A CMO Confidential interview with Dick Satterfield, the founder of Satterfield Rezenbrink Search and former P&G sales leader. Dick discusses career management under the framework of "successful and happy" and outlines why you should constantly be thinking about and evaluating your career. Key topics include why career progression is defined as continuous learning and getting promoted, tips for networking, when is too early or too late to leave, and why counter offers almost always fail . Listen in to hear why you should view the "next job" as a stepping stone versus the perfect landing.

Dick Satterfield, veteran executive recruiter and former P&G sales leader, breaks down when to leave, how to create real options, and what it takes to land (and succeed in) your next role. We cover the “successful and happy” framework, real vs. faux promotions, how to run a stealth search while employed, the truth about counteroffers, and why marketers must present as business leaders driving revenue and efficiency. Practical, no-nonsense advice for CMOs, aspiring CMOs, and any exec managing a high-stakes career.

Chapters

00:00 Intro: CMO Confidential + today’s topic

00:00:43 Meet Dick Satterfield + why this conversation matters

00:02:11 Framework: “Are you successful and happy?”

00:03:39 What recruiters really scan first: promotions and scope

00:05:38 Real vs. “quasi-fake” promotions (one direct report ≠ management)

00:05:59 Could I leave? Too early vs. too late; the commuting rule of 3

00:08:12 Knowing when your learning curve has flattened

00:10:24 Would I leave? How to search while employed (and build leverage)

00:12:25 Target list → warm intros → the right recruiters

00:14:31 Time management for the search (30 minutes a day)

00:15:14 If you’re in transition: process, momentum, and managing home life

00:17:21 Offers: optimize for where you’re most likely to succeed

00:19:31 Interview the company: decision speed and what success looks like

00:21:00 Counteroffers: why ~85% don’t stick

00:22:38 Negotiating severance (and when it actually gets set)

00:24:00 Biggest career mistake: not managing your career like a project

00:25:00 For marketers: be a business leader, not “just” marketing

00:26:13 Practical closer: return recruiter calls—before you need them

00:26:55 Wrap

Tags

CMO Confidential,Mike Linton,Dick Satterfield,executive search,career management,career strategy,CMO career,marketing leadership,job search,career progression,promotions,scope of responsibility,learning curve,commuting rules,hybrid work,networking,warm introductions,recruiters,retained search,counteroffers,severance negotiation,compensation,offer negotiation,interview tips,decision rights,success metrics,marketing as investment,top line growth,cost efficiency,business leader,P&G,Procter & Gamble,board ready,executive transitions,VP marketing,chief marketing officer,senior leadership,career mistakes,practical advice

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