In this episode of GlobalEdgeTalk, Alex interviews Mike Linton, a renowned CMO with an impressive career spanning over 25 years. Mike shares insights into his experience as a C-level marketing executive at major companies like Best Buy and eBay. He discusses his view of marketing as a combination of immediate sales and long-term brand building, describing it as "sales overnight, brand over time."

The conversation then shifts to the rise of fractional CMOs and the benefits they offer to companies. Mike explains how fractional CMOs provide access to specialized skills without the need for a full-time hire, but also highlights the potential challenges in driving innovation through this model.

Mike delves into the topic of innovation in both startups and large companies. He explains that in startups, innovation is often driven by the founder's openness to new ideas, while large companies must balance innovation with financial priorities.

The episode also explores Mike's transition from being a CMO to serving as a board member. As a board member, Mike's focus shifts from delivering financials to advising and questioning management without directly running operations. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the investment thesis and being prepared to answer the toughest questions to avoid surprises down the line.

Mike also shares his thoughts on blending generations in the workplace, emphasizing the need for a balance between experienced professionals and newcomers who are attuned to new technologies. The right mix of generations, according to Mike, depends on what positions the company best for future consumer and tech trends.
Listeners can expect to gain valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by CMOs in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

Talila Millman is the founder and CTO of MillmanTech, a management advisory service helping CEOs grow revenue and scale, and a co-founder of the Continuous TRIUMPH Leadership Institute, focusing on leadership and executive coaching. Her book TRIUMPH, a guideline totransforming organizations and leading them to new heights of profit and growth, is scheduled to be released in the spring of 2024.

With over 25+ years of leadership experience, Talila has held executive and senior leadership roles at companies like Stanley Black and Decker, Harris, and Motorola, and is a member of the advisory board at Capella University. Her achievements include significant revenue growth, cost reduction, and increase in customer satisfaction. She holds an M.Sc. in Computer Science from Tel-Aviv University and resides in Massachusetts with her family.

Listen to the episode now!

In this episode, join Alex Romanovich and Ana Varava for an in-depth conversation about Ana's remarkable career in the fashion industry. With over 15 years of experience, Ana has made significant contributions to fashion magazines and brand development across various countries.

Ana eventually rose to become the editor-in-chief and brand developer for L'Officiel in Ukraine, where she played a pivotal role in enhancing the fashion industry. In 2019, Ana successfully launched L'Officiel in Austria as well.

During the discussion, Ana enlightens us about the challenges she encountered while introducing a prestigious French fashion magazine to a country like Ukraine, which had limited fashion infrastructure at the time. Despite these obstacles, Ana's unwavering passion and dedication drove her to train and nurture local talent, leaving a lasting impact on the industry. However, her career faced unexpected disruptions due to the invasions of Ukraine by Russia in both 2014 and 2022, compelling her to abruptly flee from Kyiv when the war began.

Further, Ana and Alex delve into the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns on the fashion industry. They explore how luxury goods sales surged online as people engaged in stress shopping. Additionally, logistics and manufacturing experienced a significant shift, with many companies relocating their production facilities from China to closer proximity to Europe.

Throughout the episode, Ana provides intriguing insights into the diverse fashion cultures of different countries. She highlights the United States as a place that fosters self-expression, contrasting it with Europe's more structured fashion scene. France and Italy emerge as leaders in the fashion realm, while Germany prioritizes production over creativity.

The conversation concludes with Ana reflecting on her earlier years, emphasizing the importance of bravery and fearlessness in her career. Looking ahead, she expresses a desire to take on even bigger projects, leveraging her expertise and experience. Moreover, Ana emphasizes the need for sustainability in the fashion industry to mitigate its environmental impact. Join us for this captivating discussion filled with valuable industry perspectives and personal reflections.