In this episode of Performance Delivered: Insider Secrets for Digital Marketing Success, host Steffen Horst explores the evolving challenges of the CMO role with Karl Van den Bergh, Chief Marketing Officer at Illumio.

Karl shares insights from his 25+ year career leading marketing, product, and GM roles across startups and billion-dollar tech companies. Together, they unpack:

• Why the CMO role is uniquely difficult in today’s business environment
• How to build credibility and trust with boards and executive teams
• The “Plan on a Page” framework for aligning strategy, execution, and KPIs
• Leading with authenticity in campaigns and leadership culture
• How AI is transforming marketing workflows and the buyer’s journey

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – Karl’s career journey

04:09 – Why the CMO role is uniquely difficult

06:16 – Building credibility and trust

09:00 – The “Plan on a Page” framework

13:30 – Building trust through transparency & authenticity

14:55 – What authenticity looks like in leadership and campaigns

19:30 – How AI is reshaping marketing

23:58 – Driving efficiency and conversion with AI

24:46 – Preparing for the rise of AI agents

27:20 – Why SEO is no longer enough

28:42 – Buyers already using ChatGPT to discover vendors

29:22 – Closing thoughts + how to connect with Karl

👉 Learn more about Illumio: https://www.illumio.com

👉 Learn more about Symphonic Digital: https://symphonicdigital.com