I’m not usually one for self-reflective prose talking about “Journeys” “Discoveries” or “Light Bulb Moments” in life, but, the Marketing Academy and everything it encompasses has forced my hand. It truly has been a game changer for me.
Because of the Marketing Academy, the past 9 months have provided me with the priceless opportunity to spend time with some of the brightest minds in the marketing world. Whether it be the 1-2-1 mentoring sessions with various CMO’s from global organisations or being challenged by my Academy coach (12 free hours thank you very much), faculty days at amazing agencies across the land, or just spending time with my wonderful peers on the course. I’ve sponged up as much wisdom and knowledge as humanly possible.
Looking back through my tatty notebook adorned with a variety of diagrams, doodles and inspirational quotes, one theme is clear; defining your authentic leadership style and being genuine and supportive of those around you is the key to making a difference. Wherever you work, at whatever level.
For me, authentic leadership is about being true to your personal values and applying these to a working context in a genuine way. In my experience if you behave authentically people will believe in you. I also believe this approach is the best opportunity to nurture future leaders. I truly hope my team will fly faster and higher than myself, if I’ve inspired them in even the smallest way by being a authentic leader I’ll be a happy man.
So what do I want my authentic leadership style to be?
Well, 3 words repeat over and over again in said tatty notebook: Authenticity, Passion, Humility
Now, I’m at the beginning of the “Journey” so by no means am I the finished article and don’t think you ever will be as you constantly learn from the experiences, challenges and opportunities life brings. BUT, as guiding principles these values resonate and feel personally aspirational.
Authenticity bears parallels to my day job at Jones Knowles Ritchie. To understand what makes a brand unique. To amplify its charisma in a memorable way. To strip back the generic. To un-earth the distinctive. To come across as authentic. To stand out from the crowd. Through being yourself you can truly believe in what you are doing with conviction and enthusiasm.
Passion is crucial for me. I love my job. I love working with brands. I love playing a part in solving problems through creativity. I have had the pleasure of working on brands from all walks of life. Whether it be ham, butter, beer or high-end spirits, I’ve tried to bring passion to them all. Passion is infectious. I’ve learnt this over the years from great bosses at JKR. If I can instill this into my team half as much as they did with me, I’m on to a winner.
The final value I want to aspire to ground my leadership style is that of humility. I’ve approached the academy with the mentality of a professional thief. Stealing with pride from everyone I’ve been in contact with. Pearls of wisdom are everywhere. Here I need to ‘doff my cap to the team at JKR. A brighter hungrier bunch you could not find anywhere else on this land (well, in Camden at least). Every day they bring fresh ideas and energy to the brands we are lucky enough to work on, every day they teach an old dog new tricks. Without humility you risk closing your mind off to some amazing fresh perspectives out there.
Looking back to the sulky 15 year old dreaming of one day moving to London who knew I’d be writing a blog quoting Oscar Wilde but here we are. Authentic leadership is everything. Take it away Oscar:
“Be yourself, everyone else is taken”
