The Time I Got A High School Paper Extension In A Bar: The Fourth Turning (But Not In The Way You Think)

2-minute version first, 13-minute version below for those interested (and I’m disclaiming this for you sticklers!) I once got a high school term paper extension in a bar. It’s a great story. Partly because it’s just funny, and partly because it highlights what I view as one of the most valuable skills a person can … Continue reading The Time I Got A High School Paper Extension In A Bar: The Fourth Turning (But Not In The Way You Think) →

A Toast: To Not Forgetting, Good Wine, And Spoonfuls Of Sugar

I think of this story every September 11th: “Cocktails Before the Collapse,” by Cal Fussman. In 1999, Cal was writing for Esquire and took a writing assignment focused on wine. His idea was to train to be a sommelier and then work at Windows on the World. If you don't remember that spot, it was … Continue reading A Toast: To Not Forgetting, Good Wine, And Spoonfuls Of Sugar →

Podcast Of The Week: Super Cat And Don Dada’s Lasting Influence

Sometime in middle school, whenever Ini Kamoze’s “Here Comes The Hotstepper” took over the radio, I ended up getting a cassette dancehall compilation - possibly from a Philly gas station - that blew my mind.  Ninjaman, Buju, Super Cat… I kind of got obsessed.  Which is a weird flag for a suburban middle school kid … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Super Cat And Don Dada’s Lasting Influence →

How To Be Lucky (Tom Morgan Edition)

Tom Morgan made a comment about the connection between play and luck, and I just can’t stop thinking of it. The money quote is in bold below, but the text before helps frame it. It’s extra powerful because he’s taking the idea of manifesting and re-emphasizing the necessity of keeping your eyes all the way … Continue reading How To Be Lucky (Tom Morgan Edition) →

The Highest Level Of Employee Trust Is…

Rachel Botsman asked this question the other day, and every group leader will want to think on this for themselves. As a leader looking inward,  What do you think is the highest expression of employee trust? (Please leave in the comments below.) I was speaking with Eugenio Pirri - FIH, CEO of the Dorchester Collection, … Continue reading The Highest Level Of Employee Trust Is… →

Get Down On It: What Else I’m Up To, 9/5/2023 Edition

How you gonna do it if you really won’t take a chance by standing on the wall? Writing (thoughtfully) in public is HARD. But it's so much fun to work out too (see #1 and #5 below). YouTube is REALLY HARD. But the more I'm doing there see #2, #3, #4), the more I'm appreciating … Continue reading Get Down On It: What Else I’m Up To, 9/5/2023 Edition →

Pyramid Process Learning Vs. Layered Learning Loop

Matthew Broadwell’s 4-stages of Competence learning pyramid was published in 1969. It’s smart, intuitive, and, well, just take a look for yourself and think about what’s missing: Sahil Bloom shared this, FYI, and Neil Bage went next level by introducing and explaining the missing piece here.  He didn’t say it so directly, but I will.  … Continue reading Pyramid Process Learning Vs. Layered Learning Loop →

What’s Best For Your Customers Is… (Business Building Advice From Derek Sivers)

I’ve been arguing with a vendor over a nickel-and-diming type fee that they think we should just pass on to the end customers.  They’re not (completely) wrong. They have an understandable logic behind their decision and I can see why they’re pushing for it. Hrumph. Adult real worldy stuff, blah blah blah.  But I also … Continue reading What’s Best For Your Customers Is… (Business Building Advice From Derek Sivers) →

Bowie On The Evolution Of Audience-Artist Relationships

In a 1999 BBC interview, David Bowie is asked if he’d be a musician if he was just starting out. Bowie explains why he wouldn’t. And he frames it within the context of the emerging impact of the internet.  I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how our environment and how it evolves. Bowie, seeing … Continue reading Bowie On The Evolution Of Audience-Artist Relationships →