5 Takeaways From The IGNiTE Digital Leadership Summit
Everything we do is built around a simple belief. Digital strategy should feel simple and actionable. Leaders should have the clarity they need to take action, build authority, and create momentum in their business.
Hosting our first IGNiTE Digital Leadership Summit on November 13 in Madison was an important step in living out that mission. The event brought leaders together for a full day of learning, conversations, and inspiration. Every session reinforced the same truth. Digital leadership is not about chasing trends. It is about building trust, communicating clearly, and showing up with purpose.
There were many insights from the day, but these were my top five takeaways, with a bonus lesson at the end.
1. Leaders Must Build Trust
Ema Roloff opened the day by emphasizing how critical trust has become. Trust is at a near all time low, both inside organizations and across the market. Her message was clear. Leaders build trust by showing people who they are, setting a clear vision, demonstrating authority through consistent teaching, and leading authentically with digital content. Trust is no longer optional. It is the foundation of modern leadership.
2. Improvise to Innovate
Ian McCain’s improv session was one of the most energizing moments of the summit. His workshop reminded everyone that innovation does not happen in rigid environments. It grows in cultures where people feel safe to experiment, collaborate, and build on each other’s ideas. Improv gives teams a practical toolkit for doing exactly that. When people feel comfortable looking a little silly and sharing half formed ideas, creativity increases and breakthroughs happen.
3. Personal Brands Have Real Value
Curtis Goldsborough shared the power of building a personal brand as a business leader. Influence matters in a digital world. A strong personal brand helps leaders build authority, reach more people, and create meaningful impact. Curtis showed how leaders can use their experiences, stories, and point of view to open doors for their companies and build stronger relationships with their audience.
4. Create Content Authentically
John Lindsey, Paige Lord, and Eric Kimberling demonstrated three completely different but equally effective approaches to content creation. John uses humor and music parodies. Paige educates through engaging TikToks on AI policy. Eric teaches straightforward insights rooted in tech agnostic consulting. Their styles look nothing alike, yet each works because they are authentic. The lesson was simple. Lean into who you are. Authenticity is your advantage.
5. Embrace Discomfort
Michelle Raue delivered one of the most powerful takeaways of the day. She talked about the importance of embracing discomfort as an executive. Speaking up, taking a stand, anchoring your actions in truth, and stepping into difficult moments are all part of leadership. Discomfort is often the starting point for positive disruption, both inside your organization and in the broader market.
Bonus: Change Is an Opportunity
Change can feel intimidating, but it also creates opportunity. The leaders who embrace digital change position themselves to stand out in a world full of followers. Digital leadership is not about being everywhere. It is about being intentional, visible, and clear. When you step into change instead of resisting it, you give yourself room to grow and lead with confidence.
