Marketing can be a polarising resource among the C-suite and with budgets dwindling, it appears that more often than not, CEOs are convinced the practice is a cost centre rather than an investment opportunity.

On this episode of the Performance Marketing Unlocked podcast, Kathryn Rathje, Partner at McKinsey (17:18), reveals that the general quality of CMO and CEO relationships is worsening, according to research from McKinsey. While CMOs are somewhat to blame, it isn't all their fault and Kathryn dives into the factors exacerbating this issue. Fortunately however, she also reveals a roadmap for how CMOs can win over CEOs are begin to earn the C-suite's trust, even in trying times.

Also on this episode, PMW's Editor Robin Langford (1:51) joins host Joe to recap Cannes Lions 2025, detailings the week's highs and lows.

This podcast was hosted by PMW's Multimedia Editor, Joseph Arthur.

~ Episode breakdown ~

Recapping Cannes Lions 2025 (1:51)

Why don't CEOs trust CMOs? (17:18)

How can CMOs future-proof themselves? (32:52)

PMW's Resell Me a Pen Challenge (38:37)

~ Further reading ~

A tough economy means it’s time to rationalise the marketing suite

Marketers might be over last click attribution – but what if your CFO isn’t?

The real growth strategy for CMOs: Connecting brand and performance marketing

ROI Romance: why it’s time for CMOs and CFOs to rekindle their relationship

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Expectations often run high for marketers at Cannes Lions, with big budget dealmaking top of mind. But what really drives success at the Festival of Creativity?

On this Cannes Lions special edition of the Performance Marketing Unlocked podcast, PMW's Editor Robin Langford (2:28) joins host Joe to analyse the hottest talking points from the week. The pair make reference to conversations they've had along the Croisette with many of the industy's best and brightest, such as Spotify's Head of Global Advertising Sales & Partnerships Brian Burner, Alice Beecroft, Senior Director of Global Strategy and Partnerships at Yahoo, Unilever's Global Marketing Director Mario Draghi, Kate Bird, EMEA Senior Marketing Director at Snap, and many more – including some returning guests.

Also included are several snippets recorded directly from the PMW team's conversations with industry experts – look forward to those interwoven throughout the episode!

This podcast was hosted by PMW's Multimedia Editor, Joseph Arthur.

~ Episode breakdown ~

Cannesdemonium with Robin and Joe! (2:28)

Spotify's Brian Berner talks industry growth and innovation (26:43)

The Trade Desk's Phil Duffield reflects on his 11th Cannes Lions (35:05)

Yahoo's Alice Beecroft reveals the recipe for success along the Croisette (43:42)

~ Further reading ~

When will we stop talking about AI?

Cannes Lions Live Day 3: Creativity is back on the menu

Cannes Lions 2025: Havas and TikTok double down on AI while Dentsu rolls out new offerings

What is most interesting about Cannes Lions 2025?

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How did programmatic go from misunderstood tech jargon to a foundational piece of modern media strategy, and why are younger marketers so drawn to it?

In this Digital Disruptors episode, PMW News Reporter Reem Makari speaks with Babajide Sotande-Peters, Senior Manager of Global Programmatic & Innovation at a team x Omnicom, Milica Lukic, Account Director at Adform, and Sophie Marsh-Baldry, Senior Programmatic Account Manager at Azerion. Together, they share how they each found their way into the programmatic space and why they’ve stayed.

The trio discuss why programmatic is often seen as the perfect entry point for digital-native gen Z and millennial marketers, thanks to its data-driven nature, channel diversity, and demand for analytical thinking. But it’s not just a young person’s game, they also reflect on the importance of having mixed-experience teams to drive innovation, context, and creativity.

New episodes of the mini series will continue to come out fortnightly alongside the main show, Performance Marketing Unlocked. Click this link to view the winners from this year’s 30 under 30 awards.

~ Episode breakdown ~

(0:00 - 4:23): Introduction to programmatic advertising and personal journey

(4:23 - 9:59): Programmatic as an entry point and generational differences

(9:59 - 16:33): Collaboration between generations and client openness to innovation

(16:33 - 27:11): Programmatic in wider marketing strategy and traditional media

(27:11 - 41:20): Risks, AI, and myth vs. fact in programmatic

~ Further reading ~

Spotify opens programmatic marketplace to advertisers with launch of new solution

Netflix expands programmatic offering to EMEA with Google DV360 and The Trade Desk partnerships

Big tech under fire after report finds programmatic ads running alongside CSAM sites

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.