What Does a Fractional CMO Do?
Ahead of the Game
Early Mistakes and Vulnerability
Peter shares early career failures, SEO mistakes, and how vulnerability became his leadership currency.
The word "fractional" gets bandied around a lot these days. But what does it really mean, and how can a CMO be fractional?
In this episode of the DMI podcast, host Will Francis sits down with Peter Murphy Lewis of StrategicPete.com and a successful fractional CMO. Peter shares his journey from launching a travel business in South America to becoming a data-driven marketing strategist for a wide range of industries, including software, finance, media, and even zoos.
🔹 What you’ll learn:
- What a Fractional CMO is and why the role is booming
- Who actually needs a CMO, and who doesn’t
- The biggest marketing mistakes Peter made and what he learned
- The most in-demand digital marketing skills for 2025
- Why LinkedIn newsletters and automation are underrated goldmines
- How and why Peter builds high-performing remote teams using global talent
Peter also talks about the power of vulnerability in leadership, his intern-to-MVP framework, and why he believes AI is an opportunity, not a threat.
Check out Peter's documentary on YouTube - People Worth Caring About
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- 00:06 – Introduction
- 00:54 – What is a Fractional CMO?
- 04:38 – Does Every Business Need a CMO?
- 06:49 – Peter’s Background & Path to Becoming a Fractional CMO
- 09:18 – Performance-Based Marketing Contracts: Pros & Cons
- 12:36 – Biggest Early Career Mistakes & Lessons Learned
- 16:05 – How Digital Marketing Has Changed in 15 Years
- 18:26 – Leveraging Global Talent for Growth
- 21:06 – Peter’s Internship Model: Training Future Marketers
- 23:32 – The Importance of Soft Skills in Digital Marketing
- 27:09 – Coaching, Feedback, and the Power of Vulnerability
- 33:42 – The Most In-Demand Marketing Skills for 2025
- 36:09 – The Role of AI in Marketing
- 42:50 – The Top Marketing Trends for 2025
- 46:46 – Advice for Young Marketers & Entrepreneurs
- 49:25 – Where to Find Peter Online
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