Mark Schaefer, Executive Director, Schaefer Marketing Solutions
Mark Schaefer is a globally-acclaimed strategy consultant, keynote speaker, college educator and the author of nine books, including "Marketing Rebellion" and "Cumulative Advantage". Mark teaches at Rutgers University and has been featured in the Wall Street, Journal, New York Times, Bloomberg, BBC, and many other media sites. Mark has worked with Adidas, Dell, Microsoft, Pfizer, and dozens of international brands.
What is your favourite social media platform, and why?
I like Instagram because it provides the most intimate glimpses of life around the world.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
My main area of study has been helping individuals, companies, and brands stand out in an increasingly noisy world.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
Whether I am writing, consulting, or speaking on an international stage, I'm a teacher. I think that this is the strong thread that runs through everything I do. It is very rewarding.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
I had the honour of studying under Peter Drucker. He once said that great leadership is not about having all the right answers. It's about having all the right questions.
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
I've been able to build a platform that people trust. My insights have touched people from all over the world. Every week, somebody tells me I have changed their life. Why would I ever stop? : )
What are you proud of in your life so far?
I think it is remarkable that I have written more than 3,000 blog posts, and have had a podcast for nine years, and have never totally, utterly screwed up.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
I'm an introvert and prefer meeting people 1:1 over lunch or dinner.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Probably my greatest gift is the ability to see how trends are coming together and forecasting where we need to be next.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
I don't beat myself with such questions. I made mistakes, but I have no regrets. It's all a step in the journey.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
My greatest business hero has been Peter Drucker. Currently, I'm a fan of Martin Lindstrom and Mathew Sweezey.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
I have many interests, particularly anything outdoors. I am an avid hiker, biker, and tennis player. I love art, travel, music, and history. I create watercolour paintings. I have been a mentor to inner-city children for fourteen years.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you managed it?
Both. On the negative side, I became pretty ill with COVID, and nearly all my work evaporated in March 2020. Although, I was able to pivot and have a decent year. On the positive side, the time off unleashed a lot of new productivity and creativity, including a new book.
Do you have a mentor, or have you ever mentored anyone?
I am always mentoring people. I am at a place in my career where I can send the elevator back down. Historically, I have done a very poor job developing mentoring relationships for myself. A weakness.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
Be humble. There are no experts or gurus. The world is changing too fast.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
They quit too soon because they are impatient. There are no overnight successes.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
"To succeed in business today, you can't be in the community. You must be of the community." This came from a friend of mine, and it is very wise.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
Companies I like right now are Glossier, Lululemon, Room & Board, and Yeti. They are leading the way with customer-centred marketing experiences. The most human company wins.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
I recently had the honour of interviewing the legendary Tom Peters. He told me that success is being able to go home each night and tell your family that you are proud of what you did that day. I think that is a great goal.