Marketing Blueprint

From France to London, San Francisco to Stockholm and Atlanta, Gwen LaFage has crafted an unconventional yet intentional career across continents and cultures. In this episode, she shares how personal choices shaped professional success, why brand is more than a department, and what it takes to lead with empathy and vision in a global marketing wor

Learnings:
- Life Before Titles: Why making personal choices—even when they seem lateral—can lead to more meaningful, long-term career growth.
- Brand is Not a Silo: Gwen explains how brand must be infused into every department, and why it's a strategic pillar, not a marketing afterthought.
- Leading Without Borders: What working across the US, UK, France, Sweden, and more teaches you about cultural empathy, leadership, and influence.
- From Burnout to Breakthrough: The powerful lessons Gwen learned by walking away from traditional paths, launching her own business, and betting on herself.
- The CMO Is Not Just a Marketer: Why aspiring CMOs need more than domain expertise—they need cross-functional understanding and business-first thinking.
- The Real Risk? Not Taking One: Why stepping into the unknown—whether it’s a new country, a new role, or a new mindset—is often the best move you’ll ever make.

From selling jerseys at a tiny Fanatics office to leading growth at Finipay, Malcolm’s path is anything but traditional—and it’s exactly what makes it so compelling. In this episode, he reflects on choosing learning over ego, the power of people-first leadership, and why curiosity might just be the ultimate superpower in today&

Learnings:
- Choose Growth Over Titles: Why stepping “down” in title for a bigger learning opportunity might be the smartest move you ever make.
- Startup vs. Enterprise: What you gain from both ends of the company-size spectrum—and how timing matters more than you think.
- The 2-Bucket Rule for Promotions: Malcolm’s framework for identifying talent, focusing on coachability, drive, and culture-fit over resumes alone.
- The Return of Influence Marketing: How GenAI and untrackable channels are bringing us back to brand-building—and why it matters.
- Mentorship & Networking, the Real Way: Practical advice on creating long-term relationships that go beyond LinkedIn likes and coffee chats.
- The Curiosity Advantage: Why diving into new trends—like Malcolm did with Google Ads, Facebook, and now AI—can accelerate your career faster than any course.

Join Amrit, a Silicon Valley executive who began his career in a dark engineering room and rose to become a transformative CMO, as he shares his unconventional path, leadership philosophy, and the evolution of marketing in the age of data and scale. This episode is a masterclass in navigating complexity, leading with heart, and preparing for the fu

Learnings:
- Simplifying for Impact: The underrated superpower of distilling complex ideas for execs and boards, and why it’s essential for influence.
- From Solo to Scale: Lessons from Oracle and beyond on turning scrappy startup tactics into repeatable, global go-to-market machines.
- High EQ, High Performance: How emotional intelligence, humility, and true team spirit have fueled Amrit’s leadership style, and earned him the nickname “man of the people.”
- Designing a Meaningful Career: Startups vs. large companies? Amrit breaks down how each shapes you—and why switching between the two builds unmatched versatility.
- The Future of Marketing Roles: Why the CMO title might not survive the decade, and how to prepare for what comes next.

Join Tom Murphy as he shares valuable insights and strategies to build a thriving career in communications, emphasizing the power of adaptability, strategic thinking, and continuous learning.

Learnings:
- Go Horizontal, Not Just Vertical: Discover why broadening your skill set across industries and roles can set you up for long-term success.
- Adapt to the AI Revolution: Learn how AI is transforming communications and why embracing it as a tool—not a threat—is crucial for staying ahead.
- Follow the Work, Not Just the Brand: Understand why the most fulfilling career moves come from seeking interesting challenges rather than just big-name companies.
- The Power of Leadership & Networks: See how surrounding yourself with the right mentors and leaders can accelerate your career growth.
- Gain Global Perspective: Explore why working across different markets and cultures can make you a more effective and well-rounded professional.
- Master Thought Leadership: Learn when to speak up, when to listen, and how to establish credibility in your industry.

Join Selma Chauvin as she shares valuable insights and strategies to boost your marketing career, emphasizing the power of curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning.

Learnings:
- Embrace Curiosity: Discover how a curious mindset can open doors to new opportunities and accelerate your career growth.
- Adapt and Thrive: Learn the importance of staying adaptable in a rapidly changing marketing landscape and how to leverage this skill for success.
- Build a Diverse Skill Set: Understand why exploring different roles and specialties can make you a more versatile and valuable professional.
- The Power of Community: Find out how engaging with professional communities and mentorship can enhance your career journey.
- Overcome the Dunning-Kruger Effect: Explore strategies to navigate the challenges of perceived simplicity and the importance of continuous learning.
- Actionable Career Advice: Gain practical tips for aspiring marketers looking to make their mark in the industry.

Dive into an engaging conversation with Mandy Dhaliwal, CMO of Nutanix, as she shares her deliberate journey to marketing leadership and the lessons she learned across diverse roles. Whether you’re an aspiring marketer or a seasoned professional, Mandy’s insights will inspire you to dream big and lead boldly.

Learnings:
- A Career by Design: How Mandy envisioned her path to becoming a CMO and the deliberate steps she took to achieve it.
- Lessons from Internships: Why Mandy credits her first internship with shaping her marketing caree, and how you can make your early experiences count.
- The Art of Strategic Growth: Discover Mandy’s approach to solving hard problems and driving exponential growth, whether in startups or at global enterprises.
- Leadership Through Community: How Mandy balances her role as a CMO with being a founding member of impactful communities like Chief and CMO Huddles.
- Building Teams and Future Leaders: What Mandy looks for in marketing talent and her philosophy on fostering growth from within.
- Authenticity and Self-Awareness: Why knowing yourself is the ultimate key to unlocking career success.
- Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights from one of marketing’s most accomplished leaders.

Join CMO Lisa Vecchio as she shares how a deliberate approach to career growth, diverse industry experience, and a people-centered leadership style shape success in today’s dynamic marketing world.

Learnings:
- Embrace Diverse Experiences: Lisa highlights the value of exploring different marketing roles and industries to build a holistic, adaptable skill set for leadership.
- Career by Design: A deliberate career path, focused on personal values, can lead to meaningful professional achievements and global opportunities.
- Empathy-Driven Leadership: Prior experience across roles helps foster understanding and effective communication with teams, inspiring accountability and collaboration.
- Adaptability in Today’s Market: Lisa emphasizes the importance of being open to change and prioritizing purpose and good culture over budget or title.
- Advice for New Marketers: Try various roles to discover strengths, question the status quo, and focus on continuous learning to grow both skills and career.

In this insightful interview, Wendy Braitman shares career-building strategies—from networking and mentorship to mastering influence—giving marketing professionals practical advice to navigate career changes and achieve leadership success.

Learnings:
- Value of Mentorship: Actively seek mentors within your company to guide your growth and help you navigate career challenges.
- Networking as a Career Cornerstone: Consistently nurture your network to stay connected and open doors for future opportunities.
- Diverse Marketing Skills: Explore different marketing roles to gain a broad understanding, which can position you for leadership roles.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with industry trends through conferences, reading, and courses to keep your skills sharp and relevant.
- Influence Without Authority: Build influence through thought leadership and content creation on platforms like LinkedIn to establish your expertise and visibility.

Navigating Leadership & Entrepreneurship with Alexandra Sommer. Tune in to discover her approach to managing teams, taking risks, and fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.

Learnings:
- The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth: Discover how finding the right mentor can shape your early career and provide the confidence to take on leadership roles, even when you’re young and managing older, experienced teams.
- The Importance of a 360° Approach to Marketing: Learn why exploring different facets of marketing—from events to business development—can accelerate career advancement and prepare you for strategic roles like Marketing Director.
- Balancing Risk and Innovation: Gain insights into why taking calculated risks and operating “under the radar” can drive innovation, especially when working within structured organizations.
- Leadership Through Trust and Collaboration: Understand Alexandra’s leadership style, centered around trust, open communication, and leading by example—whether it’s working alongside teams or being available to offer guidance.
- Daring to Venture into Entrepreneurship: Hear about Alexandra's journey into entrepreneurship, the challenges she faced, and why she believes in embracing mistakes as a key to growth.

Join CMO Michael Rolland as he shares his unique journey from IT engineer to marketing leader, revealing how technical expertise, adaptability, and strategic thinking shape modern marketing success.

Learnings:
- Career Flexibility: Michael’s transition from IT to marketing highlights the importance of being open to new opportunities and leveraging existing skills to shift career paths.
- Tech Advantage in Marketing: An engineering background provides a competitive edge in understanding complex technical products and digital transformations, enabling marketers to better connect with their audience's needs.
- Strategic and Analytical Shift: Today’s CMOs must balance creativity with data-driven decision-making, proving the ROI of marketing initiatives through precise analytics.
- Balancing Leadership and Delegation: Success as a marketing leader involves guiding teams while knowing when to step back and let them take ownership, fostering growth and innovation.
- Importance of the Right Environment: Choosing a stimulating work environment is key, as it allows for personal and professional growth, especially when navigating through diverse roles and responsibilities.

In this engaging interview, I sit down with Jean-Philippe Timsit to discuss the evolving landscape of marketing and the skills required for success. Join us to explore thought-provoking perspectives on education, continuous learning, and the future of marketing careers.

Learnings:
- The evolving role of marketing education and its relevance today.
- The impact of technological advancements on modern marketing practices.
- The importance of continuous learning and skill development in a marketing career.
- The shift from generalist to multi-specialist roles in marketing management.
- How to balance technical skills with strategic thinking in marketing leadership.

In this interview, I sit down with Maud, an influential marketing leader at HP, to discuss her unique career journey from sales to managing marketing across EMEA, providing invaluable insights into aligning sales and marketing, career development, and the power of curiosity and empathy in business.

Learnings:
- How a sales and marketing background fosters better alignment and empathy between teams.
- Strategies for navigating career transitions and making impactful career shifts.
- The importance of curiosity and continuous learning in marketing.
- How to manage and lead diverse, international marketing teams effectively.
- Insights on building a successful marketing career through strategic networking and professional development.

Discover Joyce Hwang's path from consulting to becoming the CMO of Dropbox, and her unique insights into the evolving role of marketing leaders.

Learnings:
- How consulting skills like problem-solving and hypothesis-driven approaches are crucial in modern marketing.
- The impact of a data-driven mindset in a CMO's role.
- The importance of understanding cross-departmental workflows and processes.
- Strategies for managing and motivating a fully remote, international team.
- The unexpected career pivots that led Joyce to the top of the marketing world.
- The need to seek the potential for new learnings in each role

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Monica, a dynamic marketing leader whose journey spans from programming in COBOL to leading global marketing teams as a CMO.

Learnings:
- Passion and Energy Drive Success: Maintaining high energy and positivity, regardless of circumstances, can greatly influence your career and work environment.
- Embrace Curiosity and Continuous Learning: Always seek to understand different aspects of your industry and business. Curiosity leads to deeper insights and better problem-solving.
- Hands-on Experience Builds Credibility: Engage in various roles within your field to gain firsthand experience. This builds trust and credibility with your team.
- Adaptability and Resilience are Key: Be prepared to adapt to different roles and challenges. Resilience in the face of setbacks is crucial for long-term success.
- Value Data-Driven Decision Making: Develop a strong foundation in data analysis to make informed decisions. Data literacy is essential for modern marketing and business strategy.

Don't miss an engaging conversation with Sunny Dhami, a dynamic marketing leader who has traversed an impressive path across various marketing disciplines and learn his tricks to success.

Learnings:
- Networking is Pivotal: Build and maintain relationships; your network can unlock career opportunities and provide support.
- Internal Reputation Matters: Cultivate a strong internal brand; trust and credibility within your organization can lead to career advancements.
- Continuous Learning: Be open to learning and ask questions; understanding various marketing aspects enriches your skill set and adaptability.
- Be a Workaholic Wisely: Balance intense work periods with personal time; prioritizing impactful tasks over mere busyness is crucial.
- Embrace Public Speaking: Develop comfort in public speaking; it’s essential for self-promotion, presenting ideas, and leading effectively.

Join us for a conversation with Susie, a seasoned professional who has navigated the fascinating worlds of localization and marketing at Cisco and other well-established companies.

Learnings:
- Serendipity in career paths: Success often comes from unplanned opportunities and taking calculated risks.
- Long-term commitment: Staying with one company can offer growth and diverse experiences over time.
- Personal choice in career moves: Job loyalty vs. frequent changes depends on individual career goals and opportunities.
- Goals before metrics: Setting clear goals is crucial for meaningful metrics and effective marketing strategies.
- Integrated marketing importance: Balancing brand building with demand generation ensures sustainable growth.

Embark on a journey of discovery with Marius, a seasoned marketing maestro renowned for his expertise in the F&B and hospitality industries, to talk about evolving in the marketing world and collaborating beyond marketing.

Learnings:
- Understanding every company role is crucial for effective marketing.
- Passion for the business is essential to drive value in marketing.
- Be open to feedback but maintain confidence in your expertise.
- Creativity in marketing should be balanced with analytical skills.
- Industry expertise can enhance your marketing effectiveness.

We chat with Leesa, a marketing veteran who's worked at big brands like Vonage and AT&T. She shares her career path, from writing technical manuals to becoming a CMO.

Learnings:
- Embrace diverse experiences: Leesa's varied background enriched her marketing career.
- Adapt and learn: Marketing requires understanding consumer needs and evolving with industry changes.
- Leadership through empathy: Effective leadership balances high standards with empathy and feedback.
- Importance of mentorship: Mentoring benefits both mentor and mentee, fostering mutual learning.
- Data-driven decisions: Balance brand-building with measurable marketing for long-term success.