Insights from Josh Linkner, 2024 Bridge Conference Keynote Speaker

Kicking off this year’s Bridge event was a keynote address by Josh Linkner, New York Times bestselling author and renowned entrepreneur. His message was clear: success in marketing and fundraising often comes from embracing the unexpected and tapping into our creative potential.

Linkner emphasized the importance of embracing unique ideas, even if they initially seem unconventional. He shared the story of Jesse Cole, the mastermind behind the Savannah Bananas. Jesse replaced a traditional first base coach with break dancers and incorporated a baby banana—endearingly called the “Banana Baby.”

These quirky, innovative ideas have done more than just entertain—they’ve revolutionized the fan experience and skyrocketed the team’s popularity. With their Dad Bod Cheerleading Squad and the now-famous Banana Baby & Simba routine, the team has amassed over five million TikTok followers—more than any Major League Baseball team.

The takeaway? Sometimes, you have to judo-flip conventional methods to create something extraordinary.

Throughout his address, Linkner discussed five core mindsets that are crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving success:

1. Start Before You’re Ready:Linkner challenged us to take action, even when we don’t feel fully prepared. Waiting for the perfect moment often means missing out on opportunities. By starting before you’re ready, you open yourself to possibilities and growth.
2. Break It to Fix It:Sometimes, to move forward, you have to break old habits or systems that no longer serve you. Letting go of the familiar can be difficult, but it’s often the key to innovation and progress.
3. Use Every Drop of Toothpaste: This mindset is about maximizing your resources, no matter how limited they seem. Like squeezing the last drop of toothpaste, creativity often flourishes when you’re forced to make the most of what you have.
4. Seek the Unexpected:Embracing oddball ideas and seeking unconventional opportunities can lead to extraordinary success.
5. Fall Seven Times, Stand Eight:Resilience is essential in facing challenges. As the Japanese proverb says, “Fall seven times, stand eight.” It’s not about avoiding failure; it’s about learning from it and coming back stronger.

Linkner’s enjoyable keynote offered a roadmap for success in the ever-changing landscape of marketing and fundraising. By awakening the artist within and adopting the five core mindsets to “Find A Way,” we can overcome challenges and create something truly extraordinary.