What’s Your Brand Personality?
November 7, 2011
If you or your company has the personality of a pet rock, it’s time to shake things up. If you don’t, your competitors surely will.
Read MoreAchieve Instead of Occupy
October 31, 2011
It is highly unlikely that this “movement” will accomplish much of anything.
Read MoreFour Powerful Questions
October 24, 2011
Send the critic out for a long walk, ask the right questions, and get busy with manifesting your true potential. Everyone else’s is already taken.
Read MoreBe, Do, Have
October 17, 2011
Many of us chase success, only to find it to be an elusive tease.
Read MoreLetting Go
October 10, 2011
Many people find themselves in “okay” jobs, “okay” relationships, and living “okay” lives. It takes boldness and courage to let go of the known to pursue the wonder and magic of what’s possible.
Read MorePlanting Seeds
October 3, 2011
How do you know if you’ve accomplished something today?
Read MoreKeeping Score
September 12, 2011
Personally, I have a ton of work do to on my new scorecard. Do you?
Read MoreAre You a Firebrand?
September 6, 2011
Whether you’re working to drive your company or career, the key to unlocking your full potential is creating a story that is unique, captivating, and irresistible. A Firebrand.
Read More11 Lessons from Steve
August 29, 2011
Steve famously said he wanted to “put a ding in the universe.” You have done that, my friend, and so much more.
Read MoreCaught in the Act
August 22, 2011
With so much effort spent catching people doing something wrong, it’s time to start catching each other doing something right.
Read MoreThe United States of Apple
August 1, 2011
Get this – Apple, Inc. now has more money than the US Government.
Read MoreThe Man Behind the Magic
July 25, 2011
This past week was truly a “magical” one for me. Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the hall of fame basketball star, brilliant entrepreneur, and generous philanthropist joined my venture capital firm.
Read MoreShould’a, Could’a, Would’a
July 18, 2011
Have the courage and conviction to go for the things you really want. Stop settling and start doing. Seize the day, and never, never, ever be a should’a, could’a, would’a.
Read MoreThe Riskiest Move of All
July 11, 2011
All our lives we’ve been taught to avoid risk. Look both ways when crossing the street. Don’t touch the hot stove. Don’t talk to strangers.
Read MoreColombo’s Curiosity
June 27, 2011
Lt. Colombo solved each case using his most powerful weapon: curiosity.
Read MoreFeedback is a Gift
May 23, 2011
Why is direct feedback so awkward in the business world? When you politely nod your head in agreement while thinking that your colleague must be smoking crack, you are not helping anyone. In fact, holding back your insight is an injustice to your organization and yourself.
Read MoreInstructions vs. Imagination
November 8, 2010
When I was growing up (circa mid 1970’s), Legos were my favorite toy. Back then, Lego sets consisted of random bricks of various sizes and shapes and it was up to me to build what I imagined. It was all about discovery and exploring the possibilities. Problem-solving. How to construct what was in your mind. […]
Read MoreWhere’s Waldo?
June 7, 2010
Remember when you were a kid and you read Where’s Waldo books? “Where’s Waldo? Where’s Waldo? Where’s Waldo ?!?” The fun of the books was not in the story line, but scanning the complex illustrations to find your friend in a red striped shirt hiding in the crowd. During the process, your level of awareness […]
Read MoreThe Weekly Roundup – April 23, 2010
April 23, 2010
Overcoming your fears – 7 secrets from the ages All of us must deal with our fears, and often they are what stand between us and greatness – or at least making the attempt. Clink on this link to see what the experts have been saying for 2,000 years are the best ways to overcome […]
Read MoreHeads Up vs. Heads Down
April 19, 2010
We’ve all heard people in the business world proclaim that they are “heads down” on a project. Or that they are unable to explore new opportunities since they are “heads down in execution mode.” Consider, for a moment, the advantages of being “heads up” instead. Let’s compare the two states of being: Heads Down Focused […]
Read MoreThe Weekly Roundup – April 16, 2010
April 16, 2010
Creative Intelligence – sometimes it is life or death Creative approaches to tough problems show up in unexpected places. When the US Special Forces first parachuted into Afghanistan after 9/11, they found themselves adopting some unusual martial techniques to manage the terrain and gain respect in the eyes of the local people. They succeeded because […]
Read MoreThe Weekly Roundup – April 9, 2010
April 9, 2010
1. Steve Wozniak, Co-founder of Apple, on Innovation: How did Wozniak and Jobs do it? How did they create the engineering and design juggernaut that is Apple? Check out the interview with Steve – he considered himself an artist. He saw himself as part of a team, he focused on what to leave out, and […]
Read MoreCreative Sparks from the World of Jazz – Part 6 of 6
April 5, 2010
There are so many powerful business lessons we can learn from the world of jazz. This fluid, improvisation art form is all about taking risks and trying new things. Going out on limb can be scary, but it is where the magic happens. Extending yourself outside your comfort zone is where the best rewards will […]
Read MoreCreative Sparks from the World of Jazz – Part 5 of 6
April 2, 2010
Earlier this week, I launched a six-part blog series on techniques from the jazz world that can be easily translated to driving business creativity. Jazz music is all about spontaneous creativity and improvisation – skills that are critically important in the business world. We’ve covered a number of powerful concepts already (to read the full […]
Read MoreCreative Sparks from the World of Jazz – Part 4 of 6
April 1, 2010
Earlier this week, I launched a six-part blog series on techniques from the jazz world that can be easily translated to driving business creativity. Jazz music is all about spontaneous creativity and improvisation – skills that are critically important in the business world. The first post covered a technique called Trading Fours. The second post […]
Read MoreCreative Sparks from the World of Jazz – Part 3 of 6
March 31, 2010
Earlier this week, I launched a six-part blog series on techniques from the jazz world that can be easily translated to driving business creativity. Jazz music is all about spontaneous creativity and improvisation – skills that are critically important in the business world. The first posted covered a technique called Trading Fours. The second post […]
Read MoreCreative Sparks from the World of Jazz – Part 2 of 6
March 30, 2010
Yesterday, I launched a six-part blog series on techniques from the jazz world that can be easily translated to driving business creativity. Jazz music is all about spontaneous creativity and improvisation – skills that are critically important in the business world. The first post covered a technique called Trading Fours. Now let’s look at the […]
Read MoreCreative Sparks from the World of Jazz – Part 1 of 6
March 29, 2010
If there was a PhD for creative sparking, jazz musicians would graduate with high distinction. Smoke-filled, late night jazz clubs are hotbeds of spontaneous creativity. I’m going to post a six-part blog series on techniques from the jazz world that can be easily translated to driving business creativity. Having studied jazz improvisation for nearly 30 […]
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