In my first board meeting as CMO, I presented my marketing plan and asked for introductions to marketing leaders, but my board member suggested that they should learn from me instead, recognizing the unique insights I brought from my product background.

The most important mindset for CEOs today is to cultivate a beginner's mind, being open to new possibilities as everything changes rapidly.

When we hired our first CMO, we shifted to a more professional marketing approach, which included experimenting with various campaigns.

I differentiate between 'Capital M' marketing, which focuses on driving the funnel, and 'lowercase m' marketing, which encompasses the company's values and narrative. Both are crucial for a cohesive marketing strategy.

Experimentation is key in marketing. Test different strategies, validate what works, and be willing to discard what doesn't. This approach allows for continuous improvement and adaptation to market needs.

Effective communication is essential in marketing; the ability to tell a compelling story can significantly influence how ideas are received and understood by others.

The ability to learn and adapt is crucial when scaling a company, as roles will constantly shift and evolve.

Your role as a CEO evolves every six months to a year, and skills that were beneficial at one stage may hinder you at the next.

Most companies can go longer without a VP of Marketing than they think, as there are not many experienced team builders who fit the VP Marketing profile.