Some Folks That Influenced Me And Continue To...
Hey!
I’m going to be on Giles Edward’s podcast in a few weeks and I’ve mentioned that I am a fan of Roger L. Martin’s new book, A New Way to Think.
One of the standard questions that Giles asks is what books and influences you have. And, to promote his new book, Roger has been publishing a series of pieces about how he became an author and the best strategy teacher in the world.
In that vein, I’m going to put together a list of some of the books, ideas, and people that have influenced me over the years.
Peter Drucker:
Obviously, I’ve mentioned Drucker before. I would struggle to pick one idea or one book that really has been most impactful to me, but a good starting point on his work is probably The Effective Executive. That seems to be the most accessible for a lot of people, but Drucker invented corporate strategy, management thinking, and thought leadership in a lot of ways.
He passed away in 2005, but 17 years on his ideas still seem to be alive and make sense.
You’ll recognize his ideas on the evolution of the workplace, the need to have a healthy society to have a healthy business, and the rise of the importance of non-profit organizations.
Mark Ritson is the world’s greatest marketing professor.
Full stop.
He’s a writer, teacher, and consultant.
I took two classes with Mark and the lessons have served me well over the years.
Roger Martin was the number one management thinker in the world a few years ago. He’s the best strategy teacher in the world. And, he is consistent in the delivery of new ideas.
His ideas include integrative thinking, the need for more corporate responsibility in society, and the idea that strategy is about choice.
Those three have taught me a lot, but I also spend a lot of time learning from other folks that may be less well known.
Here are a few:
Zoe is my go-to resource on Web3. She’s a great marketer and I dig the way that she looks to other cultures for ideas and applications of new technologies and new models.
The thing I most appreciate about Zoe is how she is always challenging her own thinking.
Zoe has also been an influential teacher of strategy, showing young folks what being a strategist really means.
She was on the podcast about a year or so ago.
Amy is a great writer and thinker on advertising.
To be fair, I’ve only really been involved through my work in nightclubs and on political campaigns. I’ve never been in an ad agency except when I knew some folks that worked in one in NYC.
Amy challenges the old, the stale, and the unimaginative.
Colin writes a regular marketing column and he has a powerful voice when it comes to rethinking yourself, reimagining your expertise, and the importance of always learning.
Another guest on the podcast, Colin is a really great teacher.
I guess I’m drawn to teachers.
These are just a few of the people and things I pay attention to. But the three at the top have been consistent companions and the three at the bottom keep me fresh.
What about you?
Let me know.
Dave