From reactive to strategic: Journey beyond survival mode

Paula Fleming, CMSO, discusses moving from reactive to strategic in business and how to journey beyond survival mode. (September 3, 2024)

As the CMO of a growing company, I know what it's like to be in the trenches. In the early days, it felt like we were constantly reacting to the latest crisis, putting out fires left and right. Every day was a whirlwind of deadlines, budget constraints, and the relentless pressure to deliver results.

It was exhausting, and frankly, unsustainable.

I knew we couldn't continue operating in this reactive "survival mode." To truly thrive, we needed to shift our focus from short-term tactics to long-term strategy. But how?

The answer, it turned out, was right under my nose – the local business community.

I started attending industry events, conferences, and networking gatherings. At first, I felt like a bit of an imposter, surrounded by seasoned executives and established leaders. But as I listened to their stories, their challenges, and their triumphs, I realized something important: we were all in this together.

These leaders weren't competitors; they were potential collaborators, mentors, and sources of inspiration. I began to see the immense value in building relationships and learning from those who had already navigated the path I was on.

I engaged in conversations, sought out advice, and shared my own experiences. I joined a peer advisory group, where I gained invaluable insights from other CMOs facing similar challenges. I even reached out to a few local business leaders I admired, asking for their guidance and mentorship.

The impact was profound.

By stepping outside of our own company's bubble, I gained a fresh perspective on our challenges and opportunities. I learned new strategies, discovered innovative approaches, and gained the confidence to take calculated risks.

More importantly, I realized that leadership isn't about having all the answers; it's about building a network of support, learning from others, and empowering your team to achieve their full potential.

We're still a work in progress, but the shift has been remarkable. We're no longer just surviving; we're thriving. We're making strategic decisions, investing in our people, and building a brand that resonates with our customers.

My journey continues from reactive CMO to strategic leader and has taught me that true growth happens when you break free from isolation and embrace the power of community. By connecting with other leaders, we not only elevate our own businesses but also contribute to the collective success of the entire business ecosystem. 

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