Sam Zell on why it’s worth getting really good at something: If you’re really good at what you do, you have the freedom to be who you really are. Practice man, practice.
Sam Zell: Chairman Of Everything, CEO Of Nothing
This Sam Zell quote really has wormed its way into my head, I often say I’m chairman of everything and the CEO of nothing. I stick to what I’m good at - vision, direction, strategy. That’s where I add the most value. I spend almost my entire day listening to other people. I ask questions, … Continue reading Sam Zell: Chairman Of Everything, CEO Of Nothing
Sam Zell’s Playboy Business
Sam Zell was known for his investment acumen. But Patrick O’Shaugnessy shared this quote on where one of his first business ideas came from: On one of my walks I discovered a newsstand underneath the “L” tracks. It was 1953, and a provocative new magazine called Playboy had just made its debut featuring Marilyn Monroe … Continue reading Sam Zell’s Playboy Business
Dream Job (Note To Self)
I forgot I made this note to myself a few weeks ago: Dream job - hired by an organization for culture building, but instead of talking about the normal crap we plan a heist or make a playlist for the year ahead or anything totally non-work related at face value. The purpose is to shake … Continue reading Dream Job (Note To Self)
The Only Truth Is Narrative Truth
Oliver Sacks spent a lifetime studying the brain and the weird stuff it could do (like why a guy would mistake his wife for a hat). But perhaps his greatest and simplest observation, The only truth is narrative truth. Whatever we are telling ourselves, that’s what’s real. Worth keeping in mind, don’t you think?
Sunday Music: Tina Turner And The Stones
In 1966 the Rolling Stones took Tina Turner on the road in England. In 1969, they hit the states. Here’s her and Ike doing, “I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” from the Gimme Shelter movie, which captures the period. But let’s be real. It’s just Tina in this clip. She melted all of them. … Continue reading Sunday Music: Tina Turner And The Stones
Podcast Of The Week: Indre Viskontas’ Oliver Sacks Audiobook
Indre Viskontas, everyone’s favorite opera singing neurologist, did an audiobook series on the life and work of Oliver Sacks. It’s called Radiant Minds: The World of Oliver Sacks and it’s brilliant. Listen to each chapter like a podcast. It's presented this way (and it works really well). If you're unfamiliar with Sacks, think of a real … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Indre Viskontas’ Oliver Sacks Audiobook
People Will Do Anything For Those Who…
A Blair Warren quote on persuasion: People will do anything for those who encourage their dreams, justify their failures, allay their fears, confirm their suspicion, and help them throw rocks at their enemies. I’ll reformat this, because it’s a useful framework before you ask someone to do something (and an extremely useful framework before you … Continue reading People Will Do Anything For Those Who…
The Answer To MORE Uncertainty
The answer to the perception of more uncertainty isn’t to just hide under the bed. I tried. It’s not actually useful so come on out. The answer to more uncertainty, real or perceived, is to have more plans. Not for sake of paralysis, but for sake of confidently stepping in new directions. COVID was changing … Continue reading The Answer To MORE Uncertainty
When Mom Boos Too (Philly Edition)
Trea Turner had this to say about being booed by the Phillies fans at home, Turner: My mom prepared me for anything in this game or in this world. She was tough on me from an early age and not much phases me. Reporter: Did she ever boo you? Turner: She told me today she … Continue reading When Mom Boos Too (Philly Edition)