About a year ago, I was working at a master class-style event where thought leaders from various industries gathered to talk about innovation and the future of business. During one of the sessions, the host—an otherwise brilliant speaker—declared that marketing was essentially “dying.” They went on to say that roles like “Marketing Manager” were soon to be obsolete because artificial intelligence (AI) would take over entirely.
I sat there, stunned. Not because I am in Marketing, but because I felt like the ONLY person there aware that AI lacks human emotion.
Yes, AI is evolving at breakneck speed. Tools like ChatGPT, automated ad platforms, machine learning analytics, and even creative generators are revolutionizing efficiency. But let’s be clear—marketing is not dying. It’s evolving. And most importantly, it’s evolving with humans still at the helm.
AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement
AI can write headlines, schedule social posts, and analyze data faster than any human. But it lacks the heart. It lacks intuition. It doesn’t know what it’s like to cry at a wedding, feel heartbreak, or experience the joy of a surprise reunion. Marketing is fundamentally about human connection. It's about telling stories that resonate and evoke emotion. AI can support this—but it can’t feel it.
As a marketing professional with decades of experience, I’ve watched tools come and go. The fax machine, cold calling, and yes—even email at one point—were all predicted to die. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. They evolved. Just like us.
Emotion Is the Core of Every Great Campaign
The most impactful marketing campaigns—those that win awards and, more importantly, win hearts—are born from empathy, intuition, and insight. AI can crunch data, but it doesn’t know what matters to a mother buying her child’s first bicycle. It doesn’t understand why a grieving widow keeps a voicemail to hear her husband’s voice. It can’t grasp the small, yet powerful moments that shape our buying decisions.
That’s where humans come in. A good marketer understands how to use storytelling to create relevance. We’re not just selling products—we’re selling meaning, memories, dreams, and solutions.
The Future of Marketing Is Human + AI
We shouldn’t fear AI. We should embrace it. It gives us superpowers—automating repetitive tasks, offering faster insights, and expanding our reach. But we must never forget that connection is king. Creativity, empathy, ethics, and emotional intelligence are irreplaceable.
So no, marketing is not dying. It’s shifting gears. And instead of being replaced, marketing managers who adapt will become more essential than ever. The future belongs to those who can use AI as a tool—but still lead with heart.
Let’s stop framing technology as the enemy and start seeing it as an amplifier of our human gifts. Because at the end of the day, people don’t connect with machines. They connect with people.