Leaders. Where would we be without them? Lost…confused…unleaded? Who knows? Whatever their vision or cause or charisma may be, leaders seem to capture our imaginations and inspire our actions again and again. So I thought we might look at a number of leaders that build and embody breakaway brands.
You know many of their names: Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Colonel Sanders, George Eastman and Richard Branson. And then there are many names you may not know: Phil Knight, Akio Morita, John Geisse and Asa Griggs Candler are responsible for some of the biggest brands out there, but their names are hardly mainstream.
Which brings us to a major point of difference between successful brands. Some brands choose to promote their leaders. Other brands keep their leaders virtually unknown. The difference is a matter of brand strategy.
To say that successful brands have strong leaders is a no-brainer. But to analyze what roles those leaders play in forging a brand’s public identity and influence is key to understanding brand strategy in depth.
Over a series of blogs, I plan to review several leadership lessons. We’ll look at how leaders built their brands and how they factored themselves into their brand’s identity. Then hopefully, in the end, we’ll be able to deduce the secret formula for how leaders best serve, represent and fortify their brands.
Megan, leadership is HUGE right now. Our presidential candidates tout they the one to bring the right leadership. Brands are bringing out their leaders and putting them forefront in the marketplace. I will be looking with anticipation on your insight in this series.
Posted by: Greg Williams | October 27, 2008 at 09:36 AM
Look forward to reading the series, Megan!
Posted by: Mike McClure | October 22, 2008 at 08:54 AM
You make a good point Megan. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
Posted by: Russ Tate | October 21, 2008 at 08:08 AM