HubSpot CMO Kipp Bodnar on brand discovery in an age of AI search

HubSpot CMO Kipp Bodnar on brand discovery in an age of AI search

Author: The Agile Brand July 15, 2026 Duration: 27:37

What if your most valuable future customers are discovering solutions in a place your current attribution models can't even see?

Agility requires not just adapting to new channels, but completely rethinking how we measure discovery and value when the customer journey starts with a conversation with an AI.

Today, we're going to talk about:

- How the shift from keyword-based search to conversational AI is creating a new discipline: Answer Engine Optimization.

- Why your current team structure might be the biggest obstacle to winning in the AI era, and how to reorganize talent and process for this new reality.

- The critical role of unified customer data in influencing AI-driven recommendations and why it’s becoming the ultimate competitive advantage.


To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Kipp Bodnar, Chief Marketing Officer at HubSpot.


About Kipp Bodnar

As CMO of HubSpot, Kipp leads global marketing strategy to drive awareness and demand across a rapidly evolving product suite. He previously served as VP of Marketing, scaling international teams and overseeing demand gen, strategic partnerships, and social media. He’s also a marketing advisor to several SaaS companies, co-author of The B2B Social Media Book, and a respected speaker and blogger.


Kipp Bodnar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kippbodnar/


---------- Resources ----------


HubSpot website: https://www.hubspot.com/


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Each conversation on The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström®: Expert Mode Marketing Technology, AI, & CX moves beyond surface-level trends to explore the practical realities of modern marketing. Host Greg Kihlström guides discussions with executives and thought leaders from prominent brands and technology platforms, focusing on the tangible strategies that drive growth. You’ll hear detailed explorations of topics like the real-world adoption of AI, the construction of effective first-party data strategies, and the evolving landscape of customer experience. This podcast is built for leaders who need to translate complex technological shifts into sustainable business value and deeper customer relationships. Rather than offering quick fixes, these episodes provide a deeper understanding of how to integrate marketing technology, artificial intelligence, and customer-centric thinking into a cohesive strategy. The dialogue consistently centers on building customer lifetime value, ensuring that every technological investment contributes to long-term brand strength. If you're looking for a clear, expert-level analysis of what actually works in today's market, this series delivers substantive insights directly from the professionals shaping the industry.
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