The CMO’s Path to the Boardroom

Think CMOs don’t belong in the boardroom? Think again. Today’s top marketers are stepping beyond the C-suite, bringing strategic insight, customer obsession, and data-driven decision-making to board-level conversations. But how do you actually make that leap?

In this episode of Renegade Marketers Unite, Drew Neisser sits down with three marketing leaders who’ve done just that: Denise Vu Broady (Collibra), Peter Finter (KX), and Katrina Klier (Sage Strategy Group). They share how they earned board seats—and how you can too.

In this episode:

• How Denise mapped her board journey five years in advance 

• Why Peter leads with risk and strategy to earn trust at the top 

• What Katrina looks for in a board-ready résumé (hint: it’s not brand metrics)

Plus: 

• Why nonprofit and advisory roles are the best launchpads 

• When to invest in certifications like NACD and PDA  

• How to talk board ambitions with your CEO (without raising red flags) 

• Why CMOs are more board-ready than they realize

Whether you’re just curious or actively pursuing a seat, this episode is your inside track to the boardroom. 

Renegade Marketers Unite, Episode 448 on YouTube 

Resources Mentioned 

• CMO Huddles 
• Books 
  • Betsy Atkins books 
  • Liz Wiseman: Multipliers 
  • Matt Abrahams: Think Faster, Talk Smarter 
• Past episodes mentioned 
  • Denise Broady 
    • B2B Market Research 
    • Partnership Marketing 
  • Peter Finter 
    • Sales Enablement 
    • The Future of B2B Marketing 
  • Katrina Klier 
    • Content Strategies 
    • Leadership Strategies

Highlights

• [3:38] Denise Broady: 5-year path to a board seat 

• [8:39] You’re not the boardroom CMO 

• [11:48] Peter Finter: Think beyond your domain 

• [14:14] Be the headlights 

• [18:47] Katrina Klier: You’re more board-ready than you think 

• [25:31] Build the relatability bridge 

• [29:43] CMO Huddles: The CMO’s best friend 

• [33:26] Board-worthy qualities 

• [38:11] How to get a “yes” from your CEO 

• [46:35] Not all board certs are equal 

• [49:51] Words of wisdom: Developing board level skills

Highlighted Quotes

Denise Vu Broady, CMO of Collibra

“When you start the journey, don't give up. It could take 3-5 years to get into the spot, but in the interim, get yourself ready. Get educated, have targets, network… and stay resilient during the process.”​

Peter Finter, CMO of KX

“Bringing clarity to mission, purpose, and how we communicate value externally is one of the key superpowers CMOs should be bringing to the table.”

Katrina Klier, CEO of Sage Strategy Group

“Think about yourself as a product: here are my features and functions and how I help you as a board director.”​ 

Full Transcript: Drew Neisser in conversation with Denise Vu Broady, Peter Finter, & Katrina Klier