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.

Sunday, February 15, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Rebecca Herold

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 Rebecca Herold. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, and with over 30 years of IT, security, and privacy experience, Rebecca is the founder of The Privacy Professor Consultancy (2004) and of Privacy & Security Brainiacs SaaS services (2021). She has authored 22 published books so far, and co-authored NIST catalogs NISTIR 7628, NISTIR 8259, SP 800-213, NISTIR 8425 and TN 2066. She has served as an expert witness for cases covering HIPAA, criminals using IoT devices, social engineering, stolen personal data of retirement housing residents, and tracking app users with Meta Pixels. Rebecca hosts Data Security & Privacy with the Privacy Professor, and since early 2018, she has hosted the Voice America podcast/radio show, Data Security & Privacy with the Privacy Professor.

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?

REBECCA HEROLD: My favorite sports usually change with each Olympics. I tend to follow individual athletes and their personal stories and struggles, and their dedication to their sport, their goals, and overcoming personal challenges, and then tune-in to watch them. Then secondarily, there are sports I like that I also like to generally watch without knowing about any of the athletes involved. I enjoy watching the men’s and women’s hockey teams play. And I also enjoy watching ski jumping, thanks in large part to seeing the “thrill of victory” intro on ABC’s "Wide World of Sports" from the time I was a young girl. I also love speed skating (reasons coming up in my response to a different question). Each of these sports have such razor-thin margins for errors. The athletes must be completely focused, and have practiced thousands of times to reach their goals. Otherwise, disaster, and possibly career-ending injuries will occur. But just one unknown or unexpected variable introduced during the Olympic competitions can destroy their longtime practicing and dash their Olympic dreams.

[Note: link to ABC's "Wide World of Sports" intro is shared at the end.]

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

REBECCA HEROLD: Hockey plays and tactics visually demonstrate the need for teams to have practiced over and over again, to have each team member know their role for each play, and to carry through. If one team member fails to perform their actions as practiced, it is seen in real-time by viewers around the world.

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?

REBECCA HEROLD: Victory means different things based upon the context of each situation. I’ve been super competitive in sports and games all my life. Victory in a basketball, backgammon, running, Monopoly, or any other competition ultimately means, on a game-by-game situation, winning. But business is not a point-in-time competition. It is an ongoing process, filled with responsibilities to many different stakeholders; employees, Board of Directors, customers, patients, and often the general public. The person at the helm of business must be aware of the industry, and of the competition and what they are doing. Also, while one person is at the helm, all who support that leader’s goals and visions must be aligned with doing work that supports success.

With this in mind, here’s my answer. A competitive event in the short track speed skating competition that I happened to see is actually what made me a devoted fan of that sport in the 2002 Olympics. The gold medalist, Steven Bradbury from Australia (also the Olympics host location that year) won by taking a calculated risk regarding what his competitors would do. Reportedly (at the time), he had studied his competitors closely. He knew that several of them had faster times than his fastest time to that date in history. Bradbury purposefully stayed at the back of the pack for most of the race. In the final lap of the final race, the four leading skaters all crashed into each other, and Bradbury zoomed by the resulting pile-up and crossed the finish line first and won a gold medal! You see, he also reportedly knew that his speedier competitors were aggressive competitors, and very physical. So he took a risk, expecting a slow-down at the end, based on the history of those speedier than him, and that risk paid off, based on knowing his competitors’ strengths and weaknesses during competitions. And he surely did celebrate at the end of the race!

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Ten Memorable Valentine's Day Brands

We’re going to take a short break from my Olympics Leadership Series to celebrate Valentine's Day. My Olympics series will resume tomorrow.

When you think of Valentine's Day, what brands immediately come to mind? Do you think of companies that create greeting cards or companies that make chocolate or companies that send flowers? There are 10 brands that stand out to me, but first, here's some history about the holiday.

According to Wikipedia, "Valentine's Day, also called Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, is celebrated annually on February 14th. It originated as a Christian feast day honoring a martyr named Valentine, and through later folk traditions, it has also become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world...Saint Valentine supposedly wore a purple amethyst ring, customarily worn on the hands of Christian bishops with an image of Cupid engraved in it, a recognizable symbol associated with love that was legal under the Roman Empire; Roman soldiers would recognize the ring and ask him to perform marriage for them. Probably due to the association with Saint Valentine, amethyst has become the birthstone of February, which is thought to attract love...While the custom of sending cards, flowers, chocolates and other gifts originated in the United Kingdom, Valentine's Day still remains connected with various regional customs in England...In Slovenia, Saint Valentine or Zdravko was one of the saints of spring, the saint of good health, and the patron of beekeepers...The practice of sending valentines originated in the Middle Ages with boys drawing the names of girls at random.

In 1868, the British chocolate company Cadbury created Fancy Boxes – a decorated box of chocolates – in the shape of a heart for Valentine's Day. Boxes of filled chocolates quickly became associated with the holiday.vIn the second half of the 20th century, the practice of exchanging cards was extended to all manner of gifts, such as giving jewelry. The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately 190 million valentines are sent each year in the United States. Half of those valentines are given to family members other than husband or wife, usually to children. When the valentine-exchange cards made in school activities are included the figure goes up to 1 billion, and teachers become the people receiving the most valentines. The increase in use of the Internet around the turn of the millennium is creating new traditions. Every year, millions of people use digital means of creating and sending Valentine's Day greeting messages such as e-cards, love coupons and printable greeting cards."

And now, without further ado, here's my list of "Top 10" Valentine's Day brands:

TIFFANY & CO.

Tiffany & Co. has long been synonymous with diamond engagement rings that come in little blue boxes. But during February, little blue boxes containing diamonds may be considered better gifts than red-heart shaped boxes containing chocolate.

Did you know that Tiffany's shade of blue, robin's egg blue, is trademarked? According to AdWeek, "For the sake of you intellectual-property aficionados out there, the color is No. 1837 on the Pantone Matching System chart. It is not commercially available; since a 1998 filing with the federal government, the color is trademarked. The packaging on which the color appears is also trademarked, as is the white satin ribbon tied around said packaging. In all, it is very possibly the most recognizable and most desired retail container in history. It’s the Tiffany Blue Box — and yes, the term “Tiffany Blue Box” is trademarked, too. Most brands would kill for the sort of instant recognition value of Tiffany & Co.’s."

Tiffany & Co., also known as Tiffany's is an American luxury jewelry and specialty design house headquartered on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Founded in 1837 by jeweler Charles Lewis Tiffany, the company became famous in the early 20th century under the artistic direction of his son Louis Comfort Tiffany. As of 2023, Tiffany operated over 300 stores around the world including the United States, Japan, Canada, as well as in Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region. The company's product line features fine jewelry, sterling silver, watches, porcelain, crystal, stationery, fragrances, and leather goods.

HERSHEY’S KISSES

According to Wikipedia, “The Hershey Kisses were introduced in 1907. At first, the Hershey Kisses were wrapped by hand, but in 1921, a machine was made so that the Kisses would be wrapped automatically. Brothers Walter, Howard, and Raymond Phillippy made improvements, such as, devices to reject misshapen Kisses and position unwrapped candies upright. This is also when the plume was added. In 1924, Milton S. Hershey received a registered trademark for the plume...Kisses are one of the most popular brands of candy in the United States. In 1989, the chocolate drops were the 5th most popular chocolate brand in the United States, spawning sales that topped $400 million. More than 60 million Hershey's Kisses chocolates are produced each day at the company's two factories.”

Talk about a great marketing opportunity every year on Valentine's Day - due to the brand's product name!

M&M'S

Due to its yummy chocolate taste and timeless tagline since 1954, "It melts in your mouth, not in your hands," everyone's favorite candy may be M&M'S. Forrest E. Mars, Sr., established M&M'S Limited in Newark, New Jersey, and M&M'S Plain Chocolate Candies were introduced in 1941. M&M'S had become so popular by 1950 that an ingenious solution for consumers to distinguish the real M&M'S from inferior imitators was to stamp each candy with the now famous "m." The slogan "Look for the m on every piece" was created. M&M'S Peanut Chocolate Candies were introduced in 1954, and the color used to print the "m" on M&M'S Plain and Peanut Chocolate Candies was changed from black to white. During the 1980's, M&M's Candies went global, expanding into the Asia-Pacific region, Australia, Europe, and Russia! In 2022, M&M'S launched SPOKESCANDIES and announced a new global brand platform celebrating the power of fun. And in 2025, the new brand platform, ‘It’s More Fun Together’ celebrated the power of fun and togetherness because no one brings more fun than M&M’S.

GHIRARDELLI CHOCOLATE COMPANY

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company (also known as Ghirardelli) is an American confectioner, wholly owned by multinational confectioner Lindt & Sprungli. The company was founded by and is named after Italian chocolatier Domenico Ghirardelli, who, after working in South America, moved to California. The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company was incorporated in 1852, and is the third-oldest chocolate company in the United States, after Baker's Chocolate and Whitman's. In 1965, San Francisco declared Ghirardelli Square an official city landmark.

According to Wikipedia, "Since the 1960s Ghirardelli has also moved to focus on a restaurant division by selling ice cream sundaes, complete with their famous hot fudge chocolate sauce. In one of their earliest menus from the 1960s they featured five "Nob Hill Sundaes" all named after different landmarks, historical aspects, or local figures from San Francisco (Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Banana Split, Strike it Rich, The Rock, and the Emperor Norton). As of 2024, they feature 11 different sundaes (World Famous Hot Fudge, Ocean Beach, Chocolate Lovers, Gold Rush, Mint Bliss, Strawberry Passion, Non-Dairy Hot Fudge, Cookie Crumble, Lands End, Golden Gate Banana Split, and Treasure Island).

In 1963, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company was bought by the Golden Grain Macaroni Company, maker of Rice-A-Roni. Later, in 1986, Quaker Oats bought Golden Grain, and thus Ghirardelli. In 1992, Quaker Oats sold the Ghirardelli Chocolate division to a private investment group. John J. Anton, from that group, became the president and CEO of the newly independent Ghirardelli Chocolate Company. In 1998, Lindt and Sprüngli, from Switzerland, acquired Ghirardelli Chocolate Company."

Have you ever tried a Ghirardelli Sundae at its San Francisco restaurant and chocolate shop near Fisherman's Wharf? I have, and the Twin Peaks is one of the best in the entire world!

GODIVA

Ever notice a little gold box in its own store, at a Macy's register, or in some supermarkets? Well, similar to the Tiffany blue box, the Godiva gold box is another successful example of brand packaging.

According to the brand's website, "In 1926, Belgian chocolatier Pierre Draps Sr. began handcrafting exquisite chocolates in his Brussels workshop. With artistry, passion, and an unwavering devotion to quality, he laid the foundation for what would become GODIVA — a name now synonymous with luxury, indulgence, and Belgian craftsmanship. In 1958, GODIVA opened its first boutique in Brussels, marketing the beginning of a global journey. In 1966, GODIVA arrived in North America and opened its first boutique on Fifth Avenue in New York City. In 1968, GODIVA was appointed an official chocolatier to the Royal Court of Belgium. In 1972, GODIVA opened its first boutique in Tokyo's Ginza district introducing chocolate lovers in Japan to the brand. In 1993, the brand expanded with truffles, biscuits, and seasonal creations. And, in 2006, GODIVA launched its first chocolate cafes offering chocolates and desserts."

BARNES & NOBLE

If your Valentine loves to read, then Barnes & Noble is your favorite brand! B&N sends regular emails with book news and also announces its annual Books of the Year for children and adults. Of course, the bookstore sells a myriad of other items including stationery, greeting cards, wrapping paper, board games, desk accessories, and other gifts for reading addicts. So an in-person visit is always worthwhile - especially if a visit to the B&N Cafe is included — something that Amazon has not yet created.

VERMONT TEDDY BEAR COMPANY

Many companies make and sell teddy bears, but how many can you think of that also provide a lifetime guarantee? Well, Vermont Teddy Bear Company not only provides a lifetime guarantee but also offers a teddy bear hospital to customers for repairs, oops, I meant health check-ups.

According to the brand's website, "Our story started in 1981 when our founder opened a cart on Church Street in Burlington, Vermont, and began selling Teddy Bears that he made in his garage. Over 40 years later, our Bears continue to be best friends, a part of the family and beloved heirlooms. Each one of our meticulously-designed, artisan, handcrafted Bears is guaranteed for a lifetime. Vermont Teddy Bears make the perfect gifts for men, women, and children for any occasion, from Christmas to new babies and everything in between. As a company, the attention to detail and care we put into our Bears extends to all aspects of our business. We believe in our inherent corporate responsibility to give back, whether it’s the 100% recycled stuffing used in each Bear, our Little Hero Program that provides first responders with Bears to give to children in crisis situations, or the ability to grow your own tomatoes in the company garden each summer. From our highly-skilled Stichers to our Bear Ambassadors in the Bear shop to our Marketing team — everyone here knows that a Bear is so much more than a Bear, it’s a way to say 'I Love You.'"

1-800-FLOWERS.COM, INC.

Want to send flowers to your Valentine? Here's a brand name that everyone knows. According to Wikipedia, "1-800-Flowers.com, Inc. is a floral and food gift retailer and distribution company in the United States. The company's focus, except for Mother's Day and Valentine's Day, is on gift baskets. The concept of using the word "flowers" within a phoneword was originated by William Alexander in the early 1980s. The phone number, 1-800-356-9377, had been randomly assigned to a trucking brokerage in Wisconsin owned by Curtis Jahn and was used for that company until 1981. In an agreement with Jahn that would later be sharply contested, Granville Semmes and David Snow formed a Louisiana corporation that began to use that number to sell flowers in Louisiana, starting in 1982. The 1800flowers.com domain name was registered on September 1, 1995, and in 1999, the company was listed on NASDAQ."

CHEWY

If your Valentine is a dog or cat (or bird, chicken, fish, horse, llama, or reptile), then Chewy is your go-to place for food, toys, and more. According to the brand's website, "At Chewy, pets are the center of our universe. We wake up excited to find ways to make them happy and to make pet parenting easier for you. We create products they’ll love, find and offer trusted brands you’ll feel good about, and deliver it all right to your door. That means less time at the store and more time giving belly rubs. Happy customers are always our #1 priority. Pets are family and when you shop with Chewy, you become a part of ours. Plus, we have a 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Policy on every order. So, if your picky feline isn’t loving their new bed, you can return it or replace it. Making your pet happy has never been easier. At Chewy, our mission is to be the most trusted and convenient destination for pet parents and partners, everywhere."

GRIOTS GARAGE

Is your Valentine a car guy or car gal? Do they spend more time in the garage than in the house with projects including: washing and polishing vehicles, building cabinets, customizing flooring, and more? Then Griot's Garage is your brand for Valentine's Day shopping! According to founder Richard Griot, "I've been living the garage life since I was 5-years old. One of my earliest projects was putting a Sandy Koufax baseball card in my bicycle spokes. As I grew up so did my projects. By the time I left for college, the garage had seen three paint jobs, an engine pulling that nearly brought down the rafters, brake jobs, and countless tune-ups. And my parents only had to take me to the emergency room once! With my cars running like Swiss watches, I wanted them to look the part. I searched, but nothing in the car care arena measured up. So I started what would become Griot's Garage in my home garage in 1988. I really stepped up my game in 1990, introducing the first catalog, the first padded lay-down creeper, non-lifting floor paint, quality car care, and unique tools and garage gear. From the very beginning we focused on excellence. We had a lifetime guarantee on everything we sold, and I mean everything. When it came to our car care products, I decided early on that we would make our own, from product development through bottling and distribution. This A-to-Z commitment results in thoughtfully created products that you can trust on your car because I trust them on mine."

Did you hear the holiday news from Denny's? According to a press release on the restaurant's website, "While Las Vegas is famous for "I do’s" that happen in a flash, America’s Diner is making sure love lasts, at least until the breakfast is served. On February 14th, all lovebirds ready to tie the knot are invited to get hitched at Denny’s Wedding Chapel (450 Fremont Street) for FREE (a $199 value), as long as they agree to Denny’s “Toast-nuptial” agreement. This free, limited-time offer is available only on Valentine’s Day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT at Denny’s on 450 Fremont Street in Las Vegas. Spaces are limited, and a marriage license is required. 

To ensure no one ends up with egg on their face, Denny’s is introducing its "Toast-nuptial" agreement that requires those who take their vows at Denny's Wedding Chapel on February 14th to pledge their devotion to one another (at least through the next morning). Once wed, couples receive an exclusive “Over-easy Overnight” kit at the restaurant, including "Slammy" pajamas, eye masks, and pillowcases designed for the ultimate post-wedding Vegas sleep-in."

Ellie Doty, senior vice president and chief brand officer at Denny’s, said, "Vegas weddings are novel, but a Denny’s Vegas wedding is iconic. We’re leaning into the fun of the city and our chapel’s tradition of offering free ceremonies on Valentine’s Day, but with a twist that keeps couples in bed to enjoy one of the best parts of a marriage: the breakfast."

And what about the McDonald's news? According to CNN, "McDonald’s is offering a few customers a special Valentine’s meal this year: Chicken McNuggets and caviar. The giveaway underscores the lengths restaurants and retailers are going to grab customers’ attention, hoping the dollars will follow, as consumers remain gloomy about the economy and keep a tighter hold on their paychecks. McDonald’s said in a statement each kit has all you need for “an upscale yet effortless celebration” including a 1oz tin of “McNugget Caviar,” crème fraîche and a Mother of Pearl caviar spoon, along with a $25 gift card. And with consumer sentiment at its lowest in well over a decade, businesses have been looking for ways to get customers in the door. In that sense, a free giveaway might not generate immediate revenue, but it can build notice and serve as potentially viral marketing."

However, if you visit the promoted website, it says in big letters: SOLD OUT.

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day brands? Chime in and share. And don't forget, my Olympics Leadership Series resumes tomorrow here on my Blog.

Image Credits: Hershey's, Tiffany & Co., and Mars/M&M's.

See how Valentine's Day is celebrated around the world:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine%27s_Day

Read about the company that introduced Valentine's Day to Japan:

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

Read about San Francisco's Historical Landmark #30:

https://noehill.com/sf/landmarks/sf030.asp

Check out Godiva's recipe for Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries:

https://www.godiva.com/blogs/recipes/chocolate-dipped-strawberries-with-chocolate-fondue-recipe

Interested in taking a tour of the Vermont Teddy Bear Company? Here's how:

https://vermontteddybear.com/products/daily-factory-tour

Read about Vermont Teddy Bear Co.'s Teddy Bear Hospital:

https://vermontteddybear.com/pages/bear-hospital

Interested in visiting Griot's Garage HQ in Washington? Check out the event calendar:

https://www.griotsgarage.com/events/

Check out Denny's wedding website:

https://www.dennys.com/vegas-weddings-unique-affordable-wedding-chapel

Check out restaurant deals and specials for Valentine's Day:

https://www.franchisewire.com/valentines-day-2026-best-restaurant-deals-and-specials/

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Karin Norgaard

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.

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!

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.

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.

Sunday, February 8, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Ian Golding

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Ian Golding, based in Chester, England. Ian is a renowned Global Customer Experience Specialist. Having spent 18 years working in the corporate world, over the last 13 years, Ian has helped organizations in 60 countries understand how to operationalize the science of customer experience. He is also the first person authorized to teach the Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP) accreditation. Ian's many articles and book "Customer What?" have been read by thousands of professionals around the world.

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?

IAN GOLDING: I am torn between the Bobsleigh and the skeleton – Bobsleigh because I am a huge fan of the movie "Cool Runnings!" Skeleton because I am in complete awe and admiration for the courage it takes to go headfirst on your stomach down an icy slope on something that resembles a tea tray!

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

IAN GOLDING: I might be unusual in saying pairs figure skating for this one. Two people working in complete harmony, having to put 100 percent trust in each other to create something that is remarkably athletic and artistic is quite remarkable.

IAN GOLDING: As a Brit, I am always reminded of the determination shown by Eddie ‘the eagle’ Edwards who competed in ski jumping at the 1988 Winter Olympics. The first person to ever do so from Great Britain – with no support and no funding, whilst he came last (by some way), the courage and determination he showed to achieve his dream is the perfect demonstration to me of what victory is all about.

IAN GOLDING: Hmmmm – an interesting question. I am tempted to say Olaf – the snowman from the Movie "Frozen" – to attract a new audience. I think it is important to inspire potential athletes as early as possible, and I think Olaf would be the perfect character to do so with children all around the world.

IAN GOLDING: To me, leadership has nothing to do with gender or race. Leadership is demonstrated through the ability of a person to inspire others to follow. At its core, leadership is the ability to inspire, influence, and guide others toward a shared vision, goal, or purpose. It isn’t just about authority or position - it’s about creating conditions where people can succeed and feel motivated to contribute their best.

Saturday, February 7, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Giovanni Cecchini

For today's post, I'd like to introduce Giovanni Cecchini. I met Giovanni on LinkedIn after I read his timely article entitled, "In the Hert of Italian Tradition, Pasta is More than a Cultural Crown Jewel of Italy's Identity." His article began, "When you think of Italy, what comes to mind? The Colosseum? Renaissance art? A Vespa zipping through cobblestone streets? Sure, those are iconic, but let’s be honest — nothing screams "Italy" louder than a steaming plate of pasta. For Italians, pasta isn’t just food; it’s a way of life, a cultural cornerstone, and a delicious thread that ties generations together."

Giovanni earned degrees at the University of Amsterdam, University of Bocconi (Milan), and SDA Bocconi (Milan). He is currently the Director of Business Development for Fresca Pasta, a premium producer of authentic Italian pasta and food products, dedicated to exceptional quality, flavor, and sustainability.

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?

GIOVANNI CECCHINI: My favorite Winter Olympics sport is alpine skiing — a passion that runs deep both personally and culturally. I am a proficient skier, originally from Milan, and I grew up skiing in Courmayeur, on the Italian side of Monte Bianco. The fact that Milan and Courmayeur are so close (about 137 miles apart) with a typical drive of around 2.5 hours — made Courmayeur a frequent and cherished destination for me.

Growing up, I have countless incredible memories from those trips. As a child, my family and I would go almost every weekend to enjoy the mountains and fresh air. Later, as I grew older, the tradition evolved — I started going with friends, and we would rent a flat together for the entire winter season, usually with a group of eight or nine. Those trips were filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the shared joy of exploring the slopes and the village. Courmayeur became more than just a ski resort; it was a second home where friendships were forged and unforgettable experiences were made.

What fascinates me about alpine skiing is its perfect blend of speed, precision, and adaptability. Skiing down a mountain requires not just physical strength and technical skill, but also acute mental focus and an instinctive connection with the terrain. The experience is as much about reading the mountain — its snow quality, slope angles, and weather changes — as it is about athleticism. This connection to nature and the challenge of the mountains grounds me, reminding me of the importance of balance between control and flow.

In many ways, alpine skiing reflects the qualities I value in marketing and leadership. It demands agility, quick decision-making, and the ability to navigate unpredictable conditions with confidence and grace. Like a successful marketer or leader, a skier must anticipate changes, react swiftly, and maintain composure under pressure.

Ultimately, alpine skiing is more than a sport for me — it’s a personal journey and a metaphor for embracing challenges, harnessing skill, and harmonizing with the environment around you.

Debbie Laskey's Blog

Sunday, February 15, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Rebecca Herold

SHARE THIS: While one person is at the helm, all who support that leader’s goals and visions must be aligned with doing work that supports success. ~Rebecca Herold #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Saturday, February 14, 2026

Ten Memorable Valentine's Day Brands

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

Sunday, February 8, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Ian Golding

SHARE THIS: At its core, leadership is the ability to inspire, influence, and guide others toward a shared vision, goal, or purpose. ~Ian Golding #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Saturday, February 7, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Giovanni Cecchini

SHARE THIS: Like a successful marketer or leader, a skier must anticipate changes, react swiftly, and maintain composure under pressure. ~Giovanni Cecchini #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: Success in marketing isn’t merely achieving goals but also about crafting a personal brand and narrative that resonates authentically with your audience. ~Giovanni Cecchini #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog