Trust (in themselves and others), Honesty and transparency, Responsibility, Loyalty, and Passion or a sense of pride and joy in their role.
We are living in the Renaissance of Work. Just like great artists know that an empty canvas can become anything, great leaders know that an entire organization — and the people inside it — can become anything, too. Master Artists and Mastering the Art of Leadership draw from the same source: creation. In this series, we’ll meet masters who are creating the future of work and painting a portrait of lasting leadership. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Veronica H. Speck.
Thank you! The pleasure is mine. VHS Ventures, founded by Veronica H. Speck, is a global communications consultancy & strategic advisory agency with a diverse portfolio of international clients within the luxury and lifestyle sector. VHS provides affinity partnerships, branding and business development, celebrity and VIP relations, digital marketing, e-commerce, event production, experiential media, and public relations for luxury and lifestyle clients in the automotive, architecture, art, beauty, design, fashion, finance, fintech, fragrance, fine jewelry, hotel, real estate, restaurant, travel and tourism, technology, and wine sectors. VHS also partners with clients and provides angel investing, advising services, and venture capital for established and emerging luxury brands.
Thank you for joining us. Our readers would enjoy discovering something interesting about you. What are you in the middle of right now that you’re excited about personally or professionally?
Thank you! The pleasure is mine. The start to this year was quite busy with clients participating in Fashion Week, Salone del Mobile, Zona Maco Frieze Art Fair, NYCxDesign, and more. I also worked on the opening of new restaurants in New York City, luxury brand collection launches, and many art and design exhibitions. This June and July, I am working with a professional surfer turned contemporary artist with a solo exhibition in Chelsea, a collectible car and fine art gallery with a current NYC exhibition with Porsche and artist Daniel Arsham, and a luxury home décor company participating at the Venice Biennale amongst others. Summer tends to be a bit slower for press events so I am very much looking forward to using this opportunity to hire and scale in preparation for September Fashion Week and the busy Fall schedule.
We all get by with a little help from our friends. Who is the leader that has influenced you the most, and how?
My grandfather without a doubt! He truly lived the American Dream, beginning as an engineer creating and patenting machines in his Los Angeles garage and growing his inventions into a successful, multigenerational packaging company.
How has your definition of leadership changed or evolved over time? What does it mean to be a leader now?
I think leaders have always had a responsibility, but today more than ever. I make it a mission to only work with sustainable brands with socially responsible practices as well as underrepresented artists and designers. I also strive to be a mentor and to lead by example when it comes to clients, partners, colleagues, or staff.
What is one lasting leadership behavior you started or are cultivating because you believe it is valuable or relevant?
I always make time for others whether it be offering advice, introductory or informational calls or meetings, mentoring, and more. Especially when it comes to fostering young talent and internships, I try to help with introductions, connections, or recommendations when and where I can.
What advice would you offer to other leaders who are stuck in past playbooks and patterns and may be having a hard time letting go of what made them successful in the past?
Change is the only constant, especially in the realms of media and technology. Our world is changing around us at lightning speed, and it is important to welcome the future, or one risks getting lost in the past. It is important to evolve and take risks, and much of marketing and communications include a fair bit of trial and error.
Many of our readers can relate to the challenge of leading people for the first time. What advice would you offer to new and emerging leaders?
I like to start at the beginning — what did one like or not like about former leaders? Based on my experience in school, interning, and my early career, I knew the practices that worked or didn’t work, and I constantly strive to be the leader I would have liked to have growing up. One that fosters talent, trusts, takes risks and offers up responsibility and the opportunity to learn and excel together.
Based on your experience or research, what are the top five traits effective leaders exemplify now?
Trust (in themselves and others), Honesty and transparency, Responsibility, Loyalty, and Passion or a sense of pride and joy in their role.
American Basketball Coach John Wooden said, “Make each day your masterpiece.” How do you embody that quote? We welcome a story or example.
I tend to look a bit longer term than daily, but I try to visualize my personal and professional goals yearly and cross them off as I accomplish them. I would actually like to be better at living in the present rather than steps ahead in the future. One risks missing out on mini “masterpiece” moments.
What is the legacy you aspire to leave as a leader?
The same one my grandfather left — a large company that still felt small and family-owned based on the practice of treating all staff with respect and as if they were part of the family. He fostered talent and rewarded it accordingly and left the world with a legacy as not only a great business leader, but a great husband, father, friend, mentor, and man as well.
How can our readers connect with you to continue the conversation?
Website: www.veronicahelenspeck.com
Instagram: @vhs.ventures and @veronicahelenspeck
FaceBook: VHS Ventures
LinkedIn: VHS Ventures
Twitter: @VeronicaSpeck
Pinterest: @VeronicaHelenSpeck
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to experience a leadership master at work. We wish you continued success and good health!