The Roll-Up-My-Sleeves Leader: Driving Hig-Performance B2B Teams

In an exclusive conversation with Global Leaders Insights, Christina Vanecek, Vice President & Global Head of Marketing at Sagility, shares how she builds agile, high-performing teams driven by clarity, trust, and innovation. Known for her leadership style, Christina blends strategic vision with hands-on execution to foster collaboration and accountability. She believes the future of marketing leadership lies in orchestrating data, creativity, and AI-driven intelligence to deliver measurable growth. As automation reshapes the industry, Christina champions empowered, curiosity-led teams that experiment boldly, align deeply with business goals, and elevate both brand impact and customer connection in the digital-first era.

How do you demonstrate a “roll-up-my-sleeves” approach in leading marketing teams?

I’ve always believed leadership is a verb, not a title. Whether it’s stepping into the tech stack to troubleshoot issues, co-building campaign content with SMEs, or forging internal alignment across sales, product, and delivery — I get into the work with my team. I am building a best-in-class B2B marketing organization, but I also show that I’m willing to do what it takes to deliver outcomes. That creates a culture where collaboration and accountability move in the same direction.

Also Read: Upskilling Executives for the AI Era

What defines a high-performing B2B marketing team in your view, and how do you build it?

A high-performing team pairs strategic clarity with executional rigor. They are insight-driven, comfortable with experimentation, and skilled at translating complex offerings into compelling value. To build that team, I focus on three areas:
 • Talent: Hiring adaptable, curious marketers who understand the business they support
 • Systems: Providing the right infrastructure (data, automation, analytics) to move fast and accurately
 • Trust & transparency: Establishing shared goals and empowering people to execute in the best way possible
 The result is a marketing engine that not only builds brand relevance but measurably accelerates growth.

How do you empower teams to take ownership while staying aligned with business goals?

I focus on outcomes, not tasks. I’m explicit about the “why” and the business value we need to drive, then give teams space to co-create the “how.” Clear governance frameworks, quarterly priorities, and transparent performance dashboards ensure we remain aligned. Regular checkpoints reinforce progress without micromanagement — and when we win, we win together.

How do you balance being hands-on with giving teams autonomy to innovate effectively?

I step in with intention. If the team has what they need — data, clarity, decision authority — I’m in a coaching role. But when barriers arise or stakes are high, I’ll actively lead breakthrough efforts to regain momentum. I make it safe to test, learn, and pivot quickly — because innovation doesn’t happen under inspection; it happens under empowerment.

How will AI and automation reshape B2B marketing leadership in the next five years?

AI will enable marketers to shift from focusing a lot of their time on low-value administrative tasks to unlocking entirely new forms of intelligence and personalization. Leaders will shift from being content managers to orchestrators of data, experience, and trust. The most successful will:
 • Lean heavily into predictive activation and intent-based targeting
 • Build dynamic, insight-driven journeys customized to individual accounts (something we’re working on currently!)
 As automation scales efficiency, the role of leadership intensifies around strategy, creativity, and shaping the emotional connection between brands and the people they serve.

Also Read: The New Frontier of AI-Driven Commerce

What advice do you have for future leaders building agile, empowered marketing teams?

Invest just as much in culture as capability. Foster teams that are:
 • Adaptive to change
 • Fearlessly curious (and supported to try new things!)
 • Connected to sales and the business strategy
 • Accountable for outcomes, not just activity
 Build diverse viewpoints. Celebrate experimentation. Create an environment where smart ideas win — no matter the title attached. When people feel seen, trusted, and developed, they will move mountains.