The Exit Five CMO Podcast (Hosted by Dave Gerhardt)

Holly Xiao, who leads B2B marketing at HeyGen, joins Dave Gerhardt for a deep dive into the intersection of AI and video marketing. They discuss why video is crucial in B2B and how to make it cost-effective. Holly reveals how AI is transforming content production, enabling marketers to focus on storytelling. They explore the evolving role of the CMO, AI's impact on creativity, and the importance of embracing technology to create authentic connections. Tune in for insights on scaling content and achieving effective engagement!

Jessica Lytle, a fractional growth marketing leader, discusses her no-code ROI calculator that sales reps use live during calls. Ugi Djuric from ContentMonk presents an AI workflow that streamlines content operations. Jillian Hoefer shares her innovative 'content concierge' GPT designed to extract key stats and quotes for marketing. Jake Heap demonstrates an exciting tool that animates mascots into 3D characters. Anton Ruis reveals his AI-powered buyer brief builder that customizes sales messaging with real-time data, showcasing practical AI applications in B2B marketing.

Emma Robinson, Head of B2B Marketing at Canva, and Kristine Segrist, VP of Consumer Marketing, share insights into Canva's success. They explore how Canva turns free users into enterprise clients by utilizing product signals. The importance of balancing brand-building with measurable ROI features prominently, alongside their innovative 'Love Your Work' campaign. They discuss leveraging data science for creative marketing strategies while maintaining an approachable brand identity, highlighting how their flat organizational structure fosters collaboration and drives growth across diverse audiences.

Kady Srinivasan, CMO at You.com, has a rich background leading marketing for Dropbox and Klaviyo. She shares her journey from engineering to marketing leadership, underscoring the importance of adaptability in today's fast-paced environment. Topics include aligning marketing strategies with company goals and effective team management systems. Kady discusses how AI is reshaping marketing roles and the necessity for CMOs to embrace flexibility and innovation. She inspires listeners to reinvent themselves while emphasizing the balance between automation and human creativity.

Brad Zomick, a savvy B2B marketing consultant, dives into the vital role of LinkedIn for founders. He discusses why LinkedIn is the best platform for building authority and attracting talent in today’s market. The conversation reveals tips on transforming daily communications into impactful content and highlights the unexpected ROI from founder-led posts. Brad also shares insights on maintaining authenticity while leveraging AI tools in content creation, and offers strategies for building a strong, engaging presence on the platform.

Sean Lane, Founding Partner at BeaconGTM and RevOps expert, dives into the essential ties between marketing, sales, and operations. With a decade of experience in B2B SaaS, he shares how aligning these functions drives business growth. Listeners will learn about the significance of continuous planning, the role of AI in operations, and tips for effective budgeting. Sean also highlights the importance of understanding customer journeys and the ideal traits to look for when hiring for operational roles in early-stage companies.

Rachel Weeks, a seasoned B2B marketing leader with over 20 years of experience, shares her insights on navigating change in the workforce. She discusses effective recognition strategies that improve employee retention without breaking the bank. The conversation highlights how motivation dips during stressful times and the unique role of marketing in shaping internal culture. Weeks also touches on the impact of AI on team morale and offers accessible ways to recognize team efforts, emphasizing that simple acknowledgments can transform workplace dynamics.

Vincent Pierri, a speaking coach with a unique background as a pastor, shares his 4-part framework for unforgettable presentations: Tension, Trust, Teaching, and Takeaway. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity and simplicity over flashy slides. Listeners learn how to select compelling topics, connect with their audience by starting with a problem, and build trust through vulnerability. With insightful tips like using catchy one-liners and relatable stories, Vincent provides essential strategies for making every talk resonate beautifully.

Join John Short, CEO of Compound Growth Marketing, Cammy Keiler, Chief Customer Officer, and Dan Guenet, GTM Engineering Lead, as they unpack the exciting world of GTM engineering. Discover how this new role differs from RevOps and why it’s essential for B2B teams. They share real-world examples of GTM engineering in action, from AI-driven sales tools to innovative mid-funnel campaigns. Learn how GTM engineers boost revenue per employee and the key tools they use to drive impactful results in today's marketing landscape.

Holly Xiao is the Head of B2B Marketing at HeyGen, an AI video generation platform. She discusses the four key channels her lean team focuses on for driving enterprise pipeline and shares insights on using AI video for event marketing and sales enablement. Holly explains the dynamics of running marketing without a CMO and the benefits of adopting a sprint-cycle approach. With practical tips for leveraging AI in marketing, she encourages marketers to rethink team structures and strategies to adapt to a rapidly changing landscape.