When it comes to brand leadership, I’d say there are many lessons to be learned from the iconic character Chandler Bing, brought to life by Matthew Perry in the TV show Friends.
When it comes to brand leadership, I’d say there are many lessons to be learned from the iconic character Chandler Bing, brought to life by Matthew Perry in the TV show Friends. Matthew Perry and I first collided at the Equinox gym in West Hollywood, on neighboring treadmills that sparked somewhat of an electric connection. From then on, a series of fortuitous meetings unfolded, each etched into my memory. So, news of Matthew Perry’s untimely departure fills me with a poignant mix of emotions.
But amidst the melancholy, I believe Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing doles out five vital lessons on sculpting our own brands and captivating audiences worldwide.
First and foremost, Chandler Bing wielded the superpower of humor and quick wit. It was Matthew Perry’s razor-sharp comebacks and sardonic charm that captivated audiences around the globe. Matthew Perry helped shatter the Hollywood myth that to be funny, you had to be stupid. Instead, he showed us that humor and intelligence could coexist. So, I’d say that as leaders navigate the labyrinth of brand leadership, they must infuse humor into their interactions with audiences, no matter how serious or ‘intelligent’ their brand may be. Nielsen’s research shouts it loud: a whopping 75% of consumers prefer ads that make them laugh. Injecting humor into brand messaging will elevate your likability and cement a spot in your audience’s memory, resulting in amplified engagement and brand recall.
