"World of DaaS" CMO Confidential: Auren Hoffman l Why Vendor Management Is A Skill You Need to Master Now
Aug 26, 2025
Mike Linton, a seasoned CMO with a rich background at Best Buy and eBay, dives into the art of vendor management, claiming it as the essential skill for future executives. He argues for renting talent instead of hiring, emphasizing flexibility and performance. Auren's critique of traditional procurement practices raises eyebrows, while he challenges the inefficiencies seen in government outsourcing. With insights into private equity's evolution and the questionable ROI of MBAs, this discussion is a treasure trove for leaders seeking to navigate modern business complexities.
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Rent Strategy, Buy Execution
- Executives provide strategic value but are expensive and often underutilized on tactical work.
- Rent strategic expertise and hire skilled implementers to maximize value and reduce cost.
Manage Part-Time Execs Like Specialists
- Treat rented executives like expensive specialists and prepare agendas before meetings.
- Delegate routine tasks to juniors or associates so your mentor's time buys high-return strategic guidance.
Scaffold Young Talent
- Scaffold promising junior talent by surrounding them with mentors and strategic advisors.
- Use rented experts to accelerate growth without replacing internal operators prematurely.