In this insightful episode of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan interviews Tash Rahalkar, General Manager of Marketing Performance and Operations at MYOB and an accomplished marketing leader with over 20 years of experience. Tash shares her journey from migrating to Australia in 2005 to becoming a key figure at MYOB, leading marketing performance and operations.

Key Highlights:

• Career Beginnings: Tash discusses her move from India to Australia in 2005 to pursue an MBA, which helped her adapt to the Australian market. She landed her first marketing role at ADP and highlights how young professionals can hustle, network, and lean into opportunities.
• Leadership Philosophy: Tash is passionate about developing her team. She emphasises the importance of recognising individual career goals, whether it’s vertical growth or becoming a subject matter expert. She advocates for continuous learning, encouraging her team to explore new skills through projects, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
• Navigating Challenges as a Migrant: Tash reflects on overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome early in her career, as well as her approach to leadership. She highlights the importance of hard work and talent over appearance or accents.
• Development and Growth: Tash shares her perspective on leadership, highlighting that not everyone aims for management roles. Some team members may prefer to develop as experts in their fields, and it’s important to support these aspirations.
• Marketing Performance and Strategy: Tash stresses the importance of understanding the commercial aspect of marketing. Marketers must link their work to business growth and ensure that all campaigns are data-driven and aligned with business goals.
• Personal Branding and Public Speaking: Tash advises aspiring marketers to think of themselves as brands, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. She also discusses her approach to public speaking and how marketers can get involved in panel discussions or events to enhance their personal brand.
• AI and Martech Trends: As AI and automation reshape marketing, Tash encourages marketers to stay focused on solving real business problems and integrating new tools thoughtfully, rather than getting distracted by shiny technologies.

Takeaways for Aspiring CMOs:

• Hone your craft and broaden your understanding of all facets of marketing.
• Embrace the commercial side of marketing—know how to tie your work back to revenue and growth.
• Build a strong personal brand, but stay authentic. Speak on platforms and panels that align with your passions.
• Stay ahead of trends, especially in AI and marketing automation, but always focus on solving the right problems for your business.

This episode provides rich insights for marketers at all stages of their careers, particularly those looking to advance into leadership roles. Tash’s candid discussion on growth, leadership, and navigating challenges will resonate with listeners aiming to carve out their path to CMO.

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