






Exceptionalmarketingandadvertisingarethedrivingforcesbehindbusinesssuccessintoday's competitivelandscape.Entrepreneursandbusinessleadersunderstandthateffectivemarketingis notjustaboutvisibility—it'saboutcreatinglastingconnections,fosteringbrandloyalty,and adaptingtoanever-evolvingdigitalworld.Tostandout,businessesmustharnessthepowerofstrategic marketing,customerengagement,andcutting-edgetechnologytobuildastrongbrandpresenceanddrive growth.
Relationshipmarketinghasemergedasakeystrategy,emphasizingcustomerretentionandsatisfactionthrough meaningfulinteractions.Socialmediaplatformsprovideanunparalleledopportunityforbrandstoconnectwith theiraudience,fosteringasenseofcommunityandtrust.
Meanwhile,SearchEngineOptimization(SEO)continuestobeagame-changer,allowingbusinessesto enhancetheironlinevisibilitythroughcarefullycraftedcontentandtargetedstrategies.Intherealmof advertising,theintegrationofAI-driventoolsanddataanalyticsisoptimizingadspendingandreshapinghow brandscommunicatewiththeirconsumers.Manysuccessfulentrepreneursarenowleveraginginnovative marketingtactics,sometimesevenwithoutpaidadvertising,tocapturemarketattentionandsustainlong-term success.
InthisspecialeditionofTheUSALeaders,“The10MostInfluentialMarketing&AdvertisingLeadersof 2025,”wecelebratethevisionarieswhoareredefiningthemarketinglandscape.Attheforefrontofthis transformationisourcoverstoryfeature,EstelaRotmistrovsky,theCEOofManahGroup.Estelabelieves thattruemarketingsuccessliesinunderstandingpeopleandfosteringauthenticconnections.Herphilosophyis rootedintheideathatthemostimpactfulmarketingispersonal,fast-moving,anddata-driven.Thisbelief inspiredhertoestablishManahGroup,acompanydedicatedtohelpingbusinessesthriveinthedigitalageby transformingchallengesintoopportunitiesandpioneeringanewpathinmarketing.
AlongsideEstela,thiseditionalsohighlightsothertrailblazersmakingaremarkableimpactinmarketingand advertising.ProfilesonDiegoConde,GerridSmith,andSusanWilligshowcasetheirexpertiseinnavigating theevolvinglandscape,usinginnovativestrategiestohelpbrandsexcel.Joinusinexploringthestoriesofthese dynamicleaderswhoareshapingthefutureofmarketingandadvertising.
HappyReading!
Parag Ahire Project Editor
PUBLISHER
ARCHANA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
VIKRAM
MANAGING
CREATIVE
SACHIN
RESEARCH
Being a doer will always make a di erence.
~ Estela Rotmistrovsky
Intoday’sfast-changingbusinessworld,marketingismore thanjustadvertising.Itisabouttrulyunderstandingwhat peoplewantandwheretrendsaregoing.Companies needtobequickandsmarttosucceed.That’swhere leaderslikeEstelaRotmistrovsky(CEO,Manah Group)standout.Recentlyrecognizedby The USA Leaders asoneofThe10MostInfluentialMarketing &AdvertisingLeadersof2025,hercareerstoryis aboutbuildingrealconnectionsandgettingsolid businessoutcomes.
Estelabelievesinmarketingthatmakesadifference. “Truesuccess,”shesays,“liesinunderstandingpeople andbuildingauthenticconnections.”Sheknowsthatthe bestmarketingspeakstowhatabrandtrulyis.Itneeds tobepersonal,fast-moving,andbasedonrealinsights. Thisidealedhertocreate tohelp Manah Group, businessesthriveintoday’sdigitalage.Estela’sjourney isaboutturningchallengesintoopportunitiesand showinganewwayforwardinmarketing.
Estela’sprofessionaljourneybeganwithadeepinterest inhowbusiness,communication,andstrategycome togethertoshapepublicperception.Shepursueda degreeinMarketingandCommunications,whichlaida solidfoundationforhercareer.Incollege,sheimmersed herselfinstudiesthatexploredconsumerbehaviorand thesubtleartofpersuasion.Thisperiodwasnotonly abouttextbooksandtheories—itwasaboutdiscovering thatbehindeverysuccessfulcampaignlayagenuine connectionbetweenabrandanditsaudience.
Subsequently,hertenureacrossmultinational corporationsprovidedinvaluableleadership,strategic marketing,andcorporatecommunicationsexpertise.She recalls,“Oneofmymostimportantlearningswasthe significanceofunderstandingconsumerbehaviorandthe importanceofadaptingstrategiesinreal-timetomeet marketdemands.”
Eachcompanytaughthersomethingnew.Onecorporate experienceunderscoredthecriticalityoforganizational agilityinrespondingtofluctuatingmarketdynamics.
Anotherilluminatedtheenduringvalueofbrand equity,rootedintrustandsustainedrelationships, extendingbeyondtransactionalexchanges.These diverseexperiencescultivatedanuanced understandingofthecontemporarymarketing domain,preparingherforentrepreneurialleadership.
Itwasn’tlongbeforeEstelabegantonoticea recurringproblemintheindustry.Manybusinesses, regardlessofsize,werestuckusingoutdated,onesize-fits-allmarketingstrategies.Thesegeneralized approachesfailedtoengagecontemporary consumers,whoincreasinglyprioritizeauthenticity, personalization,andresponsiveengagement.
Determinedtomakeadifference,Estelaenvisioneda companythatwouldrectifythisstrategic misalignment.ManahGroupemergedasasolution provider,deliveringbespoke,innovativemarketing andcommunicationsstrategiesmeticulouslyaligned witheachclient’sdistinctoperationalcontext, culturalethos,andstrategicobjectives.
Herfoundationalbeliefwasunequivocal:“Every branddeservedastrategyasuniqueasthepeopleit served.”ManahGroupwasstrategicallypositioned tobridgethegapbetweentraditionalmarketing methodsandthedynamicdemandsofadigital, globalmarketplace,equippingbusinessesnotmerely tocompete,buttoexcel.
AtManahGroup,thefocusisoncreatingbespoke solutionsthatdrivegrowthandbuildlastingbrand reputations.Estelaandherteamspecializein marketingstrategy,communicationmanagement, branddevelopment,andbusinessgrowth.Rejecting formulaicapproaches,“Wecombinecutting-edge digitalmarketingstrategieswithadeep understandingofconsumerbehavior,”sheexplains. Thissynergyofdata-driveninsightsandinnovative techniquesunderpinsimpactful,results-oriented campaigns.
WhattrulysetsManahGroupapartisitsholistic methodology.Estelaemphasizes,“Weintegrate marketingwithpublicrelations,government relations,andmediastrategies,ensuringthatour
clientsnotonlyconnectwiththeirtargetmarketbut alsobuildmeaningfulrelationshipswithstakeholders.” Thisintegrated,multi-facetedapproachguarantees comprehensiveaudienceengagementacrossdiverse touchpoints,fosteringrobust,long-termstakeholder relationships.
AddressingClientChallenges:Expertisein Differentiation
ManahGroupworkswithclientsacrossdifferent industries,fromtechtohealthcareandconsumer products.Theyworkwithcompaniesofallsizes,but Estelaespeciallyfocusesonmid-sizedbusinessesand growingstartups.Thesecompaniesoftenfacesimilar hurdles:howtobedifferentinacrowdedmarket,how toclearlyexplaintheiruniquevalue,andhowto quicklyadapttochangingcustomerexpectations.
Estela’sexperiencehasshownherthat“many companiesstrugglewithmarketdifferentiationand buildingstrongmediarelationships.” Theyoften struggletoinfluencewhatpeoplethinkandtocreatea clearbrandidentity.ManahGrouptacklestheseissues head-onbycreatingtailoredplansthatspeakdirectlyto theiridealcustomers.Bycombiningdatawithbrand storytelling,Estela’steamdeliverspractical,effective solutions.
AstheCEOofManahGroup,EstelaRotmistrovskywears manyhats.She’stheleadersettingthecompany’sdirection, alwayswatchingforwhat’snextinthemarket.Herrole involvesbuilding“acultureofcreativityandcontinuous learning”withinherteam.Estelaworkscloselywithclients, ensuringmarketingplansmatchtheirgoalsanddeliverreal results.
OneofherbiggestachievementsisestablishingManah Groupas“arecognizedleaderinmarketingstrategyand communicationsolutions.”Underherleadership,thefirm hasforgedstrategicallianceswithgroupsinboththe governmentandprivatesectorsintheUS.These achievementsshowherabilitytodrivechangeandachieve concreteresultsforherclients.
Estela’smarketingapproachisbothinnovativeandpractical. AtManahGroup,theyuse“contentmarketing,socialmedia, SEO,andstrategicpartnershipstodrivegrowthand conversions.” Eachcampaigniscraftedwithcare,ensuring thateverypieceofcontentisauthenticanddata-driven.The focusisonreachingthetargetaudiencethroughmultiple touchpoints,creatingacohesivebrandpresencethatleavesa lastingimpact.
Crucially,theirstrategiesinclude“mediarelationsand governmentaffairs.”Bybuildingstrongconnectionswiththe mediaandgovernmentofficials,ManahGrouphelpsclients communicateeffectivelywiththepublicandkeydecisionmakers. Theyalsousedataanalysistotrackhowcampaigns areperforminginreal-timeandimprovethemtogetthebest outcomes.Thiscombinationofprovenmarketingmethods andnewdigitaltacticsiskeytodrivinggrowthandensuring marketingplansdelivermeasurablesuccess.
The future is bright for those who are willing to take bold steps and challenge the status quo.
PerformanceMeasurement:ROIandKey Metrics
Intoday’sbusinessworld,knowingifyour marketinginvestmentpaysoffisessential.Estelahas builtaframeworkatManahGrouptomeasure successusingbothqualitativeandquantitative metrics.Theytrackkeymetricslike“leadgeneration, conversionrates,customerengagement,andbrand awareness.” Theyalsomonitormediamentions, websitetraffic,socialmediaactivity,andcustomer loyalty
Fromthestartofeachproject,theysetcleartargets, guidingeverydecision.Theyprovideclientswith detailedreportsandregularupdatesshowinghow welltheircampaignsareworking.Thisdata-focused approachprovesthevalueoftheirstrategiesand helpsrefinefuturecampaignsforevenbetterresults. ForEstelaandherteam,themaingoalisto“align everymarketingeffortwiththeclient'sbroader businessobjectives,creatingsustainablevalueover thelongterm.”
NavigatingChallenges:ResilienceandStrategic Agility
Estelafacedchallengesonherpathtosuccess,as everyonedoes.Onemajorchallengewaslaunching theManahGroup“fromscratchinaverycompetitive market.” Intheearlydays,financialconstraintsand thepressuretoestablishasolidclientbasewere constantobstacles. However,thesechallengesmade hermoredetermined.By“stayingadaptable, committedtocontinuouslearning,andfocusedon deliveringrealvalue,”Estelasteadilybuiltastrong reputation.Shebuiltatalentedteamandavaluable network,alwayskeepingherlong-termgoalsin sight.Herresilienceinovercomingobstacleshas beenkeytoManahGroup’songoingsuccess.
Lookingahead,Estela’svisionforManahGroup goesbeyondjustbusinesssuccess.Shewantsto continuetogrowwithnewtechnologiesandtrends whilekeeping“ourcommitmenttoethicalbusiness practicesandsustainability.”Sheaimstohelp businessesmarketresponsibly,focusingonhonesty, fairness,andenvironmentalcare.
ManahGroupis“dedicatedtopromotinginclusivity, environmentalresponsibility,andethicalbusinesspractices.”By partneringwithlike-mindedorganizations,Estelahopestodrive positivechangeacrossindustries,contributingtoamore responsibleandsustainablebusinessworld.Herforward-thinking approachshowsthattrueleadershipbalancesprofitwitha commitmenttomakingapositiveimpact.
LeadershipandLifeIntegration:AHolisticApproach
Despitethedemandsofleadingagrowingcompany,Estelaknows theimportanceofwork-lifebalance.Shemakestimeforher familyandpersonalintereststorecharge.Sheenjoyssportsand staysinformedabout“newtrendsinmarketing,technology,and business.” Theseactivitieshelpherstayrefreshedandbringfresh ideastoManahGroup.Bybalancingherprofessionalandpersonal life,Estelaremainsacreativeandenergizedleader,readyforany challenge.
Estela’sjourneyholdsimportantlessonsforthosestartingtheir careers.Heradviceisstraightforward:“Stayfocused,staycurious, andneverstoplearning.” Shebelievessuccesscomesfrom “consistenthardwork,resilience,andtheabilitytoadaptto change.” Buildastrongsupportsystem,beopentofeedback,and alwayskeepyourlong-termvisioninmind. Estela’sown achievementsshowthatchallengingthenormandtakingbold stepscanleadtogreatachievements.Hermessagetoaspiring leadersistobeproactiveandcourageous–“Beingadoerwill alwaysmakeadifference.”
Tobetterunderstandthetransformationofmarketingandthestrategiesneededtostandoutinahighlycompetitive landscape,wepresentanexclusiveanalysisbyDiegoConde,aninternationalmarketingandbusinessexpansionexpert.
“FrommyexperienceworkingwithcompaniesinArgentina,LatinAmerica,andnowextensivelyintheU.S.market,one thingisclear:marketingtodaygoesfarbeyondselling.It’saboutunderstandinghumanbehavior,anticipatingmarket shifts,andcraftingstrategiesthatresonateonadeepemotionallevel.
TheU.S.market,whilefullofopportunities,demandsastrategic,visionary,andadaptableapproach.Throughoutmy career,Ihavehelpednumerouscompaniesestablishandexpandtheirpresenceinthecountry,witnessingfirsthandhow smartmarketingcandrivetangiblebusinessgrowthandprofitability.FromoptimizingdigitalcampaignsforHair Recovery,generatingthousandsofmonthlyleads,tocraftingexperience-focusedstrategiesforNails&Co.inFlorida,I haveseenthatsuccessliesincreatingvalueandbuildingrealconnectionswithconsumers.
· Anticipation&Adaptation:Globaltrendssetthecourseforconsumerbehavior.Keepinganeyeonmarketslike JapanandEuropeallowsbusinessestopredictshiftsandproactivelyadjuststrategies.
· ThePowerofExperience:Today’sconsumersdon’tjustseekproductsorservices—theywantmemorable experiences.Marketingmustfocusoncraftingemotionalconnectionsthatgobeyondtransactionsandstrengthen brandidentity.
· Data-DrivenDecisionMaking:Analyticsandreal-timedatainterpretationarecrucialforcampaignoptimization, ensuringmeasurableimpactandsustainableROI.
· Empathetic&CollaborativeLeadership:Amotivated,multidisciplinaryteam,combinedwithacustomer-centric approach,isessentialfordevelopinginnovativestrategiesthatexceedmarketexpectations.
ForbusinesseslookingtoestablishandthriveintheU.S.,marketingmustserveasaguide,helpingcompaniesnavigate thiscompetitivemarketandensuringlong-termsuccess.Thekeyisnotjusttobepresent—buttodifferentiateand lead.
Thefutureofmarketingisnotjustaboutselling;it'saboutcreatingexperiences,anticipatingtrends,andbuilding lastingconnections.
ByDiegoConde InternationalMarketingExpert
In today’s market, true di erentiation is not in the productit’s in the experience you deliver.
~Diego Conde, International Marketing Expert
Imaginegivingawaymillions,runningbillion-dollarbusinesses,andstillgrowingyourfortuneatanunprecedented pace.That'stherealityofJimmyDonaldson,betterknownasMrBeast.MrBeastnetworthhasofficiallycrossedthe $1billion mark,makinghimtheworld'sfirstbillionaireYouTuber.Buthowdidheachievethisstaggeringmilestone?
FromYouTubeadrevenueandbranddealstobusinessempireslikeFeastablesandMrBeastBurger,hiswealthisamixof strategicinvestmentsandviralcontentmastery.Inthisdeepdive,webreakdowneverymajorrevenuestreamthathasfueled hisfinancialempire.Let'sexplorethenumbers,strategies,anddecisionsthatturnedacontentcreatorintoabillionaire.
Let’shavealookatthesourcesofMrBeast’sNetWorthindetail.
1.YouTubeandYouTubeAdRevenue
MrBeasthasbuiltafortunethroughYouTube.Hishigh engagementandrecord-breakingviewsmakead revenuehisprimaryincomesource.Butit’snotjust aboutthesheerviewcount.Inmyview,MrBeast’s YouTubesuccessisrootedinhisdeepunderstanding ofviralcontent– thehighproductionvalue,the compellingnarratives(eveningiveaways),andthe consistentdeliveryofover-the-topexperiencesthat keepviewershooked.
YouTubeAdRevenueandEarnings
●AnnualEarnings(Forbes,2024):$85million
●MonthlyEstimate(CelebrityNetWorth):$50 million
● LeakedAnalytics (28-Day Views): 2.688 billion views → $4.23 million revenue
2 4 I M A R C H 2 0 2 5
●MRBeastMonthlyYouTubeEarnings:$3M–$5M,with somesourcessuggesting$8.3Mpermonth
●SocialBladeEstimate:$542.3K–$8Mmonthly
●DailyAverages:
○+566Ksubscribers
○+93.33Mviews
○Dailyrevenue:$23,300–$373,300
●RecentData(Feb 18, 2025): +763.64M views → $286K – $1.72M revenue
MrBeastnetworthcontinuestoriseashisYouTubeempire dominatesinviews,engagement,andadrevenue.
MrBeastearnsamassiveincomethroughbranddealsand sponsorships.Companieseagerlycollaboratewithhimdue tohisenormousandhighlyengagedaudience.
●PerSponsorshipRate:$2.5M–$3Mpershout-out
●MonthlySponsorshipEarnings:$918Kacross channels
●AnnualSponsorshipIncome:Approximately $11M
SpecificBrandSponsorships
●BrawlStars(2021):Covered$3.5MSquidGame productioncost
● Honey: Sponsored 20+ videos → $12.5M total revenue
●OtherSponsors:Microsoft,ElectronicArts,Quidd, CSGOLOTTO
SponsorshipValueandPitchingBrands
●SponsorshipWorth(Viewership-Based):$308K–$431Kperdeal
●TopSponsorshipEstimate:$3Mperbrand
●BrandPitches:GM,Ford,LG–Showcasing audiencereach,engagement,andTValternatives
MrBeastnetworthcontinuestoriseasbrandsinvest millionstoreachhisaudience.Hissponsorship modelproveshowdigitalinfluenceoutpaces traditionaladvertising.
3.MerchandiseSales
MrBeastgeneratesmassiveincomethroughhis merchandise.Hisofficialstoreoffersawiderangeof products,makingitakeyrevenuestream.
MerchandiseSalesRevenue
●MonthlyRevenue:$2.25million
●AnnualEstimate:$30million
TypesofMerchandise
●Clothing:Hoodies,T-shirts,activewear
●Accessories:Hats,phonecases,mugs
OfficialMerchandiseStore
●StoreURL:MrBeast.Store(Onlyofficialsource)
●BeastPhilanthropy:100%ofprofitsfrom merchandise,ads,andsponsorshipsgotocharity
StrategiestoIncreaseSales
●Exclusivedrops&limitededitions
●End-of-yearpromotions&discounts
●Community-drivenengagement&brandloyalty
MrBeastnetworthbenefitsgreatlyfrommerchandisesales. Hismerchandiseoperationbringsinapproximately$2.25 millionmonthlythroughhisonlinestore.Approximately 40%ofhisyearlyincomecomesfrommerchandisesales. Hisfanbase,strategicmarketing,andhigh-qualityproducts ensurecontinuoussuccessinthisrevenuestream.
4.BusinessVentures
MrBeasthasbuiltanempirebeyondYouTube,generating massiverevenuefrommultiplebusinessventures.In2023, hisbusinessesbroughtin$223million,withprojectionsof $700millionin2024.
Feastables
●LaunchDate:January29,2022
●FirstFewMonthsRevenue:$10M+
●2024RevenueProjection:$100M–$1.5B
●EstimatedBrandValue:$200M
●FundingImpact:FeastablesdirectlysupportsMrBeast’s large-scalevideoproductions.What’skeytoFeastables’ rapidsuccess,inmyopinion,isn’tjustthechocolateitself, buttheimmediatebrandrecognitionandbuilt-inaudience MrBeastcommands.It’satestamenttothepowerofapreexisting,highlyengagedfanbase.
●LaunchDate:December2020
●TotalRevenue(asofJan2023):$150M
●NetProfit:$30M
●2023Revenue:$223M
●Lawsuit:MrBeastsuedoverqualityissues,promptinga $100McountersuitfromVirtualDiningConcepts.Initially, MrBeastBurger'svirtualrestaurantmodelthrived,likely duetothenoveltyfactorandtheimmensereachofhis YouTubepromotions. However,thesubsequentquality controlissuesandlawsuithighlightacriticallesson:even viralityneedstobeunderpinnedbyoperationalexcellence forlong-termsuccess.
● ChargeperShout-Out:$2.5M–$3M
●EstimatedMonthlySponsorshipRevenue:$1M+
MrBeastnetworthcontinuestogrowthroughnewventures likeBeastGames(Amazon),contentlicensing,and multilingualdubbing.HisAmazonshow'sprizepool exceeded$20M,settingworldrecords.
5.BeastGames
MrBeasthasrevealedthathelost“tensofmillionsof dollars”onthefirstseasonofBeastGames. FinancialsofBeastGames
●TotalProductionCost:Over$100million
●SetCosts(FirstTwoEpisodes):$29million+
●MrBeast’sVerdict:Notasoundfinancialdecision
PrizeMoneyDistribution
●TotalPrizePool:$25,019,995
●GrandPrize(JeffAllen,Player831):$10,004,242
●MoneyLionGiveaway:$4.2million
●PrivateIsland(MiaSpeight,Player952):$1.8million
●FinalEpisodeSelf-Elimination(GageGallagher,Player 974):$1million
●ParticipationRewards(2,000Contestants):$2,000each
ViewershipandReception
●TotalViews(First25Days):50million+
●AmazonPrime’sMost-WatchedUnscriptedShow
●DrovePrimeSubscriptionGrowth(Mostacquisitive seriessinceFallout)
●MixedReviews&Controversies:Allegationsofpoor workingconditionsandcontestantlawsuits
Despitemassiveviewership,BeastGamesprovedtobean expensivegamble.However,MrBeastnetworthremains largelyunaffectedduetohisdiverseincomestreams.
6.RealEstateHoldings
MrBeasthasmadesmartrealestateinvestments,mainly nearGreenville,NorthCarolina.Hispropertiesserveboth personalandbusinessneeds,supportinghisgrowingteam andproductionsetup.
RealEstateInvestments
●FirstHomePurchase(2018):$318,000
○Features:4bedrooms,modernkitchen,glassfireplace
●AdditionalInvestments(2020-2022):$1.45million
○Purpose:Housingforteammembers,maintainedbya dedicatedcrew
●FilmingStudio:RenovatedchurchbuildinginNorth Carolina
○TechnicalEquipmentValue:$2.896million
MrBeastnetworthbenefitsfromthesestrategic investments,ensuringlong-termvaluewhilesupportinghis massivecontentoperation.
MrBeasthasownedseveralluxuryandhigh-performance vehicles,manyofwhichhehasgivenawayinhisviral challenges.
●BMWi8:Valuedat$100,000,featuringaturbocharged 1.5-literengine,11.6-kWhbatterypack,anddualelectric motors.
●LamborghiniGallardo:Ahigh-performancesupercar oncepartofhiscollection.
●CustomTeslaModelS:Modifiedforauniquelookand performance.
●40-CarGiveawayCollection:IncludedPorsche,Chrysler, andMustangmodels,usedformassiveYouTube giveaways.
●PrivateJet:Previouslyownedajetworth$2.5million, whichhelatergaveawayinaviralvideo.
●Bugatti:Despiterumors,hedoesnotownaBugatti.
MrBeastnetworthisn’ttiedtoluxurypossessions,ashe oftenreinvestsincontentandphilanthropyratherthan personalextravagance.
8.MrBeast’sWatchCollection
MrBeast,alsoknownasJimmyDonaldson,ownsaluxury watchcollectionfeaturingbrandslikeRolex,Audemars Piguet,andPatekPhilippe.Hiscollectionincludessomeof themostexclusiveandhigh-valuetimepieces.
RolexDaytona“Rainbow”–TheCrownJewel
●Model:RolexDaytona“Rainbow”Ref. 116595RBOW
●Material:18kRoseGold
●Bezel:36Baguette-CutRainbowSapphires
●Case:56Brilliant-CutDiamonds
●HourMarkers:11Baguette-CutRainbow Sapphires
ValueoftheRolexDaytona“Rainbow”
●MarketPrice(2023):~$550,000
●PriceRangeforOriginalModels:$39,000–$500,000
●RetailPrice(EveroseGold,2018):$96,900
●CurrentOpen-MarketValue:Neverbelowsix figures,now~$500,000
MrBeastnetworthisreflectedinhiscollectionof rareandhigh-valuewatches,withtheRolexDaytona “Rainbow”standingasaprimeexampleofhis luxurioustaste.
9.MrBeast’sShoeCollection
MrBeastnotonlydominatesYouTubebutalsohasa uniqueshoecollection.Hesellsshoesand accessorieswhileowningsomeofthemostexclusive footwear
MrBeast’sShoeCollection
●MrBeast.storeProducts:
○ShoelaceSets:Availableinblue/blackand pink/blue
○DiscountedPrice:$3.00(40%offfrom$5.00)
MostExpensiveShoeOwnedbyMrBeast
●CustomMarathonShoes:
○Size:40
○Weight:5poundspershoe
○PurchasePrice:$12,000
OriginalPurchasePrice
●Custom-mademarathonshoes:Boughtfor $12,000,specificallydesignedfortheevent. However,therearenoofficialrecordstoconfirm thepresentvalueofMrBeast’smarathonshoes.
MrBeast’srisetoa$1billionnetworthshowcasesthepower ofcreativity,persistence,andstrategicdiversification.His journeyhighlightsthatsuccessdoesn'trelyononesourceof incomebutamixofplatforms,ventures,andbranding.By understandinghisapproach,youcanleveragesimilar strategiestobuildyourownpathtowardfinancialfreedom.
●MaximizeYourDigitalPresence:MrBeast’ssuccesson YouTubedemonstratestheimportanceofbuildingastrong onlinepresenceandusingitasaplatformforbrand partnershipsandadrevenue.
●DiversifyRevenueStreams:LikeMrBeast,consider creatingmultipleincomesources,frommerchandisesales tobusinessventures,toensurelong-termfinancialgrowth.
●LeverageBrandDeals:MrBeast’sabilitytoattracthighpayingsponsorshipsshowshowvaluablebranddealscan bewhenyouhaveahighlyengagedaudience.
●InvestinHigh-ValueVentures:MrBeast’sventureslike FeastablesandMrBeastBurgerhighlightthepotentialof startingbusinessesthatalignwithyourbrand,evenifthey carryrisks.
●ReinvestinYourBrand:Insteadofsplurgingonluxury items,reinvestyourprofitsintocontentcreationand communityengagement,justasMrBeastreinvestsinhis philanthropicprojects.
ByadoptingsomeofthestrategiesMrBeastusedtogrowhis empire,youcanstartcreatingablueprintforyourown financialindependenceandsuccess.Followinghissteps couldbeyourfirstmovetowardsreachingyourownversion ofMrBeastnetworthsuccess!
● Since2005,Gerrid Smithhasbeen providingexpertSEO andgrowthstrategy servicestohundredsof businessesthroughout theUS.
● In2018,heco-founded JoyOrganicswithhis parentsandutilizedSEO tokickstartthebusiness.
● Gerridsaysthemost commonmistakehe oftenobservesamong CMOsandmarketing professionals,ingeneral, isthattheyplacetoo muchtrustinagencies andfailtoaskthem toughquestions.They aren’tchallengingthem, sothey’renotextracting thebestresultsfrom theseagencies.
IfthereisonethingGerrid Smithknowsaboutbeinga CMO,it’sthis:
“It’s my responsibility to understand our consumers, their needs, desires, and our industry. I must also be aware of the market’s direction and how we want to position ourselves.”
GerridSmithistheChiefMarketingOfficeratJoyOrganics With morethan18yearsofexperience,hehasestablishedhimselfasanSEO EntrepreneurandGrowthStrategist.In2018,Gerrid,alongwithhis parents,beganthejourneyofJoyOrganicsandutilizedSEOstrategies tolaunchthecompany
JoyOrganicsisrenownedforitsuniqueselectionoforganicCBD products.ItoffersthehighestnumberoforganicCBDSKUsinthe market.Thecompanyprimarilyfocusesonwomenaged30-45, particularlymothersdealingwithstress.Additionally,theyassistwomen aged60andaboveinsupportingjointandsleepconcerns.Themost commonconcernsaddressedbyJoyOrganicsproductsarestress,sleep, joint,andmuscledifficulties.
InarecentinterviewwithMirrorReview,GerridSmithsharedhis personaljourney,evolvingfromanintrovertedmarketingprofessionalto amoreempatheticandcollaborativeleader.Duringtheinterview,he discussedtheresponsibilitiesofaCMO,currenttrendsinthemarketing industry,andthepivotalrolethatKeyPerformanceIndicators(KPIs) willplayinshapingmarketingstrategiesfor2024.
(ThefollowingQ&Ahasbeeneditedforlengthandclarity)
MirrorReview:JoyOrganicsisasuccessfulCBDbrandthatyou startedwithyourfamilyin2018.Whatwasyourmarketing backgroundbeforethat?
Gerrid:Ialwayshadaninterestinandcuriosityaboutmarketing.Ifell intothefieldwhenIwasofferedtheopportunitytohelpawebdesign franchisetakeoffandprovidehigh-qualitySEOservicestoitsclients.
MyDadandmyuncle,whoIcurrentlyworkwithatJoyOrganics, startedawebdesignfranchisein2005.Theyaskedmetojointhemand learnaboutsearchengineoptimization,whichwasentirelyunfamiliarto allthreeofusatthattime.Theyneededsomeonetospecializeinthis andprovidetheservicetotheircustomers.Afterdoingsomeresearch,I founditfascinating.Isaid‘Yes’,andeventhoughthatinitialbusiness didn’tworkout,itsetmeonthepathtobecominganSEOexpertand offeringittohundredsofbusinessessince2005.Ithenwentontostart anagencythatservedthelegalcommunity.BythetimeIsoldthe agencyin2020,Ihadover80clients.
Breakingoutofthat shellwasalotoffun, buttherewasa learningcurve aswell “
Chief Marketing Officer | Joy Organics
MirrorReview:Youhave switchedfrombeinganagency ownertoaCMO.Howdidyour experienceasanagencyowner helpyoubecomeasuccessful CMO,andwhatadvicewould yougivetoothermarketing professionalswhoworkwith agencies?
Gerrid:IrememberwhenIranan agency,andoneofthereasonsI believeIhavebeensuccessfulin switchingfromanagencyowner toaCMOisbecauseIhave noticedacommonmistakeamong CMOsandmarketing professionals.Theytrustagencies toomuchanddon’taskthemhard questions.Theyaren’tchallenging them,sothey’renotextractingthe bestresultsfromtheseagencies.
Irealizedthatthemostsuccessful clientswehadduringmyagency daysweretheoneswhoconstantly questioned,pushed,and challengedme.Itcouldbequite annoying,butitcompelledmeto thinkstrategicallyabouttheir currentstatus,theirdesiredgoals, andthebestwaystoreachthem.I hadtoevaluatewhetherthetactics Iproposedandexecutedweretruly themosteffectiveoriftherewasa fasterroutetotheirobjectives.
Youcan’tjustsay,“We’vehiredthebestagencyin theXYZcategory,soweshouldletthemdotheir job.”I’verarelyseenthatapproachworkwell,both asanagencyownerandnowasaCMO.
MirrorReview:Whatdoesyourtypicaldaylook likeasaCMO,andhowdoyoubalancethe strategicandtacticalaspectsofyourwork?
Gerrid:Imainlyfocusonguidingthecompany’s strategicdirection.Marketinginfluencesmanyofour decisions,whichistrueformostcompanies.So,itis myjobtounderstandourcustomers’needs,desires, andtheindustrylandscape.Ineedtoknowwhereour industryisheadedandhowwewanttoposition ourselvesinthemarket.Ispendalotoftimethinking strategicallyaboutwhereweare,wherewewantto be,andthebestwaystogetthere.
Onthepractical,day-to-dayside,Icollaboratewith ourcoreagenciestoenhanceourgrowth.Imust understandthenitty-grittyofhoweverything operatesbecausenoonewillcareforyourbusiness asmuchasyoudo.Toachievesuccess,youreally needtogetdeeplyinvolvedandbehands-on.The onlywaytoeffectivelymanageanagencyorany channelistohaveadeepunderstandingofit.This knowledgeallowsmetoasktherightquestionsand gettheanswersthatwilldrivethecompanyforward.
MirrorReview:YouareaCMOofaDTC(direct-toconsumer)business,butyouhavealsoworkedinthelegal industry.Howdoyouidentifyandapplymarketingstrategies thatworkinotherindustriestoimproveyourmarketing performance?
Gerrid:It’seasyforamarketingprofessionalinaspecific industrytofocusonlyontheirindustrycompetitorsandforgetthat thereisawholewideworldouttheretoexploreandlearnfrom. Onethingthat’sbeenagreatassetformeasaDTCCMOisthatI didn’tstartasaDTCmarketerbeforeJoyOrganics.Icamewitha freshperspective,andIbroughtlessonsfrommytimeinthelegal industryintothehealthsupplementindustry
It’ssimpletoidentifyindustrystandards,butour‘secretsauce’ camefromdoingthingsforlawfirmsthattheDTCandhealth supplementindustrywasn’tdoing.It’stheselittlenuancesthatcan giveyouahugeadvantage..SinceIrealizedthis,I’vebeen curiousabouthowmarketingworksinotherindustries.
Rightnow,Iamcuriousaboutbusinessdevelopment,eventhough wedon’tcurrentlyfocusonitinourcompanies.Icontactedatop businessdevelopmentexpertwith15-20yearsofexperienceand offeredtopayhim$500perhourtoaskasmanyquestionsasI couldinanhouraboutwhathedoesandhowhedoesit.Iam confidentthatI’lluncoversomevaluableinsightsthatIcanapply tomanyoftheprojectsIamworkingon,eventhoughthe companiesIaminvolvedwithdon’tengageinthattypeofsales.
“Youmust concentrateononearea. Tobegreat,youneedto specializeinonefield. Youcanbegoodatmany things,butyoucan'tbe greatatmanythings. Youcanonlybegreat atonething.”
MirrorReview:AsaCMO,youmustwiselyallocateyour resourcestomaximizepositivereturns.Howdoyouidentify andmakeuseofopportunitieswiththebestattention-to-value ratiointhemarket,andwhataresomecommonmistakesyou orothersavoid?
Gerrid:Ultimately,it’sallaboutROIforusbecausewearea smallcompany Wecan’taffordtorunbrandingcampaigns withoutmeasuringeverydollar Wemustconsistentlyallocateour resourceswherewebelievetheywillyieldthebestreturns.Ilove whatGaryVaynerchukdiscusseswhenhetalksaboutattention arbitrage.Hehighlightstheimportanceoffindingcost-effective waystoreachyouraudience,andthislandscapeisever-changing. Asacompany,weneedtoreassessitregularly.Wemightbe investingacertainamountinFacebookandgettingaparticular return.So,wehavetoconsiderwhatwecandoonplatformslike TikTok,LinkedIn,orotherstomakeourbudgetgofurther
ThemostcommonmistakeIobserveispeoplegettingstuck.They aren’tinnovatingenoughandfallintoaroutine.Itiseasytothink, “SEOisworkingthisway,paidmediaisperforminglikethat,and
affiliatemarketingisontrack,solet’ssticktothispath.” Instead,weshouldalwaysconsiderwhat’sonthehorizon, what’snext,andhowwefindthosehiddenopportunities thatwillstretchourbudgetfurtherbecausetheyare relativelyundiscoveredorlessexploredthanother channels.
MirrorReview:Howdoyouplantoutilizesocialmedia platformstoexpandyourDTCbusinessinthecannabis niche,andwhatkeyperformanceindicators(KPIs)will beyourfocusin2024?
Gerrid: Iamcurrentlyexploringthemostsignificanttrend inourstrategy,particularlyinthesomewhatgrayareaof thecannabisniche.Iamworkingonhowtoleverage platformssuchasTikTokandYouTubeShorts,whichhave thepotentialtogoviralandreachafreshaudienceevery daywithouttriggeringalgorithmicflags.Socialmediahas piquedmyinterestmorerecently.Overthepastdecade,it wasprimarilyaboutreachinganexistingaudience.Ifyou hadafewhundredthousandfollowers,yourmessage wouldreachthemwhenyouposted.Now,withTikTokand otherplatforms,yourmessagegoesbeyondyourexisting followers.It’sneverbeeneasiertoquicklybuildan audienceandsellproducts,especiallyintheDTCmarket. Manypeoplelookingaheadto2024needtoconsider reallocatingmorefundstotheseplatformstogain significantexposure.
RegardingKPIs,wemayshiftourfocusasabrandto emphasizebrand-relatedmetrics.Thiscouldinvolvebrand awareness,views,andsimilaraspects,whichwehaven’t prioritizedmuchinthepast.In2024,asweaimtoelevate ourbrandtoanewlevel,thismaychangeforus.
MirrorReview:Asaleader,youhavetoworkwithyour teamandhelpthemgrowandimprove.Howdoyou findandshareinspirationwithyourteam,andwhatare someofthedifficultiesthatyouencounteredindoing so?
Gerrid: Ifindinspirationbyconsistentlyintroducing interestingideastomyteamandaskingthemwhatnew toolsormethodstheyareexploring.Iftheyarenot exploringnewthings,Iencouragethemtoseekoutfresh toolsorwaystoenhancetheirwork.Iamalwaysonthe lookoutforthingsthatinspiremeandthenIsharethose withtheteam.Ibelievethatthebestperformanceemerges fromateamthatisinspiredandenjoyswhattheydo.When theyenjoytheirwork,theybecomeexceptionalatit.Over theyears,myperspectivehasshiftedtowardsidentifying
individualsIbelievecanexcelinspecificareasandmaking suretheteamhasthenecessarytoolsandresourcestostep upinthoseareaswheretheorganizationmayhave weaknesses.
OneofthemajorchallengesIfacedasaleaderisthatIam anextremeintrovert,andwhenIfirststarted,Iwasa terriblemanager.Irecallhiringandfiringindividuals rapidly,assuggestedinbooksaboutmanagement. However,Irealizedthatsuccessinvolvesworkingclosely withyourteam,developingthem,andpushingthem forward.Unfortunately,Ididn’tunderstandthisinitially.I usedtothinkthatifsomeonedidn’tgraspthings immediately,I’dletthemgoandmoveontothenext person.Ifeelreallyregretfulaboutmypoormanagement skillsinthoseearlydays.Partofitwasduetomyextreme introversion,notwantingtoputmyselfoutthere,and avoidingteamcollaboration.Thesedays,IfeellikeI struggletohavethetimethatIreallywanttohavetowork withtheteam,pushthem,andtakethemtothenextlevel whereIbelievetheyneedtogo.
MirrorReview:Whatisthemostimportantskillor qualitythatyouwouldadviseyoungprofessionalsto develop,andhowdidyoudevelopityourself?
Gerrid:Insimpleterms,youneedtofocusononething.To begreat,youmustbecomeaspecialistinasinglearea.You canbegoodatmanythings,butyoucan’texcelatmany things.Excellenceisattainableinjustonearea.Thisis somethingIoftenremindmyselfof,andlookingbackatmy ownjourney,IexcelledbyspecializinginSEO.Itwasmy solefocusforyears,primarilyworkingasthebestSEO expertforlawfirms.WhenItransitionedtoJoyOrganics,I hadtheopportunitytoexploreaffiliatemarketing,social mediapaidads,andotheraspectsIhadn’tdelvedinto. Breakingoutofthatshellwasbothenjoyableand challenging.
IfIweretogiveanyadvicetoyoungprofessionals,I’dsay, “Whatcanyoureallyfocuson?”Considerputtingaside distractionslikeNetflix,PrimeVideo,andHBO,and dedicateayearoreventwotohoningyourcraft,striving forexcellenceinthatonearea.Thededicationpaysoff,and Ibelieveyoucanachieveexcellencewithinayearifyou channelallyourfocusintothatonething.
Haveyoueverthoughtaboutmarketingbeforethe
Internet?Itusedtoinvolveadvertisingproducts throughtelevision,printmedia,billboards,phone calls,andsampling.However,atechnologicalmarvel arrivedthatfundamentallytransformedthemarketing landscape:theinventionoftheInternet.Inthisdigitalage, whereinformationisjustaclickaway,businessesinitially struggledtoreachtheirtargetaudience.TheInternetdidn't justtweakmarketing;itrevolutionizedit,bringingabouta complete180-degreetransformation.Today,we'llexplore howtheInternethasreshapedmarketingstrategies We'll delveintotherevolutionsincontentmarketingandsocial media.Let'sgetstarted!
Beforetheinternetbecamewidelyaccessible,marketing posedaconsiderablechallengeforbusinesses.Theyhadto findwaystoreachabroadaudienceforpromotingtheir products,andnotallcompanieshadthefinancialmeansto investintelevisionadvertising.Untiltheearly2000s, traditionaladvertising dominatedthelandscape,and marketingontelevisionwasseenasaluxury.Asaresult, businessesturnedtoprintmediatomarkettheirproducts, employingmethodssuchas:
· TVAdvertising:Initially,televisionwastheprimary meanstoreachabroadaudience.Companiescreated commercialsandbroadcastedthemonTVchannels,but thisapproachwascostly
· PrintAdvertising:Printmedia,beingmorecosteffective,becameapreferredchoice.Businessesplaced productadsinnewspapers,utilizedbillboards,and advertisedinmagazines.
· RadioAdvertising:Companiesleveragedradio broadcastsforproductandservicepromotionthrough jingles,announcements,andsponsoredcontent.
· DirectMail:Thisinvolvedphysicallydelivering promotionalmaterialslikeflyers,brochures,and postcardstopotentialcustomers'mailboxes.
· OutdoorAdvertising:Employingbillboards,posters, andsignageinhigh-trafficareastocapturetheattention ofpassersbybecameacommonstrategy.
· SalesCalls:Salesprofessionalsengagedincoldcalling tooffertheirproductsorservicestoindividualsand businesses.
· EventMarketing:Businessesparticipatedintrade shows,exhibitions,andeventstoshowcaseproducts andestablishconnectionswithpotentialclients.
· WordofMouth:Encouragingsatisfiedcustomersto recommendproductsorservicestofriends,family, andacquaintancesthroughpersonalreferrals.
· PublicRelations(PR):Buildingrelationshipswith mediaoutletsandusingpressreleasestogenerate positivecoverageandpublicity
· RetailStores:Traditionalbrick-and-mortarretail storesallowedcustomerstomakein-person purchases.
Inthispre-internetera,marketingstrategiesrelied heavilyonthesemethods,andbusinesseshadtoadapt toreachtheirtargetaudienceseffectively
TargetAudienceExpansion:Inthepast,marketing wasconfinedtoTVandprint,limitingthereachtoa smalleraudience.However,withtheriseoftheinternet andsocialmedia,companiescannowtargetavast audiencethroughdigitalcampaigns.Theycan effortlesslyreachbillionsofpotentialcustomerswhile sittinginoneplace.Printadvertisingisonasharp decline,withnewspaperprintadrevenueexpectedto plummetfromananticipated$25.20billionin2012to $5.3billionby2024.
VideoContent:InsteadofheftyTVadcosts, companiescanfreelyuploadcontentonplatformslike YouTube.Theycanalsoplaceproductadsonspecific YouTubechannelstogeneraterevenue.Shortvideos effectivelyconveyproductUSPs,andthemore subscribers,thehighertheearnings.
WebsiteAdvantages:Companywebsitesfacilitate directcommunicationwithcustomers,enablingglobal marketingreach.Throughcookiesanddemographic datasegmentation,businessescantargetspecific audienceseffectively.Websitetraffic,leads,andrevenue canallbetracked.
CostReduction:Theinternethasmademarketingcosteffective,significantlyreducingexpensesonwriting, designing,editing,andprinting.Everythingand everyoneisjustaclickaway
MarketingSpeed:Marketinghasbecomefaster Companiescanpromptlypostadsontheirwebsitesor socialmediaandreceivequickcustomerresponses. Thedelayincustomerinteractionisnolongeran issue,allowingforcustomerretentionandacquisition.
SEOBenefits:SEOenhancesresults,attracting organicvisitorswithoutongoingadvertisingcosts.It focusesonproduct-relatedkeywordstodrawhighqualitytraffic,instillstrust,offersacompetitiveedge, providesmeasurableanalytics,extendsglobalreach, andadaptstotrends.
Sincethedevelopmentoftheinternet,consumer behaviorhasundergonesignificantchanges.These changesareasfollows:
ResearchBeforePurchase:Initially,consumers reliedonword-of-mouth,TVads,orinstinctwhen buyinganewproductduetolimitedresearchoptions. Nowadays,consumersspenddaysresearching products,visitingwebsites,readingreviews, comparingprices,andmakinginformeddecisions. Accordingtoareport,81%ofconsumersseek productinformationonlinebeforemakingin-store purchases.
WordofMouth:Digitalword-of-mouth,often endorsedbyinfluencersorcelebrities,playsapivotal roleinproductpurchases.Peopletrustcelebrity endorsementswhentryingnewproducts,boostinga brand'sonlinepresence.Word-of-mouthsignificantly influencesbrandsales,with49%ofconsumers dependingoninfluencerrecommendations.
DecreasedBrandLoyalty:TheInternetanddigital marketinghavereducedbrandloyalty.Consumers preferexploringvariousbrandsandmakingpurchase decisionsbasedonreviewsandresearch.Maintaining customerloyaltyisnowchallengingwithoutarobust digitalpresence.Approximately80%ofcompanies usecustomersatisfactionscorestoenhancethe customerexperience(HarvardBusinessReview).
ImpatientConsumers:Today’sconsumersdemand quickresults,includingrapidaccesstoinformation. Onlinereviewsheavilyinfluencetheirdecisions. Digitalmarketingenablesbusinessestoestablish transparentrelationshipswithcustomers,delivering
personalizedexperiencesandswiftresponsesto inquiries.
ImpulsiveBuying:Internetmarketingfacilitates strategicproductpromotion,leadingtoimpulsive purchases.Approximately25%ofconsumers impulsivelybuythelatestproductsduetoeffective onlinemarketing.
PersonalizedShopping:Digitalmarketingempowers consumerstopersonalizetheirshoppingexperiences. Brandscancreateandmodifydigitalcontenttoenhance customersatisfactionandloyalty Tailoringtheshopping experiencecansignificantlyimpactconsumerbehavior
Insummary,theadventofe-commerceanddigital marketinghastransformedconsumerbehavior, emphasizingresearch,word-of-mouth,andpersonalized experienceswhilereducingbrandloyaltyandincreasing impulsivebuyingtendencies.Thesechangesunderscore theimportanceofarobustonlinepresencefor businesses.
ChallengesFacedbyMarketersAftertheInvention ofInternet
ResourceShortage:SincetheadventoftheInternet, businessesoftenfacelimitations inbothfundingand marketingexpertise,primarilyduetotightbudgets.The absenceofqualitycontent,suitableplatforms,andeffective analysiscompoundsthesechallenges.
GenerationofQualityLeads:Clientacquisitionis fundamentaltobusinessgrowth,yetobtaininghigh-quality leads,especiallyforsmallandmedium-sizedbusinesses, remainscostlyandintricate.
ReturnonInvestment:Inanidealscenario,marketing expendituregeneratesprofitsof$2,000-3,000forsmalland mediumbusinesses.However,onlinemarketing complexitiesfrequentlyresultinoverspendingandunclear incomesources.
IncreasedCustomerEngagement:Marketerstendto prioritizeleadacquisitionattheexpenseofexisting customers,missingpotentialsalesandreferrals.Addressing thisissueinvolvesstayingcurrentwithmarketingtrends.
EffectiveUtilizationofToolsandTechnologies:The abundanceofonlinemarketingtoolsoftenleaves companiesunsureaboutthemostsuitableoptions. Consequently,designingawell-consideredmarketing
strategyisessentialtomaximizetheutilityof availablemedia.
Thesechallengescanbeovercomethroughdiligent marketresearch,proficientuseofdigitaltools, prudentfinancialplanning,andthecreationofhighqualitycontent.
Therearesomefuturemarketing toconsider: trends
· VirtualandAugmentedReality:Advertising productsusingARandVRisgainingpopularity, improvinguserexperiences,andboosting companyperformance.
· AIIntegration:AItoolsinmarketingwill enhancecustomerdataanalysis,leadingtobetter targetingandautomationofrepetitivetasks.This canbeachievedthroughAIchatbotsandvirtual assistants.
· VoiceSearchOptimization:Companiescan optimizetheirproductwebsitesusingvoice searchtechnology.Identifyingkeyphrases commonlyusedbycustomerstopurchase specificproductscanbehighlybeneficial.
· Personalization:Data-drivenpersonalizationis pivotalindigitalmarketing.Utilizingdataand AI,tailoredcontentandofferscanbecreated. Analyzingcustomerdatathroughmachine learningaidsininformeddecision-making. Personalizedemailcampaignsboostengagement andconversions,whilerecommendationengines suggestrelevantcontentandoffersbasedon customerbehaviorandpreferences.
Inconclusion,theinventionoftheinternethas usheredinaneweraformarketingstrategies.Ithas fundamentallyalteredhowbusinessesinteractwith customers,withastrongemphasisondigital interactionsanddata-drivendecision-making.Aswe navigatethisever-evolvinglandscape,onething remainsabundantlyclear:theinternet sinvention ’ continuestobecentraltomarketing,driving innovationandredefiningsuccessinthedigitalage. Embraceit,andyou'lluncoverlimitless possibilities.
SusanWillighasapassionandpurposeforcreatinga strategicfoundationforstartups,andearly-stageand “restart”companiestoachieveoptimalgrowthand success.
Susanhas hasover30yearsofexperience,workingwith marketleaderssuchasEdwardsLifesciences,Thomson Reuters,LexisNexis,andGatewayComputer
InthisexclusiveinterviewwiththeUSALeaders,Susan sharesherjourneyandvisionasthefounderandchief brandstrategistofTrueNorth,afirmthathelpshealthcare early-stagecompaniesandthosegoingthroughaseismic shiftcreatetheirTrueNorthbrandandmarketingstrategy, regardlessoftheirstage–becausetheearlierthebetter.She alsoexplainswhypersonalbrandingisasimportantas corporatebranding,andhowleaderscanleverageitto achievetheirgoalsandcreatepositivesocialimpact.
Susanalsotalksabouttheimportanceofwomensupporting eachotherinbusiness,andthevalueofcreatingcommunity, mentorship,andempoweringotherwomenleadersand professionals.
TheUSALeaders:Susan,thankyouforjoiningus today.Canyoutellusabitaboutyourbackgroundand howyougotinterestedinmarketingandbrand?
Susan:Thankyouforthisopportunitytosharemystory andcollaboratewithyouandyouraudience. Throughout
mycareer,mygoalwastogetcloserandcloserto wherebrandstrategyoriginates.Ihavealwaysbeen fascinatedbyhowpeoplethinkandactandhowto influencethempositively WhenIwas18,Ireadthe book Positioning, the Battle for Your Mind byRiesand Trout,anditresonatedwithme.Itwasaprecursorto behavioraleconomics.Marketingandbrand representedtheperfectbalanceofbusiness,analytics, creativity,art,humanity,andconnection.
Istartedmycareerontheagencyside,workingwith differenttypesofclientsandlearningfrommultiple perspectives.Then,Imovedtotheclientside,whereI hadmoreownershipandresponsibilityforthebrand visionandexecution.Ialsoswitchedbetweendifferent industries,suchasretail,entertainment,andeducation, tobroadenmyexperienceandchallengemyself.
Ultimately,Ipursuedacareerinandchosehealthcare becauseIwantedtousemyexpertiseandexperience forsomethingthatwouldleaveapositivefootprinton theworldandmakeadifferenceinpeople’slives.
TheUSALeaders:Tellustheoriginstorybehind TrueNorth.Canyouelaborateontheterm“True North”marketingandbrandstrategy?Whatdoes itsignify,andhowdoesitdifferfromtraditional marketingapproaches?
Susan:Thisisareallygoodstory.Iworkedwith startupsintheearly2000sandsawthemsquander abundantresources–time,money,people,and opportunity Theylackeddisciplineanddidnotinvest inbuildingafocusedbrandandmarketingstrategy foundation.Theychasedevery“shinypenny”–wastingresourcesandultimatelyfailing.
“TrueNorth”
“Whether you are a startup, scaling an early-stage company, or steering a 'restart' in healthcare, TrueNorth is your compass for optimum impact and growth.”
IstartedTrueNorthtoguideandsupportstartups andearly-stageor“restart”companiesinhealthcare tocreatetheirTrueNorthbrandandmarketing strategy.Ensuringtheyknowwheretofocustheir time,money,andotherresourcesforoptimalgrowth andsuccess.Ioftenhear,wellIdon’thaveabig marketingbudget.Allthemorereasontobefocused onwheretoinvest.Whethertheyhavehad$1,$1M, or$10M;It'scriticaltomakeeverydollar,every resourcedeliver…
Thename“TrueNorth”camefromafemalefriend andformercolleague.AtEdwards,Ialwaysasked myteam–“what’stheTrueNorth”–positioning, strategy,andobjective.Wewerecollaboratingover myfirm’snameandshesuggested–“TrueNorth–that’syourfirm’sname.”Shewasright.Thisshows thepowerofatribeyoutrustandwhoknowsyou.
Thisisthemagic.Womenhelpingwomen(and men)tolivetheirpurpose.Itmeanshavingamazing womenaroundyouwhoarecommittedtotheircraft andeachother.Iamgratefultohaveagroupof friendsandcolleagueswhoseekeachother'smutual successandliveinabundance.
TheUSALeaders:TrueNorthfocuseson“foundationaland critical”marketingandbrandstrategyforearly-stage companiesinhealthcareandtech.Whataretheirmost commonchallenges,andhowdoesTrueNorthhelpthem overcomethem?
Susan:Acommonchallengeisnotinvestingtime,discipline,and focustoestablishtheTrueNorthstrategicfoundation.Anotheris underestimatingthedifficultyofchangingexistinghabitsand behaviorsinyourtargetaudience(s).Thisisthefirstreal competition.
Athirdischasingthebiggestmarketagainstwell-entrenched competitorswithlimitedresources.
IrespectSethGodin’sadvicetofocusontheminimumviable audienceanddelightthem.IfollowtheStanforddesigntheoryto prototype,test,prototypetest,andprototypetest.
TheUSALeaders:You’vebuiltastrongpersonalbrandasa thoughtleaderinmarketingandbrandstrategy.Howdoyou seepersonalbrandingandstrongcommunityplayingarolein aCMO’ssuccess,especiallyforwomenintheindustry?
Susan:Personalbrandingisastrategicpractice whereyoudefineandexpressyourvalue proposition.Astrongpersonalbrandbenefitsyouin manyways.Itenhancesyourvisibility,especially amongthosewhomattertoyouandyourgoals.It canhelpyougrowyournetworkandattractnew opportunities.Itcanalsohelpyoudiscoverand shareyouruniqueabilities.
Buildingastrongpersonalbrandisasimportantfor youasforacompany.Abrandisstrongestwhenit istruetoitscorecompetence,understandsthe benefit,andcommunicatesthevalueproposition clearlyanddistinctly Thishelpstheaudience understand,choose,andtrustthebestsolution.AsI saidbefore,lookinginwardiscritical.Iguide personalbrandingexerciseslikeIguideproductor companybrandingexercises.
Formypersonalbrand,Istartwithmypurposeand values.Iseekfeedbackfrommyfriendsand colleagues.Oneofmyvaluesisabundance.Iapply thistomyprofessionalandpersonallife.
There is enough of everything for everyone. If we do our jobs well, we can elevate the game for all. Life and business is truly an ecosystem. And requires everyone to show up as their best selves. This is my goal...
Sincestartingmyfirm,mycommunityandtribehave beenvital.
TheUSALeaders:TrueNorthisacompany foundedbyawomanandprimarilyfocusedon woman-founded,female-focusedhealthcare solutions.Canyoutalkabouttheimportanceof womensupportingeachotherinthebusiness world?
Susan:Therewasatimewhenwomen,especially womenofcolor,wereabsentfromleadershipteamsor boards.
Eventoday,only3%offundinggoestowomen founders.Thisisstarkandundeniable.AsIsaid, existingnetworksareoftenhomogeneous—andfora longtime,seniorleadershipwastoo.
Fortunately,nowweknowdiversityisgood.Itcreates bettersolutions,outcomes,andinnovation.Andit needstobepursued—goingoutsideone’snetwork andcomfortzonetoensurethereisadiverse perspectiveatthetable…therebycreatingthebest outcomesandsuccessforall.
Thependulumisshifting.Iamsurroundedbymany badassprofessionalwomen–somefriends,andsome colleagues.Ilearn,grow,andexpandasaresultof theirsupportandcollaborationinmyendeavor–makingconnections,listening,andproviding feedback.
Forexample,afriendandformercolleaguestarted herownfirminOhioatthesametime.Weshare resources,ideas,templates,andlearnings.My networkisageless.Welearnfromourdifferences. We lift each other and believe in abundance without compromising excellence. Iamfortunateand grateful.
TheUSALeaders:Howdoyouachieveahealthy work-lifebalance?Whatareyour hobbies/interestsoutsideofwork?
Susan:Idon’tthinkthereisaperfectwork-lifebalance.Inmy career,ithasalwaysbeendynamicandflexible.IlovewhatI do,Iamenergizedbyusingmybrain,helpingbusinessesgrow andthrive,andcreatingsolutionsthatchangetheworld. Therefore,Idon’tseeworkasaburdenorasacrifice.However, Idobalanceoutmyinvestmentoftimeandenergywith personallyenergizingactivitiesthatnourishmybody,mind,and soul.Someofthemarehikingwithmydog,traveling,visiting withfriendswhiledrinkinggoodwine,meditating,journaling, andreading.
TheUSALeaders:Finally,ifyoucouldleaveonepieceof lastingadviceforourreaders,whatwoulditbe?
Susan:Myadviceistoembraceabundanceandgratitudeinlife andbusiness.Theyaregamechangersthatcantransformyour mindsetandyourresults.Iamextremelygratefultomytribeof girlfriends(andguyfriends)worldwide.Theyaremysourceof support,challenge,celebration,inspiration,andcomfort.Having atribeItrustandrespectiscriticaltomysuccessandjoy
18Eye-openingFactsThatRevealWhatEmployeesReallyWant
Youcanovercomethesechallengesto
enhanceteamperformanceandfostera positiveworkenvironment.Ifyouarea managerorateamleader,understandingwhat employeesreallywantcansignificantlyimproveyour leadershipskills.
Inthisblog,wewillunveil18eye-openingfactsthat revealwhatemployeesreallywant,helpingyouto effectivelyaddressleadershipchallengesinyour organization.
1.AGallupstudyrevealsthat85%oftheglobal workforceisdisengaged,leavingonly15%engaged atwork.
2.Amongemployees,59%arepassivelydisengaged (quietquitting),while18%areactivelydisengaged (loudquitting).Theseemployeesoftenpointto workplaceculture,compensation,andwell-beingas areasforimprovement.
3.DisengagedemployeesarecostingU.S.businesses between$450billionto$550billioninlost productivityannually,withtheseemployeesbeing 18%lessproductivethantheirengagedcounterparts.
Imagineacompanyasaship.Employeesarecrew members,theirengagementistheirrowingeffort. Ideally,allcrewmemberswouldbefullyengaged, rowinginsync,propellingtheshipefficiently Thisis 100%employeeengagement.
However,only15outof100crewmembersare activelyrowing.Thisisoneofthesignificant leadershipchallenges.
Amongthenon-engaged,59%are‘quietquitting.’ They’reontheship,holdingtheoarsbutnotrowing. Theymightbedissatisfiedwiththecompanyculture, pay,orwell-being.They'renotcausingtrouble,but they’renotcontributingeither.
Then,therearethe18%whoare'loudquitting.’ They’renotjustfailingtorowbutareactively disruptingtheship.Theymightbecomplaining, arguing,orevendrillingholesintheship.Thisis anotherfacetofleadershipchallenges.
Thislackofengagementisn'tjustaboutslower progress.It'scostly
So,futureleadersmustfindwaysto:
● Engagethe‘quietquitters’
● Neutralizethe‘loudquitters’
● Fosteranenvironmentwheremorecrew membersareactivelyandenthusiastically working
4.TheChaosManifesto2014statesthat33%of projectsfailduetoinsufficientteaminvolvement, emphasizingtheimportanceofclearcollaboration.
5.Theabsenceofcollaborationcanresultin ‘knowledgesilos’causinginformationtobe confinedwithinteams,leadingtoredundantefforts andlostlearningopportunities.
6.Insuch‘siloed’environments,crucialinformation andexpertiseremainisolatedwithinspecificteams, obstructingorganizationalknowledgegrowthand sharing.
Consideracompanyasafootballteam.Ina successfulteam,eachplayerknowstheirroleand theircontributiontothegameplan.Thisis collaboration.
However,someplayersareunclearabouttheir rolesornotfullycommitted,leadingtoa disjointedteamthatstrugglestowingames.This lackofcollaborationcreates‘knowledgesilos,’ whereplayersexcelindividuallybutlack understandingoftheteamwork,leadingtomissed opportunities.
Inthese‘siloed’environments,valuable informationgetstrappedwithinteams,hindering knowledgesharingandgrowth,leadingto duplicationofeffortsandmissedopportunitiesfor teamworkandimprovement.Thispresents leadershipchallengesforthecaptain.
Thechallengeistobuildacollaborative environmentwhereeveryteammember understandstheirroleanditscontributiontothe team’ssuccess.Thisinvolves:
● Breakingdownknowledgesilos
● Promotingopencommunication
● Ensuringthateveryonefeelsinvolvedand valued.
7.70%ofchangeinitiativesfail,underliningthe challengesinexecutingeffectivechange managementstrategies.
8. Prosci’sresearchindicatesalackofchange buy-inandsolutionsupportasakeyobstacle. Thisresistancecanstemfromfearofthe unknown,jobinsecurity,orinadequate communication.
9.31%ofCEOsarefiredformismanaging change,underscoringthecriticalrole leadershipplaysinnavigatingorganizational change.
Thinkaboutacompanyasashipsailingtowards itsgoals.Thejourneyisn’talwayssmooth;itoften needstochangecourseduetovariousfactors, similartoorganizationalchangeinitiatives.
Imagineif70%ofthetime,theshipfailstochangeits coursesuccessfully.It’slikelytohitobstaclesorget caughtinbadweather,delayingorevenpreventingit fromreachingitsdestination.Thismirrorswhen70% ofchangeinitiativesinorganizationsfail.
Thesuccessofacoursechangedependsonthecrew's support.Iftheyresistchangeduetofear,insecurity, orlackofcommunicationtheshipstrugglestochange itscourse.Thisismuchlikethelackofchangebuy-in inorganizations,where37%ofemployeesresist change.
Thecaptain’sroleiscrucialinnavigatingthese changes.Iftheyfail,theymightbereplaced,as31% ofCEOsarefiredformismanagingchange.
Iftheshipconstantlychangesitscourse,thecrewcan becomeoverwhelmed,similartothechangefatigue experiencedbyemployeesinorganizations undergoingconstantchanges.Tonavigatethese changes:
● Clearcommunication
● Addressanxietiesandinsecurities
● Managechangeinawaythatkeepsthe organizationontracktoachieveitsgoals.
Decisiondistress
10. AnOraclestudyrevealsthat90%ofbusiness leadersexperiencedecisiondistressduetodata overload,adverselyaffectingtheirqualityoflife.
11. 26%strugglewithdatacredibility,and80% abandondecision-makingduetooverwhelming data.
12. Thisdecisionparalysisnegativelyimpactsthe qualityoflifefor88%ofpeople,leadingto increasedanxiety(38%),missedopportunities (40%),andunnecessaryspending(42%).
Imagineanovelisttryingtowriteabook.Hehasalot ofinformation-characterbackstories,plotideas, historicalfacts,andsoon.However,thesheervolume ofthisinformationcanbeoverwhelming,leadingto “decisiondistress.”
Thisreflectsleadershipchallengeswheredata overloadmakesdecision-makingstressful.
Insomecases,thenovelistmightquestionthe credibilityoftheinformationtheyhave.Isthe historicalfactaccurate?Isthecharacter’sbackstory believable?Thismirrorsthestruggleofsomeleaders whoquestionthecredibilityoftheirdata.
Sometimes,theoverloadofinformationcanbeso overwhelmingthatthenovelistcannotmoveforward withthestory.Theyarestuck,unabletodecide whichplotdirectiontotakeorwhichcharacterto focuson.
Thisdecisionparalysiscanhavenegativeimpacts.It canleadtoincreasedanxiety,missedopportunities (likeagreatplottwistorcharacterdevelopment), andunnecessaryspending(timespentonirrelevant researchorrewriting).
Similarly,decisionparalysisinleadershipcanleadto increasedstress,missedbusinessopportunities,and wastefulspending.So,thekeyisto:
● Learnhowtomanageandinterpretdata effectively
● Ensuringitscredibility
● Makinginformeddecisionswithoutlettingthe volumeofdataleadtodecisionparalysis.
ConflictResolution
13. 48%ofemployeesbelievemanagersneedmore traininginhandlingconflicts.
14. 76%ofemployeesprefertoavoidconflictwhen possible.Thisavoidancecanleadtounresolved issues,resentment,anddecreasedproductivity
15. 27%ofemployeesquittheirjobsdueto unresolvedconflicts.
Let'sconsiderascenarioofacoachtrainingasports teamtounderstandthesestatisticsbetter.
Acoachoftenfacesconflictsamongteammembers. Theseconflictscouldarisefromdisagreementsabout strategies,roles,orpersonalissues.
Someteammembersmightfeelthattheircoach needsmoretraininginhandlingtheseconflicts,much likeemployeeswhobelievetheirmanagerscould benefitfromadditionalconflictresolutiontraining.
Manyteammembersmightpreferto avoidconflictaltogether,similarto employeeswhowouldratherkeepthe peacethanvoicetheirconcerns.However, thisavoidancecanleadtounresolved issuesandresentment,affectingtheteam's performanceandmorale.
Unresolvedconflictscanleadtoserious consequences.Someteammembersmight choosetoleavetheteamifconflictsare notaddressed,disruptingtheteam’s harmonyandpotentiallyaffectingtheir performanceingames.
That’swhyitiscrucialtolearn:
● Howtomanageandresolveconflicts effectively
● Howtotackleunresolvedconflicts
● Ensureaharmoniousandproductive workenvironment.
16. AHarvardBusinessReviewarticle statesthataclassicsignofinsufficient delegationisamanagerwhoworks longhourswhiletheirteamkeeps “strangelyregularhours.”This suggeststhemanagerisn'tdelegating tasks,leadingtoburnoutfor themselvesandalackofgrowthfor theirteam.
Theseinsightshighlighttheimportanceofeffective delegationintheworkplace,akeyaspectofaddressing leadershipchallenges.Itnotonlyhelpsinpreventing burnoutamongmanagersbutalsofostersasenseof growthanddevelopmentamongteammembers.
Moreover,ithelpsinbuildingtrustwithintheteamand stimulatescreativitybyallowingteammemberstotake onnewchallenges.Onthecontrary,poordelegationcan leadtoalackoftrust,stagnation,andevenemployee attrition.
Therefore,managersmuststrikeabalancebetween delegationandoversighttoensureahealthyand productiveworkenvironment,effectivelyovercoming theseleadershipchallenges.
Herearethestrategiestotackletheproblemofpoor delegation:
● Provideemployeeswiththenecessaryauthorityand autonomytomakedecisionsandcompletetasks independently
● Implementtrainingprogramstoequipmanagers withtheskillstodelegateeffectively.
● Encouragesskilldevelopmentandoffersgrowth opportunities.
Conclusion
17. Whenemployeesdon’thavethe authoritytomakedecisionsor completetasksindependently,they canfeelunderutilizedand unimportant.AstudybytheSociety forHumanResourceManagement (SHRM)foundthatalackofgrowth opportunitiesisamajorreason employeesleavetheirjobs.
18. Whenmanagersmicromanageand hoardtasks,theypreventemployees fromdevelopingtheirskillsand takingonnewchallenges.Thislimits theteam’soverallpotentialandcan leadtostagnation.
Wehopethisbloghasenlightenedyouaboutthe leadershipchallengesandthe18eye-openingfactsthat revealwhatemployeesreallywant.
Ifyoufoundthisblogvaluable,thenpleasesubscribeto ourYouTubeChannelformoreleadershipdevelopment videos.YoucanalsofindusonTwitterandInstagram. Remember,understandingandaddressingleadership challengesisthekeytoasuccessfulandharmonious workplace.
THE USA LEADERS IS AN ILLUMINATING DIGITAL PLATFORM THAT DRIVES THE CONVERSATION ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN LEADERS DISRUPTING TECHNOLOGY WITH AN UNPARALLELED APPROACH.