Our Lead(H)er series features impressive women leaders in the tech industry. In this Q&A, we are featuring Jennifer Griffin Smith, Chief Market Officer at Acquia.
Where did you grow up and how would you describe yourself as a child?
I grew up in the North East of England in a small mining village. It was a tight knit community where you knew everyone and kids all went to school together. I enjoyed school and I liked being with friends and family. I didn’t go on a plane until I was 15 years old - most of my family vacations were spent in France after a very very long drive! I have made up for it since then with all my travels. We relocated 15 years ago to Boston.
Before I went to University I took a gap year working 6 months in Switzerland and 6 months in Germany. I loved it and for a short time thought I might graduate and live in Germany but then I decided to stay in London!
What did you study in college and what was your first job out of school?
I studied Business Administration with German at a University just outside of London. My first job was as a customer service agent for a technology company managing customers and partners in German speaking countries. At that stage of my life I thought I would be a linguist.
Can you share the details on your career path and what were the critical moments that got you to where you are today?
I never had a hard plan of where I wanted to be and by when. I didn’t even know I wanted to go into Marketing until I got to experience a trade show first hand and then applied for my first marketing specialist position after being a customer service agent. This was a critical moment when I landed my second job with the most inspiring CMO who spent time teaching me about the practical aspects of marketing that you don’t learn at school. Lesson number 1 - Always make sure you work with people you can learn from.
I was lucky to be part of companies that were acquired by larger companies and given opportunities to take on new roles. Lesson Number 2 - don’t fear change - change can bring many opportunities. I’ve had times where I have been disappointed not getting a role or a project I really wanted but there’s always a reason for it and something better is around the corner.
Lesson number 3 - put the work in. I have always had a strong work ethic (from my mother!) - you don’t get anywhere unless you work at it. If you have an idea - put it out there, don’t be afraid to write a recommendation or take on a project - you never know where it might lead.
What is your current role and responsibilities?
As Chief Market Officer I have 2 primary roles. 1) Working with the executive team to ensure we bring solutions to market that bring exceptional value to customers. I aim to be the voice of the customer (it helps that we use all our products internally) making sure we are always thinking outside in and not inside out and 2) to functionally lead the marketing organization including product marketing, marketing programs, field marketing, communications (AR, PR, Social) and thought leadership.
My ultimate responsibility is to ensure we meet our company goals including customer retention and financial growth.
Looking back, is this where you thought you’d be professionally? Was it always your goal to be in this position?
Nope! I never had a goal of living in America or being a CMO. I had an opportunity and I took it. I love being a CMO. We are the connection point between the innovators (product and engineering) and the sellers. Our job is to ensure we can monetize our innovations and that includes everything from creating websites and promotions to training sellers and creating pricing packages. Every day is varied and I love working across different teams.
For people who are looking to be in a similar position, what advice would you give to others in terms of helping them achieve their career goals?
Be open, listen, take every opportunity to learn from people and don’t be afraid to give your ideas/perspectives. Find people you admire or respect and look at what they do really well. What makes them great.
What are the most important skills that you need to do your job well?
Focus & time management - it's really easy to get caught up in the things that don’t make an impact. Think about how your time is best spent.
Creativity - how to do things differently. How do you get your message heard in a “sea of sameness”
Human centric - Get to know your team. What motivates them professionally and personally. A motivated, inspired team is so much more productive and when we are productive results follow. And when results follow everyone is happy. And lifes too short not to be happy and enjoy what you do.
This is a picture of me at an Acquia event. In this picture is one of my team, 2 customers and a partner and it really captures the joy we have working together.
What do you find most interesting/rewarding about your work? What’s the most challenging?
Seeing what our customers can achieve as a result of our technology.
Seeing people grow into new skills and take on new roles is really rewarding
Seeing a team celebrating success is like nothing else!
The most challenging - spinning all the plates at one time - balancing work and being a mom of 2 kids and 2 dogs!
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
The amazing people I have worked with that I now call friends
Are you involved with any professional organizations outside of the company? Volunteer work?
My children keep me busy. I volunteer at my daughters dance company and my sons’ school as much as I can. My daughter is a senior and will be leaving for college this fall. They grow up quickly and time is precious so I try and spend as much time with them and their activities as possible.
I also stay connected with my peers through CMO clubs and local events.
Q&A
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love my Peloton tread. I am addicted to it! If I had one thing to take to a desert island it would be my tread!
I also love traveling - give me a beach anyday!
My idea of a perfect view
How do you manage stress?
Exercising! Skiing in the winter and Peloton bootcamps! Taking trips, and being with friends
My family and I skiing in the Alps in December.
How many cups of coffee do you have in a day?
None - I don’t drink coffee but as a true Brit I have 3 cups of tea a day
My tea of choice is Twinnings English Breakfast with cold oat milk
Any book or podcast recommendations? (professional or fun)
Nope - I get most of my recommendations sent to me or from LinkedIn!
What advice do you have for recent college graduates?
Enjoy yourself. Don’t rush into a job for the sake of it. Before you know it you’ll have been working for 30 years!
