Hi, I'm Mike.
Let's talk about leadership.
Prior to being moved into an official leadership position, I often felt the drive to have my voice heard. I worked consistently on developing thought leadership within the organizations that I served, by establishing relationships, earning trust at all levels, and never holding back if I felt I had value to add. It probably started as a naive lack of fear, but I’ve always been as comfortable talking to the CEO as an intern. This organically increased my ability to contribute to the direction of the department or business.
Fast forward to the present. In my most recent role as Associate Creative Director, I was given the amazing opportunity to co-lead the Design and Engineering departments. I earned that position because I demonstrated creative problem solving skills in dealing with both internal and external matters, while staying grounded in the goals of the company. I strive to be an empathetic leader who believes that innovation, humility, and accountability are essential to the success of individual contributors and the organization. One of the most important lessons I've learned is that each member of your team might need something different from you in order to be successful. One person might need their hand held as they place their toes on the end of the high dive, and others prefer you watch from the side of the pool. If neither of those approaches work, tell a terrible Dad joke and hide in the Men's room.
Thank you for taking a few minutes to review the Work and associated ramblings of a sometimes copywriter who's grade school teacher mother instilled in him the values of raising his hand, volunteering for a good cause, and standing up for what you believe in.
Hope to talk to you soon!