2180 - Insights on Modern Advertising Tactics with Unicorn Innovations' Maxwell Finn
Navigating the Complex Landscape of Modern Advertising: Insights from Maxwell Finn
In this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge sits down with Maxwell Finn, President of Unicorn Innovations. Maxwell shares expert insights into the fast-changing world of digital advertising, the psychological foundations of effective marketing, and how his company partners with brands for long-term, scalable growth. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or an emerging entrepreneur, this episode is packed with timeless strategies and modern tactics for cutting through the noise in a crowded digital landscape.
Rethinking Paid Advertising: Psychology First, Platforms Second
Maxwell’s central message is clear: success in advertising begins with an understanding of human behavior, not flashy trends or platform tricks. He challenges the obsession many marketers have with tools like Facebook Ads or TikTok hacks, emphasizing instead the importance of marketing psychology, behavioral economics, and storytelling.
He reflects on historical campaigns such as the “Torches of Freedom” movement—an early example of influencer marketing and narrative-driven advertising created by Edward Bernays. These time-tested strategies continue to influence how successful brands earn trust and drive conversions today.
Maxwell encourages business owners to dive into foundational literature from authors like Rory Sutherland (Alchemy), Daniel Kahneman (Thinking, Fast and Slow), and Richard Thaler (Nudge). These books unpack the mental shortcuts and irrational tendencies that influence how customers behave—and ultimately, buy.
About Maxwell Finn
Maxwell Finn is a growth-focused entrepreneur and the President of Unicorn Innovations. He has over a decade of experience scaling digital advertising campaigns for brands across e-commerce, SaaS, and personal branding. With more than $150 million in trackable ad spend, Maxwell brings unparalleled expertise to his clients through strategic advisory, education, and hands-on ad management.
About Unicorn Innovations
Unicorn Innovations is a boutique digital marketing agency that works with high-growth businesses through a unique hybrid model. The agency selectively partners with clients, often taking equity in addition to providing marketing services. Unicorn's specialty lies in high-impact paid ad campaigns combined with strategic oversight to drive long-term value and profitability.
Links Mentioned in this Episode
Books recommended by Max: Alchemy (Rory Sutherland), Thinking, Fast and Slow (Daniel Kahneman), Nudge (Thaler & Sunstein), Predictably Irrational (Dan Ariely)
Key Episode Highlights
Why psychological triggers and behavioral science should guide your ad strategy
The dangers of chasing ad trends without foundational knowledge
How Unicorn Innovations partners with brands using equity and advisory models
Why creative content and unique “angles” still outperform ad tech alone
The future of paid advertising and why brand identity is more important than ever
Conclusion
This episode with Maxwell Finn is a masterclass in modern advertising. His deep understanding of marketing psychology, paired with real-world experience scaling ad campaigns, offers entrepreneurs a clear roadmap for building smarter, more resilient strategies. If you’re ready to stop guessing and start building ads that convert, this conversation is a must-listen.
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