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.

Monday, February 9, 2026

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Elia Guardiola

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 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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

Friday, February 6, 2026

Introducing the #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 on #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Since the Paris Summer Olympics were incredibly inspiring (both in Paris and also here on my Blog!), I'd like to announce the launch of a new series to celebrate the 2026 Winter Olympics, which I’ve named, my #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026.

I’ve invited 14 thought leaders to answer the five questions below, and to kick off the series, I’ve provided my responses. I hope this series provides some new ways to think about leadership, personal branding, and the Olympics as you watch the exciting competitions!

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

Mark your calendar to swing by my blog each day during the next two weeks for a new perspective about the Olympics – there will be a short series interruption on February 20 to celebrate “National Leadership Day" – but the series returns to my blog on February 21, and then a series recap will appear on the day of the closing ceremony on February 22.

QUESTION: What is your favorite WINTER Olympics sport, and why?

DEBBIE LASKEY: It’s a tie between two: CURLING because it's such an unusual sport to watch, and MOGULS because they make all athletes look graceful. In addition, for moguls, a person is completely defined by their athletic ability. Due to the ski pants, jacket, gloves, and head covering, the person's ethnicity and physical description are totally irrelevant. Athletes are judged solely by their ability, which is the entire point of the Olympics!

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

DEBBIE LASKEY: The visual aspect of the sport of bobsledding – with athletes running alongside a fast-moving sled, jumping into the sled in unison, and then moving in unison once inside the sled – is the perfect definition of teamwork in action. The athletes make the sport look effortless – which shows just how talented they are, because the sport definitely requires years of practice and hard work!

According to Britannica, “Bobsledding, the sport of sliding down an ice-covered natural or artificial incline on a four-runner sled, called a bobsled, bobsleigh, or bob, that carries either two or four persons. It developed in the 1880’s both in the lumbering towns of upstate New York, and at the ski resorts of the Swiss Alps. The first organized competition (among teams consisting of three men and two women) was held in 1898 on the Cresta Run at Saint Moritz, Switzerland. The sport earned its name after competitors adopted the technique of bobbing back and forth to increase the speed of the sled. In 1924, bobsledding became an internationally recognized sport due to its inclusion in the first Olympic Winter Games in Chamonix, France. The start of the race is crucial to a team’s success. Riders, wearing cleated shoes, run alongside the sled, pushing it to achieve maximum velocity. As it builds speed, the riders jump in, the driver in front, and the brakeman, pushing the back of the sled, entering last. The heavier four-person sleds attain speeds approaching 160 km (100 miles) per hour; the smaller, lighter two-person sleds are only slightly slower. A race consists of four descents by each team, the total time for the four heats determining the winner. Germany is the dominant country in the sport, with the United States, Switzerland, Canada, and Latvia as medal threats.”

DEBBIE LASKEY: Figure skating is a much-anticipated popular sport in all Winter Olympics. In 1980, despite being favorites to win a gold medal, American athletes and figure skaters Tai Babilonia (age 19) and her skating partner Randy Gardner (age 21) had to pull out of the competition at the last moment due to an injury to Gardner. This incident taught me at an early age that sometimes, even the best, most talented among us fall or fail – but we should not give up on our dreams or working toward our goals. These athletes definitely “ran at their own race” because, while they left the competition, they still embodied hard work, dedication, and inspiration – and were heroes!

DEBBIE LASKEY: I would invite Taylor Swift. In fact, I would offer the opportunity for her to get married at the end of the Olympics somewhere in Italy. Since her appeal is international, if she appeared at various Olympic events, the interest would grow, and the television ratings would increase (think, advertising dollars!). She could also interview athletes and appear in lots of selfies with athletes and fans. She could even design a “Taylor Swift Olympics” bracelet – and donate sales to Team USA or the Paralympics.

DEBBIE LASKEY: This is an incredible step forward for women on the world stage – especially with all the backward steps happening for women in the United States and also around the world. Coventry was an interesting choice for IOC President due to her gender when so many sports are male-dominated. I wonder if she will be outspoken about any gender bias or gender discrimination that she faces in her new role. I also wonder what issues she will choose to emphasize during her 8-year term.

I hope Coventry will address the following three key issues in her early days as IOC President:

FINANCIAL COMPENSATION

Did you know that medals can equate to a financial reward other than advertising endorsements? According to Business Insider, “US athletes receive $37,500 for a gold medal, $22,500 for a silver medal, and $15,000 for a bronze medal. Hong Kong offers the highest reward with gold medalists earning up to $768,000.”

The concept of financial compensation for winning medals at the Olympics seems to be a conflict, so I hope that Coventry addresses this issue.

EQUALITY AMONG ATHLETES

At the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, 206 countries participated, and of those countries, 11,000 athletes participated. The United States, France, and Australia had the largest country representations – each between 450-600. And the least represented countries were Belize, Liechtenstein, Nauru, and Somalia – each sent only one athlete to compete. Russian and Belarusian athletes competed as “Individual Neutral Athletes” because the IOC voted to suspend both countries from competition due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The most important athlete news was that, for the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, an equal number of men and women athletes competed at the Olympics. I hope that Coventry keeps this issue of athlete gender equality on her radar during future Olympics.

SUSTAINABILITY THEME

Lastly, during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, there was a significant focus on creating a “green” Olympics. The city closed more than 100 streets to motor vehicles, tripled parking fees for SUV’s, removed 50,000 parking spots, and built more than 800 miles of bike lanes since 2014. According to city officials, the changes contributed to a 40 percent decline in air pollution. Despite years of tests and conflicting reports about too much pollution, some events even took place in the Seine River. And the purple track at the Stade de France had a secret ingredient: shells. In addition, the more than 14,000 mattresses made from recycled plastic used in the Olympic Village were given to the French army. The tennis balls used at Roland-Garros Stadium were donated to French sports clubs, as well as much of the other sports equipment from javelins to shot puts. Two swimming pools, the climbing wall, and the skateboarding parks were dug out and moved – most of them to the deprived Seine-Saint-Denis suburb northeast of Paris. And officials planned to retrofit athlete apartments from the Olympics Athletes' Village into housing for local residents. I hope that Coventry continues this sustainability trend.

A final reminder, as you watch the competitions, swing by #DebbieLaskeysBlog each day for leadership and marketing inspiration – and I hope you enjoy the Opening Ceremony!

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Fun Stories and Novelty Bets Leading Up to the Big Game

Many around the world are counting the hours until kickoff for Super Bowl LX on Sunday. The two teams also met at the 2014 Super Bowl when the Patriots defeated the Seahawks 28-24. However, this time, the Seattle Seahawks are favored to win by the Las Vegas odds-makers and a menagerie of animals.

In case you've missed some of the excitement leading up to the big game, let's take a look at all the fun!

ANIMAL PREDICTIONS

While the annual wager between zoos in the two teams' hometown cities is not happening this year, a number of zoos are hosting animal prediction events. At San Antonio Zoo (Texas), Guacamole the rescued sea turtle predicted a Seahawks victory by swimming toward a themed lettuce snack. At Gulf Breeze Zoo (Florida), Kenya the giraffe chose the Seattle Seahawks at the "Third Annual Kenya Day" on February 2nd. Kenya has established a reputation for the annual, fun predictions at the Gulf Breeze Zoo, often acting as a Gulf Coast alternative to Punxsutawney Phil. At the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo (New Jersey), Lady Edwina of Essex, a groundhog, predicted six more weeks of winter after seeing her shadow and also forecasted that the Seattle Seahawks would win the upcoming Super Bowl. At Blank Park Zoo (Des Moines, Iowa), Zarina the African lion predicted the Seahawks; at the Brookfied Zoo (Chicago), Charlotte the tarantula predicted the Seahawks; and at the Nashville Zoo (Tennessee), Wilbur the binturong (also known as a bearcat) selected the Seahawks by approaching a miniature Seahawks helmet covering a piece of banana. And at Point Defiance Zoo (Tacoma, Washington), Forrest, a Eurasian eagle owl, has been promoted to "Superb Owl" ahead of the Super Bowl.

At El Paso Zoo (Texas), Hodari the lion, will charge toward one of two helmet-shaped piñatas on February 7th; and at the Capron Park Zoo (Attttleboro, Massachusetts), Lacey the leopard will make her fourth annual Super Bowl prediction also on February 7th. According to Capron Park Zoo, "Visitors wearing Patriot gear will receive a 20 percent discount on admission. Trust the paws. Trust the process."

ART MUSEUM NEWS

While the annual "Museum Bowl," where museums in the two teams' hometown cities make wagers to share a famous piece of art or place the winning jersey on a famous sculpture, will not happen this year, there is some excitement at San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA). From January 29th through February 8th, visitors to SFMoMA will be able to enjoy a photo opportunity with the official Super Bowl LX Roman Numerals, on view for free in SFMOMA’s Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Atrium. Museum admission is not required for photos.

MAYOR WAGERS

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson told KIRO Newsradio that she and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu discussed possible wagers while attending the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C., "There’s been some talk of Dungeness crab and lobster. Also, some talk about wearing each other’s jerseys while riding public transit. So, something is going to happen, but we haven't decided exactly what yet."

LAW ENFORCEMENT WAGERS

The Rochester Police Chief Michael Assad placed a bet with the Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes. The losing chief must wear the winning team's gear and publicly announce on social media that the opponent is the best team in football. Chief Assad has authorized Rochester officers to wear Patriots hats while on duty leading up to the game.

BISHOP'S BET

Archbishop Paul D. Etienne of Seattle and Archbishop Richard G. Henning of Boston have engaged in the "Super Bowl Bishop's Bet." This friendly wager involves a donation from the losing archbishop's diocese to the winner's chosen charity. This annual tradition highlights community, charity, and friendly competition.

CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS

Seattle Children's Hospital has challenged Boston Children's Hospital to a friendly wager. Both institutions are engaging in social media banter with Seattle referencing a focus on the future and Boston highlighting their own team pride.

RESTAURANT WAGERS

Seattle's Duke's Seafood (Dungeness crab) and Cambridge/Uncasville's Summer Shack (clambake) have a cross-country wager, with the loser shipping signature seafood to the winner.

Here are some fun bets that folks can make:

* Which Bay Area landmark will be shown first? (Golden Gate Bridge is favored over Alcatraz Island)

* Will the coin toss be heads or tails?

* Which team will score first?

* Who will have the most passing yards?

* Who will have the most rushing yards?

* Who will have the most receiving yards?

* What color will the liquid poured on the winning head coach be?

* Will the combined total points for the game be over or under 46.5?

* Will an unauthoized person (streaker) enter the field of play?

* Which song will be sung first by the crowd? ("Sweet Caroline" is even with "Country Roads")

* Who will be the winning team of the annual Puppy Bowl?

Only three days to go until kick-off, and hopefully, memorable ads!

Image Credit: National Football League (NFL).

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Best Social Media Post of the Month of January 2026

How many social media posts do you recall? Do some go viral because they are for charity, like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge? Or do some go viral because they happened at the right moment in time, like my favorite tweet of all time, the Oreo tweet when the lights went out at the 2013 Super Bowl? Or do some go viral and become memorable simply because they're funny?

In a monthly series on my blog (hard to believe I've been writing these posts for more than a year!) appearing during the first week of each month, I share the best social media post of the preceding month. My choice may appear on Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.

According to Google, "The best social media post of the month is typically one that effectively combines high engagement with relevance to current events, holidays, or trending topics, while also aligning with your brand identity and authentically connecting with your audience; this could include a thought-provoking question, a relatable story, a visually appealing image, a timely meme, or a behind-the-scenes look, depending on your platform and target demographic."

Without further ado, the post that earns my recognition as the best social media post of the month from January 2026 was a post on January 4th, by the New York Public Library, one of the most famous public library brands in the United States, that appeared on Twitter/X.

The post stated:

"On this day in 1809, Louis Braille, the inventor of Braille, was born in France. The system he devised as a teenager is still used today, over 200 years later, including at NYPL! We provide braille books to all who need them through the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library. Learn more at (link provided)."

The link provided in the post explained, "The Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library provides free accessible reading material for patrons who are blind, visually impaired, or are otherwise physically unable to read standard print. Heiskell Library offers materials to borrow in a wide range of formats, including braille, talking books, and magazines, for users of all ages, as well as players and apps. Patrons can also find accessible programming and events, individual coaching in assistive technology, group workshops, braille study groups, the Dimensions Lab for tactile creation, and more."

This post was timely because it celebrated the importance of Louis Braille's invention on his birthday and also shared details about the NY Public Library's Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library.

Brands that can align their products or services to an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable. And the New York Public Library definitely succeeded in my book!

Which brand will stand out during February, and why? Swing by #DebbieLaskeysBlog during the first week of March to read about my choice.

Sunday, February 1, 2026

The Best Book I Read in 2025

I shared a review of the best book I read in 2024 exactly a year ago today, and on this date two years ago, I shared a review of the best book I read in 2023. So today, I’m going to continue my tradition and share a review of the best book I read in 2025 to celebrate reading.

During 2023, I read 50 books. During 2024, I read 74; and last year, I read 64. As in years past, the majority of the books were fiction, and some were leadership non-fiction, but all captured my attention.

Without further ado, the best book I read during 2025 was THE LIBRARY OF LOST DOLLHOUSES by Elise Hooper. It's easy to see why I chose this book: I have a passion for reading, libraries, San Francisco, architecture, the Art Institute of Chicago's Thorne Rooms, dollhouses, miniatures, history, Paris, Walt Disney, and to quote the author, above all, "the importance of illuminating overlooked women."

According to the book's flap, "Tildy Barrows, Head Curator of a beautiful archival library in San Francisco, takes an unexpected turn when she, first, learns the library is on the verge of bankruptcy, and, second, discovers two exquisite never-before-seen dollhouses. After finding clues hidden within these remarkable miniatures, Tildy sets out to decipher the secret history of the dollhouses, aiming to salvage her cherished library in the process. Her journey introduces her to a world of ambitious and gifted women in Belle Epoque Paris, a group of scarred World War I veterans in the English countryside, and Walt Disney's bustling Burbank studio in the 1950's. Spanning the course of a century, this book tells the captivating story of secrets and love that embrace the importance of illuminating overlooked women."

Author Elise Hooper explained how she was inspired to write the book, "When I was seven, I received a dollhouse for Christmas that had been built in the late 1800s for my great-grandmother and passed down to my grandmother, then my mother, then me. As a girl, I played with that dollhouse for hours and learned many creative skills—like sewing, knitting, painting, and basic woodworking — to make tiny furnishings for the dollhouse. It taught me to view the world as a place of possibility, where anything could be adapted for the dollhouse. During that time I spent playing, I also learned how to tell stories, and this turned out to be a skill that shaped my interest in writing."

She explained further, "As I delved deeper and deeper into the history of dollhouses, I noticed that miniatures tend to grow in popularity during difficult times. For example, at the end of World War I, Queen Mary commissioned a grand dollhouse from England's leading artisans as a way of lifting the nation's spirits. After the dollhouse was finished, over a million and a half people showed up to see it exhibited. In the United States, the Art Institute of Chicago's well-known Thorne Rooms and Colleen Moore's Fairy Castle were created and exhibited during the Great Depression to raise money for charitable causes. And then in 2020, while people were stuck in their homes during the pandemic, another flourishing of modern miniatures took hold once again and captured people's imaginations on social media. I love this proof of how art plays an important and positive role in our lives."

And on a final note, Hooper said, “For as long as I’ve been studying history, I’ve been infuriated by how women’s lives vanish from so many official records, so it’s exciting that people are finally interested in learning more about these hidden histories. As a novelist, I love telling stories about women and their accomplishments as much as possible.”

So, if you haven’t yet read this book, add it to the top of your TO BE READ LIST! You’ll be happy you did!

Debbie Laskey's Blog

Monday, February 9, 2026

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

Friday, February 6, 2026

Introducing the #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 on #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: 12 countries have participated in every Winter Olympics since 1924: Austria, Canada, Finland, France, Great Britain, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the US. #FunFact #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: Can you name the oldest sport at the Winter Olympics? It's figure skating. #FunFact #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Thursday, February 5, 2026

Fun Stories and Novelty Bets Leading Up to the Big Game

ANIMAL PREDICTIONS

ART MUSEUM NEWS

MAYOR WAGERS

LAW ENFORCEMENT WAGERS

BISHOP'S BET

CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS

RESTAURANT WAGERS

Here are some fun bets that folks can make:

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Best Social Media Post of the Month of January 2026

SHARE THIS: Brands that align their products or services with trending news have the potential to be memorable. ~@DebbieLaskeyMBA #SocialMediaMarketingStrategy #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Sunday, February 1, 2026

The Best Book I Read in 2025

SHARE THIS: Fiction helps us to understand the world around us better. ~@JosephLalonde #Reading #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: If you give a person a book, you give them the world. ~@KristinHarmel #TheParisDaughter #Reading #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SHARE THIS: Elise Hooper's books tell memorable stories about women who've been underestimated and overlooked by history. #readinglist #DebbieLaskeysBlog