
In this episode of the AI & Data Driven Leadership Podcast, host Dean Guida speaks with Robert Douglass, Entrepreneur in Residence at Open Strategy Partners, about how open source marketing and AI are transforming the digital marketing landscape. Robert shares his insights on leveraging open source tools, fostering community-driven marketing strategies, and adapting to AI’s growing role in the industry. This conversation offers actionable advice for B2B marketers looking to embrace transparency, innovation, and data-driven decision-making in a competitive market.
Robert explains that open source marketing is not just about using free software—it's a philosophy of collaboration, transparency, and shared value. Businesses that embrace this approach avoid vendor lock-in, maintain control over their data, and can scale more effectively without relying on proprietary software. Tools like Matomo for analytics, WordPress for CMS, and Mautic for marketing automation provide alternatives to traditional paid solutions, making advanced marketing strategies more accessible to smaller businesses and startups.
As AI continues to shape the marketing landscape, Robert discusses the importance of integrating AI into workflows for improved efficiency. AI tools like Copy.ai and Jasper help automate content creation, significantly reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks. However, Robert stresses that AI should be seen as a partner that amplifies human creativity, not a replacement. Marketers still need to provide strategic input to ensure the content produced aligns with their brand and goals.
The role of AI goes beyond content creation. Robert introduces the concept of AI-enhanced SEO through tools like Google’s AI-powered search algorithms and GPT-3, which can assist in keyword research, on-page optimization, and content analysis. By using AI for SEO, marketers can automate time-consuming tasks and focus on strategy and innovation. However, Robert emphasizes that human oversight is critical to ensure that AI outputs are accurate, relevant, and aligned with business objectives.
Robert Douglass is the Entrepreneur in Residence at Open Strategy Partners, where he helps businesses integrate open source marketing strategies with AI-driven tools. He has deep expertise in B2B digital marketing and community engagement, focusing on transparent, collaborative, and performance-driven marketing approaches.
Open Strategy Partners specializes in helping businesses optimize their marketing strategies by leveraging open source tools and AI. Their work empowers companies to scale without relying on proprietary software, providing innovative, data-driven solutions for sustainable growth.
Robert Douglass’ insights into open source marketing and AI-driven strategies offer valuable lessons for businesses looking to innovate and stay ahead in a rapidly changing digital landscape. By embracing transparency, collaboration, and technology, companies can optimize their marketing efforts and drive meaningful results.
Why open source marketing is a strategic advantage for B2B businesses
How AI can enhance content creation, data analysis, and marketing workflows
The importance of combining AI tools with human expertise in marketing
Leveraging open source tools like Matomo and WordPress for cost-effective solutions
How community-driven marketing can help businesses build credibility and trust
Explore more insights, tools, and strategies for next-generation marketing at Slingshotapp.io.
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Tech entrepreneur and CEO Dean Guida knows there’s a limit to what you can build with grit alone.
At sixteen, Dean bought the first IBM PC and fell in love with writing software. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in operation research from the University of Miami. After graduating, he was a freelance developer and wrote many systems for IBM and on Wall Street. At twenty-three, he started Infragistics to build UX/UI tools for professional software developers.
Seemingly overnight, Dean had to go from early internet coder to business operator—a feat that forced him to learn some of business’s biggest lessons on the job. He immediately began navigating the nuances of scaling a company, hiring and growing teams, and becoming a leader, a manager, and a mentor.
Fast-forward thirty-five years, and Dean’s tech company now has operations in six countries. More than two million developers use Infragistics software, and its client roster boasts 100 percent of the S&P 500, including Fidelity, Morgan Stanley, Exxon, Intuit, and Bank of America.

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