Marketing’s Identity Crisis in the C-Suite

Episode #252: Anand Sankara Narayanan, Chief Marketing Officer at Finance House Group, explains why marketing faces an identity crisis in the C-suite. He argues that marketing has not clearly defined its value within organizations. He breaks down marketing as a discipline built on customer psychology, data, and persuasion. He shares practical ways leaders can defend strategy and build internal trust.“Market your department internally very well. You need to give the reasons, the problem's foundations, the insight, the idea, the execution, and the results you will get. If that is explained clearly, then half the problem is solved. Half the battle is won internally for the marketing department and the marketers.” - Anand Sankara NarayananIn this episode, Anand breaks down why marketing credibility often breaks down in leadership teams and how CMOs can rebuild it with clarity. He explains marketing as both science and persuasion, then shows how customer insight and disciplined decision logic help earn trust, reduce interference, and connect brand building with measurable revenue outcomes.Follow Anand Sankara Narayanan on LinkedInFollow Steve MacDonald on LinkedIn