In this episode, we delve into the essence of reputation, often touted as a company's most valuable asset. Drawing wisdom from Warren Buffett's timeless advice on reputation management, our guest, Kathy Leech illuminates the intricate relationship between brand and reputation. We explore how a brand acts as the tree, while its reputation serves as the shadow — the perception formed by past actions and experiences. Delving deeper, we dissect the elements of brand and reputation, deciphering how they intertwine to shape consumer perceptions and business outcomes. Join us as we unravel the process of uncovering a purpose that resonates with stakeholders, from employees to investors, and how embedding it into every facet of operations can drive tangible results. From enhancing employee commitment to boosting community endorsement, discover the transformative potential of purpose in fortifying and enhancing company reputation. You can email Kathy at kathy.leech@exechq.com to receive her blog post on this topic (or to schedule a 15-minute introductory call with Kathy use this link: https://calendly.com/kathy-leech/introductory-call-1). Kathy Leech bio: Kathy Leech has deep experience in all aspects of the marketing process and is an expert in uncovering key insights and turning them into actionable plans that generate results. She has grown brands and corporate reputations at companies like Quaker Oats, Hunt Wesson, Comcast, and BP through impactful marketing strategies and award-winning integrated communications campaigns. She also has deep experience with particularly difficult brand challenges, including leading the brand, research, advertising, and social media response to the Gulf Oil Spill. Kathy’s pragmatic, common-sense approach, collaborative style, and client-side experience have helped brands to find fit-for-purpose solutions to their biggest marketing challenges. With a track record of successfully managing brands through both growthand crisis, she understands her client’s needs and pressures and can provide solutions. Kathy holds a master’s in business administration from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. She brings a fresh perspective, objectivity, and a sense of urgency, all needed in today’s rapidly changing environment.