In this episode of CMO Connect, our host, Jayme Washington, engages in a captivating conversation with Doug Kimball, an accomplished Chief Marketing Officer at Ontotext, a semantic knowledge graph solution, supporting a variety of AI and data fabric/mesh initiatives. Doug has collaborated with Fortune 500 companies such as Mattel, Merck, Syngenta, Albertson’s, Ahold, Anheuser-Busch, Mike’s Hard Lemonade, etc. He is renowned for his charismatic leadership and his ability to discern partner needs and transform them into actionable strategies. Doug's dedication to comprehensive leadership is exemplified by his remarkable 95% employee retention rate. Shownotes : In this thought leadership article, we delve deep into the realms of data, purpose, and the pivotal role played by the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). We explore the insights shared by Doug Kimball, an accomplished CMO at Ontotext. Through verbatim quotes from our interview, we uncover the key themes of brand integrity, data analytics, and customer-centricity. Introduction: The Changing Expectations of CMOs Boards and CEOs increasingly expect their Chief Marketing Officers to function as strategic partners, leveraging every available tool to uphold brand integrity, foster sustainability, harness the power of data analytics, and proactively anticipate market shifts and disruptions. In this thought leadership article, we have the privilege of delving deep into the realms of data, purpose, and the pivotal role played by the CMO. Brand Integrity: The Power of Iconic Brands One of the key themes that emerged from our conversation with Doug Kimball is the importance of brand integrity. He reflects on his own experience as a 16-year-old, where the brand that stood out to him was Xerox. He explains, "The first time I saw a copier, it was a Xerox, and that's all I knew. It became synonymous with making copies, regardless of the actual brand used." Data Analytics: Unleashing the Power of Knowledge Graphs As the CMO of Ontotext, Doug Kimball is well-versed in the power of data analytics. He explains that Ontotext is an AI data fabric company that leverages knowledge graphs to identify meaning and connections across diverse data assets. Customer-Centricity: The Key to Marketing Success Doug Kimball identifies as a customer-driven CMO, focusing on meeting the needs of customers and supporting the sales team. He explains, "Everything we do in marketing is to support our sales team, enabling them to create more opportunities and close more deals." Implications and Future Outlook The insights shared by Doug Kimball shed light on the changing expectations of CMOs and the evolving marketing industry. The focus on brand integrity highlights the enduring power of iconic brands and the challenges of maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing market. The emphasis on data analytics underscores the importance of data organization and analysis in driving insights and better decision-making. Finally, the customer-centric approach highlights the need for personalized and customized messaging to cut through the noise and reach customers effectively. Resources: https://www.washtone.com/ https://www.thecmoconnect.com/podcast https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymewashington/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougkimball/
In this episode of CMO Connect with Jayme Washington, Jayme interviews John A. Steinert, the CMO of Tech Target. They discuss the role of the CMO in today's business landscape, the future of marketing, the importance of differentiation, and the impact of AI on marketing and branding strategies. John emphasizes the need for CMOs to understand the culture of their organization and align their contributions with the company's goals. He also highlights the importance of continuous learning and the role of sales in marketing.
Shownotes:
Jayme Washington interviews John A. Steinert, the CMO of Tech Target, on the role of the CMO in today's marketing landscape. They discuss the importance of understanding buyer behavior and using data analytics to drive marketing strategies. They also explore the future of marketing, including the potential impact of AI and the need for human creativity and differentiation. John emphasizes the importance of listening and understanding the culture of the organization when advocating for marketing initiatives. Overall, the conversation highlights the multifaceted nature of the CMO role and the need for continuous learning and contribution in the field of marketing.
The Power of Brands: Coca-Cola as an Iconic Brand
When asked about an iconic brand that resonated with him at the age of 16, John A. Steinert mentioned Coca-Cola. He highlighted the emotional connection that Coca-Cola created through its advertising campaigns, even before he was 16. He stated, "Coca-Cola did some great advertising that continued to resonate with people in my generation." This example illustrates the importance of emotional connections in consumer brands and how they differentiate themselves from their competitors.
Tech Target: A Leader in Purchase Intent Driven Marketing
Tech Target is a B2B company specializing in enterprise technology. With over $1 billion in revenue, Tech Target attracts and nurtures communities of technology buyers researching their company's information technology needs. By understanding these buyers' content consumption behaviors, Tech Target creates purchase intent insights that fuel efficient and effective marketing and sales activities for clients worldwide.
The Future of Marketing: Automation and Personalization
When discussing the future of marketing, John A. Steinert emphasized the need to differentiate between B2C and B2B spaces. In B2C, where purchase decisions are smaller and involve fewer people, automation plays a significant role. However, in the B2B space, where decisions are larger, involve more people, and take more time, personal interaction remains crucial.
The Role of AI in Marketing and Branding
The conversation shifted to the role of AI in marketing and branding. John A. Steinert acknowledged the importance of AI tools in helping marketers become more productive and creative. He explained, "These tools can help creators bounce their ideas off an expert information source, which can assist in generating and refining ideas."
The Challenges of Being a CMO
The conversation then turned to the challenges faced by CMOs. John A. Steinert acknowledged that the role of a CMO is multifaceted and requires expertise in various areas. He highlighted the importance of understanding the culture of the organization and aligning with its goals and priorities.
Resources:
https://www.washtone.com/
https://www.thecmoconnect.com/podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymewashington/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasteinert/
Description:
In this episode of The CMO Connect, join host Jayme Washington as she delves into the world of data-driven marketing strategies with Justin Steinman, the accomplished Chief Marketing Officer at Definitive Healthcare. With a career spanning over two decades, Justin has worked with renowned brands and orchestrated profound business transformations. Discover Justin's insights into marketing, data analytics, and more, as he shares his experiences and strategies for success.
Show Notes:
Jayme introduces the episode and guest Justin Steinman, CMO at Definitive Healthcare. Justin reflects on iconic brands from his youth, like Coke and McDonald's, and their enduring impact. The discussion explores how iconic brands like Coke and McDonald's have evolved over time to stay relevant.
Justin talks about his role as a B2B CMO and how data plays a crucial role in his decision-making process. Justin discusses his data-driven approach to marketing, sharing insights into how he uses data to drive results and maintain a seat at the executive table.
The conversation explores the difference between consumer-driven, purpose-driven, and data-driven CMOs, with Justin emphasizing the importance of data in B2B marketing. Justin highlights how data enables him to engage with the broader leadership team and contribute to the company's overall strategy and success.
Jayme and Justin wrap up the episode, summarizing the key takeaways and thanking the audience for tuning in. Don't miss this insightful conversation with Justin Steinman on data-driven marketing and the role of a CMO in the business world.
Be sure to tune in to The CMO Connect podcast for riveting conversations with leading marketing executives.
Resources:
https://www.washtone.com/
https://www.thecmoconnect.com/podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaymewashington/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinsteinman/