To kick off our new year, we wanted to highlight the man who started it all – our CEO Jim Manley!
Q: What key lessons from the early photojournalism days have you carried with you into your role as CEO of Manley Creative?
A: A few things.
1-Be overprepared. What we do is supposed to be fun, for the most part. I've found that when the team is overprepared, things go more smoothly and the day is much more enjoyable...not just for us but for our valued clients as well.
2-Absorb the moment. I've been so lucky to be in a profession where I get to tell the stories of incredible people and awesome companies. I never take that for granted and I make it a point to embrace and remember every moment.
3-Listen and learn. I talk...a lot. But, I learned a long time ago that listening to others, understanding them, and learning from them is the most important part of a conversation.
4-It takes a team.
Q: How do you approach building and nurturing a team of creative professionals at Manley Creative, and what do you believe sets your team apart in the industry?
A: Like any successful business or sports team, everyone needs to be rowing in the same direction. Additionally, the team will continuously improve when they are open to new ideas, swallow their egos, consistently deliver quality, and take time to recharge.
I also strongly believe getting together as a team to develop and implement a set of core values and a core purpose is essential in nurturing a team of professionals. Everyone in our company knows and lives our 4 core values (at work and at home): Wear Everyone's Shoes, Ready for The Curve, Be Present, and Make Everything Better. And our core purpose: Genuinely caring about our clients, our clients, and our communities.
Q: We've talked about your professional journey, but I'm curious about your interests outside of work. Are there any hobbies or activities that you're particularly passionate about, and how do they bring balance to your role as CEO?
A: When I'm not at work, I do many things that help bring balance to my work role.
1-I play music with my family and/or my band. I've been playing piano, guitar, and singing since I was 5 years old. I have a saying I like to repeat from time to time: Where words fail, music speaks
2-Traveling with my family.
3-Exercise.
4-Going to concerts with my wife.
5-Doing things with the various non-profits I'm involved with. I'm currently the chairman of The Phoenix Theatre Company and we're smack dab in the middle of a $30M expansion.
6-Doing NYT crosswords.
7-Watching sports with my friends or just hanging out and chatting about life.
8-Listening to books about business and life. The Anatomy of Peace is my favorite book and I also enjoy a lot of books by Jim Collins.
Meet the Manley Creative team: https://lnkd.in/dAtrmvsA