Every Founder comes to this decision...

In this weeks episode of Digital Cheesecake, we talk:

When should you bootstrap and when does investment actually make sense? The real trade-offs between funding and freedom.

“If you’re going to invest that money, just don’t expect to see it"

🎧Stream this episode now on:

What’s actually happening in marketing right now?

In this episode of Digital Cheesecake, Sarah, Ellie & Jack break down the real trends shaping 2026:

Budgets are shrinking.

Digital costs are rising.

And AI is integrated into almost every platform.

#marketing #marketingtrends #marketingideas #marketing #digitalmarketing

In this episode of Digital Cheesecake, we unpack the reality of marketing recruitment in 2026.

From the return of senior roles (with a twist), to salary compression, longer hiring cycles, and the growing demand for hands-on leaders, this conversation is a must-watch for marketers and founders alike.

We cover:

Why £150k+ roles are still rare

Mid-level roles becoming hyper-competitive

Why CMOs are already job-hunting

The rise of FTCs and contract work

Global hiring trends (UK vs US vs APAC)

Why grit and adaptability now matter more than titles ⏱️

🎧Stream this episode now:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/t9KHHw3bvRk

Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-cheesecake-marketing-and-growth-podcast/id1780522616

#marketingpodcast #marketingjobs #marketingcareers #gettingajob #hiring #careers #levelup

The move from Marketing Director to Founder is becoming more common but the reasons behind it aren’t always obvious.

In this episode, we break down the reality of leaving a senior marketing role to start your own business, including:

• Why some marketers feel pushed rather than pulled

• The difference between freedom and full ownership

• What the first year actually looks like

• How to know if starting a business is right for you

This isn’t a motivational episode , it’s an honest look at the trade-offs senior marketers need to consider before making the jump.;

🎙️Stream episode now on our other platforms:

Use these tools!:

Fiver: https://fiverr.partnerlinks.io/3ci0r5r179mi

Quillbot: https://try.quillbot.com/4hew88esymv8

Trainual: https://start.trainual.com/aecgw0yogmw7

What does it take to drive growth as a CMO in fashion?

John Sadeghipoor, former CMO of Lulu Guinness, joins Digital Cheesecake to share real-world lessons from senior marketing leadership roles across fashion, beauty and consumer brands.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:

• The strategies that actually scale fashion brands

• How to build and structure high-performing marketing teams

• In-house vs agency models, what works and when

• Leadership roadblocks CMOs face

• What’s next for content, creative and AI

Fiver: https://fiverr.partnerlinks.io/3ci0r5r179mi

Quillbot: https://try.quillbot.com/4hew88esymv8

Trainual: https://start.trainual.com/aecgw0yogmw7

What does it take to lead marketing for a global brand operating across 70+ markets?

In this episode of Digital Cheesecake, Nikos Bartzoulianos, Group CMO at Electrolux (2024-2025) , joins the team to share lessons from senior leadership roles.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:

• Scaling brands across global markets

• Turning functional brands into lifestyle brands

• Leadership challenges at enterprise scale

• Preparing for the CMO role ...what really matters

Fiver: https://fiverr.partnerlinks.io/3ci0r5r179mi

Quillbot: https://try.quillbot.com/4hew88esymv8

Trainual: https://start.trainual.com/aecgw0yogmw7

What really prepares you for the CMO role....beyond the title?

We're back and with one of your favourites...

In Part 2 of How To Become a CMO, Jack, Ellie & Sarah break down the career paths, skills and leadership mindset required to step into senior marketing leadership with confidence.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:

• When to stay vs move roles to become CMO-ready

• How portfolio experience impacts senior progression

• Education vs real-world experience

• Why financial fluency is non-negotiable

• Leadership habits that sustain long-term growth

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YouTube:

Apple:

Fiver: https://fiverr.partnerlinks.io/3ci0r5r179mi

Quillbot: https://try.quillbot.com/4hew88esymv8

Trainual: https://start.trainual.com/aecgw0yogmw7

This week we sat down with Ntola Obazee and explored how to scale heritage brands globally, modernise marketing strategies without losing brand identity, and deliver top-notch customer experiences.

🎧Stream now:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-cheesecake-your-marketing-podcast-for-tips/id1780522616

YouTube: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/digital-cheesecake-your-marketing-podcast-for-tips/id1780522616

Fiver: https://fiverr.partnerlinks.io/3ci0r5r179mi

Quillbot: https://try.quillbot.com/4hew88esymv8

Trainual: https://start.trainual.com/aecgw0yogmw7