SRW | C.A. Fortune’s Post

Amidst the flurry of reactions to Alicia Keys's performance at Super Bowl LVIII, both praise and criticism abound. Yet, as branding aficionados, what insights can we glean from this spectacle? What stands out is Keys's remarkable ability to uphold her personal brand over two decades, maintaining authenticity in her craft. Her brand essence resonates through her melodic tones, her affinity for pianos, and her unapologetic embrace of her natural beauty, epitomized by her choice of sporting box braids on one of the grandest stages, THE Super Bowl. In representing well for the 47% of women tuning into the game, she sends a potent message: authenticity breeds resonance and connection. Alicia Keys demonstrates that success doesn't necessitate sacrificing one's true self. She refuses to cloak her unique voice with autotune or rely on pre-recorded vocals, opting instead to showcase her raw talent. Her willingness to push boundaries, such as playing two pianos simultaneously, exemplifies her commitment to artistic evolution. In essence, her journey underscores a vital lesson: irrespective of fame or stature, the pinnacle of success lies in remaining true to oneself. Keys's unwavering authenticity serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all to embrace our individuality and strive for greatness on our own terms. - - #ownyourauthenticity #Thisisopulence #herluxury

Happy Focus Friday! Billie Jean King is a true symbol of perseverance. This quote is very applicable to sports, but equally relevant to daily life. One thing every successful individual has in common is resilience. To live is to come face to face with some challenge, some roadblock, some disappointment. People who succeed are the ones who take all of these and turn them into fuel for growth, a drive for improvement and trying just one more time when every cell in your body is asking you to quit. 👋 If you liked this post, repost ♻️ and share it with your network. Also, follow me for more content around marketing, building challenger brands, building a global career, navigating cultural intersectionality as a woman, and being a boy mom. ✅ Follow me and click 🔔 for updates #FocusFriday #BillieJeanKing #GrowthMindset

Excited to be listed with these other great athletes who are also talented musicians! 🎶🏅 It’s inspiring to see so many individuals excelling in multiple arenas. This topic is close to my heart. As athletes, it's essential to cultivate passions outside of sports. Diversifying our interests not only enriches our lives but also enhances our performance on the field. Engaging in varied activities fosters creativity, reduces burnout, and builds a more balanced mindset, all of which contribute to peak athletic performance. For future athletes and business professionals, this principle holds great relevance. Having a broad range of passions can drive innovation, resilience, and a more holistic approach to problem-solving. Whether in sports or business, embracing diverse interests can lead to greater success and fulfillment. #CareerDevelopment #SportsAndBusiness #HolisticGrowth #PassionAndPerformance https://lnkd.in/gY-6Z6Xm

"Resting at the end, not in the middle." The hyper symbol of hustling, Kobe Bryant proved what a person can achieve through their power of mind. He is an example of Hyper ego above Ego put in action. He "did not negotiate with himself" since he had "made a deal with himself" not to back down and keep working and moving toward his goal. A gym rat: Embracing the pain. Enjoying the process. Studying the game. Being present. As Arena said the other day in a podcast, "It's like he took an S500 and pushed it like a Bugatti", about his body and abilities. And we know damn well he pushed it and had the results! The "mamba mentality" that has a wave of supporters might be an issue of debate in today's world, where more people are becoming aware of and pursuing a balanced and healthy lifestyle, trying to live better and longer lives. I am right on here! Yet, this is not a case of standards. This is an extreme. As Tim Grover (Michael Jordan and Kobe's trainer) says in his book "W1NNING", "There's a price to pay, and you must pay it," referring to the obsessive mindset of winners. And Kobe was a competitor and a winner. Is this a creation of the sports industry or our Western world reality, or does it have roots in our dominant DNA as humans? I am not the expert here. But I know that Kobe is an endless inspiration for many of us in sports, business, and personal growth. Four years since "Mamba Out". RIP. 💜💛 #mambamentality #personalgrowth #kobe

I freaking HATE The Rock. Said no one, ever. What is it about his #personalbrand that makes him so unbelievably popular? I offer a couple of ideas in this #video #short. He holds the Guinness World Record for most-followed American man in the world: 400 million on Instagram 75 million on Tik Tok 65 million on Facebook 17 million on X 6 million on YouTube Depending on your source, his movies have grossed between $12-billion and $16-billion around the world, placing him among history’s biggest and most bankable movie stars. Just as he is recognized as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Then there is his business career, which includes ownership of Teremana Tequila, valued at approximately $3.5-billion. Oh and in 2022 he was asked by at least one of the two major American political parties if he would consider running for president. In a poll the year prior, 46% of Americans said they would vote for him. What do you think are the key elements of his personal brand? PS Whose brand should I review next? #advisors #personalbranding #GreatBrandingMeansBusiness

A big thank you to Brent Woronoff for this awesome piece in the PALM COAST OBSERVER, L.L.C. . In a related note: I recently got wind that some of my former co-workers have been openly critical of my decision to leave “a career” in teaching, a profession that I never sought out but rather fell into, for this wild and wacky world of the Savannah Bananas . I have no regrets, nor will I ever. Every day in that classroom, I felt unfulfilled and like I was wasting the talent God had given me on an apathetic audience that had no accountability. Almost every day felt like a loss. Sure, I had some great students and I loved the opportunities to impact those that had a desire to learn and get better, but with education being what it is today, those students were few and far between. Most would rather sleep, play on their phones, or wait to be automatically passed when they got their “remediation” courses two years later. There were no real consequences for their behavior despite teachers’ best intentions, and thus the impact teachers could have was minimized greatly. We just couldn’t teach the most valuable lessons of all: life lessons. Now, I get to positively impact MILLIONS of people of all ages. I get to bring joy to children, adults, families, and everyone in every demographic. I get to make a living doing what I am genuinely good at, and I see the impact it has on people in real time and get to hear about it later. I have never done more rewarding work, and if it all ended tomorrow: I could say I lived my life without ever having to say the worst two words I think anyone could utter when they look back at it all: “what if?” THIS is my career. THIS is Banana Ball 🗣️🎙️ #motivation #wisdom #careerchange #chaseyourdreams #besogoodtheycantignoreyou

Calling Black Executives Who Want To Get Fit, Strong & Healthy! Apply Below ⬇️ We're Looking For 10 Black Executives Who Want To Become The Fittest, Strongest & Healthiest Version Of Themselves 💪🏾 👔 If you're juggling a busy schedule, constant travel, and are in need of professional structure, guidance, and accountability, our program is designed specifically for you. We'll craft a customized plan focusing on diet, exercise, sleep, and overall health, complete with clear structure, daily KPIs & targets. We hold you accountable every step of the way with weekly check-ins and 1-1 coaching calls. Our mission? To make this the last fitness program you'll ever need! NOTE: ❌ This is not about fad diets or extreme weight loss protocols. This is a data-driven, research-backed programme tailored to optimize health, performance, and lifestyle while still allowing you to enjoy food and life. 🚫 This program is a premium investment in your health and performance. Please reach out only if you're ready to invest in your well-being 🚫 Message the words "GET FIT" if you're serious about taking control of your health. #getfit #blackhighperformersclub #blackexcellenceinbusiness #joshuadacostafitness

I get it, Travis Kelce is dating Taylor Swift! But...what's impressive to me is how well Travis Kelce and his team have managed his business to make him a much bigger star before he even began dating Taylor Swift. Reading a piece in The New York Times this morning about his team, got me thinking about Martin Lindstrom's book 'Brandwashed' and how Royal Families manage their brands over decades. What are the lessons all of us can take from these examples? 5 important ones stick with me: 1. Know Your Position 2. Have a Plan 3. Be Consistent 4. Take Risks 5. Opportunity Knocks As an example, opportunities present themselves. But Travis Kelce set an ambition for himself to host SNL. The first approach was lukewarm, but he ended up going to an SNL afterparty as a way to meet Lorne Michaels and boost his chances. That's opportunity knocking. I share an example from my own life as well in the post. None of this happens by accident. Read the full post at the link in the comments. Let me know if there is a lesson that you can use and apply to your own brand. #marketing #branding #strategy

PACE. Positive Attitude Changes Everything. We were on hols in Mexico over the summer and overall, we were really lucky with the weather. One morning though, there were grumpy faces galore as the dark clouds rolled in. People jumping up and grabbing all their stuff from the sun loungers and heading for cover, as it became clear it was going to rain. The entertainment team's response? Change the playlist! First up: "It's raining men!" Second song: Rihanna's "Umbrella" Followed by "Set fire to the rain" by Adele. By the time the three songs had played, it had stopped raining. Loads of kids had been dancing around, singing the songs at the top of their voices. Everyone's mood was lifted. Just a great example of positive attitude changing everything. Particularly notable because the day before, while sat at the swim up bar (which let's face it, always makes things positive!), my Father in Law, who was a senior Engineering Director at BNFL before retiring, talked about 'PACE'. A Leader he'd had much earlier on in his career had shared it with him and he used it as the foundation to his approach from that moment on (BUT refused point blank to wear the badge the Leader had wanted him to wear 😆). What examples do you have of a positive attitude changing everything? What can you give a positive spin today? #positivity #positivemindset #leadership

"Pressure is a privilege." - Billie Jean King In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, supply chain professionals are facing more pressure than ever before—disruptions, demand surges, and the constant need for agility. But as Billie Jean King, a tennis legend and advocate for equality, so wisely put it, pressure is a privilege. If you’re feeling the weight of these challenges, it’s because you're playing a crucial role in keeping things moving. Being in the game means you’re part of something bigger—a critical link in the chain that ensures the flow of goods, services, and innovation worldwide. Yes, the pressure is real. But it’s also a reminder that we have a seat at the table, making an impact every single day. Embrace the pressure. The world needs us now more than ever. #SupplyChain #Leadership #PressureIsAPrivilege #BillieJeanKing #TennisLegend #SupplyChainManagement #Resilience #Logistics #Operations