AS THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF PETS+, this issue’s Big Story, “Lead — & Manage — On,” enlightened and inspired me. Like many of you, I wear both the leader and manager hats for a small but mighty team. It’s a challenge, not because those who report to me require regular correction or motivation. No, they are a talented crew with decades of experience and expertise, and passions for journalism and the pet industry.
And that challenges me. I bring to my role the same credentials, but I strive to be worthy of their confidence and trust as we explore new forms of storytelling and operations in 2025 and beyond.
The very first tip from Group Managing Editor Chris Burslem’s article (p.46) includes this quote from London School of Business professor Herminia Ibarra: “Think of leadership development as trying on possible selves. It’s OK to be inconsistent from one day to the next … it’s how we experiment to figure out what’s right for the new challenges and circumstances we face.”
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Her words resonated with me, gave me permission to be imperfect with myself and my team. I hope you find such insights among the 22 tips from the world’s leading experts on leadership and management and from the PETS+ Brain Squad.
One such squad member, Katherine Ostiguy of Crossbones in Providence, RI, provided the other advice that stood out most to me: “I have not regretted one minute of any time I have spent improving my communication skills or learning about how to be a more effective leader. Your continuing education shouldn’t just be about pet food ingredients or dog training techniques. If you have a team, it also needs to be about managing and leading people.”
Five Great Tips From This Issue That You Can Do Today
- Welcome the Mean GRRRLS to your business. (Calendar, p.8)
- Hand out branded stickers for Small Business Saturday. (To-Do List, p.10)
- Embrace emojis to reach Gen Z. (Tip Sheet, p.42)
- Set up a 360-degree photo booth. (America’s Coolest, p.52)
- Be direct with the owner of a problematic pup. (Real Deal, p.58)
