David McBride
David McBrideAI-Driven Marketing Strategist
David McBride, Strategic Transformation Leader
Branded in a Divided World Podcast
Penn State DBA Research
Executive DBA Scholar · Penn State Smeal · Podcaster · Coach

Where AI strategy meets brand trust and human-centric leadership.

David McBride translates doctoral-level research into actionable marketing strategy. Whether you lead a brand, run a consultancy, or need a coach who has done the work, this is where it starts.

2027 Book release
2 Podcast series
Penn State Smeal Executive DBA
AI ROI Doctoral research focus

Three pillars. One framework.

Research, content, and coaching built around the same unifying question: how do organizations grow trust and performance in a polarized, AI-driven world?

Branded in a Divided World podcast
Pillar 01 — Podcast

Branded in a Divided World

A show about how modern brands navigate trust, identity, and strategy in a polarized marketplace. Academic research meets real-world case studies and expert interviews, hosted by David McBride.

Hear the episodes →
Doctoral research at Penn State
Pillar 02 — Research

The ROI of AI-Driven Marketing

Executive DBA research at Penn State Smeal explores how companies measure and maximize AI-powered engagement, balance personalization with trust, and sustain growth through economic volatility.

Read the focus →
Executive coaching for business leaders
Pillar 03 — Coaching

Coaching for Visionary Leaders

Elite coaching for entrepreneurs, executives, and marketing professionals ready to elevate strategy, optimize ROI, and lead through digital transformation with clarity and conviction.

Explore coaching →
Branded in a Divided World, podcast cover
Now Streaming
The Podcast

Branded in a Divided World

Exploring how modern brands can thrive in an era of societal polarization, fractured trust, and cultural complexity. Hosted by David McBride, Strategic Transformation Leader and Executive Doctoral Student at Penn State.

Each episode brings together academic research, real-world case studies, and expert interviews to unpack how companies align internal values with external brand positioning.

01
Welcome to The AI-Driven Marketer
Why This Podcast Exists — Season 1, Episode 1
02
The AI-Personalization Paradox
Finding the Balance in B2B — Season 1, Episode 2
03
How AI is Disrupting Customer Experience
Brand Strategy in the Age of Automation — Season 1, Episode 3
04
Understanding AI Ethics
Building Trust in Automation — Season 1, Episode 4
Doctoral Research

The Future of Marketing ROI in an AI-Driven Economy

Pursuing my Doctor of Business Administration at Penn State Smeal College of Business, I focus on the intersection of AI, economic resilience, and marketing ROI. My upcoming book (2027) will translate this into a practical playbook for marketing leaders navigating rapid technological change.

01
Measuring AI effectiveness. How businesses can measure and maximize AI-powered customer engagement, predictive analytics, and automation to drive long-term profitability.
02
Personalization without eroding trust. Examining how organizations enhance personalization without sacrificing trust, creativity, and genuine consumer connection.
03
Economic resilience through marketing strategy. How marketing leaders can leverage AI to navigate downturns, improve efficiency, and sustain growth through volatility.
Discuss the Research
Penn State Smeal — Executive DBA
David McBride at Penn State Smeal College of Business
David McBride
David McBride Executive DBA Candidate — Penn State Smeal
Author · 2027 Upcoming book
About David

Redefining marketing through strategy and innovation.

David McBride is an Executive DBA candidate at Penn State Smeal College of Business, bridging the gap between economic principles and marketing strategy. His career spans global digital transformation, AI-powered marketing, and operational efficiency.

His work is dedicated to shaping the future of data-driven marketing ROI. His upcoming book (2027) will explore how marketing leaders must adapt to the evolving economic landscape by balancing AI automation with human-centric strategies.

David offers elite coaching for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketing professionals looking to elevate strategy, optimize ROI, and navigate digital transformation.

The Smeal Executive DBA program bridges the gap between knowledge and practice, preparing leaders to address complex business challenges through applied research.
Guiding Principle
Transforming economic marketing by bridging AI, strategy, and human-centric innovation for the leaders and organizations willing to build what comes next.
David McBride — truststrategy@mcbridedavid.com
Executive Coaching

Coaching for visionary leaders and strategic innovators.

Elite coaching for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and marketing professionals. Whether you are optimizing ROI, navigating a digital transformation, or redefining your brand positioning, the work starts with strategy grounded in research.

Marketing Strategy & ROI Optimization
AI Integration & Digital Transformation Leadership
Brand Trust & Organizational Culture Alignment
Economic Resilience & Strategic Adaptation
Executive Positioning & Thought Leadership
Start the Conversation
Executive coaching session David McBride speaking Strategic leadership
Get in Touch

Let's build the future together.

Whether it is a coaching inquiry, research collaboration, podcast appearance, or speaking request, reach out directly.

Direct Contact

Strategy Inquiries truststrategy@mcbridedavid.com

Send a Message

Message received.

David will be in touch within two business days.