Analytics Driven Hustle with Ira Gleser
On this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon is joined by marketing veteran Ira Gleser, whose career includes leadership roles at Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and AT&T. Ira Gleser shares insights on the dual nature of marketing, combining creativity and analytics, and the importance of hands-on experience for building successful brands. The conversation delves into the power of customer relationships, why real value is created beyond mere transactions, and how hustling is really about striving for excellence, not burnout. Ira Gleser also discusses his bestselling book Stewardship for Business and leaves listeners with the motivational message: The enemy of better is good. If you’re looking to understand the heart behind great marketing and deeper business relationships, this episode delivers.
Get To Know Ira Gleser
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Ira L. Gleser is a seasoned B2B business development and marketing communications leader with more than 25 years of experience across technology, consumer goods, foodservice and food retail, public relations, and live events. He is recognized for aligning customer objectives with strategic insights that drive growth, increase efficiency, and build long-term brand value.
As the founder of Amplify Marketing Communications, Ira partners with organizations to improve engagement through high-impact B2B strategies, compelling messaging, and industry thought leadership. Previously, he served as an Industry Advisor at Microsoft, where he helped retailers and CPG companies navigate digital transformation. His work included co-developing a Connected Kitchen IoT go-to-market strategy with AT&T, launching Microsoft’s first Restaurant CIO Council, and collaborating with enterprise customers on the adoption of AI-powered services.
Earlier in his career, Ira spent 16 years at The Coca-Cola Company in senior marketing and enterprise account management roles. As Vice President of Industry Communications, he led the development and execution of national B2B programs and campaigns that strengthened customer engagement and elevated the company’s industry presence.
Widely respected as a trusted advisor, Ira is known for building strong, collaborative relationships with customers, partners, and stakeholders. He is based in Atlanta and holds a BBA in Economics from the University of Georgia and an MBA in Marketing from The George Washington University. He is also the author of the #1 Amazon bestseller Stewardship for Business, a practical playbook for creating deeper, more successful customer relationships.
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Amplify Marketing Communications
Buy Ira's Book >>> Stewardship for Business: A Playbook to Drive More Value Into Your Customer Relationships
3 Episode Key Takeaways
1. Harness Your Unique Hustle: Ira Gleser underscores that true success in marketing (and any career) comes from knowing your strengths and channeling your drive accordingly. Instead of forcing himself into the creative mold, he thrived by leaning into analytics, reminding listeners that identifying and hustling in your authentic lane is key to achieving your own version of success.
2. Build Relationships, Not Just Transactions: Drawing from decades at brands like Coca-Cola and Microsoft, Ira Gleser shares that deep, lasting business relationships drive results far beyond the surface-level sale. By genuinely understanding customers, showing up in their world, and creating value, you move from commodity selling to becoming a trusted partner, proving that in business, relationships are the ultimate currency.
3. Never Settle for “Good Enough”: Ira Gleser leaves listeners with a powerful motivator: “The enemy of better is good.” In fiercely competitive industries, continually striving for improvement, whether in service, execution, or personal growth, is what separates lasting success from mediocrity. Going that extra inch, even when it’s hard, is a defining trait of effective hustlers everywhere.
Ira Gleser's Inspirational Quote:
“The enemy of better is good.”
Show Overview
00:00 Marketing: Art and Science
05:29 Redefining Hustle Culture
09:25 Value of Experience Over Tenure
11:08 Surprise and Delight Guests
14:12 People Are the Brand
18:21 Building Value Through Relationships
22:16 Small Actions, Big Impact
24:07 Trust, Relationships, and Business Growth