The 2024 Beacon Award Winner is...

What a month! I traveled to two West Indies Island countries – Nevis and St. Kitts – and swam across a feisty and sometimes treacherous channel.

Back on land, I spent time with over 550 leaders, speaking at three events (two virtual; one in-person).

One of my most fulfilling moments will make your day, so keep reading.

It happened during our 8th CMOs Leading Innovation Conference (CLIC ’24). Our client, Pinki Mehta, hosted our Digital Innovation Day at Alliance Bernstein’s flagship Manhattan headquarters.

Here’s how the big moment unfolded…

Each year, we select a growth leader for our CLIC Beacon Award. We honor and recognize their commitment to promoting shared knowledge, inspiration, and experiences.

Each recipient  models the traits of a strategic leader: open, real, and respectful. In addition, their teams and stakeholders see them as present and purposeful.

We’re thrilled to announce Matt Blocher, VP of Marketing and Communications at CoStar Group is our 2024 recipient.

Here’s why Matt earned this prestigious award.

Over the past year, he and his team of 30+ marketers and digital savants navigated unprecedented change. They oversaw the integration of marketing messages, strategies and integrations required after multiple acquisitions. The annual run rate revenue for their acclaimed CoStar brand crossed $1B in Q12024.

Matt also actively participated in the Homes.com juggernaut marketing campaign and Super Bowl extravaganza--a billion-dollar market bet. A launch like this is never easy for an established firm that is expected to preserve capital and reward shareholders. Somehow, Matt and his team can live in both worlds—applying their marketing chops to a mixed portfolio of new and established brands.

Real estate industry peers took notice. After the Homes.com launch, Matt earned the Inman All-Stars Award.

Our coveted Beacon Award is about more than success. It’s also about significance—applying your gifts and your soul's purpose in order to make a dent in the universe. Here’s how Matt makes that difference…

Whether he’s leading team offsites or announcing team promotions, Matt consistently models his personal core values: Making an impact, being connected, collaboration, and accomplishment.

While many “swing from the fences” growth companies lose talent to burnout, Matt boosted team engagement scores to 89% in 2024. That almost doubled within 3 years-- some of the highest across CoStar.

Instead of posting selfies on Instagram and LinkedIn, he regularly recognizes team members.

Finally, Matt focuses on what fuels him. He makes self-care a priority. For example, he schedules fun family getaways where he gets to unplug and spend time with his two teenage children. He and his brother also lead a family foundation.

Matt makes every effort to be the best version of himself, making time for running and fitness. One of his favorite pit stops isn’t a local bar or restaurant. It’s early morning classes at Barry’s Bootcamp.

Amy Kellinger , our 2023 recipient, shared Matt's story with the cohort and presented the award. Here is his response…

“I am truly honored to be the recipient of this year’s Beacon Award.  While this award recognizes my commitment to promoting shared knowledge, leadership and inspiration, that is exactly what I have received from Lisa and my fellow members of this amazing organization over the past few years.”

I encourage you to follow Matt’s career journey on LinkedIn (here). While it’s easy to get seduced by negative news, I prefer to be lifted by leaders making a positive difference in this fast-paced, AI-powered world. He’s part of the rising tide that lifts all boats.

Shine on, Matt!

I’ll share more updates from our robust CLIC ’24 discussions in future posts. Our community continues to inspire me—and it will inspire you, too.

copyright 2024, Lisa Nirell. All rights reserved. [This article was 100% written by me, not generative AI.]

About me...

I've helped mindful market leaders such as AARP, Clutch.co, CoStar, Hilton, and Schneider Electric cultivate healthier companies and careers.

My clients benefit greatly from my highly prized executive network. I collaborate with several of the world’s top thought leaders and market disrupters who have created billions in new value.

Our private peer communities provide safe havens for idea sharing, accountability, and collaboration. The Marketing Growth Leaders™ and CMOs Leading Innovation Conferences (CLIC) cohorts are celebrating our 12th year.

I'm also a member of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches community.

My books include EnergizeGrowth NOW: The Marketing Guide to A Wealthy Company and The Mindful Marketer: How to Stay Present and Profitable in a Data-Driven World. Check out The Mindful Marketer livestream and podcast here.

Download our free 7-page OnRamp Career Reset guide and video course at themindfulmarketer.com.