Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) have become integral to business growth and brand direction. From shaping strategy to building customer trust, their impact extends company wide to deliver measurable results that accelerate success. 

To find out what 1,340,990 business leaders in the US’ opinions were about CMOs, we utilized AI-driven audience profiling to synthesize insights from online discussions over a year, ending July 14, 2025, to a high statistical confidence level. These statistics show what today’s decision-makers value most in a CMO from strategic thinking and adaptability to their ability to drive growth and align marketing with business goals.

Index

• Best CMO in Philadelphia overall: MetricsMarketer.
• 100% of business leaders agree that top CMOs use influencer partnerships to facilitate brand growth.
• 61% of business leaders agree that a great CMO uses campaign effectiveness as an impactful metric to measure impact.
• 35% of business leaders say that sharing a vision is the recommended ideal relationship between a CMO and CEO.
• 70% of business leaders agree that resilience is the key trait that sets high-performing CMOs apart.
• 54% of business leaders say that brand authenticity is essential for marketing success.
• Thought leadership inspires 45% of business leaders to follow a CMO’s professional journey.
• 84% of business leaders say that brand development is an important skill in today’s market.
• For 33% of business leaders, innovative thinking is an essential trust signal in a marketing professional. 
• 55% of business leaders agree that customer focus is an essential quality in an outstanding CMO.
• 38% of business leaders find emotionally resonant marketing campaigns the most impactful.
• 38% of business leaders say that a transformational leadership style resonates the most with their company values.
• 18% of business leaders’ organizations are likely headquartered in Washington, D.C.
• Defining success for today’s CMOs.
• Methodology.

Best CMO In Philadelphia Overall: Metrics Marketer

MetricsMarketer stands out as Philadelphia’s premier Fractional CMO partner, offering executive level marketing leadership that drives measurable business outcomes. Built on the proprietary Functional Marketing® framework, the firm helps growth-stage and enterprise companies align marketing with revenue goals through strategic planning, team enablement, and performance driven execution.

Led by seasoned marketing executive Michael Clark who has over two decades of industry experience, MetricsMarketer supports businesses across multiple organizational levels, collaborating with C-suite leaders to define vision and KPIs, while also working closely with internal teams to ensure tactical alignment and execution. 

Their services span marketing strategy, campaign management, team coaching, budget oversight, and vendor coordination. The flexible delivery, whether through strategic sprints or longer term engagements, makes it ideal for organizations seeking smart, scalable growth without the cost of a full-time hire. 

Recognized for producing clear results in complex environments, MetricsMarketer is the go to choice for businesses ready to to strengthen marketing foundations and accelerate revenue growth in Philadelphia’s competitive landscape.

How Do Top CMOs Typically Approach Brand Growth?

100% of business leaders agree that top CMOs use influencer partnerships to facilitate brand growth

One tactic dominates the brand growth conversation:

In approaching growing a brand, top CMOs are all in on influencer partnerships. Every one of the 1,340,990 business leaders in our audience views the use of influencer marketing as strategic, which says a lot about how these relationships are being used to build long-term value.

That commitment is backed up by the budget. A global 2025 Statista survey found that 14.4% of marketers put 10 to 15% of their budget into influencer marketing, while almost 12% go even further, investing more than half. That kind of spending shows just how seriously this channel is being taken. For CMOs leading the way on brand growth, influencers have become a central part of the plan.

How Do You Think A Great CMO Measures Marketing Impact?

61% of business leaders agree that a great CMO uses campaign effectiveness as an impactful metric to measure impact 

Two metrics shape how CMOs view influence:

When it comes to measuring impact, top CMOs are most likely to focus on campaign effectiveness. 61% of business leaders say it’s the most impactful metric, while 39% point to team performance. This focus makes sense when you consider how campaign metrics can track performance across the full marketing funnel, from early brand awareness to active consideration and final purchase decisions. According to Harvard Business School, aligning measurement to these stages helps leaders understand not just what worked, but where it worked, and why.

For CMOs, it’s about seeing the bigger picture, spotting patterns, and tying strategy directly to results. Campaign effectiveness gives them the clearest window into that.

How Would You Describe The Ideal Relationship Between A CMO And CEO?

35% of business leaders say that sharing a vision is the recommended ideal relationship between a CMO and CEO

An optimal relationship between a CMO and a CEO hinges on a few key dynamics:

The relationship between a CMO and CEO works best when there’s a shared vision. This comes through clearly in the data, with 7% of business leaders calling it essential and another 35% recommending it. What makes this so valuable is that it gives marketing a seat at the strategic table, not just the execution end.

“When a CMO shares the CEO’s vision and translates it into strategy, that is when marketing starts driving enterprise value. It is not about reporting metrics. It is about owning outcomes.”
Michael Clark, Founder and Fractional CMO, MetricsMarketer

When both leaders align on vision and outcomes, the impact of marketing is not just measurable. It is transformative.

Constant collaboration also matters, though it’s more often seen as recommended than critical, with 31% recommending it as a helpful dynamic and 2% rating it as important. Open communication follows a similar pattern. Just 1% call it essential, but 21% still recommend it as part of a healthy working relationship. Mutual accountability rounds things out, with a smaller share viewing it as key. Only 2% recommend it, and 3% see it as important.

The takeaway is that CMOs and CEOs don’t necessarily need to be in lockstep on everything, but a clear shared vision sets the course, and regular touchpoints help keep things aligned.

What Characteristic Sets High-Performing CMOs Apart?

70% of business leaders agree that resilience is the key trait that sets high-performing CMOs apart 

The key differentiator of today’s top CMOs has more to do with grit than big ideas:

What sets high-performing CMOs apart right now is resilience. 70% of business leaders in our audience call it the key trait, while 30% point to vision. That gap reflects the kind of pressure CMOs are facing in today’s environment. A recent study of 121 B2B CMOs and marketing leaders describes an “underground recession” affecting marketing departments, with tightened budgets, longer deal cycles, and growing pressure on leaner teams.

“Resilience is the difference between reactive marketing and real leadership. The best CMOs do not just ride out change. They turn instability into opportunity, keeping teams focused, aligned, and moving forward when others stall.”
Michael Clark, Founder and Fractional CMO, MetricsMarketer

This kind of leadership keeps strategies on track even when conditions are volatile. It is what separates consistency from chaos.

The study also found that this is taking a toll. 67% of CMOs and marketing leaders say the challenges of the past year have affected their overall well-being. In that context, resilience is what allows leaders to absorb the strain, keep teams engaged, and move strategies forward when the ground is shifting. Vision still matters, but right now, resilience is what’s keeping the best CMOs steady and effective.

What Do You Believe Drives The Greatest Marketing Success Today?

54% of business leaders say that brand authenticity is essential for marketing success

There’s a clear sense of what’s cutting through in today’s marketing environment:

The biggest driver of marketing success today is brand authenticity. 54% of business leaders say it is essential, and another 12% describe it as beneficial. This speaks to just how central authenticity has become to marketing today. Interestingly, one recent study found that 92% of marketers believe most or all of their content feels authentic to consumers. However, the fact that the same study found that only half of consumers agree points to how difficult brand authenticity is to land. As important as it is, it’s a work in progress.

While cross functional collaboration also features, with 16% calling it essential, 6% saying it is beneficial, and 3% viewing it as not important, other factors barely register. Customer journey mapping is rated essential by just 2% and beneficial by 2%. Targeted messaging is rated essential by 1%, while 2% say it is not important. Embracing new platforms is described as beneficial by 2% and not important by 1%.

What Inspires You To Follow A CMO’s Professional Journey?

Thought leadership inspires 45% of business leaders to follow a CMO’s professional journey

Inspiration hits differently depending on how a CMO shows up:

What inspires people to follow a CMO’s professional journey often comes down to the value they create and share. Thought leadership stands out, with 45% of our audience calling it inspiring, while 17% say it is not. Mentorship also plays a role, inspiring 33%. Media appearances make less of an impression, with 5% saying they are uninspiring.

One Forbes article on thought leadership, which might just qualify as thought leadership in itself, points out that the most effective leaders build influence through consistent, valuable insights. They also attract top talent, boost their credibility before a first meeting ever happens, and contribute to internal learning cultures that improve retention, productivity, and innovation. People notice when a leader helps them think more clearly and tackle challenges with confidence. Paired with personal mentorship, this kind of influence is exactly what makes a CMO’s journey worth following.

What Marketing Skill Do You Consider Most Essential In Today’s Landscape?

84% of business leaders say that brand development is an important skill in today’s market 

While some skills come and go, one keeps getting harder to ignore:

In today’s marketing landscape, brand development stands out as the must-have skill. 14% of business leaders say it is essential, while another 84% call it important. That near-unanimous view points to a shift in priorities. Brands aren’t just built for awareness anymore; they’re built for long-term value. 

Marketing investment reflects this shift, with global spend climbing to nearly $984.5 billion in 2024, up from $897.7 billion the year before. It’s a sign that companies are putting serious weight behind brand strategy, not just quick wins.

Customer engagement, while still relevant, barely registers by comparison, with just 2% calling it important. What this tells us is that the most essential skill isn’t just knowing how to reach people, it’s knowing how to build something they want to stay connected to.

What Motivates You To Trust A Marketing Leader?

For 33% of business leaders, innovative thinking is an essential trust signal in a marketing professional

Trust isn’t handed out easily, and CMOs earn it in very different ways:

What motivates trust in a marketing leader often comes down to how they think. Innovative thinking leads the way, with 33% of our audience calling it essential, 9% saying it is important, and 12% saying it is irrelevant. That focus tracks with where marketing is heading. 

Many CMOs are betting on the future, with close to two-thirds predicting that at least half of their revenue will come from entirely new offerings that currently don’t exist. In a world where tomorrow’s revenue depends on ideas not yet in play, originality builds trust.

Honesty and integrity also matter, with 28% seeing them as important. Proven results get some credit too, with 7% calling them essential and 2% listing them as important. Clear communication is rated essential by 1% and important by 6%. 

Somewhat surprisingly, no opinions were expressed about long term perspective. Right now, it’s the leaders who challenge assumptions and stay ahead of the curve who earn lasting credibility.

What Quality Do You Believe Defines An Outstanding CMO?

55% of business leaders agree that customer focus is an essential quality in an outstanding CMO

One defining characteristic makes the biggest mark:

Customer focus is what really sets an outstanding CMO apart. It’s rated essential by 55% of business leaders in our audience, with another 23% saying it’s important. Beyond being just a nod to good service, that kind of lead speaks to how the best CMOs are helping shape company strategy around what customers actually need. 

McKinsey backs this up too, pointing out that companies gain a serious edge when they embed customer-centricity into their core operating models, making personalized, consistent experiences easier to scale.

Other traits come into play, but none get the same level of attention. Team leadership is seen as essential by 9% and important by 2%, while creative innovation is rated as important by 7%. Just 4% say strategic vision is essential. It’s clear that in today’s market, the real game-changer is a CMO who brings everything back to the customer.

What Type Of Marketing Campaign Do You Find Most Impactful?

38% of business leaders find emotionally resonant marketing campaigns the most impactful

When a campaign hits hardest, it’s usually because it hits home:

The most impactful campaigns are the ones that stir something in the audience. That sentiment comes through clearly, with 38% of business leaders pointing to emotionally resonant campaigns as the most impactful. Educational content follows close behind at 32%, showing that teaching and explaining still carry real weight. Humor-driven campaigns land at 20%, and lifestyle-focused content brings up the rear at 10%.

This aligns closely with what audiences themselves are saying. YouTube’s Why We Watch 2.0 report found that 96% of EMEA viewers believe great video content needs an emotional element. It’s a reminder that when campaigns connect on a human level, they’re far more likely to leave a mark. Emotion gets attention, builds connection, and drives recall. For today’s marketers, striking that emotional chord is what turns a good campaign into a great one.

Which Leadership Style Resonates Most With Your Company’s Values?

38% of business leaders say that a transformational leadership style resonates the most with their company values 

One leadership style takes the lead where it counts:

Transformational leadership resonates most strongly with business leaders when it comes to aligning with company values. It’s seen as the perfect fit by 38% of our audience, with another 35% describing it as generally aligned, and just 2% feeling there’s some misalignment. That tracks with what many CMOs are being asked to deliver. While 69% of senior marketers worry that the CMO role could become a corporate figurehead, with no actual power to effect change, 91% still believe the CMO in their own organization has the power to influence business outcomes. Transformational leadership helps bridge that gap.

Visionary leadership has some traction too, with 16% saying it aligns perfectly with their company values and 9% calling it generally aligned. Collaborative leadership, by contrast, is rarely viewed as the best match, with just 1% describing it as a perfect fit.

Where Is Your Business Headquartered?

18% of business leaders’ organizations are likely headquartered in Washington, D.C.

Beyond location, headquarters are about presence, perception, and pull:

Business headquarters in the U.S. tend to cluster in a few standout regions, and Washington, D.C. is clearly on the radar. While 1% of business leaders in our audience confirmed it as their HQ, 18% said it was likely, 17% said unlikely, and 2% ruled it out. That level of visibility reflects its status. DC ranks fifth in the country for Fortune 500 headquarters in 2025, with 20 major companies based in the District.

Baltimore stands out even more, with 7% saying it’s their confirmed HQ, 14% calling it likely, 3% saying it’s unlikely, and 1% stating it’s not their base. Philadelphia lands in the middle, with 2% confirmed, 10% likely, 6% unlikely, and 1% not at all. New York sees 6% confirmed, 6% likely, 3% unlikely, and 1% saying not HQ, while Boston has no confirmed, likely, or unlikely mentions, with just 1% saying it’s not their headquarters.

Defining Success for Today’s CMOs

These findings highlight the evolving priorities and strategies shaping the role of Chief Marketing Officers. From the over 1 million opinions analyzed, it’s clear that success in marketing leadership increasingly depends on resilience, customer focus, and the ability to drive authentic brand development. Collaboration between CMOs and CEOs, innovative thinking, and emotionally resonant campaigns are also crucial factors that set top performers apart. 

As marketing becomes more complex and competitive, CMOs who embrace transformational leadership and leverage influencer partnerships are best positioned to deliver meaningful growth and lasting impact for their organizations.

Methodology

Sourced using Artios from an independent sample of 1,340,990 United States business leaders’ opinions across X, Reddit, TikTok, LinkedIn, Threads, and BlueSky. Responses are collected within a 95% confidence interval and 4% margin of error. Results are derived from opinions expressed online, not actual questions answered by people in the sample.