Key Characteristics of Successful Marketing Leaders

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Back in 2010, I was a young college student taking a class on entrepreneurship. I can still picture the dimly lit room and the unique professor who warned us not to label certain characteristics as indicators of successful leaders. Over the years, it has become clear that diversity in backgrounds and perspectives is crucial in leadership settings.

Recently, I've experienced some significant changes that have made me rethink my approach to marketing positions, and even life in general.

During The Marketing Meetup webinars/podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with industry leaders such as Sir John Hegarty, Ellie Norman, Jo Lane, David McQueen, and Mark Barry.

It was fascinating to see that despite their diverse backgrounds, these leaders shared many common character traits.

Positivity

These traits may not guarantee success, but I found it valuable to highlight five common characteristics among these exceptional marketing leaders. These observations had a significant impact on me, and I believe their approach may also benefit you.

Positivity can be hard to find with all the negative global headlines. One comment that really resonated with me was from Mark Barry, who reminded us to believe that our best days are still to come.

Mark's discussion about his job at Hubspot and his approach to taking a role at Stripe made me see things differently. The belief in improvement and the determination to make it happen felt empowering.

Ellie Norman also had a similar mindset, particularly when faced with challenges. Instead of being discouraged, she approached difficulties with the attitude of "how can we excel in this?" I found this attitude admirable.

I must confess that I don't always experience those emotions. Some of it is related to my mental health, but I also never wanted to see it as a defining characteristic. However, after listening to these individuals, I've noticed that the sky looks a little bluer and challenges seem a bit more conquerable.

While we live in the real world, approaching things to seek the positive outcome rather than avoiding the negative has been head-shifting. I appreciated that.

Clarity

The second trait that stood out was the clarity in knowing the purpose behind their actions. This could be in the form of a mission or principles guiding their marketing strategies.

One example is Jo Lane from Tony's, who passionately discussed their mission to end slavery in cocoa production. Despite other exciting aspects, the focus always circled back to this important goal.

In a company with mixed social and commercial objectives, I found a marketer who excelled at their job. This person stood out to me as a top performer.

The most effective leaders I have encountered are not only intelligent but also genuinely caring individuals who prioritize the well-being of others.

Mark Barry consistently emphasized the importance of focusing on the customer when discussing AI or marketing tactics. His unwavering commitment to understanding the customer's needs and desires shone through in his responses to various questions.

This customer-centric approach not only serves as a strong marketing strategy but also helps maintain a sense of calmness when navigating complex and potentially stressful topics like AI. Despite the ever-changing landscape of marketing, Mark's clarity and focus on the customer remained steadfast, highlighting the fundamental importance of prioritizing the customer in all aspects of business.

Fearlessness

This all made my shoulders relax a bit. It's easy to get overwhelmed by constant change. Jeff Bezos advises to focus on what will remain the same in 10 years, not just what will change tomorrow.

In his book ‘Hegarty on Advertising,’ Sir John Hegarty emphasized the importance of fearlessness in creativity. It was evident that this trait was ingrained in his character.

One memorable instance was when he was asked about dealing with a failed campaign. Sir John’s response was nonchalant, suggesting that dwelling on past mistakes was unproductive. Instead, he encouraged focusing on producing exceptional work in the present.

Jo approached this attitude in a unique manner. When asked about Tony's bold campaigns against their rivals, Jo expressed a strong belief that they were on the right path. They felt confident in calling out the established companies, without any fear.

Both leaders, in their own ways of creativity and determination, believed in pursuing important goals without hesitation. They understood that challenges and obstacles may arise, but they embraced them as part of the journey towards success.

Curiosity

Curiosity also surfaced in different ways in the various leaders.

Sir John emphasized the significance of seeking inspiration beyond the realm of marketing. He highlighted the importance of having a curiosity about the world, which is essential for producing exceptional work.

Ellie Norman provided another example of curiosity by expressing her eagerness to enhance her skills in AI, demonstrating a quest for knowledge in a specific area.

David McQueen encouraged a natural curiosity in both oneself and others. He believed in inspecting and questioning others in order to learn and grow personally.

As I write this, I can already see how these qualities start to merge.

Humility

When facing challenges, these individuals approach them with a positive mindset, understanding their purpose and believing in a successful outcome. This confidence allows them to tackle the situation with a sense of curiosity and a desire to improve things or help others. This attitude is beneficial in navigating obstacles.

It was great to see how everyone came with a respectful attitude, a willingness to contribute, a respect for other people's time, and a recognition that they don't have all the answers. The humility displayed by each person in supporting the community was truly admirable.

For instance, Ellie Norman took the initiative to have a pre-interview conversation to better understand the audience, ensuring that the session would be valuable for everyone involved. In another example, David McQueen graciously offered to extend the session by 10 minutes when it became clear that there were more questions from the community.

David touched the audience when he said, "I deserve to be here," making some of them emotional. His humility was evident as he showed empathy, understanding that not everyone has the same background. Even if he felt brave, he acknowledged that others may not feel the same way.

In my experience, the most effective leaders are not only intelligent but also genuinely care about others.

Wrapping up

Not for one second do I think every person has to have all of these traits to be a successful leader.

It was fascinating to see how each individual displayed these traits in unique ways and varying degrees.

After the interviews, I felt a sense of relief, confidence, and optimism. This feeling is truly valuable. It is perhaps the most special gift that leaders can offer to those they influence. These five interviews had a significant impact on my perspective, and I hope they can have a positive effect on you as well.

Joe Glover is founder of The Marketing Meetup. 

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the importance of diversity in leadership and identifies five common characteristics among successful marketing leaders: positivity, clarity, fearlessness, curiosity, and humility. These leaders approach challenges with a positive mindset, a clear understanding of their purpose, and a belief in their ability to succeed. They are fearless in pursuing important goals, curious about the world around them, and humble in their approach to others. These traits create a sense of relief, confidence, and optimism among those they influence.

The article also emphasizes the value of lifelong learning and the importance of seeking inspiration beyond one's immediate field. By embracing curiosity and a willingness to improve, leaders can continue to grow and develop throughout their careers. The article encourages readers to reflect on their own strengths and weaknesses and to consider how they can develop these five characteristics in their own lives. By doing so, they can become more effective leaders and create a positive impact on those around them.