CMO School
Jessica Shirra | Fractional CMO
CMO School is the go-to podcast for marketers and Fractional CMOs ready to step into leadership, own their expertise, and build a career or business that actually works for them. Whether you're looking to elevate your skills, transition into a CMO role, or scale your Fractional business, this podcast delivers strategies, expert insights, and the mindset shifts you need to create a career you love.
Hosted by Jess Shirra—a 15+ year marketing leader, Fractional CMO, and founder of Fractional CMO School—this show takes you behind the scenes on what actually works in marketing, business, and leadership. Jess has worked with powerhouse brands and creators like Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Strava, Jenna Kutcher, Lori Harder, and more—and now, she’s sharing those lessons with you.
Each episode, we dive into proven strategies, practical insights, and candid conversations on topics like:
How to step into leadership as a marketer and own your expertise
How to confidently price your services and build a business that supports the life you want
What it really takes to succeed as a Fractional CMO
How to show up as a CMO for your clients, deliver powerful strategy, and lead teams effectively
Lessons from experts across marketing, mindset, and entrepreneurship to help you grow
Whether you're a corporate marketer exploring the Fractional path, a new Fractional CMO figuring it all out, or a seasoned leader looking to scale and systematize your business, CMO School will give you the tools, insights, and confidence to create a career that gives you freedom, fulfillment, and flexibility—on your terms.
New episodes drop weekly! Subscribe now and start building a marketing career that lights you up.
Hosted by Jess Shirra—a 15+ year marketing leader, Fractional CMO, and founder of Fractional CMO School—this show takes you behind the scenes on what actually works in marketing, business, and leadership. Jess has worked with powerhouse brands and creators like Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Strava, Jenna Kutcher, Lori Harder, and more—and now, she’s sharing those lessons with you.
Each episode, we dive into proven strategies, practical insights, and candid conversations on topics like:
How to step into leadership as a marketer and own your expertise
How to confidently price your services and build a business that supports the life you want
What it really takes to succeed as a Fractional CMO
How to show up as a CMO for your clients, deliver powerful strategy, and lead teams effectively
Lessons from experts across marketing, mindset, and entrepreneurship to help you grow
Whether you're a corporate marketer exploring the Fractional path, a new Fractional CMO figuring it all out, or a seasoned leader looking to scale and systematize your business, CMO School will give you the tools, insights, and confidence to create a career that gives you freedom, fulfillment, and flexibility—on your terms.
New episodes drop weekly! Subscribe now and start building a marketing career that lights you up.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 21, 2025 • 18min
Fractional CMO: The First 90 Days
What actually happens in the first 90 days when a Fractional CMO steps into a business? Where should the focus be? How do you know if it’s working? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my exact process—from the deep-dive audit that reveals hidden opportunities to the quick wins that drive immediate results, to building a marketing strategy that sets the foundation for long-term growth. Whether you're hiring a Fractional CMO or stepping into the role yourself, this episode breaks down what to expect, what matters most in those first 90 days, and how to ensure you’re making an impact fast.Fractional CMO School - Fractional CMO School is a six-month coaching program + community designed to help you launch your business, attract dream clients, and build the business you've always dreamed of.Find me on LinkedInFind me on InstagramStrategic Marketer Assessment - Unlock access to my free self-assessment for marketers who are juggling too much and want to work less while earning more.
Uncover your strengths, identify where you're undervaluing yourself, and take actionable steps to maximize your income – without adding more to your plate.Fractional CMO Business Start Up Guide - Unlock instant access to Your Fractional CMO Business Start-Up Guide + unlock the EXACT steps you need to start and grow your own Fractional CMO business – starting today.
Feb 21, 2025 • 13min
What is a Fractional CMO, anyways?
The term Fractional CMO is everywhere right now, but let’s be real—most people have no idea what it actually means. If you’ve been wondering, Is this just a fancy name for a marketing consultant? Do they run my ads? Why would I hire one instead of a full-time CMO?—this episode is for you.I’m breaking down exactly what a Fractional CMO does, what they don’t do, and why so many businesses hire one for the wrong reasons. We’ll talk about when you actually need a Fractional CMO, how they fit into your business, and how to spot the difference between a true strategic leader and someone just slapping the title on their LinkedIn profile.If you’re a business owner thinking about hiring one - or a marketer wondering if this could be your next career move - this episode is your roadmap.Fractional CMO School - Fractional CMO School is a six-month coaching program + community designed to help you launch your business, attract dream clients, and build the business you've always dreamed of.Find me on LinkedInFind me on InstagramStrategic Marketer Assessment - Unlock access to my free self-assessment for marketers who are juggling too much and want to work less while earning more.
Uncover your strengths, identify where you're undervaluing yourself, and take actionable steps to maximize your income – without adding more to your plate.Fractional CMO Business Start Up Guide - Unlock instant access to Your Fractional CMO Business Start-Up Guide + unlock the EXACT steps you need to start and grow your own Fractional CMO business – starting today.
Feb 21, 2025 • 2min
Welcome to CMO School for Marketers and Fractional CMOs
Welcome to CMO School, the go-to podcast for marketers who are ready to level up. I’m Jess Shirra, a Fractional CMO, marketing strategist, and founder of Fractional CMO School. After 15+ years leading marketing for brands like Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Strava, Jenna Kutcher, and Lori Harder, I’m here to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to drive growth, lead strategy, and step into your next chapter.Expect expert insights, real talk about what works (and what doesn’t), and actionable strategies to help you think like a CMO—whether you’re climbing the ladder or building your own Fractional CMO business. This is the CMO School podcast.Fractional CMO School - Fractional CMO School is a six-month coaching program + community designed to help you launch your business, attract dream clients, and build the business you've always dreamed of.Find me on LinkedInFind me on InstagramStrategic Marketer Assessment - Unlock access to my free self-assessment for marketers who are juggling too much and want to work less while earning more.
Uncover your strengths, identify where you're undervaluing yourself, and take actionable steps to maximize your income – without adding more to your plate.Fractional CMO Business Start Up Guide - Unlock instant access to Your Fractional CMO Business Start-Up Guide + unlock the EXACT steps you need to start and grow your own Fractional CMO business – starting today.
