Episode 55: Discovering the power of Red Thread Leadership with Sonya Shelton

What’s the purpose of your ad agency?And don’t tell me it’s to make great work. That’s table stakes. Or in some cases, total BS.What’s your point of view. What are you trying to change? What impact do you want to have? I’ve worked at agencies for over 25 years and I’m not sure I was ever clear on what any agency was really all about.And we wonder why so many clients feel the same thing. Now, your purpose doesn’t have to be about “doing good” or saving the slippery tailed garden newt. But you need a reason to exist. A reason for clients to choose you. A reason for your teams to fight for you. You need Red Thread Leadership. And today’s guest, Sonya Shelton—Founder and CEO of Executive Leadership Consulting—can help you put it into practice.What is Red Thread Leadership? It’s a pretty tasty sandwich, with purpose and passion acting as the bread that holds your plan, process and positions together. What does it help you achieve?🐱 Strategic and cultural alignment. Neither one is eating the other for breakfast. They need to work together if you want to actually get anywhere. 🐱 A more efficient structure, less hierarchical. One of Sonya’s clients actually flipped the org chart so that he was on the bottom, supporting every level, with the front line employees on top. Imagine that. 🐱 Clarity. You know where you’re going. You know how to get there. And you feel confident saying no to all the shiny objects that will only get in your way.That last one really hits home for the ad biz. We looooooovvvvvveeeee our shiny objects. I think Sonya really shines in this conversation. Let’s take a listen. You can follow Sonya on LinkedIn. And check out her site too. While you’re there, be sure to explore the free webinar on Red Thread Leadership.I would love it if you also explored my site and my substack newsletter. I’m on a mission to make work suck less and I’d love for you to join me. Want to make that desuckification happen ASAP? Let’s set up a free half hour coaching session. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, share, rate, review, subscribe or consider getting stranded on a deserted island and spelling out “DesuckifyWork® is my favorite podcast” using palm fronds and bamboo shoots. You may not get rescued, but your support won’t go unnoticed here on the mainland. Bye, everyone!#desuckifyworkpodcast #desuckifywork #executivecoaching #advertising #adagencies #purpose #passion #redthreadleadershipIf you’d like to watch the episode on YouTube, please click here. Get full access to DesuckifyWork® at tjbennett.substack.com/subscribe