99: The Role of a CMO in the Future of Marketing Leadership

  Few professionals are as knowledgeable about marketing leadership and the CMO's role as Greg Welch. A senior partner at Spencer Stuart, one of the world's foremost leadership consulting firms, Greg helps to connect companies with the right fitting CMOs. He's witnessed firsthand how, when leadership is done right, a CMO can be his or her team's biggest cheerleader and source of inspiration. Greg has worked with the leadership of dozens of large corporations, including Walmart, Facebook, and Dunkin' Donuts. Greg believes that the intangibles of an extraordinary leader can transform a good CMO into a great one, but developing those skills takes work. On this episode of Renegade Thinkers Unite, Drew and Greg discuss what aspiring professionals need to know to be successful in marketing leadership, as well as concrete advice for CMOs striving for that CEO desk. Greg also shares why you should surround yourself with a group of supporters and mentors to develop your personal marketing leadership style. You'll be inspired by Greg's advice - be sure to listen here. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts - Stitcher- or Podsearch What You'll Learn Greg is seeing a new breed of CMOs emerge, and they have these qualities Throughout his 20 years of executive search experience, Greg has discovered that the best marketing leaders possess a few main qualities, including: The ability to understand both the brand and data sides of a business An intense sense of curiosity An ambition to be a great listener Capable of building and maintaining support with others CMOs need to be smart, aggressive individuals. Greg believes they need to have the ability to know the basics behind building quality, sustainable brands, as well as motivate and inspire others. Marketing leadership is all about building and maintaining relationships Greg says, "You can't manage your marketing team with the door closed." Meaning, a person in marketing leadership can't exist as a silo - every leader should rely on their team in order to achieve the greatest amount of success. That's why stellar leaders intensely focus on building and maintaining strong relationships with others. Mentors, peers, subordinates, and even your competition are all invaluable connections a great CMO needs to invest in. Being authentic, transparent, and honest will go a long way towards fostering strong relationships with those who will help you in life and work. The role of the CMO is always shifting - here's how to continually succeed Drew and Greg both believe that the role of the CMO in business is never stagnant. The best CMOs are seeking to learn and understand more about the business they're in - even if they have no desire to end up in the CEO spot. Greg explains that the top priority should be keeping your team satisfied and engaged, no matter what else you may be focusing on in your marketing leadership role. Looking towards the future, Greg predicts that a focus on eCommerce strategies will help you stay on the cutting edge of a career as a CMO. Timeline [0:29] Greg's Renegade Rapid Fire segment [6:50] It's a new day in marketing and marketing leadership [12:40] You can't manage the marketing team with the door closed [23:39] The ever-expanding role of the CMO [33:10] Greg's take on the ultimate CMO of the future Connect With Greg: About Greg Connect with Greg on LinkedIn Follow Greg on Twitter Resources & People Mentioned Antonio Lucio marketing guru The CMO Club BOOK: "The Old Rules of Marketing are Dead: 6 New Rules to Reinvent Your Brand and Reignite Your Business" BOOK: "Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times" RESEARCH: "Chief Marketing Officer Average Tenure Increases to 44 Months" SPONSOR: Social Media Explorer Connect with Drew http://renegade.com/ On LinkedIn On Twitter On Facebook On Instagram