SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2025 – Featuring Melanie Bell

Last year, I launched a Spring Leadership Series to think about leadership in nontraditional ways. As 2024 continued, I presented additional ways to think about leadership during my Olympics Leadership Series and Holiday Leadership Series. With a new year upon us, I've invited 25 thought leaders to share their responses to five questions relating to team-building, reading, and leadership. My #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 began the first day of Spring and continues through June 20th, the first day of Summer.

Before we begin, 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."

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Melanie Bell based in Houston, Texas. Melanie is the Co-Founder of Strategic Piece, a company that helps B2B businesses generate outstanding revenue growth by bringing together their marketing, sales, and service teams around an information-driven customer experience. However, Melanie is not only about marketing. She founded Leaders Who Fiction, a virtual monthly book club (where we met!), while running Strategic Piece. Through Leaders Who Fiction, Melanie helps people develop leadership skills by reading fiction and participating in intellectual, business-oriented conversations centered around a selected novel. Prior to Strategic Piece, Melanie was President of Marketing Interface, which she founded in 2014, after serving as Director of Marketing at SURGE Accelerator/SURGE Ventures. Melanie earned a BA in International Development from McGill University in Montreal and an MBA from Rice University in Houston.

QUESTION: Leadership expert and author Erika Andersen wrote an article for Forbes entitled, "How Springtime Can Make Us Better Leaders." In the article, Erika compared gardening to management and leadership. What are your thoughts, or was there something that stood out from the article?

MELANIE BELL: I love the infinite metaphors we can come up with for good/bad management and leadership. That being said, the gardening metaphor seems particularly appropriate and effective at reminding us of what we should be doing year-round, not just in springtime. 

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. 

QUESTION: What was the most recent example of inspiring leadership that made an impact on you?

MELANIE BELL: I'm feeling particularly inspired by all the work being done to fight book bans. This seems to be happening at every level of life from local communities and school boards to The Big Five (anglophone) publishers (Penguin Random House, Hachette Book Group, HarperCollins, Macmillan Publishers, and Simon & Schuster) collaborating to sue states implementing book bans at public and school libraries.

SHARE THIS: I'm feeling particularly inspired by all the work being done to fight book bans. ~Melanie Bell #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What is your favorite team-building activity, and why?

MELANIE BELL: The best team-building activity I've participated in was a white-water boating adventure. This was outside of Montreal, and it had just turned cold, so we were freezing before we even left on the excursion. It was pure fun and, after we returned, we shared a meal together. I think sharing food with others is a great way to build camaraderie. I'm a big believer in fun activities rather than things like trust falls or more serious endeavors. Humor breaks down barriers.

QUESTION: Which book is on the top of your to-be-read pile, and why?

MELANIE BELL: Always our books for Leaders Who Fiction. We read Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus for the February meeting and Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami for the March meeting. But, 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.

QUESTION: In the past year, has a TV show, film, or work of fiction stood out as a result of its emphasis on leadership?

MELANIE BELL: I just finished a book called Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray. It's about the first female member of a presidential cabinet, which was Frances Perkins. She 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. I've heard some people who felt that the author portrayed her as having too much imposter syndrome — and we'll never know what was really going on in her head at crucial moments — but I think we all have moments of doubting ourselves.

My gratitude to Melanie for sharing her leadership insights and for being a part of my #SpringLeadershipSeries2025. Did these questions open your eyes to think about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope!

Image Credit: Troubadour/St. Francis University.

Read Erika Andersen's article, "How Springtime Can Make Us Better Leaders"

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

Read about the initiative challenging "book banning" by major book publishers referenced in Melanie's response to the second question: 

https://www.thebookseller.com/news/big-five-publishers-band-together-in-legal-challenge-against-library-book-ban

Read Melanie's previous appearances here on my blog:

HOLIDAY LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Melanie Bell (December 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/12/holiday-leadership-series-featuring.html

OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Melanie Bell (July 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/07/olympics-leadership-series-featuring_01990085057.html

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Melanie Bell (June 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/06/spring-leadership-series-featuring_0526172756.html

And thanks to Melanie:

The Best Book I Read in 2023 (February 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/02/the-best-book-i-read-in-2023.html

Connect with Melanie at these links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieabell

Website: https://www.strategicpiece.com

If you'd like to join the next Leaders Who Fiction's virtual book club meeting, check out @LeadersWhoFiction on Instagram or the club's website for details: https://www.leaderswhofiction.com

Let's Celebrate World Circus Day!

What are your memories from going to the circus as a child? Were you entertained by clowns, acrobats, or wild animals? Or, were you introduced to the modern-day version of the circus due to performances by Cirque du Soleil? Whatever the case may be, today's a special day for circus fans because it's World Circus Day!

According to NationalToday.com, "World Circus Day is celebrated on April 17 every year. This holiday was created to shine a spotlight on circus creators, performers, and artists. As one of the most popular and universal forms of entertainment, circus art is brought to the forefront to create awareness for everyone involved in the industry. This day is dedicated to emphasizing their craft, talents, and skills. It also helps them raise funds, attract audiences, and enter the zeitgeist of the entertainment scene. From veteran performers to up-and-coming artists, this day is dedicated to their hard work and dedication. Circus art is not as easy as it looks — it takes years of training and perseverance to achieve mastery. Today, we celebrate them and their contributions to the arts." 

Here's a circus timeline:

1768: First Modern Circus Introduced

In London, England, Philip Astley created the first modern circus, providing a model for future circus shows. He pioneered horse riding tricks as a form of entertainment in front of a public audience and initially called this performance arena "Circle," but the term evolved and later became known as "Circus." Astley exported his circus to France and was able to build 18 more across Europe.

1825: Invention of the Circus Tent

The circus tent, or "big top," was first used by Joshua Purdy Brown, allowing circuses to travel and perform anywhere.

1884: Birth of "The Greatest Show on Earth"

P.T. Barnum and J.A. Bailey founded the Barnum & Bailey Circus, which later merged with Ringling Bros. to become "The Greatest Show on Earth."

1956: End of Big-Top Era and Start of Arena Shows

For financial reasons, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey moved their shows from tents to permanent venues, essentially ending the traditional big-top circus era.

1984: Cirque du Soleil Founded

The start of the contemporary circus era with the founding of Cirque du Soleil, introducing a new artistic and story-driven approach to circus performance.

2010: First World Circus Day Celebrated

Lead by the Federation Mondiale du Cirque, the first World Circus Day was celebrated on April 17th, to honor and promote the art of circus globally.

Here are some circus superstitions:

The color green: Circus performers don't wear green costumes because it's considered unlucky to wear green in the ring.

Never whistle or eat peanuts: Circus performers never whistle or eat peanuts backstage as these are considered to be bad luck.

Never say "Break a Leg" before a show - it's bad luck.

Elephants' tail hair: All circus performers who carry hair from an elephant's tail in their pockets during performances will have good luck.

Never say goodbye, it's always "See you down the road." 

And last but not least, from a marketing perspective, how have circuses evolved? First, as a result of the public controversy surrounding wild animals as part of circus performances, live animals are no longer part of circus performances. Second, industry brand leader Ringling Bros. returned in 2023 after a five-year absence with a totally-revamped production that replaced its menagerie of performing animals with 75 wildly-talented humans from 18 countries. And lastly, the Cirque du Soleil umbrella of artistic circus shows scratches the surface of the circus concept but actually combines music, artistry, and acrobatics with storytelling.

While "Ringling Bros. producer Feld Grossman has been described as a kind of Ted Lasso of in-person entertainment: he makes people feel pretty good about themselves, at least for a few hours," can the circus form of entertainment survive in the era of online distractions? Time will tell.

Image Credit: Vectorstock.com.

Did you know that there are schools to learn how to be a circus performer? Take a look!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circus_school

And, on a related note, according to the European Circus Association (ECA), this year's World Circus Day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 19th IN EUROPE. According to the ECA's website, "The European Circus Association was established to unite Europe's circuses in order to promote and preserve circus arts and culture as part of Europe's cultural heritage. ECA is a non-profit organization. Its members include circus owners and directors, festivals, animal trainers and artists as well as other organizations representing the same interests. Together the ECA believes we can ensure that the circus continues to enchant, educate, and entertain children of all ages. This includes all kinds of circus, travelling or permanent, big or small, involving varying mixes of artistic displays, acrobatics, comedy, and trained animals."

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2025 – Featuring Eric Stone

Last year, I launched a Spring Leadership Series to think about leadership in nontraditional ways. As 2024 continued, I presented additional ways to think about leadership during my Olympics Leadership Series and Holiday Leadership Series. With a new year upon us, I've invited 25 thought leaders to share their responses to five questions relating to team-building, reading, and leadership. My #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 began the first day of Spring and continues through June 20th, the first day of Summer.

Before we begin, 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."

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Eric Stone, based in New York. Eric is a dynamic leader whose passion for business fueled a remarkable 26-year career at Enterprise Holdings, where he rose to become one of the most celebrated Regional Vice Presidents in the company's history. Leveraging his expertise in cultivating high-performance cultures, Eric authored the award-winning book Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture, which has inspired leaders around the world. As an international speaker, Eric captivates audiences with practical strategies and real-world insights, empowering organizations to drive engagement and achieve exceptional results. Through his company, Clear Path Ventures, he provides hands-on consulting to help leaders and teams develop tailored engagement strategies that foster transformation and measurable growth.

QUESTION: Leadership expert and author Erika Andersen wrote an article for Forbes entitled, "How Springtime Can Make Us Better Leaders." In the article, Erika compared gardening to management and leadership. What are your thoughts, or was there something that stood out from the article?

ERIC STONE: Erika Andersen's article provides a creative metaphor for both management and leadership by comparing them to gardening; both require patience, care, and the right conditions to grow something strong and lasting. 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.

SHARE THIS: Leaders and managers must recognize and adapt to the unique needs of their teams. ~@ericdstone1 #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What was the most recent example of inspiring leadership that made an impact on you?

ERIC STONE: Someone who has continued to inspire me to be a better person and has deeply impacted how I approach leadership both in business and in my personal life is Warren Buffett. 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 has stayed remarkably grounded. If you ever had the chance to sit next to Warren at a restaurant or bar and strike up a conversation, you'd be hard-pressed to realize the incredible influence he's had on the world. Despite his immense wealth and success, he wouldn't boast about it. He's not one to flaunt his accomplishments or demand attention; his humility speaks volumes.

Warren's life and career have exemplified the power of patience, integrity, and long-term thinking. His approach to business is built on enduring values, choosing steady growth over instant gratification. He's led with a consistent belief in doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. 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.

QUESTION: What is your favorite team-building activity, and why?

ERIC STONE: One of my favorite team-building activities was a company-wide scavenger hunt that mixed management and department heads into random teams. Each team of five-to-seven had to tackle several unique challenges; from solving riddles to convincing a stranger to play tic-tac-toe and win before moving on. We even had the teams come up with a 30-second commercial that had to include five random and obscure words, sparking creativity and plenty of laughs. To keep things engaging, a different person had to step up as the leader for each challenge; this gave everyone a chance to showcase their approach. The first team to complete all tasks won a gift card, but the real prize was the camaraderie built along the way. At the end, each team shared what they learned about their teammates, often uncovering surprising strengths and new connections. While winning was certainly the goal, it truly allowed us to break down silos, embrace different leadership styles, and create an atmosphere where collaboration and fun went hand-in-hand.

QUESTION: Which book is on the top of your to-be-read pile, and why?

ERIC STONE: Growing up, I was always fascinated with leadership, whether in business or sports. Watching the UConn Huskies win back-to-back championships and now chase a historic threepeat reminds me of the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines both elite teams and top-performing organizations. 

Just like today's workplace is evolving with five generations, the ongoing debate over in-person, remote, and hybrid work, and AI-driven transformations, college basketball is facing its own seismic shifts with the transfer portal, athletes profiting from their name, image, and likeness (NIL), and changing athlete expectations. 

This is why I'm excited to read 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. His personal journey, from overcoming mental health struggles to forging his own legacy, adds another layer of depth. Leadership isn't just about X's and O's; it's about resilience, adaptability, and inspiring others to reach their potential. I am looking forward to learning how Hurley's leadership principles translate beyond basketball.

QUESTION: In the past year, has a TV show, film, or work of fiction stood out as a result of its emphasis on leadership?

ERIC STONE: Ted Lasso really stands out for me with his leadership style. Have you ever watched someone handle a challenging situation so well that it inspires you to be better? Whether it's navigating a tough conversation with an employee or teammate, or presenting to senior leadership, you walk away thinking, I wish I could communicate like that. That's the kind of leader Ted Lasso embodies; someone who connects with both the head and the heart. While he's a bit quirky at times, he proves that you can lead with high character without sacrificing high standards. He balances optimism with accountability, making people feel valued while pushing them to be their best. His ability to build trust, transform team culture, and inspire loyalty is something every leader can learn from. Just like some companies rally around slogans like Just Do It or Play Like a Champion, Ted's guiding principle is simple but powerful: Believe.

My gratitude to Eric for sharing his leadership insights and for being a part of my #SpringLeadershipSeries2025. Did these questions open your eyes to think about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope!

Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Read Erika Andersen's article, "How Springtime Can Make Us Better Leaders"

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

Read Eric's previous appearances here on my blog:

Tips to Celebrate #NationalLeadershipDay! (February 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/02/tips-to-celebrate-nationalleadershipday.html

Review of JUMPSTART YOUR WORKPLACE CULTURE (July 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/07/review-of-jumpstart-your-workplace.html

Check out Never Stop (publication date: September 2025):

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Never-Stop/Dan-Hurley/9781668095744

Connect with Eric at these links:

Website: https://www.ericdstone.com/

Website: https://clearpathventures.com/about

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-stone-clear-path

Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/ericdstone1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearpathventures_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100040382190383

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ericdstone1/about

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2025 – Featuring Hortense le Gentil

Last year, I launched a Spring Leadership Series to think about leadership in nontraditional ways. As 2024 continued, I presented additional ways to think about leadership during my Olympics Leadership Series and Holiday Leadership Series. With a new year upon us, I've invited 25 thought leaders to share their responses to five questions relating to team-building, reading, and leadership. My #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 began the first day of Spring and continues through June 20th, the first day of Summer.

Before we begin, 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."

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Hortense le Gentil, a world-renowned executive leadership coach, speaker, and author based in New York. Her coaching work focuses on CEOs and senior executives on their journey from hero leaders to human leaders. She is the author of the widely acclaimed book Aligned, and recently released her latest book entitled, The Unlocked Leader: Dare to Free Your Own Voice, Lead With Empathy, and Shine Your Light in the World. Le Gentil’s thought leadership is informed by 30 years in business, working across industries including media consulting and advertising, and as an entrepreneur. Her thought-leadership has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., Business Insider, and ThriveGlobal.com. Le Gentil grew up in France, where she was a competitive show jumper during her youth.

QUESTION: Leadership expert and author Erika Andersen wrote an article for Forbes entitled, "How Springtime Can Make Us Better Leaders." In the article, Erika compared gardening to management and leadership. What are your thoughts, or was there something that stood out from the article?

HORTENSE LE GENTIL: I love the metaphor of gardening, but the truth is that today, leadership is no longer tied to seasons. It must be spring every day! A leader's role is to cultivate and nurture continuously, thinking about the long-term while also responding to what is happening in the moment. Leadership is about setting the tone and creating an environment where people can grow and thrive. This means being clear on your values, showing up with authenticity, and ensuring your team is aligned. And crucially, it means not tolerating behaviors that contradict your values. Leadership is a daily practice of making conscious choices – what you do or don’t accept defines the culture you create.

SHARE THIS: A leader's role is to cultivate and nurture continuously. ~@hortenseleg #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What was the most recent example of inspiring leadership that made an impact on you?

HORTENSE LE GENTIL: 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. She challenges us to be intentional about gatherings and design them with purpose. Leadership is about creating spaces where people feel connected and valued, where conversations are meaningful, and where we move beyond transactional relationships to truly engaging. It's about making human connections.

SHARE THIS: Leadership is about creating spaces where people feel connected and valued. ~@hortenseleg #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What is your favorite team-building activity, and why?

HORTENSE LE GENTIL: One of my favorite team-building activities is 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. This kind of sharing creates empathy, strengthens relationships, and builds a foundation for collaboration. People bring their best selves to work when they feel seen and understood. 

QUESTION: Which book is on the top of your to-be-read pile, and why?

HORTENSE LE GENTIL: I am looking forward to reading The Big Life by Ann Shoket. The book explores how ambitious women can design lives that are meaningful, successful, and fulfilling on their own terms. This idea of defining success for yourself resonates deeply with me. Leadership is about aligning with your purpose, making an impact, and crafting a life that feels authentic. I'm excited to dive into her perspective and get her insights.

SHARE THIS: Leadership is about aligning with your purpose, making an impact, and crafting a life that feels authentic. ~@hortenseleg #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: In the past year, has a TV show, film, or work of fiction stood out as a result of its emphasis on leadership?

HORTENSE LE GENTIL: I was struck by the documentary Very Ralph (2019), which explores the life and leadership of Ralph Lauren. His journey is a testament to the power of vision and authenticity. He built a brand not just on fashion, but on a philosophy and an aspirational way of life. What stands out in his leadership is his unwavering commitment to his values and storytelling. He understood that leadership is about inspiring people to believe in a vision. His ability to stay true to his identity while evolving with the world around him is a lesson for any leader.

My gratitude to Hortense for sharing her leadership insights and for being a part of my #SpringLeadershipSeries2025. Did these questions open your eyes to think about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope!

Image Credit: iStock by Getty Images.

Read Erika Andersen's article, "How Springtime Can Make Us Better Leaders"

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

Read Hortense's previous appearance here on my blog:

Are You the Type of Leader Who Speaks Last? (March 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/03/are-you-type-of-leader-who-speaks-last.html

Connect with Hortense at these links:

Website: https://www.hortenselegentil.com

The Unlocked Leader Book: https://www.hortenselegentil.com/theunlockedleader

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hortenselegentil

Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/hortenseleg

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hortenselegentil/

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2025 – Featuring Joseph Lalonde

Last year, I launched a Spring Leadership Series to think about leadership in nontraditional ways. As 2024 continued, I presented additional ways to think about leadership during my Olympics Leadership Series and Holiday Leadership Series. With a new year upon us, I've invited 25 thought leaders to share their responses to five questions relating to team-building, reading, and leadership. My #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 began the first day of Spring and continues through June 20th, the first day of Summer.

Before we begin, 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."

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Joseph Lalonde. 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."

QUESTION: Leadership expert and author Erika Andersen wrote an article for Forbes entitled, "How Springtime Can Make Us Better Leaders." In the article, Erika compared gardening to management and leadership. What are your thoughts, or was there something that stood out from the article?

JOSEPH LALONDE: I love finding ways to relate our everyday, normal activities to those required by our role as a leader. Erika made some great points in her article. One thing that stood out to me was the analogy to pruning. 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. 

One thing I might add to her article is this lesson: Plants grow in their own time. Erika already mentioned that you can't make a plant grow. You also can't make a plant grow outside of its own time. Some plants take longer to grow, others sprout right up. Be prepared to sit and wait for some team members while you may see others take right to the tasks assigned. 

QUESTION: What was the most recent example of inspiring leadership that made an impact on you?

JOSEPH LALONDE: I recently heard 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. Mira then asked Amanda how do you write a song. What happened next was pretty cool. Amanda told her it was complicated but she had an idea since Mira had the lyrics in her head. After Mira sang Into The Unknown, Amanda brought her back out to the stage and helped Mira work on her song. Since then, Amanda has helped Mira record and release the song. This is inspiring because it shows the power of a seasoned leader pouring into an up-and-coming leader. Always take the chance on the new person.

QUESTION: What is your favorite team-building activity, and why?

JOSEPH LALONDE: One of my favorite team-building activities takes place outside of the office in the great outdoors. For years, I've gone ice climbing with a group of guys. I didn't know these 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.

SHARE THIS: Ice climbing is one of my favorite team-building activities because it requires me to trust, help, and motivate others. ~@josephlalonde #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Which book is on the top of your to-be-read pile, and why?

JOSEPH LALONDE: I just finished reading a graphic novel called They Called Us Enemy. It's written by George Takei from Star Trek. He shares his experience of being placed into an internment camp during World War 2 and the affects it had on him. 

The next book on my to-read list is Origins of a D-List Supervillain. I read the second book in the series and loved it. I now want to go back and see the origins of the character I loved reading about.

QUESTION: In the past year, has a TV show, film, or work of fiction stood out as a result of its emphasis on leadership?

JOSEPH LALONDE: I tend to find leadership lessons in everything I watch or consume. Recently, I found a lot of leadership lessons in the film A Complete Unknown. It's the story of Bob Dylan's rise to fame. It also showed how being good, finding fame, and being successful can also hurt you. We see Dylan being consumed by his fame and hurting those around him. I think it's a great cautionary tale of what success can do to you. 

I also recently re-watched The Iron Giant. The story can teach us not to judge others by their appearance or differences from us, how other leaders may not be seeking the right resolutions, and more. 

My gratitude to Joe for sharing his leadership insights and for being a part of my #SpringLeadershipSeries2025. Did these questions open your eyes to think about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope!

Image Credit: Prudek via DepositPhotos.

Read Erika Andersen's article, "How Springtime Can Make Us Better Leaders"

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

Read about the story of Mimi Bloo:

https://amandapalmer.net/posts/presenting-16-year-old-mira-mimi-bloos-song-the-beat-you-all-helped-make-it-happen/

Read Joe's previous appearances here on my blog:

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Joseph Lalonde (March 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/03/spring-leadership-series-featuring.html

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES – Featuring Joseph Lalonde (December 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/12/fall-back-to-reading-series-featuring_01893009969.html

8 Business Books for Your Winter and Early 2024 Reading List

Featuring Joe's book REEL LEADERSHIP (December 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/12/8-business-books-for-your-winter-and.html

Connect with Joe at these links:

Website: www.jmlalonde.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlalonde

Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/josephlalonde

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmlalonde

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2025 – Featuring Barbara McQuade

Last year, I launched a Spring Leadership Series to think about leadership in nontraditional ways. As 2024 continued, I presented additional ways to think about leadership during my Olympics Leadership Series and Holiday Leadership Series. With a new year upon us, I've invited 25 thought leaders to share their responses to five questions relating to team-building, reading, and leadership. My #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 began the first day of Spring and continues through June 20th, the first day of Summer.

Before we begin, 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."

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Barbara McQuade. Barb is a professor at the University of Michigan Law School, where she teaches criminal law and national security law. She is also a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. From 2010 to 2017, she served as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. She was appointed by President Barack Obama, and was the first woman to serve in her position. She also served as vice chair of the Attorney General's Advisory Committee and co-chaired its Terrorism and National Security Subcommittee. Before her appointment as U.S. Attorney, McQuade served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Detroit for 12 years, including service as Deputy Chief of the National Security Unit. In that role, she prosecuted cases involving terrorism financing, foreign agents, threats, and export violations. She serves on a number of non-profit boards and served on the Biden-Harris Transition Team in 2020-2021. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and its law school and calls Ann Arbor, Michigan home.

QUESTION: Leadership expert and author Erika Andersen wrote an article for Forbes entitled, "How Springtime Can Make Us Better Leaders." In the article, Erika compared gardening to management and leadership. What are your thoughts, or was there something that stood out from the article?

BARBARA MCQUADE: I appreciate the author's advice about 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. 

SHARE THIS: It is important to meet each person where they are and give them the resources they each need to thrive. ~@BarbMcQuade #SpringLeadershipSeries2025 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What was the most recent example of inspiring leadership that made an impact on you?

BARBARA MCQUADE: 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. I admire her willingness to put her integrity above her ambition and livelihood. 

QUESTION: What is your favorite team-building activity, and why?

BARBARA MCQUADE: Ropes courses. People must work together or fail. Positive energy works, negative energy does not. 

QUESTION: Which book is on the top of your to-be-read pile, and why?

BARBARA MCQUADE: SAYS WHO by Anne Curzan. I am a student of language and think words matter. 

QUESTION: In the past year, has a TV show, film, or work of fiction stood out as a result of its emphasis on leadership?

BARBARA MCQUADE: 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.

My gratitude to Barb for sharing her leadership insights and for being a part of my #SpringLeadershipSeries2025. Did these questions open your eyes to think about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope!

Image Credit: Rope-Park.com.

Read Erika Andersen's article, "How Springtime Can Make Us Better Leaders"

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

Read Why I'm Quitting the Washington Post by Ann Telnaes (January 2025)

https://anntelnaes.substack.com/p/why-im-quitting-the-washington-post

Read Barb's previous appearance here on my blog:

Information, Disinformation, and Leadership - Oh My! (September 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/09/information-disinformation-and.html

Connect with Barb at these links:

Michigan Law: https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/barbara-l-mcquade

Website/Book: https://www.barbaramcquade.com

Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/BarbMcQuade

Best Social Media Post of the Month for March 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 will share 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 March 2025 was shared on March 2nd 2025, by the restaurant known for its Bloomin' Onion appetizer, Outback Steakhouse. On that day, the 97th Academy Awards ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California (my hometown).

The post featured the trophy emoji followed by the words, "And the award for Best Steak in a Leading Role goes to...our Victoria's Barrel Cut Filet Mignon." The emojis for a steak and applause were also included.

This post was memorable because it combined one of its products with timely content. Since the Oscars were the topic of the day, the post was a humorous way to align with the Oscars. Brands that can align their products or services to an event that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable.

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

Image Credit: Outback Steakhouse via Twitter/X.