S 2 Ep - 28: From Poetry to Press Releases: Mickie Kennedy on Leadership, Flexibility, and Letting Go

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In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Mickie Kennedy, founder of eReleases, to explore his fascinating journey from writing poetry to building a successful press release distribution company. Mickie shares candid insights into his personal evolution as a leader—opening up about his early struggles as a micromanager and the steps he took to overcome it.

We dive into how he learned to recognize the value of his employees, embrace flexibility, and develop leadership practices that foster trust and empowerment. Mickie also pulls back the curtain on his hiring philosophy, offering advice on attracting and retaining top talent in today’s business climate.

Whether you’re a creative professional curious about entrepreneurship, a leader looking to let go of control, or someone who wants to understand how to build a team-centered culture, this episode is packed with wisdom and real-world takeaways.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• From Art to Business: How Mickie’s creative background in poetry shaped his storytelling skills and influenced eReleases’ brand.
• Leadership Growth: The mindset shifts that helped him move from micromanaging to empowering.
• Employee-Centered Culture: Why recognizing employee value and offering flexibility pays off in loyalty and performance.
• Hiring Insights: Mickie’s approach to finding the right people and building a culture that attracts talent.

📚 Recommended Reading & Resources

• Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek – for building trust and strong teams.
• Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink – for understanding employee motivation.
• eReleases Blog – Mickie’s own insights on press releases and PR strategy. : https://www.ereleases.com/pr-fuel/

💬 Quote from Mickie Kennedy

“When you stop trying to control every detail, you give your team the space to surprise you—and they almost always rise to the occasion.”

📞 Connect with Mickie Kennedy

• Website: https://www.ereleases.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/publicity
• Email: [email protected]

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