5 Lessons from 15+ Years as a Fractional CMO

Over 15 years as a marketing consultant and fractional CMO, I had the opportunity to work with 25+ businesses—from non-profits to SaaS startups.

I learned a lot. And I unlearned even more.

Here are 5 lessons that still guide me today—whether I’m consulting or leading in-house:

🔹 1. Strategy always beats tactics.

Great design or clever messaging won’t fix a misaligned vision.

🔹 2. Every client thinks their challenge is unique.

They’re often right, but the root problem is usually a disconnect between audience, brand, and business goals.

🔹 3. Consistency > perfection.

You don’t need to be perfect. You need progress. And follow-through.

🔹 4. Marketers must speak business.

If you can’t connect your work to revenue, don’t be surprised when you’re left out of the conversation.

🔹 5. Listening is your superpower.

Your best campaign ideas don’t always come from the boardroom. They come from customers, front-line staff, and data you already have.

Marketing isn’t about chasing noise—it’s about making meaning.