Grant Johnson, a seasoned CMO with six successful tours of duty under his belt, joins the podcast to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing marketing leaders today.

• Johnson emphasizes the relentless pressure to prove marketing's value and the need to align with C-suite stakeholders on goals and strategies. He introduces his Marketing Performance Index, a tool based on industry benchmarks that helps marketers identify areas for improvement and optimize investment.
• Drawing from his experience in fractional CMO roles, Johnson highlights the importance of quick impact projects and building relationships with existing teams. He shares an anecdote about the importance of branding and pushing for excellence, even in the face of tight deadlines. Johnson also recounts pivoting a campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic to better resonate with the changed environment.
• The conversation explores the pitfalls of account-based marketing (ABM) and the importance of disciplined sales processes. Johnson argues that while ABM technology can be helpful, execution is key, and companies should avoid getting stuck in testing mode without allowing campaigns to breathe.
• Johnson attributes his success to curiosity, resourcefulness, drive, and adaptability. He emphasizes the need for marketers to embrace ambiguity and continuously learn and evolve.
• The episode concludes with recommendations for books, podcasts, and resources that provide valuable insights for marketing leaders. Johnson encourages aspiring marketers to gain diverse experience, set goals, and be willing to take risks.

This episode offers practical advice and valuable insights for marketing leaders at all levels, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate the evolving marketing landscape.

Connect With:

• Grant Johnson (Guest): LinkedIn
• Jenni DeWitt (Co-Host): Website // LinkedIn
• Mike Fazio (Co-Host): Website // LinkedIn

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