Here’s something that all marketing professionals understand but that many marketing organizations have forgotten: the most sophisticated customer analytics tools cannot replace the insights we gather through genuine human conversations.

Humans possess the ability to be empathetic, compassionate, and intuitive. As of this writing, computers lack these abilities.

This is why no matter how powerful your data tools, you still need to talk with your customers.

We recently completed our third annual CMO Innovation Trends study….

Blue Spirit Retreat Center embodies “pura vida.” The mantra – meaning “pure life” — has a deep meaning to the Costa Ricans. Marketing “pura vida” happens effortlessly at the Center. Your only method to reach Blue Spirit is a bumpy 3 hour shuttle crawl from Liberia Airport.

As you arrive at the Center, you are greeted by the haunting, guttural sounds of howler monkeys. Reception desk employees are warm, relaxed, and welcoming. You realize you have entered an alternate universe filled with mystery, beauty, and solitude….

 You will also hear Guy also share his latest interests and strong opinions on the most pressing social topics of the day–including the Apple-DOJ standoff. Over the years, Guy has endorsed my books, including “The Mindful Marketer” and “EnergizeGrowth NOW: The Marketing Guide to a Wealthy Company.”. Guy has inspired my work for over 13 years, and is one of a handful of leaders and experts who inspire my work.

Guy is one of the 6-7 leaders who have greatly inspired my work….

Love is in the air this month, and Valentine’s Day, of course, is likely responsible. Much about the genesis of the holiday, and even who this St. Valentine was, is lost in the fog of time. One legend has it he was a priest in third century Rome who helped soldiers get married. Another tells the tale of the imprisoned Valentine who, having fallen in love with his jailer’s daughter, sent her a letter signed, “From your Valentine,” a phrase used to this day….

Featuring Stuart Foster, VP of Marketing of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands at Hilton Worldwide

In his presentation at our recent CLIC’ 15 CMOs Leading Innovation Conference, Stuart Foster described his fresh new vision of targeting consumers based on mindsets, and the results this “mindful marketing” has generated at Hilton. You can watch the first part of his presentation below.

Finding your ideal customers’ state of mind is essential for today’s brands to position themselves effectively….

When working with clients, I consistently find that they are stellar at setting goals and making resolutions. Some of us even revel in our ability to multi-task and complete two goals at once. Before we know it, our calendars are completely filled with tasks and meetings.
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Here’s the downside: there’s little time left to step back and observe anything.…

Yet I’m certain you haven’t considered all 7 of my latest marketing plan boosters.

Some of my clients have and are moving forward with greater confidence. In fact, one CMO is on track to creating at least $15M in new business as a result of working with me on their marketing innovation framework.

In the 28-minute bonus MP3 program, you will hear some of my clients’ secrets, including:…

Why customer communication vehicles are changing, and what you need to do about it
The pitfalls of chasing unicorn growth fantasies
My take on marketers who are gorging on the millennials craze
Which “friendly ghosts of marketing past”

What are the innovation opportunities and challenges today’s marketing leaders face?

I was honored to be asked back for a second interview with Spiral Marketing, a podcast that helps current and future business leaders, marketers and entrepreneurs elevate their brand. (Their first return guest!)

Host Karl Boehm and I discussed the recently released 3rd Annual Energize Growth CMO Report, From Fledgling to Falcon: How CMOs Make the Leap from Order Taker to Innovator….

What a whirlwind year! Our dynamic CMO community continues to thrive and doubled in size since 2014.

Many members celebrated professional milestones which have propelled them forward. I’m proud to share ten highlights here, proving that there’s power in numbers:…

Jen Kern dazzles modern marketers at Inbound15. Over 850 attendees learned what it takes to build lasting bridges with your Sales organization. Using jazz as the underlying inbound marketing metaphor, Jen’s audience rated her session one of the most pragmatic and valuable at the HubSpot conference.