Pooja Chitnis, CM, Fractional CMO at Sai Dham Food Bank and Founder of The Upadhyays, uses purpose-driven marketing to deliver social impact and business results. In her CM Spotlight, Pooja shares the specific tactics she uses to balance purpose with performance and why she believes marketing’s true potential lies far beyond traditional metrics.

Leading with Clarity and Confidence

The CM designation is more than just a credential; it represents a professional standard, a supportive community, and a mindset rooted in purposeful, ethical, and impact-driven marketing. For years, I’ve helped startups, SMBs, and national nonprofits navigate complex marketing challenges. These organizations need marketing support that can punch above their weight, given their hyper-competitive realities and limited budgets. The CM designation has strengthened my ability to lead with clarity and confidence in roles that range in scope from consultant to advisor and fractional CMO.

Storytelling with Purpose

I believe stories can inspire people to take action, and marketing is storytelling with a purpose. I’ve dedicated myself to using marketing as a force for good, especially for those who need it the most. In one of my current roles, my work directly impacts how many people facing food insecurity get fed each day. Whether it’s driving social impact or scaling meaningful growth, that sense of purpose continues to motivate and viagra hongrie inspire me every day.

Trusting Instincts

I wish I had known that confidence often follows action, not the other way around. Early in my career, I waited for permission—whether to speak up, pitch an idea, or try something bold. The truth is no one knows your capabilities better than you do. Launching my consultancy and taking on a Fractional CMO role taught me that stepping into discomfort is where growth happens. I also learned the value of having a strong support network and trusting your instincts. Marketing is as much about intuition as it is about analytics.

Creative, Strategic, Authentic

Marketing is expected to deliver immediate results while also building long-term value, which often creates tension. As marketers, we navigate evolving platforms and technology, like agentic AI, tight budgets, and shifting consumer expectations, all while trying to stay creative, strategic, and not to mention “authentic”. Another challenge is helping others see marketing not just as promotion, but as a key business driver. That’s where the CM designation helps. It arms you with the language and data to advocate for the role marketing deserves at the decision-making table.

Habitual Learning

I’ve learned to treat learning like a daily habit, not a task. I dedicate time each week to industry newsletters, podcasts, and webinars – or even answering questions like this spotlight interview! Some of the best learning comes from listening—whether it’s a client explaining their challenges or a team member introducing a new tool. The CM program helped me build a learning structure I still rely on today. I also mentor others, which keeps me sharp and accountable as we pilot emerging tactics, often in real time. Staying curious isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Authenticity, Impact,

Speed

Early in my career, marketing was an afterthought—something that followed product development and supported sales enablement. Today, marketing leads the conversation on customer experience and cialis brand best price technology integration, but it extends beyond technology, as audiences have also evolved. Most buyers have already decided by the time they speak with you. So now marketers are held to higher standards of authenticity, impact, and speed. I see clients simultaneously demanding deeper technical integrations and more humanity in their voice. That shift excites me as AI has levelled the field by allowing small companies to compete with larger ones.

Staying Grounded

I started my consultancy during a time when clients were slashing budgets and had become more risk-averse due to uncertain economic conditions. Ironically, such a climate necessitates even more creativity and trust-building among customers. At Sai Dham Food Bank, I faced the additional challenge of transforming a community-driven mission into a scalable marketing strategy with zero room for fluff. Every campaign had to provide food, literally. I overcame these challenges by staying grounded in data, collaboration, and a clear purpose. Each challenge made me stronger, more agile, and more intentional.

Sense of Purpose

Stepping away from the stability of a full-time 9-to-5 to launch an AI-driven marketing consultancy for resource-light SMBs was a big step for me. It marked the beginning of building something truly of my own. I truly felt the impact of this direction while running one of my campaigns to help raise funds to feed vulnerable seniors. That experience reignited my sense of purpose, gave me the courage to take bigger risks, and solidified the value of earning my CM designation.

Earning a Seat

I’m excited about the growing movement toward value-led and community-first marketing. Audiences are tuning out brands that shout and gravitating toward those that listen, co-create, and give back. Technology like AI is already playing a significant role, not as a replacement, but rather as a partner. I’m particularly interested in how we can use AI ethically to scale impact without losing authenticity, allowing SMBs to compete with larger competitors. At The Upadhyays, we’re already helping clients explore this. It’s a powerful time to be in marketing, where creativity, ethics, and innovation finally have a seat at the same table.

Making a Difference

Establish your differentiation. Identify a gap in the market that you can serve more effectively than others and be clear about your purpose. Don’t wait for the perfect time to pitch that bold idea—it rarely comes. Invest in learning, whether it’s through the CM program, mentorship, or real-world trial and error. Say yes to things that scare you; that’s where transformation lives. That’s how you make a difference and a career you’re proud of.

 

 

 

Becoming a Chartered Marketer not only boosts your credibility but also ensures you stay competitive in this evolving field. Download the CM Brochure to learn more about the pathways to becoming a Chartered Marketer program today and take a significant step in your marketing career.