Podcasts about CMOS

Mike MontagueHuman-First AI Marketing® @Avenue9

Every product launch is a countdown to liftoff. High stakes. High visibility. High chance of failure if systems aren't in sync. Misaligned messaging, unready sellers, vaporware promises. There are endless ways to completely blow it. In this episode, Melanie Marcus (Surescripts), Kevin Brooks (Surescripts), and John Hale (Consilio) join Drew to dig into what it takes to pull off a successful launch. They explain why alignment cannot be assumed, how preparation has to be disciplined and ongoing, and why CMOs need to surface tough truths before the market does. Marketing may set the pace, but lasting success only happens when the entire company rallies behind the story and delivers it together. In this episode:  Melanie shares how to stretch a brand into new markets without losing credibility  Kevin explains the launch-tiering framework that keeps efforts focused and sales-ready  John reveals why the secret weapon is “ours, not mine” and how humble listening drives alignment  Plus:  How to avoid the vaporware trap that kills trust fast  Why one sharp value prop beats a laundry list of features  What leading indicators to track before revenue shows up  Where the real magic happens once a launch hits the market floor   If you want to hear how CMOs line up a launch and deliver when it matters most, this one's for you.  For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademarketing.com/podcasts/ To learn more about CMO Huddles, visit https://cmohuddles.com/

Welcome to episode 294 of Grow Your Law Firm, hosted by Ken Hardison. In this episode, Ken is joined by Stuart Foster, co-founder of Law Firm Fractional CMOs, to explore how law firms can modernize their marketing and stand out in today's hyper-competitive legal landscape. Stuart brings decades of experience leading global marketing for brands like L'Oréal, Moët Hennessy, Hilton, and Topgolf. As a seasoned fractional CMO, he now helps small and midsize law firms develop winning strategies, manage agency relationships, and create sustainable growth—without the overhead of hiring in-house. If you're tired of random marketing tactics and ready to build a system that works, this episode is for you. What you'll learn about in this episode:   Why execution without strategy leads to wasted marketing spend  – Most law firms jump into tactics like SEO or PPC without a clear plan  – A solid marketing strategy must align with business goals and target audiences How to differentiate your firm in a saturated legal market  – Generic messaging like “we win big” no longer cuts through the noise  – Law firms must find unique positioning and voice that resonates with clients The importance of client-centered messaging over firm credentials  – Clients care more about outcomes and empathy than awards or titles  – Speak to what your clients are worried about—not just what you've achieved Simple ways to analyze your client base and adjust targeting  – Data on demographics, case types, and referral sources reveals key patterns  – Many firms are surprised to find they're speaking to the wrong audience What fractional CMOs actually do—and why your firm might need one  – Fractional CMOs provide strategic leadership and manage execution  – They bring executive-level marketing expertise at a fraction of the cost   Resources:  Website: www.lawfirm-cmo.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/hstuartfoster  Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576919995052    Additional Resources:    https://www.pilmma.org/aiworkshop https://www.pilmma.org/the-mastermind-effect https://www.pilmma.org/resources https://www.pilmma.org/mastermind

Marketing im Kopf - ein Podcast von Luis BinderIn dieser Folge wird über verschiedene Unternehmen gesprochen, da Markennamen genannt werden, handelt es sich um UNBEZAHLTE WERBUNG!In dieser Folge: In der heutigen Podcastfolge von Marketing im Kopf geht's um die ökonomische Werbeerfolgskontrolle. Wir schauen uns an, wie du messen kannst, ob Werbung nicht nur Aufmerksamkeit schafft, sondern tatsächlich zu Käufen oder Bestellungen führt. Wir sprechen über die 3 gängigen Methoden, BuBaW-Verfahren, Tracking und Panels. Und wir sprechen über typische Probleme, die dabei auftreten können.____________________________________________Marketing-News der Woche:⁠Jeder vierte Deutsche kauft über Instagram & Co.24 % der Deutschen kaufen regelmäßig über Social Media ein. Im Schnitt 3 Mal pro Monat und mit durchschnittlich 157 € pro Kauf. Während Influencer-Empfehlungen immer noch zunehmend Vertrauen genießen, bleiben Technologien wie AR, VR oder Metaverse für die Mehrheit uninteressant. Viele Verbraucher bevorzugen klassische Online-Shopping-Erlebnisse und lehnen Käufe aus dem Ausland ab, 41 % sogar ausdrücklich. Besonders TikTok-Shops stoßen auf Skepsis: 58 % der Befragten wollen dort nicht einkaufen. Social Commerce wächst, doch Authentizität, Transparenz und Community-Nähe sind wichtiger als technische Trends.Marken verschenken Potenzial bei Strategie und RessourcenViele Unternehmen nutzen Social Media weiterhin halbherzig und hoffen auf virale „Lucky Punches“, statt eine klare Strategie zu verfolgen. Konstante Qualität und der gezielte Einsatz von Ressourcen sind entscheidend. Start-ups wie No Cosmetics zeigen, wie schnell Reichweite und Engagement durch persönliche Einblicke und enge Community-Bindung wachsen können. Social Media bietet zudem kostenlose Marktforschung, wird aber von Unternehmen kaum genutzt. In Inhalte sollte investiert werden, um authentische Interaktion aufzubauen, anstatt nur auf Reichweite zu setzen.Netflix-CMO erneut einflussreichste MarketingchefinDas US-Magazin Forbes hat die 50 einflussreichsten CMOs der Welt gekürt. Angeführt wird die Liste erneut von Marian Lee (Netflix), gefolgt von Chris Davis (New Balance) und Asmita Dubey (L'Oréal). Zwei deutsche Marketingchefs, nämlich Ulrich Klenke (Deutsche Telekom) und Bernd Koerber (BMW) – schafften es ebenfalls unter die Top 50. Zusammen repräsentieren die Unternehmen der platzierten CMOs eine Marktkapitalisierung von rund 14 Billionen US-Dollar, ein Plus von 28 Prozent gegenüber dem Vorjahr. Das Ranking zeigt, wie stark CMOs heute Markenidentität, Kultur und Geschäftserfolg prägen.Amazon bringt KI-Video-Generator für Werbung auf neues LevelAmazon hat seinen KI-Werbefilm-Generator weiterentwickelt und stellt ihn allen US-Händlern kostenlos bereit. Innerhalb weniger Minuten lassen sich fotorealistische Clips erstellen, die Produkte in realen Nutzungssituationen zeigen. Marken können zwischen sechs Varianten wählen, Logos einfügen und Anzeigen mit mehreren Szenen, Musik und Text-Overlays gestalten. Damit nähern sich die Ergebnisse klassischen Werbespots an und heben sich von einfachen KI-Clips anderer Anbieter ab. Amazon positioniert das Tool als Teil seiner kreativen KI-Suite, die Barrieren senken und Werbetreibenden mehr Möglichkeiten eröffnen soll.____________________________________________Vernetz dich gerne auf LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisbinder/⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marketingimkopf/Du hast Fragen, Anregungen oder Ideen? Melde dich unter: marketingimkopf@gmail.com Die Website zum Podcast findest du hier. [⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/2WN7tH5⁠⁠⁠]

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledIn this no-fluff episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Brian Walker is joined by Caroline Legrand, Danni Marks, and J.R. Portman for a candid conversation shop owners need to hear, especially if you're trying to figure out the real difference between a marketing agency, a business coach, and a fractional CMO.They dig deep into the roles each one plays, where responsibilities blur, and how shop owners can avoid the infamous “Spider-Man pointing fingers” scenario. You'll hear the good, the bad, and the straight-up truth about what happens when everyone's doing the work but no one knows who's really driving the results.From strategy gaps to operational blind spots, this episode is a masterclass in understanding who's responsible for what and how to build a team of partners (not vendors) who care as much about your success as you do.If you've ever asked, “Who do I trust?” or “Can I fire my CMO?”, you'll want to hit play, take notes, and maybe even send this one to your leadership team.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction and Episode Context (00:00:01): Brian Walker introduces the episode, explains the "fly on the wall" format, and sets up the discussion about marketing roles.Content Creation Process & AI Use (00:01:16): Explains their approach to content creation, use of AI, and the importance of unique, thought-leadership-based content.Episode Format and Sponsor Messages (00:03:31): Describes the episode's unique format, honesty in discussion, and includes sponsor messages.Defining Roles: Marketing Agency, Fractional CMO, and Coach (00:04:40): Breakdown of what each provider (agency, fractional CMO, coach) does for auto repair shops.Shop Marketing Pros: Scope of Work (00:05:36): Details the specific marketing tasks handled by Shop Marketing Pros, including SEO, ads, social media, and website management.Fractional CMO: Strategy and Accountability (00:06:53): Explains the role of a fractional CMO in driving strategy, creating plans, and holding others accountable.Coaching Companies: Business Guidance (00:08:01): Describes how coaches provide business advice, recommend agencies, and review marketing results.Overlap and Blurred Lines Between Roles (00:10:02): Discussion on where marketing agencies, CMOs, and coaches overlap, especially in client consultations.Marketing vs. Operations: Who Does What? (00:10:37): Clarifies the division between marketing services and shop operations, and where coaches step in.Consultative Role of Agencies (00:11:22): Agencies are increasingly expected to provide business advice, not just marketing services.Ongoing Agency-Shop Owner Relationship (00:12:04): Importance of proactive communication and evolving strategies between agencies and shop owners.Responsibility for Results: The "Finger Pointing" Problem (00:13:08): Addresses confusion when multiple providers are involved and how to identify who is responsible for issues.Case Example: Adjusting Marketing Services (00:13:43): Shares a real-world example of shifting marketing tactics based on client needs and results.Shop Owner Time Investment (00:14:19): Discusses the time commitment required from shop owners for effective marketing collaboration.Shop Owner Involvement and Results (00:14:34): Highlights that more involved shop owners see better marketing outcomes.Trust and Choosing Who to Believe (00:16:57): Advice on how shop owners should decide whom to trust when providers disagree.Variability in Provider

Thanks to our Partners, Shop Boss and AppFueledIn this no-fluff episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Brian Walker is joined by Caroline Legrand, Danni Marks, and J.R. Portman for a candid conversation shop owners need to hear, especially if you're trying to figure out the real difference between a marketing agency, a business coach, and a fractional CMO.They dig deep into the roles each one plays, where responsibilities blur, and how shop owners can avoid the infamous “Spider-Man pointing fingers” scenario. You'll hear the good, the bad, and the straight-up truth about what happens when everyone's doing the work but no one knows who's really driving the results.From strategy gaps to operational blind spots, this episode is a masterclass in understanding who's responsible for what and how to build a team of partners (not vendors) who care as much about your success as you do.If you've ever asked, “Who do I trust?” or “Can I fire my CMO?”, you'll want to hit play, take notes, and maybe even send this one to your leadership team.Show Notes with TimestampsIntroduction and Episode Context (00:00:01): Brian Walker introduces the episode, explains the "fly on the wall" format, and sets up the discussion about marketing roles.Content Creation Process & AI Use (00:01:16): Explains their approach to content creation, use of AI, and the importance of unique, thought-leadership-based content.Episode Format and Sponsor Messages (00:03:31): Describes the episode's unique format, honesty in discussion, and includes sponsor messages.Defining Roles: Marketing Agency, Fractional CMO, and Coach (00:04:40): Breakdown of what each provider (agency, fractional CMO, coach) does for auto repair shops.Shop Marketing Pros: Scope of Work (00:05:36): Details the specific marketing tasks handled by Shop Marketing Pros, including SEO, ads, social media, and website management.Fractional CMO: Strategy and Accountability (00:06:53): Explains the role of a fractional CMO in driving strategy, creating plans, and holding others accountable.Coaching Companies: Business Guidance (00:08:01): Describes how coaches provide business advice, recommend agencies, and review marketing results.Overlap and Blurred Lines Between Roles (00:10:02): Discussion on where marketing agencies, CMOs, and coaches overlap, especially in client consultations.Marketing vs. Operations: Who Does What? (00:10:37): Clarifies the division between marketing services and shop operations, and where coaches step in.Consultative Role of Agencies (00:11:22): Agencies are increasingly expected to provide business advice, not just marketing services.Ongoing Agency-Shop Owner Relationship (00:12:04): Importance of proactive communication and evolving strategies between agencies and shop owners.Responsibility for Results: The "Finger Pointing" Problem (00:13:08): Addresses confusion when multiple providers are involved and how to identify who is responsible for issues.Case Example: Adjusting Marketing Services (00:13:43): Shares a real-world example of shifting marketing tactics based on client needs and results.Shop Owner Time Investment (00:14:19): Discusses the time commitment required from shop owners for effective marketing collaboration.Shop Owner Involvement and Results (00:14:34): Highlights that more involved shop owners see better marketing outcomes.Trust and Choosing Who to Believe (00:16:57): Advice on how shop owners should decide whom to trust when providers disagree.Variability in Provider

This episode is a rebroadcast of host Auren Hoffman's appearance on the CMO Confidential Podcast.Auren shares why he believes vendor management is the #1 skill for future executives—and why most companies should rent world-class capabilities rather than hire executives they can't fully utilize. From “scaffolding” young talent to his provocative views on procurement's negative value, Booz Allen, MBAs, and the transformation of private equity, this episode is packed with contrarian insights for CMOs, CEOs, and founders alike.

On this week's Spin Sucks podcast, Gini Dietrich digs into IBM's new CMO Revolution study and what it means for the future of marketing leadership. The report makes one thing clear: the next decade won't belong to the marketers with the biggest budgets. It will belong to the CMOs with operational courage—those willing to dismantle outdated systems and rebuild for an AI-powered marketplace moving at the speed of a microsecond. She shows you how the PESO Model© has evolved into a full marketing operating system, helping CMOs close the execution gap and deliver: Precision, prediction, and protection at scale Integrated, measurable strategies that strengthen first-party data and customer relationships A perpetual growth engine that balances AI speed with human creativity If operational courage is the price of survival, PESO is the playbook.

A CMO Confidential Interview with Kim Whitler, professor at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, board member, and former GM and CMO. Kim shares insights from more than a decade of research with over 500 CMO's including how 50+% of roles are misaligned, the huge gap between CEO's and CMO's, the fact that misalignment results in weaker financials, and her belief that better position matching would "prevent" the "cure" of firing the CMO. Key discussion topics include: why the CMO position has the most variance in the C-suite; the importance of matching responsibility, experience and status; and why she thinks search firms can do a better job. Tune in to hear marketing analogies to the New England Patriots line-up and James Bond movie casting.Colonel Mustard, in the Study…with the Job Spec? Why Poor Role Design Shortens CMO Lifespans | CMO ConfidentialWelcome back to CMO Confidential, the podcast that takes you inside the drama, decisions, and politics that go with being the head of marketing. Hosted by 5x CMO Mike Linton (Best Buy, eBay, Farmers Insurance, Ancestry.com).This week, Mike welcomes back Dr. Kim Whitler, Professor of Marketing at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, former CMO, board director, and one of the foremost researchers on the CMO role. Kim has spent 14+ years analyzing 500+ interviews and hundreds of job specs to uncover why nearly 54% of CMO roles are misaligned—and what that means for tenure, effectiveness, and marketing's reputation in the C-Suite.From her groundbreaking research (published in HBR, Sloan Management Review, and the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science) to real-world board and executive experience, Kim breaks down:* Why job specs often set CMOs up to fail* The massive perception gap between CEOs (who think roles are well-designed) and CMOs (who don't)* How status, responsibility, and experience combine to drive—or derail—firm outcomes* The practical questions every CMO candidate should ask before taking a job* Why “throw away the job spec and write your own” might be the smartest advice you'll hear

In this episode of The No Normal Show, Stephanie Wierwille, Desiree Duncan, and Chris Bevolo break down the viral buzz around Cracker Barrel's rebrand and highlight the push by Kaiser Permanente employees for AI-related job protections, exploring what these headlines reveal about shifting expectations for consumers and healthcare workers. Then, they explore BPD's latest blog, The Einstein Divide, which challenges healthcare marketers and CMOs to think differently about leading with AI. Plus, don't miss details on the return of the Joe Public Retreat—a unique, invite-only event that brings senior healthcare marketers together to shape the future of healthcare marketing.Read our latest blog here: https://bpdhealthcare.com/insights/blog/the-einstein-divide/Subscribe to The No Normal Rewind, our newsletter featuring a mashup of the boldest ideas, sharpest takes, and most rewind-worthy moments from our podcast — right here.

In this episode of Executive Conversations, Maeva Cifuentes speaks with Rick Egan, chief marketing officer at Beyond Inc., a public marketplace for home goods. Rick traces his path from SEO specialist to leading marketing at a listed company, explaining how that journey sharpened his focus on demand signals, technology fluency and stakeholder management. He unpacks the post-covid demand crash, why falling conversion rates reveal market size—not media problems—and how tariffs and inventory gluts pressure margins and pricing. Rick shares the hard conversations he has with the board when shareholder expectations collide with shrinking buyer pools, and why discounting is often a last resort. He argues that modern CMOs must be part technologist, part psychologist: pushing AI workflows despite team fears, rewarding early adopters and managing out the refusers. Finally, Rick explains why letting domain experts own their lanes beats micromanagement and how public-company constraints force clearer strategic bets.

If you had to pick one of the biggest challenges facing CMOs today, how high on your list would customer loyalty be? Agility requires a deep understanding of your customer and the ability to adapt to their ever-changing needs and expectations. It also requires a willingness to experiment and learn from failures, quickly iterating on strategies and tactics. Today, we're going to talk about the evolving landscape of travel loyalty programs and how brands can best engage with different generations of travelers, particularly in the face of changing economic conditions and emerging generational trends. To help me discuss this topic and other highlights from arrivia's Loyalty and the Changing Traveler report, I'd like to welcome, Jeff Zotara, Chief Marketing Officer at arrivia. About Jeff Zotara Jeff Zotara is the Chief Marketing Officer of arrivia, a travel technology company providing travel loyalty, booking, and marketing solutions to consumer-facing companies that want to deliver exceptional value to customers, uncover new revenue streams, and drive growth through exciting travel rewards and member benefits. With more than two decades as a strategic and operational marketing leader, Jeff is focused on driving growth and marketing technology across brands and providing the best member experience at the intersection of travel and tech.   Jeff Zotara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffzotara/ Resources arrivia: https://www.arrivia.com The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Get a copy of arrivia's Loyalty and the Changing Traveler report: https://resources.arrivia.com/report-survey-loyalty-changing-traveler Don't Miss MAICON 2025, October 14-16 in Cleveland - the event bringing together the brights minds and leading voices in AI. Use Code AGILE150 for $150 off registration. Go here to register: https://bit.ly/agile150" Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company

#276 Career Growth | Dave is joined by Kady Srinivasan, CMO at You.com, an AI-first company building infrastructure for enterprise agents. Kady has led marketing at some of the world's most recognizable companies, including Dropbox, Klaviyo, and Lightspeed, where she scaled teams, drove massive revenue growth, and navigated ICP pivots. Now, she's bringing that experience into the fast-changing world of AI.Dave and Kady cover:How to evolve as a CMO across industries, personas, and business modelsThe three core systems CMOs need to scale teams and drive alignmentHow AI is reshaping marketing roles, workflows, and the skills future CMOs will needYou'll walk away with lessons you can apply to your own career, no matter what market or role you're in.Timestamps(00:00) - – Intro (03:03) - – From engineer to reluctant marketer (05:37) - – Gaming years and “coolest mom” cred (07:52) - – The story behind You.com's domain (09:31) - – Why she jumped into AI (12:00) - – Reinventing yourself as a CMO (14:00) - – Fundamentals that never change in marketing (16:13) - – Aligning marketing with company strategy (19:24) - – Pivoting the ICP at Lightspeed (22:26) - – Lessons on cross-functional alignment (25:08) - – Letting go to grow as a leader (27:53) - – Systems every CMO should set up (34:43) - – Why no single playbook works (36:24) - – How AI is reshaping marketing roles (51:04) - – Building an AI-first marketing org and closing thoughts Send guest pitches and ideas to hi@exitfive.comJoin the Exit Five Newsletter here: https://www.exitfive.com/newsletterCheck out the Exit Five job board: https://jobs.exitfive.com/Become an Exit Five member: https://community.exitfive.com/checkout/exit-five-membership***Today's episode is brought to you by Walnut.Why are we pouring all this effort into marketing just to push buyers to a “request a demo” or “contact sales” button?Come on, today's buyers don't want to talk to sales right away. They want to explore your product themselves, see how it works, and understand its value before booking a meeting.That's where Walnut comes in.Walnut empowers marketers and GTM teams to create interactive, self-guided product experiences in minutes. Embed these experiences on your site, in emails, or anywhere in your funnel to let buyers engage on their terms, from awareness to close and beyond. That's the beauty of Walnut - you're getting a platform that your sales and CS colleagues can use to showcase the product too.And the best part? You get real intent data—see which features prospects love, where they drop off, and what's actually driving pipeline. Demo Qualified Leads are the new MQL.Over 500 companies, like Adobe and NetApp, use Walnut to drive 2-3x higher website conversion rates and 7 figures in pipeline on a yearly basis. So do you want to drive more leads, shorten sales cycles, and actually show your product instead of hiding it behind another typical B2B CTA? Go check out Walnut.io. And if you tell them Dave from Exit 5 sent you, they'll build out your first demo for free!

There is no pause button on AI. Every day brings a fresh flood of tools, demos, predictions, and pressure to keep up. But what's actually changing inside B2B marketing departments? What's working, what's still hype, and where should CMOs focus?  In this episode, Kevin Ruane (Precisely), Gary Sevounts (Simpplr), and Jeff Morgan (Elements) join Drew to wrestle with how AI is being tested, contained, and scaled inside their teams. They push on when an experiment becomes a mandate, how to keep stacks from turning into a pile of disconnected tools, and why clean data is the deciding factor. The message is clear: AI will not rescue weak strategy. But in the hands of disciplined marketers who are willing to rethink the rules, it changes how marketing runs.  In this episode:  Kevin shares how an AI council and internal champions drive adoption across teams  Gary explains AI as the pipeline's central nervous system that tracks stage flow and triggers timely action  Jeff breaks down SPARK, a Claude prompt framework that defines role, workflow, brand voice, rules, and KPIs  Plus:  How to set AI goals and metrics your CEO will back  Why data readiness is the first step to any AI win  What skills and roles a marketing team needs to run AI safely  When to graduate a pilot into a standard workflow  If you want to hear how CMOs are experimenting with AI and resetting the rules of engagement, this one's for you!  For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademarketing.com/podcasts/ To learn more about CMO Huddles, visit https://cmohuddles.com/

What do Michael Kors, Blue Nile, and Typeform have in common? More than you'd think. Daniel's OUT, Tamara's IN. She's joined by Kevin Branscum, a brand leader who's worked across fashion, luxury, and B2B SaaS. Together, they explore why the best brands aren't built on features or functions but on feelings, cultural awareness, and creativity. What can SaaS and B2B Marketers learn from fashion CMOs? Turns out, there's a similar connection between people and software beyond just its practical use. Research should go beyond product usage into the real lives of customers. And, Brand can (and should) be an “always on” refresh. They also dig into how to avoid the copycat trap of competitor marketing and why taste might just be the most important marketing skill in the AI era. If you're a marketer who wants to build a brand people actually connect with, this episode is for you. Follow Kevin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinbranscum/ Follow Tamara: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaragrominsky/ Sign up for The Marketing Millennials newsletter: www.workweek.com/brand/the-marketing-millennials Daniel is a Workweek friend, working to produce amazing podcasts. To find out more, visit: www.workweek.com

My guest today is Sara Nay. Her journey from intern to CEO at Duct Tape Marketing is a testament to resilience and strategic growth. Her story is not just about personal success but also about empowering small businesses to thrive amidst change. In our conversation, Sara emphasizes the need for businesses to future-proof themselves by understanding the evolving role of AI. At Duct Tape Marketing, they conducted an exercise to help team members identify tasks that could be AI-assisted, allowing them to focus on human-centric roles. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also empowers employees to leverage their strengths. Sara's upcoming book, "Unchained: Breaking Free from Broken Marketing Models," aims to empower small businesses by advocating for strategy before tactics. She believes that small businesses can take ownership of their marketing by working with fractional CMOs and integrating AI systems strategically Episode Minutes: Minute 2: Intern to CEO Minute 22: Team Engagement and Culture Minute 35: Personal Growth and Mindset To find out more about my work, please visit www.danawilliamsco.com LinkedIn Instagram Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get Your copy here    

AI isn't magic—most CMOs are still getting it wrong. I break down the most common mistakes CMOs make when trying to plug AI into their marketing—starting with chasing flashy projects instead of real results. We dive into where content creation goes wrong, why clean data and governance matter, and how to build a team that's actually fluent in AI. If you're not managing drift or thinking long-term, you're just playing catch-up. TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction to AI in Marketing (00:57) Avoiding Vanity AI Projects (03:05) Content Creation and AI Missteps (05:50) Establishing AI Governance (08:12) Managing Model Drift and Data Hygiene How to Connect: IG: / ericosiu X: / ericosiu

​​Retail is evolving fast, and the brands that win are the ones who know how to adapt. In this episode of Retail Collective, we sit down with Jamie, former Nike executive, CEO of Jaybird, and now founder of SMMT, to unpack what it takes to lead through change. You'll hear: How Nike's rotational culture develops leaders who think across design, product, finance, and marketing What running Manchester United's retail taught Jamie about high-volume consumer experience and operational excellence How to reposition an upstart brand in a crowded category and engineer a turnaround (Jaybird) The new rules of DTC, brand building, and why niche brands with loyal communities often outperform mass-market plays SMMT's approach to innovation—combining thoughtful design, consumer utility, and long-term brand equity This is a conversation about leadership, execution, and vision—practical insights any established brand can use to sharpen its retail strategy.

From Strategy to Execution — Rob Smith on Unlocking Digital TransformationIn this episode, I sit down with Rob Smith — founder of Fractional Digital, strategic advisor, and fractional CMO — to unpack what digital transformation really means for mid-sized businesses and manufacturers. With a career spanning 3M, global marketing ops, and building four companies of his own, Rob has seen firsthand how companies waste millions chasing tools without a strategy.We cover:Why transformation fails when tech is bought before process and people are alignedThe “two-in-a-box” method to end the sales vs. marketing blame gameHow Ella, his SaaS platform, helps fractional CMOs compress 8 weeks of work into hoursWhy there's no bad technology, only bad implementationThe financial upside of fixing operations before scaling growthHow to align global tech stacks while staying agile in local markets

Fernando Machado is one of the world's most celebrated CMOs, known for game-changing campaigns like Burger King's “Moldy Whopper.” In this episode, Fernando shares the work he's most proud of, why surprising campaigns cut through, and how creativity drives real business growth. We also discuss the most innovative non-advertising ideas from his career, what it takes to be an influential CMO, and his advice for startups looking to scale through bold marketing.Timestamps00:00 - Intro01:30 - What campaigns has Fernando been most proud of throughout his career07:57 - The Moldy Whopper Campaign16:55 - Why surprising campaigns are effective20:52 - The most creative non-advertising things in Fernando's career36:05 - How to be an influential CMO41:46 - Fernando's advice to marketing startups51:39 - The Lions Growth MBA

Reid Holmes has spent his career in some of America's biggest and best ad agencies, first as a copywriter, but rose quickly to creative director and then EVP Executive Creative Director. Reid is now a speaker, consultant, and author. What do brands need to do today to get noticed? How do I get better results without raising my marketing budget? What is the "Brand Appreciation Pyramid?" How can I find my Unique Appreciatable Solution? How can CMOs best help CEOs to create success? Reid Holmes Reid Holmes has spent his career in some of America's biggest and best ad agencies, first as a copywriter, but rose quickly to creative director and then EVP Executive Creative Director. Reid is now a speaker, consultant, and author. In his career, Reid has helped change the trajectory for brands like H&R Block, The Mayo Clinic, Burger King, Toro, Domino's Pizza, and many others. As his kids reached high school age, Reid realized he could leave a more meaningful legacy. After 30+ years in advertising, Reid found the best marketing seeks to earn appreciation for what it says, does, or solves. Reid believes it's not only time for marketing, advertising, and PR to rise up and do more good for the world, but it's in a brand's best interest if it wants to get noticed, build meaning, and grow. Reid Holmes lives in the Twin Cities with his wife of 26 years, Katy. Excellent Executive Coaching Podcast If you have enjoyed this episode, subscribe to our podcast on iTunes. We would love for you to leave a review. The EEC podcasts are sponsored by MKB Excellent Executive Coaching that helps you get from where you are to where you want to be with customized leadership and coaching development programs. MKB Excellent Executive Coaching offers leadership development programs to generate action, learning, and change that is aligned with your authentic self and values. Transform your dreams into reality and invest in yourself by scheduling a discovery session with Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC to reach your goals. Your host is Dr. Katrina Burrus, MCC, founder and general manager of Excellent Executive Coaching a company that specializes in leadership development.

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey Stanton lays down a wake-up call for marketers entering 2026. He explores the biggest trends reshaping the industry—from the over-adoption of AI and reliance on “black box” tools, to the fast-fashion era of SaaS and the rise of fractional leadership. Casey warns against outsourcing your thinking to AI, chasing shortcuts, or splitting your focus between a job hunt and fractional work. Instead, he challenges you to commit, pick a niche, and start talking to strangers—because the money you want is in their pockets. You'll hear why Q4 is the most important time to build momentum, how to avoid undervaluing your expertise, and why the best fractional CMOs stop chasing “one trick” solutions and instead build real businesses through grit, clarity, and conviction.   Key Topics Covered: - The hidden dangers of over-adopting AI in marketing and strategy - Why “black box” tools can erode your fundamentals - The fast-fashion SaaS trend—and why most of it is “beautiful garbage” - The rise of fractional roles across the C-suite - Why consultants fade but fractional CMOs stick - What you must ignore in 2026: seasonality, job reports, and reputation-killing AI shortcuts -The power of niches and why they make you unforgettable - Why all the money you want is in strangers' pockets—and how to go get it  

In this episode of "It's the Bottom Line That Matters," host Jennifer Glass is joined by Daniel McCraine and Patricia Reszetylo to break down the world of fractional CXOs—those key executive roles filled on a part-time or contract basis. They dive into what the "CXO" title covers, how fractional officers differ from full-time hires, and explore the value and flexibility that fractional leadership can bring to growing businesses. The discussion covers practical scenarios, such as engaging a fractional Chief Financial Officer or Chief Operating Officer, pricing models, and how business needs dictate the right engagement structure.The trio also debates the difference between consultants, outsourced work, and true fractional officers, highlighting when each makes sense and the benefits of ongoing, embedded strategic support versus one-off projects. Rounding out the episode, they offer candid advice on how business owners can assess their needs, look to industry benchmarks, and avoid common pitfalls when selecting the right fractional leader. If you're considering adding executive horsepower to your business without the full-time price tag, this episode is packed with insights to guide your decision-making.Key Takeaways:Cost-Effective Expertise: Fractional CXOs allow access to high-level leadership (like CFOs, COOs, CMOs, etc.) without the commitment and cost of a full-time executive. You pay for the expertise you need, only when you need it.Strategic Impact Over Execution: Unlike consultants (who tackle specific projects) or outsourced firms (who execute tasks), a fractional officer becomes part of your leadership team, steering strategy, overseeing divisions, and driving outcomes.Timing & Fit are Critical: If your business needs hands-on, strategic guidance or is at a scale where leadership bandwidth is stretched, a fractional CXO might be the answer. But always vet candidates carefully—ensure they're capable of delivering the value and results your business requires.Curious to learn more or considering if now is the time to bring a fractional officer on board? Tune in or reach out to continue the conversation.#businessgrowth #leadership #fractionalCXO #strategy #podcastKEYWORDS: fractional CXO, chief marketing officer, chief operations officer, chief revenue officer, chief technology officer, chief financial officer, small business, business success, hiring, salary, fractional officer, outsourcing, consulting, consultant, business coach, business operations, packages, part-time executive, cost savings, business growth, strategic advice, financial advice, accountant, bookkeeping, capital raising, fundraising, pitch deck, business expansion, managerial roles, trust in advisors, business networks

In a time when business leaders are navigating heightened political division, evolving workplace expectations, and the urgent call for inclusivity, understanding how to lead with purpose has never been more critical. On this episode of CMO Series REPRESENTS, Yasmin Zand is joined by Gina Rubel, CEO and General Counsel at Furia Rubel Communications. Their conversation explores the deep commitment to advocacy, DEI, and ethical relationship-building that has shaped Gina's leadership and the culture at Furia Rubel. Together, they delve into the forces behind Gina's passion, including her work with the Rule of Law Coalition, and examine how leaders can create truly safe and inclusive spaces in today's legal industry. Gina and Yasmin dive into: The steps CMOs and firm leaders must take to communicate effectively, internally and externally, amid political polarization The story behind the Rule of Law Coalition and its significance in today's climate Practical advice for legal marketers striving to lead with authenticity and purpose  

Discover how a Fractional CMO can unlock your business's growth potential by providing high-level strategy and streamlining marketing efforts.   In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene speaks with Draye Redfern, CEO and founder of Redfern Media. He shares his insights into the changing role of fractional leadership in marketing. After facing the challenges of running both an agency and a CMO service, Draye explains how fractional CMOs help businesses improve their marketing efforts while giving owners the ability to stay in control and promote growth.    Key Takeaways: → The benefits of using a fractional CMO to bridge gaps in marketing expertise. → How minor adjustments in marketing can drive profound business growth. → The importance of understanding KPIs and high-level strategy in marketing. → How fractional leadership brings both strategy and accountability to a business. → The challenges and rewards of transitioning from full-service agencies to fractional support.   Draye Redfern is the CEO and founder of Redfern Media, a marketing and consulting agency that helps businesses redefine their marketing approach with systematized processes and automations, turning prospects into loyal clients and brand ambassadors. He also founded Fractional CMO, which provides executive-level marketing strategies and resources without the cost of a full-time marketing director. Over the past decade, Draye has assisted clients across various industries, including top Instagram travel accounts, personal development psychologists, and SharkTank entrepreneurs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his success led him to create the Recession Flywheel™, a 7-step framework that helps businesses improve their mindset, security, offer, team, marketing, sales, and financials.   Connect With Draye: Website Facebook LinkedIn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Only 1% of HubSpot's 6,500+ partners ever reach elite status. So what do the top 1% do differently?Brendan Walsh built his agency into that exclusive group, but the path had its challenges. He went 7 months without paying himself during a cash crunch and learned when to say no to clients - and crucially, when it's too early to start saying no.In this first-ever Belkins episode recorded LIVE, Michael and Brendan sit face to face to go through the hardest lessons, biggest mistakes, and key decisions that turned Mole Street into a successful consultancy.They dig into what it really takes to build lasting partnerships - both in business and with co-founders - and the expensive lessons most founders learn the hard way.What we cover:

Most B2B CEOs never spent time in marketing. Fewer than one in five ever held the title. Which explains a lot. From undervalued budgets to misaligned expectations, marketing often gets boxed in as a support function instead of the growth driver it is. If marketing is going to lead, CEOs need to understand what it can really do and what to look for in a CMO who's built to deliver.  To set the record straight, Drew taps three marketing leaders, Rebecca Stone (formerly Cisco), Grant Johnson (Chief Outsiders), and Jan Deahl (Drake Star), to reframe how CEOs see marketing. It is a strategic engine built to shape markets, guide buyers, and drive growth. Together, they make the case for what's possible when CMOs are empowered to lead. In this episode:  Rebecca on why CMOs need to think and act like a CEO  Grant on how mismatched expectations set CMOs up to fail  Jan on aligning marketing's role to company stage and goals  Plus:  The key questions every CEO should ask their CMO  What to fix when marketing is stuck in order-taking mode  How smart onboarding sets CMOs up to lead  Why growth depends on more than just demand gen  Tune in for signals that shift how your CEO sees marketing.  For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademarketing.com/podcasts/ To learn more about CMO Huddles, visit https://cmohuddles.com/

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey Stanton delivers a rallying cry for marketers who feel themselves slipping into “good enough” mode. He challenges leaders to stop coasting, stop accepting mediocrity, and start fighting—for their clients, their results, and their own success. Casey shares why conviction and commitment are the real differentiators in marketing leadership, and why the willingness to “stand down if told, but never go down without a fight” can transform your career. You'll hear real stories of pushing for the right outcomes—even when it's uncomfortable—and why the best CMOs act like bodyguards for their clients' goals.   Key Topics Covered: -Why conviction beats “good enough” every time -The mindset shift from passive vendor to active defender -How fighting for the right outcomes builds trust and results -The danger of waiting for business to “just get easier” -Stories of fighting for clients, teams, and the right thing -Why grit, not gimmicks, changes your trajectory -The challenge to claim your identity as a fighter

  The CMO role is not for the faint of heart. Growth targets loom large. Every dollar and decision gets second-guessed. MarTech keeps stacking up until it threatens to topple over. Drew calls it the coldest seat in the C-suite. It is also the most dynamic, the one that rewards clear thinking, fearless collaboration, and a readiness to shake up the playbook. In this episode, Drew sits down with hosts Alec Cheung and Barb VanSomeren of The Marketing Share podcast to share wisdom from his own career and from hundreds of CMOs inside CMO Huddles. Together, they talk about the collision of growth pressure, evolving executive dynamics, and constant change. The conversation gets to the heart of how CMOs can simplify their strategies, earn influence across the leadership team, and lead marketing with focus and courage when the demands never let up. In this episode:  Drew shares how CMOs can stay focused when everything feels urgent  Drew explains why a peer network is essential for clarity and solutions  Drew reveals the mindset shift that turns growth pressure into momentum  Plus:  Building alignment with your CEO and CFO on marketing's impact  Finding the confidence to defend your strategy  Lessons from leaders who kept brands moving in tough markets  Why bold marketing still wins when others play it safe  Tune in for a look at the CMO role today and the mindset, moves, and alliances it takes to succeed under constant pressure.  For full show notes and transcripts, visit https://renegademarketing.com/podcasts/ To learn more about CMO Huddles, visit https://cmohuddles.com/

Only 40% of Fortune 500 marketing leaders actually hold the title Chief Marketing Officer. But average CMO tenure is now 4.3 years, up from last year. So is the CMO role really disappearing? New research from Spencer Stuart challenges the "CMO decline" narrative everyone loves to share. This week, Elena and Angela explore why this story gained traction, what effective marketing leadership looks like today, and how first-time CMOs can stay relevant. Plus, they share which brands they'd love to lead for one year. Topics covered: [01:00] Spencer Stuart's 2025 Fortune 500 CMO research findings[07:00] Only 40% of marketing leaders use the CMO title[10:00] Should CMOs handle roles beyond traditional marketing?[12:00] What effective marketing leadership looks like today[17:00] Biggest challenge facing first-time CMOs[22:00] How companies should treat the CMO role differently  To learn more, visit marketingarchitects.com/podcast or subscribe to our newsletter at marketingarchitects.com/newsletter.  Resources: 2025 Spencer Stuart Report: https://www.spencerstuart.com/research-and-insight/cmo-tenure-study-2025-the-evolution-of-marketing-leadership Get more research-backed marketing strategies by subscribing to The Marketing Architects on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Your marketing agency is bleeding you dry... and you know it.While you're paying thousands for campaigns you can't understand, former executives turned coaches like you are getting left behind by marketers with half your expertise.Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing, reveals why the traditional agency model is broken... and what smart business owners are doing instead.In this episode, you'll discover:• The "Anti-Agency Model" that puts YOU back in control of your marketing• Why AI changes everything about building your marketing team (it's not what you think)• The 3-phase strategy framework that stops the guessing game with your marketing budget• How fractional CMOs are giving small businesses access to C-level marketing strategy at a fraction of the cost• The exact questions to ask any marketing partner to avoid getting burned againThis isn't about doing more marketing – it's about doing marketing strategically so it actually works.Sara shares real transformation stories from executives who went from "marketing doesn't work" to scaling beyond 1:1 work with confidence.Ready to take back control? This episode shows you how.Find all the show notes and links here: https://www.strategyactionshow.com/102

In this episode of The Retail Podcast, Alex speaks with Rupert Pick, Global MD of Hot Pickle, the award-winning brand experience agency behind iconic activations for Magnum, Guinness, Marmite, Pokémon, Waitrose, Tesco, and more.From physical brand homes to cultural relevance, Rupert reveals how Hot Pickle blends creativity, product innovation, and immersive retail activations to keep global CPG brands connected to their audiences. He explains why sampling should never be transactional, the formula for scaling playfulness, and how to avoid the “brand irrelevance” trap that's hit names like River Island and Claire's.

We love to hear from our listeners. Send us a message. On this week's episode, Bill Holodnak, Cofounder and CEO of Occam Global, a life sciences executive recruitment firm (and occasional investor), shares insights from his decades of experience pairing executives with drug development companies, and talks about the psychology of successful biotech leadership. From building an advisory board to the sequencing of executive hires, such as CSOs, CMOs, CBOs, and CFOs, as a company grows, Holodnak offers specific tips to help founders and investors create leadership teams capable of winning the "slow motion roulette" business of biotech.   Access this and hundreds of episodes of the Business of Biotech videocast under the Business of Biotech tab at lifescienceleader.com. Subscribe to our monthly Business of Biotech newsletter. Get in touch with guest and topic suggestions: ben.comer@lifescienceleader.comFind Ben Comer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bencomer/

Full-time execs are out, and fractional leaders are in? In today's episode, we break down the growing trend of founders building companies like modular tech stacks, swapping in CMOs, Product leads, and other execs *only* when they're needed.But here's the catch: done right, fractional hires can supercharge growth. Done wrong, they can kill momentum before you even hit scale. I'm joined by executive headhunter Miklos Blasko to unpack when fractional actually works, when it backfires, and the hiring mistakes even experienced founders make.00:00 The Rise of Fractional Work in Gaming and Apps04:31 Understanding Fractional Work vs. Freelancing08:56 The Popularity of Fractional Roles13:51 Company Perspectives on Fractional Hiring19:28 Talent Perspectives on Fractional Work26:22 When Fractional Work Doesn't Work38:19 Key Considerations for Hiring Fractional Talent41:41 Wartime Leadership vs. Peacetime Leadership45:17 Ruthless Execution and Stakeholder Management47:58 Incentive Structures for Fractional Roles51:54 Charging Models and Engagement Structures57:44 Common Mistakes in Fractional Roles65:51 Advice for Founders and Fractional Executives

„Nur weil ich Geld habe, bedeutet das nicht, dass ich mich verarschen lasse.“ Mit diesem Satz bringt David Fischer, Founder von Highsnobiety, die Krise der Luxusbranche auf den Punkt. Im TOMorrow Podcast sagt er, was Marken und Markenmacher jetzt verstehen müssen. 20 Jahre Highsnobiety: Vom Sneaker-Blog zur globalen 200 Mio. € Brand, Consulting-Firma und Fashionplattform. Zum Jubliäum hat er in Zusammenarbeit mit Boston Consulting den Luxury Report 2025 herausgebracht. Die bittere Wahrheit: Neu ist nicht mehr relevant. Zitat des Tages: „Stop Selling the Dream. Start Fitting Into Reality.“ Für wen ist diese Folge ein Must-Hear? CMOs, Brand Manager, Kreative, Consultants, Luxury Marketers, Gründer, Studierende im Bereich Fashion, Marketing & Business. Alle, die wissen wollen, wie man in einer Welt nach dem „Peak Luxury“ noch Relevanz erzeugt. Warum du reinhören musst: Diese Folge ist dein Deep Dive in die Zukunft des Luxus. In Zeiten von Fast Fashion, KI-Designs und Marketing-Gimmicks brauchst du ein neues Playbook. David Fischer liefert es – direkt aus dem Highsnobiety-HQ in Berlin. Learning: Seine krasse Founder-Story. Wie Streetwear wirklich zur neuen Couture wurde. Was gerade bei Luxus-Gigant LVMH passiert – und warum ein Kulturwandel unausweichlich ist Buch-Tipp: The Complete Highsnobiety Guide to Creative Collaborations“.

The boys are back (and better than ever) with a brand-new episode on what influencer marketing will look like soon (including AI). In this episode, they break down the new deal between ESPN and the NFL. Does this partnership signal new opportunities for brands and content marketing deals in the near future? YouTube announced that it will begin testing a new AI feature designed to estimate whether a user is a minor...regardless of the birthday listed on the account. Some creators fear it will hurt business, while others worry that large organizations and institutions will use the data in nefarious ways. Winners and losers include the future of influencer marketing, the Savannah Bananas, American Eagle, Sydney Sweeney, and Vogue. Rants and raves feature CMOs uncovering a new trend in influencer strategy—and Superman. ----- This week's links: ESPN to buy NFL Network How YouTube Age Verification Could Hurt the Creator Economy What MLB Can Learn from the Savannah Bananas? Mentions of Creator Economy on CMO Calls ----- This week's sponsor: You don't become the world's most valuable women's sports franchise by accident. Angel City Football Club did it with a little help from HubSpot. When they started, data was housed across multiple systems. HubSpot unified their website, email marketing, and fan experience in one platform. This allowed their small team of three to build an entire website in just three days. The results? Nearly 350 new sign-ups a week and 300% database growth in just two years. Visit https://www.hubspot.com/ to hear how HubSpot can help you grow better. ------- Liked this show? SUBSCRIBE to this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Google and more. Catch past episodes and show notes at ThisOldMarketing.com. Catch and subscribe to our NEW show on YouTube. NOTE: You can get captions there. Subscribe to Joe Pulizzi's Orangeletter and get two free downloads direct from Joe. Subscribe to Robert Rose's newsletter at Seventh Bear.    

Host: Sebastian HassingerGuest: Andrew Dzurak (CEO, Diraq)In this enlightening episode, Sebastian Hassinger interviews Professor Andrew Dzurak. Andrew is the CEO and co-founder of Diraq and concurrently a Scientia Professor in Quantum Engineering at UNSW Sydney, an ARC Laureate Fellow and a Member of the Executive Board of the Sydney Quantum Academy. Diraq is a quantum computing startup pioneering silicon spin qubits, based in Australia. The discussion delves into the technical foundations, manufacturing breakthroughs, scalability, and future roadmap of silicon-based quantum computers—all with an industrial and commercial focus.Key Topics and Insights1. What Sets Diraq ApartDiraq's quantum computers use silicon spin qubits, differing from the industry's more familiar modalities like superconducting, trapped ion, or neutral atom qubits.Their technology leverages quantum dots—tiny regions where electrons are trapped within modified silicon transistors. The quantum information is encoded in the spin direction of these trapped electrons—a method with roots stretching over two decades1.2. Manufacturing & ScalabilityDiraq modifies standard CMOS transistors, making qubits that are tens of nanometers in size, compared to the much larger superconducting devices. This means millions of qubits can fit on a single chip.The company recently demonstrated high-fidelity qubit manufacturing on standard 300mm wafers at commercial foundries (GlobalFoundries, IMEC), matching or surpassing previous experimental results—all fidelity metrics above 99%.3. Architectural InnovationsDiraq's chips integrate both quantum and conventional classical electronics side by side, using standard silicon design toolchains like Cadence. This enables leveraging existing chip design and manufacturing expertise, speeding progress towards scalable quantum chips.Movement of electrons (and thus qubits) across the chip uses CMOS bucket-brigade techniques, similar to charge-coupled devices. This means fast (

AI is rewriting the rules of branding, media and digital strategy. In Episode 41 of the Brand Slam podcast, (add)ventures founder and CEO Steve Rosa teams up with Joe Kayata to tackle how to navigate AI's accelerating impact on the way we search and connect with audiences.   Joining them is Pete Pachal, founder of The Media Copilot, a newsletter and podcast that explores how generative AI is transforming the media landscape. Pete is also a Fast Company columnist with deep expertise in tech, AI and the future of content. In this episode, he offers a grounded yet forward-looking perspective on how brands can adapt in an AI-driven world.   AI is changing how people find and interact with content, and that means big changes for marketers. Pete gives a reality check for CMOs: just showing up on Google isn't enough anymore. He explains AI-EO (Artificial Intelligence Engine Optimization), which is all about making sure your brand shows up in AI-generated answers, not just search results. He also explains why content ownership and licensing matter more than ever. If AI tools are using your brand's content, how do you stay in control and get the credit? Pete shares practical advice on protecting your content, managing rights, and preparing for what's next. If you're a brand leader, marketer or content creator looking to stay relevant in an AI-powered world, this episode is packed with practical insights and forward-thinking strategies. Interested in a particular topic or want to be a guest? Contact us at brandslam@addventures.com.

On average, brand equity accounts for over 30% of a company's value, yet most marketers still chase vanity metrics instead of measuring what drives real business results.This week, Elena, Angela, and Rob are joined by Kantar's Mary Kyriakidi to unpack findings from Kantar's Diary of a CMO Report. Mary explains why meaningful difference beats distinctiveness alone, how brands can build pricing power instead of defaulting to promotions, and what separates successful CMOs in the boardroom. Plus, learn about Kantar's meaningful, different, and salient framework and why brand equity should be treated as a financial asset.Topics covered: [04:00] Why meaningful difference drives growth beyond distinctiveness alone[09:00] How Kantar's meaningful, different, and salient framework works[14:00] The promotion trap that destroys pricing power and brand equity[16:00] How brands build pricing power through meaningfulness and difference[21:00] What CMOs need to gain credibility in the boardroom[23:00] Common mistakes when measuring brand performance  To learn more, visit marketingarchitects.com/podcast or subscribe to our newsletter at marketingarchitects.com/newsletter.  Resources: Kantar's Diary of a CMO Report: https://www.kantar.com/campaigns/diary-of-a-cmoMary Kyriakidi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-kyriakidi-4a5a4a57/?originalSubdomain=uk Get more research-backed marketing strategies by subscribing to The Marketing Architects on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

A CMO Confidential Interview with Auren Hoffman, CEO of SafeGraph, formerly co-founder and CEO of LiveRamp. Auren discusses his belief that vendor management is the most critical skill for the future and why most companies should "rent" a high caliber pool of talent instead of hiring individual executives. Key topics include: thoughts on improving your vendor management skill (with outside law firms as an example); the concept of "scaffolding" developing talent; why he believes procurement is a "negative value" function; and why he would short consulting firm Booz Allen. Tune in to hear why he thinks private equity has shifted from making companies better into financial engineers and his belief that an MBA usually has a negative ROI.CMO Confidential: Auren Hoffman on Vendor Management, Talent Strategy, and the Broken MBAIn this week's episode of CMO Confidential, Mike Linton sits down with Auren Hoffman, CEO of SafeGraph and former co-founder/CEO of LiveRamp, to challenge conventional thinking on hiring, procurement, and leadership development.Auren shares why he believes vendor management is the #1 skill for future executives—and why most companies should rent world-class capabilities rather than hire executives they can't fully utilize. From “scaffolding” young talent to his provocative views on procurement's negative value, Booz Allen, MBAs, and the transformation of private equity, this episode is packed with contrarian insights for CMOs, CEOs, and founders alike.

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey Stanton tackles a topic many seasoned marketers quietly struggle with: ageism. If you've ever felt overlooked because of your experience—or the price tag that comes with it—this is your wake-up call. Casey pulls back the curtain on the harsh truth: hiring managers often favor younger, cheaper candidates, not because they're better—but because they're “good enough” for less. But instead of shrinking in the face of this reality, Casey lays out a bold alternative: go fractional, go premium, and leverage your decades of experience to deliver speed, confidence, and unmatched results. You'll learn why chasing full-time roles might be a losing game, how to enroll others into your mission, and how to position your expertise as a fast track to ROI. This isn't about proving your worth—it's about owning it. Whether you're feeling stuck, frustrated, or just ready to punch up, this episode will light a fire under you. The game is rigged—but you don't have to play it. Key Topics Covered: Why ageism in hiring is real—and what to do about it -The myth of “earning your way back in” vs. going fractional -Why companies will pay more for speed (and confidence) -The power of enrollment: how to get others onboard with your vision -How to confidently position yourself as the experienced shortcut -Why talking to strangers unlocks exponential opportunity -Simplifying your story and speaking in the language of ROI and EBITDA -Structuring deals with upside—including equity in the exit -The path from unemployed to unstoppable (and earning $10K+/month) -Building the life you actually want—on your terms  

It's never been harder to be a CMO—and never more important to get it right. Budgets are shrinking, burnout is rising, and the pressure to deliver pipeline and prove impact hasn't let up. If you're still trying to lead through this alone, you're already behind.Hey there, I'm Kerry Curran, B2B Chief Revenue Officer, Industry Analyst, and host of Revenue Boost: A Marketing Podcast.In Scale Smarter Under Pressure: How CMOs Win with Peer Collaboration, I'm joined by Kathleen Booth, SVP of Marketing and Growth at Pavilion. We talk about how today's most effective CMOs are navigating change, pressure, and AI disruption—without losing their edge. Kathleen shares what she's seeing across Pavilion's global network of go-to-market leaders and why the ones still winning are focused on three essential pillars:Profitable, efficient growth AI for go-to-market Personal transformation Because resilience isn't a luxury anymore—it's a leadership requirement.We also dive into what makes GTM25, Pavilion's flagship event, different from any other conference out there—and why it's a must-attend for marketing and revenue leaders looking to scale smarter in 2026 and beyond.Be sure to stay tuned to the end, where Kathleen shares a powerful mindset shift that redefines what it means to be a modern CMO—and how to become the strategic growth architect your business needs now.If you get value from this episode, hit follow, drop a quick rating, and send it to someone in marketing, sales, or the C-suite who needs to hear it. Let's go.Kerry Curran, RBMA (00:01.417)Welcome, Kathleen. Please introduce yourself and share your background and expertise.Kathleen Booth | Pavilion (00:06.382)Hey Kerry, thanks for having me on the show. My name is Kathleen Booth. I am the SVP of Marketing and Growth at Pavilion, a global private membership community for go-to-market executives. Our mission is to help go-to-market leaders succeed in their careers at a time when tenures are notoriously short and the pressure is extremely high.Kerry Curran, RBMA (00:33.417)Excellent. Thank you so much for joining today, Kathleen. As we've discussed, I'm a bit obsessed with Pavilion right now. There are so many smart examples, learnings, coursework—just tons of content to up-level executives. But what I love is that it emphasizes that marketing, sales, and customer success must work together to drive revenue and business growth. I know you're talking to a lot of CMOs, CROs, and customer success executives. What are you really hearing today? What are the challenges or what does the marketplace look like for them?Kathleen Booth | Pavilion (01:19.086)The theme word of the year is “uncertainty.” We get a lot of feedback from our members and more broadly. We're living through a time of tremendous pressure on go-to-market leaders in general—and CMOs in particular. It wouldn't be a podcast if we didn't mention AI.Artificial intelligence is transforming everything so quickly, it's difficult to find solid ground. As soon as you think you understand something, it changes again. Data shows buying complexity is increasing. Leadership turnover is high. Legal, regulatory, and geopolitical instability make it hard to predict even six months out.Recent data from G2 shows vendor shortlists are shrinking—from four to seven options previously, to just one to three now. That makes it harder to even get considered. Marketers have to step up brand awareness and demand, but budgets are under pressure.According to Gartner, only 24% of CMOs say they have enough budget to execute their strategy. Marketing budgets as a percent of total revenue are down 11% from 2020. The challenges are growing, but our toolset is shrinking. Then there's AI. It brings promise—but also complexity.Salesforce found that marketers see AI as both the top opportunity and the top challenge. One person called it a “proble-tunity.” Around 75% of marketers have experimented with AI, and marketing is seen as the most advanced department when it comes to adoption. But only 32% say they're using it adequately.And the result of all of this? Burnout.Gartner's CMO Leadership Vision report shows that marketers facing high levels of change are twice as likely to experience burnout. We're all feeling it. To make it worse, only 14% of CMOs are viewed as effective at shaping markets—a skill that's crucial for hitting revenue targets.All of this suggests the modern CMO must be commercial, creative, and AI-powered. We're in a first-principles moment where we need to rethink what marketing organizations look like, how to build go-to-market motions, and what role AI should play.We can't just be storytellers or data crunchers. We need to be strategic growth architects.Kerry Curran, RBMA (06:10.941)Yeah, I wholeheartedly agree. To your point, where the CMO was once seen as the creative or visual lead, now marketing is more directly connected to revenue. McKinsey did a study a year and a half ago saying companies that put marketing at the core of their growth strategy outperform their peers.Then in June, they released another study saying the biggest challenge for CMOs now is getting closer to the CFO—earning respect at the leadership table. And you're right: it can't all be done by AI. It's not just branding and communications anymore. It's more complex—and CMOs have more demands, tighter budgets, and higher expectations.What frustrates me is that it still falls to the CMO to educate the rest of the executive team on the value of marketing. I know Pavilion does a great job helping upskill and educate executives—especially in marketing and sales. What's the solution? How are you solving this? And how should leaders outside of marketing be thinking about it?Kathleen Booth | Pavilion (07:49.068)At the start of the year, we identified three cross-cutting themes for the Pavilion community—not just for marketing. And they've held up, even with how much has changed.First is “profitable, efficient growth.” This speaks directly to marketers needing to understand the P&L and get closer to the CFO to make smarter bets.Second is “AI for go-to-market.” Unsurprisingly, we have to lean in. I love that marketers are seen as AI leaders within their organizations. If we can solidify that position, it's not just job security—it's a way to lead from the front. We should be saying, “I'm out ahead of this, and I'm bringing the company with me.”The third theme—maybe a little “woo-woo”—is “personal transformation and resiliency.” Because it is hard. The stress is real. You and I were talking before we started recording about unplugging for vacation. That's not just a luxury—it's essential. We can't teach people how to take care of themselves, but we can remind them that it matters just as much as staying on top of AI.Kerry Curran, RBMA (09:54.183)Yeah, definitely. I love those three pillars—and they truly are cross-cutting. Can you go deeper on how Pavilion is helping marketers in each area? I know you're doing a lot with AI onboarding, upskilling, and coursework. And yes, marketers are definitely carrying the torch there.Kathleen Booth | Pavilion (10:24.046)Sure! One way to encapsulate it is with our flagship event: GTM2025. It's happening September 23–25 in Washington, D.C. (you can learn more at attendgtm.com). It brings our members together to share perspectives and preview where our “product”—which is really an experience—is heading.For marketers specifically, we have a dedicated sub-community led by incredible members. They host regular roundtables because—let's be real—the landscape is changing too fast for blogs and newsletters to keep up. You need peers. You need the hive mind.Then, tied to profitable, efficient growth, we have our CMO School—teaching what it takes to be world-class. GTM2025 will feature sessions on P&L fluency, leadership, and more.AI and GTM is a huge theme. The entire conference focuses on “AI and the Future of GTM.” It's not just a buzzword—every speaker is talking about how it's transforming their work. We're also teaching specific courses on building an AI-augmented go-to-market team: tools, workflows, and real-world examples.For the personal transformation side, we're one of the only conferences with a wellness room—sound baths, guided meditations. We also include topics outside the typical ABM and ad campaign tracks. This year, our keynotes reflect that.One I'm super excited about is Will Guidara, author of “Unreasonable Hospitality.” He was GM of Eleven Madison Park—the world's first vegan Michelin-starred restaurant. The book is about how hospitality—not just great food—helped them become the best restaurant in the world. It's surprisingly a business book: process, customer orientation, service. He'll talk about hospitality as a driver of business excellence.Then we have Henry Schuck, CEO of ZoomInfo. They just changed their NASDAQ ticker to GTM—so they're clearly committed to go-to-market alignment. I'm excited to hear his perspective.We'll also feature Noelle Russell, author of “Scaling Responsible AI.” AI is still the Wild West, and we need to understand the guardrails. What are we accountable for as adopters?Finally—and this is a first—we're hosting a geopolitical keynote panel because the event is in D.C. We can't talk go-to-market strategy and ignore what's happening with the economy, regulation, supply chains, tariffs, and labor.Our panel features Josh Barro and Megan McArdle—both independent, balanced journalists—plus one more speaker TBD. They'll focus on facts, implications, and how leaders should incorporate them into strategic planning.And for those who prefer to skip political talk, don't worry—the bar opens early!Kerry Curran, RBMA (17:47.997)Yes! That is so relevant for what's on business leaders' minds—especially CMOs. I love that you're hitting every angle. From hospitality and customer-centricity to AI and global context—it's all interconnected. And I'm especially excited for the Women's Summit the day before.Kathleen Booth | Pavilion (19:00.758)Yes! Anne and Lindsay—leaders of our Women of Pavilion community—have built something special. They led our first Women's Summit last year, and it was incredible. This year's agenda is entirely member-driven, sourced from our networks, and centered around the real issues facing female leaders.Kerry Curran, RBMA (19:40.647)Lindsay was a guest on the podcast—she's brilliant. And Anne as well. Every event and session I've attended has been so thoughtful. Kathleen, this has been incredibly valuable. For listeners unfamiliar with Pavilion, can you share what resources and support it provides?Kathleen Booth | Pavilion (20:08.110)Of course. Pavilion is a private membership community for go-to-market executives and aspirants. We offer:- A private Slack community with functional groups- 50+ local chapters around the world- Pavilion University (with CMO School, GTM School, AI School, etc.)- Career services, job board, mentorship- Events: GTM, CMO Summit, local dinners, and moreIt's about creating a trusted peer network, providing operator-built education, and fostering connection. That's how we support leaders through this new GTM era.Kerry Curran, RBMA (21:34.439)Totally agree. I joined in March and wish I had joined sooner. The coursework has brought structure and rigor to initiatives I previously had to figure out on my own. The peer learning is incredible. And the dinners are next-level—I'm headed to one in Boston tomorrow. Last time we joked we should build a better CRM on a cocktail napkin.Kathleen Booth | Pavilion (22:45.709)I love that.Kerry Curran, RBMA (22:56.605)We're clearly biased, but for those thinking about how to grow and lead in today's GTM world, what should they be focusing on?Kathleen Booth | Pavilion (23:15.118)I'll close with some data and advice: 84% of leaders believe their company's identity will need to significantly change in the next five years. That's massive.CMOs are well-positioned to lead that change—if they step up:First, build cross-functional leadership muscles. Pavilion excels at this. It's not just about marketing—it's learning to partner with sales, CS, ops.Second, shape the market. Be the narrative builder and operationalize brand trust. With AI exploding, brand is having a renaissance. CMOs must lead here.Third, guide the customer experience. We've talked about hospitality, but post-sale is more important than ever. Marketing needs to drive loyalty, retention, and evangelism.With AI and product data, we can now create truly personalized journeys—at scale. That opens a world of opportunity.Kerry Curran, RBMA (27:01.095)So many valuable points. Thank you for joining us today, Kathleen! How can people learn more about GTM2025, Pavilion, or connect with you?Kathleen Booth | Pavilion (27:19.886)You can learn more at joinpavilion.com and attendgtm.com. And feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn—just mention you heard this podcast!Kerry Curran, RBMA (27:40.585)Thank you! Looking forward to seeing you in September.Kathleen Booth | Pavilion (27:45.623)I can't wait.Thanks for listening to Revenue Boost: A Marketing Podcast. If Kathleen's insights resonated with you and you're ready to stop leading in a vacuum, remember this: the best CMOs aren't doing more—they're doing it smarter, together. If you got value from this episode, do me a quick favor: hit follow, leave a rating, and share this with someone in marketing, sales, or the C-suite who needs to hear it.And don't miss the event of the year for go-to-market leaders: GTM2025, hosted by Pavilion. It's where marketing, sales, and customer success executives come together to connect, learn, and lead what's next. Register today at attendgtm.com.If you want more growth frameworks, peer strategies, and go-to-market insights, head to revenuebasedmarketing.com or connect with me, Kerry Curran, on LinkedIn. More powerhouse episodes are coming soon, so stay tuned and keep scaling smart. Flat or slowing revenue? Let's fix that—fast.Revenue Boost: A Marketing Podcast delivers the proven plays, sharp insights, and “steal-this-today” tactics that high-growth teams swear by.Follow / Subscribe on Apple, Spotify, and YouTubeTap ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ if the insights move your metrics—every rating fuels more game-changing episodes

This week on Revenue Rehab, Brandi Starr is joined by Alan Gold and Paul Peterson, seasoned fractional CMOs who believe fractured C-suite ownership of revenue is costing your company millions, and they're here to prove it. In this episode, they challenge the widespread idea that multiple executives should own revenue, instead making the case that a single CRO needs to drive accountability, alignment, and results. Gold and Peterson uncover the hidden costs of scattered leadership and reveal why true revenue growth depends on unified strategy, clear lines of ownership, and business-wide metrics. Are they right, or will you challenge their thinking? Dive in and join the debate.  Episode Type: Problem Solving - Industry analysts, consultants, and founders take a bold stance on critical revenue challenges, offering insights you won't hear anywhere else. These episodes explore common industry challenges and potential solutions through expert insights and varied perspectives.  Bullet Points of Key Topics + Chapter Markers:  Topic #1: Splitting Revenue Leadership Creates Chaos, Not Accountability [02:28]  Alan Gold argues that dividing revenue responsibility among multiple C-suite leaders leads to dysfunction and wasted budget. He states, “If everyone's in charge, no one's in charge. Period. End,” urging companies to consolidate revenue ownership under a single accountable leader. This challenges the widespread belief that shared responsibility drives alignment and highlights the risk of finger-pointing and lack of true accountability.  Topic #2: One Revenue Number Alone Does Not Unite the Team [06:25]  Alan Gold dismisses the idea that giving multiple executives the same revenue goal will align efforts, describing it as “a lot of BS.” He explains that shared metrics do not guarantee unified strategy or execution, insisting that only a single leader, ideally a CRO with broad strategic skills, can effectively drive the revenue engine. This perspective pushes revenue leaders to look beyond revops and metrics, focusing instead on organizational design and true accountability.  Topic #3: C-Level Career Progression Requires Broader Business Acumen [18:33]  Paul Peterson addresses the career fears that drive resistance to a single revenue leader, emphasizing that C-suite advancement requires understanding the entire business, not just one function. He explains that to be qualified as CRO, leaders must “actually get good at what my counterpart is doing,” echoing the CEO role as a business integrator rather than a functional expert. This challenges conventional thinking around executive career paths and motivates marketing and sales leaders to develop broader skills if they aspire to top revenue roles.  The Most Damaging Myth  The Myth: “If we give each leader the same metrics to be accountable for, so instead of sending everybody in all these different directions, if we still have one number but multiple people, it accomplishes the same thing.” (Alan Gold)  Why It's Wrong: Alan Gold explains that this belief actually complicates things further and fails to deliver true alignment. Even with a single shared metric, multiple leaders will continue to pull in their own directions based on their functional backgrounds, resulting in silos, duplicated efforts, and ongoing finger-pointing. Ultimately, this diffusion of responsibility means no one is truly accountable for revenue outcomes.  What Companies Should Do Instead: Appoint one leader, such as a strategically-oriented CRO, to oversee the entire revenue process. This creates clear accountability, streamlines decision making, and ensures all teams work in harmony toward unified revenue goals.  The Rapid-Fire Round  What is the first sign that a company is facing a C suite being too big problem, but hasn't really named it yet?  “If the CEO can't get a straight answer to what the future looks like and what the revenue stream is for the next quarter. Create unified visibility into your revenue forecast.” – Alan Gold What's one mindset shift that unlocks progress? “It's the mindset of strategic delegation. Clarify who owns what, and make sure someone is accountable for connecting the dots. Marketing, sales, revenue, customer service. They all have to work together. The real shift is realizing they can't function independently. One person has to own the alignment.” – Paul Peterson What's the most common mistake people make when trying to fix this? “Just following what you've always done before, instead of stepping back to question whether the current structure and people are right for today's market.” – Alan Gold What's the most underrated move that actually works to fix this fast? “Go back to the data: analyze your sales process from prospect to closed revenue, review key metrics like close rate and cost per lead, and make sure someone is asking these questions every day.” – Paul Peterson   Links: Alan Gold  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanegold/   Email: alan.gold@techcxo.com   Links: Paul Peterson  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulpeterson52   Subscribe, listen, and rate/review Revenue Rehab Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts , Amazon Music, or iHeart Radio and find more episodes on our website RevenueRehab.live  

In this episode of The Fractional CMO Show, Casey Stanton challenges the hype around “consulting for equity” and delivers a sharper, more lucrative path: earning upside as a fractional CMO—without getting tangled in risky cap tables.   Casey breaks down why equity is often a mirage and why true leverage lies in performance-based revenue sharing. He shares the unique power fractional CMOs have to elicit real change inside organizations—unlike consultants or advisors—and how this access gives them an unmatched opportunity to capture upside. You'll learn how to structure smarter deals, set non-negotiable cash rates, and build a portfolio of short- and long-term payoffs across multiple clients.   Packed with mindset shifts and tactical advice, this episode is your blueprint to work with hungry, fast-moving entrepreneurs, avoid dead-end retainers, and create life-changing income as a fractional CMO who solves for speed, not cost.   Key Topics Covered:   -Why equity isn't the ideal vehicle for upside -How fractional CMOs uniquely earn performance-based upside -Importance of charging full cash rate before negotiating upside -Structuring a portfolio of clients with varied risk and reward -When to approach clients: M&A, funding rounds, or founder readiness -What to look for in high-potential, fast-moving entrepreneurs -The power of positioning yourself as the best -Why being a true leader inside the company drives better outcomes

Performance marketing or influencer partnerships? Joe Perello, CEO of Props, reveals how smart marketers are blending creator content with paid media precision. His approach transforms creator marketing into a true performance channel by maintaining full accountability for business results rather than chasing viral hits. Perello demonstrates how owned media content delivers authentic engagement while providing the targeting capabilities and measurable outcomes of traditional performance marketing.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tired of SEO fluff that doesn't deliver? Steven Schneider, CEO of TrioSEO and former 7-figure affiliate blogger, reveals what actually works in 2025—from AI-driven strategies to content that converts. This episode is your roadmap to treating SEO as a scalable growth system, not just another marketing tactic.

Content marketing remains unmeasurable and "mushy" for most CMOs. Joe Perello, CEO of Props and former NYC CMO, shares how to transform creator marketing into a performance channel with measurable outcomes. He reveals techniques for achieving 55-65% open rates across client programs and explains why authentically integrated brand content consistently outperforms traditional advertising when paired with precise targeting and clear calls to action.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.