The Ripple Effect of Effective Leadership
The relationship between direct reports and bosses is not one to underestimate.
Here’s a story highlighting the impact that effective leadership can have beyond the individuals involved.
It’s 2012 and a manager is leading a team of 15-20 Lead Development Representatives at a SAAS company in San Francisco, CA. The managerial style of this lead is influenced by their side business coaching integrative health and teaching Pilates and yoga.
The nature of their department is one of high-activity and low retention, either through promotion or employees moving on. The manager values personal connection, even though the direct reports are destined to be highly temporary.
In 2014, the manager ran into an old direct report, who left SAAS to work for a B2B fruit distribution company, servicing offices nationwide. Seeds were planted and the old direct report makes an introduction which leads to the manager following them over to the new company.
Given the background of wellness and corporate management and the entrepreneurial spirit of the successful founder of the fruit distribution company, a new program concept was born.
In 2015, the old manager began reporting to the CEO and founder of the company, with the goal of creating what became FruitGuys TV – a workday wellness video series, featuring fruit EDU, how-to’s, desk stretches, farm interviews and more.
The video series was rolled out nationwide and videos are still being used today. The old manager, having been mentored by this mission-driven leader, was inspired to continue the path of entrepreneurship. They went on to cofound a live music and yoga brand called SHOWGA and a workday wellness brand in WellFests.
When the pandemic struck in 2020, The FruitGuys’s founder, who remained an advisor for the old manager, reached out about creating a program to offer to his customer’s in support of their mental and physical health during shelter in place.
By 2021, what is now called Take a Breather was launched, hosting Wednesday meditation, movement, and breathwork sessions inspired by the elements to increase energy, creativity, connection, and focus.
The program was well-received and people began asking how to get more Take a Breather sessions.
On February 1st, 2023, Take a Breather On Demand was announced as a mental health and well-being resource that people can access anytime, anywhere.
Take a Breather On Demand is a vital resource for organizations to offer to their people.
Not only is it the culmination of what innovation and great leadership looks like, it’s also an example of the ripple effect and impact that mentors have over time and space. Visit The FruitGuys to learn how to receive your first month free!
In conclusion, I’m the manager from 2012. I’m grateful for the privilege to have been in a managerial role, to have been myself managed by great leaders, and to be sharing this product with you as a catalyst for growth within your team and beyond. Here’s to growing healthy happy teams together.