What business leaders can learn from Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds, renowned for his roles in blockbuster films like Deadpool, has become a formidable presence in the business world. His portfolio includes ownership stakes in Aviation Gin, Mint Mobile, and Wrexham AFC, as well as his own marketing agency, Maximum Effort.

I was lucky enough to hear him talk at INBOUND 2024, and I was delighted at how much there was to learn about business from the movie star.

Necessity is the Mother of Invention

Reynolds' journey into marketing began with the promotion of Deadpool, a film with a limited budget. He realised that whilst he couldn't afford spectacular special effects, he could invest in dialogue and storytelling. "Suddenly, necessity as mother eventually became a kind of doorstar to me," Reynolds notes. This approach translates brilliantly to the tech world: when resources are limited, focus on what truly matters to your audience.

For SpotDev's customers, this might mean prioritising user experience and functionality over flashy features. When implementing HubSpot, consider what your clients truly need to achieve their goals. Perhaps a streamlined, efficient workflow is more valuable than a complex system with bells and whistles that won't be used. By focusing on the essentials, you can create solutions that are not only cost-effective but also more impactful.

Embrace Imperfection

"Not everything needs to be perfect. It's just an ad," Reynolds observes. In the world of tech and marketing, it's easy to get caught up in perfecting every detail. However, sometimes it's more important to get your message out there and iterate based on feedback.

This philosophy is particularly relevant in the agile world of software development and marketing technology. Rather than spending months perfecting a HubSpot implementation before launch, consider a phased approach. Launch with core functionality, then gather user feedback to inform future iterations. This approach allows you to deliver value quicker and adapt to real-world usage patterns.

Move at the Speed of Culture

Reynolds emphasises the importance of moving quickly and staying culturally relevant. In the fast-paced world of tech, this advice is golden. Stay agile, be ready to pivot, and always keep an eye on emerging trends that could impact your clients or your business.

For SpotDev's customers, this might mean being quick to adopt new HubSpot features or integrations that align with current marketing trends. It could also mean being flexible in your implementation strategies, ready to adjust your approach based on changing client needs or market conditions. Remember, the goal is not just to implement a system, but to create a solution that keeps your clients at the forefront of their industry.

Leverage Technology for Storytelling

Reynolds notes that technology is making storytelling more accessible than ever. For SpotDev's customers, this means leveraging HubSpot's tools to tell your brand's story in innovative ways, even without a Hollywood-sized budget.

Consider how you can use HubSpot's various features to craft compelling narratives. This could involve using personalisation tokens to create highly targeted email campaigns, utilising the CMS Hub to create dynamic, interactive web content, or leveraging the reporting tools to tell data-driven stories about your clients' success. The key is to see technology not just as a set of tools, but as a medium for creative expression and engagement.

Embrace Collaboration and Conflict Resolution

One of the most interesting insights from Reynolds is how a conflict resolution workshop changed his life. He learned to meet people where they are, disagree without needing to be right, and form incredible relationships as a result. In the often complex world of technical implementations, this skill is invaluable.

When working on HubSpot implementations, you're likely to encounter differing opinions and priorities among stakeholders. By adopting Reynolds' approach to conflict resolution, you can navigate these challenges more effectively. Strive to understand different perspectives, find common ground, and work towards solutions that address everyone's needs. This collaborative approach can lead to more robust, widely-adopted solutions and stronger client relationships.

Joy Never Fails

"Joy in 2024 never fails," Reynolds says. In the sometimes stressful world of tech implementations, finding and spreading joy can make all the difference. It can improve team morale, client relationships, and even the quality of your work.

Consider how you can infuse joy into your HubSpot implementations. This could be through creating delightful user experiences, celebrating project milestones, or simply maintaining a positive, can-do attitude in the face of challenges. Remember, at the end of the day, we're not just implementing software – we're helping businesses grow and succeed. Finding joy in that mission can be incredibly powerful.

Embrace the Power of "I Don't Know"

Finally, Reynolds emphasises the power of admitting when you don't know something. In the tech industry, where things are constantly changing, it's impossible to know everything. Admitting this can build trust with your team and clients, and open the door to collaborative problem-solving.

As HubSpot continues to evolve and add new features, there will inevitably be areas where you're not an expert. Instead of pretending to know everything, embrace the opportunity to learn alongside your clients. This honesty can lead to more authentic relationships and often results in more innovative solutions as you work together to navigate new territories.