How you structure your first 90 days changes everything about your business. When you step into a new client engagement, the order of what you focus on determines whether you're seen as a strategic leader or just another executor. In this episode, I break down: The exact order of what to focus on first How to integrate with the team and establish your rhythm When and how to prove the strategy works Why foundation building matters more than you think And how month three positions you as the strategic owner, not just the executor
This isn't about moving fast. It's about moving in the right order. When you follow this progression, you're not operating like a contractor. You're operating like a CMO — thinking, leading, and making decisions. Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO. 🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/
My $20,000 Strategy Process (And The Mistakes Fractional CMOs Make)
07/04/2026 | 12min
I charge up to $20,000 for a marketing strategy — and in this episode I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how I build it. Most fractional CMOs are winging their strategy process and massively undercharging because of it. So I’m walking you through my exact four-phase process — Discovery, Strategy Development, Delivery, and Alignment & Next Steps — and the mistakes I see people make at every stage. Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO. 🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/
Why Most Marketing Hires Fail (And How to Fix It)
31/03/2026 | 11min
I see this all the time — founders frustrated with their hires, marketers frustrated with their clients, and everyone pointing the finger at the other person. But most of the time, it’s actually no one’s fault. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down: The biggest misunderstanding around hiring marketing support Why you’re not getting better results The unrealistic expectations placed on one “unicorn” hire And the industry dynamic that keeps founders investing in tactics instead of building strategy
If you’ve ever hired “marketing help” and still ended up feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, or unsure what’s actually working, this episode is for you. And if you’re a marketer, this will help you see where unclear roles and structural gaps are setting you up for failure — even when you’re doing the best you can. Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO. 🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/
Why Clients Don’t See You as A Leader (And How to Fix It)
24/03/2026 | 14min
How your clients see you determines everything — how much they trust your decisions, how often they question your strategy, how much control they take in meetings, and ultimately how much they’re willing to pay you as a Fractional CMO. If you’ve ever felt a client slowly start directing you, second-guessing your recommendations, or treating you more like an executor than a strategic leader, this episode will help you understand why. In this episode, I break down: The communication shifts that position you as a strategic leader The subtle behaviors that weaken your authority The biggest mistake marketers make when they’re trying to show up as a leader And how to recalibrate the dynamic with a client if you’re sensing they don’t see you as a leader
This isn’t about being louder or more dominant. It’s about showing up with clarity, direction, and confidence in every interaction. Because being a CMO isn’t just about strategy — it’s about leadership and communication. Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO. 🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/
What I Do (and Don’t Do) With Campaigns and Launches as a Fractional CMO
17/03/2026 | 22min
Launches and marketing campaigns are one of the biggest areas, I see Fractional CMOs overstep their boundaries, It starts with mapping out a campaign or launch…and quickly turns into building timelines, reviewing every asset, sitting in execution meetings, and basically project managing everything. In this episode of my “What I Do and Don’t Do as a CMO” series, I’m breaking down how I approach campaign and launch planning including: The 6 key things I own when planning campaigns or launches The difference between strategy and project management Where most CMOs overstep during a launch or campaign And the filter I use to protect my time and boundaries
If you’ve ever had PTSD from launching or doing marketing campaigns (lol I feel you), this episode will help you reset your boundaries and operate at the CMO level. Ready to take the next step? If you’re ready to step into the Fractional CMO role but want support as you do it, Fractional CMO School is a 6-month coaching program + community to help you confidently land high-ticket clients and build a 6-figure (and beyond) business as a Fractional CMO. 🎓 Learn More → http://www.fractional-cmo-school.com/
CMO School is the go-to podcast for marketers and Fractional CMOs ready to step into leadership, own their expertise, and build a career or business that actually works for them. Whether you're looking to elevate your skills, transition into a CMO role, or scale your Fractional business, this podcast delivers strategies, expert insights, and the mindset shifts you need to create a career you love.
Hosted by Jess Shirra—a 15+ year marketing leader, Fractional CMO, and founder of Fractional CMO School—this show takes you behind the scenes on what actually works in marketing, business, and leadership. Jess has worked with powerhouse brands and creators like Lululemon, Pottery Barn, Strava, Jenna Kutcher, Lori Harder, and more—and now, she’s sharing those lessons with you.
Each episode, we dive into proven strategies, practical insights, and candid conversations on topics like:
How to step into leadership as a marketer and own your expertise
How to confidently price your services and build a business that supports the life you want
What it really takes to succeed as a Fractional CMO
How to show up as a CMO for your clients, deliver powerful strategy, and lead teams effectively
Lessons from experts across marketing, mindset, and entrepreneurship to help you grow
Whether you're a corporate marketer exploring the Fractional path, a new Fractional CMO figuring it all out, or a seasoned leader looking to scale and systematize your business, CMO School will give you the tools, insights, and confidence to create a career that gives you freedom, fulfillment, and flexibility—on your terms.
New episodes drop weekly! Subscribe now and start building a marketing career that lights you up.
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