You know when you meet someone and have an instant connection? That’s how I felt when I first met Matt Heinz.
I could tell right away — wicked smart, super knowledgeable, but above all, a real human. Someone I knew I wanted to work with. So when he created a breakfast roadshow for CMOs to connect, 6sense sponsored it.
CMOs LOVED it. And then—boom—Covid shut it down. But as every field marketer knows, the show must go on. We pivoted to virtual and shifted the content to what people truly needed in that moment.
With the world turned upside down, marketing tactics weren’t top of mind. The big question was: “What the heck are we even doing?!?” And just like that, CMO Coffee Talk was born. ☕
From the start, it was part therapy, part inspiration, part learning … and a whole lot of laughing. If you’ve been there, you know — CMO’ing is a tough gig. There aren’t many places where you can talk about both the highs and the lows. That’s why one of our goals has always been to provide space to talk about “the 4%.”
The 4% Rule:
✔ 96% of your job and life? You can talk about that with anyone—happy hours, picnics, family dinners.
✔ 2% is so awesome, you’d feel like a jerk sharing it.
✔ 2% is almost too scary to say out loud.
Still, it’s how we handle that 4% that defines us — as CMOs and as humans. And we need community to process it. That’s what CMO Coffee Talk is to me, and to so many others.
What started five years ago as a roadshow-turned-virtual-gathering has blossomed into something bigger than Matt or I ever could have envisioned:
• 3,500+ CMOs have participated
• 225+ Coffee Talks
• Annual "Meat Up" in Austin
• $100,000+ raised for charity through CMOs Give Back
Yes, we talk about marketing trends, AI, and GTM strategies. But what makes this community truly special is the trust, generosity, and realness that define every interaction. It’s not a place for pitch decks or posturing (pitching is banned, in fact). It’s a space where CMOs can be vulnerable, celebrate wins, and support each other—not just as marketing leaders, but as people.
Thank you, Matt. Your ideas, energy, and unwavering commitment have shaped this community into what it is today. I’m endlessly grateful for your partnership and the impact you’ve had — not just on me, but on every CMO who has found value, camaraderie, and support in this space.
To every CMO who has been part of this journey: thank you. Your honesty, knowledge, and willingness to share make this community what it is.
💬 What has CMO Coffee Talk meant to you? Drop a comment and let’s celebrate together!
And if you’re not part of CMO Coffee Talk but want to be, please reach out!
