Bryant S. Ricker on LinkedIn: Scripps News Media Bias Rating (2024)

Organizations with a purpose need employees with a purpose in lifeDuring the past couple of decades, organizational purpose has been elevated to the same level as a vision (the picture of what we want to be) and a mission (the road map to get there). Purpose (why it exists) is meant to materialize organizational values by inspiring certain behaviors that will create a feeling of accomplishment beyond the attainment of business driven goals.(https://lnkd.in/dcCEWY7z)I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to be part of a few leadership teams that prioritized the process of creating them to inspire internal and external stakeholders; yes, investors, partners, customers and others that the company impacts directly or indirectly.These efforts were not challenge free but the most demanding endeavor was to enable the entire organization to live them through their daily efforts.Hence, the importance of hiring and developing professionals that understand the importance of purpose.This is not something you learn in a one hour training class, it’s something you learn by crafting your own purpose in life. So next time you are hiring, make sure you probe deep enough to understand if they have the ability to understand and thrive with a purpose.The attached link to one of CATO Institute's surveys might be a source of inspiration to identify a set of questions to do so. In summary, those that have these six traits tend to find most meaning and purpose in life:- Believes hard work is rewarding- Have strong personal agency (owns ability to control behaviors and reactions)- Emphasizes personal responsibilities- Is highly compassionate- Has low envy- Admires high achievers(https://lnkd.in/deCQbpzn)

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The 2023 24 hours of Le Mans gave us another great story of perseverance and leadership. This race is arguably the most prestigious single automobile race in the world as it attracts the most important manufacturers, teams and drivers. These are then tested for speed and endurance during a period of 24 consecutive hours.This year, Corvette did the unconceivable. They won their category (LMGTE) after falling back two laps. Not only did they win but the second positioned car in the category (an Aston Martin Vantage) was one lap behind when the checkered flag was waved (see the attached article for more details). This is just one more example of what can happen when teams and leaders give their best to overcome major challenges.Note: You might not know that American manufacturers have won the top GT class (based on production cars) 13 times in the past 25 years at Le Mans (see the attached table). Yes, more than Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin combined! In this year’s race, Corvette had one car to compete against 7 Ferraris, 8 Porsches and 5 Austin Martins. #leadership #perseverance #challenges #americanmanufacturing https://lnkd.in/eQewfK9y

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Not much to add to this insightful article of what truly makes an effective leader. Harvard’s research should help to break stereotypes and help board of directors and executives identify the right leaders for their organizations. It is ironic, after so much change in the past few decades, that these four simple skills make the best leaders. Perhaps it is time to go back to basics, embrace simplicity over complexity, value actions over words while embracing true innovations and social-economic evolution.#leadership #leaders #changemanagement #effectiveness #simplicity

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“Watch what you ask for you might just get it”. The attached chart from the Economic Policy Institute (ips.com) shows what has happened with wages in the U.S. since 1979 (https://lnkd.in/e74_rFkj). Globalization brought amazing wage growth in parts of the world but also stagnation in others. Those countries that have recognized the imperative of developing a national strategy, with cooperation between the private sector and government institutions, have seen their people benefit from this reshuffling of the world economy. Countries like China, Singapore, Malaysia, UAE, Chile and Costa Rica (just to mention a few) have shown that they have the willingness and the ability to transform a strategic vision into an executable plan. These have achieved the goal of economic growth, job creation, stability and an optimistic outlook for their citizens. Have you ever heard of the U.S. strategic plan for growth and stability? Probably not as it doesn’t exist. We need politicians that think as leaders to drive our path forward as a nation. #strategy #growth #economy #leaders

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Historically, a few powerful and influential individuals and/or organizations have shaped history. In the publicly held business world, investment firms have tremendous influential power on how board of directors and CEO's manage their companies. Following a few key examples of how they accomplish this:1) Shareholder activism: Investment firms can use their shareholder status to influence the decisions made by a company's management. They can submit proposals at shareholder meetings, vote on issues related to executive compensation, and even push for changes in the composition of the board of directors.2) Proxy voting: Investment firms can use their voting power to support or oppose certain actions proposed by a company's management. For example, if the management proposes a merger or acquisition that the investment firm disagrees with, the firm can use its voting power to try and block the proposal.3) Private equity ownership: Investment firms can acquire a significant ownership stake in a company through private equity investments. In these cases, the investment firm becomes a major shareholder and can work closely with the company's management to implement changes that it believes will improve the company's performance.4) Board representation: Investment firms can also seek to gain representation on a company's board of directors. This gives them a direct say in the company's decision-making processes and allows them to advocate for their interests.Today, the largest investment firm in the world is BalckRock with a portfolio worth approximately ten trillion Dollars; about 10% of all assets managed globally (sources: Thebalancemoney.com and Boston Consulting Group Report, The $100 Trillion Machine). This makes BlackRock and its CEO, Larry Fink, highly influential driving socio-economic changes in companies, communities, countries and throughout the world. Read the attached Larry Fink's 2022 letter to the CEOs to better understand how he envisions capitalism moving towards a stakeholder driven approach (ESG=Environmental, Social and Governance) and net zero world. #business #leadership #socialresponsibility #accountabilityhttps://lnkd.in/eB9yh5hc

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Railroads are considered productive assets but have been struggling to compete with alternative transportation modes; for example, the U.S. highway system and the highly competitive freight trucking segment. But what if we repurposed these assets, entirely or partially, to generate alternative sources of revenue and help us reduce our dependance on fossil fuels in a smart and financially feasible way. The attached video should inspire innovation for those in a mature industry that need to revitalize their economic model. This is a step beyond Wendy's, less-sexy, creative idea of selling chili bowls using their hamburger leftovers (patties that have been sitting out too long). Turning waste into $105 million in revenue per year is a grand slam (about 5% of their sales). Not everyone can disrupt a market but, potentially, we can all have an impact through simple and creative ideas.#innovation #leadership #productivity #businessmodels

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Value creation involves cognizance and leveraging of strategic assets to deliver value in the most effective ways. The most successful companies focus on product, process and business model innovation to do so while complementing their efforts by properly managing their P&L and balance sheet. Unfortunately, some companies aren't able to spin out of a vicious cycle of restructuring, downsizing, cost cutting and other short term bandages (the "cup and balls" trick; we've all seen it!). What differentiates the innovators from the non-innovators? Leadership, specially those that inspire their teams to mine the voice of the market and wonder into white spaces/blue oceans. You certainly can't do that when leaders are internally focused and are trying to implement a "cookie cutter" playbook (Yes! Jack Welch's playbook comes to mind).Below, I'm attaching a very enjoyable HBR article on innovation and a link to BCG's 2022 list of most innovative companies. What are your thoughts on innovation?

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Boeing is another iconic U.S. company that took a century to build and just a few years to destroy based on short sighted leadership. Many continue to praise Jack Welch’s tenure at GE. His short term gains over long term industry leadership focused on cost cutting measures undermining the company’s legacy for innovation, culture and strategic differentiation. Unfortunately, some of his disciples (e.g. James McNerney) followed his “playbook” to lead other iconic corporations to the same destiny. Today, GE has been dismantled and its remaining businesses are trying to regain their market relevance/leadership. Perhaps McNerney’s legacy decision to save a few million Dollars with the 737 Max launch (avoiding pilot training on their new systems) seemed like an easy way to squeeze some profit but ended up putting the company on its knees. The 787 might be another reflection of poor decision making. Thankfully, these mega failures are counterbalanced by our historical entrepreneurialism; true game changing leaders who focus on innovation. These are true visionaries not leaders who believe that they are vsisionary by cutting corners and stripping down companies. #leadership #innovation #leaders #culture #accountability

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A duet ready to start their musical journey in Flamingo Beach, Costa Rica. These two elderly gentlemen serenade locals and tourists who stop to enjoy a beautiful sunset. True amplifiers of what is already stunning. What could we do everyday to amplify others?Note: Picture taken by my son Dylan Ricker who can recognize beauty when he sees it.#inspire #leadership #amplify #costarica

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