What Brand Best Embodies Thanksgiving?

While there are many brands that stand out on Thanksgiving, one overshadows them all.

What will you be watching on Thanksgiving morning? Many of us will be glued to our television screens watching the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

According to My Christmas in New York, "The first parade in 1924 featured Macy’s employees dressed as clowns, marching bands, and animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo. It ended at Macy’s Herald Square, as it still does today. In 1927, balloons replaced the live animals — the first giant balloon made its debut as Felix the Cat. This started the tradition that continues to this day, with iconic balloons floating above Manhattan each Thanksgiving morning. Over the decades, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has grown into a world-famous event.

The 2025 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade promises all the festive magic people love about this famous New York City event. Visitors can look forward to a spectacular mix of giant balloons, colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, Broadway performances, and celebrity appearances. Every year, the parade brings something new while keeping its classic holiday charm. For many people, the most anticipated moment is the arrival of Santa Claus at the end of the parade. His appearance officially signals the start of the Christmas season in New York City.

The Macy’s Balloon Inflation Ceremony is one of the most exciting and lesser-known traditions of Thanksgiving week in New York City. Held the day before the parade, this event offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the famous giant balloons are brought to life. Many people say it’s just as impressive as the parade itself. During this event, people can walk around and see the enormous balloons up close as they slowly take shape."

The parade is held from 8:30am to 12noon Eastern time on Thanksgiving Day and has been televised nationally on NBC since 1952. According to New York Dearest website, more than 45 million people tune in to watch the parade on TV.

According to The Wrap, "As of 2024, NBC pays Macy's $20 million per year for the license to be the parade's official broadcaster; the parade earns a substantial profit for the network, with ad buys averaging $900,000 per 30-second commercial in 2023 — a fee comparable to NBC Sunday Night Football — bringing in a gross revenue of $52 million."

A unique aspect of working at Macy’s is that Macy’s employees have the option of marching in the parade. Would you march? Happy Thanksgiving!

SHARE THIS: While there are many brands that stand out on Thanksgiving, one overshadows them all. #MacysThanksgivingDayParade #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Credit: Macy's.

Highlights of My #SpringLeadershipSeries

Last fall, because reading has been my lifelong hobby, and I wanted to know what books other people considered life-changing, I featured a series called the #FallBacktoReadingSeries and posed the same five questions to 30 marketing, leadership, and customer experience experts.

Thanks to a seed planted by one of the series' participants, Joseph Lalonde, another series appeared on my blog from March through June of this year, my #SpringLeadershipSeries, in which I asked 15 leadership and marketing experts to think about leadership in nontraditional ways.

Before we embark on a recap of this series, I'd like to share some of my favorite quotes about leadership:

"Great leaders don't do it alone...they get help." ~Erika Andersen

"You never have to ask anyone's permission to lead. Just lead. " ~Kamala Harris

"Leadership doesn't require you to be the smartest person in the room. It requires you to block and tackle for others." ~Mark Herbert

"As a leader, speak last to ensure everyone's voice is heard." ~Hortense Le Gentil

"Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception." ~Ruth Bader G‌insburg

"If you're offered a seat on a rocket ship, don't ask what seat." ~Sheryl Sandberg

"If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring in a folding chair." ~Shirley Chisholm

"Managers (mostly men) create the glass ceiling, and we do women a disservice by calling on us to shatter it." ~Susan Colantuono

And now, pull up a chair and join me for a fun recap of my #SpringLeadershipSeries.

JOSEPH LALONDE
TV SHOW THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: The Shield
FILM THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Wonka
FICTION THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
PRODUCTS AS SYMBOLS OF LEADERSHIP: Mattel's Barbie and Hasbro's GI Joe
BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: Weaving Influence

ANTHONY GAENZLE
TV SHOW THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Blue Bloods
FILMS THAT SHOWCASE LEADERSHIP: Marvel films and Spider-Man
FICTION THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: The Chosen Twelve by James Breakwell
SYMBOL OF LEADERSHIP: Personal brand of Richard Branson
BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: Tesla

DAVID BURKUS
TV SHOW THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Designated Survivor
FILM THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Braveheart
PRODUCT AS SYMBOL OF LEADERSHIP: Little Green Army Men
BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: Péla Case

RON THOMAS
FILM THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: The Godfather
FICTION THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Always Start with Why by Simon Sinek
PRODUCT AS SYMBOL OF LEADERSHIP: Apple
BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: Rimowa

JAMES STROCK
TV SHOWS THAT SHOWCASE LEADERSHIP: Madmen and Hitler Chronicles
FILM THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Darkest Hour
FICTION THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Lincoln by Gore Vidal
PRODUCT AS SYMBOL OF LEADERSHIP: Rolex
BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: Toyota

GREGG VANOUREK
TV SHOW THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Ted Lasso
FILM THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Dead Poets Society
FICTION THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: The Hobbit/The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
PRODUCT AS SYMBOL OF LEADERSHIP: The Rubik's Cube
BRANDS AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADERS: Apple and Spotify

REBECCA HEROLD
TV SHOW THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Columbo
FILM THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: War Games
FICTION THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
SYMBOLS OF LEADERSHIP: Professional organizations in the privacy and security industry: ISACA, ISC2, IAPP, CompTIA, and ISSA

KATHI KRUSE
TV SHOW THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: The Sopranos
FILM THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Schindler's List
PRODUCT AS SYMBOL OF LEADERSHIP: Patagonia
BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: Costco

KATHERINE SPINNEY
TV SHOW THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: The Bear
FILMS THAT SHOWCASE LEADERSHIP: Erin Brockovich and Office Space
PRODUCTS AS SYMBOLS OF LEADERSHIP: Digital shared space to enable collaboration, such as, Outlook Calendars or shared Google Docs
BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: the NFL

NATHALIE GREGG
TV SHOW THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Scandal
FILM THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Barbie The Movie
FICTION THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
PRODUCT AS SYMBOL OF LEADERSHIP: Dove
BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: Starbucks

SUSAN FRIESEN
TV SHOW THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: The Crown
FILM THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Erin Brockovich
FICTION THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
PRODUCT AS SYMBOL OF LEADERSHIP: Nike
BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: Nike

MELANIE BELL
TV SHOW THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Ted Lasso
FILM THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Titanic
FICTION THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: The Final Revival of Opal and Nev by Dawnie Walton
PRODUCT AS SYMBOL OF LEADERSHIP: Samsonite
BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: Starbucks

SUSAN GARDNER
TV SHOWS THAT SHOWCASE LEADERSHIP: Star Trek and Star Trek: The Next Generation
FILMS THAT SHOWCASE LEADERSHIP: Erin Brockovich and Michael Clayton
FICTION THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: James Bond series by Ian Fleming
PRODUCT AS SYMBOL OF LEADERSHIP: Starbucks
BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: Apple

ZEN YINGER
TV SHOW THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Ted Lasso
FILM THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Dead Poets Society
FICTION THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
PRODUCT AS SYMBOL OF LEADERSHIP: LinkedIn
BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: Amazon

GLORIA MIELE
TV SHOW THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: For All Mankind
FILM/FICTION THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
PRODUCT/BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: For Days

And my two cents...DEBBIE LASKEY
TV SHOWS THAT SHOWCASE LEADERSHIP: Law & Order: SVU and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
FILMS THAT SHOWCASE LEADERSHIP: 12 Angry Men and 9 to 5
FICTION THAT SHOWCASES LEADERSHIP: The Exchange, After the Firm by John Grisham
PRODUCT AS SYMBOL OF LEADERSHIP: Mattel's Barbie
BRAND AS EMBODIMENT OF INDUSTRY LEADER: Starbucks

Did this series persuade you to think about leadership in nontraditional ways? I hope so!

I enjoyed this series so much - and hope you did too - that it planted a seed for another series. The upcoming Olympics competitions and athletes present another unique way to think about leadership. I invite you to tune into #DebbieLaskeysBlog from July 26 through August 11 to read 20 posts in what I have named my #OlympicsLeadershipSeries. More details will follow on Twitter/X, Instagram, and Threads, so stay tuned, and add the series to your calendar!


Image Credits: Debbie Laskey, iStockphoto, Amazon, and Classroom Clipart.

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Gloria Miele

Last fall, I featured an inspiring series here on my blog called, "Fall Back to Reading Series." Nearly 30 leadership, marketing, and customer experience experts participated and shared their favorite books and their thoughts about the importance of reading.

Joseph Lalonde, one participant, wrote a book entitled, REEL LEADERSHIP, which focuses on nontraditional ways to think about leadership. After I read the book, the seeds for this "Spring Leadership Series" were planted. Today, I'd like to introduce Gloria Miele, and following a brief introduction, Gloria shares some nontraditional ways to think about leadership!

Gloria M. Miele, Ph.D., is a leadership development and executive coach, trainer, consultant and speaker who has been helping people reach their goals for over 25 years. Her mission is to inspire leaders and their teams to create strengths-based professional environments that increase the engagement, emotional intelligence, and success of an organization and its people. She has designed, developed, and delivered learning programs for organizations that include the National Institutes of Health, StoryCorps, Columbia University, NYU, UCLA, Oregon Health Sciences University, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Gloria is also extremely involved in the community, committed to causes that support local business, education, the arts, and the empowerment of women and girls.

QUESTION: Which TV show or TV series showcases leadership in a memorable way? This could be due to a specific character and their actions, a series of events, the plot of one or several episodes, or a specific time reflected in history.
GLORIA MIELE: In an alternative timeline, imagine a leader at NASA in the 1960's and 1970's. In this timeline, JFK is not assassinated, and during his two terms in office, invests mightily in space exploration. Think about the astronauts and their families, space command, and the highest levels of government and science.

Imagine a diverse mission team with women and men of all races: skilled, cooperative, and effective. This is what leadership looks like on the Apple+ show FOR ALL MANKIND, a science fiction series where the global space race takes its course in an alternate timeline. The timeline evolves so that there is colonization of the moon in the 1980's and Mars in the early 21st century. This is a world where a woman astronaut becomes the head of NASA, then the President of the United States in the 1990's.

We know that a more inclusive workforce is good for business and an organization's bottom line. I like to think that having women involved in this timeline has contributed to the expansion of space exploration. I love how the series captures the impact of women leaders in science and space, their cooperation, expertise, and resolve propelling forward the nation and the world.

SHARE THIS: A more inclusive workforce is good for business and an organization's bottom line. ~@GloriaMiele #SpringLeadershipSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Which film (and in this case, also works of fiction) showcases leadership in a memorable way?
GLORIA MIELE: A film based in fiction that showcases leadership in a memorable way is THE LORD OF THE RINGS series. No matter what race - human, hobbit, elf, dwarf, or the great wizards like Gandalf - they all have room to lead. The fellowship is the ultimate team, drawing on the strengths and talents of each character to tackle a near impossible challenge on an epic quest for the greater good. The king, Aragorn, is courageous, mission-driven, ruggedly handsome, strong yet empathetic, warm, and connected. And each character, as diverse a crew as you could get, brings their best to destroy the ring in the battle for middle earth. They each step up to lead, demonstrating that even the smallest among us can have a big impact.

SHARE THIS: Even the smallest among us can have a big impact. ~@GloriaMiele #SpringLeadershipSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Which product, or product line, stands out as a symbol of leadership - and also serves as an embodiment of an industry leader?
GLORIA MIELE: A brand or product line that stands out as a current industry leader is FOR DAYS. With its mission to end fashion waste through textile recycling, For Days has a unique business model with the goal of keeping clothing and unwanted textiles out of landfills.

Sponsored by the United Nations, the For Days Take Back bag program and innovative marketplace are brand leaders that provide consumers with a sustainable solution to get rid of their unwanted clothing.

Emerging as a leader in the green economy, For Days is leading a revolution in cleaner fashion, engaging young shoppers with a rewards program, and offering novel solutions to address the long- term environmental impact of fast fashion.


Did these questions open your eyes to thinking about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope. My gratitude to Gloria for appearing on my blog, and for sharing her leadership insights.


Image Credits: Debbie Laskey, iStockphoto, Amazon, and Classroom Clipart.

Connect with Gloria at these links:
Website: https://www.strongerleader.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriamiele
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/GloriaMiele
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongerleader
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorglo

Links shared by Gloria:
Women are Good for Business:
https://www.hult.edu/blog/women-in-business-advantages-challenges-and-opportunities/

To learn more about For Days:
United Nations Partnerships page:
https://sdgs.un.org/partnerships/days

https://fordays.com/
and
https://fordays.com/products/take-back-bag

Article in Business Insider:
https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/style/for-days-clothing-take-back-bag-review

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Zen Yinger

Last fall, I featured an inspiring series here on my blog called, "Fall Back to Reading Series." Nearly 30 leadership, marketing, and customer experience experts participated and shared their favorite books and their thoughts about the importance of reading.

Joseph Lalonde, one participant, wrote a book entitled, REEL LEADERSHIP, which focuses on nontraditional ways to think about leadership. After I read the book, the seeds for this "Spring Leadership Series" were planted. Today, I'd like to introduce Zen Yinger, and following a brief introduction, Zen shares some nontraditional ways to think about leadership!

Zen Yinger is the CEO of ZenConsult, whose goal is "To Transition, To Transcend, and Transform Business Using Simple and Smart AI." ZenConsult helps problem solve and create new opportunities for SMBs, start-ups, and personal brands who want to lean into the future of business by making the simplest and smartest use of AI. She also coaches entrepreneurs and professionals who are in the process of making a delayed entry into the digital world. She has been recognized in Onalytica’s Top 100 for Social Media Marketing Influencers and Top 100 PR Influencers. She is passionate about #WomensAdvocacy, #WomenSupportingWomen, #HeForShe, and #TechForGood.

QUESTION: Which TV show or TV series showcases leadership in a memorable way? This could be due to a specific character and their actions, a series of events, the plot of one or several episodes, or a specific time reflected in history.
ZEN YINGER: TED LASSO, the TV show on Apple TV left me inspired and wanting for more.

Ted Lasso is the epitome of leadership in the series and crafts a unique brand of inspiration rooted in genuine positivity and unwavering empathy. His character becomes a beacon of hope, navigating challenges with an infectious optimism that transcends the soccer pitch. What sets Ted apart is his commitment to building a team culture founded on communication and personal growth.

The series artfully weaves a narrative where each character's journey reflects the transformative impact of Ted's leadership. Be it the comedic camaraderie or the poignant moments, Ted Lasso's approach to leadership is a refreshing departure from conventional portrayals. In a world often fixated on success at any cost, Ted stands out by emphasizing the human side of leadership, creating a memorable and uplifting experience for viewers.

Here are some inspiring quotes from Ted in Season 1 and Season 2:

Season 1: "I believe in hope. I believe in belief." In a pivotal moment, Ted expresses his unwavering faith in positivity and belief, setting the tone for his leadership style.

Season 1: "I think that you should always be curious, 'cause you never know when you're gonna find yourself in a moment of pure discovery." Ted emphasizes the importance of curiosity and openness to new experiences, fostering personal growth within the team.

Season 2: "Every breath is a chance to make things right." Ted's perspective on redemption underscores the series' theme of continuous improvement and second chances.

Season 2: "Success is not about the wins and losses. It's about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves on and off the field." Ted redefines success, emphasizing personal development over mere victories, reinforcing his holistic approach to coaching.

QUESTION: Which film showcases leadership in a memorable way?
ZEN YINGER: As an English Literature fan and student, who also had an inspirational English Literature professor, I am compelled to choose the film DEAD POETS SOCIETY.

The film tells a captivating tale of leadership personified by John Keating, an English teacher portrayed by Robin Williams, who gives a brilliant performance. Keating's unconventional teaching methods breathe life into the study of poetry, breaking free from traditional norms. He instills in his students the profound philosophy of "Carpe Diem," urging them to seize the day and embrace individuality, creating a compelling narrative around the power of living authentically. The film beautifully captures the essence of artistic expression, emphasizing the transformative role of poetry in self-discovery.

Keating's leadership is a beacon of empowerment, encouraging students to discover their voices and pursue their passions fearlessly. With a commitment to cultivating critical thinking, he challenges societal norms and fosters confidence, laying the foundation for personal and intellectual growth.

Beyond the classroom, Keating's leadership extends into personal connections, where he understands the fears and dreams of each student, creating an environment of trust and loyalty. The story unfolds with a powerful exploration of consequences, teaching resilience and the importance of facing challenges head-on. Even after Keating's departure, his legacy of inspiration endures, revealing the timeless impact of authentic leadership that transcends immediate circumstances.

Dead Poets Society is a poignant journey that resonates with the human spirit, inviting viewers to reflect on the profound influence of a leader who dared to ignite the flames of individuality and seize the poetic beauty of life.

QUESTION: Which work of fiction showcases leadership in a memorable way?
ZEN YINGER: TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE left an indelible mark on my life from when I read it almost two decades ago. The book unfolds a profound leadership narrative through Morrie Schwartz's lessons.

Morrie's wisdom extends beyond academics, emphasizing emotional intelligence and the prioritization of meaningful relationships over societal expectations.

Facing mortality becomes a transformative journey, prompting readers to reflect on life's purpose and spiritual growth.

Morrie's open communication fosters vulnerability, creating connections that endure.

His legacy, rooted in timeless insights, challenges us to consider the impact we leave on others.

Morrie's unique time management philosophy values quality interactions, inspiring a reevaluation of how we spend our time.
Acceptance, forgiveness, and authenticity define his leadership, encouraging readers to lead with grace and embrace their true selves.

In essence, Tuesdays With Morrie offers a human-centric leadership guide, urging us to live authentically and leave a meaningful legacy.

QUESTION: Which product, or product line, stands out as a symbol of leadership?
ZEN YINGER: As a longtime social media fan, consultant and currently looking for new opportunities, I eat, breathe, sleep LINKEDIN!

LinkedIn isn't just a platform; it's a symbol of leadership in the professional landscape, a space where connections transcend borders, and careers are shaped. It stands out for being more than a networking site – it's a hub of knowledge, a stage for thought leadership that inspires and educates.

As professionals, we find unparalleled opportunities for growth and connection on LinkedIn. LinkedIn's global reach opens doors to a diverse network of professionals, fostering a sense of community that transcends geographical boundaries.

For businesses, LinkedIn isn't just a recruitment tool; it's a showcase of culture and values. Company pages become windows into the soul of organizations, building trust with professionals and clients alike.

The platform's user-friendly interface ensures accessibility for professionals at all levels, creating a welcoming space for sharing ideas, achievements, and experiences.

LinkedIn's commitment to ongoing learning is evident through LinkedIn Learning, offering a treasure trove of courses across various domains. This dedication to knowledge contributes to a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.

As leaders, whether shaping careers or businesses, LinkedIn stands as a symbol of leadership, providing a stage to share, connect, and inspire. It's not just a platform; it's a community that empowers leaders to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the professional world, fostering growth, connections, and a collective journey toward excellence.

SHARE THIS: LinkedIn's global reach opens doors to a diverse network of professionals, fostering a sense of community that transcends geographical boundaries. ~@zenyinger #SpringLeadershipSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Lastly, since I’m a marketing professional, I would be remiss not to ask this question. Which brand do you consider the best embodiment of an industry leader, and why?
ZEN YINGER: AMAZON is top of mind to me because it's become an important and useful part of my everyday life. I buy my staples on Amazon. Last year, I published an ebook on Amazon, and I am putting together a product line to launch on Amazon. It stands as the epitome of an industry leader, capturing hearts and homes globally, including mine!

What sets Amazon apart is not just the convenience it offers, but the unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. It's a dynamic ecosystem that caters to diverse needs, mirroring modern lifestyles. In the realm of innovation, Amazon is a trailblazer, shaping the future of commerce and technology.

From the seamless experience of Amazon Prime to the intelligence embodied in Alexa, the company continually raises the bar, weaving technology seamlessly into the fabric of our daily lives.

The strength of Amazon lies not just in its vast product catalog but in the marketplace model that empowers countless entrepreneurs. It's a community where dreams find expression, and small businesses flourish alongside industry giants, creating a harmonious blend of choices for consumers.

Beyond the algorithms and logistics, Amazon's leadership radiates from a people-centric core. The company's commitment to a diverse and inclusive culture, coupled with leadership principles emphasizing ownership and innovation, fosters an environment where individuals are empowered to think big and push boundaries. Amazon is a global connector, understanding and catering to the unique needs of people around the world.

The ability to adapt its business model to diverse cultures reflects a leadership that embraces the richness of human experiences. Initiatives like "The Climate Pledge" showcase Amazon's dedication to environmental stewardship, reinforcing the idea that true leadership extends beyond profits to leave a positive impact on the world.

In essence, Amazon isn't just a company; it's a symbol of customer-centric leadership, innovation, inclusivity, adaptability, and responsibility. It represents the evolution of an industry leader that not only meets - but anticipates - the needs of a dynamic and interconnected world.

Did these questions open your eyes to thinking about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope. My gratitude to Zen for appearing on my blog, and for sharing her leadership insights.


Image Credits: Debbie Laskey, iStockphoto, Amazon, and Classroom Clipart.

Connect with Zen at these links:
Website: https://www.zenyinger.com
Blog: https://www.zenyinger.com/blog
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zenyinger
Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/zenyinger
(Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest also as Zen Yinger)

Check out Zen's previous appearance here on this blog:

Tips to Establish Your Digital Brand (October 2021)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2021/10/tips-to-establish-your-digital-brand.html

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Susan Gardner

Last fall, I featured an inspiring series here on my blog called, "Fall Back to Reading Series." Nearly 30 leadership, marketing, and customer experience experts participated and shared their favorite books and their thoughts about the importance of reading.

Joseph Lalonde, one participant, wrote a book entitled, REEL LEADERSHIP, which focuses on nontraditional ways to think about leadership. After I read the book, the seeds for this "Spring Leadership Series" were planted. Today, I'd like to introduce Susan Gardner, and following a brief introduction, Susan shares some nontraditional ways to think about leadership!

Susan Gardner's background is centered in recruiting and human resources in both public and private companies. As her career evolved, she contributed to startups and turnarounds that were undergoing transformative change in both tech and non-tech fields, such as, healthcare, e-commerce, fashion, and telecommunications. She's worked as a board member, marketing specialist, change manager, and indie film producer. Her interest is positive transformative growth and change - people and positivity centered cultures drive this!

QUESTION: Which TV show or TV series showcases leadership in a memorable way?
SUSAN GARDNER: I've chosen STAR TREK and STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION as examples of leadership at different stages in an organization. These TV shows showcase two captains of the Federation Starship USS Enterprise, Captain James T. Kirk and Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Both explored space while encountering many and varied cultures and peoples.

Kirk was the early captain and, as such, focused on considered action and allowing his officers and staff to contribute and do the job at hand getting optimum results. He partnered with them as a daily, active, on-site participant traveling to planets as an "away team" member.

As the Federation matured, Captain Picard took on a diplomatic posture and supportive partnership stance for the officers and staff under his command. Fewer new cultures were encountered, and relationship development became - and continued to be - paramount to success.

If you have an opportunity, catch Captain Picard's encounter with the Borg! Fabulous episode! (Editorial Note: The Borg were first encountered in The Next Generation's second season, episode 16, entitled, "Q Who?," and presented as so unstoppable that Picard had to swallow his pride and beg Q for help to escape them. The episode ended with the Borg presumably on their way to Federation space and time running out on finding a way to stop them.)

QUESTION: Which film showcases leadership in a memorable way?
SUSAN GARDNER: Two films come to mind.

First, ERIN BROCKOVICH, a true story turned into a film starring Julia Roberts in the title role. Erin has three children, and because of a car accident, contacts lawyer Ed Masry to plead her case. She becomes a paralegal for him at her urging as they pursue - with dogged determination - a class action suit against Pacific Gas & Electric for ground water contamination in Hinckley, California. Her attention to detail, creative problem solving skills, people skills, and grit won a $333 Million judgment for the 634 plaintiffs. In leadership and life, it’s always "keep moving forward." Erin is currently continuing her stellar career in environmental activism. The film received five Oscar nominations.

The second film is MICHAEL CLAYTON that featured actor George Clooney as Michael Clayton. Michael is a "fix-it" lawyer for a prestigious New York City firm handling a class action suit for their client, U-North, accused of selling a carcinogenic weed killer. Michael Clayton masterfully exposes the firm's client as totally aware of the danger of this weed killer. In the process, he grows spiritually, emotionally, and financially, and embraces the concept of "doing the right thing" is essential in business and life. It's a key leadership tenet. The film received seven Oscar nominations.

SHARE THIS: The concept of "doing the right thing" is essential in business and life. It's a key leadership tenet. ~@SEGStaffing #SpringLeadershipSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Which work of fiction showcases leadership in a memorable way?
SUSAN GARDNER: I've chosen Ian Fleming's Bond books about JAMES BOND. Each describes a Bond adventure pitting James Bond, fictional MI6 agent 007 against a masterful and evil wrongdoer. Fleming drew on his WWII Naval Intelligence Division service, which added depth and authenticity to his novels. And the film success of his novels is undeniable! Bond leads himself and others with character, creativity, and humor. His tech gadgets are legendary. It's good versus evil at its very best. One of my favorites is GOLDFINGER, which established James Bond as a brand that's definitely here to stay!

QUESTION: Which product, or product line, stands out as a symbol of leadership?
SUSAN GARDNER: I have to choose STARBUCKS, a favorite of mine for many years. Starbucks has led the coffee revolution, establishing their brand as a favorite to meet friends and colleagues for a quick meeting or in-depth discussion while drinking their favorite coffee beverage. Many use their friendly and open stores to work on personal and business projects. And Starbucks has expanded the brand masterfully into food and veggie plates. They pursue excellence with passionate dedication!

QUESTION: Lastly, since I’m a marketing professional, I would be remiss not to ask this question. Which brand do you consider the best embodiment of an industry leader, and why?
SUSAN GARDNER: I have to choose APPLE, my computer and phone choice. To me, the products are easy to use. And the philosophy, dedication, and Apple creative problem-solving strategies ring throughout. You can always reach out to Apple with questions or info. Steve Jobs shines through to this day! He espoused, "It's not about technology, it's about people!" Thank you, Steve!


Did these questions open your eyes to thinking about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope. My gratitude to Susan for appearing on my blog, and for sharing her leadership insights.


Image Credits: Debbie Laskey, iStockphoto, Amazon, and Classroom Clipart.

Connect with Susan at these links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/segardner
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/SEGStaffing

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Melanie Bell

Last fall, I featured an inspiring series here on my blog called, "Fall Back to Reading Series." Nearly 30 leadership, marketing, and customer experience experts participated and shared their favorite books and their thoughts about the importance of reading.

Joseph Lalonde, one participant, wrote a book entitled, REEL LEADERSHIP, which focuses on nontraditional ways to think about leadership. After I read the book, the seeds for this "Spring Leadership Series" were planted. Today, I’d like to introduce Melanie Bell, and following a brief introduction, Melanie shares some nontraditional ways to think about leadership!

Melanie Bell is the Co-Founder of Strategic Piece, a company that helps B2B businesses generate outstanding revenue growth by bringing together their marketing, sales, and service teams around an information-driven customer experience. However, Melanie is not only about marketing. She founded Leaders Who Fiction, a virtual monthly book club (where we met!), while running Strategic Piece. Through Leaders Who Fiction, Melanie helps people develop leadership skills by reading fiction and participating in intellectual, business-oriented conversations centered around a selected novel. Prior to Strategic Piece, Melanie was President of Marketing Interface, which she founded in 2014, after serving as Director of Marketing at SURGE Accelerator/SURGE Ventures. Melanie earned a BA in International Development from McGill University in Montreal and an MBA from Rice University in Houston.

QUESTION: Which TV show or TV series showcases leadership in a memorable way? This could be due to a specific character and their actions, a series of events, the plot of one or several episodes, or a specific time reflected in history.
MELANIE BELL: How could I not call out the charming series of TED LASSO? I was late to the game in watching it, but I'm so glad I did. There are all sorts of leadership dynamics between the team owner and her employees (I love her story line), the head coach and his assistant coaches, the coaches and players, aging team captains and new hotshots. I could go on; it's absolutely FULL of leadership lessons, plus it's hilarious if you don't mind some salty language.

Humor has such a unique way of reaching us. Actually, one of the first leadership skills presentations that I attended included humor as one of the top ten skills a leader should have.

SHARE THIS: Humor is one of the top ten skills a leader should have. ~@bell_melanie_a #SpringLeadershipSeries #LeadershipTip #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Which film showcases leadership in a memorable way?
MELANIE BELL: Reaching a few years back with this reference, but TITANIC is it for me. I realize what happens in the movie is based on historical facts, but perhaps, that makes it all the more gut-wrenching when the man who made the call to push the limits of the boat and ignore safety warnings gets into one of the lifeboats when the ship was sinking. It showcases leadership in a way of what not to do. Talk about lack of integrity!

(Note: The designer of the Titanic went down with his ship, whereas, the man whose company owned the Titanic left on the last lifeboat.)

QUESTION: Which work of fiction showcases leadership in a memorable way?
MELANIE BELL: I'm a little biased answering this question because most works of fiction have leadership takeaways. For Leaders Who Fiction, we read THE FINAL REVIVAL OF OPAL AND NEV by Dawnie Walton. One of the most liked characters is the band's former manager, but he's one of the reasons that the band fell apart. He had no spine, he cared more about being liked and appeasing tough personalities than he did about making sure that the group was set up for long-term success. That balance of being liked and being respected is something that I've struggled with in leadership roles, so that resonated with me on a personal level.

Okay, I can't pick only one! So, I'm going to cheat and also highlight ENDER'S GAME by Orson Scott Card because I read it after finishing my MBA and thought, "This is what we should have been reading in leadership classes in business school."

QUESTION: Which product, or product line, stands out as a symbol of leadership?
MELANIE BELL: The first product that came to my mind was SAMSONITE luggage because I associate it with business travel and with quality. I'm not even sure how much their luggage costs compared to the competition, but my perception links their product to leadership and things that leaders do.

QUESTION: Lastly, which brand is the best embodiment of an industry leader, and why?
MELANIE BELL: As I think about this question, the following criteria come to mind: who creates the best customer experience, who is innovative in ways that competitors either copycat or react to, and who takes risks that don't always pay off.

I considered Google, Apple, both Canva and Adobe, and Disney when thinking about this question, but for me, STARBUCKS wins this competition. I'm not saying Starbucks has the best coffee (it's not great, in my opinion), but they have had a major impact on our consumption patterns and have created an addictive customer experience.

Did these questions open your eyes to thinking about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope. My gratitude to Melanie for appearing on my blog, and for sharing her leadership insights.


Image Credits: Debbie Laskey, iStockphoto, Amazon, and Classroom Clipart.

Connect with Melanie at these links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanieabell
Website: https://www.strategicpiece.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaderswhofiction
Website: https://www.leaderswhofiction.com

Check out Melanie’s LEADERS WHO FICTION's appearance on my blog:

The Best Book I Read in 2023 (February 2024)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/02/the-best-book-i-read-in-2023.html

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Susan Friesen

Last fall, I featured an inspiring series here on my blog called, "Fall Back to Reading Series." Nearly 30 leadership, marketing, and customer experience experts participated and shared their favorite books and their thoughts about the importance of reading.

Joseph Lalonde, one participant, wrote a book entitled, REEL LEADERSHIP, which focuses on nontraditional ways to think about leadership. After I read the book, the seeds for this "Spring Leadership Series" were planted. Today, I’d like to introduce Susan Friesen, and following a brief introduction, Susan shares some nontraditional ways to think about leadership!

Susan Friesen 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.

QUESTION: Which TV show or TV series showcases leadership in a memorable way? This could be due to a specific character and their actions, a series of events, the plot of one or several episodes, or a specific time reflected in history.
SUSAN FRIESEN: I am often drawn to TV shows where the female lead is portrayed as a strong leader. I just finished watching the final series of THE CROWN, and even though Queen Elizabeth II could have made different choices throughout her incredible reign, she displayed strong leadership skills. For instance, she was clear on her objective and role in the Institution, never waivered in her resolve to what was best for the country, and consistently strived to be fair and impartial in all matters that she had to deal with.

It was also interesting to witness her realize she was getting behind in the times and knew changes had to be made within the Monarchy, but most every suggestion was shut down by close confidants and family members. No one likes to change, and that was too big of a boulder to move all by herself.

QUESTION: Which film showcases leadership in a memorable way?
SUSAN FRIESEN: A couple of movies like The Godfather and Braveheart come to mind, but the one that really resonated with me is ERIN BROCKOVICH. Erin demonstrates the importance of perseverance, fortitude, and determination in leadership.

Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Erin remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice, working tirelessly to gather evidence and build a strong case against the polluting company.

Throughout the film, Erin exhibits a genuine concern for the affected community members, earning their trust and support. She listens to their stories, empathizes with their struggles, and forms personal connections, essential in building a strong and united front in their legal battle.

The film teaches us the importance of standing up for what is right, even when faced with powerful opposition. Erin demonstrates the courage and conviction required to challenge the status quo and fight for justice for those wronged. These leadership lessons from Erin Brockovich emphasize the value of persistence, determination, empathy, trust-building, and standing up for what is right to bring about positive change and make a meaningful difference (and impact) in the lives of others.

QUESTION: Which work of fiction showcases leadership in a memorable way?
SUSAN FRIESEN: Even though it is controversial, the one that really resonated with me was ATLAS SHRUGGED by Ayn Rand. Some call this book propaganda masquerading as art, but I disagree completely.

The protagonist Dagny Taggart is met with opposition at every turn in managing the railroad. But she learned at an early age that it was more important to be competent than to be liked. The leadership qualities are many and include: ignore the haters, don’t argue, just do, and always praise good work.

QUESTION: Which product, or product line, stands out as a symbol of leadership?
SUSAN FRIESEN: As a marketer, nothing stands out more than Nike.  Nike's early leaders were distinctive and tough, relying more on their intuition than strict rules. This all changed when they ditched the unstructured approach and went to marketing planning.

Initially, the concept was applied to the running product line, and then it gradually expanded to include all product categories. The company found that adopting a comprehensive marketing planning approach was really helpful in bringing all resources together and keeping everyone focused on the same goals.

As a result, it had a significant impact on Nike's incredible journey to become the most valuable apparel brand in the world. Their leadership style was, in fact, partnerships and was the forefront of today’s influencer marketing rather than just being plugged by a celebrity. Their leadership embodies being part of a story relevant to the times even if that story is controversial or even bordering on quirky.

SHARE THIS: Nike's leadership style was the forefront of today’s influencer marketing. ~@eVisionMedia #SpringLeadershipSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Lastly, since I’m a marketing professional, I would be remiss not to ask this question. Which brand do you consider the best embodiment of an industry leader, and why?
SUSAN FRIESEN: Again Nike. Their leaders use meticulous attention to creating a flawless customer journey is a blatant example of its ability to comprehend its users. Because they prioritize audience research, they are able to find and connect with users on the platforms and channels they prefer instead of using a generic approach for everyone. In addition, Nike's customer service is responsive and informative, and they offer support to customers all around the world.  This leadership quality is contagious down to the very bottom tiers of their organization.

Did these questions open your eyes to thinking about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope. My gratitude to Susan for appearing on my blog, and for sharing her leadership insights.


Image Credits: Debbie Laskey, iStockphoto, Amazon, and Classroom Clipart.

Connect with Susan at these links:
Website: https://eVisionMedia.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan.evisionmedia/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evisionmedia/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eVisionMedia
Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/eVisionMedia
Free Branding Gift: https://www.facebook.com/eVisionMedia

Check out Susan’s previous appearances here on my blog:

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES – Featuring Susan Friesen (October 2023)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/10/fall-back-to-reading-series-featuring_02107667638.html

Digital Engagement Tips to Attract Customers and Fans (November 2022)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2022/11/digital-engagement-tips-to-attract.html

The Importance of Brand Identity (November 2021)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2021/11/the-importance-of-brand-identity.html

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Nathalie Gregg

Last fall, I featured an inspiring series here on my blog called, "Fall Back to Reading Series." Nearly 30 leadership, marketing, and customer experience experts participated and shared their favorite books and their thoughts about the importance of reading.

Joseph Lalonde, one participant, wrote a book entitled, REEL LEADERSHIP, which focuses on nontraditional ways to think about leadership. After I read the book, the seeds for this "Spring Leadership Series" were planted. Today, I'd like to introduce Nathalie Gregg, and following a brief introduction, Nathalie shares some nontraditional ways to think about leadership!

Based in South Carolina, Nathalie Gregg is a Change Agent, Enterprise Leadership Strategist, Adjunct Professor, and Speaker. She empowers women to become their own economic engines. Online, she is a digital superstar and is the founder of the #LeadLoudly movement and Twitter/X Chat, where she inspires women to be bold, confident, and fearless to drive real results.

QUESTION: Which TV show or TV series showcases leadership in a memorable way? This could be due to a specific character and their actions, a series of events, the plot of one or several episodes, or a specific time reflected in history.
NATHALIE GREGG: "It's handled." ~Olivia Pope in SCANDAL
 
You could not tell me that I was not a Galidator and the Chief People Officer or part of Olivia Pope & Associates. The brilliant Shonda Rhimes did it again! This series was the perfect blend of intrigue, crisis management, and leadership that kept us on the edge of our seats every Thursday! The iconic Olivia Pope was a strategic thinker who navigated intense and complex situations, all while looking flawless! She was also a very savvy negotiator and was always leveraging her influence to achieve her desired results!

QUESTION: Which film showcases leadership in a memorable way?
NATHALIE GREGG: "Play is the exultation of the possible!" ~Martin Buber
 
Barbie has been a huge part of the #LeadLoudly creation story, ritual, and icon since day one! Playing with Barbie gave me the courage to dream! This was one of the first glimpses into the role that gender segregated play and women empowerment would play in my leadership journey.
 
Thank you to Ruth Handler, the wife of a Mattel executive, who had the vision to move playing with dolls away from just being a caregiver! Ruth Handler said, "Through the Barbie doll, a little girl could be anything that she wanted to be!" This was portrayed so eloquently in BARBIE THE MOVIE last year!
 
Congratulations Team Barbie on the release of #thebarbiemovie, ringing the Nasdaq bell, and the fierce collaboration with Walmart! And thank you so much, Ynon Kreiz, for inviting me to walk the Pink Carpet!

SHARE: Playing with Barbie gave me the courage to dream! This was one of the first glimpses into the role that women empowerment would play in my leadership journey. ~@NathalieGregg #SpringLeadershipSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Which work of fiction showcases leadership in a memorable way?
NATHALIE GREGG: "Let the wild rumpus start!" ~Maurice Sendak
 
"Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak is still one of my favorite childhood masterpieces! I continue to use it frequently in my leadership training! I begin by saying to the audience, "Welcome to Where the Wild Things Are! Let's be courageous and open-minded about the creative vision that we want to bring to pass! Let’s pretend that we are Max and use our imagination, courage, and leadership to empower our community for excellence!"

QUESTION: Which product, or product line, stands out as a symbol of leadership?
NATHALIE GREGG: "You are more beautiful than you think." ~Dove Real Beauty
 
Unilever nails it with Dove! The Dove Real Beauty message was a symbol of vision, leadership, and women empowerment. The impact and influence of this campaign sparked courageous conversations around diversity, inclusion, and equity! Dove is a powerful example of how a product can challenge social norms to expand our thinking and facilitate change!
 
QUESTION: Lastly, since I'm a marketing professional, I would be remiss not to ask this question: Which brand do you consider the best embodiment of an industry leader, and why?
NATHALIE GREGG: "Starbucks Coffee is the #1 purveyor of coffee in the world. We are here to educate and enhance the best possible customer experience." ~Howard Schultz
 
The Third Place Campaign for Starbucks is a masterpiece! The goal is for Starbucks to become the THIRD PLACE in our daily lives with home and work being numbers one and two! The president of my university calls Starbucks my "Corporate Headquarters," because Starbucks is where I pitch my ideas to my mentors, network with others in line, snap #coffeechat selfies, stare out the window, and, of course, sip the #LeadLoudly branded caramel drip latte with whip!

Did these questions open your eyes to thinking about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope. My gratitude to Nathalie for appearing on my blog, and for sharing her leadership insights.


Image Credits: Debbie Laskey, iStockphoto, Amazon, and Classroom Clipart.

Connect with Nathalie at these links:
Website: https://nathaliegregg.com
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/NathalieGregg
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathaliegregg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathaliegregg
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@nathaliegregg

Check out Nathalie's previous appearance here on my blog:

Lead, Inspire, and Continue to Evolve (July 2022)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2022/07/lead-inspire-and-continue-to-evolve.html

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Katherine Spinney

Last fall, I featured an inspiring series here on my blog called, "Fall Back to Reading Series." Nearly 30 leadership, marketing, and customer experience experts participated and shared their favorite books and their thoughts about the importance of reading.

Joseph Lalonde, one participant, wrote a book entitled, REEL LEADERSHIP, which focuses on nontraditional ways to think about leadership. After I read the book, the seeds for this "Spring Leadership Series" were planted. Today, I’d like to introduce Katherine Spinney, and following a brief introduction, Katherine shares some nontraditional ways to think about leadership!

Katherine Spinney combines her background in education, social work, leadership, and coaching to support new, aspiring, and growing supervisors to become the leaders they strive to be. Through a powerful, research-based combination of training and coaching along with a robust virtual community in The Supervisors Circle, Katherine helps managers build the confidence and skills they need to better support their teams and ultimately their clients. As a former struggling supervisor who had to teach herself how to become a successful leader, it is Katherine’s life’s mission to help others learn and grow leadership skills.

QUESTION: Which TV show or TV series showcases leadership in a memorable way? This could be due to a specific character and their actions, a series of events, the plot of one or several episodes, or a specific time reflected in history.
KATHERINE SPINNEY: Like many people, I recently finished THE BEAR, and was moved in many ways for many different reasons. In terms of leadership, I thought the portrayal of Carmy was fascinating because he did so many wonderful things. He made a lot of mistakes - some which were significant - which is how real leadership goes.

Too often, depictions of leadership are unrealistic in terms of perfection or go too far the other way in portraying leaders who epitomize pure malice or incompetence or both. Carmy’s depiction stood out to me because of its realism. He exhibited strong leadership by apologizing when he made a mistake and investing in his team by sending them to get trained by the best in their respective fields. He also demonstrated what NOT to do as a leader when he lost his composure (which is putting it lightly) and when he failed to follow through on a number of significant tasks. Due to his commitment to getting better, his care for his team, his willingness to own up to his mistakes, and his clear vision, his team remained committed to him and the vision they shared.

QUESTION: Which film showcases leadership in a memorable way?
KATHERINE SPINNEY: Two films stand out to me.

ERIN BROCKOVICH from the movie of the same name demonstrated leadership in so many ways. Not only did she advocate for those who were being harmed and even killed, she did so while advocating for herself. She was aware that people dismissed her as they did her clients based on perceptions and stereotypes due to their lower socio-economic status. Along with her clients, Brockovich was constantly in a position of having to prove herself worthy while proving her clients worthy of the most basic protections and amenities like clean drinking water and health care. Her approach was not always well-received, but she did not allow that to stop her from fighting for what she knew to be right and doing so against corporations who had significantly more money and power. Time and time again, she spoke up and stood up to prove herself and to fight for her clients against incredibly powerful adversaries. Her courage and leadership were admirable and effective against considerable odds.

And since you did not specify positive, I am also going to choose OFFICE SPACE. The cult classic has stood the test of time, for better or worse, about the annoyances and challenges of office life. So many of the situations continue to resonate with today’s audiences because they keep happening.

From the boss who is completely disconnected from his employees to the restaurant manager who wants his staff to go above and beyond without having to ask them to go above and beyond (FLAIR!), too many of us have similar stories of working for people whose sole job seems to be making our work environment as miserable as possible.

Billed as a comedy, it is simultaneously a tragedy for how true and accurate this movie continues to be. Hopefully, it can serve as a cautionary tale of the very leader we do NOT want to be. There are several examples of bosses and leaders in the movie, which is part of the point, and none really serves as a positive example of leadership. But each one can remind us not to repeat the same mistakes that too many others so easily seem to make.

QUESTION: Which product, or product line, stands out as a symbol of leadership?
KATHERINE SPINNEY: Shared anything. Whether it is shared Outlook calendars or shared Google Docs, these types of shared electronic spaces make collaborating so much easier and make leadership so much more accessible.

Throughout the years, I have worked with supervisors who have made it frustrating, challenging, and in some cases, impossible to get their time or feedback. With the use of shared calendars, it is so much easier to meet with them, and it is so much easier to give and receive information, making many of those in-person meetings unnecessary. Rather than the time-consuming back and forth of email scheduling or having to go through an assistant, having the ability to connect easily and efficiently is really refreshing and demonstrates a commitment on leadership’s part to be accessible and transparent.

I also love using these shared tools as a running record of accomplishments throughout the year. Too often, when end-of-the-year evaluation time rolls around, there is glaring recency bias. This allows everyone to stay on top of all the wonderful things happening all year long.

(According to Scribbr: "Recency bias is the tendency to overemphasize the importance of recent experiences. Recent events seem more important due to their immediacy, but the most recent experiences are not always the most relevant or reliable benchmarks for our decisions. Under the recency bias, we don’t realize this and may make hasty or emotional decisions.")

QUESTION: Lastly, since I’m a marketing professional, I would be remiss not to ask this question. Which brand do you consider the best embodiment of an industry leader, and why?
KATHERINE SPINNEY: So many industries and so many companies come to mind. From Apple to Amazon to Nike, there is nowhere to go to escape from brands and their influence.

To answer your question about choosing one best embodiment of an industry leader, I am going to choose the NFL. Not because they embody the qualities and values of strong leadership - quite the opposite actually - but because they have such an absolute stranglehold not just on other football leagues and not even just on other sports, but on entertainment in general. In this past year alone, the NFL accounted for 93 out of the 100 most watched US broadcasts of the year. Not just sports, but broadcasts! That is astounding. Despite a myriad of controversies, and perhaps, in some cases because of them, people in the U.S. cannot seem to get enough of the NFL. They are truly the leader in terms of popularity and entertainment, and it isn't even close.

SHARE THIS: Despite a myriad of controversies, and perhaps, in some cases because of them, people in the U.S. cannot seem to get enough of the NFL. ~@CoachKat2017 #SpringLeadershipSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Did these questions open your eyes to thinking about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope. My gratitude to Katherine for appearing on my blog, and for sharing her leadership insights.


Image Credits: Debbie Laskey, iStockphoto, Amazon, and Classroom Clipart.

Connect with Katherine at these links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-katherine-spinney
Facebook/Instagram: CoachKat2017
Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/CoachKat2017

Check out Katherine's previous appearances here on my blog:

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES – Featuring Katherine Spinney (November 2023)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/11/fall-back-to-reading-series-featuring.html

Have You Ever Participated in a Leadership Book Club? (February 2022)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2022/02/have-you-ever-participated-in.html

Leadership Is ALWAYS About Those You Lead! (February 2021)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2021/02/leadership-is-always-about-those-you.html

TweetChat Highlights: How to Improve Leadership Readiness during the #COVID19 Crisis (April 2020)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2020/04/tweetchat-highlights-how-to-improve.html

How Can Leaders Help Employees Exceed Expectations? It’s All About the Culture! (August 2018)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2018/08/how-can-leaders-help-employees-exceed.html

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Kathi Kruse

Last fall, I featured an inspiring series here on my blog called, "Fall Back to Reading Series." Nearly 30 leadership, marketing, and customer experience experts participated and shared their favorite books and their thoughts about the importance of reading.

Joseph Lalonde, one participant, wrote a book entitled, REEL LEADERSHIP, which focuses on nontraditional ways to think about leadership. After I read the book, the seeds for this "Spring Leadership Series" were planted. Today, I’d like to introduce Kathi Kruse, and following a brief introduction, Kathi shares some nontraditional ways to think about leadership!

Kathi Kruse is a retail car gal, dealership profitability expert, social media strategist, coach, trainer, author of Kruse Control Newsletter, co-host of The First Pencil podcast, and founder of Kruse Control, Inc. and AutoCFO To Go. She is a board member of Hanaeleh Horse Rescue, and ten percent of Kruse Control profits go toward animal welfare.

QUESTION: Which TV show or TV series showcases leadership in a memorable way? This could be due to a specific character and their actions, a series of events, the plot of one or several episodes, or a specific time reflected in history.
KATHI KRUSE: THE SOPRANOS, a truly iconic TV series (that I loved from the first episode) and specifically Tony Soprano, the mob boss. Here are the show's leadership lessons:

(1) Strategic Thinking: Tony often displays a keen understanding of the bigger picture and the ability to plan several steps ahead.

(2) Decisiveness: Tony is known for making tough decisions quickly, a crucial trait for a leader in his position.

(3) Loyalty: Tony values loyalty highly, both in himself and in his associates. He often rewards loyalty and takes betrayal very personally.

(4) Adaptability: Throughout the series, Tony shows an ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether it's dealing with internal family dynamics (both his own family and the mob family) or external threats.

(5) Charisma: Despite his flaws, Tony possesses a certain charisma that draws people to him and commands respect.

(6) Toughness: Tony demonstrates mental and physical toughness, a necessary quality for survival in his world.

(7) Intelligence: Tony is often portrayed as being highly intelligent, able to outmaneuver his opponents and navigate complex situations.

(8) Emotional Complexity: While this may not be a traditional leadership quality, Tony's depth of character and emotional struggles add a layer to his leadership style, showing a human side that contrasts with his often ruthless actions.

(9) Resourcefulness: Tony frequently finds creative solutions to problems that seem insurmountable.

(10) Influence: Tony has a significant influence over his crew and associates, often guiding their actions and decisions.

QUESTION: Which film showcases leadership in a memorable way?
KATHI KRUSE: SCHINDLER'S LIST (1993): A powerful depiction of Oskar Schindler, a German industrialist and member of the Nazi Party, who is credited with saving the lives of over 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust. The film is set during World War II and primarily takes place in Kraków, Poland, which was occupied by the Nazis.

Key aspects of the film's depiction of Schindler's leadership:

(1) Schindler's Transformation: The film depicts Schindler's transformation from a profit-driven businessman to a humanitarian. Initially, he sees the war as an opportunity to profit by employing Jewish labor in his enamelware factory. However, as he witnesses the brutal treatment and systematic extermination of Jews, he becomes determined to save as many lives as possible.

(2) Tactical Maneuvering: Schindler's leadership is showcased by his ability to navigate the treacherous political landscape of Nazi-occupied Poland. He cultivates relationships with high-ranking Nazi officials, using bribery and charm to protect his Jewish workers.

(3) Moral Courage: The film highlights Schindler's growing moral courage. Despite the immense risks, he uses his factory as a refuge for Jews. His list becomes a lifeline for those included, sparing them from transportation to concentration camps.

(4) Emotional Depth: The emotional depth of the film is notable, and I believe emotional IQ is crucial to leadership. Schindler is portrayed as a complex character, flawed yet capable of extraordinary acts of kindness and bravery. His emotional journey is central to the narrative, which makes it a great example of memorable leadership.

QUESTION: Which product, or product line, stands out as a symbol of leadership?
KATHI KRUSE: PATAGONIA's products are amazing. When you buy one, the experience illustrates the brand's core values: quality, integrity, environmentailism, justice, and not being bound by convention.

QUESTION: Lastly, since I’m a marketing professional, I would be remiss not to ask this question. Which brand do you consider the best embodiment of an industry leader, and why?
KATHI KRUSE: COSTCO is a retail leader and provides a stellar example of how to treat employees and customers. In the retail sector (where I'm from), leadership is best represented by how you deliver an extraordinary experience. Costco's return policy is one example: "We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund." It's memorable, customers tell others about it, and when you need to return something, it's easy and effortless.

SHARE THIS: In the retail sector, leadership is best represented by how you deliver an extraordinary experience. ~@kathikruse #SpringLeadershipSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Did these questions open your eyes to thinking about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope. My gratitude to Kathi for appearing on my blog, and for sharing her leadership insights.

Image Credits: Debbie Laskey, iStockphoto, Amazon, and Classroom Clipart.


Connect with Kathi at these links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krusecontrol
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KruseControlInc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathikruse
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@kathikruse
Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/kathikruse

Check out Kathi's previous appearances on my blog:

Why Podcasts Should Be Included in Your Marketing Strategy (August 2023)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/08/why-podcasts-should-be-included-in-your.html

Social Media’s Impact on Employee Engagement and Customer Experiences (October 2021)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2021/10/social-medias-impact-on-employee.html

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Rebecca Herold

Last fall, I featured an inspiring series here on my blog called, "Fall Back to Reading Series." Nearly 30 leadership, marketing, and customer experience experts participated and shared their favorite books and their thoughts about the importance of reading.

Joseph Lalonde, one participant, wrote a book entitled, REEL LEADERSHIP, which focuses on nontraditional ways to think about leadership. After I read the book, the seeds for this "Spring Leadership Series" were planted. Today, I’d like to introduce Rebecca Herold, and following a brief introduction, Rebecca shares some nontraditional ways to think about leadership!

Rebecca Herold has over 30 years of IT, security, and privacy experience and is the founder of The Privacy Professor Consultancy (2004) and of Privacy & Security Brainiacs SaaS services (2021). Rebecca 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. Since early 2018, Rebecca has hosted the Voice America podcast/radio show, Data Security & Privacy with the Privacy Professor, and is based in Des Moines, Iowa.

QUESTION: Which TV show or TV series showcases leadership in a memorable way? This could be due to a specific character and their actions, a series of events, the plot of one or several episodes, or a specific time reflected in history.
REBECCA HEROLD: The classic series COLUMBO contained so many fabulous lessons and leadership examples for how to analyze evidence, that are directly applicable today for technologies that did not even exist back when the show first aired.

One excellent example directly applicable today to Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and most directly to medical devices, is the "How to Dial a Murder" episode from the show’s first season (Directed by James Frawley in 1978). In this episode, Columbo used ECG evidence to solve a murder. His dialog explained it perfectly in ways that the general public can understand without getting all techie: "You claim that you were at the physician's office getting your heart examined...which was true," Columbo states as he unravels a roll of the ECG readings. Yes, a physical, paper log back then, that correlates directly to the digital trails left today from all IoT devices that are responsibly engineered to log such data for those with authorization to identify health problems for their patients.

Columbo, while inspecting the electrocardiogram data states to the suspect while looking at the data on the paper roll of the ECG, "Sir, just before three o’clock, your physician left you alone for a resting trace. At that moment, you were lying down in a restful position, and your heart showed a calm, slow, easy beat." Then Columbo points to the ECG for the suspect to see and says, "Look at this part, right here. Lots of sudden stress, lots of excitement, right here at three o’clock, your heart beating like a hammer just before the dogs attacked. Oh, you killed him with a phone call, Sir. I'll bet my life on it. Very simple case. Not that I'm particularly bright. Sir, I must say, I found you disappointing. I mean, your incompetence. You left enough clues to sink a ship. Motive. Opportunity. And for a man of your intelligence, Sir, you got caught on a lot of stupid lies.”

Columbo did his due diligence, applied the data collected, and solved a crime using that data. Actually, many different episodes of Columbo have great data and IT security and privacy leadership lessons within them. Along with many other series, such as, Monk, Murder She Wrote, Fargo the series (the Molly Solverson character was so far above all her co-workers in critical thinking skills that all types of leaders need) and many more.

QUESTION: Which film showcases leadership in a memorable way?
REBECCA HEROLD: Another throwback to a classic: 1983’s WAR GAMES. Leadership by the military? Not directly. But indirectly by finally listening to a couple of teens who loved computers and were being leaders themselves by admitting they inadvertently found a huge security vulnerability in what could have been the most deadly military computer system that existed.

The main characters, David (Matthew Broderick) and Jennifer (Ally Sheedy), using modems to find what they initially thought was a computer game, Global Thermonuclear War. After they start playing this "game," they, and the military overseeing that program, realize they are just a computer button away from bombing the Soviet Union.

This showed leadership, that was flawed and delayed, to show how important computer security is, and the need to diligently secure all types of computer systems. Otherwise, dire harms could impact millions. This is quite simplistically stated. But, this has provided a great class topic for my security and privacy courses over the years, where we dig deep into all the associated vulnerabilities and threats, while also enjoying an entertaining movie. And, it is important to point out, that in 1983, most of the public did not even know what computer hacking was or understand the need for computer security.

Sadly, the majority still does NOT understand the need for comprehensive computer and data security and privacy. This includes the majority of business leaders, who often view security and privacy programs as "necessary evils" to meet "unnecessary regulatory requirements." Those views need to change. Those types of leaders are negligent through perpetuating their willful ignorance of the risks that exist and their responsibilities to mitigate those risks, under any situation not just when compelled by legal requirements.

SHARE THIS: The majority of business leaders often view security and privacy programs as "necessary evils" to meet "unnecessary regulatory requirements." Those views need to change. ~@PrivacyProf #SpringLeadershipSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Which work of fiction showcases leadership in a memorable way?
REBECCA HEROLD: PIPPI LONGSTOCKING demonstrates many leadership qualities with which most people can relate. Certainly children, but also adults who also need to have such lessons, since so many demonstrably did not learn them as children, when leadership seeds take root. Pippi demonstrates throughout her adventures strength of character and mind, confidence, open mindedness (especially to try new things), acceptance of diversity, the need to be responsible for actions, and that everyone makes mistakes sometimes but should learn from them and adjust themselves and their thinking accordingly.

QUESTION: Which product, or product line, stands out as a symbol of leadership?
REBECCA HEROLD: I tend to view products and the associated leaders through my lens of security and privacy practices. I struggled to identify any product or product line that I would view as a symbol of leadership for these necessary areas. And the ones I considered still are not leaders in my view. Probably the best products or product lines in this regard would be the professional membership associations that exist to help organizations of all types implement stronger and more effective security and privacy programs. ISACA, ISC2, IAPP, CompTIA and ISSA would be good examples.

QUESTION: Lastly, since I’m a marketing professional, I would be remiss not to ask this question. Which brand do you consider the best embodiment of an industry leader, and why?
REBECCA HEROLD: Another tough question. I do not think there is a "best" brand that embodies an industry leader in this regard. No organization has the best information and computer security and privacy management programs that they could have.

Did these questions open your eyes to thinking about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope. My gratitude to Rebecca for appearing on my blog, and for sharing her leadership insights.


Image Credits: Debbie Laskey, iStockphoto, Amazon, and Classroom Clipart.

Connect with Rebecca at these links:
Websites:
Privacy Security Brainiacs: https://www.privacysecuritybrainiacs.com
and
Privacy Guidance: https://www.privacyguidance.com
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/privacy-and-security-brainiacs
and
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaherold/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.herold.1/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrivacyProfessor
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/PrivacyProf

Check out Rebecca’s previous appearance here on my blog:

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES – Featuring Rebecca Herold (October 2023)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/10/fall-back-to-reading-series-featuring_01678868989.html

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Gregg Vanourek

Last fall, I featured an inspiring series here on my blog called, "Fall Back to Reading Series." Nearly 30 leadership, marketing, and customer experience experts participated and shared their favorite books and their thoughts about the importance of reading.

Joseph Lalonde, one participant, wrote a book entitled, REEL LEADERSHIP, which focuses on nontraditional ways to think about leadership. After I read the book, the seeds for this "Spring Leadership Series" were planted. Today, I’d like to introduce Gregg Vanourek, and following a brief introduction, Gregg shares some nontraditional ways to think about leadership!

Gregg Vanourek is a writer, teacher, and TEDx speaker on personal development and leadership. He is co-author of three books, including LIFE Entrepreneurs: Ordinary People Creating Extraordinary Lives (a manifesto for integrating our life and work with purpose, passion, and contribution) and Triple Crown Leadership: Building Excellent, Ethical, and Enduring Organizations (a winner of the International Book Awards). He teaches at the Stockholm Business School; served as a senior executive at a tech startup, now a market leader with $1 billion in sales; and has given talks/workshops in eight countries.

QUESTION: Which TV show or TV series showcases leadership in a memorable way? This could be due to a specific character and their actions, a series of events, the plot of one or several episodes, or a specific time reflected in history.
GREGG VANOUREK: The TED LASSO series is brilliant on many fronts, including the way it showed the human aspects of leadership and the complex dynamics of being part of a team and community. For leaders (and others), it has powerful lessons about heart, humanity, dignity, love, hope, belief in people, and the transformation of pain and hardship.

Ted observed, "If you care about someone, and you got a little love in your heart, there ain’t nothing you can’t get through together." This was true for owner Rebecca Welton: "I lost my way for a minute, but I'm on the road back."

Even though Ted admitted, "You could fill two Internets with what I don't know about football," his keen sense of observation and unique approach brought so much to the team. He remarked, "I do love a locker room. It smells like potential."

Ted connected with others - and inspired them - while proving the naysayers and cynics wrong. He reminded us that love and humanity are at the heart of great leadership.

QUESTION: Which film showcases leadership in a memorable way?
GREGG VANOUREK: In the film DEAD POETS SOCIETY, we see how heart, inspiration, passion, and conviction can be at the heart of leadership.

Teacher John Keating says, "Boys, you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all. Thoreau said, 'Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.' Don’t be resigned to that. Break out!"

Keating taught that how we show up matters. We have a choice as to how much to bet on our dreams and convictions. He taught, "This is a battle, a war, and the casualties could be your hearts and souls."

QUESTION: Which work of fiction showcases leadership in a memorable way?
GREGG VANOUREK: When we read J.R.R. Tolkien’s THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS, we can learn much about leadership (and life):

(1) Leaders step up: "I will take the Ring," Frodo said, "though I do not know the way."

(2) Leaders must make grave choices: Frodo said, "I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened." Gandalf said, "So do all who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."

(3) Leaders rely on trust and fellowship: "You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours - closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone, and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo." ~Merry Brandybuck

(4) Leaders fight for what's right: "...there's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo...and it's worth fighting for." ~Samwise Gamgee  

(5) Everyone can lead at times: "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future." ~Lady Galadriel

From the Ring Quest, we see that leadership is a group performance, not a solo act. Leadership was a dynamic that bounced around between Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn, Sam, and others.

SHARE THIS: Leadership is a group performance, not a solo act. ~@gvanourek #SpringLeadershipSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Which product, or product line, stands out as a symbol of leadership?
GREGG VANOUREK: The RUBIK'S CUBE, like leadership, is a challenging puzzle. It requires a combination of different skills: observation, attention, concentration, pattern recognition, and agility. To rise to the challenge, it requires patience, determination, and grace under pressure. It helps if we practice a lot, and it's incredibly rewarding if we stick with it and develop mastery.

QUESTION: Which brand do you consider the best embodiment of an industry leader, and why?
GREGG VANOUREK: Here are two:

APPLE is a great embodiment of an industry leader. The standard at the company is "insanely great." Steve Jobs once advised, "Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected." And the assumption is not just to sell a lot of products but also to put a "dent in the universe."

SPOTIFY is also notable because it brought a new way to experience music while being innovative, collaborative, and playful. It also seeks to celebrate music, creativity, and artistry.

Did these questions open your eyes to thinking about leadership in nontraditional ways? That was the hope. My gratitude to Gregg for appearing on my blog, and for sharing his leadership insights.


Image Credits: Debbie Laskey, iStockphoto, Amazon, and Classroom Clipart.


Connect with Gregg at these links:
Website: www.greggvanourek.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregg-vanourek-5347b11
Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/gvanourek

Check out Gregg’s previous appearance here on my blog:

Does Your Organization Have Culture Champions and Cultural Stewards? (January 2022)
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2022/01/does-your-organization-have-culture.html