
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

Apr 15, 2025 • 35min
Jon Miller | Cofounder Marketo, Engagio | The Gumball Machine is Broken - Rethinking B2B Marketing

Apr 8, 2025 • 32min
John Rudaizky | Global CBO and CMO, EY | Marketing a Service - The Art of Selling Confidence
A CMO Confidential Interview with John Rudaizky, EY Chief Brand & Marketing Officer, who previously held leadership positions at WPP, J. Walter Thompson, and Saatchi & Saatchi. John discusses the concept of confidence including how to market it to clients, build it into the organization and measure it in the marketplace. Key topics include: why brands benefit from strong competitors; his belief that creativity is the single most important business advantage; and the challenge of ensuring creative thinking isn't relegated to the back seat as companies focus on tactics. Tune in to hear the thinking behind EY's rebrand.Step into the world of marketing leadership with "The Art of Selling Confidence in Marketing Services," featuring global marketing expert John Rudaizky, the Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at EY. Hosted by five-time CMO Mike Linton, this episode of CMO Confidential delivers invaluable insights into the art of building trust and confidence in marketing services.Key topics include:- The critical role of confidence in B2B marketing decisions and brand trust.- Strategies for measuring confidence within your organization and among clients.- How to navigate rapid changes in technology, AI, and global business landscapes.- Lessons from John s extensive career at WPP, J Walter Thompson, and Saatchi & Saatchi.- The importance of creativity and collaboration in shaping effective marketing strategies.Tune in to hear how top CMOs are tackling today’s marketing challenges, the future of AI in marketing, and actionable advice for building a successful career in the industry.Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your marketing game. Subscribe to the CMO Confidential Newsletter for exclusive content and stay connected with us on your favorite podcast platforms.#MarketingStrategy, #GrowthMarketing, #BrandBuilding, #MarketingInnovation, #DigitalMarketingTrends, #BusinessGrowth, #CMOChallenges, #customerexperience Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cmo-confidentialCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:19 - Marketing a Service: Selling Confidence Strategies03:12 - Measuring Confidence: Key Metrics and Insights07:53 - Expanding the Brand: All In Strategy12:52 - Change Management for Smaller Companies16:22 - EY Partnerships: Collaboration Insights18:45 - Managing Negative PR: EY's Approach20:57 - POST GAME: Recap and Insights21:15 - AI in Marketing: Trends and Innovations23:25 - Audience Advice: Tips and Best Practices29:04 - Final Thoughts: Last Question DiscussionSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Apr 1, 2025 • 27min
Rishad Tobaccowala | The Omnicom IPG Merger - What it Means & What's Next | Part 2
A CMO Confidential Interview with Rishad Tobaccowala, former Publicis Groupe Strategy & Growth Officer, speaker, author, and podcast host of "What's Next." Rishad discusses the media, data, and technology scale benefits driving agency consolidation, the challenge of managing people through a merger, and his new book, Rethinking Work. Key topics include: why talent and marketing will be more important in an AI world; why everyone should operate as a "company of one;" how the world is moving to a "whales and plankton model;" and why clients should consider a "Master Blaster" model. Tune in to hear why he's concerned about mollycoddling and a Mary Poppins analogy. It's a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious 2-part show!AI will change marketing forever—are you ready? In this episode of CMO Confidential, host Mike Linton, a five-time CMO, sits down with renowned author and industry thought leader Rishad Tobaccowala to explore the transformative impact of AI on marketing, leadership, and talent. Key topics include the importance of "data-driven storytelling," why marketing's mix of "math and magic" will thrive in the AI era, and how top talent leveraging AI will shape the industry's future.Tune in to hear Rishad's expert advice on thriving as a "company of one," the shift from bosses to true leaders, and the six essential skills every marketer must master. Discover why AI isn't just a tool but a game-changer for how businesses operate and compete in an evolving landscape. Whether you're an aspiring marketing leader or seasoned CMO, this episode offers actionable insights to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.Don’t miss the chance to learn how to rethink your approach to work, marketing, and leadership in the AI age. Subscribe to CMO Confidential for exclusive content and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-changing world of marketing.#marketingagainstthegrain #contentmarketing #digitalmarketing #socialmediamarketing #datadrivenstorytellingCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:07 - Importance of Marketing02:59 - Quality vs. Quantity in Marketing06:25 - Career Development Strategies10:57 - Essential Marketing Skill Sets19:59 - Future Marketing Trends by 202524:10 - Practical Marketing Advice26:15 - OutroSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 25, 2025 • 28min
Rishad Tobaccowala | The Omnicom IPG Merger - What it Means & What's Next | Part 1
A CMO Confidential Interview with Rishad Tobaccowala, former Publicis Groupe Strategy & Growth Officer, speaker, author, and podcast host of "What's Next." Rishad discusses the media, data, and technology scale benefits driving agency consolidation, the challenge of managing people through a merger, and his new book, Rethinking Work. Key topics include: why talent and marketing will be more important in an AI world; why everyone should operate as a "company of one;" how the world is moving to a "whales and plankton model;" and why clients should consider a "Master Blaster" model. Tune in to hear why he's concerned about mollycoddling and a Mary Poppins analogy. It's a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious 2-part show!Get the inside scoop on the Omnicom and IPG merger and what it means for the future of marketing! In this episode of CMO Confidential, host and five-time Chief Marketing Officer Mike Linton dives into the critical insights every CMO needs to navigate this game-changing merger. Joined by special guest Rashad Tabakawala, former Chief Strategist and Growth Officer of Publicis Groupe and best-selling author, this discussion unpacks how the merger impacts scale, data, technology, and the role of creative agencies.Key topics include the consolidation of holding companies, the challenges of scaling media, data, and tech, and the future of large agencies versus niche specialists. Rashad also shares his expert perspective on the evolving agency ecosystem and what this means for marketers selecting partners in a rapidly changing landscape. With lessons from past mergers and actionable advice for CMOs, this is a must-watch for marketing leaders looking to stay ahead.Tune in to hear Rashad's unique take on the future of the industry and discover how to position your brand for success in this new era of marketing. Don't forget to subscribe to the CMO Confidential Newsletter for exclusive insights and updates. Stay informed, stay connected, and stay ahead with CMO Confidential! #omnicomipgmerger #MarketingStrategy, #GrowthMarketing, #BrandBuilding, #MarketingInnovation, #DigitalMarketingTrends, #BusinessGrowth, #CMOChallenges, #CustomerExperienceCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro00:40 - Rishad Tobaccowala Joins the Show01:27 - Omnicom IPG Merger Analysis11:15 - Future Implications of Omnicom IPG Merger15:18 - Impact on Other Companies18:45 - Future Trends for Businesses22:00 - Client Strategies for Success27:33 - End of Part 1See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mar 18, 2025 • 32min
Joe Tripodi | Lessons Learned From a Storied Marketing Career | Former CMO Coca-Cola, Mastercard

Mar 11, 2025 • 43min
Richard Sanderson | A Rapid Evolution in the Marketplace - The Spencer Stuart 2025 CMO Study
Richard Sanderson, leader of Spencer Stuart's Marketing, Communications, and Sales Practice, unpacks intriguing findings from the 2025 CMO study. He reveals that only 40% of companies still hold the title of CMO and highlights the rising trend of hybrid roles like Chief Growth Officer. The conversation dives into the impact of AI on marketing careers, the challenges of board representation, and the emotional journey of job transitions. Sanderson also discusses why this is still 'The Golden Age of Marketing,' even amidst evolving workplace dynamics.

8 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 34min
ZRG Partners| The Top 5 Mistakes CEOs and Boards Make When Hiring CMOs| Kate Bullis and David Wiser
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.

Feb 25, 2025 • 26min
Gary Briggs | Marketing Observations and Lessons Learned From the 24' Presidential Election | Part 2
Welcome back for Part 2 of A CMO Confidential Interview with Gary Briggs, former CMO of Facebook and eBay, and board member at Etsy, Petco & Combe. As the Paid Media Advisor to the Harris campaign, Gary shares the inside story of what it is like to work at breakneck speed in the rapid spin up of a political organization and all of the marketing that goes with it. Key discussion points include: a look at the billions spent in 18% of the country; what it's like to make tens of thousands of creative assets at speed; why all of the marketing, public relations, social media and news organizations function as a "single thing" for consumers; and the extreme segmentation and personalized messaging that accompanies "the voter file." Tune in to hear if working on a political campaign is right for your career and why campaigns error on the side of "more is more." Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the 2024 presidential campaign marketing with "Inside 2024 Campaign Marketing Secrets 🚨." In this episode of CMO Confidential, five-time CMO and host Mike Linton welcomes marketing veteran Gary Briggs to discuss the incredible scope, rapid scaling, and strategic decision-making behind political campaigns. Gary, former marketing leader for Facebook, PayPal, and eBay, shares his hands-on experience working on the Biden-Harris and Harris-Walz campaigns and reveals the strategies that shaped the election’s outcome.Key topics include the unprecedented $10 billion in campaign spending, the role of targeted paid media, and crafting a winning messaging strategy under intense time and budget constraints. Tune in to hear expert insights on voter analytics, game theory in political advertising, and the challenges of operating at a scale unmatched in the corporate world. Discover what it takes to build and dismantle a billion-dollar marketing operation in months and how these lessons apply to any high-stakes business environment.Don't miss this opportunity to learn from top marketing minds! Subscribe to the CMO Confidential Newsletter for exclusive content, and stay tuned for part two of this fascinating conversation. #facebookads #emailmarketing ##digitalmarketingCHAPTERS:00:00 - Adobe Summit00:41 - Introduction to the Summit01:24 - Overview of the 2020 Election02:28 - Marketing Strategies in Elections05:33 - Gary's Involvement in the Election09:42 - Understanding the Voter File11:42 - Biden Campaign's Data Resource Allocation13:33 - Media Strategies of the Biden Campaign19:15 - Scale of Biden's Media Operations22:15 - Effective Messaging Techniques24:32 - Consequences of Losing25:29 - Register for Adobe SummitSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 18, 2025 • 26min
Gary Briggs | Marketing Observations and Lessons Learned From the 2024 Presidential Election
A CMO Confidential Interview with Gary Briggs, former CMO of Facebook and eBay, and board member at Etsy, Petco & Combe. As the Paid Media Advisor to the Harris campaign, Gary shares the inside story of what it is like to work at breakneck speed in the rapid spin up of a political organization and all of the marketing that goes with it. Key discussion points include: a look at the billions spent in 18% of the country; what it's like to make tens of thousands of creative assets at speed; why all of the marketing, public relations, social media and news organizations function as a "single thing" for consumers; and the extreme segmentation and personalized messaging that accompanies "the voter file." Tune in to hear if working on a political campaign is right for your career and why campaigns error on the side of "more is more."For more information on @Adobe Summit visit https://summit.adobe.com/cmoconfidentialGet an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the 2024 presidential campaign marketing with "Inside 2024 Campaign Marketing Secrets 🚨." In this episode of CMO Confidential, five-time CMO and host Mike Linton welcomes marketing veteran Gary Briggs to discuss the incredible scope, rapid scaling, and strategic decision-making behind political campaigns. Gary, former marketing leader for Facebook, PayPal, and eBay, shares his hands-on experience working on the Biden-Harris campaign and reveals the strategies that shaped the election’s outcome.Key topics include the unprecedented $10 billion in campaign spending, the role of targeted paid media, and crafting a winning messaging strategy under intense time and budget constraints. Tune in to hear expert insights on voter analytics, game theory in political advertising, and the challenges of operating at a scale unmatched in the corporate world. Discover what it takes to build and dismantle a billion-dollar marketing operation in months and how these lessons apply to any high-stakes business environment.Don't miss this opportunity to learn from top marketing minds! Subscribe to the CMO Confidential Newsletter for exclusive content, and stay tuned for part two of this fascinating conversation.#hubspot #facebookads #emailmarketing #hubspotmarketing #digitalmarketingCHAPTERS:00:00 - Adobe Summit00:41 - Introduction to the Summit01:24 - Overview of the 2020 Election02:28 - Marketing Strategies in Elections05:33 - Gary's Involvement in the Election09:42 - Understanding the Voter File11:42 - Biden Campaign's Data Resource Allocation13:33 - Media Strategies of the Biden Campaign19:15 - Scale of Biden's Media Operations22:15 - Effective Messaging Techniques24:32 - Consequences of Losing25:29 - Register for Adobe SummitSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feb 11, 2025 • 30min
Gabrielle Kessler | SVP Brand Experience, We Are Social | A Primer on Experiential Marketing
A CMO Confidential Interview with Gabrielle Kessler, SVP Brand Experience at @wearesocial + Narrative, and experienced agency executive. Gabrielle discusses why experiential marketing should be part of an integrated plan versus a stand alone stunt, the value of delivering an emotional memory, and how experiential can reach "ad blind" customers. Key topics include: why marketers should start with objectives and targets versus a "tactic" they see in the marketplace; setting realistic expectations; and how experiential marketing can serve as an "amplifier." Tune in to learn about an"anamorphic" promotion and a story on Ryan Reynolds toilet seat covers at Comic-Con.For more information on @Adobe Summit visit https://summit.adobe.com/cmoconfidentialUnlock the secrets of experiential marketing in this episode of CMO Confidential! Join experienced host and five-time CMO, Mike Linden, as he sits down with Gabrielle Kessler, SVP of Brand Experience and Production at We Are Social and Narrative, to explore the strategies and insights every CMO needs to know. With a career spanning leadership roles at Best Buy, eBay, and Farmers Insurance, Mike guides this engaging conversation, offering unparalleled perspectives on marketing’s most dynamic trends.Key topics include defining experiential marketing, its role in driving emotional connections with consumers, and how brands like Game of Thrones and Adidas have leveraged immersive experiences to amplify their reach. Gabrielle also shares practical tips on integrating experiential tactics into broader marketing strategies, avoiding common pitfalls, and using AI to personalize and elevate brand experiences. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting, you’ll gain actionable advice to drive engagement and build loyalty.Tune in to hear real-world examples, humorous anecdotes, and expert recommendations on making experiential marketing work for your brand. Don’t miss out on this masterclass in innovative marketing strategies. Subscribe to CMO Confidential and stay ahead in the ever-evolving marketing landscape. For more exclusive insights and episodes, follow us on your favorite podcast platform.#influencermarketing #b2bmarketing #digitalmarketing #experientialmarketingagency #immersivebrandingCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro01:17 - What is Experiential Marketing?07:15 - Experiential Marketing in the Marketing Mix09:58 - Measuring Impact of Experiential Marketing13:07 - Ideal Brands for Experiential Marketing16:01 - Successful Small Business Examples18:10 - Signs of Potential Failure in Experiential Marketing20:00 - Common Mistakes in Experiential Marketing23:16 - AI in Marketing27:04 - Final Questions30:55 - @Adobe Summit InsightsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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