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Lessons in Leadership from Trisha Scudder.

Who is Trisha Scudder?

Trisha is Founder and Principal of the Executive Coaching Group, which does teams workshops and executive coaching at the highest level. In an industry laden with people claiming to be “coaches”, Trisha is truly one of the best executive coaches anywhere. Those that know her know that she’s a very smart lady.

I had the opportunity to work with Trisha on several occasions back in the 90s both at Earle Palmer Brown and at The Star Group. Obviously my interest in working with her on several occasions in two different agencies was a direct reflection of her work with us. Trisha gave me and our agencies some great advice and training years ago. She shared with us some concepts which I reflect on daily.

At the time she worked with our new business team and helped unify a process to get all the key players to buy-in. She did an excellent job. Though I have long ago exited the ad agency leadership world,  her words and concepts still ring true.

Her major theme was to focus on results, and that an excuse is not a result, as noted in earlier Struming. She taught me and the group that results required focus, passion, determination, and zealous accountability and measurement.

She shared the following words which anyone who has become a success understands and embraces:

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.

Talent will not:

Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.

Genius will not:

Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.

Education will not:

The world is full of educated derelicts.

Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.

She taught our team about the power of action–to focus on the goal and to not let the inevetiable obstructions take our eye off the goal.

In the end I believe focus + determination +  persistence+ likability= success. Thanks for the lessons, Trisha. They’ve stuck with me.




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2 Comments

  1. Let’s give credit where credit is due. Trisha Scudder was quoting that famous motivational speaker, Calvin Coolidge: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/calvincool414555.html

    • Lonny Strum says:

      You are correct Coach. Trisha gave “Cal” credit years ago. I neglected to do so now. Thanks for the feedback. Keep coachin’

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