Career Curve: February Edition
In this edition...
Why I started coaching (and why it matters more than ever)
Why CEO's are questioning the CMO role (and what it means for you)
New 6-Part Blog Series: AI in Marketing at Work
Why I Started Coaching (And Why It Matters More Than Ever)
Over the last few weeks, I’ve welcomed a wave of new subscribers. I want to take a moment to first, welcome you, and second, reset the conversation and share why I do this work.
I work with mid-senior and executive marketers who feel:
stuck, undervalued (emotionally and financially), or burned out, regardless of a lay off OR still being employed
unsure how to navigate a rapidly changing market such new tech, AI, etc.
confident in their experience, but unclear on their next move
Many are high performers on paper yet privately questioning whether their career still fits the life they want to build. My mission is simple:
"to help marketing leaders regain clarity, confidence, and control over their careers"
This is especially important during periods of transition, uncertainty, or reinvention. My coaching is equal parts practical (resume building, cover letter techniques, interview prep, networking strategies) as well as deeply personal work (establishing values, non-negotiables, strengths, skills, confidence rediscovery, career clarity). It’s a strategic career cleanse.
We clarify your value, sharpen your point of view, and position you to lead, whether that’s inside an organization, in an executive role, or through a more flexible, portfolio-style career.
If you’re new here and reflecting on your next chapter, you can start here:
Career Clarity & Coaching
Why the CMO Role Is Being Questioned (And What It Means for You)
A Forbes article caught a lot of attention: "14% of CEOs have considered eliminating the CMO role altogether."
At first glance, that sounds extreme. However in today’s environment, it’s not surprising.
We’re living through a period of rebuild and transformation. Companies are under pressure to show practical growth, innovation, and bottom-line impact, and marketing is still too often viewed as a cost centre rather than a growth engine.
What’s especially telling is while CEO–CMO relationships have improved, strategic influence has declined. CMOs are trusted, but not always seen as central to growth decisions. That’s the risk.
And it’s why, now more than ever, mid-senior and executive marketers must actively demonstrate strategic value. This means shifting how you show up:
From updates → to recommendations
From execution → to conviction
From “here’s what we’re seeing” → to
“Here’s what I’m seeing and here’s what I recommend.”
Leaders who thrive in this market don’t wait for permission to lead. They bring a point of view, connect marketing to business outcomes, and speak the language of growth.
This is exactly why I created my Free Executive Marketer’s Guide. To help experienced marketers (and other professionals) reposition themselves as strategic leaders, not just functional operators.
Download the Free Executive Guide here
AI in Marketing at Work: A 6-Part Weekly Series
I’ve just launched a weekly 6-part blog series exploring how AI is actually reshaping marketing leadership, beyond the hype. The series looks at:
how executive expectations are changing
where marketers are falling behind
and how leaders can use AI to elevate their strategic influence, not replace it
If you’re thinking about what it takes to stay relevant and valuable in the next phase of your career, this series is for you. Read the AI in Marketing at Work blog series here.
Justin Naidoo
Founder, CEO, and Head Coach
Naidoo Career Coaching and Consulting Services Inc.