The need for AI-literacy has never been higher among marketers, but how can anyone stay on top of the ever-changing AI-landscape?

On this episode of the Performance Marketing Unlocked podcast, Lee Henshaw and Dino Myers-Lamptey, co-founder of The Marketer in The Loop AI certification course, outline why getting back to basics and focusing on the foundational knowledge from marketing's past is the best way for preparing to acquire the skills needed in marketing's future.

Also, the pair of industry veterans talk about some of advertising's most hotly debated topics, deciding if things like 'first party data' and 'the traditional marketing funnel' are overrated or underrated.

This podcast was hosted by PMW's Deputy Editor, Joseph Arthur.

~ Episode breakdown ~

(2:58) Why is now the right time to invest in AI-literacy?

(10:03) What do we need more of and less of from marketing in 2026?

(21:26) Overrated or underrated

(28:35) PMW's Resell Me a Pen Challenge

~ Further reading ~

Industry moves: Omnicom reportedly sunsetting DDB brand

Barb appoints partner for third phase of its API as Twilio partners with AEG: Latest industry moves

Jamie Laing, Grace Miller and Jon Evans to speak at PMW Unlocked 2026

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The first quarter of 2026 has come to an end. It was full of expectation, innovation and cautious optimism – but how did it really play out?

On this episode of the Performance Marketing Unlocked podcast, host Joe is joined by PMW's Editor Robin Langford to discuss the factors, events and trading conditions that have marked the opening quarter of the year, diving into the state of play as we begin Q2 by addressing everything from business confidence and investment opportunities to new in-demand skills among marketers and everything in between.

Also, the pair provide an update on OpenAI's ChatGPT Ads pilot, which has made headlines for a consecutive week. Despite murky early returns, OpenAI has announced an expansion of the pilot to new regions and an extension to its original timeline – but will the gamble pay off?

This podcast was hosted by PMW's Deputy Editor, Joseph Arthur.

~ Episode breakdown ~

(2:04) How has Q1 played out across adland?

(10:12) OpenAI expands and extends its ChatGPT Ads pilot

(19:10) Specificity is LLMs' superpower

~ Further reading ~

'The horse is definitely cantering!': 81% of UK performance agencies report upbeat start to 2026

Is the ChatGPT honeymoon over? 59% of UK performance agencies embedding bespoke AI in their work

‘The war could change business confidence’: UK marketing sentiment plummets 30% in a month

Top 4 agency 'hiring headaches': Analytics skills top shortage list

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'Big Six' holding companies appears to be quickly losing faith The Trade Desk (TTD). Publicis is no longer recommending the demand side platform to its clients, Dentsu and WPP abandoned Openpath and Omnicom has reportedly commissioned an audit of its relationship with the company – but why?

On this episode of the Performance Marketing Unlocked podcast, PMW's Senior News Reporter Bethany Lee joins host Joe to discuss what these changes mean for the broader programmatic landscape and whether or not operating in the open web puts a ceiling on a company's success.

Also, the pair discuss ChatGPT Ads' ongoing advertising trial. Early returns are in and measurement appears to be the biggest hurdle for advertisers, but what do consumers think of the new format – and does it matter?

This podcast was hosted by PMW's Deputy Editor, Joseph Arthur.

~ Episode breakdown ~

(2:36) What next for the open web?

(10:01) Is ChatGPT playing measurement catch-up?

(20:10) Why ads in ChatGPT has to work for OpenAI

~ Further reading ~

Omnicom commissions audit of The Trade Desk

Why are holdcos turning on The Trade Desk?

‘We have a responsibility to our clients’: Publicis explains The Trade Desk pull back

‘It is a paid beta test’: Has ChatGPT Ads jumped the gun?

‘Still finding its feet’: Underwhelming early returns for ChatGPT Ads

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