Leadership in Focus: Bringing Out Your Best on Camera
by Vern Oakley
Lights, Camera and, Most Importantly…ACTION!
THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR SUCCESSFULLY INSPIRING YOUR ‘TRIBE’ AND RALLYING OTHERS AROUND YOUR MESSAGE
We live in a visual society. Instead of words, we’re using emojis; instead of jokes, we send memes and gifs; and, for many companies, the use of video is replacing the Powerpoint presentation of the past. In fact, according to Cisco, 82% of all Internet traffic will be video by 2020.
“There’s never been a better time to not only explore the use of video in your company, but also to understand that video is the communication tool that can best stir people to action,” says Vern Oakley, CEO and Creative Director of Tribe Pictures.
Focused on making human-first, story-based films and videos, Oakley and the Tribe Pictures team have helped top clients like Stanley Black and Decker, American Express, GE, AT&T, KPMG, and Pfizer, as well as top universities like Princeton, Swarthmore, and NYU Law, drive home their messages through video. Now, with the upcoming release of his book, Leadership in Focus: Bringing Out Your Best on Camera [Greenleaf Book Group Press, March 2017], he’s helping CEOs, aspiring leaders, budding entrepreneurs and more realize that it’s not just what you say on camera that’s important — it’s how you say it.
Broken down into four, easily applicable sections, Leadership in Focus begins first with the preparation for a video. In addition to describing the crew who might participate and the benefits of video use in any sized organization, Oakley delves deep into the incredible impact a leader who connects with their audience has to inspire their ‘tribe’ and drive real progress. He offers real-life examples from working both behind and in front of the camera as he emphasizes the importance of being your best, authentic self through your words, actions and personality on film.
“The return on investment,” Oakley explains, “will be a stronger connection to those they want to reach; heightened respect, prestige, and interest in their organization; a stronger brand; and a longer-lasting legacy.”
In his 30+ years in filmmaking, Oakley has seen audiences moved to action through video when leaders reveal the ‘soul behind the suit’ — whether it’s investors taking stake in a company, employees feeling at ease during a time of crisis, or prospective employees bringing their talents to an organization. Through the pages of Leadership in Focus, he also addresses:
- The power of video to impact company culture, the bottom line and the legacy of a leader
- Tips and thorough guidance for being your authentic self in front of the camera in order to build stronger connections with your team, employees, investors or other stakeholders
- Why video, second only to face-to-face in terms of creating a human connection, is the best communication medium to move your audience to action
- Understanding the tsunami of video in today’s visual society, from formats and capabilities to uses, strengths and more
- How a video’s ‘Return on Imagination’ and ‘Return on Inspiration’ can exponentially impact the traditional notion of ‘Return on Investment’
- What truly makes up the anatomy of a successful video?
Veteran filmmaker, teacher, speaker, and industry thought leader Vern Oakley is CEO and creative director of Tribe Pictures, which he founded in 1986. Oakley has created films for Fortune 500 companies, nonprofit organizations, universities, and their leaders, including American Express, AT&T, Pfizer, Princeton, and NYU Law. His mission is to help humanize the world’s most successful leaders and institutions, helping them to craft their stories and to create meaningful human connections. To this end, he has studied with a variety of experts and institutions, from Arthur Penn and the Actor’s Studio to Harvard Business School.
Oakley directed the major motion picture, A Modern Affair, as well as the Emmy-winning children’s TV program, Reading Rainbow. His work has won over 500 international awards, including the Cannes Golden Dolphin, and he is currently an Adjunct Professor in Baruch College’s Communications Graduate Program.
To learn more, visit www.vernoakley.com and connect with Oakley on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
Leadership in Focus is set for release on April 4, 2017 through Greenleaf Book Group Press and will be available through all major booksellers. It is currently available through pre-order on Amazon.