Alicia Tillman, Chief Marketing Officer of Delta, shares how she became one of the most influential CMOs. Topics include the importance of cross-department collaboration, unifying a company through marketing, career progression and transforming big companies, and unlocking specialness and gratitude.
Starting something new can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but having a supportive team can alleviate anxiety.
Inclusive storytelling and recognizing the value of different departments are crucial for organizational success.
Deep dives
Alicia Tillman's Enthusiastic Approach to Work Inspires Others
Alicia Tillman, Chief Marketing Officer at Delta Airlines, is known for her passion and enthusiasm for her job. She believes that regardless of how long one's career journey has been, starting something new can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. On her first day at Delta, she was greeted by her entire global team of 400 people, which immediately lifted her anxiety. She aims to make her team proud and be the right person for them. Tillman believes that being counted on by others is the greatest inspiration and strives to help people realize their potential and have better days.
Alicia Tillman's Leadership Journey from Age 13
Tillman's leadership qualities were evident even before the age of 13. After her father's sudden death, she took on a leadership role in her family, supporting her mom and younger brothers. She felt a sense of responsibility to preserve what was special about their family and wanted to help her mom continue to thrive in her career. Her experiences as an athlete also contributed to her leadership skills, and she credits sports for teaching her more than the classroom. Tillman believes that everyone has something unique and special inside them, and her leadership style revolves around unlocking and nurturing that potential in others.
The Importance of Connecting and Breaking Silos in Organizations
Tillman emphasizes the significance of connection and breaking silos within organizations. She considers inclusivity and diversity essential for sustained success. By involving people from different functions and backgrounds in the storytelling process, the resulting story becomes more impactful and appealing to a diverse audience. She believes that marketing, as the chief storyteller and architect of the company's story, has the unique ability to connect people and functions around a common purpose. Tillman encourages organizations to recognize the value of different departments and appreciate the interconnectedness of their roles.
Delta's Partnership with Tom Brady and Tillman's Focus on Employee Development
Delta's partnership with Tom Brady, the legendary NFL quarterback, is centered around employee development and preserving greatness. Tillman highlights the constant need for nurturing greatness and seeking inspiration from individuals outside of one's industry. The partnership with Brady is primarily focused on Delta employees, aiming to learn from his leadership qualities, teamwork, and commitment to performance. While the partnership will eventually involve customers, the initial emphasis is on immersing Brady in Delta's culture and helping employees enhance their performance.
Cal’s conversation with the Chief Marketing Officer of Delta looks at how she came to be named one of the most influential CMOs in the world by Forbes. A glance at her career trajectory shows how to get the most out of where you are, what you’re doing and lifting those around you.
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