The Transformative Power of Generative AI in Business with Zack Zeller
- Chris McNulty
- May 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 10
Leveraging AI for Business Growth
In the latest episode of Polaris, I sat down with Zack Zeller to discuss the transformative power of generative AI in business. From boosting productivity to revolutionizing sales and customer engagement, AI is quickly becoming a cornerstone of modern business strategy.
Why Zack Zeller is a Go-To Expert
Zack is someone you’d want in your corner if you’re trying to stand out in your industry. He helps leaders find their voice and connect with buyers by crafting books that showcase their ideas and expertise.

Insights into AI's Applications
During our conversation, Zack shared his insights on how companies can leverage AI not just for efficiency but also to create compelling content that drives revenue growth. We delved into the concept of the “revenue flywheel.” This concept explores how thoughtful leadership, paired with engaging content, can accelerate sales cycles and deepen customer relationships.
AI Adoption Across B2B and B2C
Whether you’re in B2B or B2C, lessons from this episode can spark ideas on how you can elevate your strategy with AI. The advanced capabilities of AI allow businesses to foster stronger connections with their customers. By implementing AI into their systems, companies can streamline their processes and ultimately enhance their bottom line.
Exploring the Revenue Flywheel
The revenue flywheel emphasizes that businesses should focus on the cyclical nature of customer engagement. Each interaction is an opportunity to build trust and credibility. By producing quality content, businesses can attract new clients while nurturing existing ones.
Embracing AI Innovations
AI technology is evolving rapidly. Businesses must remain agile and adaptable. This means staying current with AI trends and understanding how they influence customer behavior. The integration of AI is no longer just a luxury; it has become a necessity for businesses aiming to thrive.
Building Authentic Relationships
Zack highlighted that authenticity is paramount in creating AI-driven content. In a world flooded with generic information, unique voices stand out. Businesses should aim for authenticity to enhance engagement. This helps in relating to their target audience on a deeper level.
Effectively Utilizing AI Tools
To maximize the benefits of AI, businesses should focus on the tools that facilitate better engagement. AI-powered platforms can analyze customer data, offering insights on preferences and behaviors. This data enables businesses to tailor their content strategies effectively.
Conclusion
Polaris is available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, YouTube, or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Don't miss this engaging discussion!
References
About Zack Zeller:
Zack Zeller on LinkedIn
Research
AI in Sales: According to a recent report by Gartner, 75% of B2B sales organizations will augment traditional sales playbooks with AI-based guidance by the end of the year. Gartner Predicts 75% of B2B Sales Organizations Will Augment Traditional Sales Playbooks with AI-Guided Selling Solutions By 2025
Microsoft is also addressing this trend. In March, they announced two new agents. The Sales Agent works autonomously to expand the pipeline, engage customers, and even complete a sale. Meanwhile, Sales Chat can help guide revenue teams to the next best action. Furthermore, they've introduced a new AI accelerator to drive CRM system migration and help with adoption. New sales agents accessible in Microsoft 365 Copilot help teams close more deals, faster | Microsoft 365 Blog
Content Marketing: A study by Forbes indicates that 70% of marketers are actively investing in content marketing, focusing on creating high-quality, engaging content to attract and retain customers. Top Content Marketing Statistics – Forbes Advisor
Other Resources
Poe - AI Chat
Primal (Adult Swim) from Genndy Tartakovsky
Andy Warhol's Soup Cans from the Museum of Modern Art, New York
The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement Book Summary by Eliyahu M. Goldratt
Upcoming Events
European Collaboration Summit | May 26-28, 2025 (Düsseldorf, Germany)
Mastering Your AI Rollout: Success Strategies | June 12, 2025 (TribalHub Online)
Business Strategy Master Class | June 17, 2025 (Teams Online)
TechCon 365 Seattle | June 23-27, 2025 (Seattle Convention Center)
Production
Polaris is produced with the help of our friends at Riverside.fm. Our theme song, "Alternative Dream" is provided courtesy of Adobe. Additional music and sound provided by IndieGuy Records. Graphic design by Josh Brantley.
📌 Key Takeaways
AI as a Catalyst: AI is not just a tool—it’s a catalyst for deeper customer connections and more efficient marketing systems.
The Revenue Flywheel: Thought leadership and personalized content can accelerate the sales cycle and deepen engagement.
Authenticity Wins: In a sea of generic AI content, uniqueness and personality are key to standing out.
AI as Actor, Not Expert: Zack likens AI to an actor—it performs best when given strong direction and context.
Voice-Driven Campaigns: With the right prompts, a voice note can be transformed into a full marketing campaign.
Books as Brand Builders: Long-form content like books helps establish credibility and deepen trust.
Misconceptions About AI: Many overestimate AI’s capabilities; success depends on specificity, iteration, and context.
Marketing Systems Over Funnels: Zack emphasizes building holistic systems over isolated conversion tactics.
🧠 Soundbites from Zack
“Generative AI isn’t just a tool—it’s a catalyst for deeper customer connections.”
“The revenue flywheel powered by AI is revolutionizing how businesses think about growth.”
“Every piece of thought leadership today can be amplified with AI, driving real results.”
“AI bridges the gap between efficiency and engagement, unlocking new possibilities for sales.”
“If you don’t have uniqueness, you’re just warming up your audience to buy from your competition.”
“Procrastinate on the right stuff—focus on one thing that pierces the market.”
Chapters
00:02 – Introduction: Generative AI and the Revenue Flywheel
03:04 – Meet Zack Zeller: From College Hustle to AI Marketing Expert
05:00 – Post-Pandemic Economics and the Rise of Precision Marketing
07:22 – AI’s Role in Reach, Engagement, and Conversion
09:41 – Breaking the Pattern: Authenticity in AI Content
12:11 – Conversion and the Emotional Side of Sales
14:07 – Tools and Tactics: Using AI to Support Sales Agents
17:19 – Visual AI: Spotting the Real from the Rendered
19:26 – Case Study: AI-Assisted Book Creation with Richard Vanderbloom
21:00 – Why Thought Leaders Should Write Books
24:28 – Zack’s 3-Step Framework: Facts, Thesis, Mechanism
26:05 – Finding Your Voice and Market Entry Point
27:43 – AI Misconceptions and the Importance of Context
29:43 – Voice Notes to Campaigns: Zack’s Prompting Strategy
32:02 – Future of AI in Marketing: Systems Thinking
36:23 – Pop Culture Pick: “Primal” and the Power of Wordless Storytelling
38:36 – Connect with Zack: LinkedIn and FixYourList.com
Comments