John Gerzema Quotes

United States, Columnist
1961

John Gerzema is an American CEO and columnist who focuses on social sciences and the impact of leadership ethics and corporate culture on consumer behavior and financial performance. He has a particular focus on female leadership traits and competencies in modern-day leadership. He is CEO of Harris Insights & Analytics, one of the world’s leading public opinion, market research and strategy firms known widely for The Harris Poll. Previously, he was chairman and CEO of WPP Group’s BAV Consulting, overseeing the BrandAsset Valuator, a consumer and brand survey. He was named one of the Top 100 Thought Leaders in Trustworthy Behavior 2014 by Trust Across America. and was one of Forbes’ Must-Follow Marketing Minds on Twitter 2014.

While leaders spend considerable time and effort trying to envision markets and pushing out innovation, empathy can often generate simple, yet breakthrough ideas.

John Gerzema
- Time
- Trying
- Simple
Businesses have to make gestures that go beyond words. Persuasion no longer works.

John Gerzema
- Words

Businesses are going to innovate in how they bring prices down so people can shop the way they want.

John Gerzema
- People
The worst thing you can do is try to manipulate or control perceptions. It's impossible, and when you are found out the result is disastrous. Better to be transparent and play well with others so that when bad things happen you have a reservoir of good will to bank on.

John Gerzema
- Good
- Bad
- Control
All leaders, male or female, innately possess feminine qualities like empathy, candor and vulnerability - the difference lies in which leaders choose to suppress those qualities, and which choose to leverage them as strengths.

John Gerzema
Everywhere, people are beginning to question masculine notions of control, aggression and black-and-white thinking - and instead are favoring more empathetic, nurturing and collaborative approaches.

John Gerzema
- People
- Thinking
- Black
The strong emergence of pro-feminine values in highly masculine societies signals that traditional masculine structures will continue to be challenged as the Millennial generation grows up and gains even more influence.

John Gerzema
- Up
- Strong
Transparency, honesty, kindness, good stewardship, even humor, work in businesses at all times.

John Gerzema
- Good
- Work
- Kindness

Companies have to be innovative in leading with values the same way they have to be innovative in their products and services.

John Gerzema
A German firm called Friendsurance relies on people forming their own groups, which apply peer pressure to keep claims and costs lower. The result is refunded premiums for customers and profit for the company.

John Gerzema
- People
- German
If men can learn to be less defensive, more open to others, and more accepting of accountability, they will adapt well to the new global economy.

John Gerzema
- Men
- Accountability