In today's episode I'm joined by Will Cady, a former professional musician, author of Which Way Is North?, and the former Global Brand Ambassador and creative strategist at Reddit. Will challenges the notion that marketing is a purely analytical pursuit, arguing that its true power lies in something far more intrinsic, human, and even spiritual. He believes the marketer's job is shifting towards creating experiences and context that spark a "light bulb" moment for the audience, all on their terms and in their truth.

In this episode, we dive into how Will bridges the worlds of marketing and mysticism, exploring everything from applying ancient wisdom to modern brand building, to navigating the future of work with a human-first approach. We discuss his core identities—the Maker, Marketer, and Mystic—and how they inform his commitment to uncovering truth rather than just telling lies in marketing. If you’ve ever felt like your marketing strategy should resonate on a deeper, almost mystical level, this conversation is your creative compass.

• [00:00] Intro: The Shift from Analytical Marketing to Creating Experiences
• [01:34] Defining the Maker, Marketer, and Mystic
• [03:00] Finding the Truth: Marketing as a Tool for Alignment
• [04:41] Experience vs. Explanation: The Human Skillset Adjacent to AI
• [08:52] The Marketer's Core: Leveraging Lived Experience for Better Concepts
• [14:50] Cultivating Creative Dexterity and Improvisational Skills
• [19:40] Framework for Clarity: The Seven Directions Meditation System
• [26:48] Transmuting Anxiety into Creative Opportunity
• [29:06] Navigating Career Transitions and Letting Go of Old Identities
• [33:38] The Power of Archetypal Symbols and Connection with Nature

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