Tech Trends, Toddlers, & Tribalism with Chris Hackney

Tech Trends, Toddlers, & Tribalism with Chris Hackney

Author: Convince & Convert July 25, 2025 Duration: 35:45

What does it take to turn social media into a serious business driver for B2B companies? Chris Hackney, Chief Product Officer at Meltwater, joins the show to unpack how his team connects social engagement to pipeline and revenue. In this episode, we dive into Meltwater's approach to content strategy, channel differentiation, and analytics that prove impact across the funnel. Chris also shares how his team structures workflows, leverages influencer voices, and balances brand personality with professionalism in a global enterprise.

Full Episode Details 

Chris joins hosts Zontee Hou and Jennifer Harmon on this episode of Social Pros to share how Meltwater's social media strategy drives real business outcomes, especially in the B2B space. He breaks down how the team maps social content to different stages of the funnel, tailors messaging by channel, and uses data to prove the impact of social on both awareness and pipeline. Chris discusses how Meltwater's global team balances centralized governance with regional execution, and how they tap into employee voices and influencer partnerships to expand reach and relevance.

Chris also shares lessons from recent initiatives like their Meltwater Champions program, and explains why social media teams should think more like editorial hubs than traditional marketing arms. Chris reflects on the rise of AI in social workflows—calling it "in its toddler phase"—and urges marketers to stay curious as the tools mature. He also shares his take on where social apps are headed next, predicting even deeper tribalism and fragmentation across platforms. All that and more on an all-new episode of Social Pros!

In This Episode:

  • 1:50 -  Protecting your brand and earn back trust in the face of disinformation
  • 6:02 - Opportunities for AI in marketing and communications  
  • 10:56 -  Chris's advice for success in human team members meeting AI technology
  • 14:41 -    How to connect one-to-one when platforms are constantly changing 
  • 17:51 -  How Chris manages which platforms to invest time, energy, and money into
  • 20:12 - Using tools like media intelligence to stay on top of trends 
  • 22:34 - Producing a framework to keep on top of the things you need to know, and how to empower your team to react in real time
  • 31:24 - Chris's advice for aspiring social pros

Resources:

 

Visit SocialPros.com for more insights from your favorite social media marketers.


For years, Social Pros Podcast has served as an essential meeting point for those who do the real work in digital marketing. Created by Convince & Convert, this isn't a theoretical discussion; it's a deep dive into the practical realities of managing social media within larger business ecosystems. The conversations here consistently explore how platforms intersect with brand strategy, content creation, public relations, and paid media, moving beyond hype to examine measurable impact. You'll hear directly from the people behind the profiles at major organizations like Google, Reddit, Uber, and Oracle, gaining insight into their successes and the challenges they navigate daily. The longevity of this podcast is a testament to its value, offering a accumulated wealth of knowledge from hundreds of candid interviews and expert commentaries. Each episode functions like a focused case study, breaking down the "how" and "why" behind decisions that drive genuine business results. If you're looking to understand the evolving role of social media beyond the latest trend, this series provides a grounded, insider perspective that has educated a generation of marketing professionals. Tune in to hear the actual pros discuss the work that rarely makes it into a polished tweet or case study.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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