
CMO Confidential
Wonder what it's like to control millions of dollars of marketing budget? Manage hundreds of people? Make the decisions on which ideas get to market?The CMO Confidential podcast shares how it feels to be in that chair of the shortest-tenured position on the C-suite.We detail the long, hard road most ideas take to get to market & how challenging it is to get the best ones through.Hosted by Mike Linton -- the former P&G Brand Manager who went on to be the Chief Marketing Officer of Best Buy, eBay, and Farmers Insurance, as well as the Chief Revenue Officer of Ancestry.com and the head marketer at Remington -- this show serves as an ongoing lesson plan for how to get, do, keep, and handle the pressures of the CMO job.
Latest episodes

Jul 1, 2025 • 35min
Michael Treff | CEO, Code and Theory | Why Your AI Strategy Needs to Be More Than Tools & Efficiency - An Agency Perspective
A CMO Confidential Interview with Michael Treff, the CEO of Code + Theory, a growing 2000 person agency which combines technology and creativity. Michael discusses the disruption in consumer behavior, why B2B client service is becoming more holistic, and why companies should "go on offense" in a time of uncertainty. Key topics include: The strategic question of "What do you want your humans to be doing;" his belief that there will be a growing demand for ROI on tech spending; how everyone can become a creative change agent; and why he hates the concept of "The Big Idea." Tune in to hear the lesson of "prompt engineers" and an analogy of how playing in a punk band is like learning to use AI.In this week’s episode of CMO Confidential, five-time CMO Mike Linton is joined by Michael Treff, CEO of award-winning agency Code and Theory for a no-holds-barred discussion on why most AI strategies are missing the point.Treff—who leads an agency named B2B Agency of the Year by Ad Age and innovation standout by Fast Company—argues that leaders are mistaking AI tools for strategy. Instead, he lays out a bold case for orchestration—aligning people, tools, and data across the enterprise to drive real customer value. Together, Mike and Michael unpack: • Why B2B marketers need to stop treating customers like corporate buyers and start treating them like humans. • Why defensive strategies during disruption are a recipe for irrelevance. • The myth of the “big idea”—and why creativity has been democratized. • Why prompt engineers were never the future. • What AI orchestration really means—and how it can finally connect data silos, unify customer journeys, and drive performance.Whether you’re a CMO, agency leader, or aspiring executive, this is an unmissable playbook for navigating AI disruption, avoiding short-sighted efficiency traps, and building brands that thrive.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full episode on YouTube.🔗 Sponsored by @PublicisSapient — Smarter marketing, happier teams, wow-worthy customer moments.Visit: https://www.publicissapient.com#CMOConfidential #MarketingLeadership #AIinMarketing #MichaelTreff #CodeAndTheory #B2BMarketing #CMOStrategy #MarTech #MarketingPodcast #MarketingAI #MikeLinton #BrandStrategy #DigitalTransformation⸻⏱️ YouTube Chapter Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome to CMO Confidential01:15 - Meet Michael Treff, CEO of Code and Theory03:08 - AI Disruption in B2B: Humanizing the Customer06:00 - Why B2B Requires a Holistic Customer Lens08:47 - Agency Mergers & The Death of the Middle11:35 - Scale vs. Focus: Who Wins in Holding Company Wars?14:10 - Leadership in an Anxious Market: Offense vs. Defense17:25 - Code and Theory’s Internal AI Transformation20:15 - The Myth of the Prompt Engineer22:10 - Why Most AI Strategies Are Flawed25:00 - Connecting People, Tools, and Data with AI27:15 - Democratizing Creativity: What It Really Means30:00 - Why the Big Idea is Dead (and What Comes Next)32:25 - Predictions for 2025 in B2B, Tech & AI34:05 - Final Advice: Everyone Can Lead ChangeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 24, 2025 • 37min
Nancie McDonnell Ruder | CEO, Noetic Consulting | You're Brought In to Fix the Brand - Now What?
Nancie discusses her "brand fix" classifications of refine, purposefully manage, and transform, how to get started with data even when money and time are tight, some "Taylor Swift" approaches to brand work, and the difference between mission and brand. Key topics include: how to get the organization in harmony; why "The Big Reveal" is usually the wrong way to go; and her belief that both Sephora and Apple are losing brand steam. Tune in to hear case studies on Georgetown, The Mayo Clinic, and Samsung and a humorous story about a heart attack.You were brought in to fix the brand… but what exactly does that mean? In this week’s episode of CMO Confidential, host and 5x CMO Mike Linton sits down with brand strategist Nancie McDonnell Ruder, founder of Noetic Consulting, to unpack the real-world challenges behind “fixing” a brand.From navigating crises at major healthcare institutions to helping Georgetown University build brand alignment across decentralized marketing teams, Nancie shares her proven frameworks and hard-won insights on strengthening brands from the inside out.They discuss: • The difference between a brand crisis, a refinement, and a transformation • What to do when your brand is suffering—but the real problem lies elsewhere • Why internal alignment and education are non-negotiable for brand success • The 5 best practices for brand revitalization (with names like Taylor Swift songs!) • Brand fails to avoid—including the “Big Reveal” trap and skipping customer data • And yes… the show ends with a heart attack, mouth-to-mouth CPR, and a forehead kiss (you’ll just have to listen)00:00 – Intro: Welcome & episode setup01:02 – What does it really mean to “fix the brand”?03:45 – The Georgetown University brand refinement case06:25 – Standing up a brand for the first time (Mayo Clinic example)08:55 – Brand crisis vs. product/perception issue: How to tell the difference11:40 – Diagnosing the real problem: What does the data say?14:05 – Samsung’s brand affinity challenge and how they solved it16:20 – The 5 best practices for brand revitalization (Taylor Swift edition)19:45 – Worst practices: The “big reveal,” internal misalignment, and ignoring skeptics23:05 – The importance of activating the brand internally25:30 – Brands to watch: Sephora, Apple, and Domino’s28:20 – Funniest brand moment: A heart attack, CPR, and unexpected teamwork31:15 – Final takeaway + Mike’s sauceless pizza story33:30 – Outro: Upcoming episodes and where to subscribeIf you’re a CMO, CEO, board member, or founder facing brand issues—or aiming to avoid them—this episode is your toolkit.🔔 Subscribe to stay on top of what it really takes to lead marketing at the highest level.📥 Newsletter with top takeaways drops every Friday: https://cmoconfidential.substack.comCMO Confidential, Mike Linton, Nancie McDonnell Ruder, brand strategy, fix the brand, brand transformation, brand refinement, marketing strategy, CMO insights, internal alignment, brand health, Noetic Consulting, Georgetown University marketing, Mayo Clinic brand, Samsung brand case, leadership mistakes, brand campaign, CMO podcast, top marketing podcast, marketing leadership, executive marketing, board-level strategy, brand storytelling, marketing turnaround, nonprofit marketing, higher ed marketing, Apple brand erosion, Domino’s case study, Taylor Swift brand songs, marketing best practicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 17, 2025 • 29min
Eugene Soltes | Harvard | Managing the Gray Area - The Fine Line Between Puffery & Lying | Part 2
A CMO Confidential Interview with Dr. Eugene Soltes, Harvard Business School Professor and author of "Why They Do It - Inside the Mind of the White Collar Criminal". Eugene discusses how most crimes start out as small, often unnoticed decisions made by strategic people, how nearly everyone has a chance to step over the line, why many companies (Air BnB, Uber, AI) take regulatory risk, and how culture drives poor individual choices. Key topics include: when puffery gets murky; why it's dangerous to "convince yourself;" why it doesn't matter "who signed off;" and the "fraud triangle." Listen in to hear why humility and counterpoints are critical, what he learned about risk assessment from the Free Solo climber, the "difference between being an arms dealer and a transportation company," and how there are "a million ways to pay a bribe."In Part 2 of our conversation with Harvard Business School professor and author of Why They Do It, Dr. Eugene Soltes, we dive even deeper into the ethical gray zones that surround today’s most ambitious companies. From social media firms that hide behind “just connecting people” to leaders who convince themselves their actions are justified, Eugene explains how culture, rationalization, and groupthink drive even the smartest executives into trouble.You’ll learn why having a sign-off from Legal is never enough, why the “show me where it says I can’t” culture is so corrosive, and why CMOs must understand the difference between business risk and integrity risk. We also hear Eugene’s story of climbing (briefly) with Free Solo legend Alex Honnold and how that shaped his thinking around open-eyed risk—a model every marketing leader should understand.Topics include: • Why CMOs can’t hide behind Legal • The “arms dealer” mindset in corporate marketing • Risk culture vs. innovation culture • How companies accidentally incentivize bad behavior • Psychological safety vs. performative candor • The million ways bribes get disguised • The importance of personal humility—even in the C-Suite📌 Sponsored by @PublicisSapient – AI marketing platforms for personalization 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Welcome Back: Convincing Yourself It’s OkayMike and Eugene dive into self-deception and ethical gray zones in corporate decisions.02:10 – Don’t Count on the Sign-OffWhy “someone else signed off” isn’t a defense, and the importance of owning your decisions.03:30 – The Explain-to-Your-Spouse TestEugene’s replacement for the outdated “newspaper test” of ethical clarity.04:45 – Know What You’re Signing Up ForIgnorance as a leadership failure and why it’s never an excuse.06:00 – Taking Ethical Stands as a MarketerWhat to do when legal says it’s okay but your gut says otherwise.07:15 – Integrity vs. Strategic RiskA key distinction for marketers: smart business risk vs. ethical risk.08:20 – “A Million Ways to Pay a Bribe”Creative examples of corruption and why culture enables them.10:15 – The “Show Me Where It Says I Can’t” CultureHow policy loopholes can foster ethical erosion.12:00 – The Role of Legal and ComplianceHow to use counsel the right way—not just for CYA.14:00 – The Fraud Triangle + Rationalization RiskHow pressure, opportunity, and rationalization lead to ethical drift.15:45 – Everyone Has the Chance to Be the Bad AppleThe universal risk of stepping over the line—and why culture matters.16:30 – Regulatory Arbitrage: Uber, AI, and the Gray ZoneWhy innovation often requires pushing boundaries—and accepting consequences.18:00 – Free Solo Climbing and Open-Eyed RiskWhat Eugene learned about risk from Alex Honnold and what CMOs can take from it.20:30 – Evaluating Risk from Multiple AnglesWhy great leaders view risk with humility and diversity of perspective.22:00 – Groupthink and the Myth of MomentumThe danger of unchecked optimism and lack of internal dissent.23:30 – The Limits of Mandated Psychological SafetyWhy culture change can’t be legislated—and how real safety is built.24:30 – Final Question: Funny Story or Practical AdviceEugene’s “most awkward moment” and his parting advice on cultivating humility.27:00 – Wrap-Up and Upcoming EpisodesMike closes out with highlights from other case-based episodes.Eugene Soltes, Harvard Business School, white collar crime, CMO Confidential, Mike Linton, ethical marketing, corporate risk, compliance and marketing, groupthink, fraud triangle, Free Solo risk, Alex Honnold business, regulatory arbitrage, arms dealer logic, psychological safety, puffery vs fraud, legal sign-off, integrity in marketing, Publicis Sapient, personalized marketing AI, marketing leadership, executive ethics, culture of compliance, corporate governance, CMOs and riskSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 10, 2025 • 29min
Eugene Soltes | Harvard | Managing the Gray Area - The Fine Line Between Puffery & Lying | Part 1
A CMO Confidential Interview with Dr. Eugene Soltes, Harvard Business School Professor and author of "Why They Do It - Inside the Mind of the White Collar Criminal". Eugene discusses how most crimes start out as small, often unnoticed decisions made by strategic people, how nearly everyone has a chance to step over the line, why many companies (Air BnB, Uber, AI) take regulatory risk, and how culture drives poor individual choices. Key topics include: when puffery gets murky; why it's dangerous to "convince yourself;" why it doesn't matter "who signed off;" and the "fraud triangle." Listen in to hear why humility and counterpoints are critical, what he learned about risk assessment from the Free Solo climber, the "difference between being an arms dealer and a transportation company," and how there are "a million ways to pay a bribe."⸻📄 Show Description Wonder what separates creative risk from criminal risk?In this provocative episode of CMO Confidential, five-time CMO Mike Linton sits down with Harvard Business School Professor and author of Why They Do It: Inside the Mind of the White Collar Criminal, Dr. Eugene Soltes. Together, they explore the murky line between strategic marketing and ethical missteps — and why most white-collar crimes don’t start with bad intentions.From regulatory arbitrage in tech and AI to the blurred boundaries of puffery vs. fraud, Eugene unpacks how culture, pressure, and self-justification fuel decisions that ruin reputations, careers, and companies.Key insights include: • Why “almost anyone” can cross the line • How Uber, Airbnb, and AI firms leverage legal gray zones • The danger of “convincing yourself” • When codes of ethics become puff pieces • The fraud triangle in corporate behavior • Lessons from arms dealers and social media companies • Why humility and counterpoints matter in marketing decisionsThis is a masterclass in risk, ethics, and the reputational cliff CMOs stand on every day.🔗 Sponsored by @PublicisSapient Sapient — Personalization at the speed of AI. Learn more at www.publicissapient.com00:00 - Introduction & Sponsor Message 01:47 - Meet Dr. Eugene Soltes: Why He Wrote to White Collar Criminals 05:21 - Why White Collar Crime Happens: The Gray Area Between Ethics & Illegality 09:40 - The "Borderline" Class at Harvard and Who Falls into the Gray Zone 13:36 - Regulatory Arbitrage: Uber, Airbnb, and AI’s Legal Loopholes 18:45 - The Copyright Dilemma in Generative AI 21:30 - Puffery vs. Fraud: The Murky Messaging Middle 25:10 - When Ethics Codes Are Just Marketing 27:25 - Pharma Case Study: When Optimism Becomes DeceptionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jun 3, 2025 • 31min
Teresa Barreira | Publicis Sapient | The Case For & Against CMO's - Do Companies Really Need One?
A CMO Confidential Interview with Teresa Barreira, EVP & Global CMO and CCO of Publicis Sapient, formerly the CMO of Deloitte Consulting. Teresa discusses the evolution of the role in an age of uncertainty, how the "Business of Marketing" has been replaced by "The Business of the Company," and her belief that B2B and B2C Marketing are converging. Key topics include: why she believes the role is evolving to a "Chief Value Officer" tasked with being a "growth architect;" the differing types of transformation; and why having both a positive attitude and an opinion are more important than ever. Tune in to hear the parallels between Darwin's finches, butterflies, and CMO's.Teresa shares her insights on how the “business of marketing” has been replaced by the “business of the company,” why the traditional CMO is evolving into a “Chief Value Officer,” and how B2B and B2C marketing are rapidly converging. She also covers the types of transformation companies are pursuing, the skills needed to thrive in a world dominated by AI, and why attitude, curiosity, and having a strong point of view are more important than ever.You won’t want to miss Teresa’s analogies about Darwin’s finches, butterflies, and the modern CMO, or her predictions for the future of marketing leadership.🔗 Learn more about Publicis Sapient: https://www.publicissapient.com/👉 Subscribe for more insights on the future of marketing leadership: • 🎧 Apple Podcasts • 🎧 Spotify • 📺 YouTube⸻#cmoconfidential , #TeresaBarreira, @PublicisSapient , #chiefmarketingofficer, #FutureofMarketing, #marketingleadership , #b2bmarketing, #b2cmarketing, #DigitalTransformation, #ChiefValueOfficer, #aiinmarketing, #MarketingCareers, #BusinessTransformation, #HybridWorkforce, #CMOEvolution, #MikeLinton, #CMOPodcast, #C-SuiteInsights, #GrowthStrategy, #MarketingStrategy, #ExecutiveLeadership, #corporatestrategySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 27, 2025 • 38min
Jack Myers | The Media Revolution Has Arrived - Are You Prepared for the Next Wave?

May 20, 2025 • 36min
Dr. Joel Shapiro | Northwestern | The Grocery Prediction Case - It's Not Just About the Data
A CMO Confidential Interview with Dr. Joel Shapiro, Managerial Economics & Decision Sciences Professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern, formerly Varicent Chief Analytics Officer. Joel discusses the difference between Data Science and Data Leadership, how many "little, better decisions" aggregate into something meaningful, and why everyone should remember that "data doesn't make decisions." Key topics include: understanding asymmetric risk, how intangibles scuttled a profitable data driven opportunity; why you should never say "because the model says so;" and the need to set error expectations to build trust. Tune in to hear about his research on planning for adversity in the NFL.📄 Show Description (Apple/Spotify/YouTube)What happens when a grocery chain discovers a $100M+ opportunity through data science—and still says no?In this episode of CMO Confidential, host Mike Linton welcomes Dr. Joel Shapiro, Professor at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, to unpack the real-world lessons from “The Grocer Case.” Together, they explore what really kills data-driven decisions at the executive level—and why predictive analytics alone isn’t enough.From pilot success to boardroom rejection, this episode goes deep on: • Why organizations reject seemingly obvious, high-ROI data initiatives • The hidden costs of model opacity, trust, and organizational culture • What CMOs and business leaders must understand about data leadership • The critical distinction between data science and data influence • What the Euro Grocer case reveals about AI adoption challenges • Lessons on decision asymmetry from child welfare to NFL roster managementIf you’re navigating the gap between analytics and execution, this one’s for you.📍 Hosted by Mike Linton, former CMO of eBay, Best Buy, Farmers Insurance, and Ancestry.com.🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring candid conversations with top marketing minds, business professors, and C-suite leaders.#CMO podcast, #Grocer case study, #Joel Shapiro Kellogg, #marketing data strategy, #decision #science in business, #predictive analytics case study, #CMO Confidential podcast, #data science failure, #why data initiatives fail, #business data leadershipSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 13, 2025 • 38min
Evan Wittenberg | Chief People Officer, VuMedi | What HR Really Thinks About Marketing
A CMO Confidential Interview with Evan Wittenberg, Chief People Officer of VuMedi, formerly CPO of Ancestry and Box, Google's Head of Leadership Development, and a Saturday Night Live Page. Evan discusses why HR has become a much tougher position over the last 5 years, AI's negative impact on leadership development, and the similarities between marketing and HR. Key topics include: his belief that every function should have a dedicated people partner; why "the burden of proof" is often higher for marketers; why he always interviews for "learning agility;" and why "doing the job you are hired for is better for your career than trying for "the next job." Tune in to hear questions marketers should ask in an interview and a great behind the scenes story from SNL Season 18.⸻🔎 Episode Summary:In this candid conversation, Mike Linton sits down with four-time Chief People Officer Evan Wittenberg to explore what the HR function really thinks about marketing—and how these two misunderstood roles share more in common than many executives realize. From DEI to AI, and SNL to strategy, Evan gives a front-row look into the tension, collaboration, and leadership dynamics at the C-Suite table. If you’re a CMO (or trying to become one), this episode is essential listening.⏱️ Chapter Markers: • 00:00:00 – Welcome and IntroductionMeet Evan Wittenberg and hear about his unconventional path from Saturday Night Live to the C-Suite. • 00:01:30 – HR’s Role During COVID and BeyondWhy the pandemic placed HR at the epicenter of corporate leadership and chaos. • 00:05:30 – Where Should Tough Workplace Issues Sit?Evan explains how HR ended up with DEI, RTO, and politics—and whether it’s the right home for those topics. • 00:08:30 – Marketing and HR: More Similar Than You ThinkBoth functions are heavily scrutinized, lack a “right” answer, and draw opinions from everyone. • 00:11:00 – The AI and Entry-Level DilemmaWhy automation is gutting the corporate training ground—and what both HR and marketing are losing as a result. • 00:14:00 – Mentorship, Remote Work, and the Lost GenerationThe compound risk of no proximity, no apprenticeship, and no institutional learning. • 00:16:30 – What “People Are Our Most Important Asset” Really MeansEvan unpacks how to spot whether a company actually walks the talk. • 00:19:30 – The Business-Driving Role of HR (and Marketing)Why the best people leaders act like business leaders, not internal service departments. • 00:22:00 – How HR Really Sees MarketingFrom data fluency to creative range, what sets great CMOs apart—and what HR really wants to see. • 00:25:00 – Great vs. Poor Marketing Department DynamicsTraits of a high-performing marketing org and the worst patterns Evan has seen. • 00:27:30 – Recruiting Senior Marketing LeadersThe traits HR looks for in CMO-level talent: learning agility, business orientation, and collaborative rigor. • 00:29:30 – How Marketers Should Vet EmployersThe questions to ask to figure out if the company actually believes what it says on the job spec. • 00:31:30 – Saturday Night Live Story & Practical AdviceEvan saves a live show at SNL—and shares timeless advice on career focus and performance.#CMOConfidential #MarketingLeadership #CHRO #PeopleFirst #AIinMarketing #DEI #FutureOfWork #MarketingCareer #HRvsMarketing #CMORole #ExecutiveSearch #WorkplaceTrends #SaturdayNightLive #OrganizationalDesign #EmployeeEngagement #TalentManagementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

May 6, 2025 • 34min
Andrew Medvedev | A Perspective on Business Schools - The Race to Keep Up With the Marketplace
A CMO Confidential Interview with Andrew Medvedev, Dean of the Weatherhead School of Management at @case Western Reserve University, former Managing Director and portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley. Andrew discusses why he left Wall Street for the opportunity to reimagine Weatherhead, why schools should reassess traditional industrial economy approaches to education, and his vision of building a "problem solving institution" which trains students on "how to get things done." Key topics include: the importance of relational skills and the ability to understand context; how his team measures leadership competencies; why nothing beats "reps at life;" and tips for selecting the school that's right for you. Tune in to hear why you should "Trust people more than you think you should."In this insightful episode of CMO Confidential, host Mike Linton engages with Andrew Medvedev, Dean of the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Formerly a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley, Andrew shares his journey from Wall Street to academia and discusses his mission to transform business education to better align with today’s dynamic market demands.Key Discussion Points: • Transitioning from finance to academia • The evolving role of business schools in a changing economy • Emphasizing experiential learning and real-world application • Developing leadership competencies and relational skills • Measuring success beyond traditional academic metrics⸻⏱️ Chapter Markers: • 00:00 – Introduction by Mike Linton • 00:45 – Andrew Medvedev’s background and career shift • 03:30 – The vision for reimagining Weatherhead School • 06:15 – Challenges facing traditional business education • 09:00 – Importance of experiential learning and ‘reps at life’ • 12:20 – Measuring leadership and relational competencies • 15:10 – Collaborations with industry and alumni engagement • 18:00 – Adapting curriculum to market needs • 21:00 – Building a problem-solving institution • 24:30 – Advice for prospective MBA students • 27:15 – The significance of trust in leadership • 30:00 – Final thoughts and closing remarks⸻#CMO Confidential, #Andrew Medvedev, #Weatherhead School of Management, #Case Western Reserve University, #Business school leadership, #Business education trends, #Leadership development, #Management education, #Wall Street to academia, #Business school dean interviewSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 29, 2025 • 38min
Jim Lecinski | The Insomnia Cookies Case - The GOST Model Taught at Northwestern
A CMO Confidential Interview with Jim Lecinski, Clinical Professor of Marketing at the Kellogg School of Management, two time author, and former Google VP. Jim discusses the need to teach both durable and perishable knowledge, the importance of faculty composition, why students should "sample" B-Schools, and how the Northwestern "House Design" keeps it ranked as the #1 marketing school. We go inside the Insomnia Cookies Case which uses GOST (Goals, Objectives, Strategy and Tactics) and 70/20/10 to train students on driving revenue, profit and market share. Tune in to hear why you shouldn't be a "Tumbleweed" and instead strive to "Meet the universe halfway."A CMO Confidential Interview with Jim Lecinski, Clinical Professor of Marketing at The Kellogg School of Management, 2-time author and former Google VP. Jim discusses the need to teach both durable and perishable knowledge, the importance of faculty composition, why students should "sample" B-Schools, and how the Northwestern "House Design" keeps it ranked #1 in marketing. We go inside the Insomnia Cookies Case which uses GOST (Goals, Objectives, Strategy and Tactics) and 70/20/10 to train students on driving revenue, profit and market share. Tune in to hear why you shouldn't be a "Tumbleweed" and instead strive to "Meet the universe halfway."00:00 – Welcome & IntroMike introduces Jim Lecinski, his background at Google and Northwestern, and tees up today’s topic: The Insomnia Cookies Case and the GOST model.03:42 – From Google to the ClassroomJim shares the story of Eric Schmidt’s advice to “teach, don’t pitch”—a philosophy that reshaped his approach to marketing and led to academia.07:25 – Are Business Schools Outdated?Jim responds to critiques that MBA programs lag behind marketing’s evolution. He introduces the idea of durable vs. perishable marketing knowledge.12:10 – What Makes Northwestern DifferentA deep dive into how Kellogg blends academic and practical knowledge through its marketing strategy curriculum and clinical faculty.16:32 – The Insomnia Cookies CaseJim explains why Insomnia Cookies became a great example of strategic growth thinking—and what other brands can learn from it.20:48 – Introducing the GOST ModelUsing GOST (Goals, Objectives, Strategies, Tactics), Jim unpacks how Insomnia grew revenue 3x through disciplined planning, not buzz or virality.28:55 – The 70/20/10 Growth FrameworkHow Insomnia balanced core product expansion, adjacent markets (like vegan cookies), and new categories (ice cream) to create sustainable momentum.33:30 – Avoiding the “Gold Mine” TrapWhy companies rush into adjacent businesses (like Peloton did) and how to model your way out of distraction and back to core growth.39:14 – How Kellogg Stays #1 in MarketingThe role of clinical faculty, student engagement, and a culture of “yes, and” in maintaining relevance in a fast-changing field.42:00 – Advice for Aspiring Marketers Choosing B-SchoolsJim outlines what to look for when evaluating a program—beyond the rankings and websites.46:10 – Meet the Universe Halfway: Career Advice + Jazz StoryJim’s closing advice for career success, plus an embarrassing moment involving jazz legend Wynton Marsalis.49:25 – Wrap-up & Where to Listen NextMike closes the show and directs listeners to other relevant episodes on CLTV, Peloton, Budweiser, and Warby Parker.⸻#InsomniaCookiesmarketingstrategy, #GOSTmodelmarketing, #KelloggSchoolofManagementmarketing, #JimLecinskiGoogle, #MikeLintonCMOpodcast, #MarketingeducationKellogg, #Durablevs.perishablemarketing, #MarketingcasestudiesMBA, #Incremental marketing growth, #How to grow a brand, #CMO career advice, #Business school marketing curriculum, #Marketing ROI metricsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.