Why Sales & Marketing Still Aren’t Aligned (And How to Fix It) with Michelle Michaux
Mon Feb 02 2026
Today I'm joined by Michelle Michaux, who shares how her unconventional career journey (from banking operations to marketing) gave her a front row seat to how large complex organisations can bridge the gaps between marketing, sales, and delivery.
Michelle brings a refreshingly honest perspective on what marketing should be doing inside organisations, why alignment with sales is still one of the biggest challenges in B2B, and why marketers need to get better at articulating their value at the leadership table.
Together, Emma and Michelle explore the realities of working inside complex global organisations like Fujitsu, the cultural nuances that shape business decisions, and how marketing can move beyond execution to become a genuine driver of growth.
If you care about career growth, influence, strategic thinking and the future of marketing, this episode will give you both practical insight and plenty to reflect on.
To connect with Michelle:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-michaux/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:22 Michelle's Career Journey
02:07 Transition to Marketing
03:11 Running Her Own Consultancy
04:10 Operations Experience and Its Impact
06:59 Sales and Marketing Dynamics
11:21 Challenges in B2B Marketing
15:32 Global Marketing Complexities
18:41 Cultural Insights from Fujitsu
22:58 Personal Anecdotes and Cultural Reflections
24:06 Understanding Cultural Differences
25:02 Marketing's Role in Business Strategy
25:50 Challenges in B2B Marketing
28:06 The Importance of Customer Insight
30:00 The Role of Chief Customer Officers
32:19 Aligning Marketing with Business Goals
34:11 Articulating Marketing Value
43:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Can you also find episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaGrahamCareerCoach/videos
Your host, Emma Graham, Career Coach and ex-recruiter, is here to help you with:
💡 Gain clarity on what’s important to you
💡 Confidently communicate your value
💡 Build a personal brand and a strong network
💡 Take a strategic approach to your next move
💡 Navigate the job market effectively
💡 Build career confidence with a repeatable success blueprint
🌐 Explore my coaching programs and free resources:
Website: https://www.egconsulting.au/
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/emmajgraham
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmagrahamcareercoach/
🎁 Free Resources:
📄 CV Development Guide: https://www.egconsulting.au/cv-advice
📄 LinkedIn Profile Optimisation Guide: https://www.egconsulting.au/linkedin-profile-guide
📅 Book Your FREE Career Strategy Discovery Call:
https://calendly.com/emmagrahamconsulting/discovery-call
More
Today I'm joined by Michelle Michaux, who shares how her unconventional career journey (from banking operations to marketing) gave her a front row seat to how large complex organisations can bridge the gaps between marketing, sales, and delivery. Michelle brings a refreshingly honest perspective on what marketing should be doing inside organisations, why alignment with sales is still one of the biggest challenges in B2B, and why marketers need to get better at articulating their value at the leadership table. Together, Emma and Michelle explore the realities of working inside complex global organisations like Fujitsu, the cultural nuances that shape business decisions, and how marketing can move beyond execution to become a genuine driver of growth. If you care about career growth, influence, strategic thinking and the future of marketing, this episode will give you both practical insight and plenty to reflect on. To connect with Michelle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-michaux/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:22 Michelle's Career Journey 02:07 Transition to Marketing 03:11 Running Her Own Consultancy 04:10 Operations Experience and Its Impact 06:59 Sales and Marketing Dynamics 11:21 Challenges in B2B Marketing 15:32 Global Marketing Complexities 18:41 Cultural Insights from Fujitsu 22:58 Personal Anecdotes and Cultural Reflections 24:06 Understanding Cultural Differences 25:02 Marketing's Role in Business Strategy 25:50 Challenges in B2B Marketing 28:06 The Importance of Customer Insight 30:00 The Role of Chief Customer Officers 32:19 Aligning Marketing with Business Goals 34:11 Articulating Marketing Value 43:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections Can you also find episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EmmaGrahamCareerCoach/videos Your host, Emma Graham, Career Coach and ex-recruiter, is here to help you with: 💡 Gain clarity on what’s important to you 💡 Confidently communicate your value 💡 Build a personal brand and a strong network 💡 Take a strategic approach to your next move 💡 Navigate the job market effectively 💡 Build career confidence with a repeatable success blueprint 🌐 Explore my coaching programs and free resources: Website: https://www.egconsulting.au/ LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/emmajgraham Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmagrahamcareercoach/ 🎁 Free Resources: 📄 CV Development Guide: https://www.egconsulting.au/cv-advice 📄 LinkedIn Profile Optimisation Guide: https://www.egconsulting.au/linkedin-profile-guide 📅 Book Your FREE Career Strategy Discovery Call: https://calendly.com/emmagrahamconsulting/discovery-call