Exploring the Impact of Personal Presentation on Leadership and Success with Alan Weiss.
By Jennifer Heinen | Fashion Psychologist
In the latest episode of the Style My Mind podcast, we had the honour of hosting Alan Weiss, a globally renowned consultant, speaker, and author of over 60 books on consulting, leadership, and business strategy. Known as the "rockstar of consulting," Alan's insights on personal presentation, fashion psychology, and business success are invaluable. Here’s a deep dive into our conversation.
Tune in here:
Our Guest Alan Weiss and his Journey into Consulting and Value-Based Fees
Alan's journey into consulting began with his tenure at a firm in Princeton, New Jersey, where he learned the consulting and training business. After a stint as president of a firm in Providence, Rhode Island, he ventured out on his own, driven by the desire to never be fired again. This decision led him to pioneer value-based fees in the consulting industry.
"I decided I would charge for value... I would charge based on a 10 to 1 return for the buyer, which is an awfully good deal."
Alan emphasises that charging by value rather than time allows consultants to truly reflect the worth they bring to clients, setting a foundation for success and respect in the industry.
The Influence of Psychology in Consulting
Though Alan holds a PhD in psychology, he notes that it has a limited direct application in his consulting work. However, understanding psychological principles like recency bias and projection helps him recognise deeper issues in his clients, such as clinical depression, which requires therapeutic intervention rather than coaching.
"What I do is basically common sense. I'm a reductionist and therefore I make things as simple and clear as I can."
Personal Branding and Presentation
Alan highlights common mistakes executives make in personal branding and presentation, emphasising the need for individuality and suitability rather than conformity to outdated norms. He advises against following trends blindly and stresses the importance of dressing in a way that aligns with one’s personality and professional role.
"People need to dress both with clothing and accessories that suit them and that don't conform to some uniform."
The Power of First Impressions
First impressions are crucial in business. Alan underscores that how one dresses can significantly impact professional relationships and success. He shares that dressing appropriately is not just about self-expression but also about showing respect for others.
"You only get one first impression. Everybody judges books by their covers."
Timelessness and Originality in Fashion
In discussing fashion, Alan advises against being derivative and encourages originality combined with practicality. He points out that while fashion trends come and go, timeless pieces and a consistent personal style have enduring value.
"I think the fashion industry has done it more than a lot of others in that they've created looks that catch on and then the normative pressure supports it."
Advice for Young Professionals
"Consider what success means. Whom are you trying to impress and what do you expect as a result?" Alan provides insightful advice for young professionals navigating the complexities of personal presentation and professional success:
Define Your Success: Understand what success means to you and who you are trying to impress. Consider the results you expect from your professional interactions.
Adapt to Situations: Dress appropriately for the situations you'll be in, varying your attire based on the environment and audience.
Know Your Body Type: Choose styles that suit your body type and current physique, ensuring your clothes fit well and look dignified and professional.
Style My Mind Challenge
Alan's challenge for our listeners is to break free from the herd mentality and embrace individuality. He encourages everyone to step out of their comfort zones and gain a broader perspective on personal presentation.
"Don't be content to be part of the herd. Get yourself out of the herd, go up on a mountaintop and you'll have a much better view."
Take pictures or note down what you wear. At the end, review your go-to pieces, reflect on how these pieces fit into your work life and how they can make you stand out. Share your journey with #StyleMyMindChallenge.
This episode with Alan Weiss offers profound insights into the intersection of fashion, psychology, and business. His advice on personal presentation and value-based consulting is a testament to his vast experience and success.
To learn more about Alan and access his wealth of resources, visit his website http://alanweiss.com.
Follow his work on all the socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanweissphd/
"Always keep your head held high, embrace your journey to empowerment,
and be open to styling your mind."
Yours, Jen
Follow and Subscribe:
Website: https://www.stylmynd.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/style.my.mind/
If you want to watch the Episode: https://youtu.be/GmunDCM9xlc
Listen to the Episode here:
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share! Follow us for more inspiring conversations with leaders in fashion, psychology, and beyond. 🌟
Comments