AI, Human Connection & the Gen Z Perspective with Cognitiv's Maddie Michowski

What does it mean to be a young marketer in an AI-first world? In this episode of Unfiltered Under Thirty, host Claire Middleton sits down with Maddie Michowski, Senior Content Marketing Manager at Cognitiv, to talk about the intersection of AI, creativity, career growth, and the human side of marketing. Maddie shares how Cognitiv uses AI to help marketers work faster while still putting human judgment, creativity, and connection first. They also dig into why some of the best marketing ideas come from simply getting people in a room together—and how authentic, personality-driven content can outperform polished, traditional brand messaging. The conversation also explores the Gen Z perspective on work, including misconceptions about younger employees, the value of bringing a fresh perspective to the table, and why early-career professionals shouldn't be afraid to challenge conventional thinking. In this episode, they discuss: • AI and the importance of keeping humans in the loop • Human-first content and authentic brand storytelling • How Cognitive uses AI in marketing • Gen Z's perspective on creativity and work • Why younger marketers should embrace their fresh perspective • Finding your own voice instead of copying competitors • Career advice for marketers just starting out • Why getting uncomfortable can lead to growth For more great podcasts: https://www.mediaocean.com/podcasts Subscribe to our channel:    / @teammediaocean   Instagram:   / teammediaocean   Facebook:   / team.mediaocean   Twitter:   / teammediaocean   LinkedIn:   / mediaocean   Threads: https://www.threads.net/@teammediaocean Chapters: 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 00:35 Maddie Michowski's Career Journey 02:34 Content Marketing at an AI-Native Company 03:55 The Human-First Approach to Marketing 06:03 Maintaining Critical Thinking in the Age of AI 09:08 Creative Campaigns & CEO Executive Branding 14:34 What AI Can't Replicate: Human Control & Judgment 17:12 How AI Powers Podcast Workflows 19:52 What Gen Z Wants CMOs & Leaders to Know 23:09 Debunking Misconceptions About Gen Z at Work 31:57 Lightning Round & Unfiltered Career Advice #ContentMarketing #AIinMarketing #AdTech #GenZWorkplace #CareerAdvice #Mediaocean #Cognitiv #UnfilteredUnder30