Leading with Impact: Oonagh Flanagan CMO at FunLab, on Commerciality, Leadership, and Career Courage

CMO Chapters Podcast with Lucy Bolan

In this episode of CMO Chapters, Lucy Bolan sits down with Oonagh Flanagan, Chief Marketing Officer at FunLab—the parent company of brands like Holy Moly, Strike Bowling, and Hijinx Hotel. With over 23 years of marketing experience across diverse industries, including consumer finance, online casino, and prop tech, Oonagh shares her journey from Ireland to Australia, navigating career pivots, and how being commercially-minded has been crucial to her success.

Oonagh discusses the importance of building core marketing fundamentals, making courageous career moves, and the privilege of leading and mentoring a team. Whether you're a new marketer or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with wisdom on leadership, career growth, and the evolving role of the CMO.

Key Takeaways:

• Commerciality is Key: Oonagh emphasises the importance of mastering numbers and understanding the business’s financial side to gain credibility and drive impact as a marketer.
• Career Courage: Moving across industries and countries wasn’t easy, but Oonagh reflects on how those bold decisions helped shape her confidence and career trajectory.
• Leadership & Mentorship: The role of CMO is as much about developing the next generation of marketers as it is about strategy and execution. Oonagh shares how being a people leader is an intense privilege that should not be taken lightly.
• Stay Grounded in Fundamentals: While technology and tools like AI will continue to evolve, marketers should never lose sight of the basics—understanding the audience, setting a clear strategy, and using the right tactics to solve problems.

Recommended Resources:

• Mini MBA in Marketing by Mark Ritson – A program Oonagh highly recommends for its solid grounding in the fundamental principles of marketing.
• How Brands Grow by Byron Sharp – A must-read resource on brand strategy and distinctive assets that Oonagh and her team frequently revisit.

Connect with Oonagh Flanagan: LinkedIn: Oonagh Flanagan

Follow the Podcast via New Chapter Talent:

Instagram: @NewChapterTalent

LinkedIn: New Chapter Talent

This podcast is brought to you by New Chapter Talent recruitment. If you're hunting for a fulfilling new role or seeking the right talent for your company, contact Lucy Bolan today!

Website: https://www.newchaptertalent.com.au/contact-us

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-chapter-talent/

Email: [email protected]