The Revenue-Driven CMO

Chris Mechanic
The Revenue-Driven CMO Podcast

The Revenue-Driven CMO with Chris Mechanic helps B2B and B2C marketing leaders alike solve the new strategic issues they face in today's market. Through insight-filled interviews, we unpack the best marketing secrets of today's top Chief Marketing Officers and marketing experts. Learn how the best marketers in the business today are driving efficient revenue growth for their organizations. Past guests have included CMOs from companies such as HubSpot, ZoomInfo, Gong, National Debt Relief, and more. Subscribe to get in-depth interviews with actionable takeaways delivered to your inbox every week.

  1. The Importance of ADs in Marketing Compilation with some of our favorite guest

    1 DAY AGO

    The Importance of ADs in Marketing Compilation with some of our favorite guest

    In this episode, we dive deep into the future of cookie-less advertising, exploring the current state of the industry and where it might be heading. With major players like Google continuously iterating their solutions, uncertainty looms, leaving marketers and advertisers wondering how to prepare. Our guest walks us through the complexities of the cookie-less world, explaining it in simple terms for those unfamiliar with the landscape and shedding light on how businesses should navigate these changes. Takeaways: Uncertainty Around Cookie-less Advertising: Even industry giants like Google don’t have a concrete solution yet, leading to repeated delays and continuous iterations. Privacy at the Core: The shift away from cookies is driven by the demand for user privacy, making interest-based advertising more challenging. Google’s Dominance: Until Google pulls the plug on cookies, alternative solutions will remain secondary, as Google's massive user network is unmatched. Interest-Based Targeting Explained: Cookies allow advertisers to build user profiles based on interests, keeping much of the internet free by allowing targeted ads. Adapt to Automation: While automation in advertising seems threatening, experienced marketers can still find value by understanding where and how to exploit gaps in Google’s automated systems. Show Links: The Future of Cookieless Advertising - Alex Kukich - Performance Marketing Insiders - Episode # 076 https://youtu.be/_6NNStYTlis The Automated Future of Digital Ads - Curtis Correll- Performance Marketing Insiders - Episode # 079 https://youtu.be/yrHEaYUfki0 Break the Cycle of Boring B2B Content with Aviv Canaani, VP of Marketing and Sales at Datarails https://youtu.be/1dj7xfHo_QI The State of TikTok Ads in 2022 - Ben Lisca - Performance Marketing Insiders - Episode # 069 https://youtu.be/pxJUZpOEKCc Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7334aa0c-702a-47aa-8c55-760fa2cf4dda/the-revenue-driven-cmo  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-revenue-driven-cmo/id1444680950    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OCuYchAG8TlGv82YARRhy?si=60a093a194c64c17  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-the-revenue-driven-cmo-99614345/  Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-revenue-driven-cmo-chris-mechanic-rdU1oESluqs/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/-zIPsLACeu4 The Revenue-Driven CMO is sponsored by WebMechanix, the performance marketing agency that makes you smarter. Learn more at https://www.webmechanix.com/  The Revenue-Driven CMO is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

    26 min
  2. AI Recipes for Success: 10x Your Creativity and Productivity with Unni Krishnan, Chief Pundit at Phuture.org

    11 SEPT

    AI Recipes for Success: 10x Your Creativity and Productivity with Unni Krishnan, Chief Pundit at Phuture.org

    In this episode, we dive into the continuous evolution of technology, marketing, and AI. Unni shares how staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry requires constant innovation and learning. We explore the development of AI tools, structured prompting, and how to effectively use AI for content creation. With insights into tools like ChatGPT, creative thinking methods, and AI frameworks, listeners will learn practical tips for staying adaptable and improving productivity. Takeaways: Adaptability and Lifelong Learning: Staying relevant in digital marketing requires constant learning and adapting to rapidly changing technologies and trends. Curiosity and a Generalist Approach: A broad skill set and natural curiosity allow for quicker adaptation and better control over evolving marketing strategies and tools. Structured Prompts for Better AI Content: AI produces the best results when given clear, structured prompts with specific instructions like tone, style, and context. AI Recipes for Creativity and Productivity: Unni’s "recipes" for tasks like SEO and storytelling help maximize creativity and efficiency by following structured frameworks. AI as a Learning and Dialogue Tool: Beyond content creation, AI can be a powerful tool for learning, providing deeper insights when engaged in thoughtful dialogue. Quote of the Show: “You would be surprised and almost gasping at the possibilities it can draw” - Unni Krishnan Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishnau/?originalSubdomain=in Website: phewture.org Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7334aa0c-702a-47aa-8c55-760fa2cf4dda/the-revenue-driven-cmo  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-revenue-driven-cmo/id1444680950    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OCuYchAG8TlGv82YARRhy?si=60a093a194c64c17  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-the-revenue-driven-cmo-99614345/  Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-revenue-driven-cmo-chris-mechanic-rdU1oESluqs/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/cdksrkqOycE   The Revenue-Driven CMO is sponsored by WebMechanix, the performance marketing agency that makes you smarter. Learn more at https://www.webmechanix.com/  The Revenue-Driven CMO is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

    45 min
  3. 6 SEPT

    The importance of team building! Highlights from some of our favorite guests!

    In this episode, we take a look back to some of the guests that brought us the best insight on building effective teams. With summer drawing to an end it’s back to work season and having an effective team is vital for your company's success. From Wendy White to Jill Kellet we go back in time to listen again to this great insight.    Full Episode Links: Marketing in a Flat World with Wendy White, CMO Daxko https://youtu.be/hwn4Q00TRDw Creating a Culture of Excellence with Haleigh Forbes, VP of Marketing at APEI https://youtu.be/k2qbaGP727s?si=eXf_XWphcgDsl5lY How to Build Your Creative Team with Jill Kellett, VP of Product & Marketing at Root Insurance https://youtu.be/64iuDfdgv_w Measuring Your Marketing Team’s Effectiveness - Chris Allen - The Revenue-Driven CMO - Episode # 104 https://youtu.be/syUWifcJ0Ko   Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7334aa0c-702a-47aa-8c55-760fa2cf4dda/the-revenue-driven-cmo  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-revenue-driven-cmo/id1444680950    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OCuYchAG8TlGv82YARRhy?si=60a093a194c64c17  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-the-revenue-driven-cmo-99614345/  Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-revenue-driven-cmo-chris-mechanic-rdU1oESluqs/ YouTube:   The Revenue-Driven CMO is sponsored by WebMechanix, the performance marketing agency that makes you smarter. Learn more at https://www.webmechanix.com/    The Revenue-Driven CMO is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

    22 min
  4. 29 AUG

    End Of Summer Best Moments 2024

    In this episode, we dive into some of our favorite moments from the show. We look back on the intricacies of communication within organizations, particularly the importance of interfunctional coordination and authenticity in marketing. Our guests share valuable insights on how to ensure that internal communication aligns with external messaging, the role of different departments like HR and IT in facilitating effective communication, and how to navigate the challenges that come with it.     Takeaways:    Interfunctional Coordination is Essential: Marketing is everyone's job, and every department, from HR to IT, plays a crucial role in ensuring that the company's messages are consistent both internally and externally. Empowering Employees: Employees should be informed and engaged with the company's goals and strategies, which makes them better representatives of the brand. Open Communication Channels: Initiatives like open hours or extended marketing calls can foster better communication across departments. Authenticity Over AI: With the rise of AI-generated content, authenticity, vulnerability, and human touch are more critical than ever in cutting through the noise. Balancing Vulnerability: While being transparent is vital, it’s essential to strike a balance and know when certain information might be too much to share. Predictability in Marketing: Understanding and controlling the predictability of outcomes is crucial in growing a business, and marketers must be deeply aware of their role within the larger organizational ecosystem. Get Out of the Boardroom: Real insights often come from direct interaction with customers and competitors, not just from discussions in the boardroom. Links to the full episodes Adam Robinson | https://youtu.be/6PmFWV0DRj0  Dawn Mueller | https://youtu.be/gZ6YHrNRZr0?si=HXKenSeCmPTt7V6X Haleigh Forbes | https://youtu.be/k2qbaGP727s?si=LiA6icCQhrAr9oIU  Kathleen Stockham | https://youtu.be/WF3_Ybuusy0?si=9Ji9h-6zXw_ulkM8 John Schneider | https://youtu.be/1N6gtyA5WbE?si=5nULwyAMt3v6KsN4 Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7334aa0c-702a-47aa-8c55-760fa2cf4dda/the-revenue-driven-cmo  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-revenue-driven-cmo/id1444680950    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OCuYchAG8TlGv82YARRhy?si=60a093a194c64c17  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-the-revenue-driven-cmo-99614345/  Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-revenue-driven-cmo-chris-mechanic-rdU1oESluqs/ YouTube:https://youtu.be/1RqNZj75sxU  The Revenue-Driven CMO is sponsored by WebMechanix, the performance marketing agency that makes you smarter. Learn more at https://www.webmechanix.com/    The Revenue-Driven CMO is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

    23 min
  5. Marketing in a Flat World with Wendy White, CMO Daxko

    21 AUG

    Marketing in a Flat World with Wendy White, CMO Daxko

    In this episode of Revenue-Driven CMO, host Chris Mechanic interviews Wendy White, the Chief Marketing Officer at Daxko, who has over 25 years of experience in high tech and SaaS marketing. Wendy shares her unique strategy of leveraging global teams to ensure round-the-clock marketing operations. This method, which she calls 'follow the sun,' allows for continuous project execution by utilizing teams located in different time zones. Wendy discusses the importance of clear processes, documentation, and effective use of tools like Asana. She also talks about her experiences from her time at companies like Intel, Motorola, Microsoft, and Expedia, and how these have shaped her current approaches in the mid-market B2B SaaS sector. Additionally, Wendy sheds light on the importance of data-driven insights for effective SEO and the utilization of AI tools in marketing operations.   Takeaways:  Adopt a 'Follow the Sun' Strategy: Utilize a global workforce across multiple time zones to ensure round-the-clock productivity. This approach not only keeps projects moving continuously but also optimizes resource utilization and improves speed of execution. Build a High-Performance Team: Focus on creating a high-performing, agile team that can deliver tangible business results. This involves hiring top talent, whether full-time or through reliable third-party services, and ensuring they are engaged and valued. Clear Communication and Documentation: Before expanding globally, ensure your organization has clean and well-documented processes. This includes having a clear organizational chart, well-defined roles, and thorough training in project management tools like Asana or Monday.com. Clear briefs and hand-offs are essential. Invest in Good Tools and Templates: Use structured templates for briefs, project management, and creative work. Consistent taxonomy and naming conventions can improve understanding and efficiency, making it easier to manage global teams and remote tasks. Leverage Cost-Effective Talent: Consider hiring skilled professionals from regions like India and the Philippines where you can find high-quality talent at a fraction of the cost in the U.S. This could involve both full-time employees and contracted workers through services like FlatPlanet or Globalization Partners. Embrace Flexibility: Acknowledge the need for flexible scheduling to accommodate a global team. Managers should be prepared to engage with team members across different time zones, which may require working outside of traditional 9-5 hours. Stay Ahead with Continuous Learning: Keep one ear to the ground for emerging trends and changes, particularly in technology and market dynamics. Engage with peer groups and professional networks to stay informed and adaptable. Continuous learning and adaptation are key to long-term success. Quote of the Show: “If you think about time as a resource, the possibilities are endless. With the right team and structure, you can keep moving projects forward even while you sleep.” - Wendy White Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendywwhite/  Website: http://www.daxko.com/  Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7334aa0c-702a-47aa-8c55-760fa2cf4dda/the-revenue-driven-cmo  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-revenue-driven-cmo/id1444680950    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OCuYchAG8TlGv82YARRhy?si=60a093a194c64c17  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-the-revenue-driven-cmo-99614345/  Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-revenue-driven-cmo-chris-mechanic-rdU1oESluqs/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/hwn4Q00TRDw  The Revenue-Driven CMO is sponsored by WebMechanix, the performance marketing agency that makes you smarter. Learn more at https://www.webmechanix.com/  The Revenue-Driven CMO is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.c

    46 min
  6. Unlocking Interfunctional Coordination with Dawn Mueller, CMO of Vitech Systems Group

    14 AUG

    Unlocking Interfunctional Coordination with Dawn Mueller, CMO of Vitech Systems Group

    In this episode of The Revenue-Driven CMO, host Chris Mechanic interviews Dawn Mueller, the CMO of Vitech Systems Group. They delve into the importance of interfunctional coordination within a company, explaining how engaging all departments can lead to higher overall profitability. Dawn shares insights on how regular communication with HR, IT, and finance teams can align everyone toward common goals, enhancing transparency and internal engagement. The conversation also touches on Vitech’s strategic shift from a services-led to a SaaS-led company, emphasizing the role of events, media relations, and demand generation in their marketing efforts. Additionally, they discuss the integration of AI tools for lead qualification and content creation, as well as the use of analytics for predictive insights.    Takeaways:  Empower All Employee Representatives: Regardless of their role, every employee is a representative of the company. Ensure they are informed, involved, and engaged to foster a culture where everyone contributes to the company's marketing and public image. Open Office Hours and Extended Marketing Calls: Create an open-door policy within departments and host extended marketing calls. These sessions can help surface new ideas, foster inter-departmental coordination, and create a more engaged and collaborative workplace culture. Regular Internal Marketing Updates: Publish high-level marketing status updates regularly. This keeps everyone across departments informed about what the marketing team is doing, what's coming up, and where resources are being optimized. Focus on Interfunctional Coordination: Encourage consistent communication and collaboration between departments like IT, HR, finance, and marketing to create a unified approach and improve profitability. AI as a Virtual Team Member: Use generative AI as a junior associate for tasks such as first drafts of content or program development. This helps free up human resources for more strategic activities and improves overall productivity. Content Marketing as a Coordination Tool: Use content marketing strategies to foster interdepartmental collaboration. For example, by establishing themes, you can identify subject matter experts within various departments, thus facilitating a more cohesive content creation process. Predictive Analytics and Multi-touch Attribution Tools: Invest in advanced analytics tools to make more data-informed decisions. These tools can offer insights into customer behavior and help optimize marketing strategies with empirical data. Quote of the Show: “I love the exchange of knowledge, it’s wonderful. We need to do that as marketers to support each other” - Dawn Mueller  Links: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnmueller/  Website: https://www.vitechinc.com/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=custom-button  Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7334aa0c-702a-47aa-8c55-760fa2cf4dda/the-revenue-driven-cmo  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-revenue-driven-cmo/id1444680950    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OCuYchAG8TlGv82YARRhy?si=60a093a194c64c17  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-the-revenue-driven-cmo-99614345/  Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-revenue-driven-cmo-chris-mechanic-rdU1oESluqs/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/gZ6YHrNRZr0 The Revenue-Driven CMO is sponsored by WebMechanix, the performance marketing agency that makes you smarter. Learn more at https://www.webmechanix.com/  The Revenue-Driven CMO is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

    44 min
  7. Creating a Culture of Excellence with Haleigh Forbes, VP of Marketing at APEI

    8 AUG

    Creating a Culture of Excellence with Haleigh Forbes, VP of Marketing at APEI

    In this episode of The Revenue-Driven CMO, host Chris Mechanic welcomes Haleigh Forbes, Head of Marketing and Online Experience at American Public Education, to discuss her career journey, leadership style, and strategies for building high-performance teams. Haleigh emphasizes the importance of having the right team, continuous feedback, and strategic partnerships. She also shares her experiences with managing expectations, scaling teams, and navigating complex data challenges. A notable part of the conversation includes Haleigh’s involvement with the Casey Cares Foundation, providing positive experiences for critically ill children and their families.    Takeaways:    Build Trustworthy Leadership: Cultivate leaders within your team that you can trust and who meet your expectations. They should be capable of driving new ideas and optimizations while consistently challenging the status quo.   Foster Open Communication: Prioritize transparent and honest communication within your team. Encourage regular feedback sessions to improve performance and team cohesion.   Invest in Team Growth: Focus on hiring the right people and investing in their growth. Building a strategic, performance-driven team is crucial for long-term success.   Leverage Partnerships: Identify external agencies, services, or tools that can complement your internal capabilities. Establish partnerships that bring mutual benefits and maximize the effectiveness of these relationships.   Set Clear Expectations: Clearly outline the expectations for each role within your team. Ensure that each member understands their responsibilities and the goals they need to achieve.   Promote Work-Life Balance: Recognize the importance of taking time off to recharge. Encourage your team to maintain a healthy work-life balance to sustain long-term productivity and well-being.   Effective Executive Communication: When presenting to executives, be concise and focused. Highlight the three most important takeaways to ensure your message is clear and memorable. Quote of the Show: “Building a strategic, curious, and performance-driven team is where you're going to have success long term. It's like investing in a brand—you're nurturing that foundation to see a lasting return” - Haleigh Forbes     Links:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleigh-forbes-b715a825/  Website: https://www.apei.com/  Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7334aa0c-702a-47aa-8c55-760fa2cf4dda/the-revenue-driven-cmo  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-revenue-driven-cmo/id1444680950    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OCuYchAG8TlGv82YARRhy?si=60a093a194c64c17  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-the-revenue-driven-cmo-99614345/  Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-revenue-driven-cmo-chris-mechanic-rdU1oESluqs/ YouTube: https://youtu.be/k2qbaGP727s    The Revenue-Driven CMO is sponsored by WebMechanix, the performance marketing agency that makes you smarter. Learn more at https://www.webmechanix.com/  The Revenue-Driven CMO is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

    51 min
  8. Achieving Marketing Agility with Kathleen Stockham, CMO of South College

    1 AUG

    Achieving Marketing Agility with Kathleen Stockham, CMO of South College

    In this episode, CMO Kathleen Stockham discusses the structure and operation of her lean team at South College. She emphasizes that success doesn't require a large team but rather a group of talented individuals committed to execution and quality work. Kathleen explains how her team's roles and responsibilities are divided, highlighting the significance of their creative director, project manager, and strategist. She also mentions the importance of strong partnerships with agencies handling paid search, social media, and media ads. Kathleen shares her hands-on leadership approach and her belief in the value of direct feedback and continuous improvement. She also touches on the significance of data privacy and accessibility in their operations, as well as the evolving nature of marketing strategies.   Takeaways:  Leverage a Multi-Talented Team: You don't need a huge team; what you do need are talented people who can handle multiple responsibilities and are committed to execution and quality. This keeps operations lean and efficient.   Foster a Hands-On Leadership Style: Being deeply involved in the day-to-day tasks alongside your team, rather than just dictating from a corner office, can foster better team dynamics and ensure high-quality results.   Use Formal and Challenging RFPs: When seeking new partnerships, use formal, challenging RFPs to weed out non-serious contenders. This helps ensure that only the best and most committed agencies or vendors partner with you.   Stay Updated on Industry Regulations: Keeping abreast of changes in industry-specific laws and regulations, such as data privacy, is crucial. Not doing so can severely affect your organization's legal standing and reputation.   Adopt a Flexible Marketing Strategy: Targeting should not be overly rigid. Understand the broad demographic and psychographic spectrums of your audience and employ flexible, consumer-friendly outreach methods like hybrid programs.   Regularly Analyze Site Search Data: Pay attention to the queries entered into your internal site search. This can highlight content gaps and guide you on what additional information to include on your site.   Promote Peer Reviews and Testing: Before committing to new marketing tools or technologies, leverage peer reviews and ask for test trials. This can prevent costly mistakes and ensure you are using the best tools for your needs.   Quote of the Show: “It doesn't take a village. You don't need a huge team. What you do need are talented people that can do more than one thing and most importantly are committed to the quality work.” - Kathleen Stockham   Links:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-stockham-02895773/  Website: http://south.edu/  Ways to Tune In: Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7334aa0c-702a-47aa-8c55-760fa2cf4dda/the-revenue-driven-cmo  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-revenue-driven-cmo/id1444680950    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1OCuYchAG8TlGv82YARRhy?si=60a093a194c64c17  iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-the-revenue-driven-cmo-99614345/  Listen Notes: https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/the-revenue-driven-cmo-chris-mechanic-rdU1oESluqs/ YouTube:   The Revenue-Driven CMO is sponsored by WebMechanix, the performance marketing agency that makes you smarter. Learn more at https://www.webmechanix.com/    The Revenue-Driven CMO is produced by Ringmaster, on a mission to create connections through branded podcasts. Learn more at https://ringmaster.com/

    42 min

About

The Revenue-Driven CMO with Chris Mechanic helps B2B and B2C marketing leaders alike solve the new strategic issues they face in today's market. Through insight-filled interviews, we unpack the best marketing secrets of today's top Chief Marketing Officers and marketing experts. Learn how the best marketers in the business today are driving efficient revenue growth for their organizations. Past guests have included CMOs from companies such as HubSpot, ZoomInfo, Gong, National Debt Relief, and more. Subscribe to get in-depth interviews with actionable takeaways delivered to your inbox every week.

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