A Peek Behind the Scenes and a Glimpse of What’s to Come

Posted on Aug. 22, 2024  /  Presidential Thoughts  /  Subscribe 0

AUTHOR: Shannon Koop  Contact

Words resonate with me. When I find myself navigating a challenge, quotes or ideas present themselves. Sharing them with the Board of Directors as I was observing successes and challenges seemed natural. So, we started each board meeting with a leadership theme.  The themes were often quotes from historic leaders, figures, or brands. These moments of reflection provided a calibration point for us. They helped us navigate the complexities of leadership with simple, yet effective, ideas. I have collected some of my favorites here for you all.

 You cannot control the outcome, but you can control the process.
 – Erwin Raphael McManus, The Way of the Warrior

If this doesn’t ring true for every marketing and business development professional in the industry, I don’t know what will. Focusing too much on goals can and does paralyze us. Take small manageable steps to advance your plans and you will achieve your goals.

 Pivoting is a change in strategy without a change in vision.
– Eric Ries, The Startup Way

A change in plan is not a failure. For a group of high-performing, type-A individuals; this is an important reminder. Timelines get changed, tasks get reprioritized, but a win is a win is a win. Whether your win is submitting a proposal on-time, getting colleagues to participate in a meeting, or getting the dog fed and the kids out the door – take the win.

 You’re in good company.
 – Mike Reilly, CPSM, FSMPS

Mike and I were chatting at the summer social about my (then upcoming) presidential term when he said this to me. He’s right. I knew it then and I share it with you now. The curiosity, determination, and energy in this chapter are unmatched. We embrace challenges and we do it with excitement. We take it beyond the chapter to the Northeast Regional Conference, the SMPS Foundation, and the National Board. Our members are inherently leaders. Simply joining a committee puts you in direct contact with future leaders of the industry. Which leads me to …

 Just do it. – Nike

Boy-oh-boy is it easy to procrastinate. Send the email. Review the draft. Load the dishwasher. The longer something sits on your mental to-do list the more stress it creates. Cross it off the list. Small actions garner momentum. I know you’ve been meaning to join a committee. Do it today, so another meeting doesn’t pass you by.

 Paths are made by walking. – Franz Kafka

I read through SMPS Boston’s Past Presidents’ final thoughts before my term began. Of course, one quote kept popping into my head throughout the year. “SMPS Boston offers each member the opportunity to … develop their leadership potential” (Andrew Beaton, 2022). Every time I thought about it, I thought about Franz’ paths.  It occurred to me that at some point in our career, we’ll all be in a role or handed a task we feel unprepared for. Navigating it is part of your path (and SMPS is here to help!).

In some ways, all the leadership themes build up to this one. With an informed plan, good company, and the ability to pivot; you can and will chart new paths.   

Now that you’ve had your sneak peek into our mindset, let me brag about what this board accomplished:

Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone [else] planted a tree a long time ago.
-   Warren Buffet

SMPS has been a silent partner in my career, consistently providing opportunities to learn and quietly waiting for me to re-engage when I needed comradery, challenge, or collaboration. I am the marketer afforded opportunities that were the fruit of seeds planted long before me. I have nurtured programs, events, and initiatives as they grew. I have planted seeds of my own, that have grown into successful programs and opportunities for our members. None of it would have happened without SMPS members working with me along the way. That is what this chapter and this organization provides all of us.

That said, we only know what we know. Your ideas and perspectives are important to how SMPS-Boston evolves. Whether you’re a former leader who stepped back or a new member trying to figure out where you fit – we need you. More importantly, we want to hear from you. The success of this chapter is made possible by your voice and your participation.

I’m excited for Britt-Anya Bursell and Molly Romano to step into their leadership roles. Under their leadership, the Strategic Plan Committee has already begun working on what SMPS-Boston might look like in 2026. This is a path we can’t walk without you, so join us as we evolve into the SMPS-Boston of the future.

Thank you for your volunteerism! See you out there.

-sk

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