4 min read

What’s The Risk…In Full Transparency?

By Gibson on Apr 21, 2017 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Amish Shah, President & CEO of Kem Krest. We hope you enjoy Amish’s wisdom and perspective.

As a curious youngster my favorite word was “Why?” and the most disheartening response was “Because I said so!” While parents have every right to give direct commands without providing further details, (and frankly it would be exhausting if you had to debate every decision), an answer without context and understanding always leaves people unsettled and dejected.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Blog-Centennial

By Tim Leman on Apr 14, 2017 6:30:00 AM

“This is how you do it: You sit down at the keyboard and you put one word after another until it’s done. It’s that easy and that hard.” – fiction writer Neil Gaiman

You’re reading my hectoblog. That’s means #100 in case you slept through the metric system lessons in school. A solid hundo. The Benjamin of blogs. My blogging century club.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Getting Personal: Who’s Influenced You The Most?

By Gibson on Apr 7, 2017 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Terry Bush, Director of HR Services at Kruggel Lawton CPAs. We hope you enjoy Terry’s wisdom and perspective.

I’ve been fortunate to be in the accounting profession my entire career thus far. It's incredibly rewarding and also a bit ironic. Rewarding in that I get to work with talented, motivated, enjoyable people every day, something for which I feel very lucky. Ironic in that my academic background is human resources, and I wasn't planning or expecting to join this industry.

Countless people have influenced my life, mostly for the good I’d like to think. Perhaps I’ve discarded memories of those whose impact wasn’t positive or hopefully I’ve forgiven them. At any rate, lately I've been thinking about some of the people who have had the most significant and positive impact on my career. These individuals have taught me so much. Taking the time to reflect on these relationships has been quite valuable.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

The Lost Art Of Human Connectivity

By Gibson on Mar 31, 2017 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Jim Spuller. Jim has 40+ years of sales, marketing, and leadership experience and now provides sales training and leadership as a Business Development Consultant for Gibson. We hope you enjoy his wisdom and perspective.

How important is connectivity and what are the benefits? When people speak of connectivity today one thinks of the internet via LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or the like, but the lost art of human connectivity is the subject of today’s blog. While I am clearly an advocate of technology, there is something missing with the lack of personal interaction.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Using Customer Experience As A Competitive Advantage

By Gibson on Mar 24, 2017 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Andrew Berlin, Chairman & CEO of Chicago-based Berlin Packaging, Chairman & Owner of the South Bend Cubs, and a Partner Owner of the Chicago Cubs. We hope you enjoy Andrew’s wisdom and perspective.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Together Really Is Better

By Tim Leman on Mar 17, 2017 6:30:00 AM

Like the message in Simon Sinek’s new book Together Is Better, we humans are so much better when we’re working together.

Topics: Executive
4 min read

Justin Timberlake And Being Scared

By Gibson on Mar 10, 2017 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Steve Camilleri, Executive Director at the Center for the Homeless. We hope you enjoy Steve’s wisdom and perspective.

I'm scared to write this blog.

OK, there, I admitted it, I'm scared. But why? 

Because I am going to share my love for Justin Timberlake. And my love for him goes way back...and not just the uber-cool 2013 Suit and Tie Timberlake, but I'm talking about the 1995 N'Sync when-no-one-else-really-thought-he-was-cool-Timberlake!

Topics: Executive
3 min read

Your Leadership Dash

By Gibson on Mar 3, 2017 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Clint Bolser, President and CEO of LOGAN Community Resources, Inc. We hope you enjoy Clint’s wisdom and perspective.

A couple years ago my son Preston and I participated in a father-son overnight basketball camp at Bethel College. The camp incorporated basketball drills and games but the overall goal was to enhance a father and son relationship in a fun atmosphere. Mike Lightfoot, who is retiring this year as Bethel College Head Basketball Coach spent a couple of hours privately with the fathers to talk about his experience as a father and engage the group in conversation about what we can do to be positive role models for our children.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

The Right Thing

By Tim Leman on Feb 24, 2017 6:30:00 AM

“You earn your reputation by the things you do every day.” – Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas

A December 2016 Gallup poll asked respondents to rate the honesty and ethical standards of people in different fields. Insurance salespeople came in 20 out of 22, beating out car salespeople and members of Congress. No wonder prospective clients sometimes entertain a meeting with us under the guise of “just trying to keep my current agent honest.”

While the perception of the insurance industry may be near the bottom, it’s not like other sectors are getting glowing reviews. I decided to pose a few questions about “doing the right thing” on LinkedIn in a simple post and got thousands of views. This is clearly an issue that spans industries and professions.

Topics: Executive
3 min read

On Speaking Up

By Gibson on Feb 17, 2017 6:30:00 AM

Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Greg Downes, Chairman Emeritus at Gibson. We hope you enjoy Greg’s wisdom and perspective.

Recently I’ve been thinking about some memorable advice from an old and dear friend of mine, former Indiana Governor and Lt. Governor, and former South Bend Mayor, Joseph E. Kernan. I have always looked up to and respected him for many reasons, not the least of which is his leadership. The advice came in May 1998, when Joe, then the Lt. Governor, delivered the Commencement Address at the University of Notre Dame. 

Topics: Executive