December 16, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick ChroniclesBuilding Bricks and Bridges Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, sat at a leadership conference, half-listening to a speaker on strategic alliances. Starbucks and PepsiCo, Nike and Apple—it all sounded great for billion-dollar brands. Jason, her longtime mentor, said, “You’re thinking this doesn’t apply … Read more

December 08, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick ChroniclesLearning, Listening and Building Better Solutions Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, reviewed the latest reports. Sales were plummeting, service complaints were climbing, and customer loyalty, once the company’s pride, was eroding. Rick Nelson, COO, walked in. I received a call from one of … Read more

December 01, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick Chronicles: Cracks in the Wall Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, stared at her phone as it vibrated nonstop. The notifications weren’t good: complaints about their latest eco-friendly brick product was flooding social media, and a local news article was not helping. Baxter’s Bricks … Read more

November 24, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick Chronicles: A Conflict of Interest Shakes the Foundation Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks received an urgent email from Rick Nelson, her COO. Subject: Immediate Issue – Conflict of Interest Rick didn’t mince words when he walked into her office moments later, his face … Read more

November 17, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick Chronicles: A Knowledge Gap Blows Up a Big Deal Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, reviewed the quarterly report. She saw an urgent email from Tom Jenkins, the Environmental Impact Manager. Subject: Major Project Setback—Need Help Tom walked in with a frown. “Sarah, we’ve … Read more

November 3, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick Chronicles Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, leaned back in her chair, sipping coffee as an email from Rick Nelson, COO, popped up. Subject: Virtual Marketing Team is Melting Down – Help. Rick strolled in. “Marketing teams on fire. Deadlines missed, no one’s communicating. … Read more

October 20, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick Chronicles Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, sat with Emily Davis, the new Director of Sales and Marketing. The quarterly numbers were up, but Sarah knew they needed more than just engagement. “We’ve come a long way online, but how do we turn engagement … Read more

October 13, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) The Brick Chronicles Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, stared at the latest social media report. Despite great products, their online presence was flat. “We’re delivering, Rick,” she said to COO Rick Nelson, “but online, it’s like we don’t exist.” Rick scrolled through their Instagram feed—dull … Read more

October 7, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, stared at her screen. One of their biggest clients had sent feedback: “It feels like you’re not listening to what we need.” She shared the email with Rick Nelson, COO, the next morning. “We’ve been so focused on growth—innovating, expanding—but … Read more

September 29, 2024 by Mike Manazir – (4-5 minutes) Sarah Thompson, CEO of Baxter’s Bricks, sat at the head of the conference table reviewing the latest quarterly report. Profits were down, deadlines were missed, and projects were over budget. A note from the finance team caught her eye: “Missed deadlines due to lack of follow-through.” … Read more