Today we celebrate Summer Solstice. Have you booked your summer R&R time?

It may feel like a bad idea right now. I get it.

We are navigating our way through two summer storms: the era of efficiency and double digit increases in layoffs in certain sectors. As of June 8, Layoffs.fyi reported that 749 tech companies have laid off 202,399 people. That number was 164,709 for the full year ending 12/31/22.

That does not take into account the number of CMOs who have recently accepted temporary double digit pay cuts–to “take one for the team.”…

In this era of data deluge, suspicion, and endless chatter, I believe that our most successful marketing leaders are rediscovering the lost art of listening.

Our theme – “The Innovation Songbook” – will help you craft new strategies to outpace competitors, think more strategically, and thrive in the year ahead.

This year, it’s tempting for C-Suite leaders to obsess over boosting the balance sheet. They focus on efficiency—the theme song of our times. This approach has irreparable consequences. It leaves companies vulnerable to competitors who are committed to boosting customer-facing value to improve the bottom line.

This year, it’s tempting for C-Suite leaders to obsess over boosting the balance sheet. They focus on efficiency—the theme song of our times. This approach has irreparable consequences. It leaves companies vulnerable to competitors who are committed to boosting customer-facing value to improve the bottom line.

Hype cycles take us—and our stakeholders—on a wild ride. Without strategic guardrails, our brand may be forever damaged. Yet here we are, diving into countless ChatGPT and other generative AI use cases and experiments, skipping the strategic questions and downplaying the consequences of unfettered use.

In episode 70 of The Mindful Marketer, we offer strategies to help you navigate the daunting digital desert and privacy pressures – and help you engage and keep great customers.

To avoid big career setbacks, you need to see around corners, build a “value creator” mindset, and amplify alliances with Finance now.

I love the marketing profession, and watching our community members build healthier companies and lives. Why? Because marketing leadership combines head and heart—not just during the Valentine’s Day holiday, but throughout the year.

Collaborative, cross-functional planning requires us to explore new growth strategies. Those strategies should fulfill three guiding principles: they must boost the bottom line, align with our core values, and drive predictable 2023 results.