Conan went from being a writer on SNL and the Simpson’s in his 20s, to taking over for Letterman as he turned 30. Talk about a promotion. No pressure! To make things worse, he wasn’t just filling big shoes, he was also charged by the network to help find a younger audience. That gave him … Continue reading When Feedback Is Full Of It (With Conan O’Brien)
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Self-Compassion > Self-Criticism
“You’re a beautiful girl,” the old man from her ancestral country said. She felt the warmth of his compliment glow deep inside her. He continued, “Don’t ever shave your mustache.” Poof. It was out. Dr. Kristen Neff is a leading researcher on self-criticism and that’s one of her stories. It made me laugh out loud … Continue reading Self-Compassion > Self-Criticism
Creativity Is Connectivity
Creativity is really just connectivity. All those crazy ideas bouncing around? They’re creating new patterns (if you’re looking). And, simply noticing new patterns is a form of creativity. If you can harness a new pattern and turn it into something useful, it’s what they call a superpower. Those are the people who can see around … Continue reading Creativity Is Connectivity
Turn It Up To ELEVEN
As Rory Sutherland would say, it doesn't have to make logical sense, it just has to be psychologically effective. I use this expression all of the time and it's come to my attention that not everyone knows what I'm talking about. So, if I'm sending you this, it's because I created this note for future … Continue reading Turn It Up To ELEVEN
Professionals Don’t Change Hats, They Change Positions
When you work with people, especially if you’re leading them, situations change and you have to adapt. The most useful thing to know is where we stand in relation to those we're working with. This is positioning. Instead of putting on different hats to represent different roles and responsibilities, thinking in terms of positioning allows … Continue reading Professionals Don’t Change Hats, They Change Positions
Sunday Music: Bullion And ‘96 Feels
I’ve been going through boxes (and milk crates, and plastic bins, and…) of old CDs. Since I apparently don’t own a CD player outside of my car, I’ve been digging up whatever I can up online, and whatever I can’t, well, don’t get me started (but if you get in my car you will be … Continue reading Sunday Music: Bullion And ‘96 Feels
Podcast Of The Week: Raphael Saadiq, Renaissance Music Man
Hey! On Saturday’s I highlight a podcast about being a creative professional. Sometimes it’s direct, sometimes it’s indirect, but it’s always entertaining and educational. This week’s Podcast of the Week is… Musician/producer extraordinaire - Raphael Saadiq on the Questlove Supreme Podcast. Raphael Saadiq started off as a kid trying to break into the local Oakland … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Raphael Saadiq, Renaissance Music Man
Life Is Hell (When The AC Breaks)
We interrupt your normally programmed, thoughtfully curated conversation starters for a story. If you pay close attention, there's probably a moral in here about the importance of framing our experiences. If you don’t, hopefully it’s at least good for a laugh. If you see me IRL and I tell this story, you'll know here's where … Continue reading Life Is Hell (When The AC Breaks)
When Self-Awareness Is Just Selfish-Talk
Yeah, I've noticed things are broken and passively ignored them before. Let he who hasn't cast the next stone through the already broken abandoned factory windows. Tasha Eurich is the kingpin of self-awareness research. She recently tweeted this Alan Mulally quote, If you don’t have a vision, a smart strategy, and a detailed plan to … Continue reading When Self-Awareness Is Just Selfish-Talk
I Did It Hemingway
Sometimes you do the work and the work kicks your teeth in. Then, on the good days, you smile a bloodied and toothless smile, lay your head down, and go to sleep so you can do it again tomorrow. The Old Man And The Sea has long been one of my favorite books. When I … Continue reading I Did It Hemingway