Our guest in this episode is Todd Starr, a marketing innovator and psychology enthusiast who helps businesses differentiate themselves through powerful strategy and human connection. In his insightful chat with host Jürgen Strauss, Todd shares his journey from learning with rock stars to guiding over 3,000 creative client projects, all while exploring the fast-evolving role of AI in business. Together, Todd and Jürgen unpack how mindset, empathy, and intentional use of technology shape modern marketing and meaningful progress.
Key points discussed include:
* Mindset Shapes Marketing Success: Todd highlights how our beliefs and inner narratives directly impact business growth and marketing confidence.
* True Empathy Creates Connection: He shares how genuine empathy - really feeling others' pain - can help unlock client challenges and foster trust.
* Thoughtful Integration of AI: Todd encourages using AI as a thought partner, not a replacement, stressing the need for human-centered innovation and creativity.
This episode is a bubbly and humble reminder that technology shines brightest when it enhances - not replaces - our human spark and connection!
Listen to the podcast to find out more.
Show Notes from this episode with Todd Starr
Marketing, Mindset, and Human Connection in the Age of AI
This is a fascinating conversation that sits at the intersection of marketing brilliance, deep psychology, and the ever-present rise of AI! Todd’s approach is as much about human behaviour as it is about business strategy. Our discussion was a intriguing blend of practical marketing, the psychology of belief, and how we can leverage technology without losing our humanity. Let’s dig into the big ideas Todd brought to the table!
From the outset, Todd framed his mission beautifully: helping businesses market “better, faster, and easier on purpose.” But what really stood out was his view of marketing as an exercise in communication at scale - a process deeply tied to human beliefs, mindset, and connection. As we explored everything from lead generation to leveraging AI, it became clear that for Todd, impact starts in the brain before it ever meets a business plan.
The Power of Mindset: How Our Beliefs Shape Our Marketing
A recurring gem from Todd was that “whatever you say, your brain believes you.” This isn’t just motivational fluff - it’s the heart of why so many business owners get stuck. Whether you think you can improve your marketing or not, that belief will quickly become your reality. Todd’s take: mindset isn’t peripheral. It sits at the core of successful strategy, differentiation, and growth.
It’s easy to fall into patterns of self-limiting beliefs, especially in marketing where the feedback isn’t always immediate. Todd highlighted how entrepreneurs often internalize stories from childhood (think: “Don’t seek attention” or “Don’t talk to strangers”) that then sabotage their efforts to put themselves out there. The best marketing strategies won’t get off the ground if, deep down, we don’t believe we deserve attention or success.
Neuro-diversity and Resilient Thinking: Lessons from Dyslexic Innovators
Todd’s personal transparency about being dyslexic and possibly ADHD or autistic hit home. Far from seeing these as weaknesses, he credits his neuro-diversity for making him a big-picture thinker and ace problem-solver. There’s a wonderful lesson here about reframing what we often consider “challenges” into superpowers.
He drew inspiration from famous innovators like Alexander Graham Bell, Steve Jobs, and even Da Vinci - many of whom were neuro-diverse. Todd sees this connection as a catalyst for original thinking and resilience. As he says, “Dyslexic thinkers shape the world