The Importance of Emotional Connection in Marketing
Emotional connection isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the core of effective marketing.
In our 50th Producer Series episode of The Bliss Business Podcast, we dive deep into how brands can stop chasing clicks and start building real relationships.
Hosted by Stephen Sakach, Tullio Siragusa, and Mike Liwski
In this episode, we unpack:
+ Why purpose and emotional resonance outperform transactional tactics
+ How tools like aiCMO are helping marketers craft campaigns that feel more human
+ The truth behind data-driven strategies—and what they miss about people
What’s a brand that made you feel something? Drop it in the comments and join the conversation.
Stephen Sakach
Founder and CEO of Zero Company and AICMO
Stephen Sakach is Founder and CEO of Zero Company | Visionary in Purpose-Driven Business Practices
Stephen Sakach is a transformative leader and the driving force behind Zero Company, where he is pioneering a new era of purpose-driven business. As the creator of the BLISS concept—“Build Love Into Scalable Systems”—Stephen is redefining how businesses grow, fostering empathy, connection, and sustainable impact at scale.
Under Stephen's visionary leadership, Zero Company has evolved from a traditional command-and-control structure into a thriving self-managed organization. This decentralized model has empowered teams, enhanced engagement, and fostered a culture rooted in transparency, collaboration, and shared purpose.
Stephen is also at the forefront of innovation in the AI space with the development of AI CMO, an empathy-driven, purpose-led marketing platform. Designed to make businesses more human-centric, AI CMO helps organizations build authentic connections with their audiences while aligning their strategies with core values.
Guided by the ethos of BLISS, Stephen has dedicated his career to embedding empathy and human-centered principles into every layer of business—transforming brands, systems, and cultures to prioritize care, understanding, and genuine connection from the inside out.
Tullio Siragusa
Empathy-Driven Leader | Fractional COO | Podcast Host | Purpose & EQ Coach
Tullio Siragusa is a seasoned business strategist, author, and speaker, renowned for integrating disruptive technologies with emotional intelligence (EQ) to drive transformative growth.
As the founder of Inventrica Advisory, and the EmpathIQ Framework™ he provides strategic guidance, serving as an Operating Partner, Strategic Advisor, and leadership coach.
An accomplished author, Tullio has written extensively on leadership, innovation, and self-management. His books challenge conventional thinking and provide actionable insights for individuals and organizations striving for sustainable success. His published works are available on Amazon, where he explores themes of emotional intelligence, business transformation, human-centric leadership, and purpose-driven success.
Tullio shares his insights through various platforms, including The Bliss Business Podcast, where he explores empathy in leadership and the future of work. His multimedia content on leadership, innovation, and personal growth is featured on his YouTube Channel.
His deep commitment to promoting a human-centric approach to innovation is exemplified through significant roles as an Advisory Board Member of the University of California, Riverside, Design Thinking Executive Program, the University of San Francisco, School of Management, Digital Marketing Program, and as co-founder of RadicalPurpose.org
Furthermore, his role as a Board Advisor at AI2030.org amplifies this commitment, steering AI development towards a horizon of sustainability and ethical practices. Throug… Read More
Michael Liwski
Founding Partner of aiCMO and VP, Strategic Performance of Zero Company
Michael Liwski is a trailblazer in empathetic, purpose-driven marketing and a Founding Partner of aiCMO (AI Chief Marketing Officer - aiCMO.io) as well as VP of Strategic Performance of Zero Company Performance Marketing. With a focus on authenticity, purpose and human-centered innovation, Liwski has been instrumental in developing aiCMO's vision and features, ensuring it empowers businesses to craft meaningful campaigns that resonate deeply in an increasingly automated world.
An advocate for reviving authenticity in marketing — a response to decades of lifeless metrics-driven content—Liwski believes that brands that prioritize purpose will set the standard for the future. His leadership at aiCMO and Zero Company Performance Marketing is a testament to his commitment to helping brands thrive by aligning cutting-edge AI technology with empathy, purpose and authenticity.
With two decades of marketing experience in industries such as financial services, SaaS and cybersecurity, he has driven innovation and growth, leading global teams with a clear vision and deep empathy. Liwski’s philosophy is clear: In an era flooded with content and automation, businesses that lead with empathy and purpose will inspire action and
create a lasting legacy.