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In the highly competitive world of technology, amanda lannertCEO jelly visionnot only because of her unconventional career path, but also because of her dynamic leadership style. Under her guidance, Jellyvision has grown from a gaming and digital agency to an HR technology company that currently serves 25% of Fortune 500 companies. Despite its success, Lannert’s leadership mantra remains rooted in continuous improvement. As she puts it, “There’s nothing that can’t be improved at Jellyvision. There’s nothing that I can’t improve on. So, where do we start?”
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Lannert’s partnership with Jellyvision began in 2000 as the company responded to a rapidly changing technology environment. Lannert had little previous experience in technology and gaming and initially joined Jellyvision hoping to learn and contribute. However, her adaptability and problem-solving skills made her the CEO.
Her story exemplifies the importance of being open to change and willing to pivot when faced with new challenges. One of her key pieces of advice for leaders is to realize, “The world is full of change. There is no stability anymore. You might as well do what you love with people you like and respect.”
A key moment in Jellyvision’s transformation was the shift from creating CD-ROM-based games to developing interactive educational software. As Lannert explains, the initiative is guided by a desire to engage and educate users about complex topics like health benefits, an area that is often overlooked in user-centered design. Today, Jellyvision’s flagship product, ALEX, uses engaging, personalized interactions to help employees learn about and choose their own benefits, a process that can save companies significant costs and increase employee satisfaction.
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Lannert’s approach to leadership is both refreshing and grounded in authenticity. She emphasized the need for transparency and integrity in business transactions. “You can make bad deals with good people, but you can’t make good deals with bad people,” she shared, emphasizing that she values character over profits. For aspiring leaders, Lannert recommends focusing on those who challenge you and provide authentic feedback. “Find someone who loves you and will tell you the truth,” she advises.
Ultimately, Lannert emphasized that a company’s success depends on its employees. “Jellyvision is a business that was, is, and will be only as good as the talent we have,” she said. Creating a culture of openness and creativity is central to her leadership strategy. Lannert encourages other CEOs to embrace change and never settle for mediocrity. Her willingness to adapt, coupled with her belief that everyone has room for improvement, sets a powerful example for leaders seeking to drive growth and innovation in their own organizations.
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