In this episode, Emma and Ruta tackle the world of automation and AI with guest Tim Cakir, breaking down why marketers keep ignoring the tech that could save their sanity. The chat dives into how automation isn’t just about efficiency—it's a creative lifesaver that can make the daily grind a little less grindy. Tim pushes for marketers to get an “AI-first” mindset, experiment more (even if they’re a lean team), and shows how to get buy-in from skeptical bosses. From using ChatGPT to kill off mundane tasks to automating Slack reminders, this episode serves as a wake-up call for every marketer still stuck in the manual rut.
Takeaways

• Automation isn’t a nice-to-have; it’s essential for keeping up (and keeping sane) in marketing.
• Many marketers skip automation because MarTech is a crowded mess, but it’s time to prioritize.
• Start small by automating the repetitive tasks eating up your time.
• Test new tools regularly—even a small team can make a big leap in efficiency.
• Got a skeptical boss? Show them the time and money automation can save.
• Make automation visible: Slack alerts, reminders, and integrations can prove its value to the team.
• With an AI-first mindset, tools like ChatGPT can streamline processes and spark new ideas.
• Automation and AI aren’t just techy fads—they’re essential for staying competitive and future-proofing your team.