11 Non-Fiction Summer Reads Featuring Leadership & Marketing Inspiration

What exciting plans do you have this summer? A trip to France, Australia, or somewhere closer to home? If you plan to catch up on your reading, add these 11 non-fiction books to your “to-be-read” pile – brief highlights appear in this post in no specific order. Without a doubt, they will provide food for thought whether you read them at home or on vacation!

LEADERSHIP LESSONS: IN LIFE AND THE BUSINESS OF SPORTS by Bill Shumard

I met Bill Shumard while in high school and served as an intern in the Community Services Department at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, when he served as Director. We re-connected 10 years ago (which was 30 years later!) when we were both working for Los Angeles nonprofits with aligned missions. If you’re a Dodgers fan, you’ll appreciate Bill’s “13-Year Doctoral Degree” detailed in his book that showcased the Dodgers as an enviable employer brand that understands the importance of positive employee experiences. 

My two favorite memories of working for Bill showcased his omniscient leadership: (1) when he assigned me the task of interviewing a famous Dodgers pitcher while sitting in the dugout during batting practice one summer afternoon, and (2) when he assigned me the task of accompanying two players to a “meet and greet” at a department store in Hollywood. During both assignments, Bill had confidence in my abilities and sent me on my way toward success. 

As he stated in his book, “Manage relationships in all directions – UP (your supervisor and senior leadership); ACROSS (with your colleagues and the customer); and DOWN (when you’re fortunate to manage other people). Your integrity, willingness to lead AND serve, and ability to be a good teammate will help you grow as a leader.” Bill’s teachings have served me well during my career.

SHARE THIS: Integrity, willingness to lead AND serve, and ability to be a good teammate will help you grow as a leader. ~Bill Shumard #LeadershipTip #DebbieLaskeysBlog

EMPLOYEE UNDERSTANDING: A THREE-PILLAR FRAMEWORK FOR DESIGNING A GREAT EXPERIENCE AND DRIVING BUSINESS SUCCESS by Annette Franz

Known as a customer experience expert, Annette Franz tackles the employee experience in this, her third book. As the book description says, “Companies invest heavily in understanding their customers – but what about their employees? When organizations fail to listen, engage, and support their workforce, they risk high turnover, low morale, and disengagement. But when they prioritize Employee Understanding, they unlock higher performance, stronger retention, and better customer experiences.”

My favorite part of the book addressed how employees, not leaders, can make a difference to fix a toxic culture. Since most people (leaders included) think culture can only be changed from the top down, this was an important mantra: “lead by example, open and honest communication, advocate for change, mentorship and support, encourage respect and inclusivity, seek training and development, promote work-life balance, self-care and resilience, support leadership initiatives, and if needed, look for a new job.”

SHARE THIS: Culture is how employees’ hearts and stomachs feel about Monday morning on Sunday night. ~Bill Marklein via @AnnetteFranz #EmployeeExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog

ATTACK FROM WITHIN: HOW DISINFORMATION IS SABOTAGING AMERICA by Barbara McQuade

According to the author’s website, “Disinformation is designed to evoke a strong emotional response to push us toward more extreme views, unable to find common ground with others. The false claims that led to the breathtaking attack on our Capitol in 2020 may have been only a dress rehearsal. Attack from Within shows us how to prevent it from happening again.”

When I asked Barbara here on my blog in September 2024 what three take-aways she hoped readers would have, she responded as follows: 

“First, I hope to raise awareness that certain tactics have been used throughout history to manipulate the public: blaming scapegoats, undermining critics, using fear, and more. Once we can recognize these tactics, we are less likely to be manipulated by them. 

Second, I hope that readers will see the real harms caused to American society by disinformation. Lies and misleading claims are eroding democracy, public safety, and the rule of law. For example, false claims of a stolen election have led to laws in many states making it more difficult to vote. I expect we will see false content generated by AI in the upcoming election. I worry that claims that prosecutors are "weaponizing" the criminal justice system will lead to a loss of confidence in the legitimacy of law enforcement and the courts, leading to vigilante violence, just as we saw on January 6th.

Third, I hope that readers will choose to put truth over tribe. Today, it seems that some people don't care about the facts. They care only about winning. But blind allegiance to a political party is not democracy. We need to encourage independent thinking over the idea that our political system is us-versus-them. As Americans, parties are rivals, but not enemies. We are all in this together.”

SHARE THIS: Too often, people think of leadership as rock star adulation. Instead, leadership means doing the quiet little things necessary to empower others. ~@BarbMcQuade #LeadershipTip #DebbieLaskeysBlog

48 DAYS TO THE WORK AND LIFE YOU LOVE – FIND IT OR CREATE IT by DAN MILLER

This book was recommended by Joseph Lalonde, who’s appeared on my blog four times and whose interesting interpretations of leadership have been at the core of two of my blog series. 

As the book began, the author asked, “Do you do your work only because of its paycheck? Do you long to leave for something more enjoyable? Have you tried another path only to return to what is more familiar? A job should not define who or what you are…Your calling is a much larger concept than what you do daily to create income. Work opportunities come and go. The direction of your life should remain constant.”

SHARE THIS: Playing it safe is like body surfing in two feet of water. You may not drown, but you’re also not deep enough to catch any waves.” ~Robert Kriegel via Dan Miller #DebbieLaskeysBlog

WHO IS GOVERNMENT – THE UNTOLD STORY OF PUBLIC SERVICE by MICHAEL LEWIS

If you’re a graduate of political science (like me) or simply a political observer (and let’s face it, during these crazy political times, who isn’t?), then this is the book for you! Since I don’t want to spoil the stories told in this book, instead, I’ll share the synopsis from the book flap, “The vivid profiles in this book blow up the stereotype of the irrelevant bureaucrat. They show how the essential business of government makes our lives possible, and how much it matters…The stories inside this book are unexpected, riveting, and inspiring, including a former coal miner devoted to making mine roofs less likely to collapse, saving thousands of lives; an IRS agent straight out of a crime thriller; and the manager who made the National Cemetery Administration  the best-run organization, public or private, in the entire country.” Now, doesn’t this sound like a book you want to read?

SHARE THIS: Writers write the words, but readers decide their meaning. ~Michael Lewis #writing #reading #inspiration #DebbieLaskeysBlog

WE THE MEN – HOW FORGETTING WOMEN’S STRUGGLES FOR EQUALITY PERPETUATES INEQUALITY by JILL ELAINE HASDAY

According to this book’s flap, this is the first book “to explore how forgetting women’s struggles for equality – and forgetting the work America still has to do – perpetuates injustice, promotes complacency, and denies how generations of women have had to come together to fight for reform against regression…The stories in this book highlight the persistence of women’s inequality and make clear that real progress has always required women to disrupt the status quo, demand change, and duel with determined opponents.”

As Hasday asked readers, did you know that a 2021 survey of federal courthouses found that, more than 165 were named after men, and only four were named after a woman? She elaborated, “Commemorations are not just decorative flourishes or scenery. They shape the vision of America that we carry around with us, which is why generations of women have fought to reconstruct the commemorative landscape and why they have faced such persistent resistance.” In addition, “a 2019 count found that a woman’s name was on less than twelve percent of the post offices honoring individuals – just 98 out of 823.” And lastly, “a 2017 survey found that only nine out of the 411 national park sites (2.2 percent) commemorated women’s history.”

Hasday also shared this disappointing fact, “Congress has never designated a public holiday to celebrate an important woman in American history or to recognize women’s struggles against sex discrimination.” By contrast, how many times have you had work holidays on Martin Luther King, Jr., Day and President’s Day?

In addition, another problem is the pay gap between men and women. In 2003, a woman earned 75.5 cents per each dollar a man earned. In 2023, the amount has barely increased and was 82.7 cents for each dollar a man earned.

And as Hasday wrote in her ending, “Pursuing justice for women has always required sustained mobilization against entrenched resistance…Feminists still have many battles to win as we work to transform a nation whose promises of empowering WE THE PEOPLE have too often been limited to WE THE MEN.”

SHARE THIS: Real progress has always required women to disrupt the status quo, demand change, and duel with determined opponents. ~Jill Elaine Hasday #WomensEquality #equalpayforequalwork #DebbieLaskeysBlog

AMERICAN WOMAN – THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE MODERN FIRST LADY FROM HILLARY CLINTON TO JILL BIDEN by KATIE ROGERS

As a lifelong bibliophile, I appreciated how author Katie Rogers described Jill Biden, the only First Lady who continued to work – as a community college teacher – while living in the White House, “Jill, a teacher, is always reading – and when she is not reading, she is often grading papers…despite her love of the beach, she is not a fan of beach reads, gravitating instead toward heftier works of fiction or volumes of poetry.”

And when Rogers asked Biden what prepared her for the sort of life she’s lived including as First Lady, Biden replied, “Because you have to. They want you to be strong. Because a lot of times they can’t…But if they can look at their First Lady as someone who is strong and can help them through a struggle, whether it’s depression, whether they’re suffering from an illness, whether their child has been shot at a school, you have to be strong.”

How many other First Ladies have this core belief?

SHARE THIS: Jill Biden, a teacher, is always reading. ~Katie Rogers #readingopensminds #JillBiden #DebbieLaskeysBlog

WHEN WOMEN LEAD – WHAT THEY ACHIEVE, WHY THEY SUCCEED, AND HOW WE CAN LEARN FROM THEM by JULIA BOORSTIN

Fellow blogger and leadership expert Eric Jacobson shared a review about this book earlier this year, and it intrigued me. 

Eric wrote, “Boorstin shares that whether you’re a woman looking to rise in your organization or taking on a new leadership position, or a male leader looking to empower women in your organization, this book is for you. It's essential to see the data about the financial benefit of having women in leadership roles – there are a range of studies that have found that having diversity in gender and race in the C-suite and in boards improves corporate performance, that female founders yield higher returns to investors, and that having diversity among investors improves their performance as well. Boorstin’s book will resonate with women and inspire them to unlock their strengths, but it may be even more important for men to read, to help them to succeed in this fast-changing business world. [Lastly,] it’s also important for men to understand the challenges women face around stereotypes. If men can see how much unconscious bias is holding women back, [hopefully] the more they’ll be able to unlock the opportunity by investing in women.”

SHARE THIS: If men can see how much unconscious bias is holding women back, the more they’ll be able to unlock the opportunity by investing in women. ~Julia Boorstin via @EricJacobsonKC #equalityforwomen #DebbieLaskeysBlog

YOU’RE THE BOSS – BECOME THE MANAGER YOU WANT TO BE (AND OTHERS NEED) by SABINA NAWAZ

As Nawaz states in her introduction, “Whether you’re a new manager or have been in the C-suite for years, this book is a guide to empower you with a wealth of tactics and strategies essential for thriving in every stage of your career. By unearthing and meeting all the unknown forces head-on, you will have the clarity and confidence at your disposal to show up in every interaction as a world-class boss.”

When Nawaz first arrived in the United States, she was confused by things that she had not experienced in her home country. Some examples included a water fountain at Boston’s airport and also wondering if a fire hydrant were actually a mailbox (it was not). She shared those instances of disorientation to demonstrate how difficult it can be as a new boss when propelled into a position of authority.

According to Nawaz, “The takeaway for you as a manager is that you can and should continue to be the best in your role – you just don’t have to be the ONLY best. You don’t have to outdo your team. Each team member has their own role. In an abundance mindset, there’s plenty of space in the talent pool to invite those who work for you to join you.”

SHARE THIS: In an abundance mindset, there’s plenty of space in the talent pool to invite those who work for you to join you. ~Sabina Nawaz #Manager #Leadership #DebbieLaskeysBlog

HOW BRANDS BECOME ICONS – THE PRINCIPLES OF CULTURAL BRANDING by DOUGLAS B. HOLT

Due to ever-changing technology and instant news coverage, it’s always a good idea for individuals (with personal brands) and corporate brands to take stock of their brand identities, brand messaging, brand strategies, brand storytelling, and brand experiences. This is a good book for such an exercise.

As the author explains, “The Oxford English Dictionary defines a cultural icon as “a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol, especially of a culture or a movement; a person or an institution considered worthy of admiration or respect. More generally, cultural icons are exemplary symbols that people accept as a shorthand to represent important ideas.”

He ended the book, “The greatest opportunity for brands today is to deliver not entertainment, but rather myths that their customers can use to manage the exigencies of a world that increasingly threatens their identities. To do so, companies would do well to follow the lead of the most successful brands of the last half-century rather than throw their marketing budgets at Hollywood. Brands become cultural icons by performing myths that address society’s most vexing contradictions.”

SHARE THIS: Brand managers must act as composers of a brand’s myth. ~Douglas B. Holt #iconicbrands #brand experience #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: Brands become cultural icons by performing myths that address society’s most vexing contradictions. ~Douglas B. Holt #iconicbrands #brand experience #DebbieLaskeysBlog

THE NEW OLD: CRAFTING YOUR BEST LATER LIFE by ERIKA ANDERSEN

I met Erika Andersen 15 years ago on Twitter/X, and since then, I’ve read all of her leadership books and gained a wealth of leadership and business secrets that lead to success. She’s appeared here on my blog in Q&A’s plus book reviews a total of 13 times! And one of her Forbes articles served as inspiration for my recent Spring Leadership Series of 2025, which featured 25 thought leaders.

Erika’s newest book “reimagines aging as the most liberating chapter yet.” In her 70’s, Erika (and her husband) moved to Spain, learned Spanish – and even read the Harry Potter series in Spanish! In this new book, she looks at aging and proposes ways to “craft your best later life.”

Erika wrote, “In my mid-60s, when I started thinking about eventually retiring from work, I began getting anxious about that idea. As soon as I noticed my anxiety, I made the effort to name my fear (step 1). And what I saw after some self-reflection was that I didn’t know who I would be if I wasn’t working many hours a week as “the founder and CEO of Proteus.” I had spent decades with that as a big and important (to me) part of my identity – and the idea of not having that was scary. I asked myself what was the worst thing that could happen to me in this situation (step 2), and I realized that it was the possibility of not having a clear sense of identity and not having impact or influence, that is, not making any positive difference in the world. I then thought about how I could make that outcome less likely, and I understood that I needed to clarify what I wanted my post-work identity to be (step 3).

I started by summarizing my curiosity about my later-life identity into a simple question. That question was, “How can I become what comes after the butterfly?” Here’s how I came to that: up to that point, I had been thinking of my life as being like the evolution of a caterpillar to a butterfly. I saw my childhood and youth as the caterpillar stage, and it seemed to me that the deeply self-reflective time I spent in a spiritual community in my twenties was “being in the cocoon.” I saw being the mother of my children and founder and CEO of my company as my butterfly stage. However, unlike an actual butterfly, I was now seeing that stage wasn’t the end for me: I had to discover and build my next stage of evolution.”

So, as Erika asks, "What comes after the butterfly stage in your life?" A very good question for all of us to consider – when we still have the ability to take action.

SHARE THIS: Being the boss of your life is a powerful antidote to society’s limiting and limited expectations of old people. ~@erikaandersen #TheNewOld #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Lastly, if you’d like some recommendations for recently-published works of fiction, check out the following by some of my favorite fiction authors:

THE STOLEN LIFE OF COLLETTE MARCEAU by KRISTIN HARMEL

DON’T OPEN YOUR EYES by LIV CONSTANTINE

KING OF ASHES by S.A. COSBY

DON’T LET HIM IN by LISA JEWELL

VERA WONG’S GUIDE TO SNOOPING (ON A DEAD MAN) by JESSE Q. SUTANTO

Have a great summer – and HAPPY READING!

Image Credit: Debbie Laskey’s Library.

Read Eric Jacobson’s review of WHEN WOMEN LEAD:

https://ericjacobsononmanagement.blogspot.com/2024/12/when-women-lead.html

When it comes to customer experiences, one brand always saves the day!

Today is an important date in the world of e-commerce because on this date in 1994, Jeff Bezos launched Amazon. Initially created as an online bookseller, it has evolved into an online marketplace where almost anything can be found and purchased, sometimes earning the nickname "the disrupter of industries" according Entrepreneur magazine and, in the process over the years, also earning the nickname "The Everything Store" by The New York Times. This post serves as a birthday greeting to Amazon!

According to Wikipedia, "The company, originally named Cadabra, was founded in the converted garage of Bezos' house and was renamed to Amazon in November 1994. Bezos chose the Seattle area for its abundance of technical talent from Microsoft and the University of Washington, as well as its smaller population for sales tax purposes and the proximity to a major book distribution warehouse in Roseburg, Oregon. The Amazon website launched for public sales on July 16, 1995, and initially sourced its books directly from wholesalers and publishers. Amazon went public in May 1997. It began selling music and videos in 1998, and began international operations by acquiring online sellers of books in the United Kingdom and Germany. In 1999, it initiated the sale of a diverse range of products, including music, video games, consumer electronics, home improvement items, software, games, and toys."

Recently, I received an email from a well-known jewelry brand, a brand that has become even more widely known due to its latest brand spokesperson, Ariana Grande, who has become a mega-star due to the international success of WICKED, THE MOVIE (parts one and two). In the email, there were several nice jewelry items with links to the products on the brand's website. I visited the website to take a look and then decided to visit a local store to try several items on in person. 

Once I arrived at the local store, I saw two salespeople and two other customers - so the store was definitely not busy. Once one customer left, I asked the available salesperson for assistance because she did not approach me - and she did not welcome me to the store either. I showed her the items I was interested in trying on, and she checked inventory on her handheld device. She told me that there were no bracelets or necklaces in stock at her store. Note, I had checked the website prior to my in-store visit and learned that the store had the items in stock. While shaking my head, I asked to see some other items and showed the salesperson the email I had received, and again, she said the items were not in stock at her store. I thanked her and left.

What did I do upon returning home and booting up my computer? If you guessed "logged into Amazon," you'd be correct. I immediately logged into my Amazon account and searched for the desired item, the Gema Bracelet Mixed cuts, Multicolored, Rhodium plated from Swarovski - surprisingly at a lower price than from the store - and purchased it. I also learned that there were other items in the Gema Crystal Collection that had not been advertised by the brand, either in-store on online. 

As a result of this purchase from Amazon and not from Swarovski, I started to think about how completely different the two customer experience journeys were. According to customer experience expert and author Annette Franz, "A journey map is a visual story-capturing/storytelling exercise during which you paint the picture of the customer experience for a specific interaction by walking in the customers' shoes to capture their steps, needs, and perceptions of the interaction. Journey mapping is a creative process that allows you to understand – and then redesign – the customer experience. The output is not just a "pretty picture" once the map is developed, it is meant to be a catalyst for change."

Therefore, if this famous jewelry brand wishes to keep customers so that they purchase directly from them rather than sending customers elsewhere, it would behoove them to improve their customer journey mapping process.

To quote Zen Yinger, who shared her thoughts about Amazon on my blog during my Spring Leadership Series last year: "What sets Amazon apart is not just the convenience it offers, but the unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction...In essence, Amazon isn't just a company; it's a symbol of customer-centric leadership, innovation, inclusivity, adaptability, and responsibility. It represents the evolution of an industry leader that not only meets - but anticipates - the needs of a dynamic and interconnected world."

And lastly, let's return to a quote from Annette Franz that appeared here on my blog in 2016, "You need to ensure that you deliver a great experience at all stages of the customer lifecycle." Seems like there are a lot of take-away lessons for Swarovski from my recent experience, because according to Bill Gates, "Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning."

SHARE THIS: We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It's our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better. ~Jeff Bezos #CustomerExperience #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credits: Swarovski and Amazon.

Check out Annette's newest book, Employee Understanding:

https://cx-journey.com/employee-understanding

Read SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Zen Yinger (June 2024):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/06/spring-leadership-series-featuring-zen.html

Read An Amazing Amazon Experience – But It Didn't Start That Way (January 2018):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2018/01/an-amazing-amazon-experience-but-it.html

Read Customer Service Is Not Something to Drive Around (June 2016):

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2016/06/customer-service-is-not-something-to.html 

How will your brand recognize the Fourth of July?

Since today's date is July Fourth or the Fourth of July, it's celebrated as Independence Day in the United States. For those of us in the marketing arena, we are tuned in to brands who stand out based on how they celebrate.

Do the following brands stand out because they feature the word "American" in their names? American Airlines, American Broadcasting Company (ABC), American Eagle Outfitters, American Express, American Fireworks, American Freight, American Greetings Corporation, and Bank of America.

These brands may align their logo, email messaging, social media posts, and advertising with the red, white, and blue colors of the American flag. They may also include some form of "independence" wording or theme in their tagline or logo.

A long-time favorite brand is Sherwin-Williams, because it used one of its color swatches to match one of the colors on the American flag in a social media post years ago.

Another favorite brand is Canine Companions, a nonprofit formerly known as Canine Companions for Independence and currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, because it featured a group of puppies with celebratory hats in a social media post years ago.

And a final memorable brand is Krispy Kreme, who, last year, introduced its "Star Spangled Sweetness Collection" doughnuts: the Freedom Flag Doughnut, the Cotton Candy Sparkler Doughnut, the Firework Cookies and Kreme Filled Doughnut, and the Chocolate Iced with Patriotic Sprinkles Doughnut. In addition, according to the brand's website, "We’re sweetening your Independence Day this year with a FREE Original Glazed doughnut when you visit our shop wearing red, white, and blue. Valid July 4th only at all participating shops in shop and drive thru, limit one per person. Not available online."

However, remember, the buzz of the moment should NEVER overshadow your core brand promise, brand story, and mission.

So, which brand will be the winner as this year's stand-out brand on Independence Day?

SHARE THIS: Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on. ~Thurgood Marshall #July4th #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: The essence of America, that which really unites us, is not ethnicity or nationality or religion. It is an idea, and what an idea it is — that you can come from humble circumstances and do great things. ~Condoleezza Rice #July4th #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. ~John F. Kennedy #July4th #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: With freedom comes responsibility. ~Eleanor Roosevelt #July4th #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credits: Sherwin-Williams and Canine Companions.

Check out these interesting facts about the Fourth of July:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/g22022801/4th-of-july-trivia/

Best Social Media Post of the Month for June 2025

How many social media posts do you recall? Do some go viral because they are for charity, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Or do some go viral because they happened at the right moment in time, like the Oreo tweet when the lights went out at the 2013 Super Bowl? Or do some go viral and become memorable simply because they're funny?

In a new monthly series on my blog - appearing during the first week of each month - I am sharing the best social media post of the preceding month. The choice may appear on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.

According to Google, "The best social media post of the month is typically one that effectively combines high engagement with relevance to current events, holidays, or trending topics, while also aligning with your brand identity and authentically connecting with your audience; this could include a thought-provoking question, a relatable story, a visually appealing image, a timely meme, or a behind-the-scenes look, depending on your platform and target demographic."

Without further ado, the post that earns my recognition as the best social media post of the month from June 2025 was shared on Twitter/X on June 4th, 2025, by the Broadway musical (and traveling musical) sensation CATS!

June 4th was HUG YOUR CAT DAY, so this was an especially timely post that featured two actors from the show dressed as cats in a warm embrace. For fans of the musical and for cat fans around the world, this was a memorable and purrfect post to commemorate the day.

Brands that can align their products or services with an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable. And CATS THE MUSICAL definitely succeeded in my book!

What brand do you think will stand out during July, and why?

SHARE THIS: Did your brand recognize #HugYourCatDay with a purrfect post? @CatsMusical did! Meow! #DebbieLaskeysBlog #BrandStorytelling #BrandExperience

Image Credit: CATS THE MUSICAL via Twitter/X.

Marketing News of the Month of June: Product Packaging, Promotions, and More

During the past month, there were news stories that reflected brand identity, brand positioning, brand storytelling, co-branding, logo designs, personal branding, product packaging, product pricing, sponsorships, and more.

EVOLUTION OF THE WORD "PRIDE" AND THE RAINBOW FLAG

During June, we celebrated "Pride Month." Have you ever wondered about the evolution of the word "pride" as well as the origin of the rainbow flag?  

According to History.com, "More than three decades before June's annual celebration became official, the concept of "gay pride" had already emerged within the LGBTQ+ community. As early as 1966, a group had adopted the acronym P.R.I.D.E., which stood for "Personal Rights In Defense and Education." The terms "gay pride" and "gay power" were also influenced by the civil rights movement's language of "Black pride" and "Black power." 

According to Britannica, "It goes back to 1978, when the artist Gilbert Baker, an openly gay man and a drag queen, designed the first rainbow flag. Baker later revealed that he was urged by Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the U.S., to create a symbol of pride for the gay community. Baker decided to make that symbol a flag because he saw flags as the most powerful symbol of pride.

Baker saw the rainbow as a natural flag from the sky, so he adopted eight colors for the stripes, each color with its own meaning (hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit). The first versions of the rainbow flag were flown on June 25, 1978, for the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day parade. Baker and a team of volunteers had made them by hand. Then he wanted to mass-produce the flag for consumption by all. However, because of production issues, the pink and turquoise stripes were removed and indigo was replaced by basic blue, which resulted in the contemporary six-striped flag (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet). Today this is the most common variant of the rainbow flag, with the red stripe on top, as in a natural rainbow. The various colors came to reflect both the immense diversity and the unity of the LGBTQ community.

It was not until 1994 that the rainbow flag was truly established as the symbol for LGBTQ pride. That year Baker made a mile-long version for the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Now the rainbow flag is an international symbol for LGBTQ pride and can be seen flying proudly, during both the promising times and the difficult ones, all around the world."

While some brands changed their brands to reflect the rainbow colors this past June, many did not.

According to Newsweek, "In a notable shift from recent years, a number of blue-chip corporations and sports organizations are quietly scaling back their public-facing support for LGBTQ+ Pride Month in 2025. About 39 percent of corporate executives say their companies are reducing public Pride efforts this year, according to a recent survey from Gravity Research. That includes less frequent use of rainbow-themed logos, fewer social media posts, and scaled-back sponsorships of Pride events. The change comes as brands grapple with political pressure and the fallout from past controversies, including 2023's high-profile backlash against Bud Light and Target for LGBTQ-inclusive campaigns. This pivot coincides with the Trump administration's scrutiny over both federal and private sector DEI programs.

The muted corporate response this year marks a break from recent traditions. BMW updated its logo across its global social media footprint in June 2024 but did not this year. Cisco, the Silicon Valley tech giant, also skipped updating its logo this year after incorporating the rainbow flag into its logo in 2024. Only four NFL teams changed their logos this year to mark Pride month: the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Chargers. Bank of America is also among the brands that abandoned its Pride marketing and dropped its hashtag #BofAPride for the second consecutive year.

The decision reflects a broader cultural and political shift, with many executives citing the Trump administration's hostile stance toward diversity programs and transgender rights as a core reason for retreating. In January, shortly after Trump's return to the White House, the State Department enacted a "one flag policy," banning U.S. embassies and overseas missions from flying pride or Black Lives Matter flags."

DAVE & BUSTERS AND MATTEL'S HOT WHEELS

Dave & Busters has launched a summer collaboration that targets both kids and nostalgia-loving adults. According to MediaPost, "The restaurant entertainment center chain has joined with toy giant Mattel on an exclusive in-restaurant game based on the classic Hot Wheels cars. The "Hot Wheels Victory Lap" game launched on June 2nd and is only available to play at Dave & Busters. The new in-restaurant video game seats players "behind the wheel of their favorite car" as they race on a virtual track." And the chain also added several Hot Wheels-themed items to its summer menu. There are 174 Dave & Buster's locations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.

GENESIS AND THE PGA

According to MediaPost, "Genesis and the PGA Tour have signed a multi-year partnership. Hyundai Motor Corporation's luxury brand is the first global official vehicle of the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions through 2030. According to Jose Munoz, president and CEO of Genesis, "Together, we are committed to delivering excellence — whether through enhancing the experience for players, caddies, and fans, or supporting meaningful initiatives like California Rises."

According to PGA Tour in February 2025, "Inspired by the strength and hope of the Greater Los Angeles community, Genesis' charitable initiative, California Rises, will aid in the rebuilding efforts as a result of the California wildfires that devastated the region in January. California Rises will raise funds for the American Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, California Fire Foundation, and the Genesis Inspiration Foundation. These organizations have already made significant impacts in the wildfire response and will continue to play an important role in the ongoing recovery efforts."

MLB PARTNERS WITH ATHLETES UNLIMITED SOFTBALL LEAGUE (AUSL)

According to a statement by Major League Baseball, "In a first-of-its-kind partnership with a women's professional sports league, MLB announced a strategic investment in the AUSL to help the fledgling softball circuit become an established, sustainable entity. The investment, which is part of MLB's ongoing commitment to supporting the growth of softball at all levels, will include joint sales and marketing efforts, extensive promotional support, and broadcasts on MLB Network and MLB.com to raise the visibility of the AUSL and its athletes. With women’s sports, and softball specifically, experiencing an explosive rise in popularity, the AUSL is a new avenue for the world's best softball players to compete professionally. The league's commissioner is Kim Ng, who previously served as senior vice president of baseball operations for MLB and the first female general manager of a major American men's professional sports team while with the Miami Marlins from 2020-2023."

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said, "MLB's investment in the AUSL represents an opportunity to support softball's long-term growth and expand our engagement with these outstanding athletes and their fans. As a part of our broader commitment to growing softball and creating more opportunities for women and girls in sports, this agreement reflects our confidence in Kim Ng’s leadership, the AUSL vision, and the incredible talent of its athletes."

UNITED AIRLINES AND JETBLUE FORM BLUE SKY

According to United Airlines' website, "JetBlue and United Airlines have announced Blue Sky: a new and unique collaboration that gives customers of both airlines even more options to find flights that fit their plans as well as new opportunities to earn and use MileagePlus miles and TrueBlue points across both airlines." 

Blue Sky includes the following components, with some starting as early as fall 2025 - subject to regulatory review:

(1) United's MileagePlus customers can earn and use miles on most JetBlue flights. JetBlue's TrueBlue members can earn and use points for flights on United's extensive domestic and international network.

(2) Each airline will offer flights on one another's website and app to make booking across the two airlines' complementary networks simple and easy. Blue Sky includes an interline agreement, not a codeshare, meaning each airline will continue to publish and market flights independently under its own brand and flight numbers.

(3) The benefits of each airline's loyalty program - priority boarding, complimentary access to preferred and extra legroom seats, and same-day standby/switch - will be available when customers travel on the other airline's aircrafts.

(4) As part of the airlines' agreement, JetBlue will provide United access to slots at JFK International Airport (NYC) for up to seven daily round-trip flights out of JFK Terminal 6 to begin as early as 2027. And, as part of a net-neutral exchange, JetBlue and United will exchange eight flight timings at Newark.

(5) United will move its website and mobile app's ability to sell hotels, rental cars, cruises, and travel insurance, on both a stand-alone and package basis, to new technology and services provided by JetBlue's Paisly platform.

Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue, said, "This collaboration with United is a bold step forward for the industry — one that brings together two customer-focused airlines to deliver more choices for travelers and value across our networks. United's global reach perfectly complements JetBlue's East Coast leisure network, and significantly expands the options and benefits for TrueBlue members, no matter where in the world they are traveling. This is a clear win for our customers and crewmembers, and supports our JetForward strategy."

Scott Kirby, CEO of United, said, "Blue Sky reflects our airlines' shared focus on innovation and the customer experience. The JetBlue brand is tied to a great product, and under Joanna's leadership, the airline continues to deliver for customers. We're always looking for ways to give our MileagePlus members even more value and benefits, and this collaboration gives them new, unique ways to use their hard-earned miles and find options that fit their schedules. Plus, our employees are really excited about United's return to JFK for the longer-term and we're all looking forward to starting up flights very soon."

How will this collaboration impact United's and JetBlue's brands? And how many leaders do you know who emphasize the customer experience?

TACO BELL BEVERAGE NEWS

According to Restaurant Business, "Taco Bell is expanding the test of its beverage-focused, in-store concept Live Mas Cafe to another 30 locations in California and Texas by this fall. But the Mexican fast-food chain isn't waiting that long to give customers at its restaurants more drink options. The Irvine, California-based chain is introducing a line of six Refrescas to its restaurants nationwide. The beverages will be priced from $3.79 to $4.49. Both moves are key in the company's plans to make beverages a far bigger part of its overall business. Taco Bell wants to generate $5 billion in sales through beverages every year by 2030, a number that, on its own, would be a Top 20 U.S. restaurant chain and one of the biggest drink providers in the country."

NO MORE KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS AT MCDONALD'S

According to The Street, "In 2022, fast-food giants McDonald's and Krispy Kreme joined forces to test a unique collaboration. It began with nine McDonald's restaurants in Louisville, KY, and the surrounding area, selling three popular Krispy Kreme Doughnuts: the Original Glazed Doughnut, Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles Doughnut, and the Raspberry Filled Doughnut. 

In a 2022 press release, McDonald's said that this "small-scale test" will help it "understand how offering new bakery items like Krispy Kreme could impact operations" in its restaurants. The test later rolled out to 160 McDonald's restaurants in Kentucky. By March 2024, McDonald's and Krispy Kreme announced that they were further expanding their partnership after "consumer excitement and demand exceeded expectations." They said Krispy Kreme doughnuts would be available nationwide at participating McDonald's restaurants by the end of 2026. The doughnuts could be purchased individually or in boxes of six, starting at breakfast and lasting throughout the day. 

However, this match made in heaven took an unexpected turn: McDonald's and Krispy Kreme both revealed that their partnership will officially end on July 2nd. The surprise decision came after Krispy Kreme revealed in its first-quarter earnings report for 2025 that it faced a net loss of $33.4 million during the quarter. The end of the Krispy Kreme and McDonald's partnership also comes during a time when McDonald's is struggling with weak consumer demand after facing controversy over its menu prices and a temporary E. coli outbreak in a few of its restaurants last year."

DEATH OF LORETTA SWIT

American actress Loretta Swit died at age 87 on May 30th. According to The Guardian, "Swit achieved worldwide fame as Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan, head nurse with a mobile army hospital during the Korean War in the TV sitcom M*A*S*H. She appeared in all 11 years of the show from 1972 to 1983 – longer than the conflict that inspired it. The two-and-a-half-hour M*A*S*H finale aired on February 28th, 1983, and was the most-watched episode of any scripted TV series ever due to its more than 100 million viewers.

Misogyny ran throughout the big-screen version of M*A*S*H in a way that was not present in the 1968 novel by Richard Hooker on which it was based. In the TV version, Major Houlihan, a strict disciplinarian, was the butt of sexist jokes from the surgeons and other men in the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit. Swit, who had the only leading female role in the show, took a stand before the fifth series began. She was then allowed to contribute to her character’s development, making Houlihan more three-dimensional, warm, and brave. 

Swit said, "I am a feminist, from the top of my head to the bottom of my toenail, and I favor playing strong women." From then on, Swit's character was referred to mainly by her real name rather than as "Hot Lips" and a more human side emerged when Houlihan broke down in front of her nurses, confessing she was hurt by the disdain they held for her because of her stern manner. Swit's performance won her two Emmy awards as outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series, in 1980 and 1982."

According to ABC7, "Every time I had a chance to write for her character, we'd get away from the Hot Lips angle and find out more about who Margaret was. She became more of a real person," Alan Alda told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018. The series ended on a happy note for Houlihan, who spends much of the finale debating whether she wants to head to Tokyo or Belgium for her next overseas post. Ultimately she opts to return to America and work at a hospital, citing her father - a career Army man. Swit didn't personally agree that was the correct decision for a military-minded official: "I didn't think that was correct for my Margaret. I think her next move was Vietnam...I still get letters from women all over the world who became nurses because of Margaret Houlihan. To have contributed to someone's life like that is remarkable," she told Yahoo Entertainment."

Swit never had another starring vehicle. She has been quoted as saying, "Actors are always identified with certain parts. To some, Marlon Brando will always be the Godfather. That's just how it is."

Interesting fact: According to The New York Times, Swit's Off-Broadway debut was in Henrik Ibsen's play, "An Enemy of the People" in 1961 - my favorite all-time play!

DEATH OF BRIAN WILSON

Brian Wilson, co-founder of singing group The Beach Boys, died on June 11th. He was the eldest and last surviving of three musical brothers: Brian played bass, Carl lead guitar, and Dennis drums. The Beach Boys rose in the 1960's from local California band to national hitmakers to international ambassadors of surf and sun. Even Beatles' superstar Paul McCartney drew inspiration from Brian Wilson.

DEATH OF FRED SMITH

Frederick Wallace Smith, the founder, executive chairman, and long-time chairman and CEO of FedEx Corporation, died on June 21 in Memphis, Tennessee, at age 80. According to the FedEx website, "Born on August 11, 1944, in Marks, Mississippi and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Smith was a born entrepreneur. In 1962, he entered Yale College to pursue a degree in economics. While at Yale, the young Smith worked as a charter pilot. It was at Yale where he conceived the idea for an integrated air-to-ground system that would ensure overnight delivery, a concept that would eventually become Federal Express. After graduating from Yale in 1966, he served four years in the United States Marine Corps (USMC), which included two tours of duty in Vietnam where he served as a rifle platoon leader, a company commander, and aerial observer/tactical air controller in the OV-10A. He was decorated with the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts for his military service. He left the Marine Corps in 1970 as a Captain, and would often joke that he received his business degree from the USMC.

Smith launched Federal Express in 1973 with a fleet of 14 Dassault Falcon jets and a vision to transform the shipping industry. Under his leadership as its President and CEO, FedEx grew from a small startup into a multinational corporation that redefined global commerce. Today, FedEx is the world's largest express transportation company and is consistently recognized as one of the world's most admired companies. The company employs more than 500,000 team members globally, connects more than 220 countries and territories, and moves nearly $2 trillion in goods annually and more than 17 million shipments per day. Smith's pioneering approach not only created an industry leader but also set new standards for customer focus with the renowned Purple Promise, a globally consistent People-Service-Profit culture, and a brand trusted by shippers and recipients around the world."

DEATH OF TERRY LOUISE FISHER

Former LA prosecutor and creator of iconic legal TV shows, Terry Louise Fisher died on June 10th. According to Museum.TV, "Terry Louise Fisher began her career not in television but as a lawyer in the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office. She later sidestepped into a specialty in entertainment law and in 1982 wrote for and produced the Emmy Award-winning series Cagney and Lacey...But she is best known for her work as co-creator (with Steven Bochco) and supervising producer of L.A. Law from 1986 to 1988. L.A. Law, which ended its run in 1994, was considered the quintessential example of 1980's "appointment television," perfectly capturing the greed, glitz, and power-seeking of the decade, and capturing in the process of its narratives an audience intrigued by those very elements. The power struggles among the show's law partners were echoed in Fisher's 1987 legal battle with Bochco, when a negotiation for Fisher to take over from Bochco as executive producer failed and he banned her from the set. Since then, Fisher published two novels, produced other series and several made-for-television movies, and in the mid-l990's she co-wrote Cagney and Lacey: The Return (1994) and Cagney and Lacey: Together Again (1995)."

DEATH OF ANNE BURRELL

Food Network star Anne Burrell died on June 17th at age 55. She was born in a small town near Syracuse, New York, and discovered her passion for food early - inspired by her mother's cooking and Julia Child. She attended the Culinary Institute of America, trained in Italy, and eventually became a Food Network TV star. Her signature spiky hair and bold personality made viewers of all ages smile and laugh - and want to cook alongside her.

DEATH OF MORTIMER MATZ

Mortimer Matz died at age 100 in New York City on June 26. He was recognized as the co-creator of the annual Nathan's hot dog eating contest that began in the early 1970's in New York City. However, he claimed that it was a Coney Island tradition dating back to 1916. In 1975, while publicizing the fledgling New York City Marathon held in Central Park at the time, he suggested that the race be expanded to all five boroughs. In 1976, to celebrate the nation's bicentennial celebration, it was. Matz has been referred to as "a public relations impressario and trendsetter for providing a raincoat to arrested clients to hide their handcuffs when paraded on a perp walk for the benefit of news reporters," according to The New York Times.

HAWAII'S CLIMATE CHANGE TOURIST TAX

Hawaii became the first U.S. state to establish a climate impact fee. This fee will represent an additional tax on tourists to fund climate change resiliency projects and environmental stewardship within the islands. The country's inaugural "Green Fee" will raise Hawaii's current transient accommodations tax (TAT) by 0.75 percent for a total of 11 percent placed upon the nightly lodging rate. The fee will apply to travelers staying in hotels, short-term vacation rentals, and for the first time ever, cruise ships. For a nightly hotel rate of $300, that would be an extra $2.25 each night. This new tourist tax will go into effect on January 1st, 2026.

STARBUCKS' LOYALTY PROGRAM 

According to Delish, "Beginning June 24, the Seattle-based coffee giant nixed its 25-star bonus for customers who bring their reusable cup. According to a Starbucks spokesperson, you'll earn double stars on your order instead. It will likely just result in fewer points overall. Implemented in 2022, the initial 25-star bonus plan was available for all loyalty members. With it, you could earn enough to hit the 100-point redemption level by bringing a personal cup just four times to snag a qualifying coffee, tea, or snack for free. For the uninitiated: You typically earn stars/points by making purchases at Starbucks — usually one star per dollar spent, but sometimes, with bonus multipliers for special promotions or payment methods. Instead of 25-star bonus per visit with a reusable cup, you'll NOW only earn double stars on your purchase."

One fan showed his outrage on social media, "I thought we wanted to ENCOURAGE people to bring in reusable cups, not contribute to the plastic waste epidemic with single use cups. Hey Starbucks, did you forget the mission statement?"

TRUMP'S "TACO" TRADE BRANDING

According to The Hill, "President Trump has fielded questions from the Oval Office in recent weeks about Elon Musk’s drug use, sensitive matters of diplomacy, and the ethics of accepting a Qatari jet as a gift to be used as Air Force One. While he's chafed at some of those questions, few set him off like the one he received about the concept of the Wall Street TACO trade, an acronym that stands for "Trump Always Chickens Out." The TACO trend has struck a particular nerve with the president, who built his brand on his business acumen and presents himself as a master dealmaker.

The TACO acronym has caught on in political circles in recent weeks, though the term was coined by a Financial Times columnist. The acronym is a reference to traders on Wall Street becoming less reactive to Trump's tariff announcements based on the pattern that he will ultimately pull them back or kick them down the road. The president initially threatened tariffs on Mexico and Canada in early February but ultimately delayed imposing them. Trump imposed sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs on dozens of nations on April 2nd but announced one week later that there would be a 90-day reprieve where the tariffs were lowered to 10 percent."

APPLE'S RE-NUMBERING ITS OPERATING SYSTEMS

Announced in early June at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference, Apple is changing the way the company names its software updates. According to CNET, "This is an approach that may seem familiar to anyone who's familiar with Windows 95 or a 1957 Chevy. Apple is rebranding its operating systems by using the last two digits of the upcoming year. So the current iOS 18 will be replaced by iOS 26, not iOS 19, when it arrives in the fall of 2025. That is, the new numbering system reflects the last two digits of 2026, rather than the current year of 2025, similar to how new automobile models are introduced. Samsung and Microsoft have both used year-based naming systems. The change should make it simpler for users to keep track of what operating system is the most up-to-date."

And if you were wondering, the current iPhone model is iPhone 16, which came out in September 2024. As CNET reported, "The iPhone 17 lineup is expected to be announced in September, but there's no word on it being renamed to iPhone 26 rather than iPhone 17."

SALE OF LOS ANGELES LAKERS

For a sports team long associated with celebrities, winning, and the term "Show Time," it's apparently time for a new era. As reported by ABC7Los Angeles, "The Buss family's decision to sell a controlling stake in the Lakers at an eye-popping franchise valuation of $10 billion marks the end of nearly a half-century when one of the most valuable properties in the sports world was run by an eccentric father and his sometimes squabbling children...The Lakers and the Buss clan have been inextricable since 1979 - the longest active ownership tenure in the NBA - but Mark Walter's stunning sports coup Wednesday, June 18th, effectively ends this improbable era.

Mark Walter, who heads a group that already bought 27 percent of the Lakers in 2021, has a sterling reputation in Southern California for his group's stewardship of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The iconic baseball team has become a perpetual World Series contender with bold, aggressive financial moves grounded in smart organizational planning ever since Walter's firm, Guggenheim Partners, paid $2 billion to wrest the Dodgers from the reviled Frank McCourt in 2012.

Magic Johnson, a former LA Laker and partial owner of the LA Dodgers, said, "Mark Walter is the best choice and will be the best caretaker of the Laker brand. The proof is in the pudding on what he's been able to accomplish with the LA Dodgers. Mark has been nothing short of a winner notching 2 World Series and 11 NL West divisional titles in the last 12 years!"

Dave Roberts, LA Dodgers Manager, said, "He's really committed to the city of Los Angeles in various ways, and sports is something that he's very passionate about, and certainly Los Angeles sports. Speaking (as) a Dodger employee, he's very competitive and he's going to do everything he can to produce a championship-caliber team every single year and make sure the city feels proud about the Lakers and the legacy that they've already built with the Buss family."

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH AND L.L. BEAN

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, outdoor retailer L.L.Bean went "off the grid" for the second consecutive year, pausing all social media channels to prioritize time outside and encourage followers to join them. Beginning May 1st and ending May 31st, the company wiped its social media profiles clean, leaving behind expert-informed resources, tips, and tools to support people in getting outside for their own mental well-being.

The brand's social media messaging read, "Off the grid. See you June 1st" and featured a photo of a mountain, tent, and hiker.

Shawn Gorman, L.L.Bean Executive Chairman, said, "My great-grandfather, Leon Leonwood Bean, believed that nature is the most powerful antidote to the stresses of life, a conviction confirmed by modern research. Our priority at L.L.Bean is to support our customers on their outdoor journeys, outfitting them in quality gear and creating greater accessibility to outdoor activities. We're honored to partner with Mental Health America and Strava to encourage as many people as possible to experience the restorative power of time spent outside."

POPE LEO AND AI

According to CNET, "Pope Leo XIV, who took over leadership of the Catholic Church in May, is revealing one area that he'll be focusing on: Artificial Intelligence. The Pope has called for tech companies to develop a "superior ethical criterion" against which AI should be evaluated. This message was delivered to tech leaders from Google, Meta, OpenAI, and IBM, who attended the second annual conference on AI and its ethics in Rome.

The framework the Pope is asking for would ensure that AI takes "into account the well-being of the human person not only materially, but also intellectually and spiritually." In his June 20th message, the Pope also pointed to AI's unprecedented and rapid access to information as potentially impacting children's development the most. 

The Vatican doesn't have any regulatory power but that hasn't stopped it from being vocal about the ethics of AI. In 2020, the Vatican created the Rome Call for AI Ethics, a document about the ethical considerations of AI algorithms. IBM, Microsoft, and Qualcomm signed on, agreeing to abide by the principles. The Pope's firm stance on AI is similar to that of his predecessor, the late Pope Francis, who urged that AI be used only to benefit humanity."

ARMY'S SALUTE TO WALT DISNEY

According to ABC7NY, "Rocky the Bulldog, the proud mascot of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division, is celebrating a milestone birthday today on June 13th. It's been approximately 60 years since Walt Disney first received a letter from the 3rd Infantry Division's commanding general asking if he would create a mascot for his so-called "Dogface Soldiers." 

Brigadier General Stephen Capehart, deputy commanding general of support, explained, "The idea came for a bulldog mascot from World War II. Two soldiers talking about what is probably the best animal to represent the 3rd Infantry Division. And Rocky became our mascot." 

Retired U.S. Navy Captain Cappy Surette, now a Senior Manager for Disney Experiences Public Affairs, adds, "Walt had one of his animators named Dale King, who worked for Disney legend Bob Moore, create Rocky the Bulldog." Ever since, Rocky has remained an iconic and beloved symbol of strength, toughness, and pride for the division.

To commemorate this year's milestone, the division welcomed a real-life four-legged Rocky to Fort Stewart, Georgia: a 2-year-old rescue bulldog who also happens to have been born on the 4th of July. Brigadier General Capehart explained, "The American Kennel Club donated Rocky to us because they realized we did not have a live mascot, and that's how Rocky joined the division."

When asked to describe Rocky in three words, Sgt. Anthony Herrera said, "Steals the show. It doesn't matter how good you are or how well you're doing at your job, once Rocky shows up all eyes go to him, and he's the center of attention. And he's what everybody's there for. When Rocky shows up to a formation, you automatically see the smiles. You already feel this connection with the history of our division."

JUNE 14TH SPLIT SCREEN

NPR reported the events of June 14th as a "split-screen moment" in America by highlighting the contrast between two events: A military parade in Washington D.C., celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Army (which also fell on President Trump's 79th birthday) set against "No Kings" protests all across the country against the executive branch of government and the apparent lack of checks and balances by the other branches of the federal government.

THE BATTLE BETWEEN BATTERY BRANDS

According to Fortune, "Duracell has filed a lawsuit against Energizer. The battery companies are battling over Energizer's claims that its Max batteries last 10 percent longer than Duracell. Duracell, which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, says it has suffered "irreparable reputational harm" because of the ads. The companies have a long history of lawsuits against each other."

The complaint, filed June 13th in a Manhattan federal court, is the latest in a long series of legal battles between the two companies, "The Energizer MAX False Advertising is a clear effort by Energizer to expand its market share — at Duracell’s expense — by confusing and misleading consumers about the comparative performance of Energizer MAX batteries and Duracell Power Boost batteries with blatantly false advertising in a transparent, and unfair, effort to drive sales."

Duracell hopes to end the ad campaign and seeks monetary damages. The battles between the two companies go back almost 80 years when Duracell first entered the market in 1946. Energizer was then known as Ever Ready and invented the AA battery in 1907.

INTRODUCING RITZ-CARLTON'S YACHT COLLECTION

According to Travel+Leisure, "Since the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection launched in 2022 with its first ship, Evrima, it marked the start of a major trend for first-time luxury travelers at sea. Since then, hotel operators including the Four Seasons, Orient-Express, Aman, and Waldorf Astoria, have invested in ships — following The Ritz-Carlton's lead."

Tina Edmundson, the president of Marriott International's luxury brands, said, "When Evrima set sail in 2022, the Ritz-Carlton became the first luxury hotel brand to enter the world of yachting, ushering in a new era of hospitality at sea. As we look ahead to the launch of Luminara (our third yacht), we're reminded of our continued commitment to innovation and excellence. With chef-led culinary experiences, museum-worthy art, and immersive cultural programming, Luminara raises the bar once again by delivering the kind of personalized, elevated travel our guests have come to expect from the Ritz-Carlton."

"The third ship from Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Luminara, welcomes its first guests next week, sailing from Monte Carlo on July 3. The biggest ship yet from the brand, Luminara has 226 suites, each with a terrace. (Ilma, which launched in 2024, is just slightly smaller, with 224 cabins). Setting it apart from the two sibling yachts that came before, Luminara will sail to Asia, Alaska, and Canada — all firsts for the company."

CALLING TRUMP MOBILE

On June 16th, a new mobile service launched. "Announced on the 10-year anniversary of their father's launch of his historic presidential campaign, Trump Mobile is a next-generation wireless provider with bold ambitions and a customer-first mission. Trump Mobile will offer 5G service through all three major cellular carriers. At the heart of Trump Mobile is its flagship The 47 Plan, which is available for only $47.45 per month. Subscribers will receive the following added benefits: Unlimited talk, text, and data; Complete device protection; 24/7 roadside assistance through Drive America; Telehealth services, including virtual medical care, mental health support, and easy ordering and delivery for prescription medications; Free International calling to more than 100 countries; and no contracts, no credit check...While customers can easily switch using their current phone, Trump Mobile is also excited to announce it will release the "T1 Phone" in August. It is a sleek, gold smartphone engineered for performance and proudly designed and built in the United States for customers who expect the best from their mobile carrier."

But should a sitting President be selling anything with their name on it?

JEFF BEZOS' WEDDING IN ITALY

The founder of Amazon, Jeff Bezos, got married in Venice, Italy, on June 28th. The wedding invitation read as follows:

"We are excited for you to join us! We have one early request: please no gifts.

Instead, we're making contributions in your honor and with gratitude for making the journey to celebrate with us in Venice.

Donatons on your behalf are being made to the UNESCO Venice Office to safeguard this city's irreplaceable cultural heritage, to CORILA to restore the vital lagoon habitats that protect Venice's future, and to Venice International University to support research and education for sustainable solutions.

This magical place has gifted us unforgettable memories. Our hope is that through these efforts and by you joining us, Venice will continue to inspire wonder for generations to come."

However, not everyone was happy about the occasion. According to BusinessInsider, "Many protests had taken place in advance of the Bezos-Sanchez wedding, largely coordinated by a pop-up group called "No Space for Bezos," (which was a play-on-words due to Sanchez' flight into space), and one was underway at Piazza San Marco. A person had climbed one of the three flagpoles in Venice's central square. In a similar spot earlier in the week, Greenpeace rolled out a huge banner with Bezos' face, reading: "If you can rent Venice for your wedding, you can pay more tax."

As reported in BusinessInsider, "Tommaso Cacciari, an activist and fourth-generation Venetian, was among those who helped organize protests against what they saw as a boastful spectacle in their hometown. He explained, "Jeff Bezos, in his amazing arrogance, thought that he would come, not to a city, but to a theme park...But Venice is still lived in by citizens, by activists, by people who love their city and want to change the way it's being run." For Cacciari, the wedding isn't just another celebrity event; it's a symbol of how, in his view, the city caters to the super-rich rather than the people who work and live there. Two Venices existed in parallel on that particular weekend — one arriving by private jet, slipping onto speedboats; the other waiting in line for the vaporetto (Venice's public water bus)."

JC PENNEY, VENICE - AND DIFFERENT WEDDING NEWS

According to MediaPost, "Exhausted by breathless coverage of Jeff Bezos' $10 million wedding to Lauren Sanchez? JCPenney seems to be, too. So the retailer pulled together a beautiful wedding in Venice, CALIFORNIA, for a cool $10,000 - and not a single water taxi, helicopter, or sinister security team in sight. The effort celebrated Estefany Gomez and Leonardo Rendon, a pair of Los Angeles high school sweethearts who reunited after 14 years apart. The ceremony, admittedly a different kind of fairy tale vibe than the high-security affair the Bezos camp put together, included a $99 wedding gown, a $350 tuxedo, and outfits for every wedding guest. This was the latest move in the "Yes, JCPenney" campaign, launched in April, aimed at surprising consumers with unexpectedly chic and affordable fashion at middle America's oldest department store."

According to Marisa Thalberg, Catalyst Brands’ chief brand and marketing officer, "Most of us aren't planning our weddings with a ten-million-dollar budget or a palazzo on standby. At JCPenney, we know that the most memorable celebrations are the ones filled with real moments surrounded by the people we love, and style that surprises everyone, and that's why we're quietly redefining what's possible for couples everywhere - delivering wow-factor memories, minus the jaw-dropping price tag."

That's EXACTLY how to take advantage of mainstream news and put your brand's spin on it!

What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!

Image Credits: Apple, L.L. Bean, and United Airlines.

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https://www.outsports.com/2025/5/29/24112384/mlb-pride-night-lgbtq-gay-baseball-dodgers-cubs-red-sox-yankees-mets-orioles-marlins/

Read "Genesis donates $8M to wildfire relief efforts"

https://www.pgatour.com/article/news/latest/2025/02/11/genesis-donates-$8-million-to-wildfire-relief-efforts-partners-with-tgr-live-and-pga-tour-to-launch-charitable-initiative-california-rises-at-2025-genesis-invitational

Recap of My #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 on #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Following in the footsteps of my #FallBacktoReadingSeries (2023), my #SpringLeadershipSeries (2024), my #OlympicsLeadershipSeries (2024), my #HolidayLeadershipSeries (2024), and my #PostElectionSeries (2024), this year's #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 was the sixth leadership and marketing series to appear on my blog. Without a doubt, the responses from the 24 thought leaders who participated provided incredible inspiration!

Before we begin the series recap, I'd like to applaud two special individuals for providing the inspiration for this series. First, big applause goes to Erika Andersen, a leadership expert and author who I've had the pleasure of knowing for nearly 15 years, and she's appeared on my blog 13 times since 2011. She wrote an article for Forbes entitled, "How Springtime Can Make Us Better Leaders," and that article serves as the core of the series as its first question. Second, I also applaud Joseph Lalonde, a leadership expert and author of a book called REEL LEADERSHIP, for planting the seeds for last year's Spring Leadership Series on my blog. After I read Joe's book, I started looking at movies as well as works of fiction, TV shows, and TV characters with "leadership-tinted glasses."

Before we begin the series recap, I'd like to share five of my favorite leadership quotes that can be enjoyed any season of the year:

"Great leaders don't do it alone...they get help." ~Erika Andersen (series participant)

"Leadership doesn't require you to be the smartest person in the room. It requires you to block and tackle for others." ~Mark Herbert (author with several appearances on my blog)

"As a leader, speak last to ensure everyone's voice is heard." ~Hortense Le Gentil (series participant)

"When there is blame, the leader should be in the forefront. When credit is due, the leader should be in the background." ~Eric Jacobson (series participant)

"If you're offered a seat on a rocket ship, don't ask what seat." ~Sheryl Sandberg (former chief operating officer of Meta Platforms, formerly known as Facebook)

SHARE THIS: Great leaders don't do it alone...they get help. ~@ErikaAndersen #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

And now, I invite you to pull up a comfortable chair and join me for an inspiring recap of my #SpringLeadershipSeries2025.

ERIKA ANDERSEN:

BACKGROUND AND METAPHOR FOR SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE:  I started using gardening as a metaphor for people management many years ago – primarily for the reason I cite in the article, which is that just as gardeners can't "make plants grow," managers can't "make their people grow." In management, as in gardening, all you can do is choose a plant/person that's a good fit for your garden/team/organization, and provide the circumstances that are most likely to support their growth...After not having re-read this article for a number of years, I wouldn't really change anything! I still find that we humans tend to get new energy and want to start new efforts and enterprises in the springtime – and I still think that gardening provides great metaphors for people management.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: Angus King, the independent senator from Maine, gave a speech in the US Senate chambers, pushing back against the unconstitutional actions of the current president and his unelected followers. I found it valiant, true and inspiring. Here's the final paragraph: "At a prior time of crisis, Abraham Lincoln defined the stakes for each of us, 'Fellow-citizens, we cannot escape history. We, of this Congress, and this administration, will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance, or insignificance, can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass, will light us down, in honor or dishonor, to the latest generation. Now is the time to establish a redline — the Constitution itself.'"

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: Schedule a dinner together, and very specifically to have dinner in a place that was quiet enough to converse, and at a table big enough for everyone to sit together. When the team was all together, I'd start by saying some version of "The purpose of this meal is to have great food and get to know each other outside of work. So, I'd encourage you to strike up a conversation with at least one teammate that you don't know well." Then, partway through the meal (usually either between the appetizers and the main course, or after the main course), I'd have everyone get up and move to a new seat – and ask them to, if they could, sit next to someone new to them.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: My next book is "Nosotros, Los Rivero" by a woman named Dolores Medio, an unknown writer at the time who rocketed into literary renown in 1952 when this book won the Premio Nadal, the preeminent Spanish literary prize. It's primarily autobiographical, based on her life growing up in Oviedo (the city where I now live in Spain) in the 1920's.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: My choice is the Apple+ TV show called "Silo." The main character, a woman named Juliette Nichols, is a wonderfully complex character who is shoved (by circumstances way beyond her control) into various positions of leadership. Her most abiding characteristic is that she is unable to turn away from difficult challenges that she is capable of addressing – and where she may be the only person who has that capability. That kind of moral courage is in short supply and is a key component, in my mind, of good leadership. 

ERIC JACOBSON:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: I liked how Erika compared gardening to management and leadership. Of the five analogies she makes, my favorite is the one about preparing the soil and listening. During my career, too often managers and leaders did not listen or did not listen often enough to both employees and customers. So many missed opportunities. 

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: David Grossman of The Grossman Group inspires me every day with his teachings and expert advice on internal change management, strategy activation, leadership development, and organizational culture change via posts on social media, his company's blog, and through his podcasts. 

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: In the wallet team-building activity, you inevitably learn something new about your colleagues. Gather your team in a room, preferably at a round or u-shaped table so everyone can see each other. Then, going one-by-one, ask each team member to remove three items from their wallet/purse and have them tell the group about each of those three things and why each is important.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: For pleasure, I will read, "The Boys of Riverside: A Deaf Football Team and a Quest for Glory," by Thomas Fuller. And for my leadership blog, I will read "The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance," by Zach Mercurio

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: The movie "The Holdovers" was a 2023 American Christmas comedy drama that told the story of a strict classics teacher at a New England boarding school who was forced to chaperone a handful of students with nowhere to go during the school's Christmas break. There were multiple leadership lessons throughout the film and then particularly at the end.

BARBARA MCQUADE:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: Patience. You have to wait for plants to grow and employees to thrive. You can't expect everyone to perform on your (the leader's) schedule or even the same schedule. It is important to meet each person where they are and give them the resources they each need to thrive. 

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: In January, cartoonist Ann Telnaes quit her job at the Washington Post when an editor refused to print a cartoon in which she depicted the Post's owner laying bags of money at the feet of Donald Trump. One may agree or disagree with the viewpoint she was expressing, but she later wrote that she found the editor's refusal to publish the cartoon to amount to censorship.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: Ropes courses. People must work together or fail. Positive energy works, negative energy does not. 

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: "Says Who" by Anne Curzan.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: In "WICKED THE MOVIE," Elphaba resists the temptation of power to stand up for animals who are being abused by the wizard, even though it means she will be labeled as a villain.

JOSEPH LALONDE:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: Pruning is always strange. You have to find the right way to do it, in the right time, and with the right people. If you don't, you can wind up damaging the person or organization. Done right, you can make them thrive. 

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: The story of Mimi Bloo. She's a young artist who took a big chance. And an experienced artist took an even bigger chance in introducing her to her audience. Mira (Mimi's real name) and her mother went to Graveside Variety. There, Mira's mother approached Amanda Palmer. She told Amanda that her fourteen-year-old daughter was in the crowd but too nervous to ask to sing. Amanda told her mother to go get the girl and that of course it would be okay to sing Into The Unknown from Frozen. 

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: Ice climbing (outside of the office in the great outdoors). I didn't know the guys before but they've become like a band of brothers. Why? Because ice climbing required me to trust them, help them, and motivate them to continue to climb when they thought they couldn't do it anymore.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: "Origins of a D-List Supervillain" by George Takei from Star Trek.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: "A Complete Unknown," the story of Bob Dylan's rise to fame. It's a great cautionary tale of what success can do to you. 

HORTENSE LE GENTIL:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: Today, leadership is no longer tied to seasons. It must be spring every day! A leader's role is to cultivate and nurture continuously.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: I was deeply inspired by The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker. Her work is a powerful reminder of why and how we come together: in leadership, in business, and in life. 

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: Sharing personal stories. When people open up and share their experiences, values, and perspectives, it fosters deep connection and trust. It allows teams to see one another as whole people, not just colleagues filling roles.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: "The Big Life" by Ann Shoket.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: The documentary "Very Ralph"(2019), which explores the life and leadership of Ralph Lauren.

ERIC STONE:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: What stood out most to me was the idea that leaders and managers, like gardeners, can't force growth but can create the conditions where people thrive. Just as some plants thrive in different conditions, whether indoors, outdoors, or in specific seasons, they must balance trust, accountability, and clear communication to cultivate a high-performing culture. It's a refreshing reminder that leadership and management aren't about control; they're about nurturing potential and adapting to what each season brings.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: In a world where so many feel the need to be the loudest person in the room or race to keep up with the "Joneses," Warren Buffet has stayed remarkably grounded. His simple lifestyle, despite his monumental achievements, showcases his commitment to character over materialism. Beyond his business acumen, Warren's dedication to giving back is unparalleled. He's pledged to donate the majority of his fortune, and through his Giving Pledge, he's inspired countless others to rethink their role in making the world a better place. Warren Buffett's leadership is a powerful reminder that success isn't measured by wealth, but by the integrity with which you lead, the lives you touch, and the legacy you leave behind.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: One of my favorite team-building activities is a company-wide scavenger hunt that mixes management and department heads into random teams.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: "Never Stop" by Dan Hurley and Ian O'Connor. Hurley's ability to build a championship culture in the midst of constant change is something every leader can learn from.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: "Ted Lasso" really stands out for me with his leadership style.

MELANIE BELL:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: Two things jumped out to me. The first was, "The most problematic situation though, is the employee who is almost OK," since this is something with which I've struggled. Oh, how tempting it is to will someone out of mediocrity, to see their potential and let that outshine their actual performance. The second was "maybe the job changes so much that they can no longer succeed." As a consultant, I've experienced great long-term working relationships with clients where I eventually realize that the skillset they need from me has changed dramatically since the start of the engagement. It requires a hard conversation to tell a client that it's time to move on because they need someone who can provide what I can't for this new job they need doing. 

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: I'm feeling particularly inspired by all the work being done to fight book bans.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: The best team-building activity I've participated in was a white-water boating adventure...I'm a big believer in fun activities rather than things like trust falls or more serious endeavors. Humor breaks down barriers.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: Always books for (the virtual book club I lead) Leaders Who Fiction. Outside of the Leaders Who Fiction choices, I just picked up two books from my local public library (big shout-out to librarians who make the world a better place!): "Confessions" by Catherine Airey and "The Wildes: A Novel in Five Acts" by Louis Bayard. I love stories about family.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: I just finished a book called "Becoming Madam Secretary" by Stephanie Dray about the first female member of a presidential cabinet. Frances Perkins was FDR's Secretary of Labor and largely responsible for things like ending child labor in the US and instituting Social Security. The book showcased her ability to compromise, to relentlessly pursue initiatives that were important to her and others, and to take big action with high stakes.

REBECCA RUCKER:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: Two of her points stood out to me. The first point, "You can't make plants grow," reminds me that, as a coach, you bring your best self, your toolkit, and your thought partnership to your client. Most clients welcome those opportunities to engage and grow from the exchange of skills, experience, and thought collaboration. However, there are those clients who won't. As someone who wants her clients to be successful, I have often learned that when I'm working harder than my client, I am working too hard. It is up to the client to choose whether to grow or not - no amount of the best offerings will change the outcome if the client chooses not to thrive. (The same is true for an employee in an organizational work environment.) Erika's point, "You can't make plants grow" also goes along with the second point that struck me, "All gardeners have plants that won't thrive." I have often watched a few clients in disbelief that, no matter how great their environment, how well their skills and experience fit the job, or how skillfully their managers and co-workers support them, do not thrive. When I observed what was keeping the client from success, I found the client was his own worst enemy. 

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: Recently, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren spoke on the Senate floor in a testimony about the invaluable contribution of the Federal Consumer Protection Bureau. Citing the amount of unregulated fees made by banks, lenders, and debt collectors prior to the establishment of the bureau, she advocated for the retention of the bureau and its work...Her speech was concise and passionate. She ended it by saying that she would not accept surrendering such an agency to discontinuation, but rather she would fight, fight, fight to represent the American people and their rights for financial protection. When I think about inspiring leadership, I think of leaders who, through their strength of character, firm values and beliefs, and clear focus of direction, can stand up during times of impossible odds to continue to fight for what they believe is in the best public interest.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: My favorite team-building activity is the Ropes course. This course uses ropes, poles, safety harnesses, and challenging tasks to encourage people to go beyond their own self-imposed limitations. It requires teams of people to move beyond thought into action problem-solving to get through the challenge. The High Ropes course focuses on trust between participants, risk-taking, and acceptance of shared decisions to move the team through hurdles.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: The book on the top of my to-be-read pile is "James" by Percival Everett. As someone who strives to see the world from another person's point of view in my professional and personal life, this book encourages the reader to look at the story of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Huck's friend, the slave, Jim. 

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: Kathy Bates at 76 years of age has returned to star in a television series on CBS called "Matlock." Known for her [extensive] movie career, it was hard to imagine how a television series would appeal to her. However, she shines brightly as an older attorney who goes to work at a law firm that represented the pharmaceutical company that produced the drug from which her daughter died in an overdose. Kathy Bates demonstrates her leadership by taking a humble posture in the firm. 

HEATHER HACKETT: 

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: Erika's reference to planting the right seeds for your soil resonated with me the most. My first hiring experiences with a rapidly expanding chain of local coffee shops often came with informal instructions to take what I could get because we needed to quickly build entire teams to launch a new location. While this got the doors open on schedule, it typically resulted in chaos within the first few weeks and months of operations, as folks who weren't the right fit either quit or proved unreliable to the point of termination becoming necessary. This repeated cycle bred frustration and demoralization, and I was fortunate to have more say and more options with hiring in subsequent jobs where I used the lessons learned in many ways.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: After receiving a late diagnosis of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) near the age of 40, one of the most valuable resources in learning how to work with my brain was ADDitude. This digital and print publication invests heavily in vetting and fact-checking all of its content, including reviews by a reputable Medical Advisory Panel, so I trust the reliability and accuracy of information and guidance shared. In recent months, as the Trump administration rolled out its Make America Healthy Again initiatives, several attacks have been made on the neurodivergent community and clinicians, including claims of over-diagnosis and over-prescribing. Throughout this tumultuousness, I have been impressed with and appreciative of ADDitude General Manager Anni Layne Rogers' (formerly of Rolling Stone, Fast Company, and Inc.) efforts to thoughtfully support and advocate on behalf of the community.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: I'm a fan of activities that relate directly to an organization's work but fall outside the realm of employees' day-to-day tasks. These forms of team-building help connect employees more passionately to the mission, remind them of their "why," and reinforce that the wonderful outcomes sought are only possible by working together. When I worked at East End Food Co-op, we had a national produce expert present an hour-long interactive talk on the history of kale. You wouldn't expect there to be so much to say about a single plant, but it was fascinating from start to finish and included tactile experiences like touching and smelling different varieties. Afterward, we worked together to make a salad and learned to "massage" kale with salt and oil to bring out its fullest flavor. It was by far the best team luncheon I've ever had, and over a decade later, I still remember many fun facts about kale.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: The next book in my queue is "The Boxcar Librarian" by Brianna Labuskes. Set during the Great Depression, it features a mystery involving the Missoula Boxcar Library. I'm excited to see the prominence of a woman protagonist in rugged terrain, the wilds of Montana. 

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: The film "Conclave" most readily comes to mind, given that the entire plot focuses on the death of a pope and the resulting selection process for his successor. Being unfamiliar with the papal conclave, I found the process fascinating, and the plot's twists and turns illuminated many leadership-related topics. Here were four take-away questions:

(1) What motivates someone to become a leader? 

(2) When we select our organization's next leader, how might we discern who best suits the role? 

(3) Should we trust those who aspire for high offices and are readily poised to take on positions of power? Or is there merit in championing reluctant emerging leaders with strong potential, even when they may not believe in themselves? 

(4) What trade-offs might there be between selecting leaders with charisma and popularity versus those with talent and skill and those with the strongest principles and values?

JOSEPH MICHELLI:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: For me, the most resonant insights from her article were the importance of leadership listening, optimism, and nurturance. The philosopher, Paul Tillich, essentially said the "first duty of love is to listen." I am convinced listening is also the first duty of leadership. The second leadership duty is to "listen more." As for optimism, Erika makes a powerful point regarding the need to believe in human potential and lean into the idea that everyone can and must grow to survive and thrive. Finally, we all need pruning. We need others to help us bend, contort, and evolve in ways that make us more valuable to one another. We also must be willing to offer honest feedback for that growth to happen. In the words of Brené’ Brown, we must be courageous and clear with our feedback because "clear is kind."

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: Laney Crowell of TIME Magazine wrote a short piece about Hali Borenstein the CEO of fashion brand Reformation. I know little about beauty brands, but Laney suggests that Hali has "broken the barriers of price point, mission focus, and desirability in a way no one else has." She goes on to highlight Hali's commitment to ensure Reformation is climate positive this year and suggests that there isn't "any other CEO out there as cool and down to earth as" Hali.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: I like having groups compete in tower building. Instructions vary, but usually, the activity involves using materials like 30 pieces of uncooked spaghetti, a yard of tape, a yard of string, and a marshmallow to construct the tallest tower that will hold the weight of the marshmallow at the top. Usually, there is a time limit, and groups compete with one another. The activity has many variations like no talking during construction. It works best when groups can see other groups building their towers. The debrief for this activity provides a wonderful opportunity to discuss group dynamics in situations where resources are limited, there is time-based pressure, and competition is observable.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: I've just finished writing a book ("All Business Is Personal") about leaders at One Medical, a healthcare/tech startup purchased by Amazon for 4 billion dollars in 2022, and I am working on a new book about the Managing Partner of Edward Jones, Penny Pennington – which will be released in 2026. Those are my excuses for having so many books on my "to be read" list. Next up is the 2024 Financial Times Business Book of the Year Award winning, "Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT and race that will change the world" by Parmy Olson.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: In the TV show, "Ted Lasso," the main character Ted Lasso captures much of what Erika Andersen wrote about in the Forbes article in the first question. Ted was a resoundingly optimistic, ethical leader, who cared about developing the people around him. He overcame a lack of experience coaching soccer through folksy wisdom, a clear vision for the future, genuine compassion, and kindness. I believe we need more examples of leaders like Ted Lasso – those that are authentically caring, unpretentious, and "other focused." 

ELIA GUARDIOLA:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: Erika's article draws a compelling parallel between gardening and leadership, emphasizing the importance of renewal and growth. As leaders, embracing the concept of starting fresh, much like in spring, allows us to invigorate our teams and encourage development. This analogy underscores the need for nurturing environments where individuals can thrive, reflecting the cyclical nature of growth both in gardens and organizations.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: The story of Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, continues to be an inspiring leadership reference for me. His ability to transform the culture of such a massive company by focusing on empathy, inclusion, and innovation is truly impressive. Recently, I read an interview where he talked about the importance of curiosity and a growth mindset in leaders. It made me reflect on how, in our daily lives, we must remain open to learning and evolving, not just as professionals but as human beings.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: I love any activity that involves storytelling. One of my favorites is when each team member shares a personal story related to a core value of the company or team. Not only does it strengthen the connection between people, but it also fosters empathy and mutual understanding. In the end, leadership and teamwork are not just about productivity — they are about emotions, relationships, and shared purpose.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: I'm really looking forward to reading "The Persuaders" by Anand Giridharadas because I'm fascinated by everything related to communication, storytelling, and persuasion in leadership. This book explores how ideas can influence and transform societies. I believe it's an essential read for those of us working in storytelling and strategic communication.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: Without a doubt, "The Bear" has had a huge impact on me. Although it's set in the world of gastronomy, it brilliantly portrays leadership in its most human form — chaotic, emotional, and full of learning experiences. The protagonist, Carmy, is a leader in the making, with all his strengths and flaws. I find it a powerful representation of how leadership is not just about giving orders but about inspiring, adapting, learning from mistakes, and, above all, connecting with the team through vulnerability.

DEBBIE SZUMYLO:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: There is a quote from Alexander Den Heijer, "When a flower doesn't bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower." This quote gets to the heart of what leaders should focus on: creating the right environment for their team members to thrive. And Erika Andersen's article really resonated with that idea. The comparison between gardening and leadership is a powerful one. If a flower isn't blooming, you don't try to fix the flower itself - you adjust the conditions around it. That's basically what leaders should be doing. They should be creating an environment that's conducive to growth, collaboration, and success. What I loved about Andersen's article was how she emphasized the importance of understanding each team member's unique needs. Just as a gardener needs to know which plants require sunlight and water, leaders need to know how to tailor their approach to each team member. That way, you're not just trying to force change, but actually creating an environment where people can flourish. It's a really beautiful way to think about leadership, and it's definitely something I'll be keeping in mind as I go forward.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: No longer leading her country, but I immediately think of Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand. Ardern's leadership beautifully illustrates how empathy and decisiveness can create real change. As Prime Minister of New Zealand, she responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by swiftly implementing lockdowns and providing honest communication, making people feel valued and supported. After the Christchurch Mosque shootings, her compassionate response fostered unity, condemning violence, and supporting the Muslim community with swift action. Her approach is like good gardening: she prepares the soil through open communication, champions inclusivity, and isn't afraid to make tough decisions when needed. Ardern reminds me that true leadership nurtures communities, showing that empathy and decisive action can help everyone flourish together.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: I love the "Yes, And" exercise for several compelling reasons. It embodies creativity, positivity, and collaboration while encouraging a growth mindset. By building upon each other's ideas without judgment, we foster an environment where innovation thrives. This exercise sharpens our listening skills, develops our ability to think on our feet, and enhances our problem-solving capabilities. As we work together, we gain valuable insights into each other's perspectives, establishing a deeper understanding and respect for one another. The lasting impact of "Yes, And" is profound. It cultivates a culture of openness, encourages diverse perspectives, and inspires a supportive environment where feedback is welcomed. This exercise not only enhances our immediate interactions but also lays the groundwork for long-term success and resilience as a team.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: Reading is an escape for me. While I do read business books, much of my reading is fiction. However, on my TBR list for 2025, I am looking forward to digging into "Chief Joy Officer: How Great Leaders Elevate Human Energy and Eliminate Fear" by Richard Sheridan. I'm craving outlets where I can find joy and happiness these days, and this book seems to hit the mark.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: The Hulu series "The Bear" offers an interesting exploration of leadership through the story of Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, a young chef running his family's sandwich shop...Through his journey, Carmy illustrates that effective leadership, much like cultivating a diverse garden, involves continuous learning, adaptation, and the ability to inspire growth while positively impacting those around him.

ANTHONY GAENZLE:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: There were some excellent points in this article. One that stood out to me is the power of listening. And not just basic listening. Listen to understand, listen to build trust, listen to empower your team to feel open and free to come up with and present their ideas freely. This builds the right "soil" in which your people and your company can grow and thrive. 

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: As an Eagles fan, I've been really impressed by the leadership exhibited by the team's two biggest stars, Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. They both put team and winning ahead of their own personal goals. They sacrificed long hours, gave up the opportunity to set personal records, and made sure to give credit to the rest of the team at every turn. These two set a very positive example for future leaders.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: When I attended the Clemson Leadership Summit a few years back, I really appreciated a team-building activity we did that involved working as a team to create a robotic hand. The hand was designed to help people in other countries who'd lost limbs due to the violence they faced. We not only learned excellent team-building skills in the process, but we were able to work toward a common goal that hopefully helped a lot of people. 

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: I am currently re-reading "Good to Great" by James C. Collins. It's such a valuable text, and I haven't read it in a few years, so I wanted to jump back in and revisit some of the concepts. It's a must-read for any business professional. 

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: One of my favorite TV shows is "The Office." While Michael Scott is largely the example of how NOT to be a leader, there is one thing that stands out about him. Despite all of his flaws, he truly, genuinely cares about his team. It's so important to have your team's back and reassure them that you are there for them. Let them know that the leadership team supports and appreciates them, and assure them that they are not alone. This gives your team a feeling of security, and it creates an environment where they are comfortable and feel like they can grow.

AMANDA HAHN-PETERS:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: I love how the article compared gardening to creating an environment for employees to thrive! And I don't think we can emphasize listening and fostering two-way communication enough. Employees want to know that their ideas are heard and taken into account by leadership, and when given room for feedback, they feel understood. This creates an environment where employees feel comfortable, collaboration is encouraged, and leaders and their employees most likely look forward to coming to work and thriving.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: I'm a big fan of companies who lead by meeting their customers where they are and stepping up to meet their needs. As a resident of Los Angeles, the devastating fires of January 2025 are still fresh in my mind as my city begins to recover from this disaster and makes plans to rebuild. For weeks, when so many were forced to evacuate their homes, businesses (both small and large) stepped up to care for their community. Although many businesses made notable contributions, one that stood out to me was Planet Fitness. The gym chain opened its doors to residents, first responders, and others impacted by the fires and offered them basic necessities like showers, locker rooms, Wi-Fi, charging stations, and other resources. I admire that they temporarily changed their policy and opened their doors to non-members to care for those who needed it most. 

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: As a freelance copywriter who works mainly with creative brands and service-based business owners, it's been a while since I've participated in team-building activities. However, as an agency copywriter, I appreciated team-building activities because they helped break the ice between new co-workers I didn't know very well. I also enjoyed getting to know people outside of work processes. My favorite team-building activities are escape room-like games or any type of situation where team members rely on each others' unique strengths to figure out a puzzle or solve a riddle. It's fun to see how everyone uses different problem-solving techniques to reach a solution, and team-building activities are a great way to encourage team collaboration.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: I'm currently in a season where I'm drawn to mostly fiction books. While there are some great memoirs and business books on my TBR, I love how fiction (specifically historical fiction novels) usually include story arcs where characters overcome obstacles to grow, evolve, and remind us that transformation is possible. That being said, the book at the tippy top of my list is Kristin Hannah's "The Women." One of Hannah's other books, "The Nightingale," is one of my all-time favorites. From reading a plot summary of "The Women," I can tell that, similar to The Nightingale, Kristin Hannah's The Women highlights the power of female friendships and the strength of women in general. 

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: It's been out for more than a year and I'm just late to the party, but I recently binge-watched and loved the TV show "Ted Lasso" on Apple TV+. There's something so refreshing about Ted Lasso's leadership style — he's humble, vulnerable, self-aware, and, above all, joyful. 

JAMES STROCK:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: Erika Anderson's piece touches enduring truths. Leadership is grounded in relationships. Relationships are living things, existing in evolving ecosystems. Being mindful of the constant change, of seasonality, of the back and forth of negotiating unexpected circumstances, these are all analogous to gardening.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: J.K. Rowling (author of the Harry Potter series) has exhibited inspiring leadership, assuming a public role in a contentious debate concerning transexuals in traditionally biologically female spaces, including sports teams. This is a highly contentious, evolving issue at the intersection of science, culture, and politics. Rowling well recognized that her wading into this would inevitably put her business and perhaps her personal safety at risk. She persevered and her example has emboldened others. She has modelled effective, determined, relentless civility. Whether one agrees with her views or not, one must admire her courage.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: Almost any group activity can be a team-building activity. I like outdoor activities involving physical activity in verdant surroundings, outside of customary settings and disconnected from phone, email, etc. For distributed teams, simply meeting in-person, including highly directed business meetings as well as social time, can be of great value.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: I am looking forward to reading "On Grand Strategy" by John Lewis Gaddis. Though focused on historical examples, with an emphasis on statecraft and warfare, it's widely respected for having lessons for work and life generally.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: The film, "A Complete Unknown," isn't explicitly about leadership. It's about the evolution of Bob Dylan, amid the artistic, cultural, and political changes of the 1960's. Dylan makes decisive personal and professional decisions that alter his career trajectory, and ultimately, become foundational to a career of notable significance. Through his art, Dylan crafts a leadership role that continues to develop decades later and will likely remain as a living legacy.

MICHAEL KERR:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: I love the take in this article and completely agree with the analogy. I have used a similar analogy when it comes to creativity in the workplace, comparing it to a romantic date. You can't force romance to happen, but you can set the stage and create an environment that is more conducive to romance. And I wholeheartedly agree with getting the right plants – as I write about in my book, "Hire, Inspire, and Fuel Their Fire," hiring the right employees who are a fit for your culture, and not just a fit – employees who will help you grow your culture – is 90 percent of the work when it comes to creating a truly inspiring workplace. I would take the pruning analogy one step further and suggest that unfortunately, for the sake of the well-being of a company and the culture, one of the difficult tasks of any great leader is knowing when to transplant a plant that just isn't a good fit for the workplace environment. It doesn't necessarily mean they're a bad employee (or plant), it just means that they weren't a right fit for your environment - and the kindest thing you can do for both them and your team is to help them find an environment where they can flourish.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: It was not so much an example of leadership in action, but an inspiring example that reflected leadership excellence. While recently delivering a workshop on workplace culture, an employee stood up and shared a story about how their CEO (who was standing 20 feet away from her) had come to her and another employee with an "epically bad, stupid idea." She elaborated on just how bad and stupid she thought the idea was (the CEO then chimed in and agreed) and how she handled the situation. The fact that she felt comfortable sharing that publicly, and that no one in the room of 100 employees laughed nervously or seemed surprised by her comments and willingness to speak out, spoke volumes about the culture in that company and the CEO's leadership style where it comes to creating a psychologically safe work environment.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: It’s a silly one but it always gets people laughing: A theatre improv exercise called the "energy ball" where people form a circle in groups of 5-to-10 and clap out an imaginary energy ball to one another. Everyone always laughs (because it's so ridiculously silly) so it's a great energizer and stress buster. I use it to talk about communication skills, the power of laughter, and as a physical reminder that they hopefully will remember for a long time: that in every single interaction with another human being, they have the chance to pass along some positive energy, or do something that inadvertently sucks a bit of their soul out of them.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: My next book on the pile is "You're Not Listening: What You're Missing and Why It Matters" by Kate Murphy. I am always interested in improving my own communication skills and looking for fresh insights on any aspect of communication I can pass along to my audiences and readers, and the importance of listening is always top of mind for me.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: I just finished the third season of "The Bear," a brilliant show about a Chicago restaurant. I was struck by many leadership lessons in this season. Often they were lessons related to what NOT to do as a leader - such as yelling at employees or not involving them properly in key workplace decisions. There's a pivotal theme around a list of non-negotiables the head chef writes down. He stresses that these are not "goals" but rather lines-in-the-sand, non-negotiables that everyone must commit to. He is, of course, speaking about values, and while his commitment to excellence and treating them as non-negotiables is laudable, he clearly would have had better success if he had co-created the values with his team rather than forcing the values upon his employees!

NATHALIE GREGG:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: Several points stood out to me. Elite leadership isn't managed — it's cultivated. Growth isn't forced — it's engineered. The best leaders don't push; they create conditions where excellence is inevitable. Listening is power. True influence comes from hearing what others miss. The most elite leaders listen relentlessly. Pruning fuels performance. Growth demands tough decisions — cut what no longer serves the mission, or be buried by it.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: One recent example of inspiring leadership that made an impact was Beyoncé's strategic move with her country album announcement at the Super Bowl. It wasn't just about the music — it was a masterclass in personal branding, reinvention, and owning your narrative. Beyoncé didn't ask for permission to enter a new space; she walked in and made it hers. She positioned herself as the one percent — an artist and entrepreneur who doesn't just follow trends but sets them. This mirrors exactly what I teach with Lead Loudly: own your voice, position your value, and amplify your visibility. Beyoncé showed us that the most powerful leaders don't wait to be invited to the table — they build the damn table themselves. That's the energy. That's the movement. That's what it means to Lead Loudly.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: THE CULTURE CODE CHALLENGE: Culture isn't what you say — it's what you build. And a fierce community? That takes vision, boldness, and trust. In this high-impact simulation, your team will: (1) Define the three values that drive unstoppable success; (2) Craft a manifesto so bold that it commands loyalty; and (3) Test your culture under pressure, because real leadership isn't theory, it's execution. This isn't just a team-building exercise. It's a masterclass in culture, creativity, and commanding influence!

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: Since audacity (willing to take risks) is the new currency of influence, Mark Schaefer's "Audacious: How Humans Win in an AI Marketing World" is on the top of my pile. It isn't just a book, it's a wake-up call for every leader, entrepreneur, and brand that's still clinging to outdated playbooks.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: The Netflix series "The Diplomat" is a global masterclass in power, influence, and leadership under pressure. Keri Russell's portrayl of Kate Wyler doesn't just navigate crises — she commands them with strategy, presence, and fearless execution. Real leadership isn't about volume — it's about vision, agility, and making bold moves that shift the world.

ALLAN PRATT:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: If you have the right employees (aka, gardening tools), then you can garden all year-round. I strongly believe that for leadership to be effective, it must be consistent. Therefore, while an interesting article, I think leaders must be consistent with their leadership style, their project deadlines and requirements for their employees, their communication styles with their employees, and the manner in which they provide (and frequency of) feedback.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: I've been inspired by the respectful transition from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to Mark Carney - as opposed to the current leadership implosion in Washington, D.C.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: I always like to look at both sides of an issue. Call me a devil's advocate, but if you need a team-building activity, it's probably too late. The culture should have been addressed a long time ago, and the leadership team should have been re-trained on its people and management skills awhile ago too.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: I enjoy comedy, so I'm looking forward to reading "Danny Kaye, King of Jesters" by David Koenig.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: The TV show "9-1-1" features an incredibly competent lead female character, Patrol Sergeant Athena Grant-Nash performed by Academy Award Nominee Angela Bassett. Even though Bassett has starred in and produced the show since 2018, in every episode, her portrayl of Sergeant Grant demonstrates inspiring leadership and support for the Los Angeles community that she serves. I appreciate TV shows and films that showcase strong and capable female protagonists because, unfortunately, there are too few - and they are necessary to inspire the next generation of women leaders in all fields, especially mine, technology and cybersecurity.

ANNETTE FRANZ:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: I loved the article and the analogy. Her five points were spot on. The one that especially resonated with me, given the release of my new book on "Employee Understanding," was her point about "preparing the soil." Listen to employees. Listen, ask, hear. So important. And then create an environment that allows your people to thrive and grow.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: I have been a long-time follower and fan of Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller. In a recent article, he talked about a quote from Simon Sinek ("When we help ourselves, we find moments of happiness. When we help others, we find lasting fulfillment.") and the mindset shift from "me" to "we." This reminded me of another great leader that I admire, someone I interviewed many years ago, Peter Aceto, CEO of Tangerine Bank. We talked about his book, "Weology," which has a slightly different spin on the concept but with equally great outcomes: Take care of your people, and the business thrives.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: There are a lot of great team-building activities, but I'll name one that I enjoy because it's so basic, simple, and common sense: Human Bingo. Bingo card squares are filled with random facts (that aren't easily knowable or discoverable without more in-depth conversations) about everyone on the team. Players walk around and talk to colleagues to find someone who fits each description. The person who fits a description signs or writes their name in the corresponding box. This activity boosts communication and listening skills. It fosters connection and engagement. It forces employees to talk to their colleagues and get to know them on a deeper, more personal level. This latter point, getting to know people beyond their professional roles and skills, is critical to building a strong team.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: My next read is "Rays of Truth." The book is a collection of 26 short essays that emerged after the authors' own journeys into personal reflection. Since I am always looking for new ways to think about leadership, growth, life, and our collective journeys, I look forward to being inspired by these 26 leaders and their words of wisdom.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: This is a timely question, though my answer may not be the first show that comes to mind when thinking about leadership. I recently watched an episode of "S.W.A.T." that featured an officer navigating the challenges of leading the S.W.A.T. Academy. In particular, he struggled with adversity and pushback from one of the trainees. The episode highlighted key leadership lessons: both what not to do and the importance of listening, learning, and admitting when you're wrong. His initial reaction and response, even after being called out, demonstrated the pitfalls of poor leadership. However, the underlying message was clear: great leaders acknowledge mistakes, embrace constructive criticism, and use those lessons to grow.

REBECCA HEROLD:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: I spent my childhood in a very rural area of north-central Missouri, where my father was the Superintendent of Schools for the small town and farming community a couple of miles from interstate I-35. The weather there was very tumultuous (as it still is), especially during each spring. When I was a student there one year, the first week in April, I had a birthday party with everyone outside, in beautiful weather, wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts. One week later the "Great Blizzard" hit, and over 60 inches of snow and high winds shut down the always busy I-35 interstate. Supposedly one of the largest blizzards in US history. People were literally stranded in their cars on the interstate, some completely covered, in subzero temperatures, in what seemed to most of them to be in the middle of nowhere. At a time before there were cellphones. Instead of staying in our warm home, my father heard on his CB radio (that he always had on and listened to, especially for the State Patrol and Sheriff's communications) about all the vehicles snow covered and immobile on the interstate. He wasted no time, and started making calls to the many farmers (which included all the school board members), and many others who were in the school district. He coordinated over two dozen area residents with snowmobiles, and farmers with over a dozen field tractors with horse and livestock trailers, to go onto the interstate and bring all the stranded tourists to the school auditorium. After three nights, all the travelers' vehicles were dug out of the snow and back to their travels. Dad was there the entire time, making sure the travelers had what they needed, that everyone was staying safe, and that the volunteers were recognized and appreciated. Dad was born a leader. He never sat back and waited for others to fix a problem. Instead, he was the first to recognize where there were going to be problems if he did not take action. That spring may have made Dad a better leader, but from what I witnessed, it revealed the great leader he already was. He also provided a model of great leadership to all the volunteers and to all the travelers who benefitted from his quick actions, all of which exemplified a great leader.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: In today's world, there are very few examples of inspiring leadership. In fact, it seems like we're going through an era of lost leadership. I was heartened to see, though. what appears on the surface to be an unlikely collaboration between two very different people to make an impact in actually inspiring and meaningfully teaching the general public about science facts and the need for a healthy, natural environment in their project to improve by reversing some of the devastation of the environment. A climate and engineering expert recently teamed up with a graphic novelist artist to create a graphic novel that became the single bestselling book in France in 2022. And as a result, it is now inspiring positive changes for mitigating the destructive harms resulting from climate change in that country. The book is entitled, "Le Monde sans Fin," translated to English, "World Without End," by Jean-Marc Jancovici and Christophe Blain, published in October 2021. It gave me some hope that, if we have enough such initiatives throughout the world, not only for the environment but also for privacy rights, cybersecurity protections, societal improvements, and so many other necessary improvement areas, that perhaps, there can be positive changes in the years to come.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: From the beginning of starting my own business in 2004, I've worked primarily alone; doing all the work for my business projects and deliverables myself. However, when my son Noah joined my business in 2021, I realized the great benefits and improved outcomes from having Noah take on responsibilities for contributing work for parts of the projects, while I did other parts. By bringing in his fresh views and perspectives, the project outcomes improved. Especially for the courses we create together for our Privacy & Security Brainiacs business. Typically I create the scripts and provide the audio, and Noah takes care of the technology requirements, along with doing the art and creating the videos. Working together to create one final product has turned out to be my favorite team-building activity!

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: I'm one of those folks who buy books and have book lists with the sincere intent to actually read them. But then, life and work activities always interfere to take precedence. So I haven't actually read a book just for fun or relaxation in a very long time. Typically, I read books I'm using for my work, or I'm reading my own books I've written or am in the process of writing. One book I've had on my list for several months, though, is "Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection" by Charles Duhigg. I think it will help me to improve not only the courses I create, but also my keynotes and other talks I give.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: I rarely watch TV shows or movies; typically only for 30-60 minutes at night to wind down. And then, it is usually something completely different from my work. I also try to watch the evening and local news. One recurring segment within a TV show that I really liked was this episode of Steve Hartman's Kindness 101 about the CLEO Club. The high school students demonstrated some great inherent leadership instincts and actions, that included empathy and patience...characteristics that are missing from too many of our current corporate and government leaders!

MICHELLE REDFERN:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: I appreciate the approach Erika has taken in her article. I'd add one more step in the spirit of Spring and Spring Cleaning: one's own leadership. Stop. Breathe. Reflect. What plants (skills and attributes) are still thriving and serving me well? What plants have previously served me well, but no longer serve the garden and need to be removed? What plants do I need to plant now to serve the vision for the future garden? The most successful leaders schedule time for reflective practice. They know that people who regularly make time to stop, breathe, and think are 23 percent more likely to be high-performing leaders.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: I follow a woman on SubStack called Dina Honour. Dina has taken a leadership role in publishing the stories of women throughout history during Women's History (HERstory!) month because historians have so often erased women and their accomplishments. 

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: Anything to do with the Clifton Strengths, and preferably with my friend and colleague Charlotte Blair facilitating. Charlotte is one of the world's leading Strengths Experts and has helped me to create diverse teams who deeply understand each other's strengths, which is one of the recipes for a high-performing team and organisation.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: I am currently reading "Rage Becomes Her" by Soraya Chemaly about women's anger. My vocation as a gender equity and DEI advisor and lifelong feminist means I have a LOT of rage at the injustice women face. So this book is deepening my understanding of my own rage. After all, self-awareness is the first pillar of high EQ leaders.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: I thoroughly enjoyed "The Diplomat" seasons 1 and 2 about a reluctant leader. Keri Russell's character is appointed as the US Ambassador to the UK, and her depiction of leadership, which surpasses the typical bombastic, charismatic, and over-confident men we see in these positions, is wonderful. As is her approach to the many tricky situations she finds herself in and how she uses her skills in diplomacy, her most excellent knowledge of current affairs and world-shaping events to diffuse potentially explosive situations.

LAUREL AYNNE COOK:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: I can relate with and greatly appreciate, the seasonal metaphor used in this article, however, as a consumer behavior researcher, I would like to see more academic references (i.e., perhaps from the leadership or organizational behavior literature) as evidence to support the arguments that were made (e.g., clarity/growth/warmth/optimism leadership attributes). Also, the article could have delved deeper into how leaders strategically cultivate perceptions of clarity, growth, warmth, and optimism to influence stakeholders from a personal branding standpoint. There are some fun (and well disseminated) brand personality traits that could also be tied to marketing literature on human-brand analogies. The article also does a great job at targeting business leadership, in general, but there are wide variances in levels (e.g., new, executive) and industries (e.g., creative vs. analytical). 

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: Two examples of leader exemplars motivate and inspire me. I follow Leah Thomas (@GreenGirlLeah on Instagram) who is an "eco-communicator" leader in the areas of sustainability and digital activism. She blends cause-related marketing with strong personal leadership, which is perfect for someone like me who studies values-based branding. I also really enjoy Satya Nadella (Microsoft CEO) on X (@satyanadella) because (A) we have a shared passion for tech, especially being used for GOOD, and (B) he embodies empathetic leadership. His communication is warm, and he has a very strong personal brand.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: I think a personal "brand board" (i.e., collage) activity would be a lot of fun. 

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: I've been rereading the "Red Rising" series by Pierce Brown. I love to read, and while I'm required to read a lot of non-fiction for my job, my preference during my free time is to read fiction series - the longer the series, the better. 

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: I've got to respond with a bit of sci-fi: "Star Trek: The Next Generation" is, interestingly, often studied in MBA and leadership programs because of the emphasis on leadership by specific characters. 

JULIA CARCAMO:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: I, too, am a gardener but never saw the analogy. I have one particular flower bed that nothing seems to thrive in except perhaps weeds, but just today I noticed how colorful those weeds were and how the bees were enjoying them. Now looking back, I realize how often we try to force someone into a role that they are not well-suited for, but when we let them show us where they fit, it suddenly seems to make sense.

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: I work in the casino industry, and leadership is still predominantly male. There are a handful of female general managers, but there is one in particular, who always amazes me. She runs a very profitable operation, but more importantly, she is more concerned with her employees and helping them, as she would call it, thrive. It's not simply about success for her. She feels passionately that everyone under her work roof should be able to thrive in whatever they want to do both professionally and personally She never hesitates to publicly share the remarkable bond with her team. She knows that if her team is thriving, they will create great guest experiences, which will in turn create revenue.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: I cannot stand anything that's labeled "team-building." I do understand the importance of it, but I feel teams are built when connections are made - not when they struggle together to build a bridge out of match sticks. I accompanied a client to play bingo one night. None of us knew what we were doing, but we had THE best time. Two years later, we're still telling stories about that night. That's what I call team-building.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: I'm actually excited to re-read "Pillars of the Earth" (by Ken Follett). I read it 30 years ago and remember how moved I was. The other day, I had the urge to read it again.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: I have been watching "The Diplomat" and love the juxtaposition of leaders who don't act like it and the behind-the-scenes characters that move like leaders. Also, I noticed that when the sad news about Gene Hackman broke, one of the clips I kept seeing was from the movie "Hoosiers." That was a movie I used (years ago) to talk to my team about teamwork. He was an outsider that had to coalesce a winning team.

SCOTT BOWLING:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: For a garden to develop and thrive, it requires the research, thought, care, and ongoing attention, in every season, to achieve the bountiful desired outcomes. The same principles applied achieve the best outcomes and culture of any successful business. Our employees and managers need to be cared for in every season, and placed in the best roles and environments that bring out their optimal potential, contributing to the whole. 

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: If one is alert, our world offers a myriad of examples where great leadership inspires the best of us to step forward. There is an absence of that leadership in American politics right now, but inspiring leadership can be seen everywhere: in sports, in business, in communities. Leaders don't need a particular title, and they don't need an audience. Each one of us, every day, has countless moments to lead, by showing kindness, by picking up a small piece of litter on the street, by making good decisions that inspire someone watching, or that benefits another person or marginalized communities. Try it...it ripples through communities fast.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: Anything that requires a group of people (particularly otherwise mismatched people) to communicate with each other and work together to create something together. Those activities not only encourage and promote oneness, but the challenges bring out individual qualities that may have been previously hidden or unknown.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: I read articles by journals, writers, and reporters I respect (even if I don't always agree). While all of us enjoy reading material that supports our existing framework, position, or paradigm, I also enjoy and learn from being offered alternative perspectives, as it is those moments when I grow.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: The movie "The Apprentice" shows us how one's background and mentors can shape how someone of privilege and influence sees the world and himself in that world. The movie and the portrayal of Donald Trump by the brilliant actor Sebastian Stan illuminated for objective audience members the forces that helped shape our country's 47th President's view of himself and the world.  

And my two cents...DEBBIE LASKEY:

TAKE-AWAY FROM ERIKA ANDERSEN'S SPRINGTIME LEADERSHIP ARTICLE: Erika wrote, "After a few seasons, I finally figured out that you can't actually make a plant grow. I could only establish a good environment, get the right "plant" for the workplace and the job, and create the optimum conditions for him or her to thrive." As a supervisor, I have always provided the training, resources, feedback, and open-door policy for my team members, however, to my dismay, those elements are not always welcomed. 

RECENT LEADERSHIP INSPIRATION: Former President Jimmy Carter's post-presidency legacy and the election of Claudia Sheinbaum as Mexico's first female president and first Jewish president.

FAVORITE TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITY: Volunteering as a group (or team) for a nonprofit.

BOOK ON TOP OF TO-BE-READ PILE: "Blacktop Wasteland" by S.A. Cosby.

TV SHOW/FILM/FICTION THAT STOOD OUT DUE TO ITS EMPHASIS ON LEADERSHIP: Film choice was "WICKED," and TV show was "The Diplomat." Leadership lessons from "Wicked" were beware of titles and be different; and leadership lessons from "The Diplomat" were learn from your team and build consensus.

As you may have noticed, it turns out that many of this series participants enjoyed watching the TV shows "The Bear," "Ted Lasso," and "The Diplomat" and their leadership themes - so check them out if you're not already a fan.

Did this series persuade you to think about leadership in nontraditional ways? Were you introduced to new leadership and marketing experts? Did you find inspiration from the responses?  These were my hopes. 

What's next on #DebbieLaskeysBlog? Coming in September, my #FallBacktoReadingSeries2025 will feature a dozen thought leaders as we discuss reading and marketing! Stay tuned!

Image Credit: Adobe.

Read the article that served as inspiration for this series by Erika Andersen: 

"How Springtime Can Make Us Better Leaders"

https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikaandersen/2015/05/14/how-springtime-can-make-us-better-leaders/