ZRG Partners| The Top 5 Mistakes CEOs and Boards Make When Hiring CMOs| Kate Bullis and David Wiser

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Mar 4, 2025

Join Kate Bullis and David Wiser, Managing Partners at ZRG Partners and experts in executive search for marketing roles. They dive into the common hiring pitfalls CEOs and boards face, cleverly likening them to movie plotlines like 'Death by Committee.' Discover why seeking only playbook candidates can backfire, the importance of aligning CMO roles with company goals, and lighthearted anecdotes from virtual interviews. Their insights promise to empower those looking to secure top marketing talent and avoid cinematic hiring disasters.

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INSIGHT

CMO Job Market Growth

The CMO job market is expected to grow in 2025 across all company sizes.
Increased investment, IPOs, and acquisitions will drive hiring.

ADVICE

Framework vs. Playbook

Avoid hiring CMOs based solely on past playbooks.
Look for candidates with adaptable frameworks, not rigid playbooks.

ADVICE

CMO as Conductor

Don't expect a CMO to be an "orchestra of one."
Focus on leadership and conducting skills, not just individual expertise.

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A CMO Confidential Interview with Kate Bullis and David Wiser, Managing Partners and Global Marketing Practice Leaders for ZRG Partners. Kate and David translate their extensive search experience to classify common mistakes into "movie themes" and share tips on how to recognize if you are directing or reading for a part in a disaster film. From "Play It Again, Sam," to "No, No, It's Really A CMO Role!" to "Death by Committee!" they describe the all-too-familiar plotlines and how to tear apart the hype from the facts. Hints: Look at the dashboard, listen to the questions and beware of the "Hands on the keyboard" role. Tune in to hear why companies should focus on outcomes versus qualifications and why you should always check your Zoom background.

Key topics include:

- The pitfalls of seeking "playbook-only" candidates.

- Why expecting a CMO to be an "orchestra of one" can backfire.

- The dangers of hiring for a limited role disguised as a CMO position.

- How misalignment among decision-makers leads to "death by committee."

- Practical advice for ensuring alignment between company goals and CMO expectations.

Tune in to hear actionable insights on avoiding these hiring missteps and discover how to set your marketing leadership up for success in 2025 and beyond. Whether you're a CEO, Board member, or aspiring marketing leader, this episode offers invaluable lessons on leadership, strategy, and organizational growth.

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more candid conversations and expert advice. Stay tuned for more episodes of "CMO Confidential," where we explore the drama, decisions, and strategies at the heart of marketing leadership.

#talentacquisition #recruitmentagency #mistakeofhiringpeople #hiringmistakes #freelancerecruiter

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - AI-Powered Digital Experiences at Adobe Summit

00:38 - CMO Confidential Insights

01:57 - CMO Job Market Trends 2025

06:06 - Theme 1: Play It Again Sam

10:39 - Theme 2: I Want the Orchestra

14:58 - Understanding the CMO Role

19:34 - Importance of Specialization

22:32 - Challenges of Committee Decisions

25:23 - The Mystery of Bad Movies

28:10 - Final Questions

32:50 - Free Registration for Adobe Summit

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