Recently, I had the opportunity to attend an insightful speech by Kevin Roberts, a renowned business leader and book writer – one of which was the incredible book “64 Shots: Leadership in a crazy world”, at R Marine Auckland. The event, hosted by the Breakfast Club and attended by relevant partners and sponsors, provided valuable insights on leadership, management, and post-Covid strategies. In this blog post, I’ll share the highlights of Kevin Roberts’ speech, focusing on his key messages about making happy choices, executing with excellence, and the qualities of effective leaders.

1. Make Happy Choices: Kevin Roberts emphasised the importance of making happy choices in our everyday lives. Despite facing challenges and obstacles, he encouraged the audience to leave positive footprints in the sand. By embracing optimism and a positive mindset, we can navigate through difficulties while maintaining our happiness and influencing those around us.
2. Leadership vs. Management: Roberts made a clear distinction between leadership and management. While management involves doing things right, leadership is about doing the right things. Leaders have the ability to inspire everyone around them, creating a ripple effect that transforms individuals into leaders themselves. By leading with courage and setting an example, leaders make things happen and drive positive change within their organisations.
3. Execute with Excellence: Excellence in execution is crucial for success in any endeavour. Roberts urged the audience to play in their positions and allow others to perform at their best. Embracing a fail-fast, learn-fast, and fix-fast mentality enables rapid growth and continuous improvement. By executing with excellence, we can deliver exceptional results and exceed expectations.
4. Traits of Effective Leaders: During his speech, Roberts shared ten essential qualities that leaders should possess:

• Complex Problem Solving: Being adept at solving intricate problems is a valuable skill in today’s rapidly changing world.
• Critical Thinking: The ability to think critically and analyse situations from multiple perspectives is crucial for effective decision-making.
• People Management: CEOs and leaders should actively seek and nurture talent, recognising the importance of assembling exceptional teams.
• Creating Possibilities: Leaders should strive to provide their teams with opportunities and achievements they never dreamed possible.
• Customer Love: Fostering a customer-centric approach ensures long-term success and loyalty.
• Curiosity and Creativity: In an unpredictable world, being curious and embracing creativity are essential for innovation and adaptability.
• Active Listening: Listening attentively and empathetically allows leaders to gain valuable insights and build stronger connections with their teams.
• Emotional Sensibility: Leaders should take time to understand and empathise with the emotions and needs of those they lead.
• Caring and Demanding Leadership: Effective leaders strike a balance between being demanding and caring, pushing themselves and their teams to achieve greatness while providing support and guidance.
• Change Management: Leaders must provide a clear vision of the future to alleviate uncertainty and facilitate successful organisational change.

1. True Grit and Resilience: Roberts emphasised the importance of resilience and having true grit. Leaders should demonstrate unwavering determination, trust their instincts, seize opportunities, and keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. Luck, tenacity, and preparation are crucial components of achieving success.
2. Unlocking Potential and Building Great Teams: To unlock the potential of individuals and build great teams, Roberts outlined a progression of actions: learn, do, teach, make, and empower. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and empowering others, leaders can create an environment where greatness flourishes. Rather than striving for bigness, Roberts emphasised the importance of greatness and the unique qualities that set great teams apart from merely good ones.
3. Work-Life Blend and Happiness Quotient: Roberts highlighted the concept of work-life blend, acknowledging the interconnectedness of various aspects of our lives. He emphasised the importance of maintaining a healthy balance

As we ponder Kevin Roberts’ wisdom, let’s put these insights into action on our own leadership paths. It’s time to make mindful choices, embrace excellence, and foster extraordinary teams. By weaving these lessons into our lives, we’ll navigate the ever-changing landscape and ignite positive transformations within our organisations. May Kevin Roberts’ pearls of wisdom be our compass as we chase greatness in both our personal and professional realms.