CMOs in the Huddle: Leading Through AI, PE Pressure & Chaos with Drew Neisser (Ep 43)

The Marketing Share

Is the CMO role the coldest seat in the C-suite?
In this episode, Drew Neisser, founder of CMO Huddles and author of Renegade Marketing, joins Alec Cheung and Barb VanSomeren to unpack why today's marketing leaders are under more pressure than ever… and how to lead through the chaos with clarity, courage, and just a bit of fun.
From launching a CMO community during the height of the pandemic to advising marketing execs navigating AI and private equity pressures, Drew shares the tactics and mindset shifts that can help CMOs survive—and thrive—in the modern boardroom.
Whether you’re dealing with PE-backed expectations, AI fatigue, or sky-high performance targets, this conversation gives you a roadmap for staying relevant and resilient.
Some takeaways from this episode:
🔑 Why pipeline obsession can kill innovation, and what to do instead
🔑 How to turn AI into your "triple threat": content accelerator, workflow optimizer, and CEO whisperer.
🔑 The “CMO Plus” mindset—and why owning strategy or CX boosts your boardroom credibility.
🔑 How quick wins buy time to solve real business problems
🔑 Why fun is a leadership tactic.
🔑 The case for owning go-to-market (not just marketing) to earn your seat at the table
Connect with Drew:
👉 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewneisser
👉 Explore CMO Huddles: cmohuddles.com

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Want to be a guest on The Marketing Share Podcast? Send us an email with your bio and proposed interview topic to [email protected], and our podcast manager will get back to you soon.
Want to connect with Alec and Barb to talk all things marketing and how they can help you leverage the marketing wing of your organization?
Connect with Alec here
Connect with Barb here
Cheers.