Guiding principles / Jodi Berg blends passion, inspiration and the desire to make a difference into a Vitamix winning recipe
Judging by the growth achieved by the manufacturer of the iconic Vitamix blender, it seems evident that President and CEO Jodi Berg makes sure that happens.
Victim Assistance Program helps itself so that it can better help others
Just two years into her role, Executive Director Leanne Graham found the first conflict she had to resolve was within her own organization.
Settlement’s musical mission gains prominent West Side foothold: Bop Stop
Music offers people of varying nationalities and linguistic abilities a common ground and helps break barriers when coming to a new land – and in effect, helps build stronger communities. That idea is one of the cornerstones of The Music Settlement’s mission. Founded as The Cleveland Music School Settlement in 1912 by Almeda Adams as […]
A largely unnoticed trend … What happened to the U.S. economic mojo?
Almost a year to the day of writing this column, I issued a rare tweet that said, “Very important article written by Ben Casselman in WSJ this a.m.! ‘Risk-averse culture infects Americans.’ A must read. Sound the alarm.” Frequent tweeters will note that I did not have any hashtags or other gobbledygook that is typical […]
How to react if your company is under investigation for white-collar crime
Embezzlement, money laundering, tax evasion and commercial bribery are common white-collar crimes that authorities regularly investigate. Oftentimes these alleged crimes happen without executives even knowing someone in their organization is committing them. However, ignorance does not count as a If authorities come knocking on your company’s door, how do you respond? Facing a subpoena, search […]
How to build an army of brand ambassadors
“Video Killed the Radio Star,” that’s the song running through my head as I think about the world today and what it takes to develop marketing that connects with prospects. A current version of the tune might be called “Social Media Killed the Formal Company Message.”
Aligning with your audience’s needs may challenge your customary practices
Like clockwork, United Way of Greater Cleveland kicks off its annual campaign in August with the pancake flip event at Public Square. The fanfare as we announce our fundraising goal is a routine for United Way. When the campaign concludes in March, we have more fanfare to announce the end of the campaign with our […]
John Crum’s Seaman Corp. is built for speed and longevity
John Crum’s appointment to president and COO of Seaman Corp. in January brought a philosophical and physical change to the company. The manufacturer of highly engineered fabric products for niche markets such as trucks, military and roofing, is systematically addressing critical issues to shore up its strength — commodification, global competition, decreased military spending and […]
Look for new ways to broaden your thinking – and increase your chances for success
In 1954, as a 52-year-old milk-shake-machine vendor was visiting one of his restaurant customers in San Bernardino, Calif., he witnessed a unique food assembly line system that two brothers had developed. Immediately recognizing the potential of their idea, he offered to pay them a percentage of their gross receipts. The brothers agreed, and now the […]
How I 'C' real leaders: Nine qualities that make it happen
I think it’s remarkable that Fortune recently ranked Pope Francis No. 1 in an article titled “Fortune Ranks the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders.” Pope Francis sets the example by how he lives and how he treats people with kindness and compassion. Through his actions, he illustrates humility, simplicity and how to be nonjudgmental. He is […]