3 Takeaways From Tea Time with Miriam Kendall

Some of the best career insights come from those who have been in the trenches. During a recent SUM Tea Time,  3x CMO Miriam Kendall shared her hard-earned lessons on building high-functioning teams, standing out in a crowded job market, and what she looks for in candidates beyond the resume, offering valuable advice for marketing career growth.

Here are three noteworthy takeaways from the conversation.

1. How to Build a High-Functioning Marketing Team

Hiring managers often hesitate to bring someone on board if they don’t check every box on a job description. Miriam’s take? Skills can be taught, but culture fit, mindset, and adaptability cannot.

At Under Armour, she initially resisted hiring a candidate who lacked some technical requirements. But her team saw potential, pushed for the hire, and that person became a standout member of the team.

Use agencies for deep specialization when needed, but plan to develop in-house expertise over time. Beyond hiring, Miriam stressed the importance of balancing specialization with flexibility. Agencies can fill gaps in small teams, but long-term success requires internal ownership. Define clear responsibilities for key areas like paid social, SEO, and lifecycle marketing, while giving employees room to grow—otherwise, they’ll seek opportunities elsewhere.

Key takeaways:

• Prioritize will over skill at the junior level. Growth-minded hires will evolve.
• Use agencies for deep specialization when needed, but plan to develop in-house expertise over time.
• Give team members the opportunity to expand their roles to keep them engaged and motivated.

2. Marketing Job Seekers: How to Stand Out

A résumé alone won’t land you a marketing job. Hiring managers are looking for initiative and proof of action—not just past job titles.

Here’s how to differentiate yourself and drive marketing career growth

• Share an initiative that you started on your own, at a past company. Show initiative beyond your job description.
• Showcase your knowledge of industry trends. Share insights and thought leadership.
• Build your personal brand. Your online presence is your digital résumé.

Miriam’s favorite interview question: “Tell me about an initiative you started.” She believes that even junior employees can demonstrate leadership by taking action beyond their assigned tasks. If you don’t have a strong example, create one—start a project, contribute to industry discussions, or take ownership of something at work.

She also stressed the importance of personal branding. Whether applying for jobs or growing within a company, your online presence matters. Thoughtful LinkedIn engagement, industry contributions, and a strong point of view can set you apart.

Key takeaways:

• Employers look for proactive candidates who take initiative.
• Establishing a personal brand and sharing your insights can make you stand out.
• Develop a clear point of view and use your voice in industry conversations.

3. The Most Underrated Trait in a Marketing Hire

Technical skills are important, but Miriam values these three overlooked traits in high-performing marketers:

• Intellectual Curiosity – Always learning, always questioning. This means staying up to date on industry trends, taking courses, and proactively seeking knowledge beyond job expectations,, all of which contribute to long-term marketing career growth.
• Grit & Resilience – Fail fast, learn faster. Startups and large companies alike need team players who can bounce back from setbacks and persist through challenges.
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – Navigating teams, feedback, and leadership. Understanding workplace dynamics, communicating effectively, and adapting to different personalities are essential skills for long-term success.

Younger professionals, especially those who started careers remotely, may need to be extra intentional about developing EQ. Building relationships, reading social cues, and navigating workplace dynamics take practice and awareness.

Key takeaways:

• Intellectual curiosity, resilience, and emotional intelligence are just as important as technical skills.
• Younger professionals should focus on strengthening EQ through mentorship, feedback, and in-person interactions.
• Success in marketing isn’t just about execution—it’s about adaptability, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Marketing isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about curiosity, grit, and stepping up before anyone asks. Whether you’re hiring, job-seeking, or leading a team, Miriam’s insights are the cheat codes you need. 

If you want more of Miriam’s insights, SUM members can watch her full Tea Time here. Not a member? Join now and gain access to exclusive conversations like this.