TOP CMO

In this episode of TOP CMO, host Ben Kaplan speaks with Ed Breault, the Chief Marketing Officer at Malbek, a company specializing in Contract Lifecycle Management Solutions. With over two decades of experience in marketing, data analytics, and change management, Ed shares his journey from the aviation industry to the legal tech sector, focusing on the intricacies of selling innovative technologies to traditionally conservative markets. The episode delves into the critical aspects of sales psychology, the importance of understanding customer psychographics, and how marketers can effectively transition industries while leveraging technology to tackle unsexy problems.

On this episode of TOP CMO, Ben Kaplan sits down with Jenna Lebel, the dynamic Chief Marketing Officer at Liberty Mutual. Dive into a discussion that explores the impactful blend of humor and brand strategy in the insurance industry—a sector where standing out is key. Jenna shares her insights on making Liberty Mutual not just seen but memorable, leveraging characters like Limu Emu and Doug to carve a unique identity in a crowded market. Discover how Liberty Mutual keeps its brand top-of-mind through innovative marketing strategies and humorous campaigns that resonate with consumers across various demographics. Don’t miss Jenna's thoughts on the delicate balance of brand evolution and maintaining relevance in a digital-first era, alongside her leadership philosophies that steer one of the most recognized names in insurance through the challenges of today’s market landscape.

In this episode of TOP CMO, host Ben Kaplan sits down with Mandeep Khera, the Chief Marketing Officer of SecureAuth, to explore the shifting dynamics of the buyer's journey in the digital age. Mandeep discusses how today’s buyers are increasingly well-informed and often make decisions long before they engage with sales teams. Learn how SecureAuth leverages this trend by tailoring marketing strategies that meet informed buyers where they are, emphasizing the importance of accurate and accessible information. Mandeep also sheds light on the evolving role of CMOs in shaping business strategy and the impact of AI and personalization on future marketing practices. Dive into a conversation that blends practical marketing insights with broader discussions on the importance of adaptability and innovation in a rapidly changing landscape.

In this episode of TOP CMO, we're joined by Becky Moffat of HSBC, who brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on what it takes to lead in the ever-evolving landscape of marketing. Drawing on her extensive background in financial services, Becky shares her thoughts on the indispensable qualities of a successful Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), emphasizing the significance of curiosity, creativity, and a strong commercial understanding. Delving into the strategic role of marketing in business growth and leadership, Becky discusses the potential for CMOs to transition into CEO roles, underlining the broad, strategic vision required for such advancement. Through a conversation that spans from the importance of aligning brand promises with customer experience to navigating the challenges of financial inclusivity and leveraging a global perspective, Becky offers a glimpse into the complex responsibilities of today's marketing leaders. Join us as we explore these topics and more, providing a comprehensive look at the dynamic field of marketing and the impact it has on shaping business and societal progress.

In this episode of TOP CMO, host Ben Kaplan talks with Carolyn Dawkins, CMO at David Yurman, about the luxury brand's marketing strategies. Dawkins discusses the balance between maintaining brand consistency and injecting creativity to keep the brand relevant and appealing. She highlights the importance of David Yurman's artistic heritage in its marketing efforts and how the brand distinguishes itself in the luxury jewellery market.

In this TOP CMO episode, host Ben Kaplan dives into the marketing transformation journey at Lenovo with CMO Emily Ketchen. Emily, with her experience at tech giants like Dell and HP, discusses shifting Lenovo's marketing from product-centric to customer-centric and digital-first. She covers the challenges and strategies of this transformation, emphasizing the importance of customer insights and the integration of generative AI in marketing. This episode provides valuable perspectives for those interested in marketing innovations and the practical aspects of leading change in a tech-focused environment. Tune in for actionable insights into modernizing marketing practices in the tech industry.

In this episode of TOP CMO, host Ben Kaplan engages with Khalid El-Khatib, former CMO of Stack Overflow, to unravel the evolving role of a CMO in today’s tech-driven and rapidly changing business landscape. El-Khatib shares deep insights into how marketing leaders must extend their partnerships beyond traditional boundaries, embracing collaboration with finance, HR, and other departments to drive company growth and navigate through challenges such as the pandemic and economic shifts. With over five years at Stack Overflow, El-Khatib discusses the company’s transformation and the impact of generative AI on marketing strategies and product development. This episode offers a rare look into the strategic mind of a CMO at the forefront of technology and marketing, emphasizing innovation, strategic alignment, and the critical importance of adaptability in leadership. Tune in to explore how El-Khatib’s journey at Stack Overflow reflects broader trends affecting CMOs and businesses today.

In this episode of TOP CMO, Ben Kaplan engages with Michelle Peterson, CMO of Kendra Scott, discussing the brand's commitment to connection, purpose, and innovation in the jewelry industry. Discover how Kendra Scott thrives beyond transactions, emphasizing philanthropy and community engagement, and how Michelle's leadership is steering the brand towards sustainable marketing strategies. Learn about the challenges of balancing founder vision with brand evolution and the role of social media in driving brand awareness. Dive into a conversation that melds strategic marketing with genuine brand storytelling, offering insights into creating a lasting impact in the consumer's heart and mind.

In this episode of TOP CMO, we dive into the marketing strategies behind GoDaddy's transformation from a domain-selling giant to an all-encompassing digital platform for small businesses. Our guest, Fara Howard, the Chief Marketing Officer at GoDaddy, shares insider perspectives on integrating AI to revolutionize product offerings and customer engagement. Discover GoDaddy's journey from traditional advertising to leveraging cutting-edge digital channels like TikTok and YouTube for broader, more effective customer reach. Learn how GoDaddy's focus on AI-generated solutions, such as the innovative Arrow product, is setting new benchmarks for business efficiency online. This episode is a treasure trove for marketing enthusiasts eager to understand the blend of creativity, technology, and strategic planning that powers today's top brands.

In this episode of TOP CMO, we dive into the future of marketing in an AI-driven world with Amanda Cole, CMO at Bloomreach. With over 15 years in SaaS marketing, Amanda discusses the challenges and strategies of integrating real-time and historical data to enhance customer experiences. She highlights the importance of understanding customer intent and the role of AI in personalizing e-commerce. This conversation explores the evolving landscape of digital marketing, the impact of generational AI, and the balance between innovation and practical marketing solutions. Join us for an insightful discussion on leading marketing efforts in an era where AI reshapes how we connect with consumers.

In this episode of "TOP CMO", host Ben Kaplan sits down with Jay Livingston, the Chief Marketing Officer of Shake Shack. Livingston shares perspectives on integrating marketing with product development, his journey across different industries, and the art of storytelling in marketing. The conversation delves into Shake Shack's innovative strategies, like their approach to menu item rollouts, including the famed hot chicken sandwich and unique collaborations. Livingston's diverse background, from banking to his time at Bark, adds layers of depth to the discussion, offering a multifaceted view of marketing in the fast-casual dining sector. Tune in to explore how Shake Shack weaves marketing into the fabric of product development and how Livingston's unique approach to storytelling and authenticity drives the brand's success.

Join us in this episode of TOP CMO as we delve into the dynamic world of tech marketing with Mandy Dhaliwal, the Chief Marketing Officer of Nutanix, a leading cloud computing software and services provider. Mandy shares her unique perspective on managing marketing chaos, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and crafting messages that resonate deeply with the audience. She discusses the challenges and strategies of maintaining a challenger brand mindset in a rapidly evolving industry and how to effectively position a large, established company in the market. Tune in to learn from Mandy's experience in navigating the complex landscape of tech marketing and her approach to maximizing influence within the C-suite.

In this episode of TOP CMO, join host Ben Kaplan as he engages in a riveting conversation with Jessica Gilmartin, the Chief Marketing Officer of Calendly. Dive into the world of strategic marketing as they explore how breaking down silos, fostering a culture of teamwork, and setting high standards are pivotal in the ever-changing marketing landscape. Jessica shares her invaluable experiences from working with leading companies like Asana, Google, and Dell, offering a unique perspective on harnessing the power of AI and technology to reshape marketing strategies. Whether you're a marketing professional, a business leader, or someone fascinated by the dynamic world of digital marketing, this episode is packed with actionable insights and thought-provoking discussions. Tune in to TOP CMO for an episode that not only enlightens but also empowers marketers to adapt and thrive in an era of constant technological evolution. #calendly #marketing #cmo #topcmo #topthoughtleader

In this insightful episode of "Top CMO," host Ben Kaplan sits down with Bruno Trimouille, the Chief Marketing Officer of Litera, a software company catering to the legal industry. With over 25 years of experience in software, Bruno shares his journey of transforming marketing strategies in a traditionally conservative field. He discusses the pivotal role of event marketing in the legal sector, the innovative use of digital campaigns, and the importance of leveraging technology, including the potential of AI, to revolutionize the legal industry's approach to marketing. This episode offers a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities of marketing in a niche industry, providing valuable lessons in adopting a transformation-focused mindset and the power of strategic marketing in driving industry change. Join us as we explore how Bruno Trimouille is reshaping the way legal tech companies think about and execute their marketing strategies.

In this episode of TOP CMO, host Ben Kaplan engages in a compelling conversation with Alice Milligan, the Chief Marketing Officer at Morgan Stanley. Alice shares her journey in transforming the brand image of this renowned financial services giant, emphasizing democratization and accessibility. The episode delves into Morgan Stanley's strategic shift to connect with a broader audience, including younger investors and diverse groups. Alice discusses the challenges and successes of rebranding an iconic firm, and the importance of integrating new media and innovative marketing techniques. The episode provides valuable insights for marketing professionals and business leaders looking to adapt and thrive in today's rapidly changing market landscape. It's a must-listen for anyone interested in marketing strategy, brand transformation, and leadership in the financial services industry.

In this episode of "TOP CMO," host Ben Kaplan engages in a dynamic conversation with Ashish Kuthiala, the Chief Marketing Officer at Traceable AI. They delve into the evolving role of a CMO in a rapidly growing tech startup, focusing on the unique challenges and strategies involved in building brand awareness in the competitive field of API cybersecurity. Ashish shares his journey of transitioning Traceable AI from a little-known entity to a prominent player in the cybersecurity realm, a process he likens to 'escaping gravity'. The episode offers insights into effective marketing tactics, the importance of educating the market, and leveraging scarcity as a catalyst for innovation. Ashish's approach, blending his engineering background with marketing acumen, illustrates the power of narrative and data in crafting a successful marketing strategy. This episode is a must-listen for marketing professionals and startup enthusiasts alike, offering valuable lessons on brand positioning, thought leadership, and the importance of resilience and adaptability in the fast-paced world of tech startups.

In this episode of TOP CMO, we're joined by Alyson Griffin from State Farm for an in-depth conversation about the evolving world of marketing. Alyson shares her experiences and insights on how State Farm is navigating the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation. We dive into the company's innovative foray into the metaverse, discussing how this venture is reshaping customer engagement and brand dynamics. The episode also touches on the crucial role of authenticity in marketing, particularly in how State Farm integrates this value into its campaigns. This discussion is an essential listen for anyone interested in the practical aspects of marketing in a digital era and how established brands are adapting to stay relevant and connected with their audience. Tune in for a candid look at State Farm's strategies and initiatives that are shaping the future of marketing. #marketing #topcmo #statefarm #business #cmo #leadership

In this "Top CMO" episode, host Ben Kaplan interviews Betsey Chung, TD Bank's Global CMO. Betsey shares her transition from finance to marketing, focusing on a data-driven, human-centric strategy. She discusses marketing's balanced scorecard approach, integrating financial metrics with customer and employee engagement. The episode highlights the importance of adapting marketing strategies to cultural differences in various markets. It provides insights into creating a culture that values customer and employee relationships in the financial sector. #topcmo #marketing #marketingleadership #marketinginnovation #TDbank

In this latest episode of TOP CMO, we welcome Brad Audet, Chief Marketing Officer of Mazda North America. Brad discusses the strategic pivot Mazda has made towards a more human-centric approach in their marketing initiatives. The conversation delves into the practicalities of integrating customer experience into the automotive sector and how Mazda navigates the current marketing landscape. Brad shares his perspective on balancing data-driven strategies with a deep understanding of customer needs and desires. This episode offers a unique insight into the challenges and successes of applying human-centric concepts in a competitive industry. It's an essential listen for CMOs, marketing professionals, and anyone keen on understanding the evolving dynamics of customer-focused marketing in the automotive world.

In this must-listen episode of "TOP CMO," we delve into the innovative mind of Kory Marchisotto, CMO of e.l.f. Beauty. Join us as Kory unravels the secrets behind transforming a beauty brand into a cultural phenomenon. Discover how breaking the rules, daring to be different, and truly connecting with consumers can redefine marketing in the beauty industry. Hear about the strategies that propelled e.l.f. Beauty into the spotlight, and learn how a unique approach to product launches and advertising campaigns can make all the difference. Kory shares her journey, offering invaluable insights without revealing all her cards, ensuring that marketing professionals and enthusiasts alike are left eager for more.