Grant Johnson

  The #1 Success Factor for CMOs: Leading Change   This past spring, the CMO Council issued a press release about the “DNA of a CMO, “ stating: “among the most essential qualities, a CMO must be: a visionary & thought leader; a strong business driver; able to secure executive s... (more)

This past spring, the CMO Council issued a press release about the “DNA of a CMO, “stating: “among the most essential qualities, a CMO must be: a visionary & thought leader; a strong business driver; able to secure executive support & foster cross functional relationships; custom... (more)

Driving the Shift from a Short Term Mindset Given all the pressure to deliver “in quarter” results, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to get executive attention on strategy formation and/or re-examination. Executive energy is largely consumed with driving operational excellen... (more)

The closer to the top, the more it matters Most organizational experts will tell you that when joining an organization, the company’s culture is the key to determining whether you will thrive or suffer in a given work environment. While this is true for a mid-level manager or ind... (more)

If you haven’t revisited your brand architecture in more than a year, it’s likely what you’re building is a façade, rather than reinforcing a foundation. Because technology and innovation are inextricably linked, tech companies are continuously introducing new products and servic... (more)

It’s anyone’s guess when the recession bottoms out and we get back to growth.  Rather than remain in a “state” of denial – like California did for too long – or adopt a hunker down mentality – “let’s just ride this one out” – as many companies have, there’s a middle path of tak... (more)

Over the past 15 years helping clients wage war in the technology marketplace, we’ve come to appreciate that the first battle for marketing is often the one fought inside a company between sales and marketing. Let’s face it, the two functions are often at odds due to the he funda... (more)

When joining a new company, it’s critical to quickly assess the team you’ve inherited to determine what level oforganization restructuring and rebuilding will be required to ensure functional success.  Before rushing to judgment and a rapid makeover, take time to understand – on ... (more)

Having created and shaped several successful brands over the past decade, including FrontBridge (acquired by Microsoft) and FileNet (acquired by IBM), there are a few fundamentals that are key to successful brand development.   It has to start at the top with the CEO supporting a... (more)

Having created and shaped several successful brands over the past decade, including FrontBridge (acquired by Microsoft) and FileNet (acquired by IBM), there are a few fundamentals that are key to successful brand development. It has to start at the top with the CEO supporting an ... (more)

When joining a new company, it’s critical to quickly assess the team you’ve inherited to determine what level of organization restructuring and rebuilding will be required to ensure functional success.  Before rushing to judgment and a rapid makeover, take time to understand – on... (more)

If you haven't revisited your brand architecture in more than a year, it's likely what you're building is a façade, rather than reinforcing a foundation.  Because technology and innovation are inextricably linked, tech companies are continuously introducing new products and servi... (more)

Most organizational experts will tell you that when joining an organization, the company's culture is the key to determining whether you will thrive or suffer in a given work environment.  While this is true for a mid-level manager or individual contributor, the closer you get to... (more)

Given all the pressure to deliver "in quarter" results, it's becoming increasingly difficult to get executive attention on strategy formation and/or re-examination.   Executive energy is largely consumed with driving operational excellence and available "cycles' are devoted to sa... (more)

It's anyone's guess when the recession bottoms out and we get back to growth.  Rather than remain in a "state" of denial - like California did for too long - or adopt a hunker down mentality - "let's just ride this one out" - as many companies have, there's a middle path of taki... (more)

Over the past 15 years waging war in the technology marketplace, I’ve come to appreciate that the first battle for marketing is often the one fought inside a company between sales and marketing.  Let’s face it, the two functions are often at odds due to the he fundamental schism ... (more)