Why Cookie Cutter Marketing Doesn’t Work with Gurdeep Dhillon, CMO at ContentStack

#280 Strategy | In this episode, Dave is joined by Gurdeep Dhillon, CMO of Contentstack. Gurdeep has built an impressive career leading marketing at some of the biggest names in enterprise software, from SAP to Adobe, Marketo to Zoura. Now at Content Stack, he's challenging conventional B2B marketing wisdom in rethinking how enterprise companies should approach demand generation and brand building. In this conversation, Dave and Gurdeep dive deep into why marketing is ultimately a game of memory and reputation, not just lead generation.

Dave and Gurdeep cover:
The role of Demand Gen in 2025 (and what's changed)
Why Brand and Reputation should be prioritized over Lead Generation
Proven strategies to create urgency and close sales deals in enterprise markets
A glimpse into ContentStack’s team structure and how they plan for growth

Timestamps
(00:00) - - Intro to Gurdeep
(06:51) - - Brand and Audience Marketing
(08:03) - - How the Role of Demand Gen is Changing
(12:13) - Brand and Reputation is better than Lead Generation
(17:03) - How Contentstack is Doing Demand Gen
(19:41) - How to Create Urgency to Win Sales Deals
(21:22) - Making a Good Offer in B2B Marketing
(22:38) - Why Being Bold and Taking Risks is Important in Marketing
(27:12) - Selling Your Vision to Leadership
(29:53) - How Contentstack Has Over 10,000 Global ICP Accounts
(34:36) - Team Structure at Contentstack
(39:34) - Running Marketing and Operating a High-Performing Team
(41:50) - Setting Effective Annual Plans
(44:05) - AI’s Role in Marketing
(47:39) - Closing Thoughts

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What is The Exit Five CMO Podcast (Hosted by Dave Gerhardt)?
Dave Gerhardt (Founder of Exit Five, former CMO) chats with top marketing leaders and CMOs. Join 5,000+ members in our private community at exitfive.com.