Author: Melissa Caffrey

Every day, CMOs must navigate a whirlwind of high-stakes, spontaneous conversations, from pressurized boardroom challenges to delicate internal communications. Yet many have no formal training in this area or formulas for improvement. 

In this episode, Stanford professor and communication expert Matt Abrahams shares actionable, science-backed strategies from his latest book, “Think Faster, Talk Smarter.” Whether it’s acing unexpected questions in job interviews, managing crises, or giving feedback, discover the structures and exercises that will prepare you to handle every spontaneous scenario like a seasoned pro. 

This episode was originally recorded in front of a live audience, hosted by CMO Huddles, an exclusive community of B2B marketing leaders. If you’d like to join these conversations in the future, learn more at cmohuddles.com.    

What You’ll Learn 

• How to master spontaneous conversations 
• Structures to help you be clearer and more concise, plus exercises to practice  
• How to deal with unexpected interview questions 

Are you ready to elevate your role from marketing maestro to strategic linchpin within your organization? Tap into your CMO superpower—your “plus”—and discover how it can dramatically expand your impact far beyond the conventional scope of marketing. 

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with three trailblazing CMOs who have transcended traditional boundaries by embracing their “plus.” Learn from their experiences as they share the challenges and triumphs of mastering a dual role that leverages their skills to foster cross-functional success and drive significant organizational change. 

Meet our guests and the pluses they covered: 

• Chris Willis: Former Chief Marketing + Pipeline Officer at Acrolinx. He is now CMO of Axios HQ. 
• Melanie Marcus: Chief Marketing + CX Officer at Surescripts. 
• Patti Newcomer: Former CMO + GM at FieldRoutes.  

What You’ll Learn

• How 3 CMOs got their “plus”  
• How to manage two roles in one 
• How to stay connected to your teams 

If you’re a B2B CMO stuck in limbo at the moment—you’re not alone. We’re in a seller’s market for executive talent, and the round peg, round hole expectations of companies looking for their next marketing chief are exceptionally limiting.  

Richard Sanderson of Spencer Stuart brings a glimmer of hope, suggesting a brighter outlook for 2024. In this episode, he shares his expert perspective on the trials and triumphs facing today’s marketing leaders. Tune in as we explore what’s going on with the CMO role right now, the 6 dimensions that capture recruiter’s attention, and effective strategies to showcasing these qualities on LinkedIn. Plus tips on interview prep, 100-day plans, and what mediums to search through.  

Recorded during a CMO Huddles Transition Team Huddle, this episode is more than just a conversation—it’s a part of a supportive community aimed at empowering CMOs through networking, resume and cover letter reviews, and shared experiences. If you’re a B2B CMO in transition, check it out.  

What You’ll Learn 

• What the CMO job market looks like in 2024 
• How to stand out to recruiters  
• How to prepare for the interview process 

We’re in a defining moment where the role of the CMO is under the microscope, every decision measured against the relentless drumbeat of numbers and revenue. Yet, the pillars of authentic leadership extend far beyond the balance sheets—they’re the bedrock for sustainable growth.

Tune in for a compelling dialogue with Jenn Lim, author of Beyond Happiness, as we delve into the art of harmonizing purpose with performance. Learn how a purpose-driven mindset can yield profound job satisfaction, catalyze growth, fortify teams, and solidify your place in the C-Suite.

This episode unpacks practical strategies for safeguarding your career trajectory and elevating your role, even amidst the fervor of lead-chasing. Because in the end, the true measure of a CMO’s success is about more than revenue generated—it’s in the resilience, innovation, and authenticity they bring to their team and the entire organization.

What You’ll Learn 

• How purpose drives growth & impact 
• Exercises to build more effective teams 
• How to future proof your role 

From shifting market trends to M&As to unexpected external events, if great B2B marketing is one thing—it’s agile. And in this episode, we pull back the curtain on CMOs who aren’t merely surfing the waves of change—they’re harnessing them.

Welcome to a masterclass in change management from Cary Bainbridge of ABM Industries, Narine Galstian of SADA, and Khalid El Khatib who was of Stack Overflow at the time of this recording but is now CMO of Consumer Reports. 

Join us as we dissect pivotal decisions, pivot points, and the nimble moves that define successful B2B marketing today. We’ll explore the agility of B2B marketing through the lens of these seasoned leaders, providing actionable insights into how to lead transformation via resilience, strategic foresight, and a culture of continuous learning.

What You’ll Learn 

• How marketing can lead B2B transformation 
• The CMO’s role in change management 
• How to maintain executive alignment 

From new privacy laws to AI-influenced Google search algorithms, there’s been a massive shift in the world of B2B paid media. 

In response, CMO Huddles has tapped Josh Muskin of WebMechanix and Mike Ulanski of thunder::tech, experts in cutting-edge targeting and data utilization, to shed light on how B2B marketers can refine their strategies for today’s challenges.

From leveraging first-party data in ad campaigns to executing precise ABM on LinkedIn, our guests reveal how a data-centric approach can significantly boost engagement with niche B2B audiences. Plus, they share insider tips on optimizing SEO and content to stand out on Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs), which are increasingly influenced by AI algorithms.

This episode is packed with use cases, best practices, and innovative strategies, offering businesses the insights needed to navigate the intricate realm of B2B marketing and capitalize on the latest technologies. Tune in if you’re looking to enhance lead quality and market presence in a digital-first economy.

What You’ll Learn 

• How to pivot your targeting and media buy strategy 
• How to optimize media spend (and where to spend it) 
• How AI is changing what shows up in Google search