A Vision Worth Sharing

The GeorgiaCMO Vision Dinner at NY Prime in Buckhead, August 5, 2025

Last night marked a pivotal moment for marketing leadership in Georgia as we gathered for the inaugural Vision Dinner of the GeorgiaCMO Chapter—an exciting new addition to the Inspire Leadership Network.

Hosted in an atmosphere of connection and candor, the evening brought together an impressive group of marketing executives, united by a shared commitment to elevate the profession, learn from one another, and shape the future of our industry here in Georgia.

We were fortunate to be joined by Brian Benn and Rohit Lal - current members of the well-established GeorgiaCIO Chapter, who generously shared their experiences building a thriving peer leadership network. Their insights on cultivating trust, fostering authentic relationships, and staying focused on leadership—not just technology—offered a powerful roadmap for how GeorgiaCMO can grow with purpose and impact.

The heart of the evening was a dynamic and provocative conversation on the controversial American Eagle campaign featuring Sydney Sweeney.

The campaign, which sparked headlines and divided opinions across media and marketing circles, served as a timely case study to unpack brand authenticity, risk-taking, and the evolving line between culture and commerce. What emerged was more than debate—it was dialogue. Around the table, CMOs wrestled with real questions:

·      What does it mean to be brave as a brand today?

·      Where is the line between relevance and recklessness?

·      And how do we ensure our marketing decisions reflect both bold strategy and core values?

If the evening was any indication, GeorgiaCMO is not just a chapter—it’s a community in the making. One rooted in thoughtful leadership, open exchange, and a desire to help each other—and our brands—lead with intention in a rapidly shifting world. This was just the beginning. We left energized, challenged, and inspired for what’s to come.

Welcome to GeorgiaCMO. Let’s build something remarkable—together.

Dave Sutton

Dave Sutton is a leading authority today on Transformational Marketing– enabling businesses to reach, connect and engage with customers in a way that gives them a reason to care, a reason to buy, a reason to advocate and, most important of all, a reason to stay. He is the founder of TopRight, LLC– a Transformational Marketing firm that helps companies move to the top right quadrant of their competitive frame, and corner the markets where they choose to compete. TopRight’s 3S Playbook model of the right Story, the right Strategy, and the right Systems turns sales transactions into customer experiences that connect and communicate why you do what you do and what difference it makes for your customers. Dave is also the co-author of Enterprise Marketing Management: The New Science of Marketing- the ground-breaking book considered to be the definitive statement of a new business discipline designed to create sustained, profitable, organic growth.

https://www.bluerhinocapital.com
Next
Next

Celebrating Leadership at the GeorgiaCMO ORBIE Awards Reception