Episode 110: ‘Navigating the role of a Responsible CMO’ - 3-Part Mini Series’, Part 3 - Sophie Collins, CMO - MPB

The integral role of the CMO in driving authentic sustainability…

In this final episode of our Responsible CMO mini-series, we’re joined by Sophie Collins, CMO at MPB.

Sophie shares her experience and provides compelling insight for how a Chief Marketing Officer can be the driving force behind an organisations’ sustainability mission. At MPB, a platform for buying and selling used photography equipment, the CMO role transcends traditional marketing, integrating sustainability directly into the function and business strategy.

Sophie’s approach is rooted in the authenticity of MPB’s purpose and circular business model. She emphasises that her role is not to invent a sustainability narrative but to articulate the organisation’s genuine commitment, “we are genuinely on a sustainability journey, and we genuinely care, and my job is to say that out loud.” A key structural decision that underscores this integration is having the VP of Sustainability report directly into her within the marketing department. This creates a “two-way street,” ensuring that sustainability goals inform marketing communications and that customer insights, in turn, push the organisation to be more ambitious in its sustainability initiatives.

Internally, Sophie’s team uses employees as a “litmus paper” for new initiatives, prioritising internal communication to ensure ideas resonate and maintain authenticity before external launch. This has helped cultivate a passionate, purpose-led marketing team empowered to make decisions that balance people, planet, and profit. Externally, this philosophy translates into bold, long-term commitments.

For Sophie, the CMO’s responsibility in sustainability is paramount, “I sort of think it's entirely the CMOs responsibility...if you think about the people whose job and skill set it is to drive behavioural change and communicate well, then that's the challenge that we have in sustainability.”

She argues that the core skills of a marketer, communication and driving behavioural change, are what is needed to tackle the complex challenges of sustainability. Her leadership is motivated by a desire to have a positive impact, using her skills to foster a more sustainable form of consumerism. She concludes that while it is challenging work, it is the collective responsibility of marketers to lead this change and we couldn’t agree more.

Tune in as we talk to Sophie about:

• How the CMO’s role is simplified and empowered when sustainability is an authentic, core part of the business model.

• Why embedding the sustainability function within the marketing department ensures strategic alignment and creates a system of accountability that pushes the organisation to be better.

• Testing with internal communication is a crucial first audience for sustainability initiatives, helping to gauge authenticity and passion, before external launch.

• Practical ways marketers can green out their media plans and campaigns.

• Why we need long-term commitment over short-term campaigns.

For more information about Sophie , tune in via LinkedIn. And find out more about MPB.

Enjoy - and if you love the podcast, share with your friends, family and colleagues.

More to come in this series… and it’s great to be back!

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