#TheBraveOnes Leadercast 2015 Takeaways
Leadercast 2015 was a huge success last Friday, with attendees from all over the country participating in the Atlanta-based event. Roohan Realty and Leadership Saratoga co-sponsored the Saratoga site, which took place in Skidmore College’s Gannett Auditorium. We had a great turnout with local leaders, students, and business owners in attendance to participate in the dialogue about how to be and cultivate leaders. In case you missed it, here are some takeaways from the day’s many incredible and world-renowned speakers:
Andy Stanley
Andy StanleyLeadership Communicator & Author
On boldness:
“Bold is a middle school girl in pursuit of an iPhone” (quick-thinking, resourceful, and won’t give up until she gets one)
Andy’s two questions to ask yourself to find your inner purpose:
- “What do you I believe is impossible to do in my field…but if it could be done, would fundamentally change my business?”
- “What breaks my heart?”
Bill McDermott
Bill McDermottCEO of SAP AE
On creating goals:
“Simplify things that overburden people. Have an audacious, bold goal…you have to want it.”
On decision-making:
“Make a decision. Lock and load on a strategy. Execute it.”
On competition:
“Obsess over the white space: do things your competition can’t do or won’t do and do it better.”
On people:
“The people always have the answers. Ask a simple question, get the answers from the people, from that you will get your vision.”
“Leaders need to be good listeners, and care about the answers.”
“Trust is the ultimate currency.”
CMDR Rorke Denver
CMDR Rorke DenverNavy SEAL, Commander & Author
On pain:
“Pain is a growth opportunity. Lean into the pain, that’s where bravery lies.”
“Pain is one of fear’s agents.”
“Make bold corrections…then you get bold results.”
On fear:
“Always advance against fear.”
Malala Yousafzai
Malala YousafzaiNobel Laureate and Founder of The Malala Fund
On fear:
“Embrace fear and do what needs to be done. Believe in the happy ending.”
On The Brave Ones
“It’s our duty to speak out for what is right, what is just. If that’s bravery, then I’m proud to be considered one of The Brave Ones.”
On responsibility and activism:
“Sometimes we think it’s the politicians and world leaders who should step forward ad it is their responsibility, but it is also ours.”
“…Who are we waiting for, someone to fall out of the sky?”
“Share your gifts.“
“Focus on what is important…don’t lose hope…make it happen…apply yourself…give 100%…the pain will be worth it…keep your goals in sight…work the to-do list to reach your goals…“
Peyton Manning
Super Bowl-Winning Quarterback & 5-time NFL MVP
On leadership:
“Be a leader worth following.”
Ask yourself if you’re a game changer.
On decision-making:
“Don’t shy away from your game-changing decisions.”
“There are things we don’t want to know but have to learn.”
On change:
“As things change for the good or the bad, draw a new baseline for yourself.”
“Be stimulated by change, not dragged down.”
“Never stop learning, growing, or exceeding expectations.”
Peyton Manning’s 6 Game Changers
- Thrive on being uncomfortable (things are constantly in flux)
- Devote yourself to intense preparation
- Invest in a coach
- Find a way to instill trust in others
- Bravely adjust to changes, find alternatives
- Become a master observer (focus on things that are normally taken for granted as a source of power and creativity)
Seth Godin
Seth GodinInnovative Thinker & Best-Selling Author
On bravery:
“Do you care enough? Do you care enough to be brave?”
“Do work that matters.”
On teamwork:
“Be a bridge to success. Connect with people and be trusted.”
“Help others out of their comfort zone, take charge, and be successful. Give them direction and a connection.”
“We is always stronger than I.”
On change:
“Change’s twin sister is tension.“
“Build a world you want to live in, be the architect of tomorrow.”
On obsession:
“Remarkable things happen when obsession contributes.”
Ask yourself:
“Do we have strong backup?”
“Am I a good partner?”
“Am I empathetic?”
Ed Catmull
Ed CatmullPresident of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios
On environments that foster leadership and creativity:
“Remove power structures.”
“Practice shared ownership of success.”
“Give and listen to honest notes.”
On “The Unmade Future:”
“The future isn’t made yet, how do I create an environment where we can make it together?”
On creativity:
“Creative people don’t know what they want to make when they start. It’s something realized over time after struggling through asking the hard questions.”
“Create a culture of creativity.”
“Help your talent flower. Allow candor.“
Aja Brown
Aja BrownMayor of Compton, CA
After one year in office, Mayor Aja Brown lowered gang violence in the city of Compton by 78%.
On bravery:
“If I didn’t step up, I didn’t know who would.”
On vision:
“Elevate your expectations, elevate your vision.”
“If you can do it within your own power, then you are not walking in leadership. Dream big enough to need help.”
“There is no other option but to move forward. The status quo is not an option.“
“Perception is everything.”
On fear:
“Other people will always have something to say, but will you let that stop you from doing what you were destined to do?”
“Failure is living in the invisible prison of complacency.”
“Be relentless. Do not fear failure.”
Bill Rancic: “When you called all the gang members in the room together, were you scared?”
Aja Brown: “No! We’re all human.”
On what makes a bold leader:
- They’re not superhuman, they’re regular people.
- They never fail not because they never make mistakes, but because they never quit
- Focus on the purpose, not the position
Rudy Giuliani
Rudy Giuliani107th Mayor of New York City (1993 – 2001)
On attitude:
“You need goals, ideas and beliefs.”
“Be an optimist. Be positive. Be a problem-solver. Be brave. Be courageous. Always keep learning.”
On preparation:
“Relentless preparation will crush the fear of success. Prepare, prepare, and prepare more.”
“Surround yourself with people who help give you balance and fill in your weaknesses.”
“Find your place where you can contribute and improve the lives of those you touch.”
