We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Mott-Kannenberg a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michael , thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
Title: Finding Optimism in a Pessimistic World
Optimism is like a beacon that resides within me, an innate part of my being, compelling me to infuse joy into the world. Yet, in this challenging world, even optimism needs its nourishment. I find my sustenance in the simplest yet profound act: connecting with another human being. Today, as I watched my son play at the playground, I noticed another parent who seemed to yearn for a simple acknowledgment – a silent “I see you.”
This basic recognition has the power to infuse just the right amount of light into someone’s day, igniting their spirit to carry on. These sparks of hope, or what psychotherapist Deb Dana beautifully terms “glimmers,” are essential. Glimmers are those tiny moments of joy or tranquility that signal our nervous system to feel secure and at peace. These seemingly minor instances play a pivotal role in nurturing our mental and emotional well-being.
Before I even knew the term “glimmer,” I was instinctively incorporating these moments into my life, recognizing them as tools for survival. These snippets of positivity are healthy coping mechanisms, providing us with a lifeline of hope. They exist all around us, every day, in the most uncomplicated ways:
-The aroma of freshly cut grass
-The sight of a vibrant rainbow
-Immersing oneself in the serenity of nature
-A simple, spontaneous act of kindness, like offering a friendly hello
-Spending quality time with friends to forge connections with others
-And my personal favorite, engaging in a delightful impromptu living room dance party with my 6-year-old son, to what he
enthusiastically calls a “drop the beat” song
No matter how grueling a day at the office or demanding a client may be, these moments serve as our counterbalance. They are effortlessly accessible, cost nothing, and exist around us, 24/7, if we choose to embrace them.
Of course, there are days when the temptation to retreat under the covers and stay in bed feels overpowering. On such occasions, I take a deep breath and remind myself of the most basic yet profound realities: “I woke up today. I am alive.” This alone is an extraordinary gift, a reminder that our time here is but a fleeting moment. It’s a gift we must seize and cherish, for tomorrow is promised to no one. So, embrace today with open arms.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Step into the captivating narrative of my career, a journey that spans two decades and humbly revolves around my enduring passion for the intricate worlds of sales, brand development, and marketing.
What sets my story apart within the realm of fashion is the rich tapestry of experiences I’ve woven. This unique perspective, pieced together by a diverse array of encounters, grants me the privilege of infusing a touch of invigorating originality into the fabric of any brand willing to embrace it. Fashion, to me, isn’t just a profession; it’s a part of my soul. I was introduced to its enchantment in my formative years, as my mother managed fashion boutiques, creating an early connection that has held me captivated since childhood.
My expertise extends beyond the boundaries of sales, delving into the intricate domains of merchandising, marketing, brand development, collaboration, and product innovation. My professional journey transcends mere business transactions; it’s about guiding enterprises to define their essence, ensuring their distinct presence in a bustling marketplace, and presenting products that resonate authentically with their audience.
Curiously, you might wonder about the pillars of my achievements. The foundation of my efficacy rests on an innovative mindset, constantly reaching toward the horizon, underscored by an unwavering dedication to a visionary outlook. These qualities have consistently propelled product performance beyond conventional benchmarks, consistently surpassing sales goals and enhancing the intrinsic value of the brands I’ve had the honor of collaborating with. This journey is a delicate symphony involving design, marketing, and sales teams in harmonious collaboration, crafting compelling brand narratives and refining products to elegantly meet the fluid demands of the market.
Yet, the journey doesn’t conclude there; it continues into the strategic realm, where I’ve had the privilege of collaborating closely with esteemed executives. Together, we’ve orchestrated pivotal business moves, identified nascent opportunities, nurtured invaluable partnerships, and reinvigorated existing relationships. This collaborative spirit remains our unspoken advantage in an intensely competitive landscape.
As a marketer, my passion lies in crafting imaginative solutions and innovative concepts that resonate deeply with consumers, propelling advertisers to remarkable heights and ultimately reinforcing the bottom line. My innate ability to discern consumer preferences and anticipate market trends is an invaluable asset, allowing me to craft narratives that breathe life into brands across every facet of consumer interaction.
But my enthusiasm extends beyond trend analysis; it encompasses the realm of formulating robust marketing and brand strategies that guide businesses toward their zenith. This is more than just a profession; it’s a calling that I’ve wholeheartedly embraced throughout the course of my remarkable journey.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities/skills that have had the most significant impact on my career journey are perseverance, confidence, and self-belief. The key is to never give up, as today’s challenges can pave the way for tomorrow’s success.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The most invaluable source of assistance in surmounting challenges has undeniably been my circle of friends and colleagues. These individuals serve as a perpetual wellspring of inspiration and motivation, consistently pushing me to exceed my own expectations and become the best and most accomplished version of myself. Their unwavering support, guidance, and camaraderie have played an instrumental role in my journey of overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mmottkannenberg.com/
- Instagram: @michaelmottkannenberg
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mott-kannenberg-243b234
