AI Ethics in Marketing: Why Strategy and Responsibility Must Go Hand in Hand written by John Jantsch read more at Duct Tape Marketing
Episode Summary
In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, host John Jantsch welcomes Paul Chaney, a veteran digital marketer and publisher of the AI Marketing Ethics Digest. As artificial intelligence becomes central to marketing, Paul makes the case for why ethics and strategy must lead the conversation—not just the latest tools.
The discussion explores how unchecked AI use can damage brand trust, create internal chaos, and result in missed opportunities. From AI techno-stress to the need for governance and transparency, this episode offers a timely blueprint for adopting AI responsibly in modern marketing.
About Paul Chaney
Paul Chaney is a B2B writer, content strategist, and the founder of the AI Marketing Ethics Digest on Substack. With a long-standing career in digital marketing, Paul brings a sharp perspective on how businesses can balance the excitement of new AI tools with responsible, customer-focused ethics. His consulting and writing work is rooted in helping brands build trust and clarity in the age of automation.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why ethical frameworks are critical in AI-powered marketing
- The risks of “shadow AI” and how to govern internal use
- How AI techno-stress is affecting employees and teams
- Why strategy should always come before adopting new tech
- How a “boxed” AI system could reduce chaos and stress in organizations
Key Moments from the Episode
- 00:40 – Why Paul launched the AI Marketing Ethics Digest
- 02:56 – Responsible AI from the customer’s perspective, not just compliance
- 04:06 – Transparency, bias, and brand reputation in AI output
- 05:33 – Strategy before technology: avoiding “bad work faster”
- 06:59 – What “shadow AI” is and how it can harm organizations
- 08:30 – The need for usage policies and monitoring internal AI use
- 10:54 – The Generative AI Business Adoption Hierarchy explained
- 12:51 – Embedding AI into business culture with governance and clarity
- 15:56 – What is AI techno-stress and how is it impacting workforces?
- 18:24 – Lack of training is a hidden ethical risk for employee well-being
- 19:55 – A real-world agency navigating generational divides in AI adoption
- 21:06 – Why many business owners may give up on AI—and what that means for consultants
- 22:15 – Where to follow Paul and subscribe to his work
Explore Responsible AI in Marketing
Interested in learning how to use AI ethically and strategically in your marketing practice? Start by subscribing to Paul’s newsletter and check out his content strategy services.
Tags:
AI in marketing, marketing ethics, digital strategy, Paul Chaney, marketing podcast, AI governance, AI adoption, shadow AI, Duct Tape Marketing