Leading Through Complexity. Delivering What’s Next.

John Gardner is a future-focused CEO and AI-first marketing strategist who helps challenger brands turn disruption into advantage through intelligence, creativity, and measurable growth.

About John

Transformational Leader.
Strategic Futurist.
Brand Builder.

John Gardner is a visionary executive and board member known for transforming marketing organizations and building future-ready brands. As the creator of the 4Is™ framework—Intelligence, Individualization, Integration, and Inspiration—John has helped companies across healthcare, financial services, travel, and CPG harness data, creativity, and AI to unlock growth.

He currently serves as CEO of Luckie & Company, a marketing solutions firm he led through a complete transformation—growing revenue, launching international operations, and earning recognition in the MM&M Top 100 Healthcare Agencies.

John is especially passionate about helping challenger brands rise above category norms to achieve market leadership. From turning regional players into national leaders to redefining go-to-market strategies for established companies in transition, he has a proven ability to lead ambitious brands through disruption with clarity and impact.

John’s entrepreneurial career began with the founding of Integrative Logic, one of the first analytics-led marketing firms in the Southeast. He scaled the company from 4 to 160+ employees, grew revenue to $15M, and led its acquisition by Luckie. Integrative Logic was a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree and named one of Atlanta’s Best Places to Work.

John’s work has earned industry honors from Cannes Lions, Clio, One Show, Webby, Addy, and Radio Mercury Awards. As a mentor, board member, and frequent keynote speaker, he’s passionate about preparing the next generation of marketers for the AI era.

Highlights

 

Featured Video

2024 Leadership Lab

Launch of the 4I’s at the Delta Experience in October 2024.

The Blog

The Challenger Playbook

Newsletter

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