Ken Kundis did not set out to build a career in B2B marketing. What started with agency work, a return to graduate school, and a temp role at a financial software company turned into a long career in B2B, where writing, strategy, and business understanding all came together.
In this episode of B2B Marketing Unlocked, Ken joins host Jony Mansilla to explore how AI is changing the B2B CMO role. He shares how CEI is making a major pivot from traditional IT managed services and staffing into AI, how a lean team is using AI to dramatically increase output, and why the future of B2B marketing belongs to leaders who can adapt without losing their company’s core identity. Ken also explains how they are building brand awareness from the ground up, using existing client relationships to create momentum, and balancing AI adoption with clear business outcomes.
What You’ll Learn:
• How Ken’s non linear path led him into B2B marketing leadership
• How AI is reshaping the role of the modern B2B CMO
• Why existing client relationships matter during a major company pivot
• How lean marketing teams can use AI to increase output
• How to stay relevant in AI without losing what makes your brand different
Ken Kundis is the Chief Marketing Officer at CEI, where he is helping lead the company’s pivot into AI. CEI is a long established technology company focused on managed services, talent solutions, and now AI powered accelerators that help enterprise organizations solve business problems faster and more effectively.
This podcast is brought to you by Jony Studios, where we help B2B brands turn conversations into content systems that build trust, generate pipeline, and attract ideal customers. Learn more at https://jonystudios.com
Highlights:
• [00:00] Introduction to B2B Marketing Unlocked
• [00:29] Ken Kundis on Getting into B2B Marketing
• [03:15] Understanding CEI and Its AI Pivot
• [06:58] Building a Marketing Team for AI
• [10:18] Target Market and Brand Awareness Strategies
• [11:17] Leveraging Existing Client Relationships
• [16:01] Navigating the Challenges of AI Integration
• [20:44] Maintaining Uniqueness in an AI-Driven Market
• [23:02] Lessons from Past Campaigns and Marketing Tools
• [26:50] The Future of Marketing with AI
• [31:05] Advice for Future Marketers
Episode Resources:
• Ken Kundis on LinkedIn
• CEI Website
• Pictory AI Video Platform
• Jony Mansilla on LinkedIn
• Jony Studios Website
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