Trust & Influence in B2B

Latest Episodes:

Resourcing, recruitment and responsibilities | How trust is defining new models for teams and roles for individuals - with Jon Watton and Tom Howe Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Trust and Influence in B2B Marketing, Joel Harrison sits down with Jon Watton, Fractional CMO and experienced B2B tech marketing leader, and Tom Howe from Jefferson Group, to explore one of the most pressing issues facing the industry: the future of B2B marketing roles, team structures, and organizational trust. Marketing headcounts are shrinking, recruitment has stalled, and the rules of the job market have fundamentally shifted. So is this a crisis — or simply a long overdue correction?

➡️ Jon and Tom bring two sharply different perspectives — one from inside the market navigating it as a senior marketer, the other from a front-row seat in hiring across B2B. Together, they dig into the post-COVID hiring hangover, the intense pressure to deliver short-term results at the expense of long-term strategy, and how AI is reshaping both what marketing teams look like and what's expected of them. They also explore why fractional leadership is emerging as a new model of trust, the growing danger of a "squashed middle" in marketing management, and what the B2B marketing team of the future will actually look like. Both guests close with direct, actionable advice on what marketers should be doing right now to future-proof their careers.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Trust and the Future of B2B Marketing Roles

01:03 - How Recruitment Signals Trust in Marketing

01:42 - Introducing Jon Watton and Tom Howe

02:24 - The Reality of the Senior B2B Marketing Job Market

05:26 - A Generational Shift or a Post-COVID Hangover?

08:07 - Identity Crisis: What Do Companies Actually Want from Marketing?

11:37 - Short-Term Pressure vs. Long-Term Strategy

16:31 - How Marketing Team Structures Are Changing

19:41 - The Rise of Specialists and the Diamond-Shaped Team

24:05 - The Squashed Middle: Pressure on Marketing Managers

26:17 - AI, Human Judgment, and the Trust Equation

29:15 - Trust Declining in Human Marketers — or Just Cost Pressure?

31:40 - The Future Marketing Leader and AI Fluency

34:18 - Fractional, Freelance, and Flexible: New Models for Teams

38:41 - The Rise of B2B Marketing Agencies Again

40:59 - Career Advice: What Marketers Should Do Now

43:17 - Closing Thoughts and What's Coming Next

Follow Jon Watton, https://linkedin.com/in/jonwatton

Follow Tom Howe, https://linkedin.com/in/tomhowe https://jeffersongroup.co.uk

If you care about making B2B marketing more meaningful, useful, and memorable, this conversation is for you. It's honest, reflective, and packed with takeaways that can help elevate your approach to thought leadership---whether you're a content creator, strategist, or brand leader.

🌐Visit Joel Harrison's website to explore exclusive reports, upcoming events, and join the B2B marketing community ➡️ https://www.joelharrisonb2b.com/

💬What do you think comes first---rebuilding trust in marketing or proving ROI? Let us know in the comments below.

🔔Subscribe to the channel for weekly insights, interviews, and on-the-ground perspectives from the world of B2B marketing. https://youtube.com/@JoelHarrison-B2B?sub_confirmation=1

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📲Follow Joel Harrison and Trust & Influence in B2B across the web: LinkedIn ▶ https://linkedin.com/in/joelharrison/ Podcast ▶ https://trust-influence-in-b2b.captivate.fm/ Instagram ▶ https://instagram.com/joelharrisonb2b/

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#JoelHarrisonB2B, #B2BMarketing, #ThoughtLeadership, #ContentStrategy, #MarketingTrends, #B2BContent, #BrandVsDemand, #Storytelling, #MarketingPodcast, #B2BInsights, #JoelHarrison, #B2BVideos, #B2BStrategy, #MarketingRecruitment, #FractionalCMO, #MarketingLeadership, #AIinMarketing, #B2BTeams, #MarketingCareers, #FutureOfMarketing

Thought Leaders, Influencers and Advocates | Introducing the B2B Matrix of Influence Feb 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Trust and Influence in B2B Marketing, Joel Harrison sits down with Katy Howell, Founder and CEO of Immediate Future, a social media agency she has led since 2004. Together, they tackle one of B2B marketing's most persistent blind spots: the difference between thought leaders, influencers, and advocates — and what happens when brands get it wrong. Are you unknowingly leaving your most powerful trust-building channels completely unused?

➡️ Katy brings deep, practical experience in influencer strategy and pulls no punches. She and Joel explore why B2B marketers default to treating influence like a media buy — focused on reach and clicks — rather than asking how each persona actually shapes buyer decisions and builds lasting credibility. Joel also introduces his new B2B Matrix of Influence, built from analysis of over a thousand B2B marketing awards entries, mapping five distinct trust personas and how they should be deployed. They dig into why customer advocates are used in just 11% of campaigns, why employee advocates are chronically undervalued, and how brands can stop over-controlling the very people they need to trust them. Katy's closing soundbite says it all: influence is not a content tactic — it's a trust system. If you want to rethink how your brand earns credibility in a world drowning in AI-generated content, this episode is essential listening.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to the B2B Matrix of Influence

01:02 - Why Marketers Confuse Thought Leaders, Influencers & Advocates

02:09 - Treating Influence Like a Media Plan: The Problem

04:21 - Why the Trust Problem Has Gotten Worse

06:47 - Internal vs. External Voices: Understanding the Difference

09:04 - The Jazz Metaphor: Giving People Freedom Within a Framework

12:37 - Research Findings: How B2B Campaigns Use Trust Personas

15:15 - Introducing the B2B Matrix of Influence Framework

20:37 - How to Work With Unpaid External Influencers

23:01 - Paid Influencers: Autonomy Over Direction

25:11 - Customer Advocates: The Most Underused Trust Asset

27:37 - How to Use the Matrix to Build a Trust Plan

31:24 - Final Thoughts: Influence Is a Trust System, Not a Content Tactic

Follow Katy Howell,

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katyhowell/

https://immediatefuture.co.uk

🌐Visit Joel Harrison's website to explore exclusive reports, upcoming events, and join the B2B marketing community ➡️ https://www.joelharrisonb2b.com/

💬What do you think comes first---building a strategy around the personas you have, or the trust gaps you need to fix? Let us know in the comments below.

🔔Subscribe to the channel for weekly insights, interviews, and on-the-ground perspectives from the world of B2B marketing. https://youtube.com/@JoelHarrison-B2B?sub_confirmation=1

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📲Follow Joel Harrison and Trust & Influence in B2B across the web:

LinkedIn ▶ https://linkedin.com/in/joelharrison/

Podcast ▶ https://trust-influence-in-b2b.captivate.fm/

Instagram ▶ https://instagram.com/joelharrisonb2b/

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#JoelHarrisonB2B, #B2BMarketing, #ThoughtLeadership, #ContentStrategy, #MarketingTrends, #B2BContent, #BrandVsDemand, #Storytelling, #MarketingPodcast, #B2BInsights, #JoelHarrison, #B2BVideos, #B2BStrategy, #InfluencerMarketing, #B2BTrust, #CustomerAdvocacy, #EmployeeAdvocacy, #B2BInfluence, #MatrixOfInfluence, #TrustInMarketing, #B2BLeadership

Thought leadership's great leap forward | Five trends illustrating TL's emergence as a dynamic, full-funnel marketing discipline - with Rob Mitchell of Exhibit-B Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Trust and Influence in B2B Marketing, Joel Harrison sits down with Rob Mitchell, Co-Founder of Exhibit-B and former CEO of FT Longitude. Together, they explore how thought leadership is undergoing a dramatic transformation, evolving from a traditional top-of-funnel brand-building tool into a dynamic, full-funnel marketing discipline. Is thought leadership finally delivering the commercial value B2B marketers have been waiting for?

➡️ Rob brings over 20 years of expertise in thought leadership. Based on Joel's analysis of hundreds of B2B Marketing Awards entries, they unpack five critical trends: the data foundation gap revealing most campaigns lack robust research, the surge in sales integration with over 53% now including sales enablement, the format revolution with documentary content doubling while audio declines, the untapped potential of interactive content, and the distribution shift from broadcast to direct channels. They discuss why synthetic data isn't ready, how to commercialize without killing trust, and why formats matter less than substance.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Thought Leadership's Evolution

02:34 - Rob Mitchell's Journey into Thought Leadership

03:47 - The Data Foundation Gap

15:23 - The Sales Integration Surge

24:19 - The Format Revolution

32:09 - The Dynamic Content Gap

37:15 - Distribution Shift: Broadcast to Direct

43:13 - Where Thought Leadership is Heading

Follow Rob Mitchel

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-mitchell-ned/?originalSubdomain=uk

https://exhibit-b.com

If you care about making B2B marketing more meaningful, useful, and memorable, this conversation is for you. It's honest, reflective, and packed with takeaways that can help elevate your approach to thought leadership—whether you're a content creator, strategist, or brand leader.

🌐 Visit Joel Harrison's website to explore exclusive reports, upcoming events, and join the B2B marketing community ➡️ https://www.joelharrisonb2b.com/

💬 What do you think matters more—data-driven research or compelling storytelling? Let us know in the comments below.

🔔 Subscribe to the channel for weekly insights, interviews, and on-the-ground perspectives from the world of B2B marketing. https://youtube.com/@JoelHarrison-B2B?sub_confirmation=1

📲 Follow Joel Harrison and Trust & Influence in B2B across the web:

LinkedIn ▶ https://linkedin.com/in/joelharrison/

Podcast ▶ https://trust-influence-in-b2b.captivate.fm/

Instagram ▶ https://instagram.com/joelharrisonb2b/

#JoelHarrisonB2B, #B2BMarketing, #ThoughtLeadership, #ContentStrategy, #MarketingTrends, #B2BContent, #BrandVsDemand, #Storytelling, #MarketingPodcast, #B2BInsights, #JoelHarrison, #B2BVideos, #B2BStrategy, #SalesEnablement, #ContentMarketing, #MarketingResearch, #FullFunnelMarketing, #B2BLeadership

Martech integration isn't a tech problem – it's a trust problem | Why the most persistent challenge is human, not technical, with insights from the Mosaic thinktank Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Trust and Influence in B2B Marketing, Joel Harrison sits down with Adam Sharp, CEO and Co-founder of Clever Touch, Robert Nicholson, Digital Marketing Director at Robert Walters, and Alec Weeks from Clever Touch. Together, they tackle one of B2B marketing's most persistent challenges: MarTech integration. Despite years of investment and countless vendor promises, only 14% of marketing technology systems are properly integrated, and a staggering 60% of MarTech capability goes entirely unused. But why does integration remain so stubbornly difficult, and what's really holding organizations back?

➡️The guests bring unique perspectives from both consulting and practitioner sides. Adam chairs the Mosaic MarTech Think Tank, which convenes senior marketing technology practitioners to explore real-world challenges. Robert has scaled Robert Walters' marketing operations from a team of three to 40+ globally. What emerges from their conversation is a crucial insight: integration isn't primarily a technical challenge—it's a trust challenge that happens to involve technology. They dive into why trust between marketing, IT, legal, and compliance teams is the real bottleneck, how vendor AI promises often clash with compliance realities, and why data governance remains fundamental. The conversation explores whether AI will make integration non-negotiable or add another layer of complexity, while sharing practical insights on building the business case, balancing centralized control with agility, and taking first steps that drive value.

Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction to Trust & Influence in B2B

00:02:36 - The MarTech Integration Challenge

00:05:00 - Why Integration Remains So Difficult

00:10:00 - The Trust Problem Between Teams

00:15:00 - Data Quality and Governance Issues

00:20:00 - Vendor Promises vs Reality

00:24:00 - The Role of Marketing Leaders

00:28:00 - AI's Impact on Integration

00:33:00 - Centralization vs Agility Debate

00:38:00 - Building the Business Case

00:43:00 - Practical Steps Forward

Follow Adam Sharp

https://linkedin.com/in/adamsharpconsultant/

https://clevertouch.com/

Follow Robert Nicholson

https://linkedin.com/in/robert-nicholson-digital/ https://robertwalters.com/

Follow Alec Weeks

https://linkedin.com/in/alec-weeks/

If you're struggling with MarTech integration or wondering why your stack isn't delivering value, this conversation offers honest, practical insights from people who live these challenges every day.

🌐Visit Joel Harrison's website to explore exclusive reports, upcoming events, and join the B2B marketing community ➡️ https://www.joelharrisonb2b.com/

💬How are you tackling MarTech integration in your organization?

🔔Subscribe for weekly insights, interviews, and on-the-ground perspectives from the world of B2B marketing. https://youtube.com/@JoelHarrison-B2B?sub_confirmation=1

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📲Follow Joel Harrison and Trust & Influence in B2B across the web:

LinkedIn ▶ https://linkedin.com/in/joelharrison/

Podcast ▶ https://trust-influence-in-b2b.captivate.fm/

Instagram ▶ https://instagram.com/joelharrisonb2b/

From -10 to +63 NPS: How Mitie Used Brand Purpose to Win Hearts and Minds | Maria Winn on a Trust-led Transformation Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Trust and Influence in B2B Marketing, Joel Harrison sits down with Maria Winn, Chief Marketing Officer at Mitie, the UK's leading facilities management company. They explore how Mitie transformed from a -10 NPS to +63 NPS through authentic brand purpose. What does it take to make purpose resonate with 70,000 employees and drive real trust?

➡️ Maria shares the journey of developing "Better Places, Thriving Communities"—a purpose that needed to work for everyone from frontline cleaners to AI engineers. She reveals why they involved hundreds of employees early, how they balanced internal embedding with external launch, and why letting go of legacy language was their biggest challenge. They discuss the purpose-trust connection in service businesses, why marketing-HR alignment is critical, and the compelling data: organizations with well-embraced purposes have 39% higher revenues.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Trust in B2B Marketing

02:14 - Maria Winn's Journey to Mitie

05:37 - Why Brand Evolution Became Necessary

06:23 - The -10 to +63 NPS Transformation

08:15 - Creating Authentic Purpose, Not Just Words

10:18 - "Better Places, Thriving Communities"

14:07 - Engaging 70,000 Employees in Purpose

18:22 - Purpose as a Trust Builder in B2B Services

22:27 - Balancing Long-Term Brand with Demand

25:51 - Overcoming the Legacy Challenge

30:01 - Key Principles for Purpose-Driven Trust

33:16 - Embedding Purpose in Culture

35:37 - The Business Impact: 39% Revenue Lift

Follow Maria Winn,

https://linkedin.com/in/mariawinn/

https://www.mitie.com

If you're leading brand transformation or wondering whether purpose drives business results, this conversation delivers practical insights and honest reflections on building trust through purpose.

🌐Visit Joel Harrison's website to explore exclusive reports, upcoming events, and join the B2B marketing community ➡️ https://www.joelharrisonb2b.com/

💬What's your experience—does purpose drive trust in your organization? Share your thoughts.

🔔Subscribe for weekly insights, interviews, and perspectives from the world of B2B marketing. https://youtube.com/@JoelHarrison-B2B?sub_confirmation=1

#JoelHarrisonB2B, #B2BMarketing, #ThoughtLeadership, #ContentStrategy, #MarketingTrends, #B2BContent, #BrandVsDemand, #Storytelling, #MarketingPodcast, #B2BInsights, #JoelHarrison, #B2BVideos, #B2BStrategy, #BrandPurpose, #EmployeeEngagement, #NPSTransformation, #CustomerTrust, #CMOInsights

Trust & Influence in B2B Trailer Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

B2B marketing faces a growing trust and attention crisis as buyers are overwhelmed by content and AI-driven noise. Hosted by Joel Harrison, a long-time B2B advocate and founder of B2B Marketing Magazine, the podcast focuses on how trust and influence are truly built in modern B2B. Through conversations with CMOs, founders, analysts, and practitioners, it delivers practical, real-world insights on earning buyer trust, the evolving role of thought leadership and influencers, and how brands can be chosen—not just noticed—to drive growth.

Experiences, relationships and craftsmanship | Jon Miller (Marketo founder) on building trust in the age of AI slop Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Trust and Influence in B2B Marketing, Joel Harrison sits down with Jon Miller, co-founder of Marketo and Engagio, and one of the most influential figures in modern B2B marketing. Jon literally helped create the demand generation playbook that defined an entire era of marketing automation—and now, he's here to explain why that same playbook might be fundamentally broken. What happens when the very systems you helped build no longer reflect how buyers actually make decisions?

➡️ Jon brings a rare combination of technical rigor (he studied physics before pivoting to marketing) and decades of hands-on experience building category-defining companies. He doesn't just critique the old model—he unpacks why MQLs, linear funnels, and attribution models were always a bit simplistic, and why they've become completely disconnected from today's complex, non-linear buying reality. This conversation digs into the chaos theory of B2B buying, the rising importance of brand over demand, and why trust has become the most critical currency in an era of AI-generated content overload. Jon also reveals what he believes CMOs need to do differently to survive the next decade, why marketing platforms built for the old playbook are now limiting progress, and what he's building next to solve these challenges.

If you've ever felt like your marketing metrics don't tell the full story, or wondered why demand gen tactics that used to work suddenly don't, this episode will give you clarity. Jon talks openly about the internal trust crisis facing CMOs, the political coalition-building skills that tomorrow's marketing leaders will need, and why the future of B2B marketing will be defined by experiences, relationships, and craftsmanship—not just campaigns and conversions. Whether you're questioning the MQL model, struggling to justify brand investment, or trying to navigate AI's impact on your go-to-market strategy, this conversation offers both validation and a path forward.

Follow Jon Miller

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonmiller2/details/experience/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/adobemarketoengage/

If you care about making B2B marketing more meaningful, useful, and memorable, this conversation is for you. It's honest, reflective, and packed with takeaways that can help elevate your approach to thought leadership—whether you're a content creator, strategist, or brand leader.

🌐 Visit Joel Harrison's website to explore exclusive reports, upcoming events, and join the B2B marketing community ➡️ https://www.joelharrisonb2b.com/

💬 What do you think comes first—building demand or building brand? Let us know in the comments below.

🔔 Subscribe to the channel for weekly insights, interviews, and on-the-ground perspectives from the world of B2B marketing. https://youtube.com/@JoelHarrison-B2B?sub_confirmation=1

00:00 - Introduction

02:33 - Jon's journey from physics to pioneering marketing automation

08:06 - Why the MQL model is fundamentally flawed and no longer works

13:58 - The evolution from demand gen to ABM to brand focus

18:36 - The critical role of trust in B2B brand building

22:23 - The internal trust crisis facing CMOs today

25:11 - What the next generation of successful CMOs will look like

30:12 - Jon's new AI-native startup in stealth mode

32:04 - How marketers should adapt to the AI-powered future

35:09 - The future of marketing: experiences, relationships, and craftsmanship

📲 Follow Joel Harrison and Trust & Influence in B2B across the web:

LinkedIn ▶ https://linkedin.com/in/joelharrison/

Podcast ▶ https://trust-influence-in-b2b.captivate.fm/

Instagram ▶ https://instagram.com/joelharrisonb2b/

#JoelHarrisonB2B, #B2BMarketing, #ThoughtLeadership, #ContentStrategy, #MarketingTrends, #B2BContent, #BrandVsDemand, #Storytelling, #MarketingPodcast, #B2BInsights, #JoelHarrison, #B2BVideos, #B2BStrategy, #JonMiller, #MarketingAutomation, #DemandGeneration, #AccountBasedMarketing, #ABM, #MarketingLeadership, #CMOInsights, #BrandBuilding, #AIinMarketing, #MarketingPlaybook

The $6 trillion opportunity: how western B2B brands can thrive in Japan and Korea | With Robert Heldt of AIM Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Trust and Influence in B2B Marketing, Joel Harrison sits down with Robert Heldt, CEO of AIM B2B, a B2B marketing and PR agency specializing in helping Western companies navigate the Japanese and South Korean markets. With 17 years of experience in Japan and a new office opening in South Korea in early 2025, Robert brings invaluable insights into two of Asia's most sophisticated yet distinctly different economies. Together, they tackle a critical question: Why do so many Western B2B companies fail when they treat Japan, Korea, and the broader Asian market as one homogeneous opportunity—and what does it really take to succeed?

➡️ Robert reveals the stark differences between Japan's relationship-first, risk-averse business culture and South Korea's fast-paced, digitally-driven marketplace. He explains how trust operates fundamentally differently in these markets, why your global marketing strategy won't land without deep localization, and the cultural missteps that can kill momentum before you even get started. From understanding the role of hierarchy and consensus-building in Japan to navigating South Korea's "Ppalli-Ppalli" (fast-fast) mentality while still respecting traditional business structures, Robert unpacks what Western companies must know before entering these $6 trillion markets. He also dives into channel strategy—why LinkedIn advertising fails in Japan while trade events thrive, why Naver and Kakao dominate in Korea, and how content expectations differ dramatically between formal, data-heavy materials in Japan versus visual, dynamic content in South Korea. They explore the agency landscape, regulatory compliance, PR dynamics including Japan's exclusive Press Club system, and the essential first steps for market entry.

Follow Robert Heldt,

https://linkedin.com/in/robert-heldt/

https://aim-b2b.com/

If you're considering expansion into Japan or South Korea, or simply want to understand how cultural nuance shapes B2B marketing success in sophisticated Asian markets, this conversation is essential listening. It's practical, detailed, and filled with actionable insights that can save you time, budget, and costly mistakes.

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview

02:15 - Robert's background: from hospitality to B2B marketing in Japan

05:30 - Understanding the $6 trillion opportunity in Japan and South Korea

08:45 - Why treating Asia as one market is a costly mistake

12:20 - Cultural foundations: Confucian roots, hierarchy, and trust dynamics

15:40 - Buyer behavior differences between Japan and Korea

18:30 - Channel strategy: Why LinkedIn fails in Japan but trade events thrive

22:15 - Digital landscape: Yahoo Japan, Naver, Kakao, and YouTube

26:00 - Content expectations: Formal vs. visual, data vs. speed

29:20 - The consumerization of B2B content in Korea vs. traditional formats in Japan

31:30 - PR and earned media: Navigating Japan's Press Club system

35:10 - Regulation and compliance: Data privacy and advertising standards

37:45 - The agency landscape: Dentsu, Hakuhodo, and finding the right partners

40:20 - Essential steps for market entry and go-to-market strategy

42:30 - Future trends and closing thoughts

🌐 Visit Joel Harrison's website to explore exclusive reports, upcoming events, and join the B2B marketing community ➡️ https://www.joelharrisonb2b.com/

💬 What do you think matters more—speed to market or cultural respect? Let us know in the comments below.

🔔 Subscribe to the channel for weekly insights, interviews, and on-the-ground perspectives from the world of B2B marketing. https://youtube.com/@JoelHarrison-B2B?sub_confirmation=1

📲 Follow Joel Harrison and Trust & Influence in B2B across the web:

LinkedIn ▶ https://linkedin.com/in/joelharrison/

Podcast ▶ https://trust-influence-in-b2b.captivate.fm/

Instagram ▶ https://instagram.com/joelharrisonb2b/

#JoelHarrisonB2B, #B2BMarketing, #ThoughtLeadership, #ContentStrategy, #MarketingTrends, #B2BContent, #BrandVsDemand, #Storytelling, #MarketingPodcast, #B2BInsights, #JoelHarrison, #B2BVideos, #B2BStrategy, #JapanMarket, #SouthKoreaMarketing, #AsiaExpansion, #GlobalMarketing, #MarketEntry, #B2BInternational, #CrossCulturalMarketing, #APACMarketing

Trust is B2B currency but how do we measure it? | A review of FT's 'Trust Gap' report with Paul Collier of Funnel Fuel Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Trust and Influence in B2B Marketing, Joel Harrison sits down with Paul Collier, CMO at Funnel Fuel and a serial B2B marketing leader who's worked with Fortune 50 tech companies. They unpack the FT's landmark "Bridging the Trust Gap" report, which reveals that companies measuring trust are three times more likely to report stronger profits—yet only 22% actually do. Can B2B advertisers afford to ignore trust when planning their media strategies?

➡️ Paul brings hard-won client-side experience to the conversation, sharing his own wake-up call when his digital advertising spend flatlined without explanation. Together, they explore the five pillars of B2B trust (reliability, human competence, data security, ethics, and integrity), why trust gaps exist across industries, and how AI is rapidly reshaping the advertising landscape. They also tackle platform opacity, the balance between trusted media and social channels, and practical steps marketers can take to demand transparency from their advertising partners.

00:00 - Introduction: The FT Trust Gap Report

02:15 - Paul Collier's Background & Journey to Funnel Fuel

05:30 - First Impressions of the Trust Gap Report

08:45 - The Five Pillars of B2B Trust

12:20 - Trust Gaps Across Industries: Why B2B Marketers Should Care

15:40 - Paul's Wake-Up Call: The Christmas Spreadsheet Story

19:25 - Trust Differences Across Media Channels

23:10 - Measurement Gaps in B2B Marketing

26:35 - AI, Transparency & the Future of Advertising

31:20 - What Questions Should Marketers Ask Their Partners?

34:50 - Why Paul is Optimistic About B2B Advertising's Future

37:15 - Closing Thoughts & Key Takeaways

Follow Paul Collier

https://linkedin.com/in/paulcollier/

https://funnelfuel.io

If you care about making B2B marketing more meaningful, useful, and memorable, this conversation is for you. It's honest, reflective, and packed with takeaways that can help elevate your approach to thought leadership—whether you're a content creator, strategist, or brand leader.

🌐 Visit Joel Harrison's website to explore exclusive reports, upcoming events, and join the B2B marketing community ➡️ https://www.joelharrisonb2b.com/

💬 What do you think comes first—measuring trust or building it organically? Let us know in the comments below.

🔔 Subscribe to the channel for weekly insights, interviews, and on-the-ground perspectives from the world of B2B marketing.

https://youtube.com/@JoelHarrison-B2B?sub_confirmation=1

👉 Subscribe now and tap the bell icon to get notified whenever a new episode drops—from the show floor, the studio, or the front lines of B2B.

📲 Follow Joel Harrison and Trust & Influence in B2B across the web:

LinkedIn ▶ https://linkedin.com/in/joelharrison/

Podcast ▶ https://trust-influence-in-b2b.captivate.fm/

Instagram ▶ https://instagram.com/joelharrisonb2b/

#JoelHarrisonB2B, #B2BMarketing, #ThoughtLeadership, #ContentStrategy, #MarketingTrends, #B2BContent, #BrandVsDemand, #Storytelling, #MarketingPodcast, #B2BInsights, #JoelHarrison, #B2BVideos, #B2BStrategy, #TrustInMarketing, #AdvertisingTransparency, #MarketingROI, #B2BAdvertising, #DigitalMarketing, #SupplyPathOptimization, #MarketingMeasurement, #B2BLeadership, #FunnelFuel

Why fake reviews are the latest B2B trust crisis | Daniel Mohacek of Truth Engine on combating 'negbombing' and how to avoid hefty fines Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Trust and Influence in B2B Marketing, Joel Harrison sits down with Daniel Mohacek, Founder and CEO at Truth Engine, a company building technology to detect fake reviews at scale. Daniel has spent 25 years in digital marketing, including time at Yahoo in its early days and involvement with SwiftKey, the predictive text keyboard acquired by Microsoft. But it was an unexpected discovery a few years ago that set him down a completely different path—while trying to turn around a struggling B2B website business, he uncovered a coordinated attack of fake negative reviews that traditional marketing playbooks simply don't address. What happens when your company's reputation is being systematically destroyed by fake reviews, and the advice you receive about fighting back raises serious ethical and legal questions?

➡️ Daniel reveals the sobering truth about review manipulation across platforms we all rely on—from Trustpilot and G2 to Google and Glassdoor. The scale of the problem is far greater than most marketers realize, with fake reviews now representing over 50% of all reviews analyzed across hundreds of millions of data points. He explains the rise of "negbombing" (coordinated fake negative reviews), why businesses have felt compelled to fight fire with fire, and how new UK legislation coming into force in Q1 2026 creates real legal and financial risks—including fines of up to 10% of global turnover. Daniel also unpacks how AI search tools and large language models are changing the game, why they rely heavily on reviews, and what this means for businesses with manipulated review profiles. From the impact on brand reputation to the shift in consumer behavior, this conversation challenges everything we thought we knew about online reviews and trust signals in B2B marketing.

If you care about building authentic trust, protecting your brand reputation, and understanding the new legal landscape around reviews, this conversation is essential listening. It's eye-opening, practical, and packed with actionable insights for marketers, brand leaders, and anyone responsible for managing their company's online presence.

Follow Daniel Mohacek

https://linkedin.com/in/danielmohacek/

https://truthengine.com

🌐 Visit Joel Harrison's website to explore exclusive reports, upcoming events, and join the B2B marketing community ➡️ https://www.joelharrisonb2b.com/

💬 What do you think—are fake reviews a bigger problem than most B2B marketers realize? Let us know in the comments below.

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