Mississippi Business Journal » Martin Willoughby

WILLOUGHBY: Russ Davis making difference with SchoolStatus

Martin Willoughby — Fri, 17 May 2013 21:58:56 +0000

As a kid, I remember seeing people with metal detectors scouring the beach looking for “treasure.” I sometimes feel like those treasure hunters as I keep my eyes open for rising entrepreneurs in this state. In the late 1990s, I spent some time in Silicon Valley during the boom times. I really enjoyed the energy [...]

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WILLOUGHBY: Neel grows Neel-Schaffer Inc. into one of largest engineering firms in the U.S.

Ross Reily — Fri, 10 May 2013 19:15:58 +0000

The dictionary defines a wake as “A track, course, or condition left behind something that has passed.” Like a boat on the water, our lives leave a wake, as well. The question is whether we are intentional about the ripple effect of our lives. I enjoy studying the lives of leaders who have not just [...]

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WILLOUGHBY: Greg Markow works to better serve GranthamPoole

Martin Willoughby — Fri, 03 May 2013 22:00:27 +0000

The ancient Greeks had a temple with the words “Know Thyself” inscribed in the forecourt. Thales, another ancient Greek philosopher, wisely noted, “The most difficult thing in life is to know yourself.” In my study of leadership, I have found that great leaders understand who they are and where they are going. Unfortunately, as human [...]

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WILLOUGHBY: Chip Sarver believes stamina, keeping the mood light key to agency’s success

Martin Willoughby — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 00:45:25 +0000

First we had marathons which seem like way too far for a human to run. Now we have ultra-marathons which allow athletes to race for distances up to 100 miles or greater. The focus, determination and endurance that must require simply amazes me. As I continue to study the “secret sauce” of leadership, I similarly [...]

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WILLOUGHBY: Passing the baton to Abb Payne

Martin Willoughby — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 05:01:49 +0000

In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, both the men’s and women’s United States relay teams dropped the baton between the third and anchor leg of the relay races. These incredible athletes failed to make a critical transfer and it cost them victory on a very public stage. I think of this analogy when I consider succession [...]

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WILLOUGHBY: Michael Harris is inspiring leadership

Martin Willoughby — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 18:07:32 +0000

Leaders help us not only better understand our present reality; they also share a vision of what could be. Former presidential advisor David Gergen observed, “A leader’s role is to raise people’s aspirations for what they can become and to release their energies so they will try to get there.” Visionary leaders point us toward [...]

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WILLOUGHBY: Ray Harrigill credits family for high standards, strong work ethic

Martin Willoughby — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 18:24:39 +0000

Over the years, I have been pitched a number of big ideas from potential entrepreneurs. Unfortunately, too many of these entrepreneurs had failed to “count the costs” of truly executing on their ideas. A “get rich quick” philosophy will not get you very far in life. The successful leaders I know understand the value of [...]

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WILLOUGHBY: David Reynolds counts listening as key

Martin Willoughby — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 19:09:25 +0000

People often think of effective leaders as “talkers.” While the ability to communicate is certainly important and leaders need to be able to share their vision with others, I believe it is equally important for leaders to be great “listeners.” I have heard it said, “We have two ears and only one mouth for a [...]

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Bill Latham finds formula to grow restaurant concepts

Martin Willoughby — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 22:17:29 +0000

In my work with growth-oriented companies, it is always a huge milestone when a business can go from successfully operating in one location to two. When the owner is “hands on” in the business, this can be particularly challenging. I see this frequently in retail and restaurant businesses. Many just don’t have the foundations in [...]

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Keeping money at home

Martin Willoughby — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 06:01:43 +0000

One of the things I enjoy about travel is I am reminded about just how much commerce is taking place around the globe. For Mississippi-based companies, the opportunities are incredible. There are new markets to develop all the time. One of my clients that started right here in Jackson a few years ago is now [...]

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