“What makes marketing incredibly exciting today is the amount of skills you need, qualitative and quantitative.”
— Lara Balazs

In the ever-evolving landscape of business, certain themes continue to hold steadfast importance—from brand power to authentic communication to women in leadership. To navigate through these dynamic concepts and uncover their significance in today's professional world, we sat down with Lara Balazs, Chief Marketing Officer at Intuit.

Lara is a highly accomplished global leader in P&L management and an expert in marketing and communications. With her extensive background in developing multinational businesses and brands, she possesses a remarkable ability to drive transformative growth. Before Intuit, Lara held a variety of roles including SVP, Head of North America Marketing at Visa and Vice President, Worldwide Prime & North America Marketing at Amazon.

Recognized for her outstanding contributions to the marketing industry, Lara has garnered a multitude of prestigious awards. She has been honored as one of Forbes' World's Most Influential CMOs, a testament to her significant impact on the field. Additionally, Balazs has been acknowledged by AdWeek as one of the Most Powerful Women in Advertising, solidifying her reputation as a formidable force in the industry.

Check out the key takeaways of this episode or the transcript below to learn how to harness brand power meaningfully and effectively.

• The Enduring Relevance of Brand Power - The power of brand has been a topic of extensive debate. In the current economic climate, many companies are emphasizing a bottom-funnel approach and questioning brand power. However, the answer remains clear: brands still matter. Undoubtedly, performance marketing and bottom-funnel strategies are crucial. However, they serve as an endpoint in the marketing journey. In contrast, brand building plays a pivotal role in establishing long-term success. It encompasses the reputation, perception, and emotional connection a company builds with its audience.

• The Importance of Authenticity in Business Communication - Lara reminds us that business professionals are just human beings. There is no need to assume a different persona when dealing with customers. Authenticity is key, and that is precisely why your business voice plays a vital role in shaping your brand's positioning and identity. Consistency is also essential, regardless of whether you are B2B or B2C.

• The Mutual Benefits of Reverse Mentoring and Networking - For Lara, effective mentorship and networking play pivotal roles in advancing one's career. Recieving advice from individuals, whether they are long term employees or a part of a younger generation, allows for a unique and mutually beneficial exchange—one where you can offer valuable insights and learn from their experiences.

• Embracing Women Leadership - Lara is a passionate champion for women in leadership roles. In the early stages of her career, she found herself as one of the few women at the table. Today, Intuit's C-suite boasts a remarkable fifty percent representation of women. While there is still progress to be made, times have changed significantly and the positive impact of this shift is undeniable. There has been a noticeable transformation towards authentic and empathetic leadership—a change women have played a significant role in leading.

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