Ep 008: Leading Modern Marketing with Empathy & Systems Thinking

Regan and Lynn Teo, Chief Marketing Officer of Northwestern Mutual, delve into the importance of optimism and a possibility mindset when anticipating the future, and why systems thinking enables you to be at the forefront of marketing. They explore the ways that empathy and profound human insights play a fundamental role in Lynn’s work, and how listening to cues about people’s anxieties can help leaders pick the right spot on the innovation spectrum. Key Takeaways Why simple observations in nature help you notice patterns and create new neural connections. How brands like Red Bull and Jones Soda innovate by introducing products in new contexts. The importance of team dialogue and dot connecting in the insights process. The role of anomalies and contrarian data in anticipating customers' future needs. Why removing fear and anxiety are key to building a future-ready company culture. Resources Connect with Lynn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnteo/ Learn about Lynn’s company, Northwestern Mutual: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/ About Our Guest  Lynn Teo is the Chief Marketing Officer of Northwestern Mutual. Her responsibilities encompass brand strategy, product marketing, field and customer experience marketing, digital marketing, marketing technology, operations, and consumer insights/market research. She is a data-driven and revenue-centric tech sector marketing executive specializing in driving growth for the enterprise through the buildout of modern marketing capabilities. Ms. Teo joined Northwestern Mutual in September 2022. In her 24 years in industry, she has led digital transformation initiatives in a broad range of industries: advertising, publishing, education, retail, finance, travel, and health. She is a seasoned international executive who has lived and worked in the US, Europe, and Asia during her career. From 2014 – 2018, Lynn assumed roles as VP Digital Marketing and Head of Marketing (Asia Pacific & Japan) at CA Technologies. From 2018 – 2021, Lynn expanded her scope of responsibilities as VP (CMO) of Global Marketing and Customer Experience at Wolters Kluwer Health. Before joining Northwestern Mutual, Lynn served as the CMO of three lines of business at Thomson Reuters.     About Future Fit™ with Regan Robinson  Future Fit™ unravels the secrets of how the world’s most innovative leaders stay future-ready in a fast-paced world. Hosted by futurist and strategist Regan Robinson, each episode explores how trailblazing executives turn uncertainty into their strategic advantage. Gain powerful insights and practical approaches as these visionary minds share the unconventional and imaginative ways they thrive today while leading their teams into tomorrow. If you love what you’re  getting out of our show please subscribe, rate and review. About Regan Robinson Regan Robinson is a holistic futurist and business strategist that empowers visionary companies to turn uncertainty into advantage and effortlessly innovate and strategize for their future. Over the course of 20+ years, she has helped some of the world’s most influential brands and companies strategize and grow. Regan has spearheaded revenue increases of 300%+, led as an executive at 3 start-ups and established business models, new capabilities, infrastructure and roadmaps for companies like VICE Media and Edelman Digital. Website: https://www.reganrobinson.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/reganrobinson Future Fit™ Newsletter: linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7054904910919667713 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@regan_robinson Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamreganrobinson All contents of this show are rights of Regan Robinson and are not to be used unless authorized by written consent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices