In this episode of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan chats with the insightful and straight-talking Martin Kelly, Director of Field Marketing - APAC, at Brandwatch (appearing in a personal capacity). With over 20 years of marketing experience across multiple industries and regions, Martin shares his views on leadership, career growth, taking risks, and building a meaningful legacy.

From navigating the Australian market as a newcomer to mentoring future leaders, Martin opens up about the lessons he's learned (and unlearned) along the way—plus why networking might just be the most underrated superpower in your career.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to approach networking with intention—and why it’s essential to your career success.
• Why building a team around you is key to stepping up as a leader.
• How to strike the right balance between art and science in marketing.
• Tips for managing and motivating teams through transparency and collaboration.
• How to cultivate your personal brand (even if public speaking isn’t your thing).
• The importance of feedback and how to use it to grow.
• Why playing it too safe can kill innovation—and how to take calculated risks.

Resources & Mentions:

• StoryBrand by Donald Miller – Understanding how to make your message resonate.
• The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins – A must-read for anyone stepping into a new role.
• The Leaky Funnel by Hugh Macfarlane – On aligning sales and marketing.
• Marketing Warfare by Al Ries & Jack Trout – Timeless lessons in brand positioning.
• Atomic Habits by James Clear – A modern guide to behaviour change and personal growth.
• Rory Sutherland – Behavioural economics meets marketing strategy.

Connect with Martin Kelly:

LinkedIn: Martin Kelly

Follow the Podcast via New Chapter Talent:

Instagram: @NewChapterTalent

LinkedIn: New Chapter Talent

This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today!

Website: https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-chapter-talent/

Email: lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au

In this episode of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan sits down with Shannon Barnes, an experienced marketing leader who is Head of Marketing & Communications at Aware Super, to discuss the ever-changing role of the Chief Marketing Officer. Shannon shares insights on the biggest challenges CMOs face today, the importance of adaptability, and how marketing leaders can drive impact in an increasingly complex business environment.

Key Topics Covered:

• Shannon’s Career Journey: From her early days in marketing to becoming a CMO.
• The Modern CMO Role: How it has evolved and the key skills needed to succeed.
• Balancing Brand and Performance Marketing: Finding the right mix for long-term success.
• Leadership and Team Building: Strategies for leading high-performing marketing teams.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: How to leverage insights to influence business growth.
• The Future of Marketing: Predictions for the next decade.

Notable Quotes:

• “Marketing isn’t just about creativity; it’s about commercial impact and data-driven storytelling.”
• “The best CMOs are those who can blend strategic thinking with agility in execution.”

Resources Mentioned:

• The Long and the Short of It by Les Binet & Peter Field – A must-read on balancing brand and performance marketing.
• Playing to Win by A.G. Lafley & Roger Martin – Essential for understanding strategic decision-making.
• CMO Survey Report – Insights into the latest trends in marketing leadership.
• Forrester’s Marketing Predictions – A look at what’s shaping the future of marketing.

Follow the Podcast via New Chapter Talent:

Instagram: @NewChapterTalent

LinkedIn: New Chapter Talent

This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today!

Website: https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-chapter-talent/

Email: lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au

In this episode of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan sits down with brand strategist and fractional CMO Gabrielle Sheehan. With a career spanning media, global brands, and entrepreneurship, Gabrielle shares insights on brand positioning, leadership, and the shift towards fractional CMO roles. Whether you're an aspiring CMO, a brand leader, or exploring the world of consulting, this episode is packed with wisdom on making bold career moves and crafting brands that truly resonate.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Gabrielle’s early career experiences shaped her passion for brand strategy.
• The importance of gaining global marketing experience early in your career.
• Why networking is a critical skill for marketers—and how to do it effectively.
• The evolving role of brand in today’s marketing landscape.
• What it means to be a fractional CMO and how to transition into this career path.
• Essential advice for senior marketers considering consulting or fractional leadership.
• The balance between performance marketing and brand-building—and why brands need both.

Resources & Mentions:

• Eat the Big Fish by Adam Morgan – A must-read on challenger brands.
• Understanding Brands by Don Cowley – Essential reading for brand strategists.
• Keeping It Real Podcast – Marketing insights from top industry leaders.
• Jack Trout’s Big Brands – Classic marketing fundamentals that still apply today.📚

Connect with Our Guest:

🔗 Follow Gabrielle Sheehan on LinkedIn: Gabrielle Sheehan

📍 Learn more about her fractional CMO and brand strategy work: [Website Link]

Join the Conversation:

• Got thoughts on this episode? Drop us a message ~ lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au
• Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode!

Follow the Podcast via New Chapter Talent:

Instagram: @NewChapterTalent

LinkedIn: New Chapter Talent

This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today!

Website: https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-chapter-talent/

Email: lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au