Greg Kihlstrom on Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable - Chief Influencer - Episode # 037
Greg Kihlstrom is a best-selling author, speaker, and entrepreneur, who serves as an advisor and consultant to top companies on marketing, technology, marketing operations, customer experience, and digital transformation initiatives. Greg is the Host of an award-winning podcast, The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström Podcast, and has written numerous books, the latest of which is Priority is Action. Greg joins Host Anthony Shop for an insightful look into the way leaders should respond to advances in technology like generative AI, why it’s so important to try new things that push your limits, and how to influence lasting change within an organization.
Takeaways:
- Business leaders need to become comfortable with being uncomfortable. In an era characterized by digital transformation and constant change, leaders should be open to trying new things, even if they feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. This is a part of learning and growth.
- Leaders should comprehensively understand current technologies, even if they are not technologists. The utilization of AI and automation tools is becoming increasingly important across various sectors, so leaders need to know how these technologies can be used within their organizations and how they will impact their work.
- View failure as an opportunity for learning and growth rather than a setback. Leaders should not be ashamed of the projects they have stopped or the initiatives that didn't work out. These can serve as valuable learning experiences for future endeavors.
- Influential leaders prioritize tasks based on their value-added and potential return on investment. There needs to be a discerning understanding of what they can do personally, delegate, and automate.
- Business leaders should adopt the mentality of lifelong learners. The ability to continuously learn new skills and stay adaptable in the face of change is crucial in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.
Quote of the Show:
- “Get comfortable being uncomfortable.” - Greg Kihlstrom
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom/
- Greg’s Website: https://www.gregkihlstrom.com/
- Greg’s Books: https://agilebrandguide.com/product-category/all-products/books/
- GK5A Website: https://www.gk5a.com/
- The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström Podcast: https://www.gregkihlstrom.com/theagilebrandpodcast
Creators and Guests
Host
Anthony Shop
Anthony Shop believes in the power of people-centered branding and marketing to create a bright future. He chairs the National Digital Roundtable, the premier convener of digital innovators, leaders and policy shapers. Anthony also is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Social Driver, a digital services firm that helps companies and non-profits establish winning strategies with social media, websites, creative, and advertising. An enthusiastic presenter and teacher, he has led executive-level training for Amazon, PepsiCo, NASA, The British Embassy and the Bipartisan Policy Center. He has been recognized as an “OUTstanding LGBT Role Model” by The Financial Times, “40 Under 40” by The Washington Business Journal, and Business Leader of the Year by the DC Chamber of Commerce. A former newspaper reporter, Anthony was the first new media professional elected to the National Press Club’s Board of Governors. He currently serves on the boards of Leadership Greater Washington and LearnServe International. He earned his MBA from The George Washington University School of Business, where he teaches as an adjunct lecturer.
Producer
Robert Krueger
Robert is an Executive Director for The Communications Board, an organization with the mission of providing high-quality professional development for every communicator in every location. He is also the Global Lead for Partnership Communications at Gensler, the world’s largest architecture and design firm. Prior to his current role, he performed executive and CEO communications for Gensler, and was the senior director of public relations and social media at the Urban Land Institute. He obtained an MA in Communications and an MA in History from George Mason University. He did his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri-Columbia. In addition, Robert has taught communications at universities including George Mason University, West Virginia University, and the University of Florida. Robert currently serves as Immediate-Past President for the Public Relations Society of America’s National Capital Chapter (PRSA-NCC) -- the nonprofit’s largest chapter.