Interview: Mike Boyd and Lauren Boyd

This month’s featured interview offers two for the price of one: Mike Boyd, president of Creative Source in Canton, and his daughter Lauren, who recently joined Cleveland Clinic as assistant director of development programs.

Mike Boyd and Lauren Boyd at an OSU game

I met Mike six years ago in a networking group meeting, and he’s been a great friend and colleague ever since. We’re both members of the Rotary Club of Jackson Township, and he’s provided outstanding leadership for the club’s signature event, the annual Field of Honor/Field of Heroes, for the past five years.

I first met Lauren four years ago, when she attended a communication styles workshop I conducted at Creative Source. She graduated from Hoover High School in North Canton in 2008 and went on to graduate from The Ohio State University.

I thought it would be interesting to interview Mike and Lauren and see how their perspectives align on such topics as learning, mentoring, and being open to new opportunities.

First, I’ll let Mike’s words reflect the values that have shaped his leadership style and sharpened his focus:

Business story: “After working in the marketing and advertising department for Camelot Music for thirteen years, I was at a career crossroads when Camelot was facing the prospect of bankruptcy in 1996. So several of us who were colleagues there decided to start our own business, which became Creative Source. Today only Dave Hess and I remain with the company. We drew on our experience with creating in-store promotional materials for Camelot and applied it to producing high-impact signs, displays and printing for businesses of all types and sizes. This is our twentieth anniversary year, and it’s been an enjoyable journey and a fantastic learning experience.”

Heroes, coaches and mentors: “My good friend Dean Langfitt from Sandler Training showed up at just the right time in my career, and has taught me a lot about sales. I also got involved in Toastmasters International a few years ago, which has helped me become more comfortable with public speaking and making presentations. The Rotary Club of Jackson Township has provided me with an outlet for public service and networking. I also serve on the board of directors of CommQuest Services in Canton and have been inspired by their work.”

Pearls of wisdom: “Don’t be too busy doing the work to be engaged and network with people. It is important to give back to the community and pass on what you have learned. It is important to be an influencer. Be an active impact player, playing to win versus playing not to lose. Reach out to connect with people face to face.”

Your personal legacy:  “To be engaged and know that I have touched someone's life in a positive way!”

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Like her father, Lauren’s experiences and personal values have shaped her perspective on leadership and success. Here are her thoughts:

Business story: “While I was still an undergraduate at Ohio State I worked as a communications assistant in the University Communications office. After graduating I worked in University Marketing as a social and multimedia specialist, focusing on alumni, fundraising and recruitment initiatives. I joined Cleveland Clinic in March of this year as assistant director of development programs, helping patients and donors find ways to support the causes, projects and research that are meaningful to them. The key to the opportunities I’ve had in my career to this point has been to build and nurture strong, lasting relationships.”

Heroes, coaches and mentors: “My dad is my greatest hero and mentor! He has provided me with a solid foundation and helped me forge my independence. He never forced me to go a specific direction, but was always there to offer solid guidance, and in a kind manner challenge my thinking. At his urging I joined Toastmasters International, and it has been one of my greatest assets for professional development.”

Pearls of wisdom: “Everything happens for a reason; if you work hard, you’ll stand out and the pieces will begin to fall in place. The best way to overcome age and stereotypes is by proving yourself and making a difference. Always be willing to be involved, and always be willing to learn.”

Personal legacy: “That I made a difference; that I was inspirational, enthusiastic and passionate about everything that I did. That I worked toward a good cause and enjoyed a happy and fulfilling life.”

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For more information about Creative Source, visit www.csforideas.com. For more information about giving programs at Cleveland Clinic, visit https://giving.clevelandclinic.org.

 Jim Ondrus pioneered the management concept of Leadership Transitioning™. He is president of JA Ondrus, LLC, a Canton, Ohio executive coaching firm.

'Tell Me Something I Don't Know'

How many times have we heard someone say that, or said it ourselves? It’s an expression we use when someone overstates the obvious—a way of agreeing with what they just said.

But think about it: How often do we actually say that, and mean it?

Over my years as a business advisor and consultant, I’ve been struck by a simple truth: We don’t know what we don’t know. We look for solutions, but we don’t know where to look—or, in some cases, what we should be looking for.

Usually, that comes from not asking the right questions. It’s important in business, as in life, to look at ourselves and our circumstances honestly. Too often, we see managers make the mistake of surrounding themselves with people who tell them what they want to hear, instead of what they need to hear and what would be valuable for them to hear.

How about you? Do you have one or more trusted advisors who will tell you the truth? They might be internal, such as key managers or associates, or external, such as a business coach or a collection of peers in an executive networking group. Wherever you can find them, it’s important to have your “go-to” people who can help you assess your strengths and weaknesses and do something about them.

Too often I’ve observed executives and managers who appear concerned about bringing in strong people to work with them. It’s as if they are intimidated by people who have skills they don’t have. They want to appear in control, and behave as if it would be a sign of weakness to surround themselves with accomplished and experienced professionals. Unfortunately, those are the people who end up spiraling out of control.

Don’t make that mistake. What can you do now, today, to start down a different path? Where can you turn to learn from others and gain honest, valuable insights that will make a difference for your business, and for you as a leader?

Ask the right questions. Find the person, or group of persons, who will give you a no-holds-barred assessment of where you stand. See your world through their eyes, and see for yourself how what you don't know has been holding you back. It’s a critical way to improve your circumstances and truly move forward.

Jim Ondrus pioneered the management concept of Leadership Transitioning™. He is president of JA Ondrus, LLC, a Canton, Ohio executive coaching firm.