Marketing Insights from NewViews Episode 11: Key Takeaways for Founders and Marketers

The December 2025 NewViews event at Venture Café in the CIC Cambridge ecosystem brought together marketing leaders from top companies to share real marketing lessons. This gathering offered founders, startups, marketers, and video content creators a chance to hear firsthand about the evolving landscape of marketing. The event focused on video storytelling insights, authenticity, and trust-building as key drivers for audience engagement strategies in 2026.

This marketing event recap captures the top insights from NewViews Episode 11, a live panel discussion held at Venture Café. The episode features expert perspectives from Chris Savage (Co‑Founder & CEO of Wistia), Carly Baker (Head of Creative Partnerships at HubSpot Media Network), and Nathan Pichette (Co‑Founder of Reticle Digital), with Tom Dodge of NewView.Media serving as host and moderator. Together, they offer practical, real‑world advice on building trust through authentic video storytelling, consistent messaging, and community‑driven marketing strategies — all tailored for today’s fast-moving, attention-fragmented world.

See the Full Episode Here

Authenticity Over Perfection

One of the strongest themes from the marketing panel takeaways was the power of authenticity. Speakers emphasized that interview based storytelling and unscripted content resonate more than overly polished ads. Chris Savage, Co-Founder and CEO of Wistia, shared how founder video content that feels natural and comfortable on camera builds stronger connections than scripted commercials.

Carly Baker, Head of Creative Partnerships at HubSpot Media Network, emphasized that audiences today crave realness. They want to see the human side of brands — including imperfections and genuine, unscripted moments. This mindset fuels stronger organic reach by encouraging creators to show up as themselves, rather than chasing perfection or over-curated content.

Data Isn’t Everything Anymore

The marketing landscape is evolving rapidly due to AI advancements and increased privacy restrictions. Carly Baker, Head of Creative Partnerships at HubSpot Media Network, noted that today’s marketers need to combine quantitative data with qualitative feedback to better understand their audience.

For example, simply asking customers “Where did you hear about us?” can reveal insights that metrics alone often miss. This blend of data and human input allows brands to craft messaging that resonates — moving beyond just clicks and impressions to build real connection.

Trust is the Currency of Modern Marketing

Trust in marketing emerged as a central theme. Nathan Pichette, Co‑Founder of Reticle Digital, pointed out that today’s audiences aren’t chasing viral content — they’re looking for credibility and truth-telling. Building trust leads to long-term relationships that drive sustained brand growth.

Tom Dodge, CEO of NewView.Media and host of the event, added that trust is earned when brands consistently deliver honest stories and avoid empty hype. This perspective aligns with 2026 marketing trends, where transparency and authenticity are foundational to effective audience engagement.

Create for an Audience You Actually Understand

The panelists agreed that successful marketing begins with deeply understanding where your audience lives online. Carly shared how her team researches platforms and digital communities to tailor content that reflects the audience’s story — not just the brand’s.

This approach ensures content resonates with real experiences and challenges. For founders and startups in the CIC ecosystem, it’s a strategy that builds authentic connections and drives engagement that goes far beyond surface-level interactions.

Be Consistent, Not Confusing

A simple but powerful takeaway was the advice to “say one thing 100 times, not 100 things once.” Repetition builds brand trust and clarity. Chris Savage explained that consistent messaging across video and other channels helps audiences remember and relate to your brand.

This principle supports LinkedIn personal branding and other platforms where founders and marketers aim to establish a clear, recognizable voice.

Why Video Still Wins

Video remains one of the most powerful tools for storytelling. Facial expressions, emotion, and narrative flow humanize a brand in ways that text alone can’t. Carly Baker, Head of Creative Partnerships at HubSpot Media Network, emphasized that consistent, authentic video content drives stronger engagement and builds deeper connections with audiences.

The panelists shared actionable video marketing tips — including focusing on short, unscripted clips and using interview formats to highlight real voices. These tactics align with organic reach strategies that prioritize genuine interaction over high-gloss production.

Use Tools Strategically, Not Blindly

Several marketing tools were mentioned during the event, including

• Wistia

• HubSpot

• Common Room

• Beehiiv.

The key message was to choose tools that fit your audience and goals rather than adopting every new platform.

Tom advised founders and marketers to evaluate tools based on how they support community engagement marketing and content distribution. This approach ensures resources are used effectively to build lasting relationships.

Start With Distribution, Not Production

Finally, the panel stressed the importance of planning distribution before creating content. Aligning messaging and content format with where your audience spends time maximizes impact.

For example, if your audience prefers LinkedIn, focus on personal branding and short video clips tailored for that platform. This mindset helps avoid wasted effort and improves overall marketing effectiveness.

The NewViews Episode 11 marketing event recap offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to improve their marketing in 2026.

Real marketing lessons from industry leaders show that authenticity, trust, and understanding your audience are more important than ever. By focusing on interview based storytelling, combining data with qualitative feedback marketing, and using tools like Wistia and HubSpot strategically, founders and marketers can build stronger brands and deeper connections.