In this episode of Get Real, we’re keeping it in the family. Cari and Dana sit down with Cari’s husband, Mark Smith, Partner and Chief Software Analyst at ISG, to unpack what’s really happening inside enterprise AI and why most companies are still getting it wrong.

With more than three decades leading software innovation at SAP, Oracle, and Ventana Research, Mark has seen every wave of technology hype come and go. Together, the trio breaks down the current state of AI in business: what’s real, what’s still experimental, and how leaders can separate the marketing buzz from meaningful progress.

They also dig into continuous learning, leadership in the age of automation, and why curiosity—not panic—is the most valuable skill for the future. And because this is Get Real, there’s plenty of laughter along the way—covering everything from Taylor Swift’s storytelling skills to frosty paws, airline snacks, and the (possible) addition of a third Samoyed to the household.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why most companies aren’t failing at AI—they’re just learning faster than ever
• The real difference between generative and agentic AI (and why it matters)
• How to lead through technological transformation without losing your people
• Why continuous learning beats “set-it-and-forget-it” automation every time
• How LinkedIn influence and authentic thought leadership still drive B2B impact
• What marketers get wrong about their tech stacks—and how to fix it
• The Samoyed traits that make for better leaders (yes, really)

Get ready for an honest, funny, and refreshingly human take on the tech that’s changing everything from the enterprise to the living room.

Partner marketing doesn’t always get the spotlight—but for Ryan Shonts, Partner Marketing Leader at Wiz, it’s where real growth happens.

In this episode of Get Real, hosts Cari Baldwin and Dana Harder dig into the complexities (and opportunities) of partner marketing with Ryan, whose career has spanned MongoDB, hyperscalers like AWS and Microsoft, and now Wiz—the world’s fastest-growing cloud security company.

They break down what it takes to turn channel partnerships into revenue engines, how to navigate endless acronyms (CSPs, ISVs, GSIs, oh my), and why content can’t just be a logo-slap exercise if you want campaigns that actually deliver pipeline.

But it’s not all business—Ryan also shares his growing vinyl collection, his guilty-pleasure cocktail recipes, and what Wiz really means when they say the culture is “magical.”

What You’ll Learn:

• How Ryan fell into partner marketing and why it touches every part of go-to-market strategy
• The unique challenges of scaling partnerships at a hypergrowth company like Wiz
• Why tri-partner campaigns and co-branded content are unlocking serious pipeline
  How to shift from reactive, quarter-by-quarter campaigns to long-term, strategic planning
• The role marketplaces play in reducing friction—and where they add new complexity
  Why authentic relationships (and being yourself) matter more than any KPI

Rapid-fire realness includes Ryan’s take on cloud security misconceptions, the underrated skill every partner marketer needs, and why margaritas are better when you keep them simple.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make partner marketing less of a “bolt-on” and more of a business driver—or you just want to virtually cheers about a good mezcal margarita—this episode is for you.

In this episode of Get Real, Cari and Dana sit down with AI expert, trainer and advisor Nicole Leffer for a candid conversation on how to actually get value from tools like ChatGPT and Gemini.

Nicole’s path has been anything but linear, going from national magazine editor to chocolate startup founder turned SaaS marketer. Now she’s now helping marketing teams get smart about how they prompt, plan and execute with AI, allowing them to get the most from their tools, time and talent.

In this episode we explore:

• The difference between using AI for speed vs. strategy
• Why foundational marketing knowledge is more important than ever
• How “zennials” may have the edge when it comes to AI adoption
• What not to let AI agents do (like mess with your Instacart account)

Plus, Nicole shares her favorite personal use cases (travel recs and house hunting tips included), and what she’s keeping an eye on as AI capabilities evolve.

Fun, fast and full of real talk—just how we like it.