Scott Taylor, MBA

Saint Ignatius High School

Assistant Director of Advancement Marketing

BlkDog

We are a brand marketing agency helping small businesses, entrepreneurs, 
and dreamers build brands with purpose.

CEO + Founder

INTERDESIGN

Global Director Brand Marketing

Moen Incorporated

• Lead end-to-end campaign development including identifying target insights,
audiences, developing strategy, briefing creation, defining messaging, channel
planning, brand positioning, and content development
• Lead creative direction of above the line advertising (paid social, tv, radio) to
support key marketing initiatives and branded content
• Track and report the brand marketing data including development of feedback
loops to ensure creative is delivering against company goals, and optimizing
for short and long term impact
• Develop and communicate industry, market, and channel understanding to
advance and address business objectives
• Work collaboratively with cross functional teams on new product launches
and marketing campaigns in support of our Vision Into Action strategy
• Manage and partner with internal marketers, writers, designers, and direct
external agency partners on briefings, creative reviews, and brand activities
• Translate brand strategies into brand plans and go-to-market strategies
• Monitor market trends and research competitor’s activities to find opportunities
and report on marketing activities

Associate Brand Marketing Manager

John Carroll University

• Led strategy and execution of creative, marketing, and web projects to
support John Carroll University’s strategic marketing efforts
• Led creative, brand, and web strategies including positioning, digital,
social media, and web management
• Co-led athletics rebranding process between 2018-2019
• Developed and enhanced brand positioning and brand guidelines
• Increased in-house creative capabilities including adding video and animation
• Led the visual direction of John Carroll University’s new website in 2019,
including consultation of UI/UX brand experience
• Directed external resources including a team of writers, photographers,
marketing specialists, and digital teams to execute strategic brand initiatives
• Coached and mentored team members on professional development growth
opportunities including training on brand marketing best practices

Director of Marketing and Creative Services

Director of Creative Services

Senior Graphic Designer

University Hospitals

• Lead designer for key accounts including The Cleveland Browns, UH Harrington
Heart & Vascular Institute, Corporate Communications, and Human Resources,
Sports and Orthopedics, Institutional Relations & Development
• Partnered with marketing and communications teams to produce the highest
standard of brand collateral to meet hospital objectives and enhanced brand
awareness across all marketing channels.
• Collaborated with senior leadership on system initiatives including evolving
processes, products, and tools

Graphic Designer

Sherwin-Williams

• Executed, coordinated, distributed, and supported Sherwin-Williams Protective
& Marine (PM) marketing and brand initiatives for North America
• Designed marketing and sales collateral including sell sheets, brochures,
print and digital ads, and event materials supporting North America and
Global sales strategic efforts
• Developed and managed the PM divisions’ first online digital magazine,
e-Coating Solutions, over 40,000 subscribers globally

Graphic Designer + Marketing Specialist

Co-Founder @ BlkDog, Brand Marketing Agency For Small Businesses | Connecting People + Brands to Purpose | Creative, Leadership, Strategy

Hi! I'm Scott. 

I'm a creative turned brand marketing leader. I'm here to share my experiences, life lessons, ideas, network, and help others. 

In addition, I am a…
🔸 Proud Father and Husband 
🔸 Cleveland Sports Fan - Go Browns, Guards, Cavs
🔸 Foodie - I love cooking and discovering new restaurants and breweries
🔸 Traveler - Travel changes us. It's the gateway to growth and creativity.
🔸 Lifelong Learner - Growth is never done. I love learning new skills and ideas to keep things fresh. 

I graduated with an MBA from John Carroll University and Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication Design from the University of Dayton. 

I have over 14 years of professional experience in marketing, communications, brand, and creative design. I’ve had the privilege to work in several roles in varying industries including Manufacturing, Higher Education, Healthcare, Technology, Security, Art & Design, Law, Software, Event Planning, Athletics, Health & Wellness. 

My diverse professional experiences have helped me remain agile, innovative, and focused on growth as a person and professional. Lifelong learning is at my core. Of course I wouldn't be where I am today without countless talented and incredible mentors, colleagues, and partners who have pushed me to continue growing. 

• Creative Direction 
• Marketing Strategy
• Integrated Marketing & Communications  
• Digital Marketing 
• Social Media and Content Strategy  
• Brand Strategy
• Agency Management 
• Advertising and Paid Media Execution
• Project Management 
• Team and Staff Development 
• Executive Leadership 

In addition to my full-time work experience, my wife and I founded a brand and design company, BlkDog. We focus on supporting other small businesses, entrepreneurs, & dreamers. We believe in supporting the local Cleveland community and small business owners to achieve their goals by partnering with our team on branding, design, and strategic marketing.

To learn more about our agency BlkDog, visit www.goblkdog.com 

 *All my experiences and opinions shared here are my own.

Director of Global Brand Marketing

🔥 𝑇𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐿𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝐸𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑑𝑎𝑦 𝐴𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 🔥 

🎓 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫. 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫.
For 18 years, I’ve explored what makes leadership work in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities. As a long-time Professor of Management at John Carroll University and Instructor at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business Executive Education, I bring academic rigor to the practical realities leaders face e͟v͟e͟r͟y͟ ͟d͟a͟y͟. I’ve taught thousands of students and professionals, helping them turn insight into influence.

📚 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫. 𝐏𝐨𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫.
I’ve co-authored five books and published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles on leadership. I also host Practical Wisdom for Leaders, a podcast ranked in the top 2.5% globally, and write a weekly newsletter for professionals looking to quickly elevate their knowledge.

🏢 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐫. 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐫. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of energizing teams across Fortune 500 and global organizations, including NASA, Toyota North America, Cleveland Clinic, Nestlé, Progressive, Nordson, KeyBank, Creston, Whiting-Turner, Sam’s Club, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Whether on stage or in a strategy session, my work focuses on helping leaders and teams enhance their communication, culture, and impact.

💬 𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫. 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐝𝐈𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐫.
LinkedIn has become an extension of the classroom. It's a space for ongoing conversations about leadership and human behavior. I post daily and love to engage with people around the globe.

🤝 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬. 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞. 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.
I’m passionate about building communities that advance leadership education and practice. I co-founded the Collegiate Leadership Competition (CLC) and served as its Board Chair, creating an international platform for students to develop real-world leadership skills. I have also served on the boards of the International Leadership Association, Association of Leadership Educators, and the Management and Organizational Behavior Teaching Society. In 2021, I was named an ILA Fellow for contributions to the global leadership community.

💡 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐲.
Leadership isn’t a title. It's a series of behaviors. It’s about presence, courage, and the daily practice of helping others do their best.

If any of this speaks to you, I'd love to connect!

Scott Allen

Disagreement doesn’t have to equal disrespect.
Healthy disagreement is baked into my best relationships.

HBR suggests that when we listen with respect (even to opposing views), our arguments become more persuasive, not less! 

And organizational studies confirm that when people voice disagreement constructively, it strengthens trust, satisfaction, and collaboration.

As Bourdain suggests, the real test isn’t whether we see eye to eye.

It’s whether we can still see each other as humans and seek to understand.

That's the magic.

What about you? When have you built respect in the middle of disagreement?

Source: HBR, Disagreement Doesn’t Have to Be Divisive

***
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📌 Design by Bela Jevtovic

Scott J. Allen, Ph.D.

Professor, Author, Speaker, Podcaster, Expert in Leadership

Titles don’t inspire commitment.
Behaviors do.

I've had the honor of working with some pretty incredible leaders over the years. Individuals who gained my unconditional trust and commitment. 

How'd they do it? Well, it's easy in concept, but rare in practice. 

These 15 behaviors are a great place to begin. They communicate true confidence. They are the blueprint. 

As you read the behaviors, think about the best leader you've worked with, and I am confident you will notice some themes. Names will pop into your head. You will be flooded with positive memories.

These individuals are grounded, clear, mature, and aligned.

When you model them, you don’t just lead, you build your legacy.

***
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📌 Design by Bela Jevtovic

Be the leader who elevates others.
It's just that simple.

In return, they will elevate you.

***
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There's a myth that leaders should know everything.


Devise the plan.
Create the vision.
Have the solution.
Know the answer...always.
Be the hero.

What happens as a result? A lot of bad stuff in my experience...

✔️ Leaders start to feel the crushing weight of pretending.
✔️ Teams stay silent because “the boss already knows.”
✔️ Opportunities get missed because curiosity was replaced with certainty.

But the truth?

In complexity, no one has all the answers.

Not the CEO, the founder, the manager...anyone.

The real power of leadership isn’t in knowing everything.

⚡ It’s in elevating the right questions and co-creating a path forward ⚡ 

Free yourself from the myth.

🔥 Listen actively.
🔥 Ask better questions.
🔥 Co-create the path forward.

That’s leadership (and management).

***
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“Moving forward imperfectly.” 


This is a quote by the awesome Jon Acuff.

That's what I am doing in 2026
That's what I did in 2025.

That's what I'll do in 2027.

Move forward imperfectly. 

We each have 360 more opportunities. 
Make them count.

***
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Most managers assume understanding is automatic.
It’s not.

Misunderstandings hide until they derail projects or erode trust.

My go-to fix when we NEED to be on the same page? 

The Read-Back Rule, which is a simple four-step loop:

1️⃣ Summarize the key actions.
2️⃣ Have the other person repeat them back.
3️⃣ Confirm or clarify.
4️⃣ Proceed when everyone’s aligned.

Repeat as needed. This loop keeps communication tight until true alignment is reached.

Mantra: “Say it back, lock it in.”

This isn’t micromanagement, it’s micro-clarity.

Healthcare research shows that closed-loop “check-back” communication sharply cuts errors in high-stakes settings, and the logic applies to any team.

Try it in your next one-on-one or team meeting to catch gaps early and avoid headaches later.

Learn More: Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality. Tool: Check-Back (or Repeat Back) 

***
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Curiosity is a superpower.
It’s a performance multiplier.

I’ve seen it firsthand in my consulting work. 

A senior leadership team I was working with was locked in a debate about culture and where to invest their energy. Opinions were strong and tensions were rising. 

One manager paused and asked a simple question: “What path is most aligned with our values?”

That moment of curiosity flipped the room. Instead of defending positions, they started thinking in possibilities. The decision they reached was more robust, aligned, and their own.

Harvard Business Review confirms what I’ve witnessed. Curious teams make fewer errors, adapt to stress, perform better, and generate more ideas. They also listen more, reduce conflict, and build the kind of trust that fuels collaboration.

The ROI of curiosity is clear...open minds make for better decisions. It's not a silver bullet, but it's a great place to begin.

Think back to your last really tough meeting. How would it have played out if curiosity had led the way? 

It's fun to think about. 

Source: The Business Case Study for Curiosity, HBR

***
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Most leaders are busy solving everyone else’s problems.
The real work? It starts with the questions you ask yourself.

These 17 questions are a gut check. They aren’t about tactics or quick wins.

They’re about the kind of leader you are becoming. And as Professor Carol Dweck says, "Becoming is better than being."

Research backs this up. A Harvard Business School study found that employees who spent just 15 minutes reflecting at the end of the day performed 23% better after 10 days.

Ask yourself:
– Can I name the values that guide my work?
– Am I building a team that can hum along without me?
– How do I help the team handle mistakes and setbacks?

When you sit with these questions (really sit with them), they reveal gaps you can’t ignore. They also spark the kind of clarity that fuels better decisions, healthier teams, and a culture of trust.

Take five minutes today. Pick one question from the list and write down your honest answers. That small pause could reshape how you lead.

Better yet, conduct this activity with your team. Answer one question each meeting. One quick, one-breath reaction from each person can re-center your team on the leader they want to be.

Source: Harvard Business School, Making Experience Count: The Role
of Reflection in Individual Learning

***
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Leadership development is a system, not a program.


I have admired the work of Big Think for years. 

It was an honor to work on this post with David Day. 

An important topic. When it comes to preparing people to serve as leaders and managers, there is a lot of opportunity. 

We can do better.

Leadership development has a long history of chasing the “flavor of the month.”

Organizations invest heavily in new programs, generate early momentum, and then move on when lasting behavior change fails to materialize. The effort is there, but the design falls short.

Scott J. Allen, Ph.D. and David Day argue that many leadership initiatives struggle because they are built as one-off programs rather than as systems grounded in how adults actually develop. Their framework shifts leadership development from events to an integrated system anchored in clear leadership principles, including:

 • Assessment and feedback
 • Personal development pathways
 • Ongoing learning over time
 • Stretch assignments embedded in real work
 • Coaching and accountability

When these elements are aligned, leadership development becomes something leaders practice every day, not something they attend once a quarter.

You can read the full article here: https://hubs.ly/Q03ZZV-60

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Scott Taylor, MBA

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