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Writer's pictureErin Ratliff

How The Marketers of Today Are the Most Likely Leaders of Tomorrow




"You can be at the bottom of the org chart and still be a leader. Leadership is an action, not a position or title"

Daniel Abrahams


Marketers are not just the creative minds behind catchy slogans or the strategists who drive customer engagement—they are emerging as some of the most effective, versatile, and well-rounded leaders of the future. Our unique blend of skills has made us Superheroes of the business world and places us at the forefront of leadership in organizations and groups of all size and scale.


Listen

Empower

Adapt

Decide

Encourage

Respect

Strategize

Honesty

Inspire

Persevere


Transferrable Skills in Modern Marketing

Working in communications, marketing and public relations is an intense training ground which prepares you for high-level leadership roles. Marketers possess a variety of diverse traits and competencies that can easily transfer from one job, industry or level to another.


Since day 1 on the job, we've been developing these holistic soft skills

In every conversation

In every interaction

In every challenge

In every moment



Full stack marketers (aka "the Generalists" ) are some of the most versatile and useful workers you'll ever know. We are used to wearing MANY hats at once - posting, editing, analyzing, ideation, strategizing and everything in between. We are programmed to easily shift from one task to the next. We can not only see the vision, we can also execute it to completion.


  • Executing - entering, posting, typing, sending, sharing, editing,

  • Inspiring - motivating, nurturing, empowering, energizing

  • Building - cultivating, shaping, fostering, creating

  • Managing - coordinating, guiding, deciding

  • Leading - steering, navigating, demonstrating


Anticipatory Skills: Strategic Visioning & Planning

One of the most significant qualities that set marketers apart as leaders is their ability to develop and execute strategic visions. Marketers are constantly using information around us (analyzing market trends, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes) to craft strategies that resonate with target audiences. This ability to anticipate challenges, plan accordingly AND execute is essential for effective leadership, particularly in a world where disruption is the norm.


  • We are constantly thinking ahead and trying to stay ahead of the curve. This means anticipating and predicting industry trends, staying at the forefront of technology, envisioning the future and embracing an "early adoptor"mindset.

  • We are visionaries who set inspiring, clear goals for the future.

  • We are exceptional planners who excel at anticipating needs and organizing schedules, ensuring that initiatives, events and campaigns smoothly.


 This forward-thinking mentality is crucial for high-level leadership roles, where the ability to guide an organization is paramount. Marketers who transition into these roles bring with them a visionary approach that can drive innovation and long-term growth.


Analytical Skills: Data-Driven Decision Making

Most marketers are immersed in data everyday. They harness analytics to measure campaign effectiveness, track customer journeys, and optimize ROI. This proficiency with data equips them with a logical and evidence-based approach to decision-making, a critical component of leadership. Early on we've learned how to interpret data, use it to inform and guide strategy and report metrics to drive success.


Communication Skills: Storytelling & Presentation

Effective communication is at the heart of great leadership, and marketers excel in this area.


  • We are masters at crafting compelling narratives and presenting information that connect with audiences emotionally and intellectually.

  • We embrace clear, concise, intentional and open communication to build trust with our clients, customers, managers, and peers.

  • We practice active listening- often tuning in more than speaking out, practicing social listening or monitoring, paying close attention to what others say or share

  • We aim to use simple, direct words to increase understanding and comprehension


These are all invaluable skills for leaders who must inspire their teams, align stakeholders with a mission, and convey complex ideas in an accessible, digestable way.


Organizational Skills: Multitasking & Time Management

A disorganized marketer is no marketer at all. Typically, we are masters of multi-tasking, time management and on-the-spot decision making. Between crafting outreach emails, answering phones, juggling campaign schedules or pulling together an analytics spreadsheet our natural clerical skills make us pros at balancing multiple tasks efficiently. We know how to get sh*t done, and quickly, because frankly we have no choice.



Interpersonal Skills: Emotional Intelligence & Empathy

Marketers are adept at understanding, and connecting with, the needs, desires, and pain points of their audience, AND their teams. This requires a high level of empathy and emotional intelligence, which is a cornerstone of effective leadership because it builds trust and relatability, strengthens relationships, fosters teamwork and collaboration, and create a positive and supportive work environment.


  • We are equipped to manage conflicts, motivate teams, and lead with empathy—qualities that are increasingly recognized as vital in today’s workplace.

  • We embody genuine compassion, care and understanding, making us dependable and reliable leaders

  • We inspire others by leading by example as we navigate the complexities of corporate life


Creative Problem-Solving Skills: Innovation & Initiative

Whether it’s developing a groundbreaking campaign or finding new ways to engage customers, marketers are natural problem solvers who are always brimming with creativity and new ideas. We are used to being able to give round the clock attention to a cause, task or project. We're always prepared and proactive, ready to navigate the next unexpected crisis or challenge head on.  


  • We are trained to spot opportunities and act on them.

  • We are trained to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and embrace change.

  • We are trained to decide swiftly when necessary

  • We are seasoned in finding creative solutions under pressure.


These qualities make us dynamic leaders who can navigate uncertainty and inspire innovation within their teams.



Cross-Functional Collaboration

Marketers are natural team players. Collaboration is second nature to us, as we must frequently communicate and collaborate across internal departments, each with their own individual needs and interests.

  • sales

  • customer service

  • project managers

  • product development

  • executive leadership


They must also coordinate externally with diverse stakeholders

  • agencies

  • vendors

  • clients

  • influencers/ambassador

  • media and press

  • investors


Marketing doesn’t operate in a vacuum. We must dive deep with these groups to understand every aspect of the product, service, brand or business in order to identify differentiators, leverage stories and communicate with the target audience.


This experience gives us a broad perspective on business operations and helps us understand the interdependencies within an organization. Leaders who can bridge gaps between departments (building mutual respect, managing expectations, delegating appropriately, navigating conflict and communicating effectively) are more likely to foster a culture of teamwork and drive longterm, sustainable success.


Of course, at the core of marketing is the customer. Marketers are trained to put the customer at the center of everything they do, ensuring that the products and services meet their needs and exceed expectations. This customer-centric approach is increasingly important in leadership, as organizations strive to enhance customer experiences and build long-term loyalty.


Growth Mindset: Resilience & Adaptability

The fast-paced and unpredictable nature of marketing, with its ever-changing trends and technologies, requires constant resilience and adaptability. es into determination and persistence in the workplace.


  • We learn from our challenges every day.

  • We turn setbacks into stepping stones for improvement.

  • We accept and use new information to improve 

  • We stay composed and agile during tough times

  • We embrace change and remain flexible

  • We uphold high moral and ethical standards

  • We remain humble and open to feedback.


This flexibility is critical in the modern work environment. Marketers are accustomed to pivoting strategies and staying focused in the face of challenges, which are critical traits for any leader. This incredible resilience enables them to maintain focus and keep their teams motivated and inspired to work towards goals, even in challenging times.


Self-Directed: Accountability & Responsibility

We’re not the type of employee who needs be micromanged or told twice. You'll know the work is getting done because it's visible and tangible.


Marketers know how to hone in what really matters, which drives results. We thrive in systems to help us get in a state of flow and hyperfocus.


Mistakes are bound to happen with so many moving parts. Marketers are used to accepting it all, and fixing it all. We are accustomed to taking responsibility for our actions and outcomes.


We are familiar with all the most impactful steps of the "Accountability Ladder"

  • Acknowledging Reality

  • Owning it

  • Finding Solutions

  • Taking Action

  • Making it Happen

  • Encouraging others to do the same


"The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity."

Ellen Parr

Insatiable Curiosity

Marketers are naturally curious. We constantly seek to understand consumer behavior, market trends, and emerging technologies to stay ahead of the competition, as well as explore data, test new ideas, and adapt strategies to resonate with their target markets. Every day, our work involves asking questions such as

  • "What motivates my audience?"

  • "How can we better solve their problems?"

  • "How can I improve, engage, and intrigue my audience?"

  • "What can I cut or add for better impact?"


Marketers are hungry for knowledge because staying informed allows them to innovate, create meaningful connections with consumers, and drive business growth in an ever-changing landscape. At the same time we also aim to activate the audience's curiosity to keep them engaged and attentive with engaging content.

Executive Presence

"Executive presence” is corporate-speak for overall Leadership Presence. It's what all of the above skills combine to indicate which get individuals often get promoted in the workplace, and which are left in the background. E.P. has nothing to do with your ability to execute your work. In fact, it's almost exclusively about the soft skills. It's all about inspiring confidence in other people. It's the power of influence.

  • A marketer's strong communication abilities allow them to convey ideas in a composed and confident way, while also customizing and adapting the message for their unique audience (ie the boardroom). This spans everything from elevator pitches, to presentations, to giving feedback.

  • Our tendency towards "political correctness" means we communicate diplomatically and inclusively. For instance rather than shutting down someone elses idea, we redirect them in a gentle way

  • Our strategic thinking and data-driven decision-making align with executive-level needs and expectations. We can speak confidenty about the details, the numbers, goals and metrics that matter.

  • Our creativity and innovation help them lead visionary initiatives, while maturity, emotional intelligence and stakeholder management enhance their impact.

  • Lastly, their experience with targeted messaging and storytelling gives them an edge in personal branding and messaging, .


"Leadership is not about a title or a designation.  It's about impact, influence, and inspiration." 

Robin S. Sharma



Metered Success

As a marketer, our biggest strengths are also our biggest risks.


Too much of a good thing can backfire. We must learn to manage and harness our power to create the most sustainable success, being careful not to...

  • Become overly rigid or resistant to change.

  • Over-shield our team from failures.

  • Overlook the present in lieu of the future

  • Postpone tough decisions/discussions.

  • Overwhelm our team and lose touch.

  • Dismiss others' input or act impulsively.

  • Project lack of self-confidence.

  • Reject proven methods unnecessarily.

  • Suppress your emotions and those of others.

  • Overwhelm communication with unnecessary details.

  • Overpressure or set unrealistic goals.

  • Create a sense of lack of direction.


A word of Caution: Self-awareness is key to finding balance, but this can also be a double edge. So we mustn't overdo it and let it lead to self-analysis paralysis.


"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

John Quincy Adams


Servant Leadership: The Marketer's Way


Great leaders don't command; they serve.


  • They invest in people and purpose.

  • They support and propel you forward.

  • They promote your growth and well-being.

  • They elevate others and celebrate collective success.


A leader's main job is to care. And marketers are leaders because we decide every day to help others grow.


Traditional leadership is about Command & Control, a top-down approach. In contrast, Servant Leadership starts from the Bottom up. It's about Supporting and Developing others, or a cause.


"Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things."

Peter Drucker


Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day true leadership isn’t confined to the corner office or a fancy title. What truly counts are the actions we take every day, which set the standard for others to admire and aspire to.


Most marketers naturally lead and mentor by example. Our high level of integrity and consistency inspires those around us everyday. We possess a unique blend of skills that make us exceptionally well-rounded leaders to navigate through the complexities of the modern world.


As businesses, communities and society continues to evolve, the marketing professionals of today are poised to become the transformative leaders of tomorrow, guiding teams toward a brighter, more successful future.



"Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality."

Warren Bennis


Ready to hire an experienced, seasoned marketer to support your goals and needs? I'd love to chat!



 



Erin Ratliff is a holistic business coach and organic growth & visibility consultant serving energy-sensitive, earth-loving, heart-led soul-preneurs, self-starters, and founders with the mission of personal and planetary healing.


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