Marketing: Expectations vs. Reality As a CEO or founder in the Middle East, America, or Europe, you know marketing looks simple… until you’re in the trenches. It’s not just catchy slogans or viral content. Real marketing is a strategic craft blending skill, insight, and continuous optimization. Storytelling that resonates across cultures Building and earning deep trust Strategic positioning for market leadership Testing, iterating, and optimizing campaigns Data-led decisions for maximum ROI Designing seamless customer experiences Mapping the end-to-end customer journey Leveraging digital marketing channels effectively 👉 Inspired by Tom Pestridge — a reminder that the most impactful work happens behind the scenes. Too many focus on pretty ads. Success demands research, analytics, and relentless iteration. Underestimate this, and even your best product will struggle. It’s not about looking good; it’s about driving measurable results. What’s one thing you wish more executives understood about marketing strategy? ♻️ Repost to educate your network.