A version of this post appeared in CMO.com
Marketing is going through a tremendous growth. The possibilities introduced by technology are manifold. In an effort to keep up, we can, at times, lose sight of why these changes make our industry so exciting. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I asked more than a dozen leading CMOs to share with me what they are most grateful for in 2015. Learn what they had to say below. I begin by outlining what I appreciate most this year.
Focus on Customers
I’m thankful for the evolution of the concept of “brand.” Marketers have long had the job and privilege of being the voice of the customer. As the concept of “brand” continues to evolve from words and pictures to brand experiences, the focus is put firmly back on the customer and making his or her journey delightful and simple.
Margaret Molloy – Chief Marketing Officer at Siegel+Gale
The Value of Content
I’m grateful we are now making content an important part of the larger marketing process. It gives us freedom from pricey media buys, creates meaningful and helpful conversations with our customers, builds trust and authority, and shows positive ROI.
Dee Mc Laughlin – VP Global Marketing at Forever 21
Great Producers
I am grateful for great producers—people who know how to curate a great experience and can tell a good story. Every CSMO needs a great producer! Best hiring decision you will make!
Peggy Roe – Chief Sales & Marketing Officer, Asia Pacific at Marriott International
Leading Change
I’m most grateful for the team I have the privilege to lead in this time of exhilarating change…change not only in the tools and technology available to marketers to serve clients but also in the amazing pace of change in the communications industry that Level 3 helps to lead.
Anthony Christie – Chief Marketing Officer at Level 3 Communications
Innovative Approaches
That design thinking—the integrated approach to innovation—became more pervasive in the way we approach work. We are faster and the ideas are better.
Norman de Greve – Chief Marketing Officer at CVS Health
A Powerful Mission
I am most grateful to work for a company with a mission that is focused on empowering women to reach their limitless potential through fitness, especially when it comes to our company culture. Athleta strives to help employees balance an active life with a fulfilling career, which is something I am incredibly thankful for as a busy mother, wife, marketer and fitness enthusiast.
Elisabeth Charles – SVP/CMO, Marketing & Customer Engagement at Athleta
Transforming an Industry
I am thankful that more of my smart marketing friends are moving into the health care arena because it is an industry ripe for change and we need more consumer- and technology-experienced marketers to help lead this transformation. Oh, and I am always thankful for homemade pumpkin pie this time of year 
Carol Kruse – Chief Marketing Officer at Cambia Health Solutions
Customer Trust
Every day I am very grateful for the trust of our 3 million worldwide customers who rely on Sage to track the movement of money through their businesses. In an era of hyper-connectivity and sophisticated, data-driven decision making, trust is still the main currency of marketing and the key to customers for life.
Santiago Solanas – Chief Marketing Officer at Sage
A Will to Win
I am grateful for teammates who want to win. A willingness to take risks to ultimately provide our customers with better content, stronger experiences and greater value are a marketer’s dream.
Andy Yost – Chief Marketing Officer at Gannett
Focus on Stories
I am thankful for a resurgent focus on the core story, the brand essence, and the alignment of social media platforms to support that story. With the abundance of new tools, a major challenge for marketers is to remain focused on the story and avoid becoming enamored by the medium, diluting the brand story the process.
Catherine Keogh – VP, Chief Marketing Officer at Alltech
Content Marketing Tools
I am grateful for our awards and the for how the rise of content marketing is enabling us to reimagine how to share over 250,000 stories about works of art in our collection in innovative and creative ways.
Jennifer Francis – Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at Philadelphia Museum of Art
Creative Solutions and Inspirational Colleagues
The opportunity to bring new ideas to market everyday which in turns helps our clients succeed. I am thankful for living in such a changeable new world that presents such challenges and opportunities for new ways to connect with customers and people. And I am most thankful for the great people I do this with.
Terese Fernandez – Chief Marketing Officer at Wolters Kluwer | CT Lien Solutions
Healthy Client Relationships
I am grateful for clients that view our firm as understanding not just their legal issues but also their business. While much of marketing today is focused on technology, it really comes down to whether an investment has been made in building a trusting, understanding relationship between people.
Renee Miller-Mizia – Chief Marketing Officer at Dechert LLP
People Power
I remain thankful that we have people that are pushing us to think differently and create solutions that take the higher ground into consideration, particularly around experience.
June Archer – EVP and CMO at Hackensack University Health Network
Margaret Molloy is the Chief Marketing Officer at Siegel+Gale, a leading strategic branding and design firm. Follow @MargaretMolloy
The post CMOs give thanks this Thanksgiving: See why appeared first on Siegel + Gale.