Episode 153 | Why Smart Marketing Starts with Strategy, Not Tactics with Janell Pittman

Send us Fan MailIf you’ve ever felt like your marketing was missing the mark—or that your team is busy but not actually gaining traction—this episode is for you.I sat down with Janell Pittman, a fractional CMO with Chief Outsiders and a powerhouse strategist who’s helped major brands like MercyOne and Martha Stewart get real results. Janell brings more than two decades of experience transforming organizations from the inside out, and in this conversation, she explains what marketing really is (and what it’s not).We talk about why jumping to tactics—like “Should we send a postcard?”—is the last thing you should do, and how starting with insights, strategy, and clear positioning changes everything. Janell also shares what happens when branding is treated as a surface-level effort—and why the most impactful transformations happen when internal culture aligns with external messaging.She’s smart, humble, and full of practical wisdom. Whether you’re running a business, building your brand, or trying to make sense of marketing ROI, this episode will help you step back and see the bigger picture.🎧 Listen in to hear how Janell turned branding into bottom-line results—and how you can, too.About Janell Pittman:Janell is a fractional executive with Chief Outsiders who helps mid-sized company CEOs transform scattered efforts into focused, data-driven marketing strategies that drive growth. With over 20 years of leadership experience, she’s known for aligning teams and delivering results. Formerly the Chief Marketing and Digital Strategy Officer at MercyOne ($3B healthcare system), she unified 17 brands and drove market share growth. She also led digital strategy at Meredith Corporation, overseeing brands like Better Homes and Gardens and Martha Stewart, and has held roles at Nestlé Purina, PwC, and IBM. Janell is recognized for strategic leadership, serves on nonprofit boards, and enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband and two sons.Resources:LinkedIn WebsiteFree Growth Readiness Assessment Want to make more sales, grow your business, and stand out in a sea of sameness? Join me, Kay Miller, on the Uncopyable Women in Business podcast for conversations with successful women from all industries. You'll get real-world strategies, lessons, and tools you can use right now. I earned the nickname “Muffler Mama” after becoming the top muffler salesperson in the world, and for 30+ years my husband Steve and I have built an 8-figure business. I’m also an author, speaker, consultant. My goal is to provide Uncopyable value. I want you to say, "Wow, I've never thought of it that way!" Ready to accelerate your sales and business growth with Uncopyable strategies? Learn more about my services and products:  https://www.beuncopyable.com/kayContact:[email protected]/in/millerkay