How to be remarkable
What makes a leader, service, or business truly remarkable? Here’s 5 thought leaders on what it takes to stand out and leave a lasting impact.
1. Embrace the power of storytelling
Thought Leader: Seth Godin
Key Insight: Tell stories that resonate and create tribes.
Seth Godin, a marketing guru and author of Purple Cow and Tribes, emphasizes the importance of storytelling as a tool for creating connections and building communities. Godin argues that remarkable businesses are those that don’t just sell products—they tell stories that inspire and bring people together. By creating a “tribe,” a group of people connected to an idea, leaders can foster a loyal customer base that advocates for their brand.
2. Do something worth talking about
Thought Leader: Guy Kawasaki
Key Insight: Differentiate yourself by being unique and valuable.
In his TED Talk, The Art of Innovation, Guy Kawasaki emphasizes that being remarkable means doing something worth talking about. Kawasaki argues that the key to being remarkable is to create something unique and valuable—something that stands out in the marketplace and compels people to talk about it. He highlights the importance of going beyond mere functionality to create products, services, or experiences that evoke strong emotions and generate buzz.
3. Prioritize innovation over efficiency
Thought Leader: Clayton Christensen
Key Insight: Disruptive innovation trumps sustaining innovation.
In the Innovator's Dilemma, Clayton Christensen highlights the tension between sustaining innovation (improving existing products) and disruptive innovation (creating new markets).
Christensen’s research shows that companies that focus solely on efficiency and incremental improvements risk being outpaced by those willing to disrupt the status quo. To be remarkable, leaders must foster a culture of experimentation and be willing to cannibalize their own successes to create new opportunities.
4. Lead with empathy and purpose
Thought Leader: Brené Brown
Key Insight: Empathy is the foundation of meaningful connections.
Brené Brown, a research professor and author of Dare to Lead, emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and empathy in leadership. She argues that remarkable leaders are those who are not afraid to show their humanity, admit their mistakes, and connect with their teams on a deeper level. By leading with empathy, leaders can foster a culture of trust, loyalty, and innovation.
5. Build momentum through consistency
Thought Leader: Jim Collins
Key Insight: Small, consistent actions lead to remarkable results.
Jim Collins, in his book Good to Great, introduces the Flywheel Effect, which describes how sustained, consistent actions create momentum over time, leading to remarkable outcomes. Collins argues that remarkable companies focus on their core strengths and consistently build on them, leading to long-term success.
