Building Better CMOs and Marketing Leaders

Alex Craddock, CMO of Citi: Own Your Career & Know Your Motivation

Apr 2, 2025

Join Alex Craddock, CMO of Citi, a seasoned marketing leader in finance, as he shares insights on career advancement and motivation in marketing. He emphasizes understanding personal motivation for growth and the evolving role of CMOs as strategic leaders. Alex and Greg Stuart discuss innovative content strategies that engage clients in new ways and the impact of AI on marketing efficiency. They also explore the challenges of setting clear goals while adapting to unforeseen opportunities in a rapidly changing business landscape.

59:01

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Episode guests

Alex Craddock

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Understanding personal motivation is essential for career growth in senior marketing roles as responsibilities shift from execution to leadership.

A strategic approach to content creation is necessary to ensure that messages resonate with clients, moving beyond conventional formats to engage audiences effectively.

Collaboration across departments, particularly with sales and technology, enhances marketing's role in driving business success and positions marketers as integral organizational players.

Deep dives

Understanding Motivation for Growth

Recognizing personal motivation is crucial for career advancement, especially as individuals move into more senior roles where responsibilities shift from technical expertise to leadership. As one progresses, the challenge lies in finding fulfillment beyond the operational tasks that initially sparked their interest in marketing. Success becomes intertwined not only with achievements in the industry but also with creating environments that foster team growth and empowerment. This deeper understanding motivates leaders to reflect on their roles and the impact they have on others' careers and personal development.

Intro

2min

Evolving Content Strategies in Marketing

14min

Navigating Personal Motivation in Leadership

15min

Navigating Decisions and Pitfalls in Marketing Leadership

2min

Innovative Marketing Strategies in a Saturated Market

17min

Harnessing Agentic AI for Business Growth and Efficiency

4min

Navigating the Future of Work: AI and Its Impact on Careers

3min

Watch this interview on YouTube

Full transcript

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"If you want to get to the next level, you need to understand what motivates you," says Alex Craddock, Chief Marketing and Content Officer at Citi. "As you get more senior ... your role does change. And if you want to continue to grow, you need to be able to find a reward in it beyond just the joy that you have in marketing as a discipline."

Today on Building Better CMOs, Alex talks with MMA Global CEO Greg Stuart about the need for a strategic approach to content creation, the evolving role of CMOs in driving business growth, and how to articulate marketing's value in business terms that resonate with other executives, ensuring that marketing is seen as a strategic driver rather than mere sales support. They also discuss career development, risk-taking in corporate environments, and how AI can amplify human capabilities and accelerate marketing impact.

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This episode was produced and edited by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm.

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