WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Aileen Day

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 Aileen Day, Australia’s premier customer, employee, and human experience thought leader, advisor, and author. She is a sought-after speaker, consultant, mentor, and also, clinical therapist. She works with medium to large enterprises who are scaling or transitioning the way they operate to ensure their customer, employee, and human experiences (CEHX) are foundationally and sustainably strong. Aileen is one of Australia’s few, formally qualified and globally recognised certified CX Professionals (CCXP) through the international CX governing body, CXPA. 

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?

AILEEN DAY: My favourite Winter Olympics sport is the bobsleigh as it reminds me of one of my all-time favourite childhood movies, "Cool Runnings." It was also one of the first movies I saw that I recall taking a life lesson away from in that resilience, purpose, and synchronicity can really get you to places you only dreamed of.

SHARE THIS: Resilience, purpose, and synchronicity can really get you to places you only dreamed of. ~Aileen Day #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

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

AILEEN DAY: I think visually you can’t go past curling as a sport that details the power of teamwork. Every brush stroke decides the direction and not one player can outperform the other without everyone losing.

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?

AILEEN DAY: This quote reminds me of the sport, Ski mountaineering. There is no prize for doing it one way or another. It is left to the participant to set their course, taking obstacles into account, and defining solutions on the run. Every participant’s path is slightly different. No two athletes will have the same experience the whole way through, and with that, it is imperative to celebrate the successes of your own challenges and work as strategically as possible to finish your own race, with integrity and humility.

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?

AILEEN DAY: I would invite the Labubu dolls, they are known worldwide and are a favourite amongst tweens thanks to famous K-pop star, Lisa from Blackpink. They are not only in a longstanding trend but they have become collectibles (think an updated version of Beanie Babies). I would have them collab with athletes and encourage a new and younger generation to become educated and enthralled by the heights of which competitive sport can take them.

QUESTION: The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first Olympic Games under the leadership of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. She is a former Zimbabwean politician, sports administrator, and former Olympic swimmer and world record holder. She is also the first woman, first Zimbabwean, and the first African to serve as IOC President. According to Reuters, “Kirsty Coventry smashed through the IOC’s glass ceiling in March 2025 to become the organization’s first female President in its 130-year history.” What are your thoughts about this development for the world’s biggest multi-sport organization – and its future?

AILEEN DAY: I would say that glass ceilings are meant to be shattered, and yet we still see it occur so infrequently. However, her appointment in this case was won on her extensive experience in sports and sports leadership, not just the administration or business acumens of many of the other candidates. I think it is important to have a leader who has come from the trenches and can empathise and listen to all manner of stakeholders, including and most importantly, the athletes - for without them, we would have no Olympics. 

A final reminder, a series recap will be featured tomorrow, on February 22nd. Until then, the countdown begins until this Winter Olympics' Closing Ceremony.

Image Credit: Olympics.

Meet Aileen at this link:

https://aileenday.com.au/#aboutus

Be a Better Leader – Especially on National Leadership Day!

Since today is an important day on the business calendar, we’re going to take a short break from my Olympics Leadership Series to celebrate National Leadership Day. My Olympics series will resume tomorrow.

According to National Day website, "The aim of National Leadership Day is to instill the values of leadership in each one of us. A good leader not only leads but inspires those around him/her/they to be the best versions of themselves. Anyone can be a leader — you just have to show up and encourage others to do the same...We know that an organization is only as good as its leaders, which means that having empathetic and just leaders at the top, who lead by example, creates an environment in which everyone is inspired to be their best."

What better way to recognize this important day than by inviting a leadership expert back to my blog? Eric Jacobson and I met through our work with MicroMentor back in 2009, and since then, Eric has appeared on my blog nearly a dozen times in Q&A’s and with inspiring quotes. He also appeared in my first National Leadership Day post in February 2023. Eric has more than a quarter-century of experience successfully leading employees and teams through periods of revenue growth, new product development, and re-engineering. He is an experienced mentor and coach and holds an MBA Degree from Keller Graduate School. His passion is helping individuals to become effective leaders at work, within organizations, and wherever they are called upon to lead and inspire.

QUESTION: Deb Boelkes, author of "The WOW Factor Workplace, How to Create a Best Place to Work Culture," wrote, "It's amazing what can happen when you have the right boss." Today, on National Leadership Day, please share some traits from the best boss you had during your career.

ERIC JACOBSON: Fortunately, I worked for good bosses throughout my career. 

The best boss I worked for did the following:

Listened to me.

Backed me up.

Trusted me and respected me.

Gave me feedback to help me improve and grow.

Didn’t micromanage me.

Was even-tempered.

Allowed me to be promoted and then become his peer without displaying jealousy.

Provided me with training and learning experiences.

Didn’t penalize me for making mistakes if I could explain my rationale for taking the action I took and then learning from the experience.

As you can see, I was indeed fortunate to have such a supportive boss.

QUESTION: I'd like to share an important post from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School proposing that all leaders need to be surrounded by a "challenge network." What are your thoughts?

[Link to article: https://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article/why-you-need-a-challenge-network/]

ERIC JACOBSON: This is a great article, and I agree with what Adam Grant writes in his book, Think Again.

I particularly value this:

Skeptics can point out blind spots, question assumptions, and help us to overcome our weaknesses.

And he writes, “We learn more from people who challenge our thought process than those who affirm our conclusions. Strong leaders engage in their critics and make themselves stronger. Weak leaders silence their critics and make themselves weaker.”

The Wharton School’s article and Grant’s book remind me of my blog post about the 2025 book, Blindspotting: How To See What’s Holding You Back As A Leader, where author Martin Dubin writes, “It turns out that we're often not great judges of ourselves, even when we think we are. Sometimes we're simply unaware of a behavior or trait that's causing problems. Bottom line: until we uncover these blindspots, we can't move forward.”

As you read the book, you’ll learn about six types of blindspots and you’ll learn the practical guidance you need to identify and manage those blindspots. 

[Check out my blog post about this book:

https://ericjacobsononmanagement.blogspot.com/2025/07/how-to-see-whats-holding-you-back-as.html]

QUESTION: Many people become leaders by default, i.e., they don't actually climb the corporate ladder in positions of authority. As a result, they're often set up for failure. What action items would you recommend for new leaders to work on or accomplish in their first 100 days to lead to success?

ERIC JACOBSON: Foremost, I recommend new leaders listen to their employees and teams and keenly observe before making rash decisions or bold changes. Find out what employees and teams are doing right before assuming things are being done incorrectly.

In addition, I recommend new leaders read the book, The New Leader's 100-Day Action Plan by George Brant, Jayme A. Check, and Jorge Pedraza. They outline the seven major onboarding land mines that individuals are likely to come across as a new leader. Fortunately, they also discuss the specific points in the first 100 days where you are most likely to encounter the land mines. Also, their recommendations for new leaders are to do the following:

By Day 30, share with your team:

Mission: Why here, why exist, what business are we in?

Vision: Future picture - what we want to become, where we are going.

Values: Beliefs and moral principles that guide attitudes, decisions, and actions.

Objectives: Broadly defined, qualitative performance requirements.

Goals: The quantitative measures of the objectives that define success.

Strategies: Broad choices around how the team will achieve its objectives.

Plans: The most important projects and initiatives that will bring each strategy to fruition.

By Day 60:

Over-invest in early wins to build team confidence.

SHARE THIS: New leaders should listen to their employees and teams and keenly observe before making rash decisions or bold changes. ~@EricJacobsonKC #NationalLeadershipDay #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: As avid readers, you and I both share book reviews on our blogs, so I must ask, which inspiring leadership books have you read recently?

ERIC JACOBSON: I really appreciate the leadership books you share on your blog and always look forward to your recommendations for your blog followers.

Two books I read recently and recommend to leaders are: Be The Unicorn: Data-driven Habits That Separate The Best Leaders From The Rest, by William Vanderbloemen; and Radical Listening: The Art Of True Connection by Prof. Christian Van Nieuwerburgh (PhD) and Dr. Robert Biswas-Diener. 

Be The Unicorn is timely, incredibly practical, and immediately usable for any leader wherever they are on their leadership journey. There is also a workbook that is the perfect companion to the book.  Through extensive research of more than 30,000 top leaders and proprietary data, the author discusses the twelve habits that the best of the best leaders have in common. These superstar leaders are the unicorns – highly desirable but that are difficult to find or obtain.

Radical Listening will expertly guide you to move from being an active listener to becoming a radical listener. Radical listening is a profound practice that moves beyond simply hearing words to actively co-creating meaning. The book teaches you that radical listening is one of the ways of strengthening the connections between people. By listening radically, we can connect with one another effectively, have more engaging conversations, improve our relationships, and experience greater levels of well-being.

In addition, it turns out that Radical Listening is my pick for Best New Leadership Book of 2025!

QUESTION: I've often wondered what career I would have chosen if not marketing...possibly the Editorial Director of Amazon Book Clubs, an editor for a major book publisher, or Director of Horticulture at Walt Disney World's EPCOT. If you had chosen an alternate career other than as a leadership expert, what would you have chosen, and why?

ERIC JACOBSON: Debbie, you would have been great in all those alternative career choices!

For me, these three careers have always intrigued me:

Radio DJ, because I love music and have a vast knowledge of music trivia.

Race Director, because my passion is running and having completed nearly 600 organized competitive races, I know what needs to happen to create the best racing experience for runners.

Hotel Manager, because of my interest in travel and in providing the best customer service possible, I would enjoy leading a team to ensure that happens throughout the hotel property.

QUESTION: Lastly, I asked you this question in 2011 and also in 2023: What companies do you admire for their overall leadership (i.e., CEO/President) and customer service? In 2011, you listed four companies: Southwest Airlines, Marriott, Whole Foods, and Amazon. In 2023, you again responded with Marriott. Now, in 2026, how do you answer this question?

ERIC JACOBSON: Thank you for reminding me of my historical picks. I keep Marriott, Whole Foods, and Amazon on my list. Plus, I’ll add REI Co-op, the specialty outdoor retailer, headquartered near Seattle. REI is the nation’s largest consumer co-op with a growing community of 25 million members who expect and love the best quality gear and outstanding customer service, and REI delivers on all fronts.

My gratitude to Eric for sharing his leadership insights to make us ALL better leaders! What will you do today to celebrate leadership? Chime in and share. And don't forget, my Olympics Leadership Series resumes tomorrow here on my Blog.

Image Credit: Udemy.

Connect with Eric at these links:

Blog: https://ericjacobsononmanagement.blogspot.com/

Twitter/X: https://x.com/EricJacobsonKC

Read Eric's post: Best New Leadership Book of 2025 (out of 48 reviewed!):

https://ericjacobsononmanagement.blogspot.com/2025/12/best-new-leadership-book-of-2025.html

Read previous #NationalLeadershipDays posts here on my blog:

Tips to Celebrate #NationalLeadershipDay – Eric Stone (February 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/02/tips-to-celebrate-nationalleadershipday.html

Inspiring Tips to Celebrate #NationalLeadershipDay – Erika Andersen (February 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/02/inspiring-tips-to-celebrate.html

Let's Celebrate #NationalLeadershipDay – Eric Jacobson (February 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/02/lets-celebrate-nationalleadershipday.html

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Eric Stone

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 Eric Stone, based in New York. Eric is a dynamic leader whose passion for business fueled a remarkable 26-year career at Enterprise Holdings, where he rose to become one of the most celebrated Regional Vice Presidents in the company's history. Leveraging his expertise in cultivating high-performance cultures, Eric authored the award-winning book Jumpstart Your Workplace Culture, which has inspired leaders around the world. As an international speaker, Eric captivates audiences with practical strategies and real-world insights, empowering organizations to drive engagement and achieve exceptional results. Through his company, Clear Path Ventures, he provides hands-on consulting to help leaders and teams develop tailored engagement strategies that foster transformation and measurable growth.

SHARE THIS: The Olympic Games have the power to unite us because we can all find something inspirational or something we can relate to in each athlete’s story, whether it’s a story of success or of disappointment. –Tatjana Schoenmaker (South Africa’s most decorated Olympian) #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

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

ERIC STONE: The truth is, my favorite part of the Olympics is hearing the stories about the athletes’ journeys and backgrounds. But if I had to pick an event, it would be freestyle skiing. Watching skiers navigate moguls the size of a VW Beetle, all while racing down a steep slope and launching themselves off two strategically placed jumps, is a perfect mix of skill, precision, and pure adrenaline.

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

ERIC STONE: Hockey is the Winter Olympic sport that most visually demonstrates teamwork. It removes the spotlight from the individual and shines it on the team. With a roster of up to 25 players, success isn’t just about raw talent: it’s about chemistry, strategy, and leadership that comes from coaches, players, and even the support staff. What makes Olympic hockey especially powerful is that these athletes come from different professional teams and must quickly set aside rivalries to represent something bigger than themselves. As Herb Brooks famously said, “The name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back.” You can literally see teamwork on the ice in every shift, every line change, and every goal.

SHARE THIS: The name on the front of the jersey is more important than the name on the back. ~Herb Brooks via Eric Stone #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

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?

ERIC STONE: The 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team stands out in my memory more than any other Winter Olympic moment. This was a team of amateurs and college players who, on paper, had no business beating the powerhouse Soviet Union. Yet they defied the odds, won one of the most famous upsets in sports history, and eventually captured the gold medal.

What made it so powerful wasn’t just the win, it was the context. The Cold War was at its peak, tensions were high, and this victory became a symbol of hope and resilience. I can still hear sports broadcaster Al Michaels’ call: “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” That moment wasn’t only about hockey, it was about what happens when you define victory on your own terms, keep believing in your vision, and celebrate the progress you’ve made.

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?

ERIC STONE: If I were in charge of the Winter Olympics, I’d invite MrBeast and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Both have massive global influence but connect with audiences in very different ways. MrBeast could bring younger viewers into the Olympic story through creative digital challenges and philanthropy-driven content, while The Rock embodies resilience, inspiration, and unity; the core of the Olympic ethos. Together, they could bridge generations, cultures, and platforms. Not to mention, I’m sure they’d come up with a few hilarious skits of their own along the way.

QUESTION: The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first Olympic Games under the leadership of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. She is a former Zimbabwean politician, sports administrator, and former Olympic swimmer and world record holder. She is also the first woman, first Zimbabwean, and the first African to serve as IOC President. According to Reuters, “Kirsty Coventry smashed through the IOC’s glass ceiling in March 2025 to become the organization’s first female President in its 130-year history.” What are your thoughts about this development for the world’s biggest multi-sport organization – and its future?

ERIC STONE: I’m excited about this decision. Kirsty Coventry’s versatility and remarkable journey from Olympian to politician to global sports leader make her someone everyone should be inspired by. This appointment shows that the IOC is committed to living its values rather than just listing them. In doing so, it proves that the organization promotes what it truly permits. The committee clearly isn’t afraid to break barriers to bring in the best leader for the future of the Games.

Please note, a small interruption to the series will take place tomorrow, on February 20th to celebrate "National Leadership Day," and then the Olympics series returns on February 21st. A series recap will be featured on February 22nd. Enjoy the Olympics!

Image Credit: Olympics.

Read Eric's previous appearance here on my blog:

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2025 – Featuring Eric Stone (April 14, 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/04/spring-leadership-series-2025-featuring_01306532703.html

Meet Eric at this link:

https://www.ericdstone.com/

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Ian Buckingham

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 Ian Buckingham. Ian is the author of what has become known as the brand trilogy: Brand Engagement, Brand Champions, and now Sustainable Brand Leadership, three books that explore the influence that employees have on the brands they represent, at the interface of marketing, communication, and human resources. The last in the series was published in December 2025 and was co-authored with Kate Hargreaves, his partner and co-owner of Mosaic Partners, a multiple award-winning leadership development and change agency based in the North of England.

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 BUCKINGHAM: I enjoy watching most sports and have a particular respect and awe for Winter Olympic sports as I grew up in Africa where the conditions hardly favour those disciplines, and the UK, where I was born and have lived most of my life, doesn't have quite the climate or infrastructure to encourage many Winter Olympics Champions. I would love to have played ice hockey, as a former rugby player, and greatly admire the downhill skiers and Nordic and Biathlon Olympians. But on balance, my favourite is a relatively recent addition, downhill snowboard racing, which combines speed, strength, agility, acrobatics, and luck, and is seldom determined until the final line is crossed. I don't snowboard, I ski, but I do look forward to watching the snowboarding.

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

IAN BUCKINGHAM: It has to be either hockey or the Bobsleigh, where there are clearly differentiated roles, yet each member of the team is needed, and all have to act with one mind, competing largely against their own PB (personal best) first, in perfect synchronisation in pursuit of a joint vision with a large dose of jeopardy introduced for good measure.

SHARE THIS: In hockey (like in business), there are clearly differentiated roles, yet each member of the team is needed, and all have to act in pursuit of a joint vision. ~Ian Buckingham #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

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?

IAN BUCKINGHAM: I love that quote ("In business as in life, you’ve got to run your own race.") so much as it applies to business and aiming to lead a balanced life. There are so many examples of Olympians who match this quote from GB's Eddie the Eagle through to the Jamaican bobsleigh team.

But the first that came to mind was Steven Bradbury - the Australian athlete who won the 1,000m speed skating event at the 2002 Winter Olympics against all odds. Despite being behind his competitors in the quarter-finals, he strategically chose to sit back and wait for others to make mistakes under pressure, which they did, allowing him to advance to the end. Bradbury's victory was marked by another dramatic pile-up in the race, where he was the only one left standing at the finish line, earning him the nickname "the accidental hero." This remarkable achievement not only secured Australia its first Winter Olympic gold medal but also became a symbol of perseverance and determination in sports.

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?

IAN BUCKINGHAM: This is a tough question, as the obvious answer would be a so-called Gen Z "influencer," like one of the Pauls who have used their online presence to attract millions of young people to boxing. But to my mind, it has ruined the ethos of the sporting context and has rendered it a pantomime like the WWF, where outcomes are choreographed for buzz. I would prefer someone with true authenticity, someone who backs up the words and has genuine respect for their craft. Perhaps, the Obamas for the adults - encouraging a very different demographic. Or Taylor Swift and her fiancee Travis Kelce who seem, between them, to have bolstered interest in NFL exponentially, gaining legions of female and teenage fans. It would be a massive win/win - they could even collaborate to write the soundtrack.

QUESTION: The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first Olympic Games under the leadership of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. She is a former Zimbabwean politician, sports administrator, and former Olympic swimmer and world record holder. She is also the first woman, first Zimbabwean, and the first African to serve as IOC President. According to Reuters, “Kirsty Coventry smashed through the IOC’s glass ceiling in March 2025 to become the organization’s first female President in its 130-year history.” What are your thoughts about this development for the world’s biggest multi-sport organization – and its future?

IAN BUCKINGHAM: It's fair to say that the leadership of the governing bodies of many of the world's richest sports have suffered in recent decades, including the Olympic movement. This leadership malaise isn't confined to sport, it's blighting politics the world over as well, but for some reason, sport has suffered more than its share of corrupt and unsavoury scandals. With this in mind, radical change will be something many of the viewing and paying public will favour, provided, of course, Kirsty is up to the job. She certainly hails from a country that has had more than its fair share of difficulty in this regard. Let's hope that she brings the wisdom, insights, emotional intelligence, resilience, objectivity, and tenacity to put a really positive stamp on the premium Winter sports tournament during her tenure and that she has the support of a great team to back her up. I'm excited to see what she will add to the Olympic legacy, cultivating the values we all should hold dear at such a complex and trying time for the global community.

A final reminder, as you watch the competitions, make a note on your calendar to swing by #DebbieLaskeysBlog each day through February 22nd for leadership and marketing inspiration. A small interruption to the series will take place on February 20th to celebrate "National Leadership Day," then  the Olympics series returns on February 21st. A series recap will be featured on February 22nd. Enjoy the Olympics!

Image Credit: Olympics.

Meet Ian at this link:

http://www.mosaicpartners.co.uk

Happy Lunar New Year 2026 and Year of the Horse!

Gung Hay Fat Choy, or translated into Cantonese: "Wishing you prosperity."

2026 is the Year of the Horse, or more specifically, the Fire Horse, and is celebrated around the world beginning today. It's an annual 15-day festival that begins with the new moon that occurs between January 21st and February 20th according to Western calendars - and festivities last until the following full moon.

According to the Calgary Herald, "Horses enjoy socialization. Finding one’s own herd, or group of friends or supporters, could rank high on the agenda, according to several horoscope predictions for 2026. The high-spirited nature of horses also points to a year ahead of social activity, group travel, and joint projects at work. Rather than it being a year to cocoon, predictions are that it could be a year to embrace change and look for new opportunities."

The Fire Horse symbolizes freedom, adventure, and passion - and people born under this sign are known for their energetic and independent personalities. Celebrities born in years of the Horse include Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Harrison Ford, Jerry Seinfeld, Jackie Chan, John Travolta, and Denzel Washington.

Here’s some trivia about horses:

(1) The United States is home to the most horses in the world, according to the World Population Review. It has 10.3 million horses, followed by Mexico at 6.4 million and Brazil at 5.8 million.

(2) Mongolia is said to have 4.8 million horses, compared to its population of 3.5 million people, due to the country’s reliance on horses for transportation, economic output, partnership with nomadic herders, and cultural significance. The country has a traditional saying that reinforces the horse’s importance in that culture: “A Mongol without a horse is like a bird without wings.”

(3) Horses can live an average of 25 to 30 years.

(4) Horses can have an average running speed of 48 km/h (30 mph), but those bred for racing can run more than 80 km/h (50 mph) for short periods of time.

(5) Queen Elizabeth II started riding at age three and was a remarkable horsewoman.

According to Travel+Leisure, here's how the holiday is celebrated throughout Asia:

"Celebrations around CHINA primarily take place on New Year's Eve, with families coming together to mark the occasion. It's custom to wear new clothes to ring in the new year, usually in the lucky colors, red and gold. In northern China, traditional food eaten during Lunar New Year is made using flour, like baos, pancakes, noodles, and dumplings. Families often make these dishes from scratch. The dumplings are usually served with fish, as it symbolizes abundance for the year ahead, and sometimes contain a lucky coin that kids eagerly search for. Throughout China, family members give each other red envelopes with money as well."

"In KOREA, the Lunar New Year is a three-day event offering a chance to pay respect to ancestors and elders. In Korean culture, people have an official age based on their birthday, but they also historically had a Korean age, which started at one on the day they were born and increased every first day of the year after that. Children show their respect to elders with deep bows (aka seh bae). As part of the celebration, children also receive money and words of wisdom for the forthcoming year."

"In VIETNAM, Lunar New Year is spent with family. Just like other countries, Vietnam has its own traditional attire, a silk tunic with slits on either side that's worn over pants by both men and women for the New Year. Most families go to the temple together to pray for good luck, health, and fortune. Some superstitions include paying off all your debts and cleaning your house before the new year, as well as not throwing anything away on New Year's Day, as it's considered to be getting rid of good luck. Children receive red envelopes with money from their older relatives, too."

"In SINGAPORE, where the population is approximately 75 percent Chinese, red envelopes that display the phrase "Fú" (meaning good luck) are distributed. It's also custom to pay respect to ancestors by going to a temple and lighting incense. The annual Chingay Parade is an extravagant celebration that includes everything from giant floats to lion dancers. Meanwhile, the largest Chinese New Year festival in Singapore is the River Hongbao, which is hosted at different locations across the country."

"In MALAYSIA, Lunar New Year welcomes spring. It lasts for 15 days, ending with a grand finale day called Chap Goh Mei. Red pocket envelopes (known as ang pow) are given to children and unmarried family members. Many Buddhist families invite lion dancers to their homes to bless their altars and ward off bad spirits. People in Malaysia don traditional outfits, called cheongsam (also known as qipao). They say that if you're celebrating your zodiac year, you should wear the color gold to attract even more abundance."

"TAIWAN is another country that strongly associates the holiday with food. Dumplings are the most popular dish, closely followed by pineapple. It's considered good luck to not eat all the fish and keep some leftovers from your holiday meals. Most Taiwanese people spend time with family and their elders in their homes. They exchange red envelopes, and many neighborhoods set off fireworks."

"When the clock strikes midnight in the PHILIPPINES, children and adults jump for joy, as it's thought to make them grow taller. The most traditional celebration is called Media Noche, a midnight feast to summon a year of prosperity. The table is usually full of round-shaped fruits — a tradition that originates from China — as the shape represents family unity. One of the most unique superstitions is that wearing polka dots will bring prosperity, money, and good fortune, because of their round shape. Fireworks are also set off to create loud noises that scare away bad spirits, while lights are turned on and windows and doors are left open. Many people avoid spending money on the first day of the year to encourage better finances."  

Will your brand add a horse or the color red (because the Chinese believe red brings good luck, prosperity, and wards off evil) into your logo, mascot, promotions, or communications? 

Here are 15 brands that are participating in the festive celebrations:

MATTEL'S BARBIE

Toy brand Mattel dazzled again with its annual "Lunar New Year Barbie." According to the brand's website, "Barbie honors the traditions of the Lunar New Year with this latest holiday doll, dressed for a celebration in an elegant gown artfully designed with symbolic details. Draped in bright red, she’s channeling extra luck, while a gold peony print portrays the symbols of prosperity and honor. The gown’s bodice features a fan-like design, a stylistic interpretation of the fans used in traditional dances and given as gifts for the Lunar New Year. The look is finished with a sheer golden shawl, bold earrings with traditional Chinese symbology, and a stunning long sleek hairstyle. The doll designer was Joyce Chen, and the packaging designer was Laydiana Chiv."

According to Barbie doll designer Joyce Chen, "Being able to design the Lunar New Year Barbie series has felt really impactful for both me as a designer and to the consumer market that has always been yearning for more representation in the doll category. Growing up as an Asian American, I feel like it was rare to find toys or dolls that I could connect with. Being able to design the Lunar New Year dolls has been so meaningful for me because I can get in touch with and be inspired by my own culture. I also see how important it is for others when they have a doll that they can relate to. It makes me happy to create such a special Barbie for a holiday that is celebrated by many...I love seeing the continued growth of diversity and representation in dolls, and hope that one day every person in the world can find a doll they connect with."

SHARE THIS: I hope that one day every person in the world can find a doll they connect with. ~Joyce Chen, Lunar New Year Barbie doll designer #LunarNewYear #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SUR LA TABLE

Cooking accessory brand Sur La Table unveiled a special product line to celebrate the 2026 Year of the Horse, and according to the brand's website, "featuring horse-inspired designs on serving bowls and tableware to celebrate energy, elegance, and togetherness, with products showcasing art from illustrators like Hillary Sorrentino for a contemporary take on tradition, encouraging festive dining with red, gold, and natural elements." Sur La Table's Lunar New Year collection incorporates red, orange, gold, and green for energy and good fortune.

LLADRO

Porcelain luxury brand Lladro unveiled its 2026 Year of the Horse collection, "2026 is the Year of the Horse, a symbol of freedom, confidence, and style that keeps inspiring our artists. Those born under the Horse sign are often known for their independence, open spirit, and natural charisma. This selection celebrates that way of moving through the world, with a contemporary take on tradition. Reimagined in porcelain from different perspectives, these creations reflect exceptional technical mastery and an artistic sensibility that moves effortlessly from the realistic to the conceptual." Prices range from $200 to $15,000 for the brand's art.

BACCARAT

Crystal luxury brand Baccarat unveiled its 2026 Year of the Horse creation,"The Baccarat 2026 Clear Zodiac Horse is a radiant tribute to strength, grace, and forward momentum; qualities long associated with the horse in the Chinese zodiac. Expertly crafted from the finest Baccarat crystal, this majestic figure captures the power and elegance of a galloping horse with striking clarity and detail. The fluid lines, dynamic posture, and brilliant finish reflect Baccarat’s legacy of unparalleled artistry, making this piece a timeless symbol of energy, perseverance, and luxury. Its clear crystal construction beautifully catches and refracts light, creating a luminous effect that enhances its sculptural beauty from every angle."

KATE SPADE

Clothing and accessory brand Kate Spade unveiled a silk scarf featuring "a patterned horse representing the 2026 Lunar New Year framed in an equestrian-themed border." The scarf was available from Nordstrom for $88.

ESTEE LAUDER

Beauty brand Estee Lauder unveiled a limited edition "Year of the Horse Powder Compact" available for $225. According to the brand's website, "People born during the Year of the Horse are known for their smart, charismatic, outgoing nature. Full of energy, they are adventurous and self-reliant. This one-of-a-kind compact arrives in an elegant presentation box and includes a velvety pouch to keep the compact safe. Intricately designed, exquisitely crafted, yours to keep forever. Makes a wonderful gift."

RAY-BAN

Sunglass brand Ray-Ban unveiled its limited edition frames to celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year: the RB4441D Year of the Horse sunglasses and RB7259D Year of the Horse optic frames.

REMY MARTIN

Cognac brand Remy Martin partnered with Chinese artist Xue Song to celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year. According to The Spirits Business, "Drawing on the Year of the Horse, Song has reimagined Remy Martin’s centaur logo using collage and Chinese ink to create a limited edition XO gift set, which features the mythological creature leading a pack of horses into the future. Entitled "The Centaur is Paving the Way," Song’s Lunar New Year artwork has been built from depictions of the Cognac brand’s history to showcase the herd of five horses led by the Remy Martin centaur. The brand noted that the horse represents strength, speed, and perseverance in the Chinese zodiac, while the centaur connects the earth and skies, with its feet on the ground and head looking into the stars. On the gift box, Song’s stallions are depicted racing behind the golden centaur. The box is embossed in glowing metallics against Song’s vibrant red collage. The box slides open to reveal the XO Cognac inside, which is set within a mythical landscape of clouds, bamboo, and rocks. The purchase price is $209."

ROYAL SALUTE

According to The Spirits Business, "Chivas Brothers-owned blended Scotch whisky brand Royal Salute has released a special edition Lunar New Year gift pack. Created by Chinese illustrator Jason Lyon, the gift pack depicts symbols of prosperity, opportunity, and rebirth combined with the celebratory gun salute fired from The Tower of London, Royal Salute's symbolic home. The illustration is said to capture the vibrancy of the New Lunar Year celebrations, which bring families and friends together to mark the passing of one year and the fresh start of the next with light, sound, and colour. The Royal Salute brand was founded to commemorate the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and it has released a Lunar New Year gift pack annually since 2020. The purchase price is $200."

LOS ANGELES ZOO

The Los Angeles Zoo will welcome all Angelenos for special activities honoring the Year of the Horse on February 21st and 22nd. According to the Zoo's website, there will be traditional Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese dance performances at specific times, calligraphy demonstrations, Chinese fan decorating activities, special animal feedings, and the opportunity to share hopes and dreams for the New Year by adding them to the Wall of Well Wishes.

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT

From January 23rd to February 22th, guests are invited to enjoy a 31-day celebration of the Year of the Horse with vibrant festivities and tributes to Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures! According to the Disneyland website, "Event highlights include: bites and beverages celebrating Asian cuisine with a delicious Disney twist; special appearances by some popular Disney Characters—including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse—dressed in outfits inspired by traditional cultural attire; Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession; and Lunar New Year merchandise."

Similar to the LA Zoo, Disney will also offer the following:

"Have your New Year’s wishes artistically written in Chinese calligraphy by a talented park calligrapher. And don’t miss your chance to visit the vibrant Lunar New Year Wishing Wall at Paradise Gardens Park! Share your heartfelt wishes for hope, health, and happiness, and let your dreams for the coming year become part of this joyful celebration."

TIFFANY & CO.

Jewelry icon Tiffany & Co. launched its 2026 Lunar New Year campaign globally on January 4th, uniting a Pegasus motif with the brand's most celebrated designs to mark the arrival of a year filled with joy and new possibilities. According to the brand's Instagram account, "The campaign embodies both the power and grace of the mythical creature, offering a poetic expression of hope and forward momentum for the year ahead."

NIKE

Tennis shoe icon unveiled its Year of the Horse lifestyle collection with this description, from Sneaker News "The Nike Dunk Low, Air Force 1 Low, and Field General come together to develop a cohesive theme across half the collection, a mix of pegasus-like embroidery and abstract linework that unites their heel sections. Multicolor stitching on the Swoosh of each carries the palette of a pastoral sunset tag on the tongue. However, not everything is one note in this capsule, as the Air Force 1 Low also gets on the board with a more cutesy variation. Cheery horses act as spots atop a white base, while a furry Swoosh literally interprets the assignment. The LD-1000 utilizes the earlier embroidery on its Swoosh and adds worn texturing to its body for an overall simple red/white look, and the P-6000 closes out with an equestrian palette of grey and tan."

HELLO KITTY

Toy brand Hello Kitty did not disappoint fans. According to its website, "Celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year in style with Hello Kitty, dressed in a limited edition Year of the Horse costume! This 8-inch limited-edition plush features festive details in traditional red and gold, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and joy. Part of the Ultra-Premier Series, made from deluxe materials for a soft, huggable feel and a high-quality collector’s finish, and comes in a premium collector's box."

LEGO

Toy brand LEGO unveiled its special toy for the 2026 Lunar New Year with this product description on its website, "Give the gift of good fortune with this LEGO Year of the Horse toy for boys and girls ages 8 and up. This model version of the iconic Zodiac animal has a white and brown mane and has one hoof raised. The horse toy stands on a base that’s decorated with flowers and gold-colored leaf elements. Set contains 132 pieces. Once complete, the horse can be used as an eye-catching display model for kids to proudly show off."

And remember, according to ChinaHighlights.com, do not give a clock or watch as a Lunar New Year gift. "Clocks and watches symbolize running out of time. This is especially an uncomfortable reminder for seniors. Giving a clock or watch as a gift is the biggest no-no in Chinese culture."

Next year, the Year of the Sheep will begin on February 6, 2027. So, for all brands who plan to integrate Lunar New Year into your marketing campaigns, brand identity, or brand messaging, start counting the days!

Image Credits: Mattel/Barbie and Tiffany & Co./LM Communications. 

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Melanie Bell

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 Melanie Bell, based in Northern California. Melanie 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 in November 2023), 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.

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?

MELANIE BELL: I want to start by saying that I’m unbelievably excited it’s time for another Olympics. And there are so many fun winter sports to watch – from the glamorous figure skating and grace of skiing to the terror of things like the skeleton. We’re undoubtedly in for a treat. 

I’m most excited to watch ice hockey this year. I follow the NHL closely because hockey is such a fun sport that requires high levels of athleticism. What can I say? Seven years of living in Canada converted me into a mega-fan! It’ll be fun to watch players represent their country and play on different teams than we see during regular hockey season.

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

MELANIE BELL: Well, hockey does require large teams, so that’s an obvious one. The other sport that comes to mind is pairs figure skating. Let me just say, if I was ever going to let a guy pick me up and spin me around on ice like that, it would absolutely (a) scare the pants off me and (b) require insane amounts of trust and teamwork in the partnership.

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?

MELANIE BELL: I remember watching Surya Bonaly compete in figure skating in the 90's. She was such a powerful skater, and I think the judges penalized her for her strength. Not that I’m a figure skating expert. I remember watching her last performance and wanting to cry right along with her. And let’s not forget everyone’s favorite Jamaican bobsled team from the 1988 Olympic Games in Calgary!

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?

MELANIE BELL: I also loved when Snoop and Martha did that, and I’m very excited that Stanley Tucci will be involved this time around. Other interesting personalities that could be fun — someone who’s popular with kids to get the next generation interested in the events and sports that comprise the Olympics. I also think the Kelce brothers are having a moment, and with their sense of humor and banter, they’d make a great addition as well, at least for the US audience. 

QUESTION: The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first Olympic Games under the leadership of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. She is a former Zimbabwean politician, sports administrator, and former Olympic swimmer and world record holder. She is also the first woman, first Zimbabwean, and the first African to serve as IOC President. According to Reuters, “Kirsty Coventry smashed through the IOC’s glass ceiling in March 2025 to become the organization’s first female President in its 130-year history.” What are your thoughts about this development for the world’s biggest multi-sport organization – and its future?

MELANIE BELL: We should celebrate any time someone with that kind of credible background and who is from a historically underrepresented group achieves a new position. I’m a believer that diversity makes organizations stronger and perform better, and data backs that up. Kirsty sounds like she’ll bring a lot to the table, and with the past controversies and rumors surrounding the corruption of international sporting events, I hope that this marks a new chapter for the IOC.

SHARE THIS: Diversity makes organizations stronger and perform better. ~Melanie Bell #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

A final reminder, as you watch the competitions, make a note on your calendar to swing by #DebbieLaskeysBlog each day through February 22nd for leadership and marketing inspiration. A small interruption to the series will take place on February 20th to celebrate "National Leadership Day," then  the Olympics series returns on February 21st. A series recap will be featured on February 22nd. Enjoy the Olympics!

Image Credit: Olympics.

During the Winter Olympics, actor Stanley Tucci will report on the food, culture, and lifestyle of Northern Italy for NBC and Peacock:

https://www.today.com/food/stanley-tucci-nbcuniversal-milan-winter-olympics-2026-rcna231303

Read Melanie's previous appearance here on my blog:

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES 2025 – Featuring Melanie Bell (October 27, 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/10/fall-back-to-reading-series-2025_01483223008.html

Meet Melanie at these links:

https://www.strategicpiece.com/

Leaders Who Fiction: 

https://www.leaderswhofiction.com/upcoming-books

WINTER OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES 2026 - Featuring Michelle Redfern

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

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?

MICHELLE REDFERN: I love the Luge (because I watched and love the movie "Cool Runnings") and the freestyle snowboarding because its a close relative of surfing. I grew up in mid-west regional Western Australia and never even saw snow until my mid-30's!

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

MICHELLE REDFERN: No matter whether it's an individual sport or a team sport. There's always a team in the playing arena and outside of it. So I think any Olympic sport, whether it's winter or summer, demonstrates that there's always a team that makes things happen.

SHARE THIS: There's always a team that makes things happen. ~Michelle Redfern #OlympicsLeadershipSeries2026 #DebbieLaskeysBlog

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?

MICHELLE REDFERN: Well, I'm Australian, so you know the dude who won the gold medal in the speed skating because everyone else fell over? Steven Bradbury is his name. That is part of our history and our folklore - so much so that Australians say, "If you hang in there long enough, you'll do a Bradbury." (Talk about the power of personal branding!) He ran his own race and kept running it even when everyone else fell over - then he won the gold medal. That's got to be a lesson in sticking to the plan, perseverance, and not getting distracted. 

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?

MICHELLE REDFERN: I can certainly say I would never invite Snoop Dogg. His past views around women were very misogynistic, and his current views around transgender people and the LGBTI community in general are problematic. So whoever I chose, I'd make sure that they were representative of and inclusive of all humans. 

QUESTION: The 2026 Winter Olympics will be the first Olympic Games under the leadership of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry. She is a former Zimbabwean politician, sports administrator, and former Olympic swimmer and world record holder. She is also the first woman, first Zimbabwean, and the first African to serve as IOC President. According to Reuters, “Kirsty Coventry smashed through the IOC’s glass ceiling in March 2025 to become the organization’s first female President in its 130-year history.” What are your thoughts about this development for the world’s biggest multi-sport organization – and its future?

MICHELLE REDFERN: Thoughts are: "It's about time" and "Why has it taken this long?" My advice to Kirsty Coventry not that she'll listen is: "What is she doing as the first to make sure that she's not the last?" 

A final reminder, as you watch the competitions, make a note on your calendar to swing by #DebbieLaskeysBlog each day through February 22nd for leadership and marketing inspiration. A small interruption to the series will take place on February 20th to celebrate "National Leadership Day," then  the Olympics series returns on February 21st. A series recap will be featured on February 22nd. Enjoy the Olympics!

Image Credit: Olympics.

Read Michelle's previous appearance here on my blog:

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES 2025 – Featuring Michelle Redfern (June 6, 2025)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2025/06/spring-leadership-series-2025-featuring_01162482550.html

Meet Michelle at this link:

https://www.michelleredfern.com/