with  Gordon Ryan, Senior Managing Consultant and Design Process Lead at Sopra Steria, about the growing impact of AI on work, business, and society, and the hidden trade-offs behind its adoption. From the future of design and marketing to productivity and identity, Gordon s
Inside Social Creativity and Virality
Inside Social Creativity and Virality May 10, 2026 00:28:07 Ever wondered what really makes social content go viral? In this episode of the DMI podcast, host Will Francis speaks with Stuart Larkin about viral social campaigns, creativity on social media, and why “going viral” is rarely the right starting point for a brand strategy. Drawing on his background in comedy writing and his work at UNILAD creating reactive, social-first content, Stuart explains ho
How AI is Reshaping Recruitment and Careers
How AI is Reshaping Recruitment and Careers Apr 17, 2026 00:43:54 Wondering how AI is changing the hiring process? In this episode of the DMI podcast, host ⁠Will Francis⁠ speaks with Katie Fortunato, Co-Founder and EVP of Innovation and Platform Strategy at Hire Innovations, about how AI is transforming recruitment, reshaping the job market, and creating new opportunities and challenges for employers and job seekers alike. Katie shares insights from the front li
Sustainability in Retail
Sustainability in Retail Mar 27, 2026 00:42:40 Ever wondered how fast fashion brands tackle sustainability? In this episode of the DMI podcast, host ⁠Will Francis⁠ speaks with ⁠Sarah Whittaker⁠, Head of Sustainability Communications at Primark, about how one of the world’s largest fashion retailers is navigating the challenge of becoming more sustainable while maintaining affordability at scale. From addressing common misconceptions around fas
Practical Lessons from Female Founders
Practical Lessons from Female Founders Mar 6, 2026 00:51:46 In this special episode of the DMI Podcast for International Women’s Day, host Taz Kelleher speaks with Areej AbuAli, founder of Women in Tech SEO, and Maeve Kneafsey, entrepreneur, host of the Transform Gov podcast, and long-time leader in digital and public sector innovation.  They share practical lessons from building communities, scaling businesses, securing funding, and leading with clarity i
What You Need to Know About PPC in 2026
What You Need to Know About PPC in 2026 Feb 20, 2026 00:53:23 Not getting the results you used to from your paid search? In this episode of the DMI podcast, host Will Francis speaks with PPC specialist Cathal Melinn about the current state and future of pay-per-click advertising. With rising costs, AI-driven automation, and new campaign types like Demand Gen reshaping advertising, Cathal shares what’s actually delivering results right now, and what marketers
Cybersecurity for Marketers
Cybersecurity for Marketers Jan 30, 2026 00:55:07 Worried about your organisation’s security, or not worried enough?  In this episode of the DMI podcast, host Will Francis speaks with ⁠⁠Rebecca Robinson⁠⁠, cybersecurity expert and founder of ⁠⁠Cybec Consulting⁠⁠. Rebecca breaks down why cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue, but a business, brand, and marketing issue too.  From phishing and social engineering to ransomware and reputation risk, she
2026 Trends in Digital Marketing
2026 Trends in Digital Marketing Jan 9, 2026 00:41:53 A new year is here, and 2026 brings a new wave of marketing predictions. In our most anticipated episode of the year, the 2026 Trends edition of Ahead of the Game, DMI podcast host Will Francis explores the biggest changes, challenges, and opportunities facing marketers in the year ahead. As expected, AI dominates the conversation, but not in isolation. Across ecommerce, social media, youth market

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