DisrupTV: How leaders stand out amidst the digital noise

On the latest episode of DisrupTV, we chatted with Jay Ferro (@jayferro), Dorie Clark (@DorieClark), andJames Norwood (@JLNorwood).

Jay Ferro (@jayferro)

Ferro serves as CIO of the American Cancer Society, a nonprofit with a mission to eradicate cancer. Many nonprofits typically take their time to make disruptive decisions, but Jay leads a team with a life-saving mission. Ferro's team ensures access to cancer information, research, volunteer opportunities, and numerous programs, is available 24/7 to the American Cancer Society, an organization with over 6,000 employees, 400+ locations, and thousands of volunteers.

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Volunteers and donors are key to nonprofits, and they can decide to take their "time, talent and treasure" to any organization. Why do they choose the American Cancer Society and continue to give? Jay says his organization focuses on transparent and trustworthy programs that provide high-value, fulfilling experiences, where volunteers are truly helping solve a life-saving problem. Jay applies a mix of disruptive technologies, such as mobile, data, and security, to support his mission. He drives all of these programs their community trusts and enables the nonprofit to stand out and support personal branding initiatives.

DisrupTV also chatted with Dorie Clark (@DorieClark).

Clark is an award-winning author, speaker and professor. She has owned her own business for more than a decade. In her latest book, Stand Out, Lin and Dorie recommend becoming a true expert in your field by finding your passion and building content and credibility around that niche. There may be countless others doing "shades" of what you are doing, and you have to stay focused and convey a clear message. With everyone being pulled into a "million" directions, that's really the only way to get noticed.

Dorie also suggests that you get your life in order and under control to be able to focus and do your best work. You need to work not only on your passion, but also on all the things that may impact who you are as a professional. (For her interview, go to 22:46.)

In our enterprise startup segment, we spoke with James Norwood (@JLNorwood).

Norwood is the Executive Vice President of Strategy and CMO at Episerver. Episerver is looking to create a strong brand over the next couple of years by focusing on digital commerce and digital experiences. He explains that digital transformation is not just for big companies; it's for everyone. With changing digital models, you must master and leverage the trends - e.g., big data and IoT - while cutting through the noise. You need to deliver rich content in context to connect with people at the right time and in the right way. (For his interview, go to 40:36.)

The bottom line? Regardless of where you work, leaders must stay focused and relevant. Embrace new technologies to disrupt your programs and yourself. Why? Your personal disruption will help you cut through the clutter and make a real impact on your goals and passions.

DisrupTV is a weekly Web series hosted by R "Ray" Wang (@rwang0) and Vala Afshar (@valaafshar). The show airs at 11:00 a.m. PT/ 2:00 p.m. ET every Friday. DisrupTV dissects the latest enterprise news, highlights hot startups, and interviews influencers and technology luminaries. Tweet questions with the hashtag #DisrupTV or @DisrupTVShow.

Check the DisrupTV schedule here.

Brought to you by Constellation Executive Network: Constellationr.com/CEN