Debbie Laskey's Blog: HOLIDAY LEADERSHIP SERIES

Monday, December 16, 2024

HOLIDAY LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Michelle Redfern

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 Michelle Redfern, a globally-recognized gender equality, diversity, and inclusion strategist based in Australia. She advises organizations in the business and sporting sectors on DEI strategy development and implementation and works directly with women leaders to advance their careers. She has been recognized as one of Australia's Top 100 Women of Influence and has won awards for her contributions to women's advancement. She is passionate about what sets her soul on fire, closing the global leadership gender gap, and enabling women to have a career that soars!

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

MICHELLE REDFERN: Whilst I am generally in the southern hemisphere over the Christmas holiday break, and it's hot and summery, I think about John Lewis in the UK because their Christmas advertisement is so well known, so beautifully produced, and often beautifully heartwarming. The themes they bring to life, seeing Christmas through the eyes of children and being kind and inclusive, speak volumes to me.

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

MICHELLE REDFERN: I cannot go past Michael Bublé singing "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas." Bublé has a magnificent voice and is often very, very funny at his own expense. He seems like a decent human being who epitomizes the goodness and kindness that the Christmas spirit embodies.

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

MICHELLE REDFERN: I'd like to think that all our personal brands stand out during Christmas, irrespective of our personal philosophies. It's a time of year, regardless of one's beliefs, to stop, breathe, and reflect on how to be kinder, more compassionate, and to have empathy for those who are not as privileged and fortunate as ourselves. Of course, I'd like that to happen all year around!