Digital Marketing & AI

Education & Consulting

Leading the Responsible Revolution

AI isn’t just a trendy technology; it represents a chance to build a more sustainable and equitable future – now. Decisions made today about AI access and governance will determine whether this technology becomes humanity’s greatest equalizer – or deepens existing divides.

 

If applied thoughtfully and ethically, we can use AI to improve society, the planet, and your business.

I hear many negative sentiments around AI:

• Environmental impact of power demands
• AI-driven unemployment concerns
• Generative AI errors 
• Mutiny fears (i.e. Terminator)
• Copyright infringement 
• Institutional racism amplification

The truth is, these concerns are valid; AI does all of these. But, because of its sheer power and influence, avoiding AI poses a bigger threat than learning it, not only for ourselves, but also for younger generations, and those with less access to information. Without understanding AI, we are unable to guide its development or steward its equitable access.

If you’re looking for a fast way to learn about AI tools and/or want to amplify your digital visibility, you’re in the right place. 

AI is transforming the digital marketing industry; to evolve, we’ll need to adapt & learn fast. 

I can help. I teach and consult in AI and digital marketing. In addition to being an educator and consultant, I prioritize efficiency: you will learn and see results fast. 

My favorite quote:

I would have written a shorter letter if I had the time.

One of the biggest challenges our society faces is the overload of information we receive. I condense the noise into actionable insights.

I will make your experience valuable and keep my information thoughtfully succinct.

  

Why Me

I’m an experienced digital marketer and educator with over 25 years of experience helping brands build their visibility online. As an educator, I taught digital marketing at the University of Iowa MBA program, Ascend Training, General Assembly, and Kellogg/Northwestern. I have been using AI in my daily work for the past two years and have consumed many hours of AI education. I recently attended the AI Summit and Cybersecurity Black Hat Conference in Vegas. I’m passionate about learning AI and using this knowledge to help others. 

Connect with me via LinkedIn.

I enjoy helping my clients succeed.

I’m Matt Cardoni. I teach and consult in AI and digital marketing to help my clients learn new technologies, improve their productivity, and amplify their online visibility.

My clients include nonprofits, businesses, and educational institutions.

My values are: kindness, integrity, collaboration, and giving back.

Career

The last 9 years, I have worked independently as the owner of my agency, Green Lightning Marketing, where I work directly with clients and teach as adjunct faculty (Kellogg/Northwestern, Tippie MBA at the University of Iowa, Ascend Training, General Assembly). Before this, I spent 18 years in corporate roles helping organizations (ex, Patagonia, Orbitz, and Experian) increase their digital visibility with SEO, Paid Search, Social Media, Conversion Rate Optimization, and Content. 

My styles

• Interactive 
• Concise
• Purposeful and 
• Fun(!)

Because these are the most effective ways to learn.

Humor is an effective tool in education for a variety of reasons:

• humor activates more areas of the brain
• strengthens memory
• increases optimism
• reduces fear and
• increases student involvement

Furthermore, humor is the number one appreciated quality by students in rating reviews [source].  Respectful joking in classrooms sets a tone that reduces fear, so people feel more comfortable being vulnerable and more likely to ask questions.

Education

I graduated with a BSE in biomedical engineering from the University of Iowa. Then I worked as a software engineer for seven years (in London, Hamburg, Ft. Lauderdale, & San Diego), after which I received my MBA from the University of Iowa in 2006. 

Activism

My mission is to activate people around sustainability. I am passionate about community activism. Activities include:

• Volunteer with the Institute of Cultural Affairs, fundraise for my favorite charities (Climate Action Museum, Climate Cycle, Nature Museum, Faith in Place), and launch and lead green committees.
• Certified by the city of Chicago as a green ambassador through the Chicago Conservation Corps. 
• Currently serve as President of Buena Park Neighbors and the President of my condo association. 
• Lead the Clean & Greens in our neighborhood on the last Saturday of each month (we meet at 10 am at the Uptown Library – please join!).
• I recently accepted the Climate Action Hero Award on behalf of our group, the Carbon Cheerleaders (we strive to reduce carbon emissions in the community).
• Volunteered with Climate Cycle for 4 & 1/2 years, a nonprofit organization with the mission: inspiring students to green our world, and served on their Board of Directors, helping with marketing & fundraising.

Extra-curriculars

• Artist. I enjoy costumes, painting, and lighting, among other media. 
• Exercise, biking, swimming, and lifting weights.
• Devoted servant to my cat.