The Hidden Superpower of Every Great Leader: Author Jack Rasmussen On Uncovering the Traits That Separate Good Leaders from Exceptional Ones
An Interview With Cynthia Corsetti
Vision. Being detail-oriented is excellent, but seeing the bigger picture is optimal for reaching peace of mind and understanding that each step forward is working toward the company’s greater goal. For instance, an outline of a book is much more important than a perfect chapter. Also, the finances of a shop rest of the big freight customers, not angry walk-in customers disappointed with their purchase. Refunds are not a bad thing.
What is it that makes certain leaders stand out and achieve extraordinary results? Beyond technical skills and strategic thinking, great leaders often possess hidden superpowers — those intangible traits that set them apart. These traits enable them to inspire others, foster trust, and drive innovation even in challenging environments. As part of this series, we are interviewing Jack Rasmussen.
Jack Rasmussen is an American author, entertainer, and businessman who grew up in Los Gatos, California. After attending the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, where he studied business, journalism, and cinematic arts, he accepted a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English in Taiwan. After publishing two best-selling non-fiction books, Jack plans to explore more literary philosophy, fantasy storytelling, and automotive paint.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
I have always been intrigued by paint and the philosophy of color marketing, so I am exploring my interest in the intersection between cars and color while working at Sherwin-Williams Automotive in their Performance Coatings Group. I am exploring color, texture, and the collision of the five senses.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
Being invited to LA Leadership Week to speak on a panel was surreal because I met many older individuals who have been creating pieces for a while, whether documentaries or books. It is interesting to see how many pieces there are in any production team and the number of pieces that can build off and complement one another like a snowball effect.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
Sherwin-Williams is now the top coatings company in the world. One funny story is when working at a branch, we had a couple of people working at an installation at a collision shop, and we had three people at the branch receiving three calls on three different lines. My line asked for a quick hot-shot delivery, another was a Spanish speaker asking for three paint mixes, and another was a call discussing our order from National Oak to fill backorders (the country’s premier Automotive Paint, Body, and Equipment (PBE) warehouse distributor). The three of us had to put the lines on hold to switch lines like phone musical chairs, so I could help the Spanish speaker. What makes Sherwin stand out is the commitment to service.
Sometimes, I meet people who tell me they enjoy my books or how I explain things. They let me know they like to follow along with what I am doing. This is always surprising and catches me off guard, but it reminds me that I am making a difference in someone’s life.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Being honest. Sometimes, you have to let people down or give them difficult news. I have never had an issue with that, but sometimes, the truth is hard to swallow. Also, when someone is doing a great job, say “Thank you.” I can see it on another’s face when I acknowledge them truthfully.
Being curious. Change is the only constant. Throw yourself into brainstorming sessions about what could change and why. Something can continually be enhanced. Breaks can be the opportunity for that. Think outside the oval.
Being fearless. The only way to encourage others is to jump into the deep end yourself. Engage in challenging situations and bring others with you. I remember attending an art gallery and asking the artist frankly about his style choice, which led to further collaboration between us.
How do exceptional leaders leverage emotional intelligence to inspire and influence their teams?
When you understand someone needs additional attention or is having a bad day, it is easier to diffuse blowups or misunderstandings. Clear communication allows the team to move forward appropriately. Positive reinforcement is vital to avoid burnout. Food is a great option, in my opinion.
What role does humility play in the success of great leaders, and how is it demonstrated in their behavior?
Everyone is human and needs a break or some grace occasionally. Workers are not robots. Please do not treat them that way. Get to know every person differently. Your interactions should not be the same but tailored to that person.
How do exceptional leaders navigate difficult conversations and foster open communication in their organizations?
By not avoiding the elephant in the room. Allowing unanswered emotions or questions to fester is never okay. Ask questions and have regular team meetings to create cohesion and get everything on the table from everyone involved. The best teams come to a consensus after shared discussion. When open communication is welcomed and practiced regularly, difficult conversations are easier.
What makes adaptability a superpower in leadership, and how do the best leaders exemplify it?
Adaptability is water. Water can shapeshift to any room, be accommodating and light-hearted, and bring out the best in the people around it through healthy hydration. Adaptability is needed when dealing with meetings, scheduling conflicts, or moving frequently. When change happens, which is often, adaptability is maintaining an equilibrium by re-centering yourself and remaining smooth and calm amidst chaos.
Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “Five Traits That Separate Good Leaders from Exceptional Ones”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
1 . Urgency. I am a notorious email checker. I remember checking an email from someone on my team regarding an author website. I immediately called to share my opinions because it needed to be fixed immediately.
2 . Passion. Passion is like dominoes. When you share excitement for your work, others share that excitement with you. When I became excited about mixing paint, several customers and fellow employees wanted to watch me mix or join me in the mix room to see their paint made.
3 . Resilience. There will be hiccups down the road. For example, sometimes an email will not go through because of a firewall, a customer might have ordered the wrong item, or an edit needs to be made on a past article due to changing times. Mistakes happen. The response is most important.
4 . Dedication. When you start something, you should have an intention or plan to finish it, even if you have to use Plan B. I recently had to fly to Montana, and when I got there. I had no luggage. It was in the middle of a snowstorm. Instead of getting my luggage back, I just washed my clothes every day and wore the same Calvin Klein jacket to stay warm.
5 . Vision. Being detail-oriented is excellent, but seeing the bigger picture is optimal for reaching peace of mind and understanding that each step forward is working toward the company’s greater goal. For instance, an outline of a book is much more important than a perfect chapter. Also, the finances of a shop rest of the big freight customers, not angry walk-in customers disappointed with their purchase. Refunds are not a bad thing.
How do great leaders balance confidence with vulnerability to create stronger connections with their teams?
Vulnerability strengthens confidence. When we are honest about our worries or weaknesses, we can grow stronger through support in the right areas. If we never show any shred of personality or realness, how can others feel empowered to do so?
What strategies do exceptional leaders use to consistently recognize and nurture talent within their organizations?
I believe in daily affirmations, regular meetings, wellness check-ins, and holistic health encouragement, from food to working out to fun. When health is a standard, happiness also becomes a standard.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
Jack Potlucks are where people bring food and a piece of their culture to share. Whether it be a photo of their favorite automobile, a prayer inspired by their religious text, a meditation, a quote or line from a work of art, spoken word, a documentary, or a piece of artwork, they have to offer a sliver of the pie that makes up the world pie created through the potluck.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Website: jackrazz.com
Instagram: @razz5
YouTube: @jackrazz
Linkedin: @razz5
Facebook: @jackrazzHQ
X: @AuthorJackHQ
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About the Interviewer: Cynthia Corsetti is an esteemed executive coach with over two decades in corporate leadership and 11 years in executive coaching. Author of the upcoming book, “Dark Drivers,” she guides high-performing professionals and Fortune 500 firms to recognize and manage underlying influences affecting their leadership. Beyond individual coaching, Cynthia offers a 6-month executive transition program and partners with organizations to nurture the next wave of leadership excellence.