Alexandra Mattiesen: Marketing with Heart, Mind, and Healthy Limits

What if your greatest marketing strength had nothing to do with tools, tactics, or timelines? Instead, everything to do with empathy?In this episode of Tea Time with Tech Marketing Leaders, Kerry Guard sits down with Alexandra Mattiesen, a marketing executive with a passion for brand storytelling, deep technical understanding, and most importantly, emotional intelligence. Alexandra shares her non-traditional path into marketing, her early obsession with branding (think: crayons and business cards at age six), and how her love for tech fuels her approach to complex industries like cybersecurity.But it’s not just about product launches and go-to-market strategies. This conversation explores the often-overlooked personal side of leadership: setting boundaries, prioritizing mental health, and showing up as your full self in male-dominated tech spaces.From method-acting her way into the mindset of developers to baking chocolate tortes and carving out time for dating at 40, Alexandra proves that marketing (and life) is better when it’s built on clarity, curiosity, and care.Whether you're building from zero to one or navigating a Series C startup, Alexandra’s insights will change how you lead teams, craft messages, and protect your peace. For real. Pour some tea. This one’s a warm, empowering listen!This podcast is powered by MKG Marketing. Finally!! A Digital Marketing agency you don't have to micromanage. Besides, growth shouldn't be  hard. Connect with Alexandra Mattiesen on LinkedIn (she welcomes DMs and thoughtful chats! Especially about brand building and tech)(00:00) - – Intro & Warm Welcome (02:30) - – Alexandra’s Nontraditional Path into Marketing (08:20) - – Childhood Branding: Sweet Petite & Crayon Business Cards (13:00) - – How an English Degree Became Her Superpower (17:45) - – Launching Products with Emotional Intelligence (25:20) - – Building Healthy Marketing Teams from Day One (32:00) - – Boundaries, Burnout, and Blocking Time on Your Calendar (38:15) - – Women in Tech & Saying No to Say Yes (43:40) - – Calm in the Storm: MKG’s Legacy & Alexandra’s Clarity (49:30) - – Technical Empathy: Learning Code & Security+ Certification (57:10) - – Asking Better Questions, Building Better Teams (01:03:50) - – Alexandra’s Q4 Goal: Date with Intention (01:08:10) - – Chocolate Tortes, OC Throwbacks & Kristen Bell Cameos (01:12:40) - – Closing Thoughts & Where to Connect