Squeeze The Funnel - The Podcast That Helps You Get More from Your Marketing

What does it really take to go from junior marketer to marketing exec?
In this episode, Marc Bitanga and Mitch Solway pull back the curtain on what it's like to step into a VP of Marketing role—and stay there.
They talk real career paths (spoiler: there’s no one-size-fits-all), the emotional landmines most new execs stumble over, and the difference between being great at marketing and being great at leading marketing.
They also get brutally honest about:
The biggest leap in a marketing career (it’s not what you think)
Why AI isn’t a silver bullet—but you still need to know your stuff
The invisible politics and pressures that quietly kill even the best marketing plans
It’s like a behind-the-scenes tour of the exec table, with no buzzwords and no sugarcoating.
Top 3 Reasons to Listen:
You’re eyeing a VP seat—or just landed one—and want to avoid the career equivalent of stepping on a rake.
You want a candid look at what actually separates great marketers from great marketing leaders.
You’re tired of fluffy advice and want practical, battle-tested insights from people who’ve actually sat in the chair.
Resources:
Mitch Solway on LinkedIn
Marc Bitanga on LinkedIn
 
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In this episode, Marc Bitanga is joined by fellow Fractional CMO, Neel Singh for a deep dive into how artificial intelligence is transforming the marketing landscape. Together, they unpack the changing expectations placed on marketing leaders—especially the increasing demand for executional excellence that predates AI but has since been amplified by it.
The conversation spans everything from how AI is reshaping advertising strategies to whether traditional marketing agencies can survive in an AI-driven world. Marc and Neel also explore what it takes to become a one-of-one brand.
📝 Podcast Notes:
👤 Guest:Neel Singh — Marketing Strategist | Brand Builder | Growth ExpertConnect with Neel on LinkedIn
🎯 Key Topics Covered:
The Evolution of Marketing Leadership:
How expectations for marketing executives have shifted over the years.
Why today’s CMOs are expected to be part visionary, part executor.
AI's Role in Marketing Execution:
How AI tools are changing daily workflows.
What AI means for hiring, creative processes, and media buying.
The Future of Marketing Agencies:
Will agencies be replaced or redefined?
How agencies must evolve to stay relevant in the AI age.
Building a One-of-One Brand:
The value of uniqueness in a world of AI-generated content.
The challenge of differentiation when algorithms optimize for sameness.
Social Media & Brand Strategy:
Navigating brand identity on platforms that reward trends over originality.
The tension between short-term performance and long-term brand building.
Culture & Brand Integrity:
Why internal cultural alignment is essential for external brand consistency.
How brand trust is built from the inside out.
💡 Notable Quote:"AI isn’t replacing marketers—it’s replacing marketers who don’t evolve." – Neel Singh
🔗 Resources & Mentions:
Marc Bitanga on LinkedIn
Neel Singh on LinkedIn
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Want your question to be featured on the podcast or would like to be a guest?
Visit: https://www.cmohaus.com/podcast