Debbie Laskey's Blog

Welcome to Debbie Laskey's insights and commentary about BRANDING, MARKETING, LEADERSHIP, SOCIAL MEDIA, EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, and CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES. Debbie has worked in high-tech, the Consumer Marketing Department at Disneyland Paris in France, nonprofits, and insurance. Expertise includes strategic planning, brand development, marketing plans and audits, competitive positioning, websites, communications, public relations, employee engagement, customer experiences, and social media marketing.

Saturday, February 14, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Karin Norgaard

With the eyes of the world on Italy for the 25th edition of the Winter Olympics, which events are you looking forward to? In the spirit of previous leadership series here on my blog, I've asked a dozen leadership and marketing experts to respond to five questions with the hope that both the questions and answers lead you to think about leadership, personal branding, and the Olympics in new and interesting ways.

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Karin Norgaard, based in Denmark. With a background in law and more than 25 years of experience in public relations and communications, Karin is currently the founder and CEO of Think PR, a Copenhagen-based communications agency specializing in strategic PR, positioning, and storytelling across the Nordics. She works with both B2B and B2C brands, translating complex topics like tech, sustainability, and life science into narratives that drive media coverage and stakeholder engagement.

SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something inspirational or something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker (South Africa’s most decorated Olympian) #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What is your favorite WINTER Olympics sport, and why?

KARIN NORGAARD: Definitely ski jumping. There’s something breathtaking about watching athletes literally launch themselves into the air, trusting physics and courage to carry them. It’s equal parts madness and magic - which, in my experience, is not far from leadership.

QUESTION: What WINTER Olympics sport most “visually” demonstrates teamwork, and why?

KARIN NORGAARD: Curling. Where else do you see athletes feverishly sweeping ice with brooms, in total synchronization, while shouting like their lives depend on it? It’s strategy, trust, and micro-communication at Olympic level, and it looks fantastic on camera.

QUESTION: According to Suzanne Robb, COO of Alloy, “Define what victory means to you, and keep that vision in mind. You’re the one who gets to determine when you’re making progress, what success means, and what your focus should be. When you get a win, take time to celebrate. In business as if life, you’ve got to run your own race.” With this quote in mind, which Winter Olympics event or result stands out in your memory, and why?

KARIN NORGAARD: For me, it has to be Steven Bradbury’s gold in Salt Lake City 2002. He was nowhere near the favorite in short track speed skating, but then, in a twist worthy of Netflix, every other skater in the final crashed. Bradbury just glided through the chaos to Olympic gold. It’s the ultimate reminder that sometimes victory is about persistence and being ready when opportunity knocks (or when everyone else falls over).

And if I bring it closer to home: Denmark isn’t exactly known for dominating the Winter Games, but when our women’s curling team took silver in 1998, it felt like a fairy tale. Proof that even underdogs with brooms can sweep their way into history!

QUESTION: During the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, entertainer and businessman Snoop Dogg used the hashtag #FollowTheDogg and shared his Olympic experiences on social media. My favorite story and related photos were when he and friend Martha Stewart dressed in equestrian clothing and attended the dressage competition. According to reports, Snoop’s involvement was intended to attract a new audience to the Olympics. If you were in charge of the Winter Olympics, who would you invite to attract a new audience, and why?

KARIN NORGAARD: I’d call in the cast of "Succession" to do live commentary on ice hockey. Picture Roman snarking about penalties, Shiv breaking down power plays like corporate mergers, and Logan Roy booming “You can’t win without a killer instinct!” from the commentator’s box.

And for ice dancing? Meryl Streep in full "Devil Wears Prada" mode; pursing her lips, raising an eyebrow, and delivering icy one-liners after every routine. The judges’ scores would suddenly feel like high fashion verdicts. Instant viral Olympics.

QUESTION: The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first Olympic Games under the leadership of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. She is a former Zimbabwean politician, sports administrator, and former Olympic swimmer and world record holder. She is also the first woman, first Zimbabwean, and the first African to serve as IOC President. According to Reuters, “Kirsty Coventry smashed through the IOC’s glass ceiling in March 2025 to become the organization’s first female President in its 130-year history.” What are your thoughts about this development for the world’s biggest multi-sport organization – and its future?

KARIN NORGAARD: Her presidency is a milestone. First woman, first African, first Zimbabwean — that’s not just history, that’s momentum. The Olympics thrive on stories of barriers broken, and Coventry embodies that spirit off the field. My hope is that she uses her athlete’s mindset to make the IOC braver, faster, and more open to change.

Friday, February 13, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Joseph Lalonde

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Joseph Lalonde, based in Michigan. Joe is experienced in all aspects of IT, leadership, project/sales, and design with a history of working with small businesses and individuals. He is also an award-winning leadership blogger ranked in the top 40 leadership blogs in the world, and his book REEL LEADERSHIP showcases the intersection of leadership and entertainment. As Joe says, "I love great stories and feel we all have a great story to tell."

SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something inspirational or something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker (South Africa’s most decorated Olympian) #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What is your favorite WINTER Olympics sport, and why?

JOSEPH LALONDE: I'd have to say my favorite Winter Olympics sport is snowboarding. There's something unique, powerful, and creative with the tricks they do and the speed with which they have to react. It shows us that speed and quick thinking can go together.

QUESTION: What WINTER Olympics sport most “visually” demonstrates teamwork, and why?

JOSEPH LALONDE: I believe ice hockey to be the Winter Olympics sport that most visually demonstrates teamwork. Why? You have a team of athletes facing off against another great group. Your team has to know how to communicate with one another. More importantly, you have to be able to anticipate what your teammate will do and follow their lead. Everything about ice hockey is teamwork.

JOSEPH LALONDE: Clara Hughes' achievements in the Summer and Winter Olympics come to mind. She's a Canadian Olympian who has achieved something truly remarkable. She is the only Canadian Olympian to win medals at the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. She's a cyclist and speed skater. She's run her own race by standing out in a small crowd of extraordinary athletes.

JOSEPH LALONDE: Such an interesting question, especially given who they have previously used. Snoop Dogg was a great choice that stirred up a lot of interest. I'd go in the same direction they did and bring in someone others wouldn't think of or relate to the Winter Olympics. Right now, I believe, one of the biggest cultural phenomena is the emergence and embrace of K-pop (Korean pop music). It's not only lit up the charts in Korea but it's bridging cultural gaps and gaining traction in other countries. I'd look at bringing in the band BTS. It holds cultural relevance, could bring in new audiences, and creates a memorable experience.

JOSEPH LALONDE: This is a special moment in Olympic history. Seeing Coventry rise to the rank of President of the IOC is spectacular. Her qualifications are stellar. She's implementing important changes. And she's a great example to millions of young girls and women around the world.

Image Credit: Olympics.

Read Joe's previous appearance here on my blog:

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES 2025 – Featuring Joseph Lalonde (September 29, 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/09/fall-back-to-reading-series-2025.html

Meet Joe at this link:

https://www.jmlalonde.com

Thursday, February 12, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Eric Jacobson

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Eric Jacobson, based in Kansas City, Missouri. Eric has three decades of experience in successfully leading employees and teams through periods of revenue growth, new product development, and re-engineering. He is an experienced mentor and coach and holds an MBA Degree from Keller Graduate School. His passion is helping individuals to become effective leaders at work, within organizations, and wherever they are called upon to lead and inspire. Eric's writings about leadership and management appear regularly on his blog, and he's been a valued contributor to my many leadership blog series over the past 15 years!

SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something inspirational or something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker (South Africa’s most decorated Olympian) #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What is your favorite WINTER Olympics sport, and why?

ERIC JACOBSON: I enjoy watching many of the WINTER Olympics sports, however my two favorites are alpine (downhill) skiing and the luge. Having skied when I was younger, I relate to that sport better than any of the other winter sports, and I have an appreciation for both the difficulty and grace of the sport. Watching luge is fascinating to me as well, because it’s a sport I can’t ever imagine trying, especially when you consider lugers reach speeds of over 87 miles per hour feet-first. It’s dangerous and exhilarating.

QUESTION: What WINTER Olympics sport most “visually” demonstrates teamwork, and why?

ERIC JACOBSON: Ice hockey. Like many team sports, I agree with this description of ice hockey: "It is not a one-player show; it's a symphony of different talents working together harmoniously. This is where the magic of teamwork comes to life. You learn to communicate effectively, coordinate with your teammates, and make split-second decisions that could change the course of the game."

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Susan Friesen

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Susan Friesen, based in Canada. Susan is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of British Columbia's premiere boutique web development and digital marketing agency, eVision Media. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she's an expert in helping businesses to establish their online presence and create a strong brand identity. Her passion for empowering female entrepreneurs to succeed in the digital world has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the marketing industry.

SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something inspirational or something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker (South Africa’s most decorated Olympian) #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What is your favorite WINTER Olympics sport, and why?

SUSAN FRIESEN: I find that figure skating, especially ice dance, is the perfect mix of precision and storytelling. The technical elements, with clean edges, intricate footwork, impeccable timing, and effortless lifts and spins, showcase the athletes’ incredible abilities. Then the choreography and synchronization between the two skaters is mesmerizing, bringing a beautiful story to life that stays with you for years. That’s exactly how I approach branding: Build the foundation first, shape a clear voice and identity, and only then, "take to the ice" with marketing that actually lands and sticks.

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Dan Gingiss

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Dan Gingiss, based in Chicago, an international keynote speaker and customer experience coach who believes that a remarkable customer experience can be a brand's best form of marketing. His 25-year professional career has consistently focused on delighting customers, spanning multiple disciplines including customer experience, marketing, social media, and customer service at companies such as McDonald’s, Discover, and Humana. Dan's books provide practical tools to build loyalty, spark word-of-mouth, and grow businesses through remarkable experiences.

QUESTION: What is your favorite WINTER Olympics sport, and why?

DAN GINGISS: My favorite Winter Olympics sport has to be downhill skiing. There’s something mesmerizing about watching athletes push themselves to the limit — balancing speed, precision, and control on a razor’s edge. It reminds me a lot of business and customer experience. To deliver something truly remarkable, you’ve got to take calculated risks, stay laser-focused, and trust your preparation even when the terrain changes beneath you.

I love how downhill skiers commit fully — once they push off that starting gate, there’s no turning back. That’s the mindset I try to bring into my work: commit to the experience, stay present in every twist and turn, and make the ride unforgettable for the audience.

QUESTION: What WINTER Olympics sport most “visually” demonstrates teamwork, and why?

DAN GINGISS: For me, it’s synchronized skating. You’ve got multiple athletes moving as one, adapting in real time, and making split-second adjustments while staying beautifully aligned. That’s what great CX cultures do — they synchronize across departments so the customer experiences seamless grace, not internal chaos. The best teams make the hard work invisible and the experience effortless.

DAN GINGISS: The one that sticks with me is the U.S. men’s curling team winning gold in 2018. Nobody expected them to win — they weren’t the favorites, they just kept showing up, learning from every mistake, and staying focused on their own race. That perfectly reflects Suzanne’s point: you define your own version of victory For them, victory wasn’t about beating Canada or Sweden — it was about constant progress and trust in their process. That mindset is gold for business leaders too.

DAN GINGISS: I’d bring in Ryan Reynolds. He’s mastered the art of storytelling that’s equal parts witty, immersive, shareable, and extraordinary — the exact ingredients of my WISE framework for creating remarkable experiences. Reynolds has a gift for taking any brand or event and making it culturally relevant without losing sincerity. He’d find the human moments in the competition, celebrate the athletes, and create those shareable stories that make people say, “I need to watch this.” And since we’re talking experience — I’d have him co-host social media live streams with Olympians after their events, turning fans into participants. That’s how you turn a broadcast into an experience.

DAN GINGISS: I think it’s wonderful — and a long-overdue change in perspective. Kirsty Coventry brings lived experience from regions and communities that haven’t always had a voice on the global sports stage. That’s going to reshape the Olympic experience itself — how athletes are supported, how fans are engaged, and how the Games evolve for future generations.

Just like in business, when leaders understand that every customer base is diverse in almost any way you can define diversity, then companies develop better products and marketing. Not everyone uses the same products, or even the same product the same way (I often think about how every single Apple iPhone home screen is unique). Smart companies realize this and adapt to expand their audience; I'm sure Kirsty will do the same for the Olympics.

SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something inspirational or something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker (South Africa’s most decorated Olympian) #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credit: Olympics.

Read Dan's previous appearance here on my blog:

The Alignment Between Customer Experiences and Marketing (October 4, 2021)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2021/10/the-alignment-between-customer.html

Check out Dan's blog:

https://dangingiss.com/blog/

Monday, February 9, 2026

It's a Wrap on Super Bowl LX's Ads and Social Media Conversations

What do you remember from Super Bowl Sunday? Were you eagerly waiting for touchdowns? Or were you part of the 18 percent who only watched the game to be entertained by the ads? For marketers and many others, we tend to keep only one eye tuned onto the game because we really only want to watch the ads.

According to USA Today, "For one day a year, people can't wait to cozy up on the couch and watch commercials during the Super Bowl. For some, it's a nice sideshow to the big game. For others, it's the main event. In a world where everything is an ad, we do our best to escape them, unless it's the Super Bowl. Companies spend a fortune for just 30 seconds of our time, hoping to capture a market. It might just be the one day a year where the public isn't buried in their phones, channel-surfing, or doing a variety of other things at once."

For Super Bowl 1 in 1967, a 30-second Super Bowl ad cost $37,500 (which was more than the cost of the average house!) - and with inflation, that is about $350,000 in 2025 dollars. For Super Bowl 60, that same 30-second ad cost $8 million with some premium spots costing $10 million, according to Mike Marshall, head of global advertising for NBCUniversal.

According to Aimee Picchi, associate managing editor for CBS MoneyWatch, "Super Bowl ads command a premium because the game is typically the most-watched media event of the year. That gives brands a chance to reach more consumers at one time than anywhere else, and many companies use the opportunity to trot out new products or introduce a new slogan. There's another reason why brands are so willing to pay up: About 3 in 4 people say they are actually excited to watch the ads during the Super Bowl."

According to Sean Muller, CEO of advertising research firm iSpot, "Advertisers are seeing the Super Bowl as an opportunity to catch a break from concerns about the economy and polarized political views. They really want to get people to not worry for a few hours. I think that's why humor has made such a surge."

An interesting note about the Super Bowl and branding. Ever wonder why the logos include Roman numerals? According to CBS Sports, "For nearly 60 years, the Super Bowl has become a central part of American culture well beyond the sphere of pro football and is one of the select few mainstream events still using Roman numerals, a system that has largely been forgotten. Although the numeral system of Ancient Rome began to fall out of use in favor of Arabic numerals around the 14th century, there are still a few instances in which Roman numerals are commonly used: on clock faces, to identify lineages -- particularly for royalty and other important figures -- and to denote each edition of the Super Bowl. The use of Roman numerals for each Super Bowl dates back to the fifth Super Bowl, with the league adopting the use of the system to avoid confusion over the year the game is associated with. The Super Bowl is always played in the year following a chronologically recorded season, so while this Super Bowl is being played in 2026, the game itself will determine the champion of the 2025 NFL season. In addition, the idea to use Roman numerals for the Super Bowl is also credited to Kansas City Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt, who believed that their use would add an element of grandeur to the NFL's biggest game. Hunt, of course, is credited with coining the term Super Bowl."

According to AdAge's Amani Duncan, "When Cambridge Dictionary declared "parasocial" the word of the year last year, it captured a defining characteristic of consumer expectations: connection drives commerce. People want intimacy. They expect brands to feel like people, behave like peers, and communicate like someone who's read the channels they're in. You can't do that by holding growth audiences at arm's length. To build trust with these communities, a winning approach is to have a genuine and sustained posture to understand the experiences, habits, and perspectives that shape how these growth audiences move through the world. Today's growth audiences, who are younger, more diverse, and will continue to represent trillions in spending power, are driving culture. Economists see it, anthropologists agree, and consumers following behavioral patterns confirm it. They're reshaping aesthetics, values, and expectations at a pace that legacy marketing playbooks were never designed to match.

Here's the good news: we're in the middle of a once-in-a-generation reset that rewards the brands willing to get closer, listen harder, and step fully into the conversation. It requires showing up with enough humility and curiosity to be shaped by the communities you hope to serve. Because the brands that will win the next decades won't be the ones with the biggest budgets (although that never hurts). They'll be the ones who treated this as a real strategic assignment, engaging consistently, and understanding the communities' shaping taste and buying behavior. That's why the mandate for business leaders everywhere is simple: if you haven't won the trust and loyalty of growth audiences by 2030, you haven't built a business to last."

With that commentary in mind, it's worth repeating this timeless quote from Landor Associates: "Here are three tips to help you, your dad, or even your football-crazed grandma decide which brands scored a touchdown with their commercials: Is the ad on-brand? Will you remember the brand tomorrow? And, does the ad speak to the times?"

While there was no ad similar to Apple's 1984 ad; no ad that was as memorable as Budweiser's post-9/11 ad from 2002 with the kneeling Clydesdales; no animated Coca Cola polar bears; and no Tweet clever enough to rival Oreo's "dunking in the dark" from 2013's "Blackout Bowl" at the Superdome in New Orleans; some ads did stand out to me, and without further ado, here they are:

BUDWEISER - "American Icons": Whenever the Clydesdale horses appear in an ad, the ad tugs at the heartstrings. This ad was no exception. A young foal found an eaglet, a baby eagle, and during the span of the ad, helped it to learn how to fly. The ad's imagery was impressive - and the ad was the best of this year's crop of ads.

PEPSI - "The Choice": At the Super Bowl time of year, a polar bear is synonymous with Coca-Cola. So once the viewer sees a polar bear, Coca-Cola immediately comes to mind. However, not so fast. In this humorous ad, the polar bear is happy once he drinks from a PEPSI can!

LAY'S POTATO CHIPS - "Last Harvest": A father celebrates retirement as a farmer and gives his farm to his daughter. The ad celebrates family and American farming.

MINIONS & MONSTERS: A day before the Super Bowl, there was a post on Twitter/X with the message "getting super close." (Note the use of the word "super.") Then, there was a brief ad during the big game mentioning that the new Minions film would arrive in theaters on July 1st - and invited viewers to watch the trailer. So, this Minions fan immediately visited Twitter/X to watch the film's trailer. Looks like fun! This was an excellent combination of TV advertising with social media.

While there weren't more memorable ads, during the game, there were numerous "on brand" posts on Twitter/X. Here are some, in case you missed them:

* Krispy Kreme shared a dozen specially-decorated doughnuts with the message: "$2 original glazed dozen when you buy any dozen. A winning play for your gameday spread. Don't fumble this sweet deal."

* Encyclopaedia Britannica shared a fun fact: "Behind only Thanksgiving, Super Bowl Sunday is the second biggest food consumption day in the U.S. Bon appetit."

* Encyclopaedia Britannica also shared an interesting infographic: "Time to update your Super Bowl stats, everyone."

* Merriam-Webster shared a funny post: "snacks - noun - a light meal: food eaten between regular meals."

* Peeps Brand shared a number of posts throughout the game with cute graphics: "The Big Game goes small."

* Avocados from Mexico shared a number of posts throughout the game with memorable graphics: "The real championship was all the guac we ate along the way." (That one was my favorite.)

* Avocados from Mexico responded to Pepsi on Twitter/X: "@Pepsi Find someone that looks at you like your polar bear stares at guac."

* Dr Pepper featured a cute graphic of several bears drinking Dr Pepper rather than Pepsi: "Just wait til that Polar Bear tries a Dr Pepper."

* Ty Inc. shared a post with some of its toys plus the message: "Who's ready for some football? Time for play."

* Library of Congress shared an amusing post: "WHO is excited for Superb Owl weekend? These owls from the Library's Japanese prints and drawings collection don't seem that thrilled, actually, although it's sure to be a hoot. They're enthusiastic about Bad Bunny, but they may not understand that he's a man, not a delicious small mammal."

A few timeless words from Jacques de Cock, a faculty member at the London School of Marketing: "The Super Bowl is a phenomenon unsurpassed in the world. It is one of the few national social events, which is also why social media traffic during the game is so high...What is also remarkable is that advertising is not viewed as something to skip but is seen by 77 percent of viewers as part of the entertainment, and therefore, more watched and engaged with than any other television advertising during the year."

Today, the official countdown begins for Super Bowl LXI, scheduled for February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in my hometown of Los Angeles. This will be the 9th time that the Los Angeles area has hosted the Super Bowl, commemorating 60 years since the first title game in 1967.

According to the Tallahassee Democrat, "The Super Bowl has never been on Valentine's Day. The closest the game has ever come to Valentine's Day was in 2022, when Super Bowl LVI was played on February 13th. So why is Super Bowl 61 being played on Valentine's Day? It's all thanks to the NFL's expanded season. In 2021, the NFL announced that all 32 clubs would play 17 games. While the Super Bowl is not held on the same day every year, it was held in January from 1967 through 2003. It shifted to the first Sunday of February from 2004 to 2022. It has since been the second Sunday of February due to the expanded season. However, there has been discussion of adding an 18th game to the season, which would push the big game to mid-February. According to USA TODAY, another game will require amending the league’s collective bargaining agreement, yet will also expand the revenue-sharing pie for owners and players."

No matter how many games are played during next year's regular season and playoffs, will we see an ad or two that will go down as the best of all time during Super Bowl LXI? We'll have to wait and see.

Image credit: Budweiser, Pepsi, and Illumination (Minions).

To read any of my previous Super Bowl ad review posts (I've written them annually since 2012!), search #DebbieLaskeysBlog using the term "super bowl" to access all the links.

To learn more about eagles, check out this link:

https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/learn/faq/

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Elia Guardiola

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Elia Guardiola, based in Madrid, Spain. Elia has been an international speaker for 11 years for corporate training programs worldwide and is also a professor at international universities and business schools in Spain and Latin America. She is the Founder of the StoryEmotion School, and since 2021, has been an official speaker at the e-World Marketing Summit led by Professor Philip Kotler. Elia has developed her own methodology for creating impactful storytelling with powerful narratives that drive results for corporations and businesses of all sizes and industries. She is a co-author of several books on Marketing and Communications and is also the creator of the Four Pillars of Emotional Marketing, which are taught in programs at international universities.

QUESTION: What is your favorite WINTER Olympics sport, and why?

ELIA GUARDIOLA: Figure skating. There’s something hypnotic about it: strength and discipline disguised as elegance. It’s extreme technique presented as if it were effortless. And that’s exactly what we seek in leadership and communication: behind the complexity, a narrative that feels natural, light, almost magical.

QUESTION: What WINTER Olympics sport most “visually” demonstrates teamwork, and why?

ELIA GUARDIOLA: Curling. It might not be the most spectacular, but it’s the most transparent when it comes to collaboration. Every move matters, every team member has a precise, synergistic role. It’s the perfect metaphor for collective leadership: if one fails, the whole strategy falls apart.

ELIA GUARDIOLA: I remember the victory of the French ice dance pair Gabriella Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron. They didn’t just win medals; they achieved something bigger: the respect of the audience and the feeling of transcendence. Their story is proof that true success isn’t only on the podium — it’s in coherence with yourself, in the ability to turn effort into legacy.

ELIA GUARDIOLA: I’d invite someone unexpected: an educational content creator who can translate what’s happening in each discipline into simple, emotional language. Today we don’t just need celebrities creating spectacle; we need storytellers creating meaning. Someone like Neil deGrasse Tyson, who turns science into poetry, could bring the Games closer to people who have never watched a skeleton or biathlon event.

SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something inspirational or something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker (South Africa’s most decorated Olympian) #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Elia's two cents about that quote: I deeply believe in that statement. Athletes’ stories are living proof that failure also inspires — that vulnerability connects as much as glory. And in that sense, sport and life speak the same language: the human narrative that unites us all.

Debbie Laskey's Blog

Saturday, February 14, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Karin Norgaard

SHARE THIS: The Olympics thrive on stories of barriers broken, and Kirsty Coventry's appointment as President of the IOC embodies that spirit off the field. ~Karin Norgaard #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Friday, February 13, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Joseph Lalonde

Thursday, February 12, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Eric Jacobson

SHARE THIS: A team sport is not a one-player show; it's a symphony of different talents working together harmoniously. ~KatzBrosHockey via Eric Jacobson #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Susan Friesen

SHARE THIS: How I approach branding: Build the foundation first, shape a clear voice and identity, and only then, "take to the ice" with marketing that actually lands and sticks. ~Susan Friesen #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Dan Gingiss

SHARE THIS: Just like in business, when leaders understand that every customer base is diverse in almost any way you can define diversity, then companies develop better products and marketing. ~Dan Gingiss #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Monday, February 9, 2026

It's a Wrap on Super Bowl LX's Ads and Social Media Conversations

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Elia Guardiola

SHARE THIS: Today we don’t just need celebrities creating spectacle; we need storytellers creating meaning. ~Elia Guardiola #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: Athletes’ stories are living proof that failure also inspires — that vulnerability connects as much as glory. ~Elia Guardiola #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog