Is the Role of CMO Over? Not So Fast!

What do you get when you bring together some of the sharpest marketing minds, inspiring stories, and a room full of good vibes? The 2025 New Chapter Talent Marketing Excellence & Rising Star Awards , of course — and what a night it was! Held at a completely sold-out venue, the awards evening last night was a celebration of talent, tenacity, and the transformative power of marketing. From the energy in the room to the meaningful conversations on stage and the generosity shown towards an incredible cause, it’s safe to say this one will be hard to top. The Winners This year’s submissions were nothing short of outstanding, and the judges had their work cut out for them. After hours of deliberation (and maybe a few strong coffees), two standout marketers emerged as this year’s winners: Marketing Excellence Award Winner: Georgia Pedersen , Head of Marketing at Melbourne Park Georgia’s leadership, strategic brilliance, and impact across the sports and entertainment industry made her the clear choice for this year’s top honour. From record-breaking campaign results to uplifting her team and broader industry peers — Georgia is the definition of marketing excellence. Runner-up: Matt Farnham , Marketing Manager at MOVE Bank Matt’s innovative, resourceful approach with a lean team is changing the game in financial services marketing. His campaigns deliver big results on modest budgets — and his leadership is leaving a lasting legacy.

The job market can be a rollercoaster—especially in marketing, where roles are shifting, budgets tightening, and the competition for good opportunities is fierce. At New Chapter Talent, we’ve been speaking with many marketers who are navigating job loss, career transitions, and financial strain all at once. And while most friends, family and colleagues mean well, some common comments—though well-intentioned—can actually miss the mark. If someone you know is between jobs in marketing, here’s what not to say—and what to say instead. 1. ❌ “Still no bites?” OR “Any more irons in the fire?” They’re already feeling the pressure, trust us. These kinds of questions, though casual, can unintentionally highlight the uncertainty they're facing. ✅ Try this instead: “Anything exciting in the works? Let me know if I can help.” 2. ❌ “At least you’ve got time to reset!” Sure, burnout is real. But when you’re out of work (and possibly watching your savings dwindle), this doesn’t feel like a ‘reset’. It feels stressful and unsettling. ✅ Try this instead: “How are you going? Job hunting can be exhausting. Here if you need a chat.” 3. ❌ “Have you thought about going freelance?” Freelancing works for some, but it’s not a universal solution—and not everyone wants to be self-employed or has the financial buffer to do so. ✅ Try this instead: “Are you leaning towards in-house, agency, or something else? Keen to hear what you’re looking for.” 4. ❌ “It’s all about who you know.” While there’s truth to the power of networking, this phrase can feel defeating to someone who’s already reaching out and coming up short. ✅ Try this instead: “Who would you love to connect with right now? Happy to make intros if I can.” 5. ❌ “Everything happens for a reason.” This one can sting, especially when rent or mortgage payments are looming and self-doubt is creeping in. ✅ Try this instead: “I feel your pain, and I’m sorry you’re in it. You’re bloody good at what you do, and something great will land.” Support Matters—Now More Than Ever If you're currently in a stable marketing role, this is your moment to show up for others. Share leads. Offer introductions. Back your peers. And sometimes, the best support is just listening without trying to fix. Marketing job seekers don’t need toxic positivity—they need empathy, encouragement, and real opportunities. Let’s be better allies for each other. Looking for more job hunting tips or marketing career advice? Follow us on LinkedIn or explore the New Chapter Talent blog for more support, stories, and insights tailored to Australian marketers. Contact Lucy Need help finding your next marketing role? We’re here to help. At New Chapter Talent, we understand the marketing landscape and can guide you towards the roles that best fit your skills and aspirations - get in touch with us today! Feel free to contact Lucy... ✉️ lucy@newchaptertalent.com.au 📞 +61 416 153 144 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 Or connect with me ~ Lucy on LinkedIn ~ as I'll share all the insights on recruitment you could ask for! For more updates, career tips, and job opportunities , follow New Chapter Talent on LinkedIn .