Episode Summary:

"It’s not all numbers and dashboards—sometimes, CMO success boils down to building trust and a team that clicks." This week on Cyber CMO Confidential, we’ve got Thomas Bain, the CMO of  VulnCheck, joining us to reveal the keys to leading in cybersecurity marketing. Tom shares how he builds credibility with technical teams, aligns with sales without losing autonomy, and cultivates a company culture that drives actual results. Hosts Gianna Whitver and Charles Gold dig into the art (and science) of connecting across departments, understanding team dynamics, and confidently navigating rapid growth.

Tom explains why CMOs should focus on continuous learning and shares what he seeks in a company’s leadership before joining. This is THE episode for anyone hoping to excel in the leadership aspect of marketing.

Key Highlights:

[02:30] – The importance of company culture: Why communication and transparency are essential for building a productive workplace.

[05:15] – Aligning with engineers and technical teams: Building credibility when marketing meets cybersecurity expertise.

[10:40] – The impact of culture on recruitment: Finding the suitable hires and aligning them with company goals.

[15:25] – Balancing sales and marketing needs: More strategies for smooth collaboration and avoiding the blame game.

[20:30] – Building a trusted CMO-Sales relationship: How to stay aligned with sales leadership in a fast-paced environment.

[25:10] – The high stakes of hiring in small teams: Tom’s tips for spotting cultural alignment during the interview process.

[35:50] – Why continuous learning matters for CMOs: Tom advises staying relevant and growing as a marketing leader.

Links and Resources Mentioned:

VulnCheck – Learn more about Tom Bain’s work and VolnCheck's cybersecurity solutions.

Listeners, please send your questions or thoughts to [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!

Join us at Cyber MarketingCon2024!

(December 8-11, 2024) – A Conference for Cybersecurity Marketers

If you’re serious about leveling up your marketing game in the cybersecurity industry, CyberMarketingCon is a must-attend! Connect with top minds in the field, learn cutting-edge strategies, and swap ideas with fellow marketers who understand the unique challenges of our industry. The event is happening in Philadelphia, but you can join virtually. Don’t wait—get your ticket before prices go up! Grab Your Ticket Here!

Be sure also to follow our hosts on LinkedIn:

👉Gianna Whitver

👉Maria Velasquez 

👉Charles Gold

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Breaking Through in Cybersecurity Marketing. You can join the Cybersecurity Marketing Society on our website, main LinkedIn page, or podcast LinkedIn page, and keep up with us on Twitter.

See you in the next episode!