Resilience Is the New Strategy: Lessons from Derrick Pledger and the Digital Age
Success isn’t just about having the best strategy—it’s about who you listen to, who’s in your corner, and whether your mindset can weather the storm. As Peter Drucker famously said, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” And in 2025, that couldn’t be more true. You can have the perfect playbook, but if the energy around you is off—if your values aren’t aligned, your vision isn’t sharp, or your community isn’t supportive—your strategy crumbles.
That’s why 500 Pound Media is proud to spotlight leaders like Derrick Pledger, EVP and CDIO at Maximus, who are shaping culture, not just chasing titles. Recently featured on Amplify Your Brand with host Anika Jackson, Derrick brought clarity to what it really takes to thrive in this digital age. In a conversation full of gems, one message rang loud: resilience, authenticity, and community are non-negotiables.
Derrick’s voice isn’t just one of experience—it’s one of impact. On the podcast, he shared how he’s navigated some of the toughest professional terrain by anchoring in who he listens to, who he serves, and how he stays ready to adapt. In a time when many are overwhelmed by change, Derrick reminds us: transformation starts from within, and the people around you can either fuel your growth or drain it.
This is exactly why 500 Pound Media is launching a new documentary project in 2025, focused on Resilience in the Digital Age. There’s no title yet, but the mission is already locked in. We’re exploring how individuals and organizations push forward when the landscape is uncertain, the tech is evolving, and the personal stakes are high. We’ll ask: How do we pivot and thrive? How do culture and community carry us through? And how do we stay grounded while scaling?
Because this conversation isn’t just about business. It’s about life. It’s about staying in the game when the rules keep changing—and still finding a way to win. Derrick Pledger is one of many voices who will inspire this journey, and we invite you to follow along, contribute, and reflect.
Who you listen to matters. Choose wisely—and keep pushing.