AI, branding, and the future of marketing: Insights from Stryve Co-Founder Ryan Burgio

By: Sara Kohan
January 20, 2025 | Reading Time: 3 mins

The world of marketing is evolving at breakneck speed, and at the forefront of this transformation is our very own co-founder and managing director, Ryan Burgio. Ryan recently sat down with the Maheen Bari of Canadian SME Small Business Podcast to discuss the seismic shifts reshaping the industry. From the rise of AI to the enduring importance of branding, Ryan’s insights offer a roadmap for businesses navigating an increasingly digital future.

In the episode, he dives into:

How AI is reshaping marketing
Why branding will be the ultimate differentiator in the AI era
The decline of traditional B2B demand generation tactics

If you’re in marketing, tech, or simply curious about the future of business, this episode is a must-listen. Here’s a summary of the most thought-provoking ideas Ryan shared—plus how we at Stryve are putting these concepts into action.

How AI is reshaping marketing

Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a fundamental shift. As Ryan put it:

“By the end of 2025, if you’re not planning for AI integration, you’re going to be left behind.”

AI is redefining customer expectations. Instead of static, one-sided interactions, customers now expect seamless, conversational experiences. Businesses sitting on a treasure trove of content—be it blogs, case studies, or white papers—have the opportunity to transform this material into dynamic, AI-driven tools that engage customers directly.

Ryan shared an example from Gambit Technologies, where they developed Ask Ellyn, a conversational care tool for breast cancer patients. With no marketing push, the tool gained users in 15 countries and 12 languages, offering support 24/7. This success highlighted the power of combining AI with lived experiences to meet people exactly where they are.

At Stryve, we’re applying this same philosophy. Imagine visiting our website and asking any marketing question—whether it’s about design principles or optimizing your website—and getting tailored advice based on 15 years of expertise. That’s the vision behind our upcoming tool, Ask Stryve, launching in 2025. It’s AI-driven, value-first, and set to redefine how we engage with our clients.

Branding: the timeless differentiator

In a world where AI can write copy, design logos, and even build products, what sets a business apart? According to Ryan, the answer is simple: branding.

“Brand is the ultimate differentiator in a world where everything else becomes table stakes.”

Branding is no longer just about a sleek logo or a catchy tagline. It’s about creating an emotional connection that lingers in your customers’ minds. Ryan emphasized that while technology makes everything faster and more accessible, the hard work of building a brand—investing in equity, storytelling, and design—remains irreplaceable.

As AI tools flood the market, businesses risk blending into a sea of sameness. Without a compelling brand, even the most advanced technologies will struggle to resonate with consumers. At Stryve, we’ve always believed in leading with personality and authenticity. It’s not just about the tools we use but how we make our clients feel throughout the journey.

The decline of traditional demand generation

B2B marketers, take note: the old playbook is losing its edge. Ryan explained why tactics like gated eBooks, webinar sign-ups, and email blasts are fading into irrelevance. The novelty has worn off, and consumers are no longer willing to trade their information for generic content.

Instead, the future lies in emotional, creative marketing. Ryan highlighted LinkedIn as a platform ripe with opportunity, where brands can connect with audiences through compelling storytelling and daily engagement. By moving away from transactional interactions and focusing on building trust and excitement, businesses can drive action on the consumer’s terms.

Lessons for entrepreneurs

The podcast also touched on Ryan’s entrepreneurial journey and his advice for those looking to build impactful businesses. One key takeaway? Bootstrap if you can.

“You don’t need as many people or as much money as you think. AI allows you to do more with less.”

Ryan’s approach is rooted in action over theory. Whether launching AI tools like Ask Ellyn or building Stryve from the ground up, he’s always prioritized creating and showing value. For entrepreneurs, the message is clear: don’t just talk about what you’re doing—show it.

Listen now

Don’t miss out on Ryan’s full interview. Check out the episode here to explore how AI, branding, and creativity are shaping the future of marketing.

Stay tuned for more updates from Stryve—and if you’re curious about how we can help your business thrive in this evolving landscape, drop us a line!