KRS-One On Why Generations Need To Talk

I consider myself incredibly fortunate that I get to talk to 80-year-olds and 8-year-olds regularly.  It’s a mix of work and family and friends to get there, but as an officially middle-aged person - I love being able to draw smarts from BOTH directions.  I’d go on, but KRS-One already said it better. Read this, … Continue reading KRS-One On Why Generations Need To Talk

Podcast Of The Week: Luxurious LVMH

Every now and then I check the Acquired podcast feed, get intimidated by the length of the episodes (should I just read a book/the book/several books on my own?), and too often lately I move on.  HOWEVER. Every time I stop and listen to one I think, “I really should listen to more of these.”  … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Luxurious LVMH

Berry Gordy – Invest In Your People

Before there was Motown Records, there was Pop and Bertha Berry. This is a story about investing in your people.  The entrepreneurial couple had grocery stores, contracting businesses, and an insurance agency on their list of accomplishments. None of them became Fortune 500 companies, but the companies were theirs. The ethos came from Booker T. … Continue reading Berry Gordy – Invest In Your People

When Headlines/Subject-Lines Don’t Feel True

A quote from Harry Dry (before you write your next headline/email subject line/etc.) “Good copy is falsifiable.”  A clear message tells the reader “this is provable, if you want to prove it for yourself.”  A marketing example (which Dry uses) - let’s say you’re selling an energy drink. Ask yourself which of these feels true: … Continue reading When Headlines/Subject-Lines Don’t Feel True

Sunday Music: Pharrell (Expertly) Referencing Michael Jackson

I have the coolest friends on earth. h/t to Ryan M. who got me to listen closely to “Down In Atlanta” by Pharrell Williams by explaining how it sounded like “Another Part of Me” by Michael Jackson.  Check these tracks out back-to-back. You'll hear it too. I'm delighted. Bonus, for my music nerds: the songs … Continue reading Sunday Music: Pharrell (Expertly) Referencing Michael Jackson

Podcast Of The Week: Find The Magic Trick w/ Aaron Sorkin

Brian Koppelman asked Aaron Sorkin about becoming a great writer.  Sorkin says you’ve got to find the magic trick.  So you didn’t like something. Your friends agree it’s just crap.  But it’s up to you to figure out WHY.  The same with the great stuff.  Why’d you hate it? Why’d you love it?  Demystify it. … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Find The Magic Trick w/ Aaron Sorkin