Marketing Myths and CMO Truths from a Coca-Cola & Uber Powerhouse

AI Won’t Save You. Strategy Will.

AI is transforming the way brands connect with consumers. But are companies actually leveraging it the right way? And what about marketing teams — are their operating models built for the future, or stuck in the past?

In this episode, Rebecca Messina, former Global CMO of Uber and marketing leader at Coca-Cola, unpacks what brands are getting wrong about AI, strategy, and team structure. She also reveals the top traits she looks for in marketing hires, and why adaptability and a relentless drive to learn are non-negotiable in today’s industry.

If you want to stay ahead in marketing, this conversation is a must-listen. Buckle up — Rebecca’s insights might just change the way you think about your entire marketing approach.

Key Moments:

• 00:00 Who is Marketing Expert, Rebecca Messina?
• 01:53 The Most Common Misconceptions in Marketing
• 03:48 Adapting Marketing Strategies to Different Environments
• 05:29 The Importance of Language in Marketing
• 16:08 Cross-Functional Collaboration
• 19:50 The Art of Risk-Taking
• 26:06 Your Operating Model is Costing You Talent
• 26:59 Global vs. Local Marketing Strategies
• 28:32 Innovating Your Operating Model
• 29:28 Hiring High-Performing Teams
• 33:12 Navigating AI in Marketing
• 39:16 Aligning Your Mission & Your Strategy
• 42:28 Lightning Round & Rebecca’s Top Resources
• 47:28 Why Flexibility is Wealth

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