

CMO Confidential
Mike Linton // I Hear Everything Podcast Network
Wonder what it's like to control millions of dollars of marketing budget? Manage hundreds of people? Make the decisions on which ideas get to market?The CMO Confidential podcast shares how it feels to be in that chair of the shortest-tenured position on the C-suite.We detail the long, hard road most ideas take to get to market & how challenging it is to get the best ones through.Hosted by Mike Linton -- the former P&G Brand Manager who went on to be the Chief Marketing Officer of Best Buy, eBay, and Farmers Insurance, as well as the Chief Revenue Officer of Ancestry.com and the head marketer at Remington -- this show serves as an ongoing lesson plan for how to get, do, keep, and handle the pressures of the CMO job.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 28, 2025 • 36min
Prof Daniel McCarthy | Door Dash and Food Delivery - The Case For Building a Subscription Model
Daniel McCarthy, a Professor of Marketing at the University of Maryland and co-founder of Theta Equity Partners, dives into the evolving landscape of food delivery subscription models. He explains how marketers can leverage these models to enhance customer lifetime value and navigate competitive dynamics. McCarthy distinguishes between 'promiscuous' and 'heavy' buyers, discussing the impact on loyalty and profitability. He also highlights the role of AI in shaping customer acquisition costs and why embracing a subscription approach could be pivotal for future success.

Jan 21, 2025 • 30min
Kip Knight | Putting the Chief in CMO - Being Good at Marketing Isn't Enough | CMO Confidential
Kip Knight, founder of CMO Coaches and former CMO of Taco Bell, shares invaluable insights on what it means to be a successful chief marketing officer. He breaks down his concept of the 'three chiefs'—Marketing Leader, First Team Member, and Company Ambassador. Kip emphasizes the significance of storytelling, continual learning, and collaboration with other executives. Discover why being a CMO is such a challenging role and how a commitment to growth and humility can lead to true marketing leadership.

Jan 14, 2025 • 32min
Carilu Dietrich | B2B Marketing - 2024 The Year in Review + The Year Ahead | CMO Confidential
CMO Confidential correspondent Carilu Dietrich, former CMO and hypergrowth advisor who helped take Atlassian public, returns to talk about why she thinks 2025 represents the biggest change in the B2B marketplace in decades. Carilu discusses the potential acceleration of acquisitions and investment driven by macroeconomic factors and how AI is "smacking everyone in the face." Key topics include: zero click search; the onset of agentic AI; why in person is increasing in importance; and her belief that CMO's will scrap to meet aggressive growth targets with less budget. Tune in to hear how to use AI to create a guinea pig feeding schedule.Discover why B2B marketing faces its biggest transformation ever in 2024. Former Atlassian CMO Carilu Dietrich joins 5-time CMO Mike Linton to break down the seismic shifts reshaping the industry.Get an insider's perspective on how AI is disrupting traditional B2B marketing strategies, from the decline of SEO to the rise of AI-powered sales development. Learn why companies are losing 15-20% of their inbound traffic and how successful marketers are adapting to this new reality.Gain valuable insights on:• How AI native companies are disrupting established software businesses• Why traditional marketing funnels are becoming obsolete• The increasing importance of human connection in B2B relationships• New strategies for video marketing and social media engagement• Practical ways to maintain growth targets with tighter budgetsPerfect for CMOs, marketing leaders, and B2B professionals looking to navigate the rapidly evolving marketing landscape. Whether you're dealing with budget constraints or exploring AI implementation, this episode provides actionable strategies for success in 2024 and beyond.#contentmarketing #marketingagainstthegrain #emailmarketing #aitools #cmoinsights2024CHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:40 - B2B Economy Insights05:55 - Impact of AI on Businesses09:33 - AI and Headcount Budgets12:11 - AI's Effect on Sales Budgets12:40 - Budgeting and Growth Strategies15:50 - AI Transforming Marketing19:06 - Future Trends in Events26:10 - Marketing Tests for 202528:58 - Final Thoughts: Stories and AdviceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jan 6, 2025 • 33min
Peter Fader | Wharton School | The Warby Parker Case - I Can See Clearly Now With My CLTV Glasses On
In a captivating discussion, Dr. Peter Fader, a marketing professor at The Wharton School and co-founder of Zodiac, shares his expertise on customer lifetime value (CLTV). He dives into Warby Parker's journey, illustrating how its steady approach outperformed Peloton's rapid growth amidst market volatility. Fader explains the significance of aligning customer metrics with financial forecasts, debunking the myth that each company is unique. Get insights into how predictive analytics reshape business valuations and the critical importance of strategic customer retention.

Dec 31, 2024 • 22min
McKinsey & A.N.A | Marketing - The Battle Between Believers & Non-Believers - Part 2 | Replay
Robert Tas, a McKinsey Marketing & Sales Partner, and Nick Primola, EVP at the Association of National Advertisers, delve into the critical divide in the marketing industry. They discuss why many CEOs remain 'non-believers' in marketing's value and the consequences of viewing it merely as a cost center. The duo emphasizes the pressing need for CMOs to align with financial outcomes and the vital role of business schools in shaping marketing education. Their insights also reveal why the CMO position is essential for driving business growth.

11 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 26min
McKinsey & A.N.A | Marketing: The Battle Between Believers & Non Believers | Part 1
Join Robert Toss, a McKinsey marketing partner with 25 years of experience, and Nick Primola, ANA's EVP focused on industry leadership, as they dissect the widening rift between marketing believers and skeptics. They reveal shocking data: 90% of CEOs distrust marketing, affecting growth. The duo explores CEO archetypes and why alignment between CEOs and CMOs is crucial. They argue that seeing marketing as a cost center is dangerous and insist that the CMO role is more relevant than ever, emphasizing the need for a cultural shift and better financial connections.

Dec 17, 2024 • 34min
Adam Brotman and Andy Sack | Forum 3 | It's a Bird! It's a Plane! Holy Shit, It's AI! Part 2
This is Part 2 of A CMO Confidential Interview with Andy Sack and Adam Brotman, Co-Founders and Co-CEO's of Forum 3, authors of the book AI First, previously at Microsoft and Starbucks. They discuss why AI is different from previous technology advances and the series of "Holy Shit!" moments experienced when interviewing Sam Altman, Bill Gates and others. Key topics include: their belief that AI is "moving faster than you think" since it isn't constrained by an adoption curve or infrastructure; the power of Artificial General Intelligence which will be smarter than most experts; why trying to calculate the ROI of AI is comparable to measuring the return on electricity; and the possibility of 95% of marketing and agency jobs being impacted over the next 5 years. Tune in to hear how Chat GPT scored a top grade on the AP Biology Exam, how Moderna became an AI leader, and their tips for staying near the front of the wave.Discover how AI is revolutionizing marketing with 5X productivity gains, as revealed by top CMOs. In this episode of CMO Confidential, host Mike Lint explores the transformative power of AI in the marketing landscape. Adam and Andy, AI experts and authors, share insights on how companies like Moderna are leveraging AI to achieve unprecedented efficiency.Key topics include:• The real-world impact of AI adoption in biotech and marketing• How Moderna achieved 5X productivity gains with an AI-first approach• The future of marketing jobs in the age of AI• Strategies for marketers to become AI-literate and stay competitive• Evaluating AI vendors and measuring ROI in marketingTune in to hear practical advice on embracing AI in your marketing strategy, from creating an AI council to implementing AI tools for enhanced productivity. Learn why AI literacy is crucial for marketers and how to combine domain knowledge with AI capabilities for breakthrough results.Don't miss this eye-opening discussion on the future of marketing in the AI era. Subscribe to CMO Confidential for more insights on marketing leadership and innovation.#leadgeneration #socialmediamarketing #digitalmarketing #makemoneywithai #brandinginthedigitalageCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro04:06 - AI Impact on Marketing05:46 - AGI and Marketers11:57 - Evaluating AI Vendors16:14 - AI Literacy and Proficiency21:00 - ROI of AI26:35 - Final Questions30:00 - Additional Practical Advice33:07 - OutroSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 9, 2024 • 36min
Adam Brotman and Andy Sack | Forum 3| It's a Bird! It's a Plane! Holy Shit, It's AI!" Part 1
Adam Brotman, former Chief Digital Officer at Starbucks, and Andy Sack, Managing Partner at Keane Capital, share insights on the future of AI in marketing. They discuss the explosive growth of AI, emphasizing it moves faster than ever before, unbound by traditional adoption curves. The duo reveals their 'Holy Shit!' moments from interviewing tech giants and the looming impact of AI on marketing roles—potentially affecting 95% of jobs in the field. Brotman and Sack also touch on how AGI could transform knowledge work and highlight Moderna's AI innovations.

Dec 3, 2024 • 28min
Jon Davids | CEO, Influicity | The Synthetic Influencer - Should Brands Do It Themselves? |
A CMO Confidential Interview with Jon Davids, founder and CEO of Influicity and author of Marketing Superpowers. Jon discusses the idea of creating your own influencers in a marketplace where communities matter more than ever. Key topics include: the synthetic influencer as a natural evolution from Colonel Sanders, Toucan Sam, and Tony the Tiger; the ability of an artificial character to do whatever is required; the AI personalization potential; and the fact that synthetics don't engage in contract negotiations or require reuse fees. Tune in to hear about Lil Miquela, a fictional character with millions of followers, and why you should pay attention to what nerds do on weekends.CMO Secrets: Why Synthetic AI Influencers Are Changing Marketing. John Davids, founder and CEO of influicity, joins Mike Linton to explore the evolving world of synthetic AI influencers and their impact on marketing strategies.Tune in to hear insights on:• The definition and growth of synthetic influencers• How brands can leverage AI-powered characters• Pros and cons of creating synthetic influencers• Personalization at scale using AI technology• The future of brand mascots and virtual personalitiesJohn shares his expertise on community building, influencer marketing, and the potential of AI in creating engaging brand experiences. Learn why synthetic influencers could be the next frontier in marketing and how they compare to traditional mascots and celebrities.Discover the challenges and opportunities facing CMOs as they navigate this innovative marketing landscape. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or a curious business professional, this episode offers valuable insights into the future of brand-consumer interactions.Subscribe to the CMO Confidential Newsletter for exclusive content and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving world of marketing.#influencermarketing #influencermarketingagency #socialmediamarketing #creatoreconomy #onlinecommunityCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:00 - John Davids Returns01:55 - Understanding Community06:24 - Defining Synthetic Influencers13:43 - Personalization at Scale Strategies19:00 - Cartoon Characters vs. Virtual Influencers22:13 - AI Bots as Your Best Customers25:00 - Exploring the Final Frontier25:37 - Closing Thoughts and Last QuestionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

9 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 34min
Jim Stengel | Former P&G CMO |A Top Marketer Riffs on What It Takes to be a Successful CMO
Jim Stengel, former CMO of P&G and CEO of the Jim Stengel Company, shares his wealth of experience in marketing leadership. He explains the shift from traditional awareness to capturing consumer entertainment and attention. Stengel emphasizes that CMOs need to focus 90% on leadership and just 10% on marketing tactics. He advocates for aligning brand purpose with improving consumer lives and the need for ongoing innovation and creativity. Listeners will enjoy insights on the balance of personal well-being and professional growth in the marketing world.


