Hello Kraken.

 
 

Dear Hiring Team,

 

I am writing to express my profound excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) position at the Seattle Kraken. I am immensely honored to present my candidacy for this pivotal role within your organization.​

As a dedicated marketing leader with a relentless commitment to delivering tangible, measurable results, I feel deeply privileged to be considered for this leadership position. My journey in the realm of marketing has been marked by 25+ years of experience, honing skills that encompass strategic thinking, data analysis, exceptional leadership, and a profound understanding of our most valuable asset – the customer. This culmination of experiences positions me as a potential successor to lead the marketing efforts of the Seattle Kraken, and I am genuinely thrilled at the prospect.​

Your organization's dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation and excellence aligns seamlessly with my own professional ethos. I wholeheartedly believe in the power of strategic vision, continuous learning, and daring to take risks. In my pursuit of staying ahead in a rapidly changing environment, I have encountered and successfully navigated numerous business growth challenges, consistently exceeding expectations. From staying attuned to market trends to building and retaining top-tier teams, I have been unwavering in my commitment to achieving significant, measurable results and setting new standards of excellence and impact in the marketing industry.​

I understand the paramount importance of proactivity in the ever-shifting landscape of marketing. As a strategic risk-taker and change catalyst, I am dedicated to shaping my own destiny and driving change within the organization. I am excited to embrace the challenges that come with this role, always fueled by curiosity, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to achieving remarkable outcomes.​

I am genuinely looking forward to the opportunity to discuss my vision for the future of marketing at the Seattle Kraken and how my contributions can be a guiding light in the dynamic world of professional sports. I eagerly anticipate the chance to share my strategies, insights, and passion for propelling the organization to new heights.​

Thank you for considering my application for this esteemed position. I am enthusiastic about the possibility of contributing to the success of the Seattle Kraken and eagerly await the opportunity to further discuss my vision with you and the entire leadership team.​

Many thanks-​

 

Melissa Herron

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Sports fans are a community, and communities are built on shared experiences and shared emotions. When we cheer for our team, we are not just cheering for ourselves, we are cheering for each other. We are cheering for the bond that unites us, the joy that fills us, the pride that lifts us. We are cheering for the love of the game.

 

My sports story

While my lifelong passion for marketing has always been a prominent part of my story, my profound affection for sports runs even deeper. It all started in my formative years when the foundation of my sports enthusiasm was laid down by my father. His unwavering support and encouragement fueled my siblings and me to embrace any and every sports opportunity that came our way. One enduring memory from those days is the countless hours we spent meticulously shoveling snow off our neighborhood lake to craft a makeshift hockey rink. This cherished memory encapsulates the deep-seated love for sports that I imbibed from a young age.​

Among the various sports I was drawn to during my childhood, hockey held a particularly special place in our home. I can still vividly recall my mother's distinct routine of tuning into New York Islanders games on the radio. In a heartwarming yet slightly amusing gesture, my siblings and I once gifted her a poster featuring Mike Bossy and Bryan Trottier for Christmas, which she proudly hung in her room.​

The year 1982 brought the emergence of the New Jersey Devils, providing us with a local team to rally behind. However, during the 1983 and 1984 seasons, my older brother's unwavering allegiance to the Edmonton Oilers turned our household into a lively battleground of sports loyalty, creating a divided house.​

These vivid memories serve as a testament to the integral role that sports have played in shaping my childhood, and they continue to be a defining aspect of my life to this day. I look forward to creating stories and building a brand for the next generation of hockey fans to rally around.​

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Exceptional brands forge profound meaning by intimately understanding and uniquely connecting with their audience, creating unbreakable bonds.

 

My marketing story

I am a modern-day marketing leader whose experience spans almost three decades. My skills and experiences demonstrate my ability to lead, innovate, and communicate effectively. I am an expert in building and maintaining relationships with customers, partners, and other stakeholders. I understand the needs and preferences of the target audience and know how to tailor marketing strategies accordingly.​

  • Experience in using data and analytics to measure and optimize marketing performance.  Leveraging data to make informed decisions, test new ideas, and demonstrate ROI.​

  • Experience in cultivating creativity and digital know-how within the marketing team. I believe in fostering a culture of innovation and experimentation and equipping the team with the necessary tools and skills to create engaging and effective digital experiences.​

  • Experience in obtaining professional development and staying updated on the latest trends and technologies. I am committed to learning new things, expanding my knowledge, and adapting to the changing market conditions.​

  • Experience in collaborating across silos with other C-level officers and functions. I believe aligning the marketing vision with the overall business strategy is important and working closely with other leaders such as the CEO, CFO, CTO, and CCO to ensure synergy and integration.​

  • Ultimately, I have a strong vision, agility, storytelling ability, customer-centricity, and leadership skills that set me apart from other candidates.​

Format Experience

TV / OOH / Social / Mobile / CRM / Search / Content / Display / Performance / Print / Experiential

Functional Experience

Media Buying & Planning / Budget Management & Negotiation / Digital Strategy and Implementation / Marketing Strategy & Oversight / Data Analytics / Communications Planning & Execution

Client Experience

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I pride myself on being a servant leader as it allows me to create a work environment that motivates, inspires, and satisfies my team members. By serving others first, I earn their trust, respect, loyalty, and commitment.

My leadership perspective

As a servant leader, I am someone who puts the needs and interests of others above my own. I am not motivated by power or status but by a desire to serve and help others grow and succeed. These are some of my leadership qualities:​

  • Listening: I attentively and empathetically listen to team members, customers, and stakeholders, valuing their input, feedback, and unspoken cues.​

  • Empathy: I care about team members' well-being and development, respecting their uniqueness and helping them achieve their goals.​

  • Healing: I cultivate trust and compassion, supporting team members through challenges and providing emotional and psychological assistance.​

  • Awareness: I'm self-aware, aligning actions with purpose and values, understanding my impact, and constantly seeking self-improvement.

  • Conceptualization: I think creatively and strategically, balancing long-term vision with short-term needs, and effectively communicate future possibilities.​

  • Foresight: I make informed decisions benefiting the organization in the long run using intuition, experience, and data.​

  • Stewardship: I steward the organization's resources, people, and mission, encouraging ownership and aligning decisions with goals.​

  • Commitment to Growth: I'm committed to team members' personal and professional growth, offering learning opportunities, mentoring, coaching, and celebrating successes.​

  • Building Community: I foster a sense of community within and outside the organization, promoting collaboration, cooperation, and making a positive impact in society.​