Name: M. Aaron Chaveriat

Title: Lead Consultant

Organisation: VideoShepherds

Aaron Chaveriat's professional journey in the production field is marked by a strong emphasis on leadership and team-building. Beginning with a solid educational background in Film Production from Full Sail University, he laid the groundwork for a diverse and impactful career. Initially, Aaron delved into the advertising agency world, where he not only honed his skills in production and marketing but also started to develop his acumen in leading and nurturing teams.

The transition to full-time ministry work represented a significant shift in Aaron's career, aligning his professional pursuits with a more purpose-driven approach. In this role, he excels in leading teams and fostering collaborative environments, working closely with various organizations to refine their communication and marketing systems.

Aaron's blend of experiences in both commercial and ministry settings has equipped him with a distinctive leadership style. He adeptly combines creative production techniques with strategic communication, guiding teams to realize their objectives effectively. His career is distinguished by his ability to inspire and manage teams, leveraging his artistic talent and technical expertise to serve others. Aaron's contributions to production and marketing are not just about creating content, but also about building and leading teams that produce impactful work.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

In leadership, I've noticed a common pattern during group journeys: the leader often leads from the front, closely followed by a select few, while others gradually fall behind. This can create a sense of disconnection, especially for those at the rear who may feel neglected or lost. To address this, I've shifted my leadership style, preferring to identify as a "mentor," "advocate," or "shepherd."

These roles resonate with a more people-centered approach, emphasizing presence among those who might lag behind. My aim is to ensure that everyone receives the support and encouragement they need to reach their goals. This strategy fosters a more unified and cohesive group dynamic, where each member feels not just valued but also experiences a greater sense of autonomy and ownership in their journey.

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

With over twenty years in the media, marketing, and communications industry, I've had the opportunity to be involved in various start-up ventures across different sectors, collaborate with large Fortune 500 companies, and work with a wide array of non-profit organizations and churches. A significant part of my role has revolved around inviting people into the organization's 'home,' whether it be a digital space like a website or a physical brick-and-mortar location.

What I've observed is that many leaders are so concentrated on the act of inviting people in that they often neglect the state of their 'home.' Imagine a scenario where the home is disheveled, the dinner is disorganized, and the family dynamic is dysfunctional. It raises the question: would anyone want to be a guest in such a setting?

This realization has led me to a role where I guide leaders through the essential internal work required to create a meaningful external impact. It's about ensuring that the organization's 'home' is as welcoming and functional as the invitation promises, aligning the internal dynamics with the external image they wish to project. This approach not only enhances the organization's appeal but also ensures a more sustainable and effective leadership model.

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

Present me with a meticulously planned day, and I'll show you how numerous small distractions can scatter focus and diminish productivity in reality. Our lives are far from the structured entities we often try to make them. They are fluid, filled with changing priorities and unforeseen challenges. Attempting to schedule tasks and outcomes rigidly based on time often leads to disappointment and frustration. We don't command life; rather, it often guides us.

That's why I'm a strong proponent of 'time blocking' — dedicating specific, uninterrupted periods to focus intensely on a particular task, not just an anticipated outcome. This method helps in managing the unpredictability of daily life. Additionally, I am an enthusiastic supporter of Robin Sharma's '5 am Club.'

The early, tranquil hours of the morning are a hidden reservoir of time, often underestimated. It's in these quiet moments that you can work towards goals and dreams that seemed relegated to "someday." This practice helps in reclaiming time and making significant strides towards personal and professional aspirations.

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

New and expanding organizations, especially those launching new products or services, frequently fixate on the risks of failure, overlooking the challenges that can come with unexpected success. The common concern is whether the business model will hold up with a modest customer base, like just 10 customers. However, a critical but often neglected question is: "What if we attract 10,000 customers?"

This scenario prompts consideration of whether the organization can maintain the same quality of service at such a scale or if it would lead to operational shortcomings, or even worse, a complete breakdown. It's essential to plan not just for potential failure but also for unanticipated success, ensuring scalability and quality consistency.

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 One Thing" by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan has been an invaluable resource in my role as a consultant working with leaders across various organizations. This book's emphasis on focusing on the most crucial task at hand has significantly shaped the advice and strategies I offer to my clients.

By advocating the power of prioritizing one impactful task over multitasking, I help leaders streamline their decision-making processes and increase their productivity. The principle of narrowing the focus to what truly matters has not only improved the effectiveness of the leaders I work with but also brought clarity and direction to their organizations.

Implementing these insights has enabled me to guide them towards achieving greater results with less effort, fostering a more efficient and purpose-driven leadership style.

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

If I were to offer a single piece of advice to a young leader, it would be this: Embrace the power of active listening. As a leader, your ability to truly hear and understand your team, peers, and even critics is invaluable. Active listening goes beyond just hearing words; it involves comprehending the context, emotions, and undercurrents in conversations.

This skill fosters a deeper connection with your team, builds trust, and empathy, and often reveals insights and perspectives that you might otherwise miss. It also encourages open communication and a collaborative environment, where team members feel valued and understood. Remember, leadership is not about directing; it's about understanding and empowering those you lead.

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

While driving back from a conference that hadn't initially excited me, I chanced upon a podcast that dramatically changed my outlook. This encounter served as a powerful reminder that opportunities for growth and learning often lurk in the least expected places. The podcast, rich with insightful advice, not only brought a fresh perspective to my business approach but also sparked the creation of several innovative workshops.

This experience underscored a vital lesson: the importance of maintaining an open mind and a spirit of gratitude, even in seemingly mundane or uninspiring situations. If I hadn't traveled to that conference, I might have missed out on this invaluable source of inspiration. It's remarkable how a shift in mindset, from one of disappointment to one of thankfulness, can open up avenues for creative and productive endeavors.

Therefore, my key piece of advice is to remain vigilant for these hidden opportunities. Embracing a positive and grateful attitude can transform ordinary experiences into extraordinary sources of personal and professional enrichment. It's this kind of positive self-talk and outlook that helps keep us aware of small yet significant discoveries along our journey. Napoleon Hill wrote a book entitled “Three Feet From Gold” that I highly recommend regarding this subject.