In today’s fast-paced business environment, leaders must be agile, innovative, and customer-centric to stay ahead of the curve. Eric J. Bertrand, CEO of Mod Op, embodies these qualities and has built a reputation as a visionary leader in the marketing and advertising industry. With a distinguished career spanning venture capital, private equity, entrepreneurship, and executive leadership, Bertrand has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience that can inspire and guide aspiring leaders.
Overcoming Initial Hurdles
Bertrand’s path to leadership began in venture capital and private equity, where he learned to invest in diverse companies and industries. He sat on over 30 boards, gaining a 360-degree view of what it takes to run a successful enterprise. This foundation laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial ventures and eventual leadership roles in marketing and advertising.
As Bertrand reflects on his early days as an entrepreneur, he emphasizes the importance of perseverance and adaptability. “When I first stepped into the role of CEO at Mod Op, we faced numerous challenges. We had to navigate a rapidly changing market, integrate two teams with multiple service offerings, and establish our brand identity. This was challenging, but we kept pushing forward, learning from our mistakes, and adapting to new circumstances.”
Leadership Style
As a leader, Bertrand emphasizes the importance of surrounding himself with talented individuals who can add value to their roles. He believes that a leader’s effectiveness is magnified by their team’s strength and fosters an environment where individuals feel they’re contributing to something meaningful.
Bertrand said, “When I’m building a team, I look for people who share my passion for innovation and customer-centricity. I want team members who are not only skilled in their craft but also curious about the world around them. I believe that when you surround yourself with talented individuals who share your values, you can achieve incredible things.”
Defining Leadership
Bertrand’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to delegate tasks effectively, allowing him to focus on high-level strategy and innovation. He believes that empowering team members is essential for driving growth and success. Talking to CEO Views about leadership, Bertrand said, “As a leader, I’m not afraid to delegate tasks or make tough decisions. I know that when I empower my team members with the autonomy to make decisions, they’re more likely to take ownership and drive results. By focusing on high-level strategy and innovation, I can create an environment where my team members feel empowered to make a difference.”
Mod Op’s Competitive Edge
Mod Op’s competitive edge lies in its ability to integrate top-tier talent with up-to-the-minute technology. The company’s unique value proposition is its ability to provide clients with a distinct advantage in their market through its innovative approach to marketing and advertising.
Innovation and Adaptability
Bertrand believes that true innovation isn’t just about generating new ideas; it’s about fostering an environment where disruption thrives. He emphasizes the importance of communication, empowerment, collaboration, and continuous improvement in driving innovation.
Diversity and Inclusivity
Bertrand acknowledges the importance of diversity in the workplace in driving team performance. Mod Op has made significant strides in promoting diversity, including sponsoring work visas for talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and countries.
Bertrand states, “I believe that diversity is not just the right thing to do; it’s essential for driving innovation and performance. When you bring together people from different backgrounds and perspectives, you create an environment where new ideas emerge naturally. And that’s when you start to see real growth and success.”
Future-Proofing the Company
Bertrand prioritizes staying ahead of industry trends and understanding their potential impact on both the business and clients’ operations. He believes that embracing emerging technologies while maintaining a focus on human creativity is key to future-proofing the company.
Legacy and Advice
Bertrand’s vision for Mod Op is to become the industry model for innovation, client value, and nimbleness in marketing and advertising. His advice to aspiring leaders is to embrace perpetual learning, adaptability, technological savvy, and a people-first approach.
As CEO of Mod Op, Eric J. Bertrand leads the company’s 12 offices, serving a diverse range of clients across the Fortune 500 and middle market spectrum. With a strong background in C-level executive and entrepreneurial roles, Bertrand has managed companies across various stages, including start-ups, growthstage, and publicly traded organizations.
Formerly a seasoned PE/VC fund manager, he invested over $400 million in more than 50 companies across various industries, with expertise in Media & Entertainment, Retail, Consumer Products, Business Services, and Information Technology. Bertrand’s skill set includes a range of areas such as business strategy, executive management, team building, operational and financial consulting, digital marketing and strategy, turnaround management, and mergers and acquisitions.
“We take responsibility for results, both internally and for clients.”
