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 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.
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?
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.
QUESTION: During the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, entertainer and businessman Snoop Dogg used the hashtag #FollowTheDogg and shared his Olympic experiences on social media. My favorite story and related photos were when he and friend Martha Stewart dressed in equestrian clothing and attended the dressage competition. According to reports, Snoop’s involvement was intended to attract a new audience to the Olympics. If you were in charge of the Winter Olympics, who would you invite to attract a new audience, and why?
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.
QUESTION: The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first Olympic Games under the leadership of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. She is a former Zimbabwean politician, sports administrator, and former Olympic swimmer and world record holder. She is also the first woman, first Zimbabwean, and the first African to serve as IOC President. According to Reuters, “Kirsty Coventry smashed through the IOC’s glass ceiling in March 2025 to become the organization’s first female President in its 130-year history.” What are your thoughts about this development for the world’s biggest multi-sport organization – and its future?
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.
A final reminder, as you watch the competitions, make a note on your calendar to swing by #DebbieLaskeysBlog each day through February 22nd for leadership and marketing inspiration. A small interruption to the series will take place on February 20th to celebrate "National Leadership Day," then the Olympics series returns on February 21st. A series recap will be featured on February 22nd. Enjoy the Olympics!
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:
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