Calling Operator with Laura Nicol Ep 27. Mikayla Hopkins on Building a World-Class Marketing Function and Brand at Tracksuit—Journey from Beer to Beauty to B2B SaaS
Mikayla builds brands people can't stop talking about. Her latest project is Tracksuit, recognised in The Generalist's Future 50 list as one of the world's highest potential startups. We dive into her career journey from beer to beauty to B2B SaaS; the bumpy (but amazing) road of marketing leadership to $15 million ARR at Tracksuit; the challenges of rapid growth; her experience serving in her first startup board seat; and the role brand will play in the world automated by AI. Plus, some real talk on finding your identity beyond work, fighting for your seat at the table and the power of kindness.
Find Mikayla:
Mikayla's Northstars and frameworks:
- Kieran Flanagan - Hubspot
- He co-hosts the Marketing Against the Grain podcast
- Emily Kramer - B2B SaaS advisor (pay for her Substack)
- She writes the MKT1 newsletter (Mik recommends subscribing)
ANZ operators—ones to watch:
- Harry Flett - Head of Product @ Tracksuit
- Matthew Rossi - Founder @ Oodle | ex Eucalyptus, Canva
- Jo Blundell - Co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer @ Aglow | ex Timely
Other folks mentioned in the episode:
Guest ideas?
Do you have an operator on speed dial who could be perfect for the show? Please share your suggestions with me via LinkedIn.
A note from your host, Laura:
My goal for Calling Operator is to open-source stories from startup operators across various functional areas and learn how they excel at building and scaling companies. As a Chief of Staff, I often find myself in (virtual) rooms with people facing similar challenges and reinventing the wheel. I want this podcast to open a line for operators across Australia and New Zealand to learn from fellow operators. Each episode shares personal stories, the execution behind big ideas, career-defining moments, successes, failures, and lessons.
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