CMO School

Jessica Shirra | Fractional CMO
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MARKETING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

CMO School is the go-to podcast for marketers and Fractional CMOs ready to step into leadership, own their expertise, and build a career or business that actually works for them. Whether you're looking to elevate your skills, transition into a CMO role, or scale your Fractional business, this podcast delivers strategies, expert insights, and the mindset shifts you need to create a career you love. Hosted by Jess Shirra—a 15+ year marketing leader, Fractional CMO, and founder of Fractional CMO School—this show takes you behind the scenes on what actually works in marketing, business, and leadership. Jess has worked with powerhouse brands and creators like Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Strava, Jenna Kutcher, Lori Harder, and more—and now, she’s sharing those lessons with you. Each episode, we dive into proven strategies, practical insights, and candid conversations on topics like: How to step into leadership as a marketer and own your expertise How to confidently price your services and build a business that supports the life you want What it really takes to succeed as a Fractional CMO How to show up as a CMO for your clients, deliver powerful strategy, and lead teams effectively Lessons from experts across marketing, mindset, and entrepreneurship to help you grow Whether you're a corporate marketer exploring the Fractional path, a new Fractional CMO figuring it all out, or a seasoned leader looking to scale and systematize your business, CMO School will give you the tools, insights, and confidence to create a career that gives you freedom, fulfillment, and flexibility—on your terms. New episodes drop weekly! Subscribe now and start building a marketing career that lights you up.

  1. 2D AGO

    What I Do (and Don’t Do) With Social Media as a Fractional CMO

    One of the fastest ways Fractional CMOs burn out is by not being clear on their role. When you don’t know what you should own – and what you shouldn’t – you end up overdelivering, doing work you shouldn’t, and being way busier than you need to be, which ultimately limits your earning potential. In this episode of my series “What I Do and Don’t Do as a CMO,” and I’m diving into Social Media We cover: What social media ownership actually means as a CMOHow to think about channel selection and prioritizationThe role of positioning and high-level content directionWhat it looks like to guide performance without getting pulled into daily executionWhy clear boundaries around social media are essential for protecting your time and value If you’ve ever found yourself mapping out content calendars, reviewing captions, editing reels, or posting content, — this episode will help you reset your boundaries and focus on the strategic role you’re meant to play as a CMO. Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO. 🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/

    12 min

  2. FEB 10

    What I Do (and Don’t Do) With KPIs as a Fractional CMO

    One of the fastest ways Fractional CMOs burn out is by not being clear on their role. When you don’t know what you should own – and what you shouldn’t – you end up overdelivering, doing work you shouldn’t, and being way busier than you need to be, which ultimately limits your earning potential. In the first episode of my series “What I Do and Don’t Do as a CMO,” and I’m starting with KPIs and data. In this episode, I break down what I do (and don’t do) as a CMO when it comes to KPIs and data. In this episode, we cover: What CMOs should (and should not) do when it comes to pulling and reporting on marketing dataThe four areas I stay focused on when it comes to marketing performance and dataThe biggest mistakes and misconceptions I see when it comes to analyzing and reporting data to CEOs and leadership teamsHow to build a tracking plan that supports real decision-making If KPIs feel intimidating or you’ve ever thought “I’m not a numbers person,” this episode will show you that you don’t need to be an analytics expert to be a great CMO. You just need clarity on your role, strong strategic thinking, and the confidence to stay in your lane. Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO. 🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/

    13 min

  3. JAN 20

    What Founders Need From Marketers and Fractional CMOs with Heather Chauvin

    Why do founder–marketer relationships break down so often — even when everyone has good intentions? In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Chauvin, leadership coach and longtime founder, to talk honestly about what founders are actually looking for when they hire marketing support — and why marketing can be one of the most emotionally charged hires a business owner makes. We unpack: Why many founders develop trust issues with marketing (and how those experiences shape expectations)The hype problem in marketing — and why results are never guaranteedWhat founders really want beyond revenue: to feel seen, heard, and supportedThe “secret ROI” conversations most marketers never ask — and why they matterWhy energy management, capacity, and boundaries are part of the jobHow strong Fractional CMOs lead as partners, not order-takers or hype machines If you’re a Fractional CMO or senior marketer, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening underneath founder expectations — and how to lead the relationship with more clarity, confidence, and trust. Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO. 🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/

    43 min

  4. JAN 13

    How to Price Yourself as a Fractional CMO: Real Rates + The Biggest Mistakes I See

    If you’re a Fractional CMO and you’ve ever wondered, “What should I be charging?”, this episode is for you. So many experienced marketers undercharge in this role, and it’s one of the biggest reasons Fractional CMOs feel overworked, underpaid, and burned out. In this episode, I break down: The core mindset shift around pricing that changes how clients perceive your valueThe real pricing ranges Fractional CMOs are charging — and when each range actually makes senseThe two most common pricing models and which one I recommendThe six biggest pricing mistakes that keep smart, experienced marketers undercharging — and how to fix them This conversation is about pricing at different levels of leadership in a way that reflects responsibility, decision-making, and ownership — and supports building a lucrative, sustainable Fractional CMO business where you’re paid appropriately for the role you’re doing. If you’ve been questioning your rates, feeling stretched thin, or sensing there’s a gap between the work you’re doing and what you’re being paid, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been looking for. Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO. 🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/

    13 min

  5. JAN 9

    The AI Playbook Every Fractional CMO Needs to Get Hours Back and Stay Ahead with Callan Faulkner

    If you’re leading marketing in 2025, you can’t afford not to understand AI. In this episode, I’m joined by Callan Faulkner, AI coach and founder of The Uncommon Business, who built a $4M company in 18 months with four AI-trained employees while working less than 40 hours a week. And here’s what matters: Callan isn’t teaching the surface-level “prompt for a caption” stuff you’ve already seen everywhere. She’s teaching what it actually looks like to become an AI Architect — building systems that give you back your time, protect your creative edge, and raise the quality of your work. We dig into: The shift from AI Offloader to AI Architect, and why it’s the next evolution of marketing leadershipWhy “opening a chat and generating content” is the fastest way to get generic, mediocre outputThe real unlock: documenting your frameworks and “genius” so AI can think like you, not like the internetThe three projects Callan recommends every Fractional CMO build: a Brand Guardian, a Sales Wizard, and a Money CoachHow to slow down up front (training systems) so you can move faster every week and reclaim real hours If you’ve been curious about AI but hesitant to go all-in because you don’t want to lose your voice, this conversation will change how you think about AI, leadership, and what’s possible in your business. Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO. 🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/

    59 min

  6. 12/16/2025

    How to EASILY Hit 6 Figures as a Fractional CMO With 1-2 Clients

    If six figures as a Fractional CMO feels out of reach — like something only “top-tier marketers” or “big-name consultants” can do — this episode is going to shift that belief fast. Hitting six figures isn’t a stretch goal in this role. It’s actually the simplest part of the business when you structure it the right way. In this episode, I break down: • The biggest mindset blocks keeping marketers underpaid • Why high-ticket clients are more common than you think • How scope (not skill) is the reason your pricing feels “too high” • Three simple paths to six figures — even if you prefer light delivery • What it actually takes to build a six-figure FCMO business that feels easy If you’ve been questioning whether this level of income is possible for you, I want this episode to show you just how accessible it really is. Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO. 🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/

    16 min

  7. 12/09/2025

    Fractional CMO School: Inside the Top Training Program for Fractional CMOs + Marketing Leaders

    If you’ve been curious about what actually happens inside Fractional CMO School — the structure, the support, the strategy, and how marketers and fractional CMOs are scaling to six figures and beyond — this video gives you the full inside tour. I’m sharing the real story behind the program, why I created it, what makes it different, and what students are experiencing once they get inside. If you’ve wondered whether becoming a Fractional CMO is right for you — or you want a clearer, more sustainable way to lead as a marketer — this will give you a clear picture of what’s possible. Inside this episode: • How I went from burnt-out marketer to six-figure Fractional CMO • The gap I saw in this industry and why Fractional CMO School exists • A behind-the-scenes look at the 6-month structure, coaching + support • The real transformations students are seeing (income + identity shifts) • What the fractional CMO role can unlock in your work, income, and life Whether you’re an experienced marketer who’s ready to move out of execution and into leadership — or you’re already a Fractional CMO and want a better way to build your business — this episode will help you understand whether this path is right for you. ____ If you’ve been curious about Fractional CMO School and want to learn more, this is your chance to peek behind the curtains. Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO. 🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/

    47 min

  8. 12/02/2025

    The Work Beneath the Work: How I Rewired My Beliefs About Money, Success, and Worthiness (with Jess Belsky)

    You can do everything “right” — build the strategy, put in the hours, chase the next level — and still feel stuck. Like there’s something invisible holding you back from the growth you know you’re capable of. I’ve been there. And what I learned is this: it’s not your strategy. It’s your subconscious. When I started working with Jess Belsky, a Transformational Leadership Coach and Hypnotherapist, I thought I was fixing my money mindset. But the real shift came when I started rewiring my subconcious beliefs — the ones that were shaping how I led, what I earned, and how I showed up in my life and business. In this episode, we unpack: How subconscious patterns keep high-performing leaders from reaching their next levelThe exact inner work that changed how I think, lead, and run my business (and life)What it looks like to reprogram your beliefs so your conscious and subconscious are aligned If you’ve been pushing harder but not getting further, this episode will help you see what’s really been in your way — and how to finally lead from the inside out. Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO. 🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/

    57 min
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

CMO School is the go-to podcast for marketers and Fractional CMOs ready to step into leadership, own their expertise, and build a career or business that actually works for them. Whether you're looking to elevate your skills, transition into a CMO role, or scale your Fractional business, this podcast delivers strategies, expert insights, and the mindset shifts you need to create a career you love. Hosted by Jess Shirra—a 15+ year marketing leader, Fractional CMO, and founder of Fractional CMO School—this show takes you behind the scenes on what actually works in marketing, business, and leadership. Jess has worked with powerhouse brands and creators like Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Strava, Jenna Kutcher, Lori Harder, and more—and now, she’s sharing those lessons with you. Each episode, we dive into proven strategies, practical insights, and candid conversations on topics like: How to step into leadership as a marketer and own your expertise How to confidently price your services and build a business that supports the life you want What it really takes to succeed as a Fractional CMO How to show up as a CMO for your clients, deliver powerful strategy, and lead teams effectively Lessons from experts across marketing, mindset, and entrepreneurship to help you grow Whether you're a corporate marketer exploring the Fractional path, a new Fractional CMO figuring it all out, or a seasoned leader looking to scale and systematize your business, CMO School will give you the tools, insights, and confidence to create a career that gives you freedom, fulfillment, and flexibility—on your terms. New episodes drop weekly! Subscribe now and start building a marketing career that lights you up.

Information

  • Creator
    Jessica Shirra | Fractional CMO
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Jessica Shirra | Fractional CMO
  • Show Website
    CMO School

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