Future-Proofing Content: Smart Updates and Creative Resilience with Zoe Hawkins
Zoe Hawkins, Director of Content Marketing and Thought Leadership at Sumo Logic, is what I like to call the Queen of Content, and for good reason. With over a decade of experience that spans gaming journalism, B2B tech marketing, and a deep love for sci-fi and video games, Zoe brings a refreshingly creative perspective to everything she touches. She’s lived on three continents, lifts heavy things for fun, and still finds time to be a gamer mom and a content powerhouse. Our conversation explored creativity, burnout, AI, and what it really takes to keep content future-focused without losing its soul.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
Why content optimization means more than updating for SEO, and how voice, tone, and human relevance matter just as much
How to breathe new life into old blogs and avoid letting valuable content decay on your site
What creative resilience really looks like in fast-paced marketing environments
Why making space for quiet moments can supercharge your creativity
How Zoe’s background in gaming and journalism helps her translate complex technical topics into accessible content
The difference between content that’s actually useful versus content that’s just trying to ride the AI wave
Practical ways to nurture your creative health on a daily basis
Why journaling, long walks, and good pens might be your best productivity hacks
“Sometimes it’s not about the output, it’s just the act of doing it that releases whatever that creative health output might be.”
— Zoe Hawkins
This quote really hit home. So many of us spend our days chasing outcomes, deliverables, or numbers, forgetting that the creative process itself is where the real magic often happens. Zoe reminded me that writing something just because it feels good or walking in the woods just because it clears your head can be the spark that brings your best ideas to life. If we treat creativity like a resource, then investing time into it should be non-negotiable.
In this episode…
This episode with Zoe Hawkins was one of those conversations that made me feel like I could talk for three more hours without missing a beat. We explored what content looks like today, what makes it meaningful, and how to maintain your creative edge when the grind of work threatens to dull it. From optimizing legacy content to maintaining joy in what you create, Zoe brought a mix of strategy and soul that really resonated. If you care about content, creativity, or just not burning out in your work, this one is for you.
Until next time,
Carl Cleanthes
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