In Episode 6 of the Pro2CMO podcast, we sit down with Jo Ann Herold, Chief Marketing Officer of Georgia State University — one of the most mission-driven institutions in the country and a national leader in student success and upward mobility.
Jo Ann’s career spans beloved brands like Interface, Honey Baked Ham, and now GSU, where she leads marketing for a university that has become a model for access, transformation, and impact.
But what makes this conversation exceptional isn’t her résumé — it’s her honesty.
This is not an episode about easy wins.
It’s about the moments that tested her, the pivots that forced growth, and the setbacks she turned into fuel.
It’s a deeply human look at how great leaders are made, not just promoted.
What You’ll Take Away:
Jo Ann opens up about the difficult seasons — the ones where confidence cracks, the path gets unclear, and the next step isn’t obvious.
She shares how those exact moments sharpened her clarity, stripped away ego, and taught her to lead with courage and compassion.
“Every major turning point in my career came from a moment that felt uncomfortable at first.”