CMO Q&A: What Advice Would You Offer to Aspiring CMOs?

In each issue of Franchise Update magazine, we profile franchise CMOs and marketing leaders, asking each the same set of questions. Throughout the year, we'll be selecting one of those questions - and providing answers from recent CMO profiles. If you like what they say and are curious to learn more about these franchise marketing leaders and their thoughts on other topics, we've provided links to their full profile.

This week: What advice would you offer to aspiring CMO executives?

Lisa Zoellner, Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer, Neighborly
Be intentional about the roles you take on. I believe a broad array of experiences creates a great foundation. Get as much experience as you can within marketing including brand strategy, digital, social media, public relations, etc. Broaden your experience beyond marketing. The operational experience from early in my career has helped me have a broader view of the impact of marketing and the importance of execution. Take on roles in different industries. It is amazing how portable and enriching those experiences can be as you grow in your career. Read the full profile here.

Denise Pedini, EVP Marketing/Chief Marketing Officer, Pizza Inn
Be intentional in your plan. Vividly outline and know what you want in your career and have a plan to achieve it. Take jobs based on the experience you will receive and not necessarily on the salary you will receive. Don't be afraid of change. Change is good. Change can push you and can make you excel in more ways than you know. Invest in yourself. Take a college class, join a networking group, or find a mentor who will help guide you in directions that you didn't think were possible. Read the full profile here.

Michael Barrette, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer, Dippin' Dots & Doc Popcorn
If you're currently a marketing professional with your sights set on the CMO chair, it's important that you invest in self-education. Hopefully, you report to a CMO who creates growth opportunities for you and other team members and provides exposure to other realms of your business. If so, take advantage of the opportunities to take the lead. Attend professional conferences, write articles, and respond to media inquiries. Learning how to handle some of those "under the microscope" tasks will prepare you for the CMO role. Read the full profile here.

Katherine LeBlanc, Chief Marketing Officer, Painting with a Twist
Keep your ears open and learn from everyone around you. If you're lucky enough to have someone smart in front of you, spend as much time as you can with that person. If not, learn from your leaders and peers. And keep growing your network. Everyone you work with - boss, direct report, or peer - is a potential boss, direct report, or peer. Keep those relationships intact. Read the full profile here.

Kieran McCauley, Vice President of Marketing, HealthSource
Never stop asking "What if?" and "Could we?" types of questions. In my opinion, the best CMOs push the boundaries and try different approaches. This is how you will excel. Read the full profile here.

Kristina Van Bruggen, Vice President of Marketing, Sizzler USA
Build a great team. Listen to learn. Trust your instincts to know when to pivot and try something new. You have to love what you do. It's a demanding role that can consume you. Having balance in your life will give you the ability to embrace the role and ultimately be effective. Read the full profile here.