A good leader always bears their mark wherever they go.

‍

Their distinctive personality carries them through each position they’re in and is the reason why they’re chosen for it.

‍

However, leaders don’t come into a role and leave exactly the same. Each experience teaches them lessons.

‍

New jobs are undertaken through thought processes that stem from previous tasks, and that’s what makes each leader so different. Their baggage.

‍

On this week’s episode of TOP CMO, GoDaddy’s CMO, Fara Howard, shares the lessons she learned from her tenure at four giants in their respective industries.

‍

Keep scrolling to read all about them, and maybe even learn a lesson or two yourself.

‍

1. AMAZON FASHION: the value of document-heavy culture

‍

Amazon Fashion came with the intricacies of brand creation and management within the Everything Store.

‍

A standout lesson from this experience was Amazon's commitment to a document-heavy culture. 

‍

Prior to every meeting, comprehensive memos were crafted. They outlined business goals and strategies.

‍

That way, each gathering has clear objectives to discuss, and its main points are registered.

‍

This rigorous practice not only fosters accountability but also ensures that teams are aligned, and any discrepancies are more easily reconciled.

‍

The reliance on the written word can significantly impact a leader’s approach to strategic clarity and the alignment of teams. 

‍

By recognizing the pivotal role of documents in driving successful business outcomes, you can bring structure and effective communication to a culture.

‍

2. VANS: honoring the core and brand authenticity

‍

Vans provided insights into the importance of preserving a brand's core identity and authenticity. 

‍

The company, celebrated for its cult following in the skateboarding and creative expression communities, imparted a crucial lesson: honoring the core audience. 

‍

This value translates into a concentric circle model. That means they would experiment, but always keep its core front and center. 

‍

‍

A formula like this allowed the brand to expand into new territories without sacrificing its foundational identity. 

‍

The experience at Vans underscored the significance of understanding a brand's heritage deeply.

‍

As a leader, knowing how to effectively communicate a brand's story and ensuring that it resonates authentically with modern audiences while staying true to its roots is a key ability to carry over.

‍‍

3. DELL: the power of performance marketing

‍

A decade at Dell means diving deep into the world of performance marketing. Gaining valuable insights into its transformative power.

‍

The company works across consumer and small business segments, which can lead leaders to recognize that marketing is not a mere luxury but a fundamental engine driving business success.

‍

Dell places a strong emphasis on measurement and the delicate balance between "math and magic".

‍

It keeps creativity in place, but without forgetting the strong, logical fundamentals behind it.

‍

The continuous need for measurement, analysis, and optimization in marketing efforts reinforces the role of marketing as a dynamic and data-driven force.

‍

4. GATORADE: the importance of consumer insights

‍

At Gatorade, the paramount importance of consumer insights was never overlooked.

‍

The Gatorade approach involves immersing marketers in a lab setting, and observing individuals during exercise to understand the product's impact.

‍

‍

This hands-on experience cultivates an innate curiosity in leaders and underscores the value of asking questions and deeply understanding the target audience.

‍

Grounding decisions in consumer behavior and preferences can become a cornerstone of your marketing philosophy. 

‍

Let it influence your approach to effectively resonate with customers.

‍

Wrapping it in a bow

‍

Experience makes you you.

‍

You may wonder what comes first: the personality you come into the game with or the experience that shapes your decisions.

‍

No matter which you believe, both play a key role in crafting your leadership style.

‍

Lessons can come first-hand or by others’ accounts (such as this article).

‍

Embrace all you learn and absorb from every environment you inhabit, and take all the best parts of them to make you a leader like no other.

‍

Before you know it, you’ll be behind a global sensation like GoDaddy.

‍

‍

‍Ever thought about creating your own thought leadership content? At TOP Thought Leader, we amplify new and established voices so they can become pioneers of their generation. Get in touch with us and embark on your journey!