In this episode of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan sits down with Mohit (Mo) Bhargava, a seasoned marketing leader with over 20 years’ experience across media, entertainment and global markets.

From an unexpected start behind a university bar to leading marketing across Southeast Asia, Mo shares a career shaped by curiosity, relationships and a willingness to step into the unknown.

This is a refreshingly honest conversation about what the CMO role really looks like, how careers actually unfold (hint: not in a straight line), and why the best marketers today blend creativity with commercial thinking.

Mo also opens up on the harder side of leadership, what he looks for when hiring, and why “growing your bubble” might be the most important career advice you’ll hear this year.

• Why the CMO role isn’t what you think: No two marketing leadership roles look the same. The expectations, remit and impact of marketing change dramatically depending on the business.
• How curiosity can shape your entire career: Mo’s first role came from a conversation at a bar. A simple reminder that how you show up outside the job description often matters more than what’s on your CV.
• The reality of leadership (beyond the title): Leadership isn’t a promotion, it’s a skill built over time. And often, the hardest parts of the role have very little to do with marketing.
• What great hiring really comes down to: It’s not just about capability. It’s about chemistry, self-awareness and whether someone’s style fits the role marketing plays in that business.
• Why soft skills are becoming the differentiator: Technical skills get you in the room. How you think, communicate and collaborate is what sets you apart.
• How to stay relevant in the age of AI: AI can improve speed and efficiency, but creativity still needs human energy. The best marketers will know how to balance both.
• The importance of commercial thinking: If you’ve never had to sell something, you’re missing a key piece of the puzzle. Understanding revenue changes how you approach marketing.
• “Grow your bubble”: One of the standout moments of the episode. Broaden your perspective, challenge your environment, and actively seek different experiences. It’s critical for leadership.

• Careers are rarely linear. Follow themes, not titles.
• Relationships matter, but credibility matters more.
• Don’t wait for a leadership role to start leading.
• Marketing leaders today need both depth (a “superpower”) and breadth.
• Staying close to culture isn’t optional, it’s part of the job.
• The best opportunities often come from what you do consistently over time, not one interview moment.

Mohit Bhargava – LinkedIn

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This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today!

Website: https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-chapter-talent/

Email: [email protected]

Chapters:

• (00:00) Introduction to CMO Chapters & Guest Welcome
• (01:15) Mohit’s Background: 20 Years in Media & Entertainment
• (02:08) The Reality of a CMO Role (Expectation vs Reality)
• (03:23) From Bartender to Marketing: The Career Break That Started It All
• (07:53) Ambition, Career Direction & Finding Your Industry
• (10:44) The Hardest Leadership Decisions (Moving During COVID)
• (13:16) What CMOs Actually Look for When Hiring
• (18:07) AI, Creativity & The Future of Marketing Teams
• (21:04) Why Your Career Is Always “On Interview”
• (23:16) Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Don’t Wait for the Title
• (29:30) “Grow Your Bubble” & Avoiding Career Stagnation
• (31:32) Rebuilding a Career & Defining Legacy