Name: Chris Fulmer

Title: President, Brand Strategist

Organisation: The Brand Auditors

Chris Fulmer is a professional brand development manager who provides expert insights on brand strategy, market research, analytics analysis, and digital design best practices.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Chris' answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Getting multiple people with various personalities to engage each other in order to complete a project or mission.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

It happened by accident. I really wanted to be a second-in-command type because I didn't want the responsibility or stress of being a leader. But, over time, I found myself doing as much as any other leader and decided I was good at it after all.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I try to maintain the same routine 7 days a week. I like to be up and at work by 7:30 am. I eat when I'm hungry, but not necessarily at the same times every day. I try to wrap up my workday by 6 pm and spend time with my wife until I go to bed around 10 pm. During the day, I take breaks when I need to think something over, but try to work in blocks of 2-3 hours.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

Recently, I was reminded that you have to let the other people you're working with grow on their own. You can't tell them, and sometimes , you can't teach them. People have to figure things out for themselves.

Then, they might remember something you told them that could have helped them in their situation. That's when you make an impact and earn their respect--when you see it coming but let them figure it out on their own, while still being there when they need you.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

The Bible. It taught me that to truly lead, you must also serve.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Don't feel like you always have to be right or assume that you know the best way to do everything. People will respect you more when you admit you're wrong or make a mistake.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

There was a time when I didn't want to be a leader. Yet, the person in charge wasn't stepping into the role. The people around us started looking to me to drive the business, and I did. It wasn't easy and I was under a lot of scrutiny. But it all worked out for the best.

That opportunity taught me to look at every situation and figure out how to make it a win for everyone involved, if possible. That mindset has paid dividends many times over.