SaaS
C-Level Marketing Module 2: Uncovering CEO & Board Expectations
•December 3, 2025
Original Description
This session breaks down the real pressures CEOs and boards face and why understanding their world is essential for becoming a true C level marketer. Shiv reveals the hidden realities behind executive decision making, investor pressures, fundraising models, debt structures and financial constraints that most marketing leaders never see but are expected to operate within.
You’ll learn how capital actually moves through VC and PE funds, how investors evaluate assets, what CEOs are responsible for behind the scenes and why misalignment between marketing leaders and the board leads to missed targets and stalled careers. Shiv shares real company examples, investment memos, financial scenarios and the five key dimensions you must understand to earn trust at the highest level.
Use this module to elevate from functional marketing leadership to being a genuine strategic partner who can think through financial, operational and investor dynamics and support the CEO in building enterprise value.
⏱️ Time Stamps
00:00 Welcome to Week 2 and session overview
00:55 The biggest mistake marketing leaders make
02:15 Why CEOs and boards expect more than functional marketing
03:10 The hidden pressures leaders face behind the scenes
04:20 What CEOs are actually responsible for every day
08:15 How investors work and why their world shapes your role
09:25 LPs GPs and how capital really flows
12:10 Dry powder competition and pressure on valuations
14:00 What CEOs and investors truly need from marketing leaders
17:05 The five axes for understanding CEO and board expectations
19:05 Bootstrapped vs VC vs PE backed realities
20:05 How financial constraints reshape marketing decisions
22:05 Key financial statements every C level marketer must master
24:25 Real example: $200M company forced to cut $20M
29:25 Why the investment thesis dictates marketing expectations
📑 Sign Up and Get the Slides for FREE:
🎙️ Tune into the Private Equity Value Creation Podcast:
👇🏽 Find Us Here
#privateequity #privateequitypodcast #privateequityvaluecreation
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Loading comments...