Marketing Myths and CMO Truths from a Coca-Cola & Uber Powerhouse

AI Won’t Save You. Strategy Will.AI is transforming the way brands connect with consumers. But are companies actually leveraging it the right way? And what about marketing teams — are their operating models built for the future, or stuck in the past?In this episode, Rebecca Messina, former Global CMO of Uber and marketing leader at Coca-Cola, unpacks what brands are getting wrong about AI, strategy, and team structure. She also reveals the top traits she looks for in marketing hires, and why adaptability and a relentless drive to learn are non-negotiable in today’s industry.If you want to stay ahead in marketing, this conversation is a must-listen. Buckle up — Rebecca’s insights might just change the way you think about your entire marketing approach. Key Moments:00:00 Who is Marketing Expert, Rebecca Messina?01:53 The Most Common Misconceptions in Marketing03:48 Adapting Marketing Strategies to Different Environments05:29 The Importance of Language in Marketing16:08 Cross-Functional Collaboration19:50 The Art of Risk-Taking26:06 Your Operating Model is Costing You Talent26:59 Global vs. Local Marketing Strategies28:32 Innovating Your Operating Model29:28 Hiring High-Performing Teams33:12 Navigating AI in Marketing39:16 Aligning Your Mission & Your Strategy42:28 Lightning Round & Rebecca’s Top Resources47:28 Why Flexibility is Wealth Mission.org is a media studio producing content alongside world-class clients. Learn more at mission.org.