Knockoffs to Authenticity: Lessons in leadership from Adidas and Rolex

Joshua Awesome is a Coaching Psychologist/Executive and Business Performance Coach who has supported over 100,000 professionals across Africa and the globe. He can be reached via: joshua@mindinstitute.africa
April 19, 2023653 views0 comments
Last week, I had the privilege of delivering a keynote address at the launch of an IT powerhouse in Africa. Similar to the philosophy of Apple, this company did not resort to laying off any of its employees during the pandemic, which may be attributed to their recent focus on their core values. During the event, I was approached by an executive on their team who shared a fascinating story. Apparently, she had been searching for my services for over a year and had previously hired someone else due to time constraints for their leadership coaching programme. However, she eventually tasked her assistant with finding me and the search yielded great results, much to her satisfaction.
Meanwhile, Adidas seems to have grasped the potential of knockoff culture. Privately, they acknowledge that Aldi’s imitation sneakers are actually providing them with a significant advantage. This is similar to the market stalls that sell designer handbags for a fraction of the price, or the Gucci trainers that can be obtained for a mere £10. While these items may be counterfeit, they serve to elevate the brand’s reputation. In fact, Rolex has even acknowledged that the counterfeit market has boosted sales of their authentic watches. The question remains: who really benefits? Is it the savvy consumers who get a great deal, or Adidas, who are reaping the rewards of heightened exposure and buzz?
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As a coaching, mentoring and leadership specialist, here are five reflections from the article:
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Investing in professional development is essential for individuals and organisations. The story of the executive who searched for a trusted executive coach and leadership facilitator for over a year demonstrates the importance of persistence in finding the right coach to unlock group potential and achieve organisational goals.
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Authenticity cannot be replaced by counterfeit imitations. Brands like Rolex have acknowledged that counterfeit markets can boost sales of their authentic products, but ultimately, authenticity and uniqueness are what set individuals and organisations apart.
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Knockoff culture can provide advantages for brands that are willing to embrace it. Adidas has recognised the potential of knockoff culture to elevate their brand’s reputation, and other companies may also benefit from similar strategies.
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Professional coaching has the power to transform individuals and organisations. The executive in the article was able to achieve great results with the right coach, highlighting the potential of coaching to unlock group potential and drive organisational success.
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Staying true to oneself and embracing one’s unique strengths and qualities is essential for achieving full potential. As an executive coach and leadership facilitator, the author understands the importance of helping individuals and organisations embrace their unique strengths and qualities to drive success.
In conclusion, the story of the executive who searched high and low for a trusted executive coach and leadership facilitator highlights the importance of investing in professional development. As a result of her persistence, she was able to find the Awesome coach who helped her unlock their group potential and goals. This is a testament to the power of coaching and its ability to transform individuals and organisations.
Furthermore, the success of brands like Rolex demonstrates that authenticity can never be replaced by counterfeit imitations. Just as no two individuals are the same, no one can ever truly replicate the real thing. As an executive coach and leadership facilitator trusted by over 100,000 individuals, I understand the importance of staying true to oneself and embracing one’s unique strengths and qualities. Ultimately, this is what sets us apart and allows us to achieve our full potential.
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