What are the biggest surprises for a first-time CMO?

Scrutiny tops the list — every move's under a microscope, way beyond what VPs face.

How is AI changing marketing at Pipedrive?

They're augmenting creativity and personalization, but treating it as a tool, not a replacement for human insight.

Can challenger brands really compete with giants?

Absolutely — by moving fast, telling raw stories, and leveraging agility for outsized impact.

5 Lessons from Pipedrive's First-Time CMO

Steven Quach dove into the CMO hot seat at Pipedrive — and it's messier than he expected. AI's crashing the party, budgets are under the microscope, and he's got lessons that could save your sanity.

AdTech Beat Apr 16, 2026 3 min read

Steven Quach, Pipedrive CMO, speaking on AI and marketing challenges

⚡ Key Takeaways

CMO role brings intense scrutiny that sharpens strategy but tests resilience. 𝕏
AI augments marketing creativity without replacing human spark. 𝕏
Challenger brands win by punching harder and staying authentically scrappy. 𝕏
First quarters teach ruthless prioritization amid chaos. 𝕏
Blend people skills, analytics, and boldness for CMO success. 𝕏

Written by

Sofia Andersen

Brand and marketing technology writer. Covers campaign strategy, creative tech, and social ad platforms.

#AI in marketing #CMO lessons #Pipedrive #challenger brand #first-time CMO

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Originally reported by Digital Marketing Depot

⚡ Key Takeaways

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Sofia Andersen

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