What I Wish I Knew Before Taking the Top Job: CMBDO

This session is designed for senior managers and directors who aspire to take the next step in their careers or want a better understanding of how marketing leadership decisions get made. You’ll hear firsthand about navigating C-suite dynamics, aligning with firm leadership, managing up, and balancing long-term strategy with urgent priorities.

Key takeaways include:

What to expect in your first 90 days as CMBDO—and what no one tells you
How to communicate and collaborate effectively with the firm’s chair, managing partner, and executive committee
Building a leadership mindset before you get the title
How to structure, scale, and elevate your internal team
Leveraging agency partnerships for brand, crisis, and visibility support
Insights from the recruiting side on how firms evaluate leadership potential and what sets successful CMBDOs apart

Whether you’re actively eyeing the CMBDO seat or simply want to think more strategically about your role, this session will give you an inside look at the mindset and mechanics of top-level leadership in law firm marketing.