What does marketing strategy look like in 2026 for established organizations?
In this episode of Biz Talks, Ivette Carolina Agudelo-Lopez, CEO of 3 Lopez Media, sits down with Melody Estrada, Founder of Me & Co and former Director of Marketing at LBAN, to explore how marketing leadership has evolved — and what CEOs, CMOs, and executive teams must prioritize moving forward.
This is not a tactical discussion about trends or platforms. It is a strategic conversation about how organizations can build marketing systems that support growth, efficiency, and long-term brand trust.
The Organizational Marketing Stack for 2026
Strategy as the Foundation
For established companies, marketing in 2026 cannot operate as a collection of disconnected tactics. It must function as a strategic marketing stack — one that aligns leadership vision, channels, content, technology, and measurement.
A modern organizational marketing stack includes:
- Clear business objectives tied to revenue and growth
- Defined positioning and brand narrative
- Channel strategy aligned with target audiences
- Technology and automation systems that support efficiency
- Leadership oversight and alignment
Instead of asking, “What platform should we invest in?”
Executive teams should be asking, “How does marketing support our business objectives and long-term growth?”
Without strategic clarity, activity becomes noise — and investment becomes waste.
AI in Marketing: Automation & the Human Advantage
AI and marketing automation are reshaping how organizations operate. In 2026, the question is no longer whether companies should use AI, but how they should use it strategically.
When implemented intentionally, AI can:
- Expedite internal marketing processes
- Accelerate testing and optimization
- Improve decision-making through data
- Increase budget efficiency
- Support scalability across teams
However, as discussed in this episode, AI cannot replace strategic thinking, brand governance, or human insight.
The real competitive advantage lies in understanding where automation creates operational leverage — and where human leadership must remain central.
AI amplifies clarity. It also exposes the lack of it.
For CMOs and CEOs, AI adoption is not just a tool decision; it is a leadership decision.
Content Is Not the Product — Trust Is
Building Brand Equity in 2026
In a saturated digital landscape, visibility alone is no longer a differentiator.
Organizations posting frequently without strategic direction may gain attention — but not necessarily credibility.
Marketing strategy in 2026 requires a shift from:
- Output → to impact
- Volume → to value
- Metrics → to meaning
- Performance → to trust
Content should be viewed as a long-term brand asset — one that builds credibility with clients, partners, and talent over time.
Trust compounds. Visibility fades.
Established companies must move beyond content calendars and focus on storytelling that strengthens brand positioning and long-term equity.
This Biz Talk episode offers a strategic lens for organizations ready to mature their marketing approach in 2026 and beyond.
To dive deeper into this conversation on marketing strategy, AI, and brand trust in 2026, watch the complete episode of Biz Talk here:
▶ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktXjQ5qppiE
About Melody Estrada
Melody Estrada is the Founder of Me & Co, a marketing agency supporting entrepreneurs and organizations through strategy, digital presence, and brand alignment. She previously served as Director of Marketing at the Latino Business Action Network (LBAN), where she led brand and growth initiatives.
Learn more:
🌐 Website: https://weareme.co/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodyestrada
About Ivette Carolina Agudelo-Lopez
Ivette Carolina Agudelo-Lopez is the Co-Founder and CEO of 3 Lopez Media, a strategic storytelling and marketing agency serving established organizations across the United States. An Emmy® award-winning producer and brand strategist, Ivette specializes in helping B2B companies, nonprofits, and professional service firms align strategy, content, and technology to drive long-term growth and brand trust.
Through 3 Lopez Media, she works closely with CEOs and leadership teams to build marketing systems rooted in clarity, positioning, and measurable impact.
Learn more about 3 Lopez Media:
🌐 https://3lopez.com
