Q: In what ways are you an innovative leader, and how does your organization employ innovation to be on the leading edge?
I’ve had the good fortune in more than 23 years at Edelman to drive innovations both large and small, from the creation of Edelman Digital (launched as “Edelman Interactive Solutions” in 1995) and the establishment of Edelman’s creative services division, to the creation of Edelman Studios (a matchmaking service for brands and creatives) and the launch of Edelman’s mobile offering, to the Edelman Escape program, offering mini-sabbaticals that give employees the chance (and the money) to realize a dream or ambition.
This is a company that celebrates what we call “Whitespace,” and empowers employees at every level to share ideas, and to find new, better ways to do things.
We’ve just formalized a new Innovation working group, bringing together eight innovative leaders from around the world, to advise our CEO and to ensure that we are continuing to re-imagine the business of public relations by inventing new tools, products, and services that work across geographies. I’m excited that I’ll have the opportunity to lead this group for the next 12 months.
How to reach: Edelman U.S., http://www.edelman.com/
In October 2010, Smart Business and U.S. Bank recognized nine business leaders for their commitment to business excellence and the impact their organizations make on the regional community. Treated to a keynote address by Middleby Corp. Chairman and CEO Selim Bassoul, these nine leaders composed the honor roll:
Nancy Ruscheinski
Bill Skeens
Dave Brittsan
Amanda Lannert
Scott Morey
Joel Fruendt
Jason Beans
Jim Signorelli
Larry Neibauer