Episode 78: Can bold marketing stunts and radical creativity really shape the success of an AI company?
*Want our database of 100+ Creative AI Use Cases to create your own marketing stunts? Get it here:* 🔗 https://clickhubspot.com/9e3d28

Nathan Lands (https://x.com/NathanLands) is joined by guest host Carly Baker (https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlycbaker)from HubSpot and Varun Anand (https://x.com/vxanand) COO and co-founder at Clay—an AI platform for go-to-market teams.
In this episode, Varun reveals the unconventional approach Clay takes to brand and product—from quirky billboards (inspired by artists like Picasso and Monet) to full-time brand team investments and viral “creative stunts”.. You’ll hear inside stories about building buzz through drone-captured campaigns, rolling out unforgettable real-world events (from Snoop Dogg’s joint roller classes to kung fu film shoots), and the value of hiring people from non-traditional backgrounds. Plus: inventive customer use cases, the philosophy of curiosity in AI, and how Clay pivoted from “fancy spreadsheets” to a leading go-to-market AI solution.

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Show Notes:
(00:00) Brand Team Investment Debate
(04:03) Creative Stunt Strategist Hired
(06:39) Importance of IRL Brand Experiences
(10:20) New Grad Rotational Program
(13:21) Natural Curiosity in Interviews
(18:28) Encouraging Curiosity in the AI Era
(19:28) High School Dropout Wins Fields Medal
(24:13) Integrating Tools into Daily Life
(26:03) Redefining Business Ambition with Clay

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Mentions:
Carly Baker: https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/author/carly-baker
Varun Anand: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vaanand
Clay: https://www.clay.com/
Notion: https://www.notion.com/
Lovable: https://lovable.dev/
Mindstream: https://www.mindstream.news/

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Join Matt Wolfe and Nathan Lands, as they democratize the expertise often reserved for the boardrooms of the biggest corporations. From groundbreaking technologies to practical applications, Matt and Nathan will cover everything you need to stay informed and prepared. Whether you're seeking to adapt your company to the AI era or simply curious about the future, this podcast will equip you with the knowledge to thrive in the forthcoming wave of change.

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The Next Wave is a HubSpot Original Podcast // Brought to you by The HubSpot Podcast Network // Production by Darren Clarke // Editing by Ezra Bakker Trupiano

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