What do you get if you blend speakers like executive coach Marshall Goldsmith with employee engagement/career guru Beverly Kaye? Throw in a mix of graffiti artist/keynoter Eric Wahl and Vivienne Harr, an 11 year-old activist named among the "50 Most Influential Philanthropists in America." Color the conference with the diversity courage demonstrated by Deb Dagit and her fierce determination for inclusion of all people. Add the courage of educator Eric Gruwell who brought autobiographical writing to inner city teens.
Stir these speakers along with 16 other amazing leaders including President Bill Clinton and you have an idea of LEAD an extraordinary Ted-type conference created through the unstoppable determination of Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.COM.
With the vision of offering both live and simulcast programs, this recently completed forum took on a life of its own-connecting people across time zones and throughout organizational structures. McGrath already has plans for 2016 so that momentum can continue to build for reaching leadership concepts to all people, regardless of title or rank.
Because it is rare to have an up-close-conversational speech with a president of the United States, may I share 3 take-aways:
The biggest thing a leader must do is to answer the question "why". Without explanation, followers are left to wonder.
If bad news is to be delivered, the leader must do it.
Bipartisanship is needed because no single group has all the answers. But rigidity can stifle a right outcome.