David Stewart is the VP of Innovation at Karsh\Hagan, a Denver-based agency blending marketing, design, technology, and media to build bold brands through creative, digital, and strategic solutions. He drives digital strategy across platforms, focusing on user experience, content, CRM, analytics, and functional design. With a background rooted in early web development and interactive marketing, he bridges technical architecture and creative thinking to deliver personalized digital experiences. David has worked with recognized brands, including McDonald’s and Factory Design Labs.
About the Episode
The pace of digital change has never been faster. New technologies are transforming how agencies create, measure, and deliver marketing experiences. But how can brands embrace innovation and AI without losing their creative edge? Tyler Lane hosts David Stewart as they explore how experimentation and strategic discipline can drive AI adoption and keep creativity alive.
Key Moments
Early Digital Beginnings
- How David got into the digital world in 1995 and began building early websites [1:59].
Innovation in Action
- How his role as VP of Innovation drives trend watching and platform experimentation [5:11].
- Why agencies must coach clients through change and balance risk with client comfort [7:54].
AI and Emerging Tools
- Where Karsh\Hagan is using AI for custom GPTs, creative ideation, and internal efficiency [14:04].
- How diverse opinions and creative tension spark better ideas and innovation [22:11].
Staying Motivated
- Why David stays motivated by tackling new challenges and solving complex problems [32:15].
Top Insights
- Embrace calculated risk-taking – Taking bold yet thoughtful risks leads to the greatest learning and professional growth opportunities.
- Encourage diverse viewpoints in projects – Differing opinions spark creative tension that drives breakthrough ideas and innovative solutions.
- Build custom AI tools for efficiency – Creating tailored GPTs and automation agents streamlines workflows and boosts agency-wide productivity.
- Evaluate emerging platforms with clear business cases – Analyzing costs and potential returns ensures resources are invested where they create measurable impact.
- Practice transparency with clients and partners – Honest communication builds trust, strengthens relationships, and lays the foundation for long-term collaboration.
Notable Quotes
- “Yeah, I got into the digital world about ’95 when the internet first started.”
- “Change is difficult, and change is difficult. Big risk is always risky.”
- “It’s usually when you know we’re talking about risk. It’s when you take the biggest risk because when you learn the most, when you grow the most.”
- “You want somebody in the room that fears it. Sometimes that can be the most creative person, too, you know, like a traditional creative person can come up with some of the best ideas.”
- “Like when someone says, ‘Oh, I don’t think David can figure that out.’ I’m like, all right, I’m getting up tomorrow and I’m going to figure that out.”
Resources
Industry Experts
Companies and Organizations
Tools and Platforms
AI-Powered Marketing That Drives Results
Digital transformation and AI adoption are no longer optional—they’re the edge that separates market leaders from laggards. At Session Interactive, we help brands cut through the noise with smarter, data-driven marketing and creative strategies.
Ready to harness AI to drive growth and stay ahead of the curve? Contact Session Interactive to build the innovative campaigns your business needs to convert and scale.
