CMO Newsletter
Weekly Intelligence for Marketing Leaders
CMOs face a unique problem: too much tactical noise, not enough strategic thinking. Behind the CMO cuts through the clutter with frameworks, insights, and AI intelligence designed for the people who lead marketing — not the people who execute it.
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"The only marketing newsletter I actually read every time. Saves me hours of research."
Marketing Director · Fortune 500
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The CMO has an information problem
1 Information overload
There are thousands of marketing blogs, podcasts, and newsletters. Most are written for junior marketers. CMOs need strategic signal, not tactical noise.
2 No peer-level thinking
Most marketing content teaches you how to run Facebook ads. CMOs need frameworks for board presentations, team structure, AI adoption, and competitive positioning.
3 AI is changing everything
The marketing landscape is being reshaped by AI faster than most leaders can track. Behind the CMO covers what matters — so you can make informed decisions.
What you get
Monday Brief
5-minute tactical roundup. What's working in marketing right now, what's not, and what to try this week. The news, trends, and data points that matter for marketing leaders.
Mid-Week Deep Dive
One big idea, fully explored. Frameworks you can steal, strategies that compound, no filler. The kind of strategic thinking that used to require a $50K consulting engagement.
Recent editions
Everyone's a Marketer (Until It Doesn't Work)
Marketing is the only C-suite function where everyone thinks they can do your job. The reason is more structural than you think.
The Premium Stress Test
Consumers are checking whether your premium is real or just marketing. A lot of CMOs are about to find out which one they have.
The Rent You Can't Negotiate
Retail media isn't a channel. It's a tax. And the landlord just raised it.
What readers say
"This is the stuff agencies charge $10K to tell you. I get it free every week."
CMO
Series B DTC Brand
"The AI frameworks alone saved my team 20+ hours last month. Tactical and immediately useful."
Head of Growth
Enterprise SaaS
"Finally — marketing content written for marketers, not beginners. Strategic depth without the fluff."
VP Marketing
Public Tech Company
Frequently asked questions
What is Behind the CMO?
Behind the CMO is a free newsletter delivering strategic marketing intelligence to CMOs and marketing leaders. We publish twice weekly: a Monday Brief with tactical roundups and a Mid-Week Deep Dive exploring one big idea with actionable frameworks.
Who writes this newsletter?
Behind the CMO is written by James Murray, a marketing strategist with experience across SaaS, B2B, and enterprise marketing. Every issue is researched, written, and edited with senior marketing leaders in mind.
How often will I receive emails?
You will receive two emails per week: a Monday Brief with the most important marketing news and tactics, and a Mid-Week Deep Dive with an in-depth analysis of one strategic topic. No surprise emails, no promotional blasts.
Is this newsletter free?
Yes, Behind the CMO is completely free. We are funded through select sponsorships from brands relevant to marketing leaders. You will never be charged, and there are no hidden premium tiers required to access our best content.
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