C-Suite Strategies
C-Suite Strategies is the podcast for revenue-minded leaders who know that sales and marketing aren't separate functions. They're one engine.
No fluff. No theory. Just straight talk from people who've sat in the seat.
Hosted by Stacie Sussman, Founder and CRO of RevUp Advisory and named a 2026 Women to Watch by both Thrive Global and Her Agenda — with 17 years leading sales teams in Manhattan, 100+ consulting projects, and a track record of scaling companies to exit — each episode digs into what growth actually looks like for mid-market operators, founders, CMOs, and CROs. Because growth isn't just about data and metrics — it's about mindset, showing up, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
This is a space for the conversations that go beyond the dashboard. The ones about alignment, accountability, and what it really takes to build a revenue engine that lasts.
If you're ready to stop treating sales and marketing as separate problems and start leading like they're one — this is your podcast.
If you want to learn how to turn the chaos of growth into clarity and confidence, subscribe to C-Suite Strategies. Your next breakthrough is just a listen away.
C-Suite Strategies
S2E18: Financial Truths CMOs and CROs Can't Ignore
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Season Two opens with a necessary reset for growth leaders.
In this episode, Stacie sits down with Jennifer Yousem, Founder of iHeartEBITDA, to unpack the financial realities behind marketing and sales performance—and why CMOs are often asked to defend results without being given the right financial context.
They explore why top-line growth is a vanity metric, how margin degradation creeps into service businesses, and why honesty in forecasting matters more than aggressive targets. This conversation bridges the gap between marketing strategy and financial truth.
If you’re a CMO expected to drive growth, justify spend, and align with finance—this episode is required listening.
Key topics covered
• Why top-line growth is a vanity metric
• What CMOs need to understand about margins
• How margin degradation happens quietly over time
• Why “not all revenue is good revenue”
• Forecasting honesty vs. hockey-stick storytelling
• Cost control as the only true lever of certainty
• How marketing, sales, and finance should align around truth
Who this episode is for
• CMOs responsible for growth and budget accountability
• CROs managing optimistic pipelines
• Founders scaling through the messy middle
• CFOs pushing for financial rigor
• Operators tired of growth theater
About the guest
Jennifer Yousem is the Founder and CEO of iHeartEBITDA, a fractional CFO, controller, and bookkeeping firm serving mid-market companies. After years leading finance inside large media organizations, she now helps founders and leadership teams turn messy numbers into clear growth decisions—without the BS.
Links & resources
• iHeartEBITDA: https://iheartibda.com
• Learn more about Stacie Sussman & RevUp Advisory: https://www.linkedin.com/in/staciesussman/
Connect with Stacie:
Book a free growth consult
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Website