The AI challenge marketers are not talking about

We've got a long title for today's column—and no, it's not mine.

- FRANCIS J. KONG

This one comes from marketing guru Mark Schaefer (shared with permission).

When it comes to marketing legends, we often mention Philip Kotler with reverence, and we marvel at the brilliance of Seth Godin. But me? I'm hooked, hypnotized and highly inspired by the genius of Mark Schaefer.

I went through his article, and after a moment of reflection, I found myself in full agreement with his insights. Let me share it with you. I have taken the liberty to embellish it a little and add some personal commentary, which I am certain Mark would not mind.

If you've ever attended a marketing summit, scrolled through LinkedIn, or had coffee with a tech-savvy millennial who says "prompt engineering" like it's a love language, you already know: AI is everywhere.

It's in our strategies, our campaigns, our meetings...and for some, even their existential crises. But here's what few are willing to admit: The biggest problem with AI isn't AI. It's leadership.

That's the insight I took from a conversation between two great minds—marketing sage Mark Schaefer and AI transformation strategist Mathew Sweezy. It was the kind of discussion that makes you shout "Yes!" at your laptop like it just made a buzzer-beating three-pointer.

Let's break down their insights and what they mean for all of us.

1. Speed is the new superpower

There was a time when campaign approvals moved at the speed of a turtle on sedatives. A six-month plan would be launched...in seven. But AI changed the game. Today, inspiration in the morning can become execution by lunch.

That's not science fiction. That's AI doing what it does best—which is turning "someday" into "right now."