It’s Independence Day in the United States…although I prefer the term “Interdependence Day.” We cannot thrive without creating unique development opportunities, and collaborating with like-minded leaders and creatives.

When I spend time with leadership luminaries and marketing trendsetters, it’s electrifying. You may be preparing for your own “electrifying experiences” this week…fun food, friends, and fireworks. We are too—except the fireworks will be continuing into the fall months for our community.

If you are experiencing isolation as a marketing leader, or love to learn from some of the world’s top business luminaries, then join us for some of these exciting fall events….

I recently helped a major media company kick-start innovation within their marketing organization. This summarizes our engagement, and may trigger ideas on how we might help you achieve similar results. (For competitive reasons, we are unable to share the name of the organization.)

For decades, this media company cultivated strong print readership with its marketing strategies. But as consumer preferences shifted to mobile and digital platforms, they needed new, multi-channel digital marketing approaches, and a more consistent focus on innovation….

How does a small LED display manufacturer compete and win against likes of LG and Samsung? By making marketing innovation and an intense focus on the customer their number one priority.

In my experience advising CMOs, I listen for whether they have a growth mindset or an output mindset. If they are focused on looking busy and launching loads of programs, their tenure will be short—or they will stay squarely in the “marcom and programs” role. The first people who notice their output behavior will be the CEO and the board of directors.

We’re pleased to invite you to our 4th annual  CMOs Leading Innovation Conference (CLIC ’18), October 3-4 in Atlanta, GA.  CLIC ’18 Early Bird rates now available (a $250 savings) through June 15, 2018.

This year’s conference theme is “Innovation Meets Experience.” And you will experience marketing innovation first-hand—by participating in actual field trips to meet some cool Atlanta organizations. 

One of the biggest obstacles to marketing innovation and relevancy sits between our ears. I call it “legacy thinking.” My clients constantly complain that their teams over-identify with old projects and programs. They feel threatened when those programs need to be scrutinized or eliminated altogether. That “legacy thinking” overshadows any chance of a marketing innovation breakthrough.

We advise CMOs and CEOs on accelerating marketing innovation and growth, and I’m excited when clients can overcome this obstacle.

Their journey is similar to the disruption other industries are facing….

CMOs are expected to be brand ambassadors and masterful communicators. As you assess your abilities in that area, ask yourself: are you making it easy for people to engage with you—or are you creating confusion?

Today’s post is a special preview of the content in our newest LinkedIn Learning Course, “The Effective CMO.” Be sure to check out the course; you can view a video sample and get more details here.

Whether you’re a seasoned CMO or an aspiring one, you’re probably no stranger to endless conversations related to CMO turnover. A global survey by the Fournaise Marketing Group revealed that 80% of CEOs don’t trust, or are unimpressed with, their CMOs….

Ever wonder why some leaders avoid taking risks in their roles, and default to status quo? I have a theory about this. I believe that without strong personal financial confidence, every decision, no matter how small, feels risky. Leaders lose the ability and courage to garner budget commitment and innovate.

I see a clear connection between the tolerance for calculated risk and financial confidence. Here is how my theory evolved.

Last summer, our financial adviser of 13 years changed careers, leaving us with “Gary,” a new broker….