Marklund’s Post

Over the weekend, I was able to celebrate the work of the Indiana University Dance Marathon in 2023 ahead of Indiana’s clash against Penn State at Simon Skojdt Assembly Hall. While I have been transitioning out of my post as the Director of Corporate Relations over the past few months, I wanted to reflect on some of the lessons I learned from my tenure. 1. Relationships Matter - Establishing and nurturing robust connections is essential for effective leadership, especially when working collaboratively with a diverse set of individuals. In my role, this involved 22 other student leaders on the executive council, 7 chairpersons and 60+ committee members on my committee, and a portfolio of numerous businesses from across the nation. Fostering positive relationships with each of these groups is crucial, as it plays a vital role in achieving our common goal of contributing to lifesaving efforts for kids in need at Riley Hospital for Children. The utilization of authentic connections served as a pivotal factor in attaining shared objectives between stakeholders. 2. Be Decisive - Being decisive entails not only making informed and timely choices but also acting proactively based on data. Striking a balance between gathering sufficient information and avoiding prolonged decision-making processes is essential for progress. A decisive leader showcases confidence and clarity in their choices, fostering momentum and direction for the team. This approach not only instills a sense of purpose but also encourages proactive decision-making among team members. 3. Keep The Faith - Maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset, especially during challenging times, is crucial for leadership. Believing in the mission and vision of your organization can inspire others and help overcome obstacles. Acknowledging the highest of highs and the lowest of lows over the course of my tenure on the executive council added depth to this perspective. It was a year filled with both triumphs and tribulations. The journey, however, became meaningful through the unwavering support of my colleagues. Standing by each other during tough times and celebrating victories together forged a strong sense of camaraderie. While the frustrations of unproductive efforts were present, this collective perseverance made every endeavor worthwhile. In the end, the elation of celebrating the accomplishment of raising over $3 million for lifesaving healthcare with my best friends eclipsed everything, making the entire experience incredibly fulfilling. My time in IUDM was truly the best thing that has ever happened to me. It made me a better marketer, better leader, and most importantly, a better man. I will always look fondly at my time in the organization and I am incredibly grateful to FORVIS, Allied Solutions LLC, Solution Tree, Graduate Hotels, Mom Water, HospitalRecruiting, Papa Johns, and countless other partners for their generous support over the years. Go Hoosiers and FTK!

If you ever wonder what Sheetcast can do, here is an awesome example of how our software can be utilized.

As we come to the end of the STEPtember month, i thought i'd share some facts and figures on our efforts to provide awareness and ask if you can help in any way to contribute to an amazing cause: - 2,195,545 steps completed (target is 3 million) - $223 raised (target $5000...ambitious yes, possible yes with your help) Mojo Soup will be matching what we raise as a team up to $1000, so with just a little more help we can get to at least $2000 before the end of the week. Here are a few more motivating stats to provide some perspective of what $10 could be spent on versus giving a little to help research and care: - 2 coffees (if your lucky) - a pint of ben and jerry's ice cream (if it's on sale, usually $15 but worth every cent) - a boost juice smoothie (small) - train ticket from the Gold Coast to Brisbane (actually not quite, it's now $11.46) - a pint of beer (during happy hour) Every $ counts, let's go!

Our CMO and Co-Founder, Bob Barrows, last week delivered a donation check to Northeast Arc as part of the Play for a Cause Fund Raising Platform. As part of a recent charity fund raising event that was managed through the PFaC platform, "Play Pickleball for Autism", raised over $20k for local and national Autism charities, including Northeast Arc as a beneficiary. We were so happy to help deliver funds, if only just a small donation, to help one of the most amazing non-profit organizations in the Greater Boston Area. We look forward to delivering more donations in the future through donor participating charity events to Northeast Arc and other local and national non-profit organizations that are helping our communities. About Play for a Cause: Each charity event is automated by using a donor database that utilizes AI to target the best causes and timing to effectively engage potential donors and maximize the raise for the charities. In addition, the AI-Powered Fund Raising Enablement Platform, allows "Coaches" to plan their fund raising event, select the approved 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations the donations will be delivered to, create donor & event pages and event materials, and collect & distribute the funds without having to become a 501(c)(3) themselves. Play for a Cause is a 100% volunteer organization where all donations are distributed to the charities the events raise money for. #volunteer #nonprofit #enablementplatform #makegivingagameyoulove

In 18 years of competing in the 'Hood Bowl' fantasy football league, I've learned that success isn't measured by personal achievements but by the impact we make. Transforming winnings into donations for causes and communities reinforces the true essence of leadership: service. Video in next Post! 🏈 #LeadershipThroughService #FantasyFootballWithAPurpose #ImpactOverAwards

From The Dyslexic Advantage - which was co-founded by Drs. Brock and Fernette Eide Dyslexic Advantage (DA) is breaking the cycle of negative in school systems and workplaces by revolutionizing how dyslexic people are understood, educated, and employed. We’re replacing the old and outmoded deficit-centered paradigm with a new and more productive strengths-centered paradigm that puts abilities rather than weaknesses at the heart of what it means to be dyslexic. Dyslexic Advantage is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. https://buff.ly/3lyTe4C

These are practical and do-able!

Well done to you both