John Saccheri has built a brand based on the power of his personality.
John, also known as Big Fat Panda, has created a YouTube channel based on weaving his personality into his love for Disney.
The creation of the Big Fat Panda brand is a story of love and hard work. What began as John creating videos to show his experience at Disney, has led to getting added to the Disney media list. Now, John can be found at all of the Disney events, invited by Disney because Big Fat Panda has become an influential brand.
John was just being himself when Disney noticed him and the work he was doing. This is an important lesson for anyone trying to build a personal brand. Be yourself. Your personality is the best thing you can bring to any of the work you do.
John advises us to put more of yourself into your videos, blogs, or podcasts. If you are working on something you love, you are more likely to infuse more of your personality and opinion into the work.
John on Facebook - Big Fat Panda
John on Twitter - @BigFatPandaShow
John on YouTube - Big Fat Panda Show
Phil Gaines, Director of South Carolina State Parks, recently retired after 27 years with the agency.
On his last day as Director, Phil did one final act of leadership that has people talking. What does a true leader do on his last day?
Well, if that leader is Phil Gaines, he returns to the same park where he began his career, 37 years to the day he first worked at that park. He didn't return to the park for a ceremony.
Phil Gaines spent the day working. He cleaned the bathrooms. He picked up trash. He talked with campers.
Phil orchestrated the perfect ending to a great story.
On this episode, Phil talks about his final day with South Carolina State Parks.
Phil also offers advice to leaders;
1. Focus on the Journey. Joy is found in doing, not finishing.
2. Leave Your Mark.
3. Document your journey and enjoy the ride.
We are celebrating on this episode of The Jody Maberry Show.
This episode marks the milestone of 100 episodes.
To help me celebrate three people join me.
Jared Easley from Starve the Doubts podcast and the Co-Founder of Podcast Movement.
From Jared we get 3 lessons:
Mike Simmons from Catalyst Sale joins us to talk about his experience with the Catalyst Sale podcast.
And Mike Kim, who was with me on the first episode of the Jody Maberry Show, stops by to say congratulations and tell us what he has been up to the past few months.
After talking with all three people, a common theme emerged about just sticking with it and the opportunities will come.
I also noticed that all three of them started with an idea and then made something happen with it. The difference is they decided to act today.
This could be the day it all changes for you, too. Today could be the day where it all begins. You just have to decide so and then make the first step.