With over 25 years of experience spanning in-house leadership roles and consultancy, Dave shares a candid perspective on navigating non-linear careers, leading global teams, and building influence within partnership-led organisations.
From his early career in economic development during the tech boom to senior leadership roles at firms including Morrison & Foerster, Orrick, and Baker Botts, Dave reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership journey.
The conversation explores the realities of scaling teams, managing change, and the growing pressures facing CMOs today — alongside practical insights on networking, resilience, and protecting against burnout in high-performance environments.A standout theme throughout is the power of community. Dave shares how his global CMO roundtables have created trusted peer networks that enable leaders to step back, think strategically, and navigate complexity together.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Transformation
02:59 Dave's Career Journey in Legal Marketing
05:46 Navigating Mergers and Building Resilience
08:53 Transitioning to Consultancy and Family Considerations
11:54 Innovative Marketing Strategies in Law Firms
15:02 Managing Global Teams and Cultural Insights
20:58 Leadership Challenges in Diverse Environments
24:00 The Shift from In-House to Consultancy
27:37 The Journey of Publishing a Harvard Case Study
29:35 The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship
30:44 Transitioning from Management to Leadership
32:48 The Role of Networking in Career Development
34:51 Creating Global Networking Opportunities
39:12 Managing Stress and Burnout in High-Pressure Roles
40:23 Navigating Change and Building Resilience
44:45 Challenges Facing Marketing Leaders Today
48:28 The Importance of Strategic Thinking
50:40 Words of Wisdom for Future Generations
