The Aspiring CMO

Hosted by Ani Hoang

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Jul 2025

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About the show

Digital marketing and entrepreneurship insights from REAL results, stories, and people. Weekly interviews with successful content creators, marketers, and entrepreneurs to find out how they got to where they are and what marketing strategies we can learn to grow our businesses and brands.

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July 31, 202531 min

Why This CMO Walked Away After a $12M Success

In this episode of The Aspiring CMO, Lev shares how he went from engineering student to affiliate marketer to raising $12 million in crypto… only to walk away and start all over again. After that rapid success, Lev realized he could build something on his own terms. That spark led to Spines, a platform designed to give aspiring authors a real shot at publishing their work without the high costs or gatekeepers of traditional publishing. We talk about his earliest days experimenting with digital marketing, the realities of scaling fast under pressure, and the difference between chasing growth and building with intention. Lev also opens up about the evolving role of a CMO, how to build trust in traditional industries, and why he believes human storytelling still matters, especially in an age of AI. A must-listen for anyone navigating the chaos of building something real. Let’s get into it. Episode Topics: 00:00 – 00:40: Introduction 00:41 – 03:07: From Electrical Engineering to Digital Marketing 03:08 – 06:36: Starting in Affiliate and Building the First Business 06:37 – 08:00: Lev’s First Big Win and Building Under Pressure 08:01 – 08:42: Raising $12M in Crypto and the Turning Point 08:43 – 10:43: Walking Away From Success to Start Again 10:44 – 12:38: The Early Vision for Spines and Its Mission 12:39 – 15:50: Disrupting Traditional Publishing Through Tech 15:51 – 17:48: Building Brand Trust in a Crowded Market 17:49 – 19:55: The Role of a CMO in a Founder-Led Company 19:56 – 22:10: Why Storytelling Still Wins in a Data-Driven World 22:11 – 23:45: Why Founders Need to Let Go of Short-Term Pressure 23:46 – 25:20: When Speed Kills: Avoiding the Trap of Scaling Too Soon 25:21 – 27:14: Defining Long-Term Success as a Founder 27:15 – 28:35: What Positioning Really Means (and Why It’s Hard) 28:36 – 29:55: What Founders Miss About Making People Care 29:56 – 30:46: Advice for Early-Stage Marketers and Builders 30:47 – 31:25: Final Thoughts and Advice to His Younger Self 🔗 CONNECT WITH LEV 👥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lev-david-digital-marketing-specialist/ 💻 Website: https://spines.com/ ASK Anything on The Aspiring CMO show and get your questions answered right on the show! https://forms.gle/jswoQq8dy8u2oisT6 Subscribe to The Aspiring CMO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaspiringcmo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaspiringcmo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theaspiringcmo/featured

June 10, 20258 min

The SEO Hustle That Saved Him From Losing Everything

In this episode, Mahmoud shares how he went from nearly homeless in Italy to building a six-figure agency through digital marketing. With no money and only six months to figure things out, he turned to SEO, built niche websites, and slowly generated enough income to survive. One of those websites eventually sold for $20,000, which became a turning point that gave him the confidence to scale further. He reinvested, kept building, and eventually launched Content Wish, an agency that started not from a big plan, but from client demand. He opens up about the struggles of hiring and managing people, the power of spotting value where others don’t, and how automation helped him scale without burning out. Mahmoud also shares why your energy matters more than the perfect strategy, and how a little coaching could’ve saved him years of trial and error. If you’re figuring out how to grow something real, whether you’re starting out or already in the game, Mahmoud’s story is one of those conversations that sticks with you. Let’s get into it! Episode Topics: 00:00 – 00:50: Introduction 00:51 – 01:20: Origin story 01:21 – 01:54: Turning to SEO and niche websites to survive 01:55 – 02:08: Mahmoud’s first big win 02:09 – 02:38: Reinvesting profits and scaling 02:39 – 02:57: Launching ContentWish from unexpected demand 02:58 – 03:09: Integrating AI into content services 03:10 – 03:29: Biggest challenge 03:30 – 03:49: Why ContentWish was never part of the plan 03:50 – 04:10: Starting a content service without being a writer 04:11 – 04:38: Scaling quality control with editors and consultants 04:39 – 05:13: Recognizing opportunity by focusing on value 05:14 – 05:48: Identify your opportunity 05:49 – 06:39: The role of passion and energy in choosing your path 06:40 – 07:12: Advice for aspiring CMOs 07:13 – 07:47: How to approach automation 07:48 – 08:24: Measure your results with clear KPIs 08:25 – 08:53: Tools Mahmoud recommends for AI and workflow automation 08:54 – 08:58: Closing and where to connect with Mahmoud 🔗 CONNECT WITH 👥 https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahmoud-fathy-elsaid/ 💻 https://www.facebook.com/mahmoud.fathy.elsaid ASK Anything on The Aspiring CMO show and get your questions asnwered right on the show! https://forms.gle/jswoQq8dy8u2oisT6

May 15, 202525 min

From Building Websites in the 90s to Modern SEO Growth

Hey everyone, welcome back to The ACMO! This week, we’re talking with Praveen Kumar, a digital marketing consultant whose journey started in the ‘90s with nothing but curiosity and self-taught HTML. He shares how the internet has evolved, why marketers often overlook the power of credibility, and what it really means to grow in an industry that changes overnight. From flipping websites to building a consulting business, Praveen opens up about the lessons that only come with time and experience. He also talks about learning to price his work with confidence and how that shift changed everything. This conversation is honest, grounded, and full of the kind of insights you only get from someone who’s seen the digital space from the very beginning. Let’s dive into the episode. Episode Topics: 00:00 - 01:05: Introduction 01:06 - 03:09: How Praveen started in digital marketing in the late 90s 03:10 - 06:00: Building and selling websites in the early 2000s 06:01 - 08:55: How marketing trends evolved over the years 08:56 - 11:58: Underrated strategies for lead generation and personal branding 11:59 - 13:54: Why real-world experience beats theory 13:55 - 14:41: Pushing beyond comfort zones for growth 14:42 - 16:35: Advice for budget-conscious clients: where to focus first 16:36 - 18:35: Why focusing on one channel matters 18:36 - 20:06: Learning through mistakes and building skills over time 20:07 - 21:59: Setting personal goals and choosing the right clients 22:00 - 23:51: Lessons from building a sustainable business 23:52 - 24:53: Advice to his younger self: play the long-term game 24:54 - 25:16: How to connect with Praveen 🔗 CONNECT WITH 👥 https://www.linkedin.com/in/spk100/ 💻 https://www.wildcreekstudio.com/ ASK Anything on The Aspiring CMO show and get your questions answered right on the show! https://forms.gle/jswoQq8dy8u2oisT6 Subscribe to The Aspiring CMO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaspiringcmo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaspiringcmo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theaspiringcmo/featured

April 11, 202521 min

Senior Growth Hacker Shares Her Automation Tips & How to Stay Ahead

Hello everyone, welcome back! In this episode of The Aspiring CMO , senior growth hacker Katarina Dahlin shares how she went from university admin to automation expert. A challenge on her affiliate blog led her to build a custom workflow using Make.com and ChatGPT, an experiment that completely reshaped how she approaches content, scale, and growth. She breaks down how automation really works, the human role in AI-generated content, and why tools are only as powerful as the people behind them. From SEO and automation to building a marketing career from a nontraditional path, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone trying to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry. Let’s get into it! Episode Topics: 00:00 – 02:19 — Intro 02:20 – 03:07 — What Katarina does as a senior growth hacker 03:08 – 04:15 — The first problem she solved using automation 04:16 – 05:39 — How she automated product descriptions with Make+ChatGPT 05:40 – 07:10 — Why product optimization is often ignored 07:11 – 08:55 — How AI saves time, but still needs creativity 08:56 – 10:29 — Will automation replace marketers? 10:30 – 11:25 — Why automation still needs a human eye for quality 11:26 – 13:35 — The one thing that makes AI content work: taste 13:36 – 15:19 — Make vs. Zapier 15:20 – 16:06 — A look inside her day-to-day workflow 16:07 – 17:17 — Collaborating with different teams and clients 17:18 – 18:39 — The key skills marketers need in the age of AI 18:40 – 19:42 — How her psychology background shaped her marketing approach 19:43 – 20:30 — Advice to her younger self 20:31 – 21:10 — Where to find Katarina and connect with her work 🔗 CONNECT WITH 👥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katarina-dahlin/ 💻 Website: katarinadahlin.com 💻 Blog: https://www.slowflowergarden.fi/ 🎤 SEO Vibes, Zakopane (Whitepress), May 2025 🎤 WTS Fest Berlin, June 2025 ASK Anything on The Aspiring CMO show and get your questions answered right on the show! https://forms.gle/jswoQq8dy8u2oisT6 Subscribe to The Aspiring CMO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaspiringcmo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaspiringcmo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theaspiringcmo/featured

April 3, 2025Episode 2437 min

CEO in your 20s and how to manage your mental health

What’s it really like to build a successful agency while handling the pressure of leadership and mental health? Tom Jauncey, co-owner of Nautilus Marketing, didn’t follow the traditional path. He started freelancing at 16, turned a side hustle into a thriving agency, and learned firsthand that success isn’t just about strategy, it’s about people, culture, and well-being. In this episode, Tom gets real about the highs and lows of running a business. He opens up about the mental toll of leadership, why therapy became a game-changer, and how he’s built a company that actually supports its employees. From hiring the right team to navigating the fast-changing world of marketing, he breaks down what worked, what hasn’t, and what he wishes he knew earlier. If you’re an entrepreneur, marketer, or just trying to grow without burning out, this one’s for you. Episode Topics: 00:00 - 01:41 Introduction 01:42 - 03:15: How Tom got started in business at 16 03:15 - 07:50: Challenges of starting a business from scratch 07:50 - 12:40: Turning passion into a profitable business 12:40 - 17:25: Creating a company culture that feels like family 17:25 - 21:55: Why mental health matters in entrepreneurship 21:55 - 26:30: Bouncing back from setbacks and failures 26:30 - 30:45: The hardest and most rewarding parts of running an agency 30:45 - 34:10: The different ways to build a career without a degree 34:10 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs 🔗 CONNECT WITH Tom 👥 tom@nautilusmarketing.co.uk 💻 https://nautilusmarketing.co.uk/ 🎧 https://nautinerds.com/ ASK Anything on The Aspiring CMO show and get your questions answered right on the show! https://forms.gle/jswoQq8dy8u2oisT6 Subscribe to The Aspiring CMO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaspiringcmo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaspiringcmo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theaspiringcmo/featured

March 27, 2025Episode 2333 min

What Marketers Won’t Tell You About Link Building! Alex Meyerhans

What really goes on behind the scenes of link building? In this episode, Alejandro Meyerhans, the mind behind Get Me Links, reveals the truth about link building: the challenges, ethical dilemmas, and what actually works in SEO today. He shares his journey from client to leader, breaking down the real strategies that drive results while avoiding risky shortcuts. Beyond SEO, Alejandro dives into leadership, sales, and the power of clear communication in the digital marketing space. He also shares why staying humble, building strong relationships, and constantly learning are essential for success. If you’re in SEO, affiliate marketing, or online business, this episode is packed with insider knowledge and actionable insights you don’t want to miss. Let’s get into it! 🔗 CONNECT WITH ALEX MEYERHANS 👥 https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmeyerhans/ 💻 https://getmelinks.com/ ASK Anything on The Aspiring CMO show and get your questions answered right on the show! https://forms.gle/jswoQq8dy8u2oisT6 Subscribe to The Aspiring CMO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaspiringcmo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaspiringcmo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theaspiringcmo/featured

March 6, 202526 min

From Copywriter to Marketing Leader & Fractional CMO - Kathryn Strachan

How does a copywriter become a marketing agency leader and a fractional CMO? In this episode, Kathryn Strachan, a fractional CMO, talks about her path from copywriter to marketing professional. She explains her methods for building a marketing plan that works well for startup founders. If you are looking to gather funds and help your startup grow this year, listen as she discusses overcoming self-doubt, setting up a clear marketing plan, and understanding your audience. Kathryn also shares tips on keeping your marketing steady, taking feedback seriously, and supporting new talent while handling several clients, all while maintaining a healthy work- life balance. This episode has simple, smart tips for marketers, business owners, or anyone looking to grow! SO, let’s get into the episode now! Episode Topics: 00:00 - 03:10: How Kathryn became a Fractional CMO 03:10 - 05:35: Managing overload in new roles 05:35 - 07:05: Planning your marketing approach 07:05 - 09:02: Why steady marketing works 09:02 - 10:41: Common marketing errors 10:41 - 13:38: Knowing your audience 13:38 - 15:05: Marketing for SaaS explained 15:05 - 17:43: How feedback helps improve 17:43 - 19:19: Building a strong network 19:19 - 22:45: Why investing in junior talent pays off 22:45 - 25:08: Managing multiple clients 25:08 - 26:30: Advice for Future CMOs 🔗 CONNECT WITH KATHRYN STRACHAN: 👥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-strachan/ 🎧 Her Podcast Show: https://open.spotify.com/show/68ivLxoRC75Ju4c8SzpHTh?si=369402f1efb74e52 Check out Kathryn’s new book: https://amzn.eu/d/4wgVjTY ASK Anything on The Aspiring CMO show and get your questions answered right on the show! https://forms.gle/jswoQq8dy8u2oisT6 Subscribe to The Aspiring CMO: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaspiringcmo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaspiringcmo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theaspiringcmo/featured

February 27, 202526 min

What’s the secret behind faceless brands? Jabez Reuben

In this episode, Jabez Ruben shares his personal tips for building a brand without relying on your own image. He explains how solid management helps your business grow and why reaching out directly with a few well-placed referrals can open new doors. Jabez also talks about testing your product before launch to avoid mistakes and save time and money. He highlights the value of meeting people and attending conferences to create real connections. If you're looking for clear, no-nonsense advice on making your startup stand out, this episode offers simple ideas and honest insights you can use right away. So, let’s get into the episode. Episode Topics: 00:00 - 02:49: Why good management matters 02:49 - 05:53: Building a brand without a personal face 05:53 - 08:53: Using cold outreach and referrals 08:53 - 11:58: Testing your product first 11:58 - 14:54: Networking vs. Personal Branding 14:54 - 17:48: How to grow Your Business 17:48 - 21:06: How conferences help your business 21:06 - 26:18: Advice for aspiring Entrepreneurs 🔗 CONNECT WITH JABEZ 👥 https://theblueprints.co/ 💻 https://linkbuildingmastery.com/ 🎧 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jabezreuben/ ASK Anything on The Aspiring CMO show and get your questions answered right on the show! https://forms.gle/jswoQq8dy8u2oisT6 Subscribe to The Aspiring CMO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaspiringcmo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaspiringcmo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theaspiringcmo/featured

February 11, 202534 min

How to handle $500,000 ad budget and make millions - Raj Vasani

Hey everyone, welcome back to my latest episode! I had a great conversation with Raj Vasani, a super successful performance marketer who’s not only generated over $20 million in revenue for his clients but also spent over $600,000 on Facebook ads in one month. Raj recounted his journey from content writing and SEO beginnings to using his own money to learn advertising firsthand. We discussed why making decisions based on data and closely monitoring customer acquisition costs is important for success, and why creativity isn’t only for designers. He emphasized that taking responsibility for your ad budget is essential, and that notable improvements occur when performance marketers work together with creative professionals. If you’re just starting out or preparing for your seed round, this episode offers practical insights that can help you make your ad campaigns more effective. So, grab your coffee and consider a fresh approach to your advertising strategy! 📌 TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - 01:06: Introduction 01:06 - 06:20: From content writing to multi-million ad budgets 06:20 - 10:20: Small budgets builds a customer journey 10:20 - 15:32: Customer journey and results 15:32 - 18:33: Facebook ads and creative tests 18:33 - 20:40: Don't duplicate ads 20:40 - 24:16: How ad costs are rising 24:16 - 29:30: Creative teamwork in performance marketing 29:30 - 32:10: New brands: When and how to advertise 32:10 - 34:36: Final thoughts 🔗 CONNECT WITH RAJ VASANI: 👥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajvasani0/ 💻 Website: https://rajvasani.com/ ASK Anything on The Aspiring CMO show and get your questions answered right on the show! https://forms.gle/jswoQq8dy8u2oisT6 Subscribe to The Aspiring CMO: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaspiringcmo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaspiringcmo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theaspiringcmo/featured

October 19, 202440 min

Why Most Marketing Agencies Fail Defining the CMO Role

Imagine you're standing at a crossroads, surrounded by countless paths leading to potential business growth. Which one do you choose? In this episode, I talk with Behdad Jamshidi, a true expert in the world of marketing strategy and business development. Behdad shared some incredible insights on how businesses can grow by finding the right marketing partners—a process he calls "marketing matchmaking." It's about connecting companies with agencies that fit their unique needs, not just the first ones that come along. Behdad emphasized that not every agency is cut out for every business, and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of potential partners is crucial. For anyone trying to navigate the complex world of agency relationships, this episode is full of practical tips and lessons learned. ✨ Episode Topics: 00:00: Shifting Business Mindsets for Growth 02:51: The Role of Marketing Matchmaking 06:00: Understanding the CMO's Role 09:08: Building a Solid Marketing Foundation 11:52: Vetting Marketing Partners 15:04: Navigating Agency Relationships 17:55: The Complexity of Marketing Services 20:11: The Importance of Specialization in Digital Marketing 22:25: Long-Term Marketing Strategies and Budgeting 24:45: Building a Comprehensive Marketing Strategy 26:37: Success Stories: E-commerce Growth Through Strategy 28:00: Unique Approaches for Service-Based Businesses 31:52: Understanding the CMO Role 36:57: Advice for Aspiring CMOs 🔗 CONNECT WITH BEHDAD JAMSHIDI: 👥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/behdadjamshidi/ 💻 Website: https://cjammarketing.com/ 🎧 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cjammarketing/ ASK Anything on The Aspiring CMO show and get your questions answered right on the show! https://forms.gle/jswoQq8dy8u2oisT6 Subscribe to The Aspiring CMO: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaspiringcmo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaspiringcmo/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theaspiringcmo/featured