Debbie Laskey's Blog: HOLIDAY LEADERSHIP SERIES

Monday, November 11, 2024

HOLIDAY LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring James Strock

With the arrival of the holiday season, it's time for the memorable end-of-the-year advertising campaigns and familiar music to hit the airwaves; our TV's, radios, and computer/tablet/smartphone screens will be bombarded by reminders of the season. Since I've been honored to share several inspiring series on my blog over the last year including my #FallBacktoReadingSeries, #SpringLeadershipSeries, and #OlympicsLeadershipSeries, I've decided to end the year with my #HolidayLeadershipSeries.

I've asked 10 thought leaders to chime in and share some of their holiday thoughts as they pertain to leadership and marketing specifically during the holiday season. Enjoy, and happy holidays!

First, let's recognize today's significance. It is known as Veteran's Day, Armistice Day, and Remembrance Day. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, "World War I – known at the time as "The Great War" – officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919, in the Palace of Versailles outside the town of Versailles, France. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of "the war to end all wars." Veterans Day continues to be observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. The restoration of the observance of Veterans Day to November 11 not only preserves the historical significance of the date, but helps focus attention on the important purpose of Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good."

And now, for today's post, I'd like to introduce James Strock. James is an independent writer, speaker, reformer and entrepreneur, based in Southern California. He's the author of several books about leadership, politics, Ronald Reagan, and Theodore Roosevelt - and I've had the honor of learning from him since we first met back in 2011.

QUESTION: What BRAND or PRODUCT is the most memorable during the holiday season?

JAMES STROCK: Eggnog is a product that many of us identify with during the holiday season. It fits with cold weather. For most, it's an indulgence that is not replicated throughout the rest of the year.

QUESTION: What is your favorite holiday ADVERTISEMENT?

JAMES STROCK: Budweiser's Clydesdale ads and Coca Cola's sleigh ads are enduring classics, even for many of us who rarely imbibe their products.

QUESTION: What is your favorite piece of music or SONG during the holiday season?

JAMES STROCK: "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" is a wonderful classic: energetic, happy, and natural for groups to sing together. I'm also fond of Sir Paul McCartney's "Wonderful Christmastime," an earworm par excellence.

QUESTION: Whose PERSONAL BRAND stands out during the holidays? (Think outside the box and do not share any religious choices.)

JAMES STROCK: Charles Dickens's "Christmas Carol" endures because the archetypes are evergreen, from Scrooge through the Cratchit family. These are fictional characters who come to life for most anyone. The roles attract top actors and are accessible for amateur and student productions.

QUESTION: And lastly, since this is a leadership series, what is your favorite LEADERSHIP QUOTE, and why?

JAMES STROCK: I have many favorites, so I can answer this one differently on any given day. Today I'll go with Epictetus: "First say to yourself what you would be, and then do what you have to do."

My gratitude to Jim for sharing his leadership insights and for being a part of my #HolidayLeadershipSeries.