Navigating the unique journey of being a CEO is not an easy path. It only makes sense, then, to seek out guidance and wisdom from leaders with more experience. With that in mind, we sat down for an interview with one of the greatest CEOs that ever existed. His organization is loved and respected worldwide for the service it delivers to children and families year after year.
That’s right, we interviewed Santa Claus.
Given his remarkable staying power and highly efficient company operations, we figured he might have a thing or two he could teach younger and less experienced leaders of today.
G2: Thank you so much, Santa, for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us.
SC: You’re very welcome. ‘Tis always the season for sharing knowledge with younger generations.
G2: Many CEOs are having to learn to adapt their businesses to stay relevant in the modern world. Have you had to make changes over the years in your approach?
SC: Oh, yes. The world has changed so much and we’ve had to adapt in a lot of ways. One of the most important changes was being able to meet the demand for more complex toys. Though our Elves were proficient in traditional toy making—wooden trains, dolls, rocking horses, they needed to diversify their skill set to supply children with modern electronics and gadgets.
So, we put the Elves through some comprehensive training and updated our workshop with the latest equipment. We set up a whole department for tech innovation, and now we have Elves who specialize in coding, robotics, and even AI. While some were hesitant at first, overall, they’ve taken to it like reindeer to flying!
As you can imagine, such a big change was not easy for the Elves. So we put a lot of focus on keeping the Elves happy and motivated. After all, a happy Elf makes for a magical Christmas!
G2: What is your approach to keeping the Elves happy and engaged?
SC: We are very intentional to make sure each Elf has a mentor in the organization that encourages them to explore and develop their strengths and use those strengths to make a unique contribution to our mission. Because they see that they are cared for as people -err magical beings- and get to do what they are good at, they remain dedicated to the organization.
I’ve also had to focus more on work-life balance for them. We’ve added some perks like more cocoa breaks and Elf yoga to remind them to also give to themselves while they are focused on giving to others.
The world might keep changing, but our mission remains the same: to spread joy and magic every Christmas. We just have to keep finding new ways to do it!
G2: Many businesses are realizing that customer expectations have changed in recent years. Has this been your experience and how have you handled it?
SC: Absolutely, customer expectations have evolved quite a bit over the years. Children today are much more connected, informed, and specific in their wishes. And it’s not just about the toys anymore. Children and their parents expect a certain experience. They want magic, joy, and a bit of wonder along with their gifts.
One thing we have done to keep up with this is to expand our communication channels. Gone are the days when only handwritten letters sufficed. Now, we receive wish lists through various platforms—emails, social media, even video messages.
Another change is the demand for personalization. Kids today want gifts that feel uniquely theirs. So, we’ve worked hard to ensure that every present is tailored to each child’s preferences, whether it’s their favorite color, character, or a custom message from me. Our Elves have become experts in customization.
Ultimately, handling these changes is all about staying connected to our values and our mission to spread the Spirit of Christmas. It’s about listening to what children want and making sure that the joy of the season is felt in every home.
G2: Your efficiency has continually astounded business owners year after year. Even before all the advances in technology, you managed to bring Christmas to the entire globe in a small fraction of time. What’s your secret?
SC: Efficiency is certainly key to delivering Christmas cheer across the globe in just one night. But there’s no single secret—it’s a combination of magic, strategy, and a little help from the modern world.
The Elves work year-round, ensuring that every detail is accounted for, from toy production to delivery routes. We use sophisticated logistics systems, combining ancient magic with modern technology.
We also keep detailed records on every child, including what they want, where they live, and, of course, whether they’ve been naughty or nice. We’ve implemented predictive algorithms (with a touch of magic) to anticipate their needs and preferences.
Lastly, I couldn’t do any of this without the support of Mrs. Claus and my entire team. It’s a family effort, and I think that’s the real magic behind our efficiency: love, dedication, and the Spirit of Christmas.
G2: So impressive, Santa. If you could give non-magical business leaders one piece of advice what would it be?
SC: I would tell them to never lose sight of the joy and purpose behind what they do. Whether you’re making products or providing services, always remember your why. What is the reason you do what you do?
You see, magic isn’t just about flying reindeer or bending physics to slide down chimneys. It’s about the spirit that drives you and what keeps you going even during the busiest times. For me, it’s the smiles on children’s faces and the joy of giving. For others, it might be making life easier for their customers, bringing beauty into their lives, or creating something that brings people together.
I say, lead with heart, treat your team like family, and always put a little extra care into your work. If you can do that, you’ll find that even without magic, you can create something truly special.
Photo by Octavian Iordache on Unsplash
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