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CMO School

Author: Jessica Shirra | Fractional CMO

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CMO School is the go-to podcast for marketers and Fractional CMOs ready to step into leadership, own their expertise, and build a career or business that actually works for them. Whether you're looking to elevate your skills, transition into a CMO role, or scale your Fractional business, this podcast delivers strategies, expert insights, and the mindset shifts you need to create a career you love.

Hosted by Jess Shirra—a 15+ year marketing leader, Fractional CMO, and founder of Fractional CMO School—this show takes you behind the scenes on what actually works in marketing, business, and leadership. Jess has worked with powerhouse brands and creators like Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Strava, Jenna Kutcher, Lori Harder, and more—and now, she’s sharing those lessons with you.

Each episode, we dive into proven strategies, practical insights, and candid conversations on topics like:

How to step into leadership as a marketer and own your expertise
How to confidently price your services and build a business that supports the life you want
What it really takes to succeed as a Fractional CMO
How to show up as a CMO for your clients, deliver powerful strategy, and lead teams effectively
Lessons from experts across marketing, mindset, and entrepreneurship to help you grow
Whether you're a corporate marketer exploring the Fractional path, a new Fractional CMO figuring it all out, or a seasoned leader looking to scale and systematize your business, CMO School will give you the tools, insights, and confidence to create a career that gives you freedom, fulfillment, and flexibility—on your terms.

New episodes drop weekly! Subscribe now and start building a marketing career that lights you up.
27 Episodes
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If your Fractional CMO business doesn’t feel like the freedom you wanted, this episode is for you.So many experienced marketers end up stuck in what I call the Fractional CMO Trap: the place where you’ve technically built a business, but it still feels like a job.In this episode, I’m breaking down:What the Fractional CMO Trap isThe two doors that usually lead you into it — and how to back yourself out of each oneHow to redesign your business to gives you the freedom (and income) you set to to createA simple 30-day reset plan to help you reclaim your time, tighten boundaries, and build a Fractional business that’s sustainable If you’ve been feeling stretched, stuck, or like you’re constantly proving your value this episode is going to change how you run your business. Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO.🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/
AI is moving so fast it’s hard to keep up. Some days it’s magic, other days it’s chaos. ChatGPT forgets what you told it three prompts ago. It starts using formatting you hate. It spits out content that feels flat or off-brand. Or worse — it makes stuff up and says it with confidence.This episode is about going beyond “just using AI” — and learning how to make it a tool that makes you sharper, faster, and more strategic… while delivering work that genuinely moves the needle for your clients.Jim Carter III is the AI strategist and tech founder behind some of the biggest personal brands in the world — Lewis Howes, Jay Shetty, Ed Mylett, Matthew Hussey, Jay Abraham, and Gary Vee — plus he’s worked with global companies like Verizon, Yahoo!, and AT&T. Jim doesn’t just “use AI” — he builds it into the way businesses run so it’s producing consistent, high-value results.In this episode we cover:How to get AI to produce high-quality work on the first try — without endless back-and-forth or rewrites.How to set up Custom GPTs and projects — and when each approach gives you the best results.Advanced ways to use AI for strategy work — not just content creation.The biggest mistakes even experienced marketers make with AI (and how to avoid them).Where AI is headed in the next 12–18 months so you can stay ahead of the curveIf you already see the value of AI but want to start using it at a level most marketers aren’t even touching yet, this episode is for you.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO.🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/ 
If you’ve ever wondered if you’ve got the right experience to be a Fractional CMO, this episode’s for you.I’m breaking down why there’s no “perfect” background for this kind of work — and why that’s actually the best news. Whether you’ve been in one industry or role your whole career, or jumped around, , you’ve built skill sets that uniquely prepare you for this role.In this episode, I share what kind of experience you really need in this role, how to position your background as your superpower, and how to start leading with the confidence of a CMO.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO.🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/ 
Not every client is a fit for a Fractional CMO — and the wrong ones can derail your business, your confidence, and your sanity.When you’re building your Fractional CMO business, it’s easy to say yes to anyone who wants to hire you. But fit matters more than opportunity. The right clients make your work easier, your results stronger, and your business more sustainable.In this episode, I’m breaking down:How to identify your ideal clients as a Fractional CMOThe red flags that signal a partnership won’t workThe hard lessons I learned from saying yes when I shouldn’t haveAnd the filters I now use to choose clients wiselyIf you want to attract clients who truly value your leadership, and build a business that feels as good as it looks, this episode is for you.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO.🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/ 
When I first started as a Fractional CMO, I did not want to niche. I was scared it would limit my opportunities, make me miss out on clients, or box me into something I’d get bored of. But the truth is — niching was such a catalyst to my growth. In this episode, I’m sharing:What happened when I tried to serve everyoneHow I tested different niches behind the scenes Why I eventually chose a niche and how it was the catalyst to growth (AND time freedom) If you’re still figuring out your niche — or resisting the idea altogether — this episode will help you see why narrowing your focus might be the best move you can make.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO.🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/
You can have the best strategy in the world, but if your subconscious isn’t on board, you’ll find yourself spinning in the same patterns.In this episode of CMO School, I sit down with Mindi Huebner to unpack the identity shifts and subconscious rewiring that allow high-achieving women to grow businesses that feel as good as they look.We talk about:Why strategy alone won’t work if your subconscious is stuck in old patternsHow to spot the limiting beliefs and identities running your business behind the scenesCommon conditioning loops like “rest is lazy” or “my worth = my output”Small steps you can take today to start rewiring your subconscious and closing the “identity gap”If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still not getting where you want to go, this conversation will help you understand why, and what to do differently.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently lead, land high-ticket clients, and build the business you want.🎓 Learn More → Fractional CMO SchoolEpisode Resources:Mindi’s Instagram: mindihuebner.com/IG  Mindi’s Subconscious CEO Identity Quiz: mindihuebner.com/ceoquizMindi’s FREE Identity Alignment Call: mindihuebner.com/id
I get asked all the time how I got started as a Fractional CMO — what background you need, what steps to take, and what I’ve learned along the way.So today, I’m breaking it all down for you. In this episode I’ll be sharing:My career background and how it set me up to become a Fractional CMOThe misconception I had around my own experience and readiness for this role The early months of trial and error — what I tried, what worked, and what didn’tThe biggest lessons I learned in that first yearAnd ultimately, what led me to create Fractional CMO School and help other marketers build their own thriving businesses as Fractional CMOsIf you’ve been curious about becoming a Fractional CMO, or you’re already in the role and figuring it out as you go, this episode gives you a real behind-the-scenes look at how to get started.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO.🎓 Learn More → Fractional CMO School
I talk to so many Fractional CMOs who are exhausted, underpaid, and questioning if they made the right move stepping into this role. That’s exactly why I made this episode.It’s not you - and it’s not the model. Most people are just running their business in a way that isn’t sustainable. If you’ve been feeling burnt out, like you’re trying to squeeze a full-time job into part-time hours, this one’s for you.What we cover:The biggest mistakes Fractional CMOs make that lead to burnoutWhat the role is actually meant to look likeHow the wrong clients can derail your business (even if you’re doing everything else right)How to reset if you’re already burnt the f out Think of this as a permission slip to stop doing it the hard way. You don’t have to overwork to prove your value. You don’t have to keep saying yes to clients who drain you. And you definitely don’t have to settle for building a business that feels heavier than the one you left. There’s a better way—and I want this episode to show you how to find it.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently lead, land high-ticket clients, and build the business you want.🎓 Learn More → Fractional CMO School
LinkedIn isn’t just a place to park your work history — it’s where your next high-ticket client is scrolling right now. The question is: will they see you as another marketer, or as the strategic leader they’ve been looking for?In this episode, I’m joined by Mandy McEwen,  LinkedIn pro, founder of Mod Girl Marketing and Lumin, and someone who’s been ahead of the curve on LinkedIn since before it was cool. Mandy shares exactly how Fractional CMOs can:Turn their profile into a landing page that actually sellsDitch the “pitch slap” and start conversations that feel realPost content that builds authority and trust (without getting lost in the noise)Use LinkedIn as a true sales channel to consistently fill their pipelineIf you’ve been treating LinkedIn like a resume, or posting and hoping someone notices, this episode will show you a better way.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently lead, land high-ticket clients, and build the business you want🎓 Learn More → Fractional CMO School
Struggling to land your first clients as a Fractional CMO? You’re not alone -  and this episode will show you exactly how to fix it.I’m coaching listener Deanna Keffer live on the podcast. After 20 years in corporate marketing, she made the leap into the Fractional CMO world and immediately ran into the same roadblock so many new Fractionals face: how do I actually get clients?Inside this episode you’ll learn:Why applying for jobs won’t get you Fractional CMO clients (and what to do instead)How to position yourself so people take you seriously and your online presence actually sells your expertiseThe exact outreach strategy I used to land my first clients — and how you can copy itWhat boundaries to set early so you don’t slide back into execution or burn out in your new roleIf you’re looking to land your first (or next) Fractional CMO clients, this episode will give you the exact steps you need to take.And if you don’t want to figure it out on your own? That’s exactly why I created Fractional CMO School. It’s my 6-month coaching program + community where you’ll get the playbook, the support, and the push you need to confidently step into the Fractional CMO role and start signing high-ticket clients.🎓 Learn More → Fractional CMO School
Meet Andy Kriebel. He’s a Tableau Visionary (aka one of the world’s top data visualization experts), a global trainer, and the kind of teacher who’s helped thousands of people grow their careers. But when it came to marketing his own business? He was doing it all himself… and feeling stretched way too thin.That’s where my team and I came in. Andy joined our Fractional CMO program about six months ago, and since then we’ve been refining his strategy, tightening his focus, and freeing him up to spend more time doing what he does best: teaching.Inside this episode, you’ll hear Andy’s perspective on what it’s really like to hand off your marketing — the wins, the mindset shifts, and even the surprises. From hitting his biggest launch ever (while raising his average order value by $450 per member!) to nearly doubling last year’s revenue in half the time, Andy shares the behind-the-scenes of what changed once he stopped trying to do it all himself.If you’ve ever wondered what it could look like to have a marketing partner in your corner, this conversation will show you the before-and-after in real time.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready for a Fractional CMO to step in and lead your marketing, this is what we do. My team and I build the strategy, manage the execution, and make sure your marketing is moving the needle so you can focus on running the business.🚀 Learn More → Fractional CMO Services
Being a Fractional CMO isn’t just about building campaigns or hitting KPIs - it’s about leadership.And leadership means you own it all: the wins, the flops, and even the moments that technically weren’t your fault.In this episode we’re digging into:What radical responsibility actually looks like in a leadership roleHow to handle the pressure of total accountability (without burning out)Why it’s just as important to own the wins as it is the lossesPractical strategies for leading through mistakes, pivots, and high-pressure momentsIf you’re ready to move from “marketer who executes” to the kind of CMO clients fully trust, this episode is for you.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently lead, land high-ticket clients, and build the business you want.🎓 Learn More → Fractional CMO School
Many marketers are still sending traffic to landing pages and wondering why conversions are low - when tools like ManyChat are delivering opt-in rates as high as 90%.In this episode, I’m joined by Madi Beumee, a social media strategist and growth expert who helps online business owners grow with confidence using viral content, community engagement, and automation that actually converts.We’re breaking down how and where to use ManyChat in your 2025 strategy - whether for your own business or your clients’ - and why ignoring this tool might be costing you more than you think.We cover:Where ManyChat fits in a smart marketing strategy this yearWhy it's often outperforming landing pages and emailHow to use it without sounding spammy or roboticThe biggest mistakes marketers make - and how to avoid themTips for making ManyChat work in 2025If you’re looking to generate more leads, increase conversions, and create a better experience for your audience - this one’s for you.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently lead, land high-ticket clients, and build the business you want.🎓 Learn More → Fractional CMO School
This week’s episode is a behind-the-scenes case study with my client, Erin Stetzer — founder of Erin Stetzer Homes, a Houston-based luxury custom home building company. Erin has been in the industry for over 25 years and is known for her high-end builds, flawless client experience, and legacy projects.Over the past year, she’s expanded beyond building into homeowner representation, digital products, and coaching other industry professionals. In this episode, Erin shares why she decided to bring on a Fractional CMO, what it’s been like working with our full marketing team, and the results she’s seen in her first six months — from cutting $15K in tech costs to generating over $620K in revenue, including a $130K launch in just five days.If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to step into this kind of partnership, you’ll get an honest client perspective on the wins, lessons, and real impact of having a marketing team fully in your corner.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready for a Fractional CMO to step in and lead your marketing, this is what we do. My team and I build the strategy, manage the execution, and make sure your marketing is moving the needle so you can focus on running the business.🚀 Learn More → Fractional CMO Services
When Abby left her agency leadership role, she was excited but nervous about stepping into the Fractional CMO world. “I’d done all the things in marketing,” she says, “but I’d never combined them with going out and selling myself.”Fractional CMO School gave her the framework, tools, and confidence to launch fast, and within her first year, she was fully booked, landing every client through referrals or her website without a single cold pitch or social post.“I truly mean it when I say I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for you and this course,” said Abby.This is the story of how she did it, and what she learned along the way.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently lead, land high-ticket clients, and build the business you want.🎓 Learn more → Fractional CMO School
Email is still one of the most powerful revenue drivers in a smart marketing strategy - but most marketers aren’t using it to its full potential.In this episode, I’m joined by Emily Claire, founder of The 10K Email Club and copywriter behind top-performing email campaigns for brands like Clue. She’s on a mission to help business owners write emails that convert without sounding like a sales robot.We’re digging into what marketers and Fractional CMOs need to know about leading strong email strategy in 2025, including:How to write emails people actually want to open and readWhat to prioritize when building or optimizing a client’s email programWhy most newsletters fall flat and how to fix themWhat metrics matter now (and what to ignore)How to collaborate effectively with copywriters as the strategic leadIf you're ready to take email seriously this year, either for yourself or for your clients, his episode will help you do it smarter, faster, and with way more confidence.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently lead, land high-ticket clients, and build the business you want.🎓 Join the waitlist → Fractional CMO School
Struggling to generate consistent leads as a Fractional CMO? You’re not alone, and this episode is packed with practical strategies that actually work.Susie Crawford, former Google marketing exec and founder of a multi seven-figure paid ads agency, shares how she built a scalable lead gen system that brings in high-ticket clients without burning out.We cover:How to combine paid traffic and organic content in a way that feels doableWhat to prioritize when you don’t have a full-time marketing teamThe role of personal brand in attracting the right clientsHow to manage imposter syndrome while growing a high-level businessWhat it really looks like to build marketing systems that lastWhether you’re just getting started or looking to tighten up your current strategy, this episode will help you approach lead generation with more clarity, confidence, and consistency.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently lead, land high-ticket clients, and build the business you want.🎓 Join the waitlist → Fractional CMO School
What does it actually look like to support a high-level founder as a Fractional CMO or strategic marketing partner?In this episode, I’m joined by my client Lori Harder, founder of Glōci, host of the podcast Earn Your Happy, and founder of multiple 7-figure brands - for a candid conversation about what high-growth founders need from their marketing leadership.We’re breaking down what made Lori decide to bring in strategic marketing support, how to build trust (and what breaks it), and what marketers need to understand if they want to work with founders like Lori.What we covered:How Lori and Chris have structured their marketing team across multiple brandsWhat Lori found most valuable when it comes to working with a Fractional CMOHow to build trust with visionary founders (and what quickie breaks it)What we did to launch her new mastermind recently What Lori’s learned from the best (and worst) hires she’s madeWhether you're currently working with personal brands or want to step into higher-level strategic roles, this episode will give you a peek behind the scense of what it really looks like.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently lead, land high-ticket clients, and build the business you want.🎓 Join the waitlist → Fractional CMO School
You don’t need to know everything to be ready for the Fractional CMO role, but you do need to shift how you see yourself and show up.In this episode, we’re unpacking the real reason so many experienced marketers hesitate to claim the title of Fractional CMO — and it’s not a lack of skills. It’s the belief that they have to be someone else first: more data-driven, more strategic, more “official.”Here’s what we get into:What being “ready” actually looks likeHow to lead confidently, regardless of your background or experience levelThe 3 core traits that matter most in the Fractional CMO roleWhat to do when imposter syndrome kicks inHow to identify your blind spots (and fill them without trying to “fix” yourself)The shift from task-doer to strategic partner, and how to start making it todayIf you’ve been waiting for someone to tell you you’re ready, this episode is the permission you’ve been looking for.Ready to take the next step?If you’re ready to step into the role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently lead, land high-ticket clients, and build the business you want.🎓 Join the waitlist → Fractional CMO School
If you’ve ever held yourself back from posting, pitching, or showing up because you were afraid of being judged, rejected, or just not “ready” -  this episode is going to shift something for you.In this conversation, I’m joined by Maureen Evelyn -  content strategist, personal brand coach, and the founder of Maureen’s Marketing. Maureen helps bold entrepreneurs turn their content into clients by building visibility, authority, and trust at scale. She’s known for creating over 100 pieces of content a month (without burning out) -  and for helping her clients do the same.We’ll talk about:What it really looks like to go from freelancer to leaderThe mindset that’s helped Maureen -  and her clients - stop hiding and start growingHow to build a personal brand that sells (without feeling salesy)Why she built Rejecto, an app that helps people get more comfortable hearing “no”And the messy, powerful process of stepping into your next-level self - even if it feels scaryWhether you’re a marketer guiding clients through visibility blocks, or a creative who knows you’re meant for more but haven’t fully claimed it yet - this one’s for you.
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