Debbie Laskey's Blog: HOLIDAY LEADERSHIP SERIES

Monday, December 9, 2024

HOLIDAY LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Doug Dickerson

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!

And now, for today's post, I'd like to introduce Doug Dickerson, based in South Carolina. Doug has more than 30 years of experience in various leadership positions and first appeared on my Blog back in 2010, after I read his inspiring book, "Leaders Without Borders: 9 Essentials for Everyday Leaders." I then appeared on his podcast several times, and we discussed the intersection of leadership and marketing. As Doug explains on his blog, "My purpose isn't complicated. I am here to share my leadership insights and perspectives in hopes to cut through the clutter and give it to you straight up and simple. My desire is that you will come away inspired, encouraged, challenged, and better equipped as a leader."

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

DOUG DICKERSON: Many stand out, but I think the most memorable over time is Coca-Cola. The brand has been around for decades, and during the holidays, it has always stood out with strong imaging and messaging.

QUESTION: What is your favorite holiday ADVERTISEMENT?

DOUG DICKERSON: Budweiser beer, and more specifically, the Clydesdale horses. For years, that has been a memorable product. The horses are amazing, and ads featuring them are feel-good advertisements.

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

DOUG DICKERSON: My favorite holiday song is "It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year" sung by Andy Williams. It embodies everything about the season that makes it special - and renews my hope for humanity.

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

DOUG DICKERSON: One that stands out for me features John Travolta in a Capital One commercial with the track "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees. It's just a fun, feel-good advertisement.

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

DOUG DICKERSON: I like the following quote because it reminds us all that we do not have to be defined or limited by our past and that the path forward is full of unlimited possibilities if we work hard:

"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go, they merely determine where you start." ~Nido Qubein