Eating Crow Episode 11: Marques Odgen

10/02/20 • 32 min

Marques Ogden is a hard cover. Period.

I titled this podcast for a reason...the more I get to know this fine man, the more I learn the depth of his knowledge and character. Yes, Marques went to Howard University - he's clearly educated. Yes, Marques played professional football - he's clearly driven and talented. However, his real depth surfaces after this...

Most people will be attracted to Marques' story, it's the stuff movies are made of. He was on top of the world, then he was cleaning bathrooms. His book, the Success Cycle, describes this story. Read it, learn how he persevered and the lessons he offers in helping others meet their goals.

We spend much of our time digging into winning cultures, leadership and the mistakes that cost him his business. Marques is blunt in describing his mistakes. Refreshingly so. He's told the story 100's of times.

What will surprise our listeners is the depth of knowledge Marques brings to his clients around sales, organizational and operational effectiveness, scaling businesses and shaping culture. Frankly, I was blown away at his conviction and his ability to support his advice with concrete examples.

Marques' Eating Crow Moments:

When a key executive walks out the door - Marques gets a wake up call, but he had clearly not heard it ringing.
Realizing he had more to offer this world. THE pivotal moment in his personal and professional life when he made the decision to become a public speaker, but it's evolved into so much more. I'm already picking Will Smith to play him in the movie.

Key Takeaways for Leaders and Entrepreneurs:

Great organizations have a clearly established vision.
Leaders emulate this vision - every day.
Leaders then surround themselves with people who own aspects of this vision and compliment the leader's weaknesses.
Vet your people. Spend time making sure they are aligned, professionally, personally and ethically.
Start small, build and adapt as you grow. Sometimes the people that helped you initially are not the same people you need today.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/eating-crow.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marques Ogden is a hard cover. Period.

Marques' Eating Crow Moments:

When a key executive walks out the door - Marques gets a wake up call, but he had clearly not heard it ringing.
Realizing he had more to offer this world. THE pivotal moment in his personal and professional life when he made the decision to become a public speaker, but it's evolved into so much more. I'm already picking Will Smith to play him in the movie.

Key Takeaways for Leaders and Entrepreneurs:

Great organizations have a clearly established vision.
Leaders emulate this vision - every day.
Leaders then surround themselves with people who own aspects of this vision and compliment the leader's weaknesses.
Vet your people. Spend time making sure they are aligned, professionally, personally and ethically.
Start small, build and adapt as you grow. Sometimes the people that helped you initially are not the same people you need today.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/eating-crow.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Previous Episode

Eating Crow Episode 10: Ed Roshitsh

Ed Roshitsh opens a window - as transparent a leader we've interviewed on Eating Crow. As CEO of Dude Solutions, he offered a masterclass in communications during COVID. Many CEOs followed his example in frequent and honest, but inspiring communications, both internally and externally. He shares why this is so important as a leader, helping us understand why his team was so loyal and inspired.

Ed's Eating Crow Moments:

A 360 15 years ago opened his eyes to needed improvements in his leadership style
Learning that our internal lens may be very different from that of our teammates

Key Takeaways for Leaders and Entrepreneurs:

Leadership tone is critical. An entire organization can shift culture based on the tone from the top
Push decision making to the edge. Hire the right people and let them do their job, then coach areas for improvement.
Listen as Ed describes the key attributes he looks for in any leader/manager. Some of them surprised me.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/eating-crow.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next Episode

Eating Crow Episode 12: Holly Hammer

Holly Hammer likes to win.

She grew up with two brothers who played D1 Lacrosse and gave as many bruises in the backyard as she received. It's why she was such a successful litigator and now runs her own law firm.

But there's more to the story. Much more. Holly left a promising career on the West Coast to be near family and that meant starting over in a place where the old-boys club ran the show. That didn't stop Holly, she proved herself and landed in what appeared to be the right job - until she did a gut check and realized she wanted to help people more than she wanted to make money.

That meant starting her own firm, choosing her own clients and giving back to her community. I took more notes during this podcast than ever before and when I reviewed them, I felt completely inadequate. She does it all and gives back more than most.

You will be fascinated by Holly's rise to the top, the stories of clients who thought she was the court reporter and how a blue blazer and khakis do not define a successful attorney.

Holly's Eating Crow Moments:

When she realized she had to change the stigma around substance abuse and how its inspired her charitable work.
Recognizing she can't do everything at her firm - she needs specialization and help to retain balance.
Knowing what kind of clients she wants - and the fact that the big money is sometimes in other places.

Key Takeaways for Leaders and Entrepreneurs:

Diversity is not just race, gender or skin color. It can be about experiences, cultures, mindset, etc. Enrich your team with different experiences and see them thrive.
Map your behaviors to your goals. Where do I want my company to be in 3 to 5 years? What sacrifices or changes am I willing to make to support these goals. Many entrepreneurs do not define an exit or a long-term goal and spend considerable time and money doing what others expect rather than what they'd like to accomplish.
Map charitable giving into your plan - and get engaged with time, talent and treasure.

Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/eating-crow.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.