CMO School

Why do founder–marketer relationships break down so often — even when everyone has good intentions?In this episode, I’m joined by Heather Chauvin, leadership coach and longtime founder, to talk honestly about what founders are actually looking for when they hire marketing support — and why marketing can be one of the most emotionally charged hires a business owner makes.We unpack:Why many founders develop trust issues with marketing (and how those experiences shape expectations)The hype problem in marketing — and why results are never guaranteedWhat founders really want beyond revenue: to feel seen, heard, and supportedThe “secret ROI” conversations most marketers never ask — and why they matterWhy energy management, capacity, and boundaries are part of the jobHow strong Fractional CMOs lead as partners, not order-takers or hype machinesIf you’re a Fractional CMO or senior marketer, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening underneath founder expectations — and how to lead the relationship with more clarity, confidence, and trust.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’re a Fractional CMO and you’ve ever wondered, “What should I be charging?”, this episode is for you.So many experienced marketers undercharge in this role, and it’s one of the biggest reasons Fractional CMOs feel overworked, underpaid, and burned out.In this episode, I break down:The core mindset shift around pricing that changes how clients perceive your valueThe real pricing ranges Fractional CMOs are charging — and when each range actually makes senseThe two most common pricing models and which one I recommendThe six biggest pricing mistakes that keep smart, experienced marketers undercharging — and how to fix themThis conversation is about pricing at different levels of leadership in a way that reflects responsibility, decision-making, and ownership — and supports building a lucrative, sustainable Fractional CMO business where you’re paid appropriately for the role you’re doing.If you’ve been questioning your rates, feeling stretched thin, or sensing there’s a gap between the work you’re doing and what you’re being paid, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been looking for.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’re leading marketing in 2025, you can’t afford not to understand AI.In this episode, I’m joined by Callan Faulkner, AI coach and founder of The Uncommon Business, who built a $4M company in 18 months with four AI-trained employees while working less than 40 hours a week. And here’s what matters: Callan isn’t teaching the surface-level “prompt for a caption” stuff you’ve already seen everywhere. She’s teaching what it actually looks like to become an AI Architect — building systems that give you back your time, protect your creative edge, and raise the quality of your work.We dig into:The shift from AI Offloader to AI Architect, and why it’s the next evolution of marketing leadershipWhy “opening a chat and generating content” is the fastest way to get generic, mediocre outputThe real unlock: documenting your frameworks and “genius” so AI can think like you, not like the internetThe three projects Callan recommends every Fractional CMO build: a Brand Guardian, a Sales Wizard, and a Money CoachHow to slow down up front (training systems) so you can move faster every week and reclaim real hoursIf you’ve been curious about AI but hesitant to go all-in because you don’t want to lose your voice, this conversation will change how you think about AI, leadership, and what’s possible in 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/

If six figures as a Fractional CMO feels out of reach — like something only “top-tier marketers” or “big-name consultants” can do — this episode is going to shift that belief fast. Hitting six figures isn’t a stretch goal in this role. It’s actually the simplest part of the business when you structure it the right way.In this episode, I break down:• The biggest mindset blocks keeping marketers underpaid• Why high-ticket clients are more common than you think• How scope (not skill) is the reason your pricing feels “too high”• Three simple paths to six figures — even if you prefer light delivery• What it actually takes to build a six-figure FCMO business that feels easyIf you’ve been questioning whether this level of income is possible for you, I want this episode to show you just how accessible it really is.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 been curious about what actually happens inside Fractional CMO School — the structure, the support, the strategy, and how marketers and fractional CMOs are scaling to six figures and beyond — this video gives you the full inside tour.I’m sharing the real story behind the program, why I created it, what makes it different, and what students are experiencing once they get inside. If you’ve wondered whether becoming a Fractional CMO is right for you — or you want a clearer, more sustainable way to lead as a marketer — this will give you a clear picture of what’s possible.Inside this episode:• How I went from burnt-out marketer to six-figure Fractional CMO• The gap I saw in this industry and why Fractional CMO School exists• A behind-the-scenes look at the 6-month structure, coaching + support• The real transformations students are seeing (income + identity shifts)• What the fractional CMO role can unlock in your work, income, and lifeWhether you’re an experienced marketer who’s ready to move out of execution and into leadership — or you’re already a Fractional CMO and want a better way to build your business — this episode will help you understand whether this path is right for you.____If you’ve been curious about Fractional CMO School and want to learn more, this is your chance to peek behind the curtains.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 do everything “right” — build the strategy, put in the hours, chase the next level — and still feel stuck. Like there’s something invisible holding you back from the growth you know you’re capable of.I’ve been there. And what I learned is this: it’s not your strategy. It’s your subconscious.When I started working with Jess Belsky, a Transformational Leadership Coach and Hypnotherapist, I thought I was fixing my money mindset. But the real shift came when I started rewiring my subconcious beliefs — the ones that were shaping how I led, what I earned, and how I showed up in my life and business.In this episode, we unpack:How subconscious patterns keep high-performing leaders from reaching their next levelThe exact inner work that changed how I think, lead, and run my business (and life)What it looks like to reprogram your beliefs so your conscious and subconscious are alignedIf you’ve been pushing harder but not getting further, this episode will help you see what’s really been in your way — and how to finally lead from the inside out.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 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 SchoolEmail templates: Fractional CMO Sales Email Templates — The CMO Office

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