In this episode, Jeff reconnects with Norman, a fellow CMO and operator, to unpack the evolving challenges of leading growth in PE-backed technology companies. Their conversation explores:
- Life after Acoustic and Mimecast: Norman’s journey from agency leadership to cybersecurity CMO to fractional/consulting roles.
- The recurring challenges of PE portfolio companies: Why marketing misalignment, silos, and ICP drift never seem to go away.
- The cybersecurity playbook: The constant tension between point solutions, platform plays, acquisitions, and skeptical CISO buyers.
- AI and the future of marketing: From the impact of LLMs on discoverability to redefining sales enablement and content placement strategies.
- The evolving role of the CMO: Is it dying, or entering a golden age powered by AI-augmented marketing?
Norman also shares how he’s reimagining sales enablement with custom GPTs, what PE firms often miss in the growth equation, and why executives need to stop marketing “inside out” and align with the customer’s lens.
This episode is both a reality check and a roadmap for marketing leaders navigating growth, transformation, and disruption.
Norman Guadagno https://www.techcxo.com/partners/norm…
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