Marketing has never been more challenging – or more exciting — a discipline than it is now. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce Michael Freeman has joined Skilljar as our VP of Marketing!
Michael brings more than 20 years of marketing, strategy, and operations experience from a broad set of industries, from startups to the Fortune 100. Most recently, Michael was the CMO at Certent (acquired by Insightsoftware), a SaaS provider for equity management and financial reporting software. Before that, he held a number of roles of increasing responsibility and leadership at companies such as Adaptive Insights (acquired by Workday), Highfive, ShoreTel, Mecalux, Teleflora, The Walt Disney Company, and Maersk.
Welcome Michael!
Like we do with all new hires, we sat down with Michael to get to know him better.
Q: What made you want to work for Skilljar?
First, I recognized that Skilljar offered this wonderful combination of an inspiring mission and a tremendous growth opportunity in a new category. Then, I saw how well regarded the product is, as well as the company’s true commitment to not just partnering with customers, but actually delighting them. Most importantly, as I had further conversations with other members of the team, I could see a culture in which I knew I could be happy and thrive – working alongside a very talented group of people with strong integrity, no b/s, and who bring joy to their work every day.
Q: What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Curious, Silly, Competitive
(Michael has been known to share Zoom backgrounds of his unique travel experiences and play a tune on his ukulele at the end of meetings with his staff.)
Q: What would we most likely find you doing on a weekend?
Coaching or playing soccer, watching FC Barcelona (soccer club), rock climbing, and surfing with his family. Not all at the same time, though.
Q: Do you have any pets?
Athena is our 2.5 years old mixed-breed rescue dog (Pitt, Poodle, Lab, Rottweiler, German Shepherd). She’s very athletic and still full of puppy energy. I wish I had her stamina and ability to recover…you’d never know she just ran five+ miles in fifteen minutes.
Athena strikes a pose on Bishop Peak in San Luis Obispo, CA
Q: Early bird or night owl?
I’m an early bird who likes to sleep in a bit.
Q: Tea or coffee?
Coffee – medium or light roast made in a French press. No sugar. Heavy cream. I’m trying to switch to tea in the afternoons with some success.
Q: What’s something that’s on your bucket list?
I’d love to travel around the world with my wife. (I used to want to be a future host of Jeopardy!, but now it seems like you need to be a celebrity to have a chance at it.)
Q: If you could wake up tomorrow and be an expert in something, what would it be?
I’d be an expert chef. I love food and I really enjoy learning how things work. It always amazes me how my oldest sister can take a few seemingly random ingredients and make a delicious feast for everyone.
Q: What are you learning to play on your ukulele?
I just learned “Lose Yourself” by Eminem to play for my teenage son. My team has requested IZ’s version of “Over the Rainbow” and I always bend over backwards for my team.
Interested in joining Michael at Skilljar? We’re hiring for roles in Marketing, Customer Success, Engineering, Sales, and more! Check out our available opportunities here.
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