Episode 128: Kaitlin La Du—Why The Human Touch Still Outperforms The Algorithm

On Episode 128, I'm joined by Social Media and Communications Professional: Kaitlin La Du! We discuss the evolving tension between AI and human craft in creative marketing, leading a team of 30+ students on an award-winning NFL advertising campaign, her journey pitching and launching the first TikTok account for Snowmass Village, how shadowing global photographer David Yarrow reshaped her perspective on the meticulous effort required to create standout content, and her personal advice on networking for recent graduates. Hope you enjoy!Hosted by: Ryan ZiaksThe Zicast Logo Designed by: Joe FlynnThe Zicast Intro Designed by: Jose Sarango The Zicast Score Composed By: Sean Valutkevich Thumbnail Designed by: Patrick Sorbero Add The Zicast on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thezicast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQj8MsxHQlcwjno1SEDRZ?si=c5f525d4c4324a9fTik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thezicast?_t=8oqlOi6Xi0Y&_r=1#socialmediamarketing #contentcreation #storytelling #brandstrategy #aimarketing #ai #artificialintelligence #socialmediastrategy #socialmediamanager #digitalmarketing #marketingpodcast #nfl #football #advertising #digitaladvertising #tiktok #tiktokmarketing #mccann #marist #linkedin #linkedintips #networkingtips #careeradvice #postgraduates #agencylife #confidence #behindthescenes #creativedirection #impostersyndrome #communicationskills 00:00 — Welcome to Episode 128! 00:10 — About Kaitlin 03:38 — Pitching & Launching the Snowmass Village TikTok Account 06:51 — Behind the Scenes with David Yarrow & Interning at McCann NYC 12:32 — Finding a Niche at Marist & Taking Over University Socials 17:33 — Creating the Media Manager Role at Shakespeare on the Sound 22:33 — Getting People on Camera & The Art of Adapting on the Fly 25:28 — Leading 30+ Students in the NSAC Campaign for the NFL 29:42 — Stepping into Leadership & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 40:22 — What People Misunderstand About Working in Social Media 42:19 — AI Slop vs. The Value of Human Craft50:26 — Strategic Trend-Hopping & Why Brands Must Understand Their "Lore" 55:26 — Get to Know You’s 1:09:22 — Outro & Closing Thoughts