CMO Chapters Podcast with Lucy Bolan

Lucy Bolan (NewChapterTalent.com.au)

Welcome to the CMO Chapter Podcast, where we dive deep into the dynamic world of Chief Marketing Officers. Join us as we explore the careers, insights, and strategies of top marketing executives who shape the brands we know and love. Whether you're a seasoned marketer, aspiring CMO, or simply curious about what it takes to step into the shows of a CMO. This podcast is your backstage pass to discovering what it’s like to lead and innovate in the ever-evolving landscape of business and consumer engagement. _______ This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today! https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au

  1. Bold Moves, Retail Reinvention & the Power of Resilience with Ryan Gracie

    10/13/2025

    Bold Moves, Retail Reinvention & the Power of Resilience with Ryan Gracie

    In the Series 2 finale of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan sits down with Ryan Gracie, Chief Customer & Revenue Officer at BIG W (Woolworths Group), for a candid conversation about bold brand building, customer-led growth, and leading through change.  From agency beginnings to senior retail leadership, Ryan shares the wins, the missteps, and the mindset that’s powered his career—plus why backing yourself and taking calculated risks still matters most.  What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to make bold, commercial creative that cuts through in retailWhy resilience is a modern C-suite superpower (and how to build it)Balancing brand, performance and revenue without losing focusNavigating complex stakeholder environments and earning trustLessons from scaling teams through transformation and integrationPractical ways to keep your customer promise front and centre Resources & Mentions BIG W – One of Australia’s most iconic retailers.Case studies from Ryan’s standout marketing and retail campaigns.Lessons from creative agency beginnings to executive leadership.Scott Galloway – referenced for his perspectives on business, marketing, and leadership. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to the CMO Chapter Podcast(00:44) Meet Ryan Gracie: Career Highlights(03:22) Ryan's Early Life and Education(04:51) The Drive Behind Success(07:38) Transitioning Roles: CMO to Chief Customer and Revenue Officer(10:24) The Future of the CMO Role(13:39) Balancing Art and Science in Marketing(15:40) Ryan's Principles for Success(18:16) Embracing Discomfort for Growth(18:42) Creating Value in Business(19:23) Resilience and Moving Forward(20:49) The Importance of Attitude(23:41) Advice for Aspiring CMOs(27:33) Networking and Personal Growth(32:20) Overcoming Personal Challenges(35:12) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Connect with Ryan Gracie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryangracie/ Follow the Podcast & New Chapter Talent: Instagram: @NewChapterTalent LinkedIn: New Chapter Talent || CMO Chapters Podcast This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today! Website: https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-chapter-talent/ Email: lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au

    37 min
  2. Purpose, Play & Marketing that Matters with Dan Ferguson

    09/29/2025

    Purpose, Play & Marketing that Matters with Dan Ferguson

    In this energising episode of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan sits down with Dan Ferguson, ex-Chief Marketing Officer at Adore Beauty, to explore the intersection of purpose, play, and performance in marketing. With a career spanning retail, eCommerce, and digital transformation, Dan shares his candid views on leadership, building teams, and why the best marketing balances commercial outcomes with creativity and fun. Dan opens up about his own career journey—from working across iconic retail brands to leading marketing at one of Australia’s most loved online beauty destinations. He discusses what it takes to stand out in a crowded category, the role of customer insight in shaping bold brand campaigns, and why empathy, curiosity, and humour are underrated leadership superpowers. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why brand purpose must translate into meaningful action, not just words.How to create marketing that cuts through in crowded, competitive categories.The importance of play and creativity in driving team performance.How to use customer insights as the foundation for bold brand moves.Why empathy and curiosity are game-changers for leaders.Lessons from scaling and transforming retail and eCommerce marketing. Resources & Mentions: Adore Beauty – Australia’s leading online beauty retailer.Key retail and eCommerce learnings from Dan’s career journey.Case studies on customer insight-driven campaigns. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to the CMO Chapter Podcast(00:44) Meet Dan: A Journey from Psychology to Marketing(01:52) The Sliding Doors Moment: Choosing Marketing Over Psychology(04:07) The Role of Psychology in Marketing(06:34) The Impact of AI on Marketing(13:53) Dan's Career Journey and Ambitions(15:21) Leading Adore Beauty: Challenges and Successes(19:03) Defining a Vision and Achievements(21:17) The Importance of Saying Yes(22:53) Embracing Feedback and Vulnerability(26:23) Advice for Emerging Marketers(33:43) The Role of Disruption and Legacy(35:57) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Dan Ferguson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danferguson1/ Follow the Podcast & New Chapter Talent: Instagram: @NewChapterTalent LinkedIn: New Chapter Talent || CMO Chapters Podcast This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today! Website: https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-chapter-talent/ Email: lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au

    37 min
  3. Non-Linear Careers, Resilience & Authentic Leadership with Stacey Maher

    09/15/2025

    Non-Linear Careers, Resilience & Authentic Leadership with Stacey Maher

    In this episode of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan sits down with Stacey Maher, a Melbourne-based marketing and business leader whose career has been anything but traditional.  From discovering marketing while living overseas to stepping into senior leadership and general management roles, Stacey has built a career defined by curiosity, resilience, and authenticity. She shares candid reflections on navigating non-linear career paths, the value of saying "yes" to unexpected opportunities, and the importance of balancing strategy with execution.  Stacey also opens up about her leadership philosophy, the role of resilience in long-term success, and why being authentic and vulnerable as a leader creates stronger, high-performing teams. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why a non-linear career path can be an asset, not a setback.How overseas experiences can shape independence, resilience, and career direction.The importance of understanding both the official and unofficial org charts.Why balancing strategy and execution is key to effective leadership.The role of curiosity, continuous learning, and saying "yes" to new opportunities.How vulnerability and authenticity strengthen teams and leadership impact. Themes and Advice: Insights from Stacey’s global career experiences.Reflections on navigating digital, product, and commercial leadership roles.AI, digital transformation, and evolving leadership skills. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to the CMO Chapter Podcast(00:44) Meet Stacey Maher: A Non-Linear Career Path(01:32) Early Career and Discovering Marketing(04:26) Navigating Career Challenges and Building Resilience(13:18) The Importance of Strategy and Execution(16:03) Embracing AI and Future Skills(20:33) Networking and Building Relationships(24:31) Advice for Aspiring Leaders(27:41) Final Thoughts and Takeaways Follow Stacey Maher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-maher-4403553/ Follow the Podcast & New Chapter Talent: Instagram: @NewChapterTalent LinkedIn: New Chapter Talent || CMO Chapters Podcast This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today! Website: https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-chapter-talent/ Email: lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au

    33 min
  4. Transformation, AI & Leading with Purpose with Louise Cummins

    09/01/2025

    Transformation, AI & Leading with Purpose with Louise Cummins

    In this inspiring episode of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan sits down with Louise Cummins—Co-Founder of the Australian Centre for AI Marketing and former CMO of World Vision. With over 30 years’ experience across tech, telco, entertainment and not-for-profit, Louise shares her remarkable journey of reinvention, leadership, and driving transformation in fast-changing industries. From starting out in mathematics and psychology to leading major global marketing teams, Louise offers candid insights on how to embrace disruption, build resilience, and balance creativity with commercial impact. She also dives into the evolving role of AI in marketing, and why human-centred leadership and purposeful work matter more than ever. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why diverse career experiences give marketers a unique edge.How to navigate reinvention and stay relevant in disruptive times.The role of AI in removing admin and unleashing creative capacity.The importance of building authentic, supportive professional networks.How to lead with purpose, resilience, and humility.Why focusing on the next 90 days is key to growth and adaptability. Resources & Mentions: Australian Centre for AI Marketing – Co-founded by Louise.World Vision – Where Louise led marketing transformation.Research on AI in marketing and creative productivity. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to the CMO Chapter Podcast(00:44) Welcoming Louise Cummings(01:22) Louise's Career Journey(02:51) Insights on Marketing and Career Transitions(07:43) Leadership and Innovation at World Vision(19:05) The Australian Center for AI(22:54) Advice for Aspiring Marketers(28:17) Personal Branding and Networking(32:28) Legacy and Impact(34:49) Conclusion and Final Thoughts Follow Louise Cummins on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/louiseemmacummins/ Follow the Podcast & New Chapter Talent: Instagram: @NewChapterTalent LinkedIn: New Chapter Talent || CMO Chapters Podcast This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today! Website: https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-chapter-talent/ Email: lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au

    36 min
  5. Portfolio Careers, Personal Branding & Doing Work on Your Terms with Penelope Barr

    07/21/2025

    Portfolio Careers, Personal Branding & Doing Work on Your Terms with Penelope Barr

    In this insightful and energising episode of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan chats with Penelope Barr, portfolio career strategist, executive coach, writer and interim leader across innovation, tech and product.  With a career spanning decades in digital transformation and executive leadership, Penelope now empowers others to design fulfilling portfolio lives that align with their values, energy, and lifestyle. Together, they dive into what a portfolio career really means, how marketers can diversify their income, and the steps to building your personal brand and community before you need it. Whether you're a CMO navigating uncertainty or a marketer ready to explore more flexibility and purpose, this episode is your blueprint. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The difference between fractional, interim and portfolio roles.How to build a portfolio career while still in full-time work.Steps to design a “life by seasons” model that fuels you.The mindset shifts required to build on your strengths and say yes to your own path.How to create offers, test ideas, and monetise your skills—without a website.What it takes to thrive financially and emotionally outside the 9-to-5.Why personal brand and community matter more than ever in a shifting job market. Resources & Mentions: Pomodoro Technique – Penelope’s tool of choice for focused, deep work.Career On Your Terms Program – Penelope’s flagship course for portfolio professionals.Monetise Fast Weekends – Learn how to go from idea to offer in 48 hours.LinkedIn – Penelope posts daily on topics from leadership to personal growth. Connect with Our Guest: Follow Penelope Barr on LinkedIn: Penelope BarrLearn more or book a discovery call: https://calendly.com/penelope-barr/30min?month=2025-06 Follow the Podcast & New Chapter Talent: Instagram: @NewChapterTalent LinkedIn: New Chapter Talent || CMO Chapters Podcast This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today! Website: https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-chapter-talent/ Email: lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au

    37 min
  6. Human Leadership, Creative Vision & Riding the Waves with Liana Dubois

    07/07/2025

    Human Leadership, Creative Vision & Riding the Waves with Liana Dubois

    In this powerhouse episode of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan sits down with Liana Dubois, former Chief Marketing Officer at Nine and an industry leader with over 25 years in media, marketing and advertising.  From her early days reading stolen copies of B&T and AdNews to leading one of Australia’s biggest media portfolios, Liana shares candid insights on leadership, reinvention, the future of marketing, and what it really takes to thrive at the top. This conversation goes deep on how to manage high-performing teams, navigate change, harness AI without losing your brand identity, and lead with empathy in a world that demands more human-centred leadership. A must-listen for marketers navigating growth, leadership, or reinvention. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How to lead marketing in a matrix organisation across multiple brands.Why CMOs must align their strategies with business growth, not just brand goals.Tips for leading teams of 250+ without burning out.What not to assume when communicating your marketing strategy.How to manage career transitions with optimism and resilience.The real impact of AI on creative distinctiveness—and how to avoid the sea of sameness.Why human behaviour, ethics and empathy are the future of leadership. Resources & Mentions: AdNews & B&T – Industry publications that sparked Liana’s early career curiosity.Australian Institute of Marketing (AMI) – Upskilling for marketers.ADMA – Training and development for data-driven marketing.Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity – Where marketing meets innovation.Generative AI Tools – The opportunities and risks in creative automation. Connect with Our Guest: Follow Liana Dubois on LinkedIn: Liana Dubois Follow the Podcast & New Chapter Talent: Instagram: @NewChapterTalent LinkedIn: New Chapter Talent || CMO Chapters Podcast This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today! Website: https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-chapter-talent/ Email: lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au

    36 min
  7. Standing Out, Staying Human & Smarter Job Seeking with Edan Haddock

    06/23/2025

    Standing Out, Staying Human & Smarter Job Seeking with Edan Haddock

    In this special episode of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan welcomes Edan Haddock, Head of Talent at Movember, for a powerful and practical discussion about what it really takes to get hired in today’s competitive job market. While not a CMO, Edan brings a wealth of knowledge from years in talent acquisition and leadership, offering fresh, real-world advice for marketers at all levels. This conversation is packed with honest insights into how to stand out, the importance of personalisation and storytelling, and how AI is impacting recruitment. If you're job hunting, considering a move, or supporting someone who is—this one’s essential listening. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: How Movember has reshaped its employer brand to focus on purpose and connection.What candidates really need to do to stand out in a sea of applicants.How AI is changing the hiring process (and how to stay human in a digital world).The importance of building your personal brand and online presence.Why recruiters value storytelling over perfectly formatted CVs.The power of meaningful networking and finding “your Lucy.”What success looks like in a saturated job market—and how to stay sane through it. Resources & Mentions: Teamtailor – Recruitment platform helping personalise the candidate experience.Movember Careers Page: careers.movember.comNew Chapter Talent – Your partner in career growth and marketing leadership hiring. Connect with Our Guest: Follow Edan Haddock on LinkedIn: Edan Haddock Follow New Chapter Talent and the Podcast! Instagram: @NewChapterTalent LinkedIn: New Chapter Talent || CMO Chapters Podcast This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today! Website: https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-chapter-talent/ Email: lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au

    34 min
  8. Empathy, Leadership & Redefining Success with Liam Loan-Lack

    06/09/2025

    Empathy, Leadership & Redefining Success with Liam Loan-Lack

    In this refreshingly honest episode of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan sits down with Liam Loan-Lack, Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer at Match and Wood. From his beginnings as an intellectual property lawyer in the UK to leading major marketing teams in Australia, Liam shares his non-linear journey into marketing and what it really takes to grow as a leader. Liam discusses emotional intelligence, agency vs client-side experience, personal branding, and why the future of marketing may look very different from what we know today. A must-listen for ambitious marketers ready to break the mould and lead with empathy. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why emotional intelligence is a marketer’s most powerful asset.How to build a personal brand without the props.The upsides (and downsides) of starting your career in agency land.What it really means to leave a legacy—and how to start building one now.Leadership lessons that go beyond job titles and team size.How to challenge outdated career narratives and redefine success.Why simplicity is underrated, and how to communicate for real impact. Resources & Mentions: Obliquity by John Kay – Why the best outcomes are often achieved indirectly.The Marketing Academy – A leadership journey that changed Liam’s perspective.Emotional Intelligence in Leadership – A recurring theme in this episode. Connect with Our Guest: Follow Liam Loan-Lack on LinkedIn: Liam Loan-Lack Follow the Podcast via New Chapter Talent: Instagram: @NewChapterTalent LinkedIn: New Chapter Talent || CMO Chapters Podcast This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today! Website: https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-chapter-talent/ Email: lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au

    36 min

About

Welcome to the CMO Chapter Podcast, where we dive deep into the dynamic world of Chief Marketing Officers. Join us as we explore the careers, insights, and strategies of top marketing executives who shape the brands we know and love. Whether you're a seasoned marketer, aspiring CMO, or simply curious about what it takes to step into the shows of a CMO. This podcast is your backstage pass to discovering what it’s like to lead and innovate in the ever-evolving landscape of business and consumer engagement. _______ This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today! https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au