At Fabric, we speak to marketing leaders every week - from seasoned CMOs to heads of department navigating bigger remits and growing teams. And one thing’s clear: being “good” at your job just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Marketing has changed. The stakes are higher. Budgets are tighter. Teams are stretched. And the remit? It’s doubled.
Leaders are expected to deliver results and vision. Be the commercial voice of marketing in the boardroom and the coach helping their team grow. It’s a lot.
But it’s also a huge opportunity.
If you're feeling ready to step into that next chapter, not just running your team well, but really driving impact...here’s where we’ve seen great leaders focus their energy:
1. Rethink your role
This isn’t about doing more. It’s about leading smarter.
Many marketing leaders are stuck in the weeds, reacting rather than designing. The ones who break through? They build real clarity around what their function exists to do, how it drives the business forward, and how their team is set up to deliver that.
That means thinking beyond campaigns. How do you influence commercial strategy? Are you aligned to growth goals? Is your team structure fit for what the business needs now and next?
The best leaders don’t just report on the numbers, they shape the direction of travel.
2. Invest in your own development
This one comes up a lot in our coaching sessions.
Marketing leaders are brilliant at pushing development for their teams, but often don’t make space for themselves. Sound familiar?
Truth is, leadership at this level can be lonely. You’re navigating change, managing up, mentoring others...but who’s challenging you? Who’s helping you zoom out and think about the kind of leader you want to be?
Investing in coaching, joining peer groups, or simply carving out reflection time can transform how you show up as a leader.
3. Build a team that doesn’t rely on you
Great leaders don’t just hire great people, they create the conditions for them to thrive.
That starts with clarity: clear roles, clear expectations, clear progression. But it also means making development part of your culture. Giving your team space to grow, the tools to lead projects, and the confidence to make decisions without constant sign-off.
The aim? A team that doesn’t just need you, but is made stronger because of your leadership.
4. Protect the long term view
This one’s tough when commercial pressure is high. But it’s what separates the good from the great.
It’s easy to get caught in short-term wins and quick-turn tactics. But the best marketing leaders fight for balance...making space for long-term brand building while still delivering the numbers.
That might mean holding firm on your media mix. Or educating your stakeholders on what brand equity really means. It’s not always easy, but it’s where your strategic leadership really shines.
Want support to make the shift from good to great?
We’ve developed The CMO Playbook to help senior marketers like you level up.
It’s a high-impact guide that breaks down what it really takes to lead a modern marketing function, covering everything from team structure and skills mapping, to influencing the board and designing a roadmap for growth.
If you’re ready to:
- Stop firefighting and start leading with intent
- Build a scalable, strategic marketing team
- Prove (and improve) marketing’s impact across the business
…then this is your next move.
Download the CMO Playbook here and take the first step towards your next-level leadership.
Ready for the next step?
If you’re serious about levelling up as a marketing leader, you don’t need more theory. You need space to think, expert support, and a trusted partner who understands the realities of leading a modern marketing function.
That’s where Fabric comes in.
We work with ambitious senior marketers to help them sharpen their leadership, develop high-performing teams, and make marketing a true driver of business growth.
Whether it’s 1-1 coaching with experienced marketing practitioners, team development programmes tailored to your goals, or exclusive access to masterclasses and CMO-level content...you’ll get the tools, clarity, and confidence to lead at your best.
Explore how Fabric can support you and your team by downloading our brochure here.