breakthrough

Aim Up, Compare Down

A good friend of mine said something to me at dinner this week that really hit me: "Aim Up, Compare ...

The Front Page Test

In an era of intense pressure to succeed, we're often faced with the dilemma to do well OR do good. ...

My 11 Principles

Recently I had the privilege of delivering my third commencement speech. I love graduation ceremonies and what they symbolize: achievement, ...

About to be Nested?

There are few products less sexy that a thermostat. It is a boring, utilitarian commodity, right? The world agreed for ...

Inventing Your Enemy

In 2005, I found myself in a very desirable position. I had started a company from scratch six years before, ...

The Dark Side is Yummy

When Darth Vader tried to persuade young Skywalker to join the dark side, it wasn't a very compelling proposition. Who ...

Defying Gravity

When the space shuttle takes off, it burns two-thirds of its fuel in the first 20 minutes. The remaining supply ...

Distinctive

The ultra-premium and highly-coveted high heel designer Christian Louboutin has been racing the hearts of fashionistas for over 20 years. ...

What’s Your Brand Personality?

I've noticed more and more that the competitors in most industries are nearly indistinguishable. I honestly can't tell you the ...

Flood the House to Catch the Mouse

Imagine you had the challenge of inventing a better mousetrap. Literally. A typical brainstorm session may yield incremental improvements in ...