Say “Yes!” to Risks and Enjoy the Journey | Alison Simpson

Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

The crackle of a starting pistol and the first determined steps into a marathon might seem worlds apart from executive boardrooms, but my guest, Allison Simpson, bridges that gap with a vigor that's as relentless as her running stride. Across 63 marathons and the vast expanse of the Sahara, Allison has mastered the art of endurance, a skill she translates to her role as President and CEO of the Canadian Marketing Association. Our conversation reveals how the tenacity required for long-distance running mirrors the resilience needed for effective leadership. She shares the accidental beginnings of her marathon journey and how those miles under her feet have shaped her professional approach, offering insights that resonate with anyone looking to push their potential both personally and professionally.

Dive into the heart of inclusive leadership where empathy, active listening, and embracing diversity aren't just ideals—they're essential strategies for innovation and success. Celebrating inclusivity isn't just about fairness; it's smart business, with diverse teams often surpassing financial expectations.

Finally, for those emerging leaders listening in, we chart a course through the unpredictable waters of career progression, highlighting the value of transparent communication and the courage to step into roles that might feel just beyond your reach. Allison emphasizes that sometimes the most rewarding paths are the ones least expected. Join us for a candid exploration of the skills and attitudes that constitute the bedrock of successful leadership and carry away strategic advice that will empower anyone looking to make their mark.

What You’ll Learn:

• The symbiosis of personal challenges and professional growth.

• How diversity and empathy act as navigational beacons in today's corporate landscape.

• The secret sauce to fostering a culture of innovation within your team.

• Personal strategies to bolster resilience and maintain a buoyant spirit in the face of adversity.

• Practical advice for emerging leaders on making strides in their career, even when the path seems daunting.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) How Leadership Is Like A Marathon

(10:15) Questioning, Reframing, and Positive Feedback

(18:29) Embracing Fresh Perspectives for Innovation

(28:34) Leveraging the Power of Diversity

(38:22) Active Listening and Building Resilience

(47:33) Charting Your Career Path: The Power of Flexibility

Key Topics Discussed:

Positive Leadership, Endurance, Resilience, Diversity, Empathy, Clear Communication, Career Progression, Inclusivity, Innovation, Personal Growth, Professional Growth, Curiosity, Active Listening, Problem-Solving, Decision-Making, Transparency, Values, Creativity, Productivity, Self-Discovery, Risk-Taking, CEO Success

More of Alison:

Alison is the president and CEO of the Canadian Marketing Association (CMA). Throughout her career, she's held executive marketing roles and served as president of several marketing agencies. Having worked for and with top tier brands, including Holt Renfrew, Rogers Communications, and TMX Group, Alison is a high achiever with plenty of experiences and insights. Prior to joining the CMA, Allison was Chief Marketing Officer and Head of Consumer Business at Key, an innovative, Technology company that has developed the world's first all digital on demand home ownership platform to make home ownership a reality for many. She's a director on several boards, both not for profit and publicly traded. She also serves on the advisory board for the Master of Management Analytics and Artificial Intelligence program at the Smith School of Business. And, of course, she’s highly successful in her time away from work, having run 63 marathons!

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alisonksimpson/

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/