A Leadership Lesson in Headshots & Hustle

Aug 12

In the world of leadership and personal branding, we all talk about maximizing time, but here’s the real question: What can you actually accomplish in 30 minutes?

We put that challenge to the test—completely by accident—when Dr. Kristen Eccleston, a dynamic neurodiverse educator and leadership speaker, casually (or maybe she ran up to me; only those who saw, know!) asked if we could update her headshots.

We both knew her schedule was packed. We also knew mine wasn’t much better. So, instead of penciling in “someday,” we decided to make “right now” work.

The 30-Minute Challenge in Action

Here’s what happened:

Total shooting time: just under 28 minutes
Number of locations: 3.5 (yes, that half counts—it was a quick transition spot!)
Gear retrieval, setup, and pack-down: all handled from our hotel room in under 35 minutes

No frantic rushing. No cutting corners. Just skill, efficiency, and the shared determination to get it done—and done well.

Why This Matters in Leadership & Branding

This wasn’t just about headshots. It was about proving a point: With the right skill set, mindset, and a touch of creativity, you can make an impactful move in far less time than you think.

Leadership isn’t about always having endless hours—it’s about adapting, making quick decisions, and executing with excellence, no matter the constraints. For Dr. Kristen, those 28 minutes created brand-aligned, polished imagery that will elevate her visibility for months (and years) to come.

Dr. Kristen Eccleston | The Neurodiverse Teacher

The Power of Quick Adjustments

Whether you’re leading a team, growing a business, or building your personal brand, it’s not about having all the time in the world—it’s about:

Knowing your priorities
Making swift, informed choices
Trusting skilled professionals who can deliver fast without sacrificing quality

Tip for those just starting taking portraits: If you know your client wants brighter images, even if you prefer darker ones, make sure to shoot for them and then also yourself too! They may just end up liking yours also - which is why they came to you in the first place.

What Impact Will Your Brand Have in 30 Minutes?

If we can move locations 3.5 times, shoot stunning headshots, and wrap everything in under half an hour, imagine what 30 minutes could do for your brand presence.