What sparked your interest in the space of media publication?
I have always been a common understanding that the media plays a great role in getting exposure and opportunity. I was told by one of my mentors Dr. Tina Dupree, OOSOIJM “Out of Sight is Out Of Mind.” If given the opportunity and right exposure, doors will open. The media plays great importance in getting noticed. There are many media platforms, publications, news articles, radio or television that can get mentioned and affect your visibility.
Can you briefly describe your professional journey and key milestones in your career?
As a professional speaker I have risen to prominence by delivering a high energy message which inspires people to take responsibility for their lives and live up to their greatness.
A leading Corporate, Workforce and Community speaker, he combines the ageless tool of storytelling with a profound understanding of today’s culture.
For years thousands have been touched by my keynotes and trainings.
In 2005 CEO Views Magazine Thought Leader Award. Also, the prestigious Horace Book and Magazine honoured Dr. Lemon among 100 Top Voice Global Thought Leaders of 2014.
Robert was selected by Legacy Magazine, published in the Miami Herald honored as one of “South Florida’s Most Powerful and Influential Business Leaders” of 2018.
In 2017, he was presented a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. U.S. Representative Frederica S. Wilson. Florida’s 24 Congressional District recognized his outstanding service to the community. Dr. Lemon shares empowerment principles with numerous local and national organizations. Robert is a best-selling and co-author of the book “Multiple Streams of Inspiration” with other celebrity authors including Jack Canfield “Chicken Soup for the Soul” with forewords by Les Brown and Zig Ziglar. Robert is also the author of his newest book, “Now is Your Time” with foreword written by Les Brown and testimonial by Willie Jolley.
In 2011, he was selected as the “Author of the Year” by Advantage Media / Forbes Books from a field of 1500 corporate authors.
In 2018 Robert earned his Doctorate Degree in Religious Education JBTS Seminary.
He brings customer service, sales, and over 35 years of corporate experience from the US Postal Service and leadership from the US Air Force.
What does thought leadership mean to you, and how do you embody it in your work?
Thought Leadership for me is establishing oneself or an organization with valuable insights, opinions or perspectives that influence how others think or act. It involves consistently providing thought-provoking content, often challenging the status quo. Often inspiring dialogue within a specific industry or area of expertise.
I believe that there is too much information overload, lack of connection and relationship. Thought Leaders can help others go from information to insight, monologue to dialogue and career to calling. By bringing awareness, conscience presence and purpose driven value, it will give people something to believe in and they will want to listen to you.
According to you, how thought leadership drive innovation and shape industry trends?
Thought Leadership gives inspiration in times of despair and difficulties, it gives hope, and positive possibilities. It helps people and organizations see and believe there is light at the end of the tunnel. Helping organizations see differently, lead differently with thoughtful and encouraging strategies and insights. It also helps others to find a pathway to create hope, will power and why power to make change happen.
How have your methods or philosophies influenced AOL’s mission in “empowering its team to make a difference and drive what matters”?
I have used my message to focus on work/life integration to encourage impact on personal and professional development and success with teams in the organization. I start with purpose driven value, the question becomes for every team member: What is my sole purpose, life purposes and responsibility to first myself, family and organization. It’s not enough to know my what, it’s also important to know the power of our why. When we discover the value that we bring when we show up, it should affect others in a positive way. Evaluation of our conscience efforts to make a positive difference brings real transformation to others and will move one. Be the change by bringing a conscience presence to bring business revolution and transformation.
How have your methods or philosophies influenced AOL’s mission in “empowering its team to make a difference and drive what matters”?
I realized through my years of speaking and training organizations that the Media platforms are key to my success as a speaker, consultant and thought leader. It’s very important to leverage opportunities by connecting with the newspapers, radio, magazines and social media. A well-crafted marketing media plan is crucial for achieving success. The 5 M’s – Mission, Money, Message, Media, and Measurement – are the foundation of any effective marketing media strategy. I also learned the importance of the social media landscape. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Tik Tok are very important to marketing. There are millions of audiences who follow these platforms daily. After years of work, I had to come to the realization that my content had to use a few of these platforms to give me visibility. I discovered that these platforms are rented, owned or earned. Owning a platform I post content on either of them. I don’t own any of the platforms, but I own my content on my device or magazine. When I post on their platform, I should be renting their platform to promote my content. In return, I can earn followers and share my brand awareness. My advice to all my readers is when creating content make sure you are building your own platform that will work and create the relationship and connections for your audience. My advice to my followers is, own the content you create and redirect your voice to customers or other on my own chosen platforms, websites, business, etc. If my expression was undervalued during the media branding, the inspiration
Virtual presentations and teleconferences allowing me to add value to AOL’s organization’s team.
What role do ethics, empathy, and authenticity play in your leadership style?
My commitment and service to the US Air Force really played a tremendous role in my leadership style and character. The first thing I remind myself of my personal commitment and dedication to serving my country and community. I believe the value I bring to the workplace and organizations is my integrity and work ethics. Ethics and empathy are crucial components of effective leadership, fostering trust, psychological safety, and positive outcomes within an organization. These traits I proudly demonstrate by sharing what I’ve learned from my parents, community and military experiences. Ethical leaders prioritize integrity, fairness, and accountability, while empathetic leaders understand and respond to the needs and emotions of their team members. Together, these qualities create a supportive environment that promotes employee well-being, engagement, and ultimately, organizational success. My style of leadership is always to “Lead with a follower’s Heart not have sympathy for sorry for individuals. But have empathy and understand what they may feel or may be experiencing.
What legacy do you aim to leave in the business education and thought leadership industry?
My experience with many of my mentors including Les Brown, Dr. Willie Jolley, Simon T Bailey and Steve Gilliland has encouraged me to leave a legacy in Business Education. After years of learning from a few of the best in Professional Development and consulting pioneers. I have applied a motto “Find a Hurt and Heal it, Find a Need and Fill it” leaving a legacy involves more than just imparting knowledge. It’s about shaping future leaders and influencing the broader business landscape through innovative teaching, research, and community engagement. Although it has taken me years of exceptional learning, I believe developing the future by focusing on mentoring and skill development ensures opportunities for future leaders. I have been involved with the Future Business Leaders of America and Business Professionals of America youth conferences. Encouraging students to pursue businesses and become future entrepreneurs. I believe that developing resources for entrepreneurs and assisting micro-businesses. This not only homes business skills, it also fosters a sense of societal impact.
What advice would you give to aspiring leaders looking to make an impact in this industry?
By embracing these strategies, business educators and institutions can create a legacy that not only prepares for successful careers but also shapes the future of business to be more responsible, ethical and impactful on society. It’s important to embrace changes and empower organizations to look towards the future. The road map to success is to bring clarity of our vision and reason for caring. We must go from What are organizations represent, to Why we are a organization. Go from just getting numbers and productivity to reaching people’s mind, body and soul in our organizations. Taking the message to the marketplace is by Story Telling. The heart of the organization’s brand is their message. I conclude by saying we must “Seize the Moment, Maximize the Moment and Own the Moment.”
