Evan Wittenberg | Chief People Officer, VuMedi | What HR Really Thinks About Marketing

CMO Confidential

A CMO Confidential Interview with Evan Wittenberg, Chief People Officer of VuMedi, formerly CPO of Ancestry and Box, Google's Head of Leadership Development, and a Saturday Night Live Page. Evan discusses why HR has become a much tougher position over the last 5 years, AI's negative impact on leadership development, and the similarities between marketing and HR. Key topics include: his belief that every function should have a dedicated people partner; why "the burden of proof" is often higher for marketers; why he always interviews for "learning agility;" and why "doing the job you are hired for is better for your career than trying for "the next job." Tune in to hear questions marketers should ask in an interview and a great behind the scenes story from SNL Season 18.

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🔎 Episode Summary:

In this candid conversation, Mike Linton sits down with four-time Chief People Officer Evan Wittenberg to explore what the HR function really thinks about marketing—and how these two misunderstood roles share more in common than many executives realize. From DEI to AI, and SNL to strategy, Evan gives a front-row look into the tension, collaboration, and leadership dynamics at the C-Suite table. If you’re a CMO (or trying to become one), this episode is essential listening.

⏱️ Chapter Markers:

• 00:00:00 – Welcome and Introduction

Meet Evan Wittenberg and hear about his unconventional path from Saturday Night Live to the C-Suite.

• 00:01:30 – HR’s Role During COVID and Beyond

Why the pandemic placed HR at the epicenter of corporate leadership and chaos.

• 00:05:30 – Where Should Tough Workplace Issues Sit?

Evan explains how HR ended up with DEI, RTO, and politics—and whether it’s the right home for those topics.

• 00:08:30 – Marketing and HR: More Similar Than You Think

Both functions are heavily scrutinized, lack a “right” answer, and draw opinions from everyone.

• 00:11:00 – The AI and Entry-Level Dilemma

Why automation is gutting the corporate training ground—and what both HR and marketing are losing as a result.

• 00:14:00 – Mentorship, Remote Work, and the Lost Generation

The compound risk of no proximity, no apprenticeship, and no institutional learning.

• 00:16:30 – What “People Are Our Most Important Asset” Really Means

Evan unpacks how to spot whether a company actually walks the talk.

• 00:19:30 – The Business-Driving Role of HR (and Marketing)

Why the best people leaders act like business leaders, not internal service departments.

• 00:22:00 – How HR Really Sees Marketing

From data fluency to creative range, what sets great CMOs apart—and what HR really wants to see.

• 00:25:00 – Great vs. Poor Marketing Department Dynamics

Traits of a high-performing marketing org and the worst patterns Evan has seen.

• 00:27:30 – Recruiting Senior Marketing Leaders

The traits HR looks for in CMO-level talent: learning agility, business orientation, and collaborative rigor.

• 00:29:30 – How Marketers Should Vet Employers

The questions to ask to figure out if the company actually believes what it says on the job spec.

• 00:31:30 – Saturday Night Live Story & Practical Advice

Evan saves a live show at SNL—and shares timeless advice on career focus and performance.

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