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President Lyndon Johnson wrote this list down long before he became President. It’s a hell of a set of principles. Here’s the inverted list, in case you need to also know what NOT to do: Kind of messed up that I can think of people who live by each of these lists. Let’s go team … Continue reading President Lyndon Johnson’s 10-Point Success Formula
At the grand opening of Planet Hollywood, business partners Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, and Arnold Schwarzeneggar were hanging out alone. Poised like gods on a superhero mountaintop at a backroom table, they’re approached by a young upstart actor named Will Smith, who jumps right in with this question: What’s it take to be the biggest … Continue reading Imagine You’re Running For President (Arnold Schwarzeneggar’s Career Advice To Will Smith)
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
Dad jokes are in the best interest of kids AND humanity. Because just like how you learn you don’t have to cry every time you get a little boo-boo on our knee, you also need to learn you don’t have to cry every time you get a little boo-boo on your pride. Not in some … Continue reading Dad Jokes For Humanity!
Before he was President, Abraham Lincoln’s step-brother wrote him a letter asking for a loan. The response is worth quoting (emphasis added). : Your request for eighty dollars, I do not think it best, to comply with now. At the various times when I have helped you a little, you have said to me “We … Continue reading The Time Abe Lincoln’s Step Brother Asked Him For A Loan
Dr. Marci Reynolds was the 5th global president of the International Coach Federation and currently is a director on the board. She bleeds coaching. Listen to her in this conversation with Michael Bungay Stanier talk about how she ended up on her journey, and what she still is working on getting better at. I’m inspired. … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Dr. Marcia Reynolds On Coaching, Culture, And Crossroads
Status symbols (titles, watches, cars, etc.) work to signal people “below you” in status. To the status-seeking person, these are the talismans of displaying achieved happiness. But those same status symbols don’t work “up.” The CEO is still patting the Vice President on the back and telling him, “Good job.” Who does the CEO want … Continue reading Status Symbols Don’t Work “UP”
Did you know Wynton Marsalis’ Harvard lecture series, “Hidden in Plain View” is on YouTube? I didn’t. Get some music. Get some philosophy. Get some of that Marsalis magic in your soul. I was lucky enough to see him give a masterclass circa 2004. Now, I’ve seen my share of music masterclasses and most of them … Continue reading Sunday Music: Jazz At Harvard with Wynton Marsalis
Inertia can be a bitch. “Inertia is the tendency of consumers to adhere to their existing habits or actions even when presented with a superior alternative.” To anyone selling anything they genuinely believe in who has been smacked down by the inertia of the people across the table – you know the pain. Here’s some … Continue reading Inertia: 100% That Bitch
The first time I heard him, it was (probably) a Napster lifted version of “Alphabet Aerobics.” Somebody inevitably pitched it to me as, “dude, you’ve gotta hear this. He does the whole alphabet in rhyme and it’s just redonculous.” Yes, that was certainly my gateway introduction to Gift of Gab. Yes, we also said redonculous. … Continue reading Sunday Music: Remembering Gift of Gab