Full Time vs. Fractional? The CMO Career Debate

The Mindful Marketer

Full Time vs. Fractional? The CMO Career Debate Guests: Scott Kabat, CEO, 621 Consulting and Michael Taylor, CEO, SimpleMind Inc. SUMMARY: It’s our job as leaders to present cost-effective and strategic alternatives to old traditional CMO roles and responsibilities. Why now? Because generative AI is rapidly streamlining how we build content, go to market, engage with customers, and design our demand gen strategies. These are common requirements to be a “full stack” CMO. Here’s the challenge. Thanks to AI, information has become commoditized, and knowledge (skills) are table stakes. On the other hand, wisdom, the pinnacle of human understanding, comes from the marriage of knowledge and experience. In the future, boards and CEOs will need more wisdom than information. And a fractional CMO just might be the wisdom well you need as you face this stage of growth. If you are curious about hiring a fractional CMO, or you are a CMO considering a fractional career path, listen to this show. We welcomed Scott Kabat, CEO of 621 Consulting in San Francisco. He leads a team of fractional CMOs and hands-on marketing operators. A recovering CMO himself, Scott has worked with brands such as Apple, Lyft, and Target. Our other panelist – a returning favorite and BFF-- is Michael Taylor, founder of Simple Mind Inc. He works with top firms such as AARP, IHG, and Great Dane and has been a fractional CMO, creative director, and startup founder and builder of a top digital agency. Listen and learn:

• Why fractional CMOs are currently in high demand
• The distinctions between fractional and interim CMOs

• The reasons why CEOs hire fractional CMOs.

• Key questions you need to ask to ensure success and client alignment.

• A 10-point checklist for CEOs to assess fractional CMO needs. (see show link).

Show Links:

1. “The Midlife Innovator” Retreat, October 17-20, 2024, at MEA Santa Fe, New Mexico (USA). Details and registration:bit.ly/clic24santafe
2. Scott Kabat: www.621consulting.com.
3. “Is Hiring a Fractional CMO Right for You?” Checklist: www.simplemindinc.com/cmo
4. Want to overcome career isolation and propel growth? Apply to the Marketing Growth Leaders peer community: marketinggrowthleaders.com
5. Want to build your fractional CMO role and brand? These are some favorite marketing and business development resources from Alan Weiss:https://alanweiss.com/store/books/
6. Don’t miss another episode. Register for our private “know ahead” list at themindfulmarketer.com.

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