• by Alan Hart , September 19, 2018

In this episode of “Marketing Today,” I speak with Chris Moloney, CMO at TaxSlayer.  Moloney previously served as CMO at CAN Capital and CEO at Gremlin Social, and has held key roles at brands including Wells Fargo Advisors, Scottrade, and Experian.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Moloney shares, among other things, how the original Apple Macintosh computer inspired a sensibility that led to his career in marketing and how the combination of his personal and business lives make him a more effective marketer.

He also talks about how challenger brands can thrive in competition with more established rivals. “If you are a challenger brand,” says Moloney, “take advantage of the fact that bigger companies sometimes move a lot slower and have more bureaucracy, and it takes them a while to make decisions. If you can be nimbler and faster, you can take advantage of market trends much more quickly.”

**Let Your Voice Be Heard**

“Marketing Today” has a new Q&A feature! Ever wish you could ask a question on the show? Well, now you can. Just click this link and ask your question — it’s that easy. And if we can, we’ll answer it on the next podcast. We’re looking forward to your questions!

Highlights from this week’s “Marketing Today” podcast include: 

• Moloney talks about his background, what led him to marketing, and his career path. (1:23)

• Moloney reveals three lessons he’s learned from his mentors. (8:03)

• Serving two markets well has led to transformational growth for TaxSlayer. (11:16)

• Advice for CMOs looking to drive growth: “You have to master the digital space first.” (11:56)

• Having fun in a category not known for fun: How TaxSlayer goes to market. (13:37)

• Moloney’s perspective on creating content that works: “It’s a balancing act.” (19:13

• Moloney discusses how personal touchstones play an important role in his career. (22:58)

• Moloney on the future of marketing: “I think that marketing is going to have to evolve to really go down the path of understanding what emotions that you’re evoking in people in a digital world.” (28:46)