302: Leslie Smith on Marketing With Meaning Without Being Performative in 2026

In episode 302 of Gratitude Geek, I sit down with marketing and public relations veteran Leslie Smith to talk about what cause marketing actually looks like when it’s done with intention instead of performative fluff.

We dig into marketing with meaning in 2026, explore why alignment and authenticity matter more than ever, and share practical ways Gen X women solopreneurs can use storytelling, collaboration, and community impact to grow their businesses without selling their souls.

If this conversation gets you thinking differently about how you show up in your marketing, you’ll feel right at home inside the Gratitude Geek Lab. It’s where I work with Gen X women solopreneurs who want to grow their businesses with clarity, connection, and strategies that actually fit their lives.

I’ve lived on the receiving end of performative cause marketing, especially around breast cancer, and I know how hollow it can feel when there’s no real action behind it.

Talking with Leslie reinforced what I’ve learned the hard way. Awareness alone isn’t enough.

Alignment matters, and marketing rooted in real stories and genuine intent can do good for both the community and your business.

What is Cause Marketing?

In this episode, I dig into cause marketing with marketing and public relations veteran Leslie Smith and break down what it actually means to practice marketing with meaning in 2026.

We talk about why performative campaigns fall flat, how misalignment can quietly damage trust, and what small businesses and solopreneurs can do instead.

This conversation is especially for Gen X women solopreneurs who want their marketing to reflect their values while still supporting real business growth.

The big takeaway is simple but powerful: when cause marketing is grounded in alignment, storytelling, and genuine intent, it can create impact for your community and momentum for your business.

Key Takeaways

• Cause marketing works best when it aligns with your values, your audience, and your business mission
• Awareness alone is not enough. Real impact requires a clear call to action
• Storytelling makes cause marketing memorable and builds trust
• Collaborative and community-based efforts amplify results without burning you out
• Solopreneurs can implement cause marketing in practical, realistic ways
• Press releases and blogging still matter for visibility and credibility
• Gratitude-driven relationships can open unexpected business opportunities

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Introduction and why cause marketing matters
03:22 What cause marketing really is
04:43 Authenticity vs performative cause marketing
09:21 Choosing causes that align with your audience and values
10:52 Why storytelling makes cause marketing work
13:25 Community impact and collaborative campaigns
15:54 Built-in fundraising and awareness opportunities
19:35 How solopreneurs can implement cause marketing
24:54 Using press releases and blogging to amplify impact
35:01 Closing gratitude and final thoughts

Meet Leslie Smith

Leslie Smith is a marketing and public relations veteran with more than 30 years of experience helping small businesses, nonprofits, and associations build visibility through authentic, community-centered strategies.

As the founder of McCormick LA Public Relations, she specializes in cause marketing, storytelling, press relations, and helping organizations align their values with meaningful action instead of performative campaigns.

“Awareness is important, but it’s not enough. There has to be relevance, alignment, and a clear call to action or it just becomes shallow marketing.”

Leslie Smith

Connect with Leslie

• Website: McCormickLA.com
• LinkedIn: @LeslieAMSmith
• Free Webinar: Escape Marketing Mania

Mentioned

Cleaning for a Reason
A nonprofit that provides free home cleaning services to individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

AH!Ha Broadway
A nonprofit that brings arts education to children, veterans, and disabled individuals through in-person and virtual programming.

Podcasthon
A global podcasting initiative held each February where podcasters spotlight charitable organizations.

Long Beach Gives
A community-wide day of giving that brings together hundreds of nonprofits and donors to support local causes.

Books

• Stories That Stick by Kendra Hall
• Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Disclaimer: Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase. No added cost to you.

Your Turn

What resonated with you in this conversation? Share your biggest takeaway on Instagram or LinkedIn. Prefer to keep it on the blog? Drop a comment below.

Why This Conversation Matters

Our conversation reinforces that cause marketing isn’t about being louder or more visible, it’s about being more aligned.

This aligns deeply with my work with Gen X women solopreneurs who want their businesses to reflect who they are and what they care about, without resorting to performative marketing.

When marketing is rooted in real stories, clear intent, and genuine gratitude, growth becomes a byproduct instead of the only goal.

This episode of Gratitude Geek Podcast is made possible by listeners like you. Your support helps keep Gratitude Geek going strong and makes conversations like this possible.

If you’re ready to stop chasing marketing tactics that don’t align and start building relationships that actually move your business forward, come join us inside the Gratitude Geek Lab.

The Lab is where we turn conversations like this into practical action, thoughtful experimentation, and sustainable growth, without hustle culture or performative nonsense.

Stay Groovy!